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.
Mad Dogs and Englishman © 2020 John W. Howell
“Hey, boss.”
“Yeah. What is it?”
“Can you give me a boost up there with you?”
“I’m not staying up here. I’m coming down.”
“What are you doing up there in the first place?”
“Not that you would be interested I was just seeing how much room we had on top.”
“How much room? Why?”
“Well, the Mother in Law is coming for a visit, and we need a place for her to stay.”
“Please don’t tell me you were going to put her on the roof.”
“I was thinking we could put up a tent. It would be pretty comfortable.”
“How’s she going to get up there?”
“Just like me. Climb the ladder.”
“You can’t be serious?”
“Well, we are running out of room inside. I am just exploring the options.”
“Seems like a foolhardy idea.”
“This coming from a dog who chases cars.”
“I don’t chase them. I just bark at them.”
“Whatever. The point is we need to make room in the camper.”
“But to have that poor old lady struggle up the ladder to a hot mosquito-filled tent just seems cruel.”
“Maybe you would like to take her place.”
“She seems pretty fit. I think the ladder and tent will be a good solution for her. When’s dinner?’
“As soon as I get down.”
“Want me to catch you?”
“That’s okay. I can do it myself.”
Fiction Favorites 
Nice one John. I have to confess that the camper was used as overspill accommodation on occasions – and we once went out for Christmas dinner by taking it out to the (suitably decorated) camper and eating it there! Which gives me an idea for a prompt.
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I can see that. Cozy, and candlelight. Sounds like a good idea.
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It was certainly different. Bear in mind that there’s a lot of difference between a sub-20 foot European camper and the massive RVs you’re used to.
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Of course I’ve never stayed in a camper ever. So I’m not all that familar.
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LOL! Great job, John!
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Thank you, Jill. 😊
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Poor Mothers-in-Law, they always get a bad rap. LOL. Great dialogue, John. Kudos to Keith for the photo. 😀
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Thank you, Gwen. 😁
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Get the feeling someone else will be in the tent.
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Hahaha. Thanks, Charles.
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I’m glad you did such a good job – I had nothing.
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Thanks, GP.
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I always enjoy your take on these.
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Thank you, Craig.
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Haha! Poor mothers-in-law… they really do get the brunt of it, don’t they?
Hope I’ll be the cool one that will be given a room inside 😉
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I hope so to. 😁 The barn is hell in the winter.
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Haha! Well then!
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Hahahahaha
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Oh MY GOD, John. I’m laughing out loud still. Put the mother-in-law on top! Ha Ha Ha!! Great one!
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Thak you, Jan. I’m glad you enjoyed it.
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Too funny, John! I hope the upper room accommodations come with plenty of DEET! She’ll realize this guy means business when she has to climb that ladder — and really, don’t they say that fish and guests start to smell after three days?!?
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Hahahaha. Yes take a deet bath and call us in the morning. No climbing down the ladder with a cup of cofee either.
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So funny, John! Thanks for my Tuesday laughs!
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I’m glad you enjoyed it, Lauren.
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Amazing how quickly the pup changed his tune, isn’t it? Good story!
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Yes it is. made me chuckle it was so fast. Thanks, Jill.
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This cracked me up. It actually could work if the roof was strong enough.
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Yes it could. Denise. You would have to give the MIL a reminder note that the first step woud be a doozy if she forgot the ladder. 😂
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lol
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😀
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Heehee. That’s a smart dog 🙂
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Yes it is. Lives in the UK.
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Very funny. No way would I try to write anything about that photo after reading this. You got it JUST RIGHT. (the poor mother-in-law…, particularly if she needed to pee in the middle of the night). :-0
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I know right? Watch that first step.
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Don’t give my SIL any ideas!!!
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He doesn’t read me anyway. You are safe.
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Phew!
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Consider your options carefully. Good one, John. I haven’t had a dig yet who would give up their bed for an in-law.
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Hahaha. I haven’t either.
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Really good, John! Give you a dog and you’re in your writing glory.
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I do get inspired by dogs for sure. Thanks, Jennie.
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You’re welcome, John. 🙂
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Buahahaha!
Hey, they say a dog is man’s best friend. They mention nothing whatsoever about the mother in law.
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This is a very true statement, Marc. MILs have not been outstanding in their support unlike dogs.
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No they have not, hahahaha!
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😁
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Hahaha, John, remind me not to visit you if I visit Texas.
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Hahaha. You would have preferred space. 😊
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Good one, John. Three IS a crowd, afterall. 🙂
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Thanks, Mark.
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[…] Mad Dogs and Englishman by John W. Howell © 2020 […]
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