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 keithchanning@gmail.com 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.
Go on. You know you want to. Let your creativity and imagination soar. I shall display the entries next Monday.”
The photo.
Birdball by John W. Howell ©2018
“I still don’t get the idea of the game.”
“It is so easy. I’m surprised you don’t understand.”
“Could you give me one more tutorial?”
“Sure. In fact, I will also demonstrate the finer points.”
“That would be swell.”
“Okay, so the first thing you do is choose your bird. ”
“I have mine.”
“Good. Next, you take your position in the birder box.”
“That’s where you start, right?”
“That’s correct. Now keep your knees bent slightly and get ready to play.”
“This is the part that confuses me.”
“The play part or the knees bent part.”
“No the play part. I’m not sure what to do after the pitch.”
“Oh, now I get it. No one told you that you had to run to the stake over there behind you?”
“They did tell me that. They didn’t explain what happens as I’m running.”
“It is quite simple. You toss the bird. Then you run like hell. If you make the stake before the bird you have scored a point.”
“So it is important to throw the bird as far as possible.”
“I would say it is critical.”
“What happens if the bird gets to the stake ahead of me.”
“See that’s just it. The bird is not going to race for the stake.”
“Oh?”
“No, you see dear he is racing for your hair. If he beats you he gets to tear your hair.”
“Tear my hair?”
“That is a figure of speech. He lands on your head.”
“With those talons? There is a danger that he could hurt me.”
“Now that you mention it. Yes, there is a danger here. I guess that’s why we don’t get many new members. Well, I see you’re up. Give ‘er a good toss now.”
Fiction Favorites 
Choose a penguin. Much safer.
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Excellent choice. Thanks, Charles.
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Glad you liked it.
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😀
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The guy next to right isn’t quick enough, is he?
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No he is not and why he is smiling I have no idea.
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I’m glad you came up with a story! 🙂
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I like this comment cause I was glad too. At the very least we can say it’s a story. Thanks, GP.
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🙂
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LOL! Great job, John.
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Thank you, Jill
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I love watching hawks or eagles soar, but this game is scary. Great job, John. 🙂
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Yeah, I would avoid this one. 😀
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I’m bringing a chicken.
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With trimmed claws I hope. You never know about those chickens.
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This sounds like a game I’d pass on…lol.
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Me too. A little too painful.
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🙂
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Ooo, maybe a future Olympic event, John? I’m sure Alfred Hitchcock would have loved it.
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He would for sure. Thanks, Hugh. 😁
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If I had known, I would have brought my hard hat. Nice job of this, John.
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Sorry. Hard hats are no on the approved equipment list.
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Darn
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I know right?
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I gotta admit, John, that’s exactly what it looks like! You are so funny.
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Ha haha. Thanks, Dale.
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😀
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I make it a point to steer clear of any activities that involve talons landing on my head. It just doesn’t seem like a good time.
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No it doesn’t does it? 😁
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Nope, it doesn’t LOL.
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OMGosh! Absolutely loved this one, John! I never know what you’re going to come up with, but this has to be one of my favorites. Thanks for the chuckles!
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Thanks for letting me know. The idea was quite absurd but it was the first thing tht popped into my head when I saw the photo.
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You rocked it! 🙂
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Thank you.
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Not my idea of a fun game, John! Maybe fun for the big bird, but certainly not if that thing lands in your hair. Great take on this photo though!
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Ha haha.
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The best part of these stories is your awesome ability to create distinct characters without needing tags. Very cool!
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Thank you so much, Jacquie. Been working on that very thing.
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Oh my! Maybe it’s a good idea to wear a helmet. 🙂 Thanks for the laughs, John!
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Yes except that equipment was banned for the sport.
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I think I’d sit this game out and be a spectator instead. 😀
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Don’t blame you for sure.
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I loved this, John!
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Thanks, Jennie.
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You’re welcome, John.
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Luckily, I have very little hair, so I’d rock that game…
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Easy to stitch the scalp too.
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[…] Birdball by John W. Howell © 2019 […]
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