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 Show by John W. Howell © 2021
“I thought I would call with a report. It is going better than I expected. I’m very pleased it’s going so well.”
“You should be. You put a lot of work into this show.”
“The people seem to like the wine and snacks. Thanks for that idea.”
“You are so welcome.”
“I think if we keep getting this kind of reaction, we should think about a regular gallery.”
“Most definitely. How many have you sold?”
“Hum, what?”
“How many pieces have you sold?”
“Er. Well, to tell the truth, none.”
“None?”
“Up-and-coming prospects, though. A couple is eyeing the rhinoceros.”
“I hope they get that thing out of the house.”
“What’s wrong with the rhinoceros?”
“The fact that it looks like an armadillo?”
“My interpretation.”
“So, given the state of sales, I think the gallery might have to wait.”
“I think you’re right. Sad thing.”
“Aw, darling, don’t be downhearted. What bothers you the most?”
“Having the cars outside.”
“Yeah, I understand that. Call it a sacrifice for your art.”
“So much washing.”
“Sushhhhh. It’ll be okay.”
“And wet sponges.”
“Let it out.”
“Buckets.”
“That’s where it is at, isn’t it, sweetheart.”
“Bawlllllllllllllll.”
Fiction Favorites 
Thanks, John. I’m trying to make out why there’s a leg of a pair of jeans bottom left in the picture…
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I see the leg attached to the guy on the phone.
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Possibly. It looks detached to me. There’s no help from any others in the series, either.
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I’m glad you came up with something. I couldn’t decide which person should be doing the talking.
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I used the guy in the forground and then put him on the phone, but you are right, it was a challenge. Thanks, GP.
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You handled it well. (whoa, look who I’m talking to!!)
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Yeah, come on. 😁
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Might be something to a car wash/art show combo.
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Now that is a good idea. Thanks, Charles. 😊
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Oh the things we do to support our creative spirit…
Nicely done, John.
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Thank you, Dan. 😊
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Now I would have thought you’d taken the suspicious bag on the floor angle. Good one!
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I thought abut it but only briefly. Thanks, Jill.
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Everything is going just fine–and someone asks how many paintings/books/chainsaw carvings you’ve sold.
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I know. The worst question on the planet. I’m glas you were with me on this, Liz. 😁
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I’m with you on this (unfortunately!).
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Yes.
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No one should ever ask the author at a book fair… er, I mean, the artist at a gallery how many units they’ve sold. That’s just wrong. It made my palms clammy just thinking about it!
Great work, John.
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It is a favorite question from family members. makes my hands clammy too. Thanks, Staci.
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Sounds familiar… if I’m at an artisan fair (painters, writers, craftsmen), I never leave empty-handed. I love the setting and if nothing else, empathy drives the payments. This was a wonderful adventure, John. On Sunday, I was at a Native American artisan fair and left with two gorgeous framed prints. I could have spent all day there… 😊
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I know what you mean. I have an original Buck McCain oil painting of a Native American rain dancer. I visited him at his studio in Tucson AZ. (He has since moved to Taos.) I couln’t leave without it.
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What a treasure! 💗
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Yes I love it.
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Great piece of short fiction.
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I like a car wash art show combo. You might have an idea here 🙂
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Hahaha
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There is always that one person who has to come in and give you a reality check. Dang them!
Wonderfully done, Boss!
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Yeah reality is a sorry thing to have to face. Thanks, Dale.
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It blows.
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😁
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Your productivity/creativity gives me hope, John.
Good work.
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Thank you, Hook. 😁
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Another dream squashed! Well done, John!
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Yup. So easy too. Thanks, Jan.
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Any artistic endeavor is always a tough gig, it seems.
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Yes it is. “Oh I see you are a writer. You a NY Times best seller?”
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Oh dear. Well, at least it wasn’t a book signing, huh?!?
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Yeah that’s true. Thanks, Debbie.
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Talk about suffering for your art! Buahahaha!
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I know right?
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🙂
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One of the dumber things I’ve done was to sit at one of these events with a bunch of other artisans selling candles, honey, jewelry, etc. I sat there for four hours and sold four books. That paid for the cost of having my table. At times there was literally no one in the shop except for us. 🤣🤣🤣
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Been there and got the shirt. Thanks, Pete.
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Nice, John! I think the lady studying the orange leaf painting might buy it. I’m sensing she finds meaning in it.
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I’m sure she does, Barbara. Thanks.
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I wondered where your creative mind would lead you for this image, John. Love this. I’m always in awe of your stories. And too bad about the gallery. 🙂
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Yes, an artist’s life. 🙄
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[…] The Show by John W. Howell © 2021 […]
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