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
Diary by John W. Howell © 2019
Dear Diary,
I certainly hope someone takes the time to read this message after I’m gone. I will try with the last remaining strength to chronicle the whys and wherefores of my demise. Where to begin? I suppose the best place to start, Dear Diary is in the beginning.
I have to laugh since where else would I start. The ending is quite clear. I’m held captive by this exceptionally strong being who looks like a dog. Let me assure you it is not a dog but some interstellar traveler that I managed to interrupt during one of its experiments.
Where was I? Oh, Yes. It began when I walked into the yard and beheld (I love the term beheld) this monster digging in the turf. I told it to shoo, but instead of leaving, it ran after me and cornered me in my bedroom. After what I would call a sterling resistance by Moi, I finally succumbed to its power. Although it did not speak, what it wanted was clear. Maybe it did a telepathic number on me, but I somehow knew I was to lay in the bed, and it followed.
I tried to get up, but it reached over and secured me by the neck. It is very crafty in allowing me only enough air to marginally meet my needs. Its control is absolute. Even now it sleeps but still has me in its power.
“Keith. Where are you?”
“In the bed, love.”
“Is Ranger with you?”
“Yes. Sound asleep.”
“What are you doing?”
“Oh, just writing a little story.”
“I hope you finish before I get there.”
“Not to worry, my love. I think it is done.”
Fiction Favorites 
“Oh great, Duke is dreaming about that French poodle down the street again!”
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Hahahaha.
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Thanks, John!
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Fun way to end 2019.
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Thank you, Charles.
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Nice one, John. I hope Ranger releases you before the ball drops. Happy New Year.
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Thanks, Dan. 😁
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hahaha . I wondered where you were going . . . fooled me! HAPPY NEW YEAR!
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Thank you, Pam and Happy New Year to you.
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The photo is really cool.
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I love it. The tee shirt is a good idea. Those paws are scratchy.
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Yes indeed. Thanks, Craig.
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Buahahaha!
Aliens disguised as man’s best friend? They would take over the world in a couple hours, no sweat.
Happy New Year Boss
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Thank you, Marc. Happy New Year to you.
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🙂
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Really cute, John. I suspect you’ve had many such encounters! Happy New Years!
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I sure have. Thanks, Gwen. Happy New Year to you.
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What an imagination you have, John. Happy New Year.
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Thank you, Robbie 😊
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That image is just too adorable. We should all be so lucky to be caught like that.
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I know right?
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I love it!! *big smile*
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Thank you, Liz. Happy New Year.
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Happy New Year to you, too, John.
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Funny ending, John:) I had no idea where you were going to go with this one. Happy New Year!
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Thank you, Denise. Happy New Year to you.
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Now that is love, right there in that photo!
What a fun story you have taken us on.
If dogs took over the world, we would be toast – who could resist their charms?
Happy 2020 to you and The Producer, Lucy and Twiggy (and the rest of your family, of course)!
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Thank you, Dale. Happy New Year to you.
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Thank you!
xoxo
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Interstellar traveler indeed! 🙂 I would be willing to bet that your post was the most entertaining for this photo prompt, John! Happy New Year!
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Thank you, Jan
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Dear John,
I thought I had learned my lesson about reading your posts with coffee in hand. I laugh, and I spill. In my attempt at wisdom, I read this post with a glass of wine in hand. Did I think wine would make a spilling difference when laughing? Yes. Of course it did not. Sigh! 🙂 Happy New Year from Jennie the spiller (that’s what my preschoolers say).
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Wine spills are the worst. Thanks, Jennie.
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You’re welcome, John. Yes, they are the worst. Good thing I drink white. 🙂
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Yes. Good thing.
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😀
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Ahhhh John … you DO know how to drive away the darkness and pull a chuckle from deep within! 😉
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Chuckles are good.
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An inventive witty story that excites a chuckle! Love it!
Best Wishes, Charlotte
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Thank you, Charlotte
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Only just got to this after a very strange week, John. I have to confess, the story sounds better than what I’d written…
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I liked yours.
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[…] Diary by John W. Howell © 2019 […]
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