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 on 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 time.”
The photo.
Cold Night Out by John W. Howell © 2022
“Why are you rolled into a ball?”
“Because it is freezing out here.”
“Yeah, it’s cold, but it’s not so bad if you move around.”
“Says the one with fur-covered feet.”
“I never noticed your feet. They’re bald.”
“Yeah, no kidding and this snow plays hell with them.”
“So let’s get you warm.”
“Where?”
“See that pig-looking thing?”
“Yeah.”
“We can climb in there.”
“How can we get it open?”
“Oops didn’t think of that. How about we get next to one of these lights?”
“Not sure that’s enough heat.”
“How about just going inside.”
“Easy for you to say. You live here.”
“Aw, come on. No one will know. We go through the cat door and into the kitchen. There’s a nice warm bed there.”
“What if your folks find out.”
“They won’t even notice.”
“But I’m a hedgehog.”
“They will think you’re a toy. Just don’t move fast.”
“Well, if you think it’s okay. Anything is better than this.”
“It’ll be fun. Oh, just one thing.”
“I knew it.”
“If Brutus comes near you, don’t squeak.”
“Brutus?”
“The dog.”
“That’s it. I’ll take my chances with the cold.”
“He’ll only pick you up if you squeak.”
“Pass.”
“Suit yourself. Anyway, I think blue feet are a smashing fashion statement.”
“Very funny.”
Fiction Favorites 
Funny how the camera makes grass look like snow under infra-red lighting. There was an interesting stand-off between the cat and the hedgehog. The cat was probably wary of the hedgehog’s spines and, after a couple of minutes, gave up and climbed the fence into next door’s garden. BTW, Robbie says his docking shelter looks nothing like a pig.
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Ha ha ha. I believe Robbie is correct but hey. Gotta use what you got.
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Added to which, hedgehogs are known to have poor eyesight 😀
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I wondered about the thick lens glasses.
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😂
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🤓
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I emphasize with the hedgehog in winter when it’s suggested (ordered) to go outside and clear the walk. Is a hedgehog related to a groundhog, maybe the same thing. Our Miss Daisy would love ‘playing’ with the HH. Good one, John.
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Not sure about the relationship between a hedgehog and groundhog. I thing the only connection is their last name. Thanks, Steve.
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That’s how I feel at my office!
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Tell ’em to turn up the heat or down the air. 😁
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There’s only one temperature in the building…FREEZE! Ugh!
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What if you came in in one of those outfits from the movie Fargo. You know, Elmer Fudd hat, down filled coat, and Sorrels on your feet. Maybe someone would get the hint.
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LOL! At this point…I’ll try anything! I have 3rd degree burns on the tops of my legs from the heating pad. My eye doctor said no more space heater because it’s making my eyes too dry.
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OSHIA where are you when we need you?
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🙂
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haha, no matter where you are, there’s at least one dog looking to get you!
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I think you have hit on a philosophical fact of life, GP. 😁
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Leave it to me to fall into something I’ll never understand! 🤪
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😁
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Squeak and eek. Alas no one wanted to play with poor Brutus.
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Yeah poor ole Brutus. 😁
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Tell Brutus about the spines. Might help.
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I’m not sure he would listen but it is worth a shot.
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This is the best advice for remaining inconspicuous I’ve ever seen: “They will think you’re a toy. Just don’t move fast.”
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Works with humans for sure. 😁
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😀
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Ah thanks for the morning chuckle! Chris
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Thanks for letting me know you got a chuckle, Chris. 😊
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Nice skit. I was wondering what that ball was.
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I took a guess myself. Keith confirmed.
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All, poor little thing. I like that the cat wants to help out. Now if they could just get Brutus on board.
Another good one, John!
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I think maybe a bribe would be in order. Unfortunately neither the cat nor the hedgehog have a beef bone on them. Thanks, Mae. 😁
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Blue feet? As only a sassy cat could imagine. Well done, John. I loved the story. 😁
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Thank you, Gwen. I’m so glad you liked it. 😁
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If Brutus is anything like our dog, the hedgehog is better of with cold feet. That’s the first thing she removes from a new toy.
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Ha ha ha. No running away I’m guessing. Thanks, Dan
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Awww, poor little hedgehog. He was sold until the mention of Brutus and I can’t say as I blame him. 🙂 Good one, John!
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Thank you, Jan. 😊
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See? I missed fashion week, so I didn’t know blue feet were all the rage right now. How embarrassing for me and my feet that match the rest of me.
Great story, John.
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Yes. Just keep your shoes on and none will know. Thanks, Staci. 😁
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Great idea. I can always count on you. 🙂
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😁 Thanks, Staci.
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How neighborly, inviting the hedgehog to warm up. I think Brutus would get an acute surprise if he tried to play with a pincushion with legs.
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So true. The initial squeeze might not be good for the hedgehog.
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Hmmmm. Be the squeaky toy for Brutus or lose my feetsies to frost bite . . . decisions, decisions!
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I think I would go with the feet. A Brutus chomp might not be survivable.
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This is a good strategy Boss
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😁
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Poor little hedgehog. He is in one of those ‘no win’ situations. Thanks for the morning laugh, John.
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I’m glad you liked it, Maggie.
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If I were the hedgehog. I might try being a non-squeak toy 🙂
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Me too. I think that is the way to go.
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I love “smashing fashion statement”!! Just in time for Spring, the newest look in footwear, ha!
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Ha ha ha. Yes blue feet are the next big thing.
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Poor little Hedgehog. We used to have possums and raccoons come in through the cat door. Lol. At least the cat offered. 😀 Fun story, John.
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We had the same thing and the cats just let them have the food. Of course, the raccoons would wash everything.
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LOL! I think if cold enough I’d risk Brutus and be very, very quiet! 🤣
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I would too. Thanks, Deborah
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Our old dog tried to outstare a hedgehog on first meeting. I think they were both taken aback by the other. I’m not sure what ‘WTF’ is in hedgehoggish but the spines sure suggested that way of thinking. Maybe Brutus would be similarly fazed…
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I think I’d rather deal with Brutus than the cold. 🙂 Thanks for the smiles, John!
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I would too, Lauren.
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Well done, John!
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😁
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[…] Cold Night Out by John W. Howell © 2022 […]
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Why did there have to be a Brutus? It would have been a great solution… I think I might take my chances, though 😉
I am catching up on my favourite bloggers. I feel ridiculously behind so be warned 😉
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I think your favorite bloggers understand. 😊
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😘
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