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.
A Decision by John W. Howell © 2020
“Well, we are here.”
“Yeah, it looks like it.”
“Shall we go in?”
“What for?”
“The whole idea was to come here and seek sanctuary.”
“I know, but to look at it now, it seems overpowering.”
“It is just a building.”
“You can say that, but to me, it means so much more.”
“How’s that?”
“See those crosses on the steeples?”
“Yeah, hard to miss.”
“It is a sacred place, and we should be respectful.”
“We are respectful.”
“I mean, we should not be going in there just to. escape our fears.”
“Then, why?”
“We should be offering thanks for the blessings we have.”
“I will give thanks for the security the building offers.”
“By the way, how do you know that building is all that safe?”
“Remember when I went on that scouting trip?”
“Yeah.”
“I snuck in there and witnessed the rector having an allergic reaction.”
“What was he allergic to?”
“Get this. Cats.”
“Cats?”
“Yup. One of the parishioners came in with a cat. I can tell you I was scared out of my wits seeing that thing. Lucky, he didn’t see me. I suspected he had my scent the way his nose was twitching.”
“Then what?”
“The rector told her to take the cat out. He was allergic. He then started sneezing his head off.”
“So you are saying there is no cat there.”
“That’s why I chose this place. A mouse can’t be too careful.”
“Well, okay, but you have to promise we will give thanks for our good fortune.”
“Of course we will. Also, you will be glad to know the rector tends to leave a lot of crumbs after his lunch.”
“All the better. Any cheese there?”
“I think somebody moved it.”
“Figures. Oh well, crumbs will do. Let’s go.”
Fiction Favorites 
Very nice, John.
Whoever described church mice as poor?
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These two seem to be doing pretty well. 😁
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LOL…I wonder, who moved the cheese? Brilliant, John. Thank you for the morning chuckles. 😁
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Thank you, Gwen for letting me know I got to your chuckle bone. 😊
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LOL! I loved this John! Have you ever considered writing a children’s book? This was so cute!
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This would make a good children’s book!
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Thank you, Liz
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You’re welcome, John.
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I agree, Liz!
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You both are too kind.😁
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I have, Jill. Such a tough business though. Thanks. 😁
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Great one. I’m sure cheese will turn up at some point.
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It usually does. Thanks, Charles.
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Nothing like thinking outside the box, eh John? Or should I have said, outside the mousetrap?
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Gotta avoid those for sure. 😊
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It took me almost until the end to realize that the dialog wasn’t between two people. Fooled me!
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My whole reason for being, Liz. Thank you. 😁
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Ha ha! 😀 😀
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😁
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Haha! Safe sanctuary for sure with the absence of cats and none welcome (at least while this rector is in office…)
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Sounds rather peaceful. Thanks, Dale.
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It does! 🐁🐀🐭
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😊
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Haha – as always, I’m fooled until the end! Great story, John!
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My job is done here. Thanks, Barbara.😊
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This one is cute. I like it.
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Thank you, Craig
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I love it when you surprise us with the voices, John. Very nicely done.
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Thank you, Dan.😊
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Looks like these two have found their own personal Disneyland! With no cats around and plenty of leftover crumbs, they should be in mouse-heaven. Nicely done, John!
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I think we could call it mouse heaven for sure, Debbie. Thanks. 😊
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A perfect sanctuary for mice! I’m laughing out loud AGAIN! Thank you, John!
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I’m glad, Jan.Thanks for letting me know. 😁
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LOL!!!!! Such a cute story.
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Thank you, Luanne. I’m glad you liked it. 😊
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Cute story, John. I love the use of that cat allergy. What a great early warning signal! 😊
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Thank you, Soooz.
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A real ‘Cutie’! Beautiful Church!
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Thanks, Billy Ray
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The mice in my shed will be glad to hear about this sanctuary thing…
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Tellem to start packing. It is the land of opportunity. Oh wait. They’ll need to apply for a visa.
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Brilliant, John. While many suggested this as a children’s story, I think that it would make an wonderful book for business. You had it all: marketing, messaging, risk, persuasion and humour!
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Thank you, Rebecca. Maybe a story of two church mice might just help business leaders.
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It would certainly add fun to their strategy meetings. And when you have fun, working within a constant environment of change becomes life-affirming.
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I once put on a five day training program for a 200 person sales force. Talk about fun.
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Love the Who Moved My Cheese reference.
Finally, two mice who built better mouse house. . . .
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I think they found the perfect place for sure. Thanks, Pilgrim.
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It pays to shop around.
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😊
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Aww! What a fun twist, John. Well done.
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Thank you, Robbie.
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Hahaha, unique direction you went with it 🙂
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Thank you, Jessica. Love the different. 😁
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Me too 😉
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That was fun, John!
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Glad you liked it.
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😀
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[…] A Decision by John W. Howell © 2020 […]
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