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
The Trip by John W. Howell © 2020
“Well, sweetheart, are you ready?”
“I am m’love.”
“As soon as the photo is taken, we need to get into the wagon and start toward Paris.”
“Okay, then that’s it. The photo is taken. We need to say goodbye to our children.”
“We will miss them.”
“It is only for a little while. That will be perfectly safe here.”
“I know it’s just sad that they can’t come with us.”
“You know that the journey will be rough, and it seems cruel to subject them to hardship.”
“I know you are right. Okay, let’s go. The sooner we start, the sooner we’ll be there.”
“That’s my man. You do know that Paris is a two-week wagon trip from here. right?”
“Yes, you’ve explained it. What I don’t understand is why we are taking a wagon when we have a perfectly good Peugeot in the garage.”
“Remember when I said we need to make a grand entrance when we arrive in Paris.”
“Yes, I do.”
“That gypsy wagon will be the best show possible.”
“Tell me again why you are wearing garlic and me pomegranates.”
“To ward off the evil magic on the trail.”
“Thought maybe it would be mosquitoes. Also, why the mustache?”
“You know full well the Mime business is a man’s world. If I’m to get even a notice, I need to make people believe that it doesn’t matter that I’m a woman.”
“So when we get to the audition, you are going to pretend to be a man?”
“No. I’m just going to cast doubt on a preconceived notion.”
“All very confusing, but you do what you need to do.”
“Easy for you to say since you look like a man.”
“What do you mean look.”
“Let’s just get going, shall we?”
“Who’s driving?”
“Me.”
“Figures.”
Fiction Favorites 
I’d be interested to know whether they’ve booked a ferry to cross the channel.
I’m not sure that the Eurotunnel is geared up for horse-drawn carriages.
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They are already in the South of France. (My characters never made a move to the UK.)
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Well dodged, Sir.
Background – Clare and I had travelled across from France to take part in a sponsored 10-mile walk for charity. We thought the dressing-up would amuse.
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Thank you for the background.
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You did a great job with this one, John. I don’t think I could have gotten past that mustache.
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Hahahaha. It was a big brick in the road for sure. Thanks, Jill.
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Wow. That is one funky picture. Impressed you covered everything so easily.
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Thank you, Charles. 😁
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Between the photo and the story, you’ve rendered me speechless.
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I hope that won’t last all day, Liz. Thank you so much. 😁
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Haha 😂 look like a man – was a cool touch 👌
Great story 💫💫💚💚💚💚☕️
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Thankyou, VR. 😘
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Whoa, I’m glad you had a story! I couldn’t even come up with a one-liner for this one!
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Thanks, GP. 😁
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I knew from the picture you’d come up with something entertaining. Thanks, John!
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I’m glad you thought it was, Teri. Thank you. 😊
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LOL. The quarantine is making everyone a little batty. Some take to the streets, others spout nonsense, and then there are writers. They just have fun with it! 😀 Have a great day, John. You’ve brightened mine.
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So glad, Gwen. Your comment brightened mine. 😊
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Mimes, a gypsy wagon, warding off evil–your imagination has no bounds, John!
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Hahahah. Thanks, Mae. I like that.😀
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Wow! That’s all I’ve got, just wow.
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Well I’ll just take that from a very creative writer. Thanks., Craig.
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Buahaha! Only you, John.
So much fun.
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Thank you, Dale. 😁 Glad you liked it.
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Of course!
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😊
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I was cracking up when I looked at the pic, knowing what you might come up with. And now . . I’m ROFL’ing. And I’m learning that I ain’t nearly as limber as I used to be.
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Hahaha. Don’t get caught down there. 😊
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The medevac just arrived. Okay folks, the crisis has been averted . . .
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Entertaining, as always, John. 🙂
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Thank you, Jan.
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Gosh, I was sure you’d take this from the dogs’ point of view!! Still, you’ve spun a good story, John, and I’m glad you touched on those wild necklaces they’re wearing. And I love reading Keith’s background on these photos, too!
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He has been doing that of late and I think it is a great idea. Thanks, Debbie.
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Good job, John. I hope they make it.
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Me too.
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This one’s a classic, John. “So when we get to the audition, you are going to pretend to be a man?”
“No. I’m just going to cast doubt on a preconceived notion.” Love it!
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Thanks, Soooz.
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I would have loved being inside your mind when you came up with this one. Mimes off to Paris in a gypsy wagon- well done!
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Hahaha. I’m not sure you ever want to be in there Jennie. Thank you for the laugh.
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I’m glad it made you laugh… but it would be great to be a spec in the ‘ole brain. 🙂
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😊
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I want to go with them but skip the mustaches. 🙂 It sounds like they’re off to a grand adventure.
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Does sound fun. Okay you can leave your mustache in the wagon. Gotta wear the garlic though.
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Lol!
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[…] Tha Trip by John W. Howell © 2020 […]
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