It is Stream of Consciousness Saturday time again and this weeks prompt is “picture.” We are supposed to write about a picture that we see when we sit down to write. Unfortunately, my regular writing place which has lovely pictures is overrun with workers installing new flooring. I will have to write about the picture in my head.
The Picture by John W. Howell © 2018
“So what picture have you formed in your head?”
“I’m sitting on a desert island under a palm tree.”
“What are you doing there?”
“Basking in the sweet peace and quiet.”
“Is there anyone there with you?”
“Let me see. Nope. There is only me, the sand, and the crystal clear water. Oh yes, there are palm trees too.”
“Aren’t you lonely?”
“I just got here for heaven’s sake. By the way, where did you come from?”
“Me? I’m just a figment of your imagination.”
“Who asks a lot of questions.”
“Well, it must be your enquiring mind.”
“Okay so let’s just go with it. What else do you want to know?”
“Why are you here?”
“Have you ever spent three weeks with an air compressor and pounding hammers?”
“I could say yeah, cause I’m part of you but let me play along and say, no.”
“This island is so quiet it almost brings tears of joy in the response to the relief.”
“Wow. You trying to impress yourself with that kind of description?”
“Now you’re being a pain.”
“So how long are we—um—I mean you staying?”
“Oh, I don’t know. Let’s just say I might be ready to leave as soon as my heart slows down and ears stop ringing.”
“I think that was the bourbon and not hammers.”
“Very funny. I only used the bourbon as soothing syrup.”
“Said the guy who pitched an empty 1.5-liter bottle.”
“Aw come on. I had that thing a year. Besides, why do I listen to you?”
“Good point. Do you have an answer?”
“Go away.”
“How about a nice cold drink of water.”
“You bring a cooler?”
“No.”
“So why offer a cold drink?”
“It was a thought, not an offer.”
“Come to think about it. I think I need to find some water.”
“And a stray burger or two.”
“Damn. this may not work.”
“You think?”
“Let’s get out of here and stop at Buster’s Bodacious Burgers on the way home.”
“My kind of guy. I’m right behind you.”
“Wait. How do we get off?”
“I’m a figment, not a magician. How do I know? You got us here now take us home.”
“There’s no place like home.”
“Wizard of Oz isn’t going to help. Why don’t you just wake up.”
“Huh. Where am I? Where are you, figment? Oh great. Hammers.”
Fiction Favorites 
Maybe I’m thinking of snow – for all I see when I sit down to write is a white screen!! I just don’t understand why it’s always laughing at me!!
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Because you say funny things like this. Nice one, GP. 😀
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Maybe that’s why my better-half would like to commit me…..
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😀
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This was a greater meander through the mind of John. I might have to apologize, since I’m usually the guy with the hammers and conpressor. If you’re out of bourbon, I’ll have Cheryl send you a care package.
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Ha ha ha. Thanks, Dan. I’m good. 😀
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Ok, just checking.
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🙂
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I loved reading this midnight travel clip. Nothing quiets the soul more than a short respite from noise, and your dream-state was a great reminder. Sometimes walking outside, sometimes a sip of bourbon, sometimes just a venture into one’s imagination. Well done, John. 🙂
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Thank you, Gwen. While I was writing that piece the whole house was shaking with the compressor. Always good to take a trip somewhere else at those times even if it is just in the mind. 😀
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Nicely done, John! I was totally there, relaxing under that palm tree…sounds nice. 🙂
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Happy Saturday to you, Jill * sung to the tune of That’ll be the Day by Buddy Holly.
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It’s always a desert island. Never a dessert island. Has to be the most delicious typo out there.
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Whew. For a minute there I thought I had written dessert. 😀
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Sorry. Wishful thinking and hunger on my part.
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Ha haha.
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Here’s to soothing syrup and stray burgers! 😀 John, it’s perfect — I think this is your best SOC… although I’m so sorry for the circumstances that created it. I couldn’t survive three weeks of that kind of noise. I hope you’ve escaped it for Galveston at least for the day. Huge (quiet) hugs.
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They finished last night so it will be safe to go home again tonight.
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Thank goodness!
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😀 Thanks, Teagan
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Well done, good sir! Hope your book signing goes well today.
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Thank you , John
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I only LOVE IT! Now, STOP IT! 🙂 ♥
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Ha ha ha
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🙂 ♥
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Soothing syrup indeed!
And nothing like a burger to keep it company.
Bodacious story Boss!
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Thank you, Marc. 😀
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Hope it went well!
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I came home to a beautiful home. All was done according to the second and third rant. 😀
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As Hannibal used to say, all the way back in that time called the ’80s’ . . . I love it when a plan comes together!
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Yes, me too. 😀
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It was a short trip …😂😂 to a desert island
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Very short. Thanks, Ray
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You always make me smile, John 🙂
Hope the hammering stops soon!
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Which is a good thing. 🙂
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Nobody seems to remember to pick a non-desert island. One with a clear stream, and a tiki bar.
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Reminds me of the joke where the guy has been stranded on a desert Island for years and up swims a beautiful woman. “Want to play around?” she asks. “Gold clubs? You have gold clubs?”
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Ha ha.
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🙂
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That was really funny! Your mind has a mind of it’s own…or something like that.
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Yes, and don’t you feel sorry that I have to live with it. Thanks, Jennie.
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It’s hard to type my reply as tears are blurring the screen and laughing is making my phone shake. 😅
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Excellent, Jennie. 😀
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Thanks! 😀
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I feel your pain but love your take on the prompt. The characters are excellent. Made me laugh out l.o.u.d. 😀
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I’m so glad. I think laughing is good for you as well.
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