I went on a long walk today to clear my head since I knew I would be challenged to complete the Stream of Consciousness prompt later. I was in deep thought about some inconsequential matter, like should I powerwash the driveway. Then, all of a sudden, my attention was snapped to fully aware as I heard someone screaming, “Help me.”
My gaze went to a rather large brown van that was caroming off what is now a collapsed lamppost. The post altered the vector of the van so that now it was headed directly for me. As it got closer and larger, I could see a wide-eyed, uniformed driver clutching the wheel and screaming his head off. This was clearly a delivery van out of control, and not wishing to find myself the thickness of a pancake, I managed to jump to the right and grab what some would say is a sissy bar connected to the driver’s side of the van.
The three of us continued down the street, which was now taking on the topography of a soapbox racer course. I swung into the van and asked the driver if I could be of some help. “No brakes,” he yelled. For the first time since seeing this run-a-way train, I grew concerned. The law of physics dictates that the vehicle velocity will continue to increase until such time as a deceleration event occurs. The speed at the point of deceleration will mean the difference between survival or not. “We need to slow this mother down,” I yelled. The driver looked at me with an expression I have seen on countless teenagers’ faces before the “No shit” statement.
Long story short, the van did indeed slow down by jumping a curb and tearing through several layers of shrubs, fencing, and into the Donavan’s pool. As we were sinking, the driver asked me my name and then handed me an envelope. Of course, it was from Linda Hill. As the water was reaching my chest, I tore it open and read the note. Your Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is “the last photo you took.”Take the last photo you snapped. What’s the first word that comes to mind when you look at it? That word is your prompt. Enjoy!
As the water rose to my chin, I thought about that last photo and remembered it was of Twiggy and Lucy. The word “cute” went through my mind, and the darkness crept into my consciousness.
“Stand up,” I heard from the edge of eternity. I opened my eyes and did indeed stand up to find I was in water up to my waist. “We are saved,” I screamed. The driver had nothing to say.
If you would like to enjoy visit Linda Hill’s blog and read how. Here is the link.
https://lindaghill.com/2021/07/30/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-july-31-2021/
Cute by John W. Howell © 2021
“What’s with all the drama?”
“I just think people ought to know where the prompts come from, is all.”
“Other participants just do the prompt without the preamble upfront.”
“Maybe you ought to go talk to other participants.”
“Cute.”
“What do you mean.”
“Your snappy comeback was cute.”
“You don’t mean that.”
“I was being sarcastic.”
“Well, that’s new.”
“Cute again. So what are you going to write about that’s cute?”
“Nothing.”
“What do you mean ‘nothing?'”
“I think you said it all.”
“You’re mad.”
“A little.”
“Why?”
“I don’t get no satisfaction.”
“Cute reference. Want to explain?”
“I kill myself thinking of the prompt, and you come along and make light of what I do.”
“How much do you get paid for this gig?”
“Nothing.”
“The prosecution rests. It is beer-thirty now. Do you want to continue this philosophical discussion or dump six into that ready-made receptacle?”
“You have a cute way of making my choice easy.”
“Hold on, brother. Don’t use the word ‘cute’ when describing my behavior.”
“Goodness. Hit a nerve, did I?”
“I have the street cred to maintain. We doing beer or not?”
“Lead on Mac Duff.”
“Cute.”
“Stop it.”
Fiction Favorites 
That was quite the preamble!
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Yeah too much. I got to rambling. Thanks, Liz.
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You’re welcome, John. It was quite entertaining to wonder as I read, How much longer is this going to go on? 😀
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🤣
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Your “deliveries” are as good as your stories, John.
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Thank you, GP. I think I went too long on this one, but I’m glad you liked it. Thanks for that. 😊
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So that would be functionally not ugly…
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Yes indeed.
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I agree with Liz and GP. Great job! Happy Saturday, John!
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Thank you, Jill. Happy Saturday to you * sung to the tune of Maybe I’m Amazed by Paul McCartney
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Nice! 🙂
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😊
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I like the preambles, but I wouldn’t call them cute. Twiggy…now there’s cute.
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Thanks, Dan. Cute is as cute does. 😊 See you at the bar.
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Ha ha ha! Brilliant!
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Thank you, Pamela. 😊
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Such an exciting delivery and you went with cute – very cute, John [wink!]
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Thank you, Robbie. [wink]😁
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Your preambles are great, John, and this was super cute. 😁😁
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Thank you, Lauren. I’m glad you liked it. 😁
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Cute for sure describes Twiggy and Lucy, but you nailed the prompt with the dialogue. Have a great day, John. I suspect you’ll be seeing “cute” a lot. 😁
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I think you are right Gwen about seeing cute a lot. 😁
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I look forward to the word deliveries! Another great prompt:)
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Thank you, Denise. This one ran a little long but thank you.
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John I enjoyed this so much it was just Great! 💜
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I’m glad you did Willow. Thank you.
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It was fun 😀
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Gosh, that was exciting!! And I believed it all until you jumped into the van! All of it was “cute.” 😉
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Are you saying an 80 year old man would not be able to catch the sissy bar and swing into the van? (Which is going 40 miles an hour) I think you’re right
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🙂 No no no. I’m not saying that. I’m saying you’re too SMART to do such a thing. 🙂
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Oh. Well, I resemble that remark. 😁
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🙂
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😁
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Better go to a beach bar. I think you’re still wet from the pool.
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I think you are right.
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The preamble is great. Always set the stage and makes me smile.
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Thank you do much, Jill.
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I am rather fond of your preambles. It makes you stand out above the rest. In fact it makes you downright cute. 😀 Great response to the prompt, John!
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Thank you, Jan. That comment makes you pretty cute too. 😁
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That was quite the preamble! And you are so much fun 🙂
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Thank you, Dale. Glad you liked it. 😁
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I did 🙂
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Lol… a clear indication that one does not accompany you on a walk in your neighbourhood… good one John…hugsx
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Hahaha. Thank you, Sally. I think it is safer to walk alone. 😁
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I think so John.. hugsx
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Reblogged this on NEW OPENED BLOG > https:/BOOKS.ESLARN-NET.DE.
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Thank you for the too. 😁
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A good one, John! Thanks for sharing. xx Michael
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Thank you. 😁
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I laughed my head off! Your preambles to the prompts are terrific, so please keep them coming. Otherwise, we’ll all have to get cute with you.
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Okay then. Will do. 🤣
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Yes! 😀
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Lol!
Great preamble!
Your response to the prompt is cute. Thank you, John!
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Thank you, Resa. Glad you liked it.
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There is nothing cute about Beer-Thirty, that is serious business. And uh . . that preamble is eerily realistic, Boss.
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Thanmk you, Marc. Love me some narrative.
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You sure do.
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😊
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