Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt – Zip Zero Zilch

~ John W. Howell

 

 

A picture of a string with drops of water- the logo for SoCSGetting past the coffee prep gave me zero problems. Sipping the fresh brew caused me to believe that there would be zilch to worry about on this beautiful Saturday morning. Then, as my feet hit the footstool on the back porch, the zip of a figure passed the corner of my eye. Thinking it, another eye floater caused a return to the peaceful reverie and aromatic cup.

“Excuse me.” The words crashed into my consciousness like a hammer through the front window. Looking at the figure before me sent a register to the brain that this was no floater but a person in overalls.

“Yes?” Was all that could be mustered as a response.

“We have a delivery for Fiction Favorites.”

Shaking my head to try and understand how this person got over the moat, past the towers, and through the concertina wire, words did not immediately form for delivery. Then, finally, the words lined up in some semblance of order and marched out of my mouth. “I am Fiction Favorites.” is how they presented themselves.

The guy in overalls nodded and then spoke into a phone, indicating that they had reached the right place. It was only then that the realization of a hovering helicopter came into focus. At least that answered the question of how the security was breached. A mental note was made to the effect of installing antiaircraft systems to prevent such an occurrence again.

After a few more words, a large box descended from the helicopter and gently landed on the turf. The guy handed me a clipboard pointing to a signature line. Being a victim of being told what to do forever, my signature was proffered as directed. The guy grabbed a line and was yanked into the belly door, and the entire machine disappeared.

I pulled the string that said “pull to open,” and about 100 multicolored balloons went skyward. Such a sight brought a smile while reaching for the note on the bottom of the box. It was, of course, from Linda Hill, and here’s what it said. Your Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is “zip, zero, zilch.” Use one, use ’em all, bonus points if you use all three. Have fun!

If you would like to have fun, go to Linda’s blog and read how easy t is. Here is the link.

https://lindaghill.com/2022/04/29/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-april-30-2022/

Zip Zero Zilch by John W. Howell © 2022.

“Did you find out who the guy in overalls was?”

“No. It didn’t matter. I got the prompt.”

“Sometimes, you have zero sense.”

“What do you mean?”

“Don’t you think your readers would like to know?”

“I think their interest would be zilch.”

“Why do you say that?”

“The whole idea is the prompt. It means zip on who delivers it.”

“Not from what I read when a Warner brothers character shows up.”

“Well, that’s different.”

“How so?”

“Those characters are loved. This was a guy making a delivery.”

“From a helicopter.”

“There is that, I guess.”

“Did you  get any markings on the helicopter?”

“No. There wasn’t time.”

“What’s this about antiaircraft systems?”

“Fictional license.”

“Like the rest?”

“Yup.”

“Is VooDooRanger real?”

“You bet.”

“Your turn to buy.”

“I didn’t mention something.”

“What?”

“There were 24 bottles of VooDoo Ranger in the box.”

“You’re kidding.”

“Nope, and a box of Hanover sourdough hard pretzels.”

“You get paid for these endorsements.”

“No, I just know what I like.”

“Okay, then let’s go.”

“French onion or France?”

“Pardon me?”

“Dip. What kind to go with the pretzels?”

“Where do you get dips.”

“Same place as the VooDoo Ranger.”

“French onion.”

“Good choice.”

“Can we go now?”

“After you.”

57 thoughts on “Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt – Zip Zero Zilch”

  9. John, I had no idea of your security. I have cancelled all plans for a visit. Your landscaping must be amazing.
    Instead of rockets, why not just a simple dome over your property. That way you don’t have to worry about rain either.
    PS: pretzels and dip does not go with a nice cup of coffee. Not at all. Zip zilch, etc

    Liked by 2 people

    1. The city rules don’t allow domes. Missile silos are okay as long as they are hidden. I hear you on the coffee and pretzels. Beer is another matter. Thanks, Tom.

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  10. “I am Fiction Favorites!” You had me laughing with this one, John. That’s quite a declaration. Of course, the rest of the story kept me going. Well done, my friend. 🤣

    Liked by 1 person

  14. I love the added touch of balloons 🙂 I have a feeling no matter what defenses are put up that prompt will always find a way to you !

    Liked by 1 person

  15. Perhaps the guy in overalls was a grown up Elroy Jetson?
    Does VooDoo Ranger make red wine?
    If so I’m in withe the French Onion.
    Entertaining, John….QUITE!

    Liked by 2 people

  18. Hahaha! Well done, John. Where was the mustard for the pretzels? Oh sorry, they were hard, not soft. Yes…who was that guy in the overalls?

    Liked by 1 person

  22. I like that there was zip, zilch, and zero as you cut to the chase. It was a busy weekend and we did not get to the chase until the tree came down. But get to it we did. Cheers.

    Liked by 2 people

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