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 Sale by John W. Howell © 2020
“Excuse me.”
“Yes, Can we help you?”
“Are you all friends?”
“Yes, we are. Why do you ask?”
“It is amazing to me that Easterners and Westerners can be friends, is all.”
“Well, we’ve known each other for a long time.”
“Which means you would do anything for each other.”
“Yes, that is true. We are puzzled by your questions.”
“Let me come to the point then.”
“That would be great cause you are starting to concern us.”
“This woman with me has something that I think you need.”
“And what would that be?”
“I see you all are unshod.”
“Unshod? Oh, you mean we have no shoes?”
“Yes, that’s it.”
“We are taking advantage of the warm sand. Our shoes are right over there.”
“Where?”
“Oh, my goodness. They were there a minute ago.”
“Shows how fleeting possessions can become. Fear not, for we have the answer. A nice pair of shoes for each of you in your size.”
“Wait a minute. Those are our shoes.”
“How can you be so sure?”
“I bought those boots in town.”
“So maybe we have a case of disputed ownership here.”
“Yeah, maybe we need the police.”
“At your service.”
“Huh?”
“In addition to a cobbler, I’m the deputy peace officer for the township.”
“My word.”
“And today, I have a special on both shoes and arrests. Both for only ten dollars each.”
“So if I want to buy an arrest for the woman?”
“Ten dollars.”
“And if I want the shoes?”
“Ten dollars.”
“Both?”
“Twenty dollars.”
“So to buy the shoes is the cheapest option.”
“You have a quick mind, sir.”
“How about my friends?”
“I can arrest them at a special rate.”
“No, I mean their shoes.”
“Two for ten dollars.”
“Fine, you have me. I’ll take the shoes.”
“That will be thirty dollars.”
“Wait, you said ten dollars for my shoes and ten dollars for my friends. That’s twenty dollars.”
“Shipping and handling. A total of ten dollars for the order.”
Fiction Favorites 
Just another reason to hate the beach.
LikeLiked by 1 person
😁 Thanks, Charles.
LikeLike
I’ve been warned about people selling stuff on beaches. Seems it’s all true!
LikeLiked by 1 person
It is a problem when it is your stuff.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Selling it to the person you stole it from does take a special kind of cheekiness.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Give new meaning to the word sleazy.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I think I remember these people from many years ago while on a beach in Venezuela…pre-civil unrest.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Could be, Jill. 😁
LikeLike
haha, been a while since I’ve been on the beach – and to think I used to basically live there!!
Mine is – “So, you’re telling me that because we wouldn’t wear masks, we’ve been quarantined on this island? Hah, for once I have a valid excuse for not being at work!!”
LikeLiked by 2 people
That totally works. Thanks, GP. 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hilarious!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Liz. 😁
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re welcome, John.
LikeLiked by 1 person
😁
LikeLiked by 1 person
Pure craziness, John. 🤣 Shipping and handling is always a bugger.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I know right? Thanks, Gwen
LikeLiked by 1 person
In the next world, you get justice. Here you get the law. On the beach, you just get a shake down. Always bring cash.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great advice, Greg. Not too much cash though
LikeLike
At least the price of boots wasn’t, “How much do you have?”
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yeah. That is always an unhappy price. Paid that in Georgia for a speeding ticket one night.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ha ha!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Never drove through that state again.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I saw where this was going – thanks for the laugh, John!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m glad you did laugh, Teri.
LikeLiked by 1 person
This was fun, John. Gotta love a little unhealthy corruption. 😁
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes. Make the system work anyway.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh, my Lord! This left me scratching my head AND laughing out loud! Good one, John!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Jan. I’m glad you liked it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I definitely would take my shoes over an arrest;)
LikeLiked by 1 person
Me too. Thanks, Denise.
LikeLiked by 1 person
HaHaHa! You Rascal! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Billy Ray.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You got me, John — I had no clue where you were going to take this one. Well done!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Debbie.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m always laughing even before I read what you add to the photograph, because I know it’s going to be hilarious. And with this entry, the shoe most definitely fits.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Marc. I’m glad you liked it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hahaha! You are certifiable, John!
You never fail to make me laugh with these!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I think I am certifiable but I like it. Thanks, Dale.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh, fear not… your a lovably certifiable. We wouldn’t change you for anyone!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Darlin’ ❤️
LikeLiked by 1 person
You know it, Boss!
LikeLiked by 1 person
😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
🙂
LikeLike
Dang… missed my ❤️!
LikeLiked by 1 person
🤗
LikeLiked by 1 person
🤗
LikeLiked by 1 person
Shipping and handling always breaks the budget. Good job, John. I’m catching up today.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Always glad to see you, Dan. Shipping is the biggie for sure.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m still laughing!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Good to hear. Thanks, Jennie.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re welcome, John.
LikeLiked by 1 person
That shipping and handling fee was steep! Good take on the image, John!
LikeLiked by 1 person
This is the way these shipping fees seem to me Deborah. 😁
LikeLiked by 1 person
[…] this social etiquette stuff. What kept you so busy on Tuesday that you weren’t able to tweet John Howell’s ‘Anything Possible’ post until […]
LikeLike
Ha!Ha! Remind me never to go there.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Don’t go there.😂
LikeLiked by 1 person
[…] The Sale by John W. Howell © 2020 […]
LikeLike