The sound of coffee being produced by the AI that is the cursed machine brings a feeling of joy to the heart. It is coffee that seals the overall cozy feeling that life is worth living. Without coffee, a barren wasteland that is barely existence unfolds in front of even the most optimistic soul.
Lucky for me, the machine decides to grant me one more day of bliss. Cup in hand and sip in mouth swallowed, a call goes out to Pepe Le Peu. “Oui Monsieur.” A spin in the direction of the answer reveals Pepe standing in the kitchen. The olfactory message sent to the brain is acknowledged with a nose hold.
Explaining to Pepe that he needs to put on a parachute takes a level of time that could only be described as excruciating. The thick oily scent from his glands is almost too much for the gag response. Finally, a promise of a robe designed by Resa achieves the goal. Unbeknownst to Pepe, the robe doubles as a parachute. Once he is airborne after being shot from the Trebuchet, the robe will gently bring him to Earth.
All is well as the rocket is nestled in the ballista, and Pepe is at ease in the Trebuchet. (sneaking Zanax into his coffee was my idea) He hands me an envelope just before I hit the launch button, which sends the rocket and Pepe screaming off into parts unknown but at least four streets away.
The envelope has a message from Linda Hill. Your Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is “cozy.'” Use it any way you like. Have fun! (And Merry Christmas if I don’t come back before then!)
If you want to join, our crew visit Linda’s blog and read how easy it is. Here’s the link https://lindaghill.com/2022/12/23/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-dec-24-2022/
Cozy by John W. Howell © 2023
“Well, that was a solution.”
“Yeah. Glad to get rid of the rocket and Pepe.”
“You are lucky your readers care enough to send suggestions.”
“Believe me, I know.”
“Otherwise, you would have to write yourself out of trouble.”
“Yeah. Could be a problem.”
“So this is Christmas eve.”
“Yes, it is. What are your plans.”
“Um, I think I’m going to cozy down, build a fire and watch a movie.”
“That sounds terrific, but you’ll be alone. Why not join us for Christmas eve?”
“Hmm. I don’t want to put you out.”
“Oh, stop. Since when does that happen?”
“Well, I can be a pain.”
“So true, but we can take it.”
“Let me think about it.”
“While you are thinking, consider two words.”
“Which two?”
“VooDoo Ranger.”
“Sold.”
Fiction Favorites 
Happy Christmas, John. I hope the current weather phenomenon doesn’t hit too hard.
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It’s going to be in the high 30s today so not so bad.
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Still not hot, though (unless it’s high 30s Celsius)
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About 3 degrees C
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Brrrrrrrrrrr
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Yes indeed.
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And Merry Christmas to you, Keith
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Merry Christmas, John. I’m glad you are leaving plenty of room for Santa to land in your yard, Hopefully you put a few Airwicks and a shot of Fabreeze in the chimney. Remember to leave him a plate of cookies and a cold VooDoo Ranger.
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I’ll make sure the place smells good. I think Santa would appreciate a plate of Cheez-its with the VooDoo Ranger. Merry Christmas, Dan
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I watched part of a NCAAF game in Houston last night and everyone was bundled up pretty good. Stay warm, you two!
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Yes indeed. Warm is the key today. Thanks GP.
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Merry Christmas, John. Maybe Pepe will join the Foreign Legion.
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Merry Christmas, Craig. Good idea.
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Sounds like you have cleared the way for a lovely and cozy Christmas, John. Merry Christmas to you and your family.
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Thank you, Maggie. Merry Christmas to you and yours as well.
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Thank you, John.
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Good one, John! I hope Pepe comes down okay.
Merry Christmas!
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He can float, I think. Merry Christmas, Tim 🎄
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Seemed like a relatively easy fix.
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When it all came together. Yes it did.
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I love the parachute a la Resa! Somehow, I don’t think we’ve seen the last of M. LePew.
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I for one hope we have. Merry Christmas, Liz 🎄
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Heh, heh. Merry Christmas, John.
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😊
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Hi John let’s hope Pepe will leave for a while allowing Santa to visit ! May I wish you and all your family a very happy Christmas and a healthy New Year 🎊 and I hope Santa is kind to you all 💜💜🎊🎊
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Thank you, Willow. A very Merry Christmas to you and Happy New Year. 🎅🏻🎄
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Thank you 💜
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Who knew “It’s beginning to look a lot like Voodoo Ranger” was a seasonal song ? ! ? Merry merry John to you and yours !
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🤣🎄
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Merry Christmas Eve, John. So glad Pepe is gone along with the rocket! Now you can breathe easier. 🙂
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Thank you, Jan. 😁
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Merry Christmas, John! Posting this on Jan. 26th’s loletaabi.com.
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Thank you, Traci. 😁
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[…] W. Howell https://johnwhowell.com/2022/12/24/stream-of-consciousness-saturday-prompt-cozy/ The sound of coffee being produced by the AI that is the cursed machine brings a feeling of joy to […]
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Thank you, Traci.
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I am sure you had a lovely Christmas John despite Pepe and his odour and the girls spoiled you thoroughly ♥
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It was lovely, Sally. Thank you. 😊
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Resa’s plan worked! Whew! I hope you and the girls had a wonderful Christmas, John.
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We did, Jennie. Thank you. I hope your holiday was the best.
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You are welcome. We had a lovely holiday- movies, cookies, and FaceTiming family and friends.
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😊
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HAPPY HOLIDAYS DEAR JOHN!!!
So, it worked! Pepe is gone. Still, he could come back….
Well, let’s worry about that next year! Plenty of time!
It’s been crazy, between Christmas and the storm. Although bitter cold here, and wind to fly a bazillion kites, we were spared the lots of snow part. It was so cold, the snow fell as powder, and the wind blew most of it away. Not too cozy! 66F in the apartment.
1 hour away in Buffalo, it’s hell!!!
Anyway, I’m in and out for the rest of the year, AND staying a t home for New years. YAY!!!!!
Voodoo Ranger worked like magic! 🪄 Give your pal my best wishes.
OX OX OX OX 💋
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Thank you, Dear Resa. Happy New Year to you. Yes Voo Doo Ranger works well on everything. OX OX OX OX 🥂
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Thank you fro the shout out Dahling!!! OX OX OX OX 🥂
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OX OX OX OX 🥂🍰
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Bye Bye Pepe! You came, you stank, you flew out of there! Excellent that Resa used her amazing skills to help ensure a safe landing (we are none of us cruel).
Hope you had a lovely Christmas, John.
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I did have a lovely Christmas, Dale. I hope you did as well. Thanks for the comment.🤗
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I did, John. Two years in the making and we made up for it! Always, my friend.
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So glad.
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Me too!
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😊
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