Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt – “The first 2-5 words at the top of the closest printed matter.”

A picture of a string with drops of water- the logo for SoCS

 

Waking up on a Saturday carries with it the promise of a visit from one of my favorite cartoon characters. Since that has been the scene for a while, it is almost expected each week. Since it is expected and the front door’s unlocking carries immense protocol and effort, I decided to invest in a new security system.

The installer left yesterday and while my magic brew is under construction, reading the operator’s manual is in order. At the top of the page are the words “Good. Feel Good.” Thinking that the security company has a heart, I couldn’t help but feel comfortable. The brew cycle is finished, and the instructions for the system are entirely consumed while drinking the elixir.

My ring doorbell lets me know there is someone out on the porch. Checking my phone, I could see what appears to be the Tasmanian Devil standing with an envelope in his hand. I can see him gesturing to open the door. Checking my instructions on the door opening procedure, I notice on the control panel the “Time Lock” feature has a blinking red light. The manual says that means it is engaged. The small print also says there is no override and that the door will open at the time indicated on the panel. Checking the board shows the time to open is 9:00 AM.

Since it is 7:00, I use the outside speaker to communicate that the door will open in two hours. The eyebrows of the Tasmanian Devil heads north as he starts to spin. Before long, he has eaten the front door and all the living room furniture. With a loud burp, he drops the envelope and spins back out the hole where the former front door used to be.

Sorry for getting rid of the iron bars, concertina wire, and other barriers; I open the envelope. Sure enough, it is from Linda Hill. The message says, Your Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is “the first 2-5 words at the top of the closest printed matter.” Open (if necessary) the closest printed matter to you. Use the first 2-5 words at the top of the page any way you’d like in your post. Have fun!

If you would like to have, fun, visit Linda and read how easy it is. Here is the link. https://lindaghill.com/2022/07/22/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-july-23-2022/

Good. Feel Good. By John W. Howell © 2022

“What kind of prompt is Good. Feel Good?”

“I followed the instructions and opened some printed matter, which was the second through fifth words at the top.”

“Couldn’t you make up something else?”

“Against the rules.”

“You a Boy Scout?’

“Just want to play by the rules, is all.”

“So you get bonus points?”

“Sometimes.”

“Which you think you can turn in for a Bentley Turbo Convertable?”

“A dream is all.”

“All this seems foolish.”

“To you maybe. There are tons of folks who do these prompts.”

“Doesn’t make it less nuts.”

“Well, we all enjoy it.”

“I guess that is all that counts.”

“You a believer now.”

“No, I just want to move on.”

“To the next subject.”

“No to the pub.”

“You buying?”

“My turn.”

Uber?”

“Just ordered it.”

“Hey, a Bentley Turbo Uber.”

“In your dreams.”

“Exactly.”

“I hope there are peanuts on the bar.”

“In your dreams.”

“Touché”

55 comments

  1. Sorryless's avatar

    How does that old saying go? It’s not about the journey, it’s about making sure the pub is the destination? Okay, that’s not it at all. But it’ll work just fine . . .

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      I like that one, Pilgrim.

      Liked by 1 person

  2. Jill Weatherholt's avatar

    I think the days of peanuts at the bar are lone gone. Good one, John! Happy Saturday!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thanks, Jill. Happy Saturday to you. * sung to the tune of It’s Now or Never by Elvis.

      Liked by 1 person

  3. Keith Edgar Channing's avatar

    Tough prompt, John but well responded. Just for fun, I grabbed the nearest piece of printed paper to me. The first five words were ‘Bipeds with legs that are’. Now I know why I don’t do this…

    Liked by 2 people

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Ha ha ha . That one sent me over the edge.

      Liked by 1 person

  4. Charles Yallowitz's avatar

    That seemed like a real tough one to pull off.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      I wanted to choose another (Who would know) but thought I would stick to the rules. Thanks, Charles.

      Liked by 1 person

  5. srbottch's avatar

    Just picked up a Venti dark roast at our fav high price coffee chain. It was meant to enjoy while enjoying your story but I couldn’t wait to get home. I wonder what the folks in the car next to me think when they are me looking down and smiling big. The phone is on my lap, of course. Enjoy the day and your coffee.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      I think they would consider calling the police. I’m glad you enjoyed it Steve. Thanks for the laugh.

      Liked by 1 person

  6. Dan Antion's avatar

    I hope you had a hunk of plywood to patch that hole in the door. He is a destructive little guy. Good job on the prompt – great intro. I hope you have a nice weekend.

    Like

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Dan. I hoe your weekend is good too. 😊

      Liked by 1 person

  7. Liz Gauffreau's avatar

    Dream on . . . (You might want to go back to your former security system.)

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      I think you are right. This doesn’t seem to work well.

      Liked by 1 person

  8. Gwen M. Plano's avatar
    Gwen M. Plano · ·

    Another funny one, John. Well done! I don’t think I’ve been to a bar since my college years, but you and Dan Antion keep those memories alive. 🍸🍷🍺

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      I don’t think I’ve been to a bar since college either. Glad you liked it, Gwen. 😁

      Like

  9. quiall's avatar

    HaHaHa! Any prompt that ends in a pub is a good one.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      I think so too. Thanks, Pamela.

      Like

  10. willowdot21's avatar

    Hey John I don’t know if there is a Mrs Howell but if there is won’t she be a tad put out by the fact the front door and the front room furniture is gone? Where were the dogs???

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      There is a Mrs but she goes by her maiden name since she felt at the time of our marriage there were too many ex Mrs. Howells around. The dogs were in the back yard with the afore mentioned Mrs. She was a little put out when she came in and saw the huge piece of plywood covering the front door. Her comment,”Quite tacky, my dear. I think we can do better.”

      Like

      1. willowdot21's avatar

        I hate to say it John but I do agree with her!

        Liked by 1 person

  11. T. W. Dittmer's avatar

    Good one, John. The Tas can sure wreak havoc! I used to think Warner Bros. modeled him on some of the guys I used to hang out with. 🙂 Salty peanuts at the bar. Hmmm.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Ha ha ha . Yes, salty peanuts. Yummmmm

      Liked by 1 person

  12. Teagan Riordain Geneviene's avatar

    Haha… I’m still chuckling. Can’t stop. Just the thought of peeping out the door (or via a camera) and finding ole Taz on the front porch is enough. Great post, John. Hugs on the wing.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Teagan

      Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Glad you liked it Billy Ray

      Like

  13. J-Dub's avatar

    I can just picture the Tasmanian Devil’s eyebrows heading north. Such images you paint with words. Truly a gift John! Happy Saturday!!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you , Jill. 😊

      Liked by 1 person

  14. Resa's avatar

    I had a feeling high tech was not going impress cartoon characters.
    Perhaps you could go the other way, and hire Yosemite Sam to protect your property and person?
    Although I’m sure the TD enjoyed his meal.

    Other than being upset that there might not be peanuts on the bar, I’d love to pop in for a drink with you and your “dear friend”. Unfortunately I’m busy tonight, sizzling around the kitchen.
    So, next week can we go to a bar that serves decent red wine? OR, do you guys always go to the same place?

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      It would be a pleasure to have you join us. Good wine is found at our place too. I can stand you to glass or two of a 2000 Château Lafite Rothschild.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Resa's avatar

        I’m in !!!! 🍷- 💋 for you & 💋 for your friend!

        Liked by 1 person

        1. John W. Howell's avatar

          Love it. See you on Saturday

          Liked by 1 person

  15. coldhandboyack's avatar

    That’s a rough prompt, but you managed to work through it.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Craig.

      Liked by 1 person

  16. petespringer's avatar
    petespringerauthor · ·

    Hey, it doesn’t hurt to dream.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Not a bit. Thanks, Pete.

      Liked by 1 person

  17. Book Club Mom's avatar

    Good one, John. I like your principles!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Barbara.

      Liked by 1 person

  18. John Hric's avatar

    Maybe you can get the Bentley for peanuts… ?

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      That wold be a good idea. I wonder how many tons would it take.

      Liked by 1 person

  19. Dale's avatar

    I was worried for your door with the Tasmanian Devil… Dang!
    If Resa can join, can I? I’m low-maintenance!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Love to have you. We’ll have a good time. 😁

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Dale's avatar

        I don’t doubt that for a second! 🙂

        Liked by 1 person

        1. John W. Howell's avatar

          BTW I promised Resa a couple of glasses of wine. What can I get you?

          Liked by 1 person

        2. Dale's avatar

          So lovely of you! I am an equal opportunity drinker. Shall have to see which way the wind blows when I get there 😉

          Like

  20. Jennie's avatar

    Get a Mega Millions ticket so you can get a Bentley Turbo. I know…in your dreams. Well done, John. Too bad about your eaten door and furniture. 😀

    Like

  21. Lauren Scott, Author's avatar

    Yes, we all enjoy these prompts, and you always nail the responses. Another trip to the pub, too. I wonder if those peanuts are a thing of the past. 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      I hope not. Thanks, Lauren.

      Like