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
Cheeto by John W. Howell ©2021
“Hey you.”
“Who me?”
“Yeah you with the Cheeto.”
“Cheeto?”
“Yeah in your beak. A Cheeto.”
“It’s a mayfly.”
“What’s a mayfly?”
“In my beak. A mayfly.”
“Looks like a Cheeto to me.”
“What’s a Cheeto anyway.”
“Cheese corn puff.”
“Did you say cheese?”
“Yeah.”
“Where do I get some?”
“In the store.”
“What’s a store?”
“Where people buy stuff.”
“That’s that then.”
“What?”
“I stay away from people.”
“Why?”
“They might take my mayfly.”
“Trust me people don’t like flies.”
“They haven’t tried a mayfly then. By the way, what did you want?”
“I thought if you talked, you would drop the mayfly and it would be mine.”
“Not a chance. I can talk with a mayfly in my beak all day long.”
“So your mom never taught you not to talk with your mouth full?”
“No but she did teach me one thing.”
“What’s that?”
“How to take out the eye of a fresh talking stranger.”
“See ya.”
Fiction Favorites 
I love it. These wagtails can be really vicious, John 😀 The one pictured is one of the bravest small birds I’ve met. When there are up to a dozen starlings (and one wagtail) helping themselves to mealworms scattered on the lawn, guess which one doesn’t fly away as soon as one of us appears? And who’s the only bird still foraging whilst Robbie (you remember him – he’s my robot lawnmower) is working? You got it – the solitary wagtail. He simply walks casually out of the way when Robbir comes straight at him.
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Hahahaha. He looks like he could whip a few others. Thanks for the backstory, Keith.
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😁
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Amazing! Thank you for sharing, and have a nice day, John! Best wishes, Michael
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Thank you, Michael. 😁
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😁 Always with a very great pleasure, John! Enjoy your day! Michael
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😊
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Lol! This was great, John!😉
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Thanks, Jill.
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Ha ha! 😀 Don’t mess with my mayfly!
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Thank you, Liz.
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You’re welcome, John
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😊
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Clever bird. He can keep his mayfly. I’d rather have a Cheeto.
Nice work, John.
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Me too, Staci. Thanks. 😁
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Are mayflies crunchy or puffy? I’m not a fan of fluffy.
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I think crunchy. I’m not a fan of fluffy either.
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Hee-Hee, the nice little bird got downright serious, eh?
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He looks serious for sure. Thanks, GP.
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Best to step away from the mayfly.
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I think so too.
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What a great exchange and teachable moment! I loved it. 😃
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Thank you, Gwen. 😁🌷
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Cute! Lovely! All the superlatives unsaid! Have a great week… 🙂
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Thank you, Bill Ray. You as well. 😊
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Clever, clever bird. As always, your quick dialogue exchanges are spot on and snappy! 🙂
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Thank you, Mae. You are a terrific coach. 😊
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🙂
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You want a mayfly you gotta catch your own. Happy Tuesday.
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I figured.
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Excellent, John. I enjoy your bird posts.
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Thank you, Robbie. They are fun to do as well.
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He looks innocent enough… but having read Keith’s explanation, I figure it best to leave him to it. ‘Sides… I like my mayflies deep fried… 😉
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Yesssssss. I haven’t had a deep fried mayfly in years. 😂
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Such a treat! 🤣
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🤢
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HAhahaha!
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Funny, John 🙂 I’ll always choose Cheetos over mayflies.
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Yeah, me too, Denise. 😂
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Good one, John. Never let the innocent looks of a small bird fool you. 🙂
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That is so true, Jan.
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Well done! I’ve never tried mayfly, but something tells me I wouldn’t particularly like it. The one in this little guy’s mouth is safe from me!
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I agree. Let’s let him have it.
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Hmmm . . . I wonder if that Mayfly would be tasty with some cheese?
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A little mayo would help.
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Yes, I think it just might.
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Mayfly mayo. Has a ring to it.
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Now that’s talent—not just anybody can talk with a mayfly in their mouth.
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Thanks, Pete.
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Clever bird! 😀 It’s neat looking. I’ve never seen that type before…I don’t think?
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It is a Wagtail and found in the UK. Keith Channing says it is a very brave bird.
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Oh, wouldn’t I like to see it live in the wild! Thanks for that extra bit of information, John! 😀
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Thank you, Deborah.
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You’re welcome!
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It does look a little like a Cheeto. 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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good mum and good lesson haha loved the story! 🤓🔆🔆
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Thank you, VR. 😁
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The mayfly must be an acquired taste, because if given the choice . . I’m going with Cheetos.
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Me too.
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[…] Cheeto by John W. Howell © 2021 […]
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