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 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.
Say What? By John W. Howell © 2020
“Okay, now hold it right there.”
“What’s wrong?”
“I understand this whole art museum thing.”
“Okay.”
“But I don’t get what we are doing here in the middle of the night.”
“I can explain.”
“Please do then.”
“We came at night because you see better then.”
“Oh, so you wanted me to be able to see the art better?”
“Em, no.”
“You know what a highly intelligent and sensitive bird I am, so you want me to critique a few pieces.”
“That’s not it.”
“Ah. You want me to appraise some paintings. I’ll have you know my appraisals are sought after.”
“No.”
“To write a review on a piece or the collection.”
“Sorry.”
“Okay, I give up.”
“There is a mouse in this room, and we would like you to have it for dinner.”
“You want this highly trained and wise owl work for his dinner?”
“Yup.”
“I hope no one finds out about this.”
“Why?”
“I mean, think of my reputation.”
“What reputation?”
“As a bon vivant and renaissance bird. I had those damn eagles convinced I walked on water.”
“A little too much brag, I would say.”
“‘A little too much brag, I would say.’ You sound like my wife.”
“Sounds like you should have taken her advice. You ready.”
“Wait, wait, wait. Are the security cameras working?”
“Yes.”
“I don’t want this to hit the internet. Could you turn them off?”
“Absolutely not. Besides, no one cares about seeing you catch a mouse.”
“I’ve got a million followers on Tic Toc, 100,000 on Instagram, 25,000 on Twitter. They will care.”
“I don’t know about that. I just need the mouse caught.”
“Could you at least call my agent?”
“Agent?”
“Yeah. She’ll know what to do. Maybe this could be the beginning of Super Owl, the next hero.”
“Maybe I should have used a cat.”
“That orange one I’ve seen around.”
“Yup.”
“He has an agent too and is much fussier. He’ll want catering and star billing.”
Fiction Favorites 
LOLOL
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Thank you, Chris. 😁
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Hahaha – nice one, John. I feel sorry for the mouse, but think I’ll pass on the moggie / barn owl stand-off!
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Hahaha. Smart man
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Hilarious, John!
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Thak you, Jill.
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Hilarious and brilliant dialogue, John! You have a special gift for animal-speak. A few hours in a zoo could result in a tome or two. 😁
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Call me John Dolittle. Thanks, Gwen. 😁
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Hope the mouse doesn’t have an agent too.
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I’m sure it does. The thought made me laugh, Charles. Thanks.😁
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I assume it can only be solved in an agent fight. Sharpened briefcases at dawn.
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😁
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It’s always tough to nail down the talent. The mouse’s family will probably want a slice as well.
Nice job, John.
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I hear they are in negotiations right now. Thanks, Dan
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Ha ha ha! I love it!!
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Thanks, Liz.
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You’re welcome, John.
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Hard to find good help.
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Yes it is. Especially in the social media aware world. Thanks, Craig.
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I think the mouse needs an agent. Funny, John.
And to think, here all along I thought it was an angel owl sent from Hogwarts. Oh well.
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You are such a romantic, GP. 😁
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You are bound and determined to wreck my reputation – aren’t you!?
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Hahaha. Your image is safe with me. (softy)
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😲 😏
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Hahaha
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Modern life hahaha 😂 very cool & to the point 🙂
About review, I saw UK review is on. Nothing from amazon yet. But I believe it should be ok at the end 🤔😅
And review on the blog is today 🙂 🍾📖📫
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Thak you so much VR.. 🤗
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😀
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That’s a smart owl, but an even smarter cat. Hilarious take on the photo, John. I loved it!
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Thank you, Mae. So glad you did. 😁
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I’m chuckling, John. A wise owl indeed, with an even wiser cat. Fantastic!!
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Thank you, Jan 😁
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Now I’m all depressed — that cute owl has way more social media presence than I do! Would he like me to ghost-write a book for him??
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Ha hahaa. I think he has more social media presence than any of us. Thanks, Debbie. 😁
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Good one, John!
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Thank you, Barbara.
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Masterful!
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Thank you, Billy Ray.
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I’m glad his agent can salvage it for him 🙂
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Let’s hope. Thanks, Denise.
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Oh those avian egos. Such a trial to work with
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Tell me. 😁
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This was a fun read!
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Oh good
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🙂
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Hahaha! Talk about high maintenance!
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Yes, indeed. 😁
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😁
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[…] Say What? by John W. Howell © 2020 […]
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Haha!
These creatures are connected as all get out.
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😁 Thanks, Marc.
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Thank you Sheriff
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