In Keith’s words.
“Using this photo 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.
Long and Winding Road by John W. Howell © 2021
“I think I see something.”
“Yeah, right. Might be a mirage.”
“I don’t think so.”
“How can you say you see something. We have been on this trail for days, and there is nothing but grass on either side of us.”
“I’m telling you the road takes a curve, and just beyond is an oasis.”
“You are now getting on my nerves. Not only do you think you see something, but you call it an oasis. You better snap out of it. You are delirious.”
“Look, I’m a whole hand taller than you, and when I say I see something, there is something.”
“Fine. I’ll let it go, but when we hit civilization, I’m going to take you to a doctor.”
“You are going to eat those words in a few minutes. Let’s hurry. We are almost to the curve.”
“Do you know how hard it is to run carrying a full load?”
“You may want to drop that when you see what is available.”
“Drop it? I’ve been hauling this thing ever since we started.”
“And I told you when you picked it up, you were a fool.”
“Hey, what is that?”
“I told you.”
“Are you kidding me? It is an oasis.”
“Ha. What did I say?”
“I’m dropping this leave now. That s a fully stocked trash bin. Do you know how much stuff there will be in there for us?”
“Told you, told you.”
“Okay, you were right. Looks it has a metal pole as if that will keep us ants out of it. My pincers are watering. Time for a feast. I’ll bet there is a leftover french fry in there.”
“I’m looking forward to the sugar packet. Always my favorite.”
“And the cola. Let’s stop talking and get up there.”
“After you, my doubting friend.”
***
Fiction Favorites 
NICE one, John 👍😃😂
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Thank you, Chris. 😁
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Nice one, John. Will they need anty gravity boots to get up to it, though?
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Thay already have those. I never met an ant who had a pole climbing problem. 😁
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They’ll be disappointed when they get up there, though. Those bins are for dog waste.
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I think they can handle that too. URP
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Good one, John. I hope the sugar packet isn’t Sweet n Low.
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Hahaha. I had the same thought, Jill. 😁 Thank you.
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Another fun one, John. I wondered what little creature might pop up and you offered a great surprise. 😊
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I glad you liked it, Gwen. I thought of ants immediately when I saw the photo. Thank you. 😁
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This was oddly wholesome. Cool.
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Hahaha. I like that descriptor. “oddly wholesome.” Thanks, Charles. 😁
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Clever! Nicely done.
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Thank you, Stacie. 😁
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I wasn’t expecting ants!
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We never do. 😁 Thanks, Liz
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You’re welcome, John. Now that you mention it, I always feel surprised and betrayed when ants show up at my perfect fantasy of a picnic.
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Yes, indeed. Like “Who invited you guys?”
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Ants?!! That thought never came to me. You are clever, John!
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Thank you, GP. 😁
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Good one, John.
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Thank you, Craig.
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Ants? I sure didn’t see that one coming! You are such a hoot!
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Thank you, Dale. 😁
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🙂
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😊
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John, you had me hook, line and sinker, curious as all ‘get out’ about these two friends and why they’d been walking for such a long time and what the ‘fool’ was carrying. And then, and then….they’re ants! ants 🐜! Never expected it. But that’s what’s nice about reading other peeps’ stuff, you get the unexpected!😂😂😂
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Thank you, Steve. So glad you enjoyed it. 😁
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Well done, John. They can feast for days.
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Thank you, Dan
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Forget about the journey in this instance. The destination is the sweet spot . . .
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So true. And it is in sight.
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Lol! I would never have gotten ants from that photo prompt, John. Brilliant!
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Thank you, Jan. No telling what I will cone up with these days.
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It is time for the return of the ants:) Good one, John!
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Yes it is. I think their winter snooze is over.
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Oh, my goodness, John! I love your imagination 🙂
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Thank you, Marie. 😁
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Thank you so much, Marie. 😁
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Lol, a banquet! Ants are amazing, aren’t they? 🙂
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Yes they are. Thanks, Jacquie.
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That doesn’t look like a food bin, John! I’m afraid this duo is doomed to be disappointed!
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As keith said it is a doggie waste station. 😳
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Thought it looked familiar!!
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Hahahaha
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Haha! I didn’t think of ants! Good one, John!
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Thank you, Lauren. 😊
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Ha! Well done, John. Great use of the prompt.
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Thank you, Robbie. 😊
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I never guessed it was ants! Well done, John.
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Thank you, Jennie.
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You’re welcome, John.
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😊
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[…] Long and Winding Road by John W. Howell © 2021 […]
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