After a decent night’s rest and a strong cup of coffee, the belief that permeates my thoughts is all the weird situations with Wilie E. Coyote have ended. The silence of the yard seems to confirm my conclusion. There is no little “beep-beep,” screeching, or implosion of a falling box as it terminates on the ground. But, just to be sure, a quick check of the Ring camera is in order. As I reach for my phone, a tone indicates something has entered the visual field. Looking at the screen reveals two grey upright things that look like plants.
Obviously, someone has placed something on the porch below the camera’s full view. This will require opening the front door to find out what is there. Having been burned in the past, it comes to me to use the speaker mode of the Ring camera to determine if anyone or anything is out there. “Hello,” I say.”
“Hello yourself, Doc,” is the reply.
The response causes me to ask about twenty questions answered with the simple phrase, “Open the door.”
A long sigh is followed by unlocking the deadbolts, releasing the chain, lifting the metal bar, and rolling the cage to the side. The door is opened to reveal a grey rabbit with white markings munching on a carrot. “What’s up, doc?”
The theme from Loony Toons goes through my head as the rabbit hands me an envelope. He indicates that I should open it and when I do, a letter floats out. The letter is from Linda Hill and reads. Your Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is “rest.” Use it any way you like. Enjoy!
The rabbit continues to stand there looking at me, munching his carrot. If you would like to participate in this frivolity, visit Linda’s blog and read how. Here is the link. https://lindaghill.com/2022/02/25/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-feb-26-2022/
Rest by John W. Howell © 2022
“So you have started again?”
“What?”
“A cliff-hanging story.”
“Well, there is only so much reader attention time available.”
“Someone said that ever since you give up Wednesday Story Day, you’ve been writing these short preambles to the Saturday prompt.”
“Probably right. I miss the Storytime.”
“Why don’t you start again.”
“Time.”
“Come on. You don’t have anything to do all day.
“Blogs, emails, and novels. Nah, nothing at all.”
“Self-imposed.”
“I’ve heard that before. I still need to rest sometime, though. Not getting any younger.”
“Oh boohoo. So what’s with the rabbit? You seem focused on Warner Brothers.”
“I can’t help what is out there.”
“Turn around.”
“Why?”
“I want you to see there is no one behind you. You are it. Anything out there you create.”
“Do tell. If true, then the pub is my creation, too, right?”
“Yes indeed.”
“So if I say free drinks, that’s the way it is?”
“Yup. In fact, I would encourage you to do just that.”
“Free drinks. Last one there has to buy lunch.”
“Good job. Of course, you could create a free lunch too.”
“Give it a rest.”
“Gotcha.”
Fiction Favorites 
I like the introductions, John. It seem that everyone is always busy these days, regardless of age or occupation. There is not rest for the wicked in our modern world.
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I think you are so right, Robbie. Leasure time is very rare. 😊
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I’m surprised a wee bunny ventures out in the cold weather you’re experiencing now, John!
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Brave lad that one.
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Lol John , I shall buy you a round I am feeling generous! …I am not buying that Rabbit one though 💜
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Thank you, Willow. Yes, the rabbit is the designated driver.😊
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What a great idea 😉
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He works for Uber on the side. 😁
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Really that explains the driver I had last week who greeted me with a toothy grin and a very English “Whots up Doc” 😁😁😁😁
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🤣
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🐰🐰
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Good one, John! Happy Saturday! Sung to the tune of Rebel Rouser by Duane Eddy. 🙂 I thought I’d switch it up on you this morning.
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Love that song. It came out when I was in high school. I enjoyed the switch up. Happy Saturday to you , Jill * sung to the tune of Do You Want to Dance by Bobby Freeman which came out at the same time. https://youtu.be/PsnHW5xHKzg
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That’s a great song, too! I’m happy you like Rebel Rouser, too. It’s a great song. As my mother’s Alzheimer’s progresses, she comes alive when I tune the radio to the 50’s station. Over the months, I’ve started listening to it even when she’s not in the car. So much great music! I think I was born too late. 🙂
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I was fortunate to have grown up in Detroit. Starting in 1955 rock and roll came alive. I bought all the 45’s I could get my hands on and never left the love of music of all kinds. You are right though, the 50s had some great tunes.
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That must have been exciting!
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Yes it was. We had a lot of fun.
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Felt a little existential and 4th wall breaking today. How much of our reality is our own creation? 😁
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An excellent question, Charles. The other question is when we sleep do those creations sleep as well?
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Or does our section of reality simply pause until we awaken and return to the global consciousness? 😁
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Is each reality assigned to an individual such that as long as that person is awake their reality consciousness continues along with those who are also awake?
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That would mean our reality is nothing more than the interwoven perceptions and dreams of those who are awake. That’s the case then somebody needs to lay off the dystopia thoughts.
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I agree.
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Be sure to create a faster car and a parking space near the door for yourself, John. Good job.
Wait, am I part of your story?
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Of course you are. Thanks, Dan.
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No one understands the busy life of a writer – unless it’s another writer. Good one, John. 😊 Fun as always. Have a great day with your imaginary creatures and the real ones near and dear.
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Thank you, Gwen. I hope you have a terrific Saturday. Stay warm. 😁
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I seem to have less time now that I’m retired than when I worked full time and still had time to do other things. (I do believe I had more energy back then too!) 🤣😏🙄
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I’m with you, there, GP!
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😁
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And to think we used to wonder how we’d fill up the retirement days (or at least I did! what a joke!)
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I never thought I would be this busy for sure.
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Until a year ago, I had a hard time envisioning myself retiring at all!
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I know what you mean.
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I agree with you on the time. I wouldn’t want to go back to working I don’t think I would have time for it. Thanks, GP.
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🤣📚
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😊
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Someone asked me yesterday when I took the time to rest, besides sleeping and my answer was, “I don’t.” But as you say, John, I’m not getting any younger. Maybe I need to rethink this whole business thing. Love the dialogue and yes, since we can create whatever we want, then I say go for it and free drinks for all!
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I loved how you ordered a glass of bourbon on the rocks at Dan’s place. That will get you some rest.
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And virtual rest is better than no rest at all. 🙂
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Yup.
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A visit from Bugs Bunny is always welcome!
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Not totally sure it is Bugs Bunny. Sure sounds like it though. 😁
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Don’t tell me there are Loony Tunes imposters out there!
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We have to keep it on the down low cause Warner brothers characters are trademarked. So it may sound like Bugs Bunny but we can’t be sure.
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Ah, I see! The rabbit who shall not be named. Got it.
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Yes.
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I love the way the prompt floated out of the envelope. A cartoon segment would not have it any other way. I look forward to what lies just outside your door on Saturdays, Doc.
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Thank you, Maggie. There is always something there for sure. 😊
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😊
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Looks like that wascally wabbit has found a job. 🙂
Good one, John. Can’t wait to hear the rest of the story.
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Thank you, Tim. I’m with you.
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I’m ready for Elmer Fudd, Sylvester, and Tweety Bird. Well done, John.
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Ha ha ha. You never know, Jennie
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Ah ha!!
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😊
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John, is your ‘friend’ a reincarnation of an old Buddy. I feel as though I’m watching ‘Home Improvement’ with Tim Allen and the rest of his gang.
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He must have made a wrong turn at Alberquerque.
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No doubt. 😁
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I think your intros are the perfect Wednesday replacement. They give you an opportunity to stretch those creative juices by being shorter and changing theme every few weeks or so.
As for the free pub fare, I’ll add in some appetizers, what say you?
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Yay. Appetizers would be great. Thanks, Dale.
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My pleasure. I’m on it!
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Crustini if you can manage it.
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I’ll shall make a few flavours, how about that? Tomato, caramelized onion, bean, mushroom… 😉
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Yum. Love them all. Now I’m hungry.
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Excellent 😉
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😁
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And the rest as they say is history… hope the drinks went down smoothly.
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Always.
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I’m enjoying these deliveries. In fact, it made me want to watch the old cartoons 🙂
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Oh good. That would be fun wouldn’t it?
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Yes
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I know what you mean, even though my time is mostly my own there’s still never enough hours in a day and my writing has suffered for it.
Maybe I need a carrot.
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Sure, a carrot will solve a number of things.
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I tried valiantly to wrest myself from this Looney post.
However, I seem to be attracted to Loonacy.
About the imaginary pub with free drinks ….. can the rest of us come?
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Of course, you are invited anytime.🥃🥂
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Bugs Bunny is a sure fire favorite. Loved the post today.
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Thank you, Jill
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Another amusing story, John! And back to the pub! 😉
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Seems we always end up there. Thanks, Barbara.
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I’ve always loved Looney Tunes. Perhaps B. Bunny will visit often and stay long.
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I have liked him since I was a kid. Thanks, Lauren
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Same here
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Good one, John! Reading “What’s up, Doc?” and picturing that silly wabbit made me feel young again. 🙂 And free drinks at the pub sounds fun! 🥂😁
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Good to feel young again, Lauren.
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Always! 🙂
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I would have been happy with the free drinks, but I appreciate the negotiations.
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😁
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“Self-imposed.” My husband says that every time I mention how busy I am. I’m glad I’m not the only one, John. 🙂
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I always get that too. Thanks Diana. Good to now there is another long suffering writer out there. 😁
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I’m gonna need a bit more time when you’reslotting time for friends. We have a lot of drinking to do. Loads of Fridays to catch up on.
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😊
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