Using Keith’s words. “Using this photo (below) as inspiration, write a short story, flash fiction, scene, poem; anything, really; even just a caption for the photograph. Either put it (or a link to it) in a comment or email it to me at keith@channing.info before 6 pm next Sunday (if you aren’t sure what the time is where I live, this link will tell you). If you post it on your own blog or site, a link to this page would be appreciated, but please do also mention it in a comment here – pingbacks don’t often work.
Go on. You know you want to. Let your creativity and imagination soar. I shall display the entries, with links to your own blog or web site, next Monday.”
The photo.
The Gathering by John W. Howell © 2017
“Now let me see. I think the best place for the photo might be over by that tree.”
“This shot is pretty good right here.”
“Mr. Belcheck. It is your bellybutton. Where do you want the photo taken.”
“I’m not too particular, but I’m a little shy. Could we do it without a lot of people around?”
“Hmm. I think he is talking about us, Sally.”
“I don’t think so, Mary. Why we are like family. He should not be ashamed to show us his belly button.”
“I agree, but can’t help thinking he is talking about us.”
“I’ll ask. Hey, Leroy. You talking about us when you say, people?”
“No Mary. You are most welcome to watch.”
“See I told you, Sally.”
“Who is he talking about then.? It can’t be the camera man. It can’t be the producer, nor can it be old lady Schultz the director.”
“I guess I’ll have to ask him then. Hey, Leroy.”
“What, Mary?”
“Who don’t you want to watch while your belly button is being photographed?”
“Turn around and take a look.”
“Oh my gosh. You are talking about all those readers.”
“Yes. They make me nervous.”
“Don’t you worry, Leroy. I’ll take care of them. Hey, you readers. Now is the time to close your eyes.”
“Thanks, Mary.”
“No problem, Leroy.”
Fiction Favorites 
Cute story John 🙂
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Thanks, Elizabeth.
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Now I’m really curious as to why a belly button pic would happen. I assume it looks like a celebrity.
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He actually doesn’t have one. Might be from another planet.
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Or a clone? Clones wouldn’t have one, right?
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Yes, right you are. Hmm story time.
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Hahaha! Thanks for the warning, John. There are some things you can’t un-see. Thanks for the morning smile. (It was a noisy sleepless night and now I have to face a meeting in Mordor…) Onward.
Have a hug-filled, terrific Tuesday.
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Go forward St. Joan. There are dragons to slay. Hugs. 😀
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Ha! The cowardly dragons didn’t show up for the meeting… or the next one either.
But I had a nice shuttle ride in the sunshine. (eye roll)
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OMG. Eye roll indeed.
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LOL! Nicely done, John! Happy Tuesday!
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Thank you, Jill. To you as well.
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Really?! LOL. Only you could have thought of this story, John… Thank you for the morning laugh – hope you are enjoying your readers’ chuckles. 🙂
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Thank you, Gwen. Hope you enjoy St Pats. 🙂
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I agree with Gwen – this could only have come from your mind.
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Can you imagine having to live with this? Thanks, Teri
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Lol! Another Tuesday chuckle.
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Yessssss!
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Now that I read that, I probably don’t want to watch anyway.
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There you go.
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Very cute story, John – imagine! Baring your navel in public in front of all those readers!! Well done, good sir!
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Thanks, John
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Always a treat, John! 🙂
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Thanks for saying so Natalie.
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So THAT’s what they’re talking about. I wondered. Thanks for clearing it all up, John!
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Sure. I think
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LOL! Eyes closed, have to give the belly button its privacy:)
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Thank you. Ha ha ha
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Thank God I learned how to touch-type, otherwise this comment would have ended up as a4ja34ng392aktmg…
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Ha ha ha
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So bizarre. So clever. So much fun! 🙂
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I resemble that, Mae. Thanks so much. 😀
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🙂
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I closed my eyes in case there was a second photo – another good one, John.
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Smile and wave, man. I get it, though…
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😀
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[…] The gathering by John W. Howell © 2017 […]
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