In 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 6pm 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 Stroll by John W. Howell © 2017
“I don’t often come this way.”
“Why not?”
“Well, the neighborhood is a little sketchy.”
“What do you mean by sketchy?”
“Take those two birds we just passed for example.”
“Those guys behind us?”
“Yeah, didn’t you think they were a little odd?”
“I thought they were beautiful. Those feathers were something else.”
“What about the way they looked at us?”
“I didn’t notice anything.”
“The one standing sneered.”
“Sneered? How is that possible he has a bill like us.”
“Maybe it was the look in his eye.”
“You are way too self-conscious. Not all birds can be like you and me.”
“Check out these two weirdos up ahead.”
“Those beautiful black and brown guys?”
“Yup those two.”
“What’s the problem?”
“You ever see a black and brown bird before?”
“No can’t say I have.”
“That’s just what I’m talking about. How do you know they can be trusted.”
“Are you saying because they look different from us maybe they can’t be trusted?”
“Exactly.”
“How about you, Can you be trusted?”
“What kind of question is that? Of course, I can be trusted. Why would you ask?”
“Let’s face facts here. You and I are the only white birds on this block.”
“Yeah, so what?”
“Don’t you think those other birds are wondering if you can be trusted because you have no beautiful feathers?”
“Why would they think that?”
“Why do you?”
Fiction Favorites 
Ooh. Lessons to be learned. Great take, John; I love it.
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From the mouths of bird brains.
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Nicely done. Love a lesson coming with some humor.
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Thanks, Charles.
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You’re welcome.
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Ole’ Burnsie was right! If we did have the gift given to us, to see ourselves as others see us… 😛 The world would be a very different & better place I think 😀
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I think so too, Jan. Thank you.
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Excellent, John!
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Thanks, Dan
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An inspiring message from both points of view. Well-done, John.
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Thank you, Jan 😀
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Oh, I love this story, and the timing is perfect with Thanksgiving just a couple days away. We can learn so much from nature. Great story, John. Thank you.
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Thank you, Gwen.
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Oh! So perfectly done. Thanks for the story and the message. Loved it!
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Thank you, Mae. 😀
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Excellent, John.
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Thank you, Jennie.
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You’re welcome!
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I trust and respect all ducks.
Except Coots.
Especially old coots.
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I know what you mean. There are a lot down here.
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Aw, this is just too cute! Love the way these critters look at life so rationally. Well done, John!
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Thanks, Debbie.
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Wonderful message in your piece today. Soon you’ll be publishing your own book of fables.
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Ha ha ha. Thriller fables maybe.
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I love where you took this…point well made.
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Thank you, DL 😀
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I work with someone like this…*cough* um, I mean maybe.
Good one, John
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Yeah, Don’t turn around. Someone is maybe looking at you.
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Your timing is perfect with this, John. Well done!
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Thank you, Jill
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Excellent message to go with that photo John!
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Thank you, Deborah. 😀
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Excellent job, John!!
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Thank you, John
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Well done, John! (Oh, but not intending that the birds should be cooked to well done.) 😉 Hugs!
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Ha ha ha. Thanks for the laugh. Hugs
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[…] The Stroll by John W. Howell © 2017 […]
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