Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt – “Amble”

~ John W. Howell

 

 

A picture of a string with drops of water- the logo for SoCSA quiet Saturday morning with the sounds of birds adding to the peaceful feeling. Inhaling the aroma of freshly brewed coffee as it is being made adds to the overall feeling of contentment. The temperature is below the blast furnace level, so an excellent opportunity exists to sit on the patio and enjoy the morning.

Twiggy and Lucy decide to come with me to the outside. They are busy reading their nose e-mails, and I’m occupied with mine. A fairly loud noise interrupts us all. Lucy and Twiggy do the instinctual reaction to warn the noise that the suburbs of St Louis are closer than they think. To be barked to St. Louis is a treat no intruder should miss.

The noise repeats, and this time the location is determined to be from the front yard. If this is another Warner Brothers character, I’m going to demand a royalty, I think, as I amble to the front door. After the disarm and unlock process, I’m standing on the front porch face to face with a mule.

Not knowing how the thing got there, I look around for a note. I’m assuming this is another delivery of the prompt from Linda Hill. I go around the back of the mule, and for whatever reason, I lift its tale. “Watch it, buster.” The words seem to come from a loudspeaker somewhere. Moving around to the front, I say maybe the dumbest thing that has ever been said under the circumstances. “Who said that?” Were the words.

“You must have seen movies in your day and know you are in the presence of Francis the Talking Mule.” I look around, thinking that maybe there is a camera somewhere. “Just pay attention, buster.” I look the mule in the eye and puff my cheeks. “Who you calling, buster?”

“The one who needs a prompt I have in my pocket.” The mule drops an envelope on the walk and ambles down the driveway. Not knowing where the envelope came from, I was reluctant to pick it up. Finally gathering the courage, I did a two-finger pick up and opened it. Of course, there was a note from Linda Hill which said:

Your Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is “—amble.” Add letters to the beginning of “-amble” to make another word or use it as is in your post. Enjoy!

If you want to enjoy, visit Linda’s blog and read how easy it is. Here is the link.

https://lindaghill.com/2022/07/01/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-july-2-2022/

Amble by John W.Howell © 2022

“Francis the flipping Talking Mule?”

“Yes. A problem?”

“How many years back was Francis the Talking Mule?”

“The 50s.”

“You getting senile in your old age?”

“No, why?”

“To bring up that character. Must have been popular when you were a kid.”

“In fact, Francis was popular when I was a kid.”

“I knew it. Senile.”

“Quit that. Just a memory is all.”

“It is a break from those Warner Brothers characters.”

“So, what do you think?”

“About what?”

“Francis the Talking Mule.”

“You better clean your driveway.”

“I’m serious.”

“That was a preamble to the advice to forget about Francis.”

“Fine, done. Any more advice.”

“Need to sit with a cold one and think.”

“You are buying, so let’s go.”

“My car is in the shop. Can you drive?”

“Better yet, let’s catch Francis the Talking Über.”

“Very funny. Just call the real one. I think I’m going to be overserved.”

 

75 thoughts on “Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt – “Amble””

  2. Great introduction as always, I also the chat before you guy end up going to the pub! I think I might have a slight recognition of Francis the Talking mule …who did he star with? 💜

    Liked by 1 person

  8. John,
    You won’t believe this (okay, maybe you will).
    Dan and I were just talking about Frances this week. Good memories. But many moons ago. Certainly glad to have them 😀
    Have a good one.

    Liked by 1 person

  9. I am glad the sight and sound of a talking mule did not scramble your thoughts so much as to have you run into a bramble. Because the addition of Brer rabbit would really have set the girls off ! I hope Francis does not return with unwanted advise on being overserved. Happy Fourth John.

    Liked by 1 person

  10. I’m thinking it’s not senility at all if you remember a character from the fifties. Quite the opposite, in fact. Ya still got your noggin on tight!
    Ambling must be done before the three digits hit, am I right?

    Liked by 1 person

  14. I forgot about Francis the talking mule 🙂 Another great delivery and I would gave worried where that envelope had been too.

    Liked by 1 person

  22. I’m not going to peramble about the bush…. I don’t know who Francis the talking mule is.

    So, has Daffy been by? What about the Martian dude?
    I hope they are not boycotting the stream of unconsciousness! 🙄

    Liked by 1 person

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