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 your offering (or a link to it) in a comment or email it to me at keithchanning@gmail.com before Sunday evening UK time. 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. Thank you for taking part.”
A link to Keith’s post
https://keithchanning.wordpress.com/2022/10/17/kreative-kue-382/
The photo.
Memories by John W. Howell © 2022
“What do you have there?”
“It’s an old photo.”
“Let me see. OMG, it’s of that stupid van.”
“Whatya mean stupid van? We had a lot of fun with it.”
“I have to admit we took it to a lot of places when we were young.”
“We could see things we never would have been able then. Good times”
“Yeah, okay. I also remember some of the not-so-good times. Like the day you pulled up in it to take me out.”
“Your dad sure had a lot to say, didn’t he.”
“You blame him? Some hot blood pulls up in a bedroom on wheels. I remember that silly grin on your face too.”
“I didn’t own it. Then I had just borrowed it .”
“And I remember watching television that night with my dad watching you.”
“We can laugh about that now.”
“I suppose we can. At least we don’t have to travel like that anymore.”
“I have a surprise for you.”
“The tone in your voice is the same as when you pulled up the first time so long ago. I can never forget that tone. So tell me, my worst fear is not coming true.”
“What is that?”
“That somehow you found a van like the old one sitting on the driveway.”
“Nah. I wouldn’t do that.”
“Thank heavens. So what’s the surprise?”
“Two first-class tickets to Paris. We’re going top drawer.”
“I can’t believe it. Sounds great.”
“And we can check out a new van while we are there.”
“Don’t tell me.”
“Just messin’ with you. Nope, five-star hotels and a leisurely six weeks to see the country. We even have a driver.”
“You are the best.”
“No smooching in the back seat, though.”
“Is that a dare?”
Fiction Favorites 
Nice, John. First-class tickes, 5-star hotels and a chauffeur does sound more appealing than that old beast. It was a terrible old van. It was low on power, and everywhere we went, as well as carrying spare petrol, we had to carry water and engine oil – and we used both (about half a pint of oil per 100 miles). It was cheap, though (£400 as I recall), and did take us on some fun camping trips.
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I wondered how you got the photo and started a story about getting out of the middle of the road. 🤣
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As I recall, a friend took it from a car in front. I can’t imagine we were actually passing anything!
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Ha ha ha.
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But the memories of such a vehicle… I should think the good and crazy ones far outweigh the ones that caused grief 😉
And what? No smooching? That ain’t fun!
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Tell me about the smooching. 😂
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It’s a must!!
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😁
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A bedroom on wheels, you kill me Sheriff.
You penned a love story here and I love it. Way to get Tuesday off and running!
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Thank you, Pilgrim. It just happened. Getting soft in my old age. 😁
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Nah, you’re just the coolest guy in every room. That’s what it is.
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Thank you. You are a mensch.
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Aww shucks Boss. 🙂
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😊
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Reblogged this on NEW BLOG HERE >> https:/BOOKS.ESLARN-NET.DE.
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Thank you for sharing, Michael. 😁
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:-))
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😁
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Great memories will never go away, only the pain you got sitting in the back on the old seats of such a iconic vehicle. 😉 Happy Tuesday, John! xx Michael
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Thank you, Michael. Happy Tuesday to you. 😁
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Thank you as well, John! 🙂 xxMichael
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😊
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Aww, what a guy! For a trip like that to Paris, he could have his old van, LOL!
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Ha ha ha. Thanks, Mae. 😊
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Good one, John! This sparked a lot of memories of me begging my father to buy a VW van. He ended up purchasing a Beetle. 🙂
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A typical parent move. I thought a Corvette would make a fine family car. A 1956 Ford Fairlane was the reality. 😂
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What? No time machine VW van in the driveway?
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Wanted to go in that direction but these characters wanted a love story. So, here we are. Thanks, GP.
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The first class trip might be cheaper than today’s version of the “bedroom on wheels.” Great job with the prompt, John.
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Thank you, Dan. Those RVs are outrageously expensive.
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Sounds like life treated them pretty well.
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They had a good one for sure. Thanks, Craig.
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I don’t know. The van sounds like an interesting idea. Seeing a bunch of people switching to living in modified vans instead of renting these days.
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I agree it seems more are on wheels. Thanks, Charles.
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You are an old romantic, aren’t you? The grisly curmudgeon is just a facade.
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Exposed. 15 minutes from now everyone will forget that fact.
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You are such an optimist. I give it 20…
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😊
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Cool, John! Good memories awakened by this one, memories of me trying my best to score in my dad’s van. 🙂
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Ha ha ha. I have some of those too.
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First-class trip? He’s a first-class guy. This one brought a smile to my face. Great job, John.
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Thank you, Staci. Glad you liked it. 😊
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Gotta go this might be one of those slippery slopes to the twilight zone…
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Just might be for sure.
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Awww, I love this! Great job, John.
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Thank you, Jan 😊
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I miss the days of traveling in the old van!
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Could have been good days for sure.
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Six weeks in Paris sounds way better than a ride in that old clunker! Glad things are looking up for this couple. Nicely spun, John.
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Thank you, Debby. I knew if I had that soft serve ice cream cone it would affect me.😊
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A lot of memories of those old vans, but I never owned one. The Paris trip sounds amazing — van or not. 😊
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I would like o take that one myself. Thanks, Gwen. 😁
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Yep, so would I. These days, I only think local but I long to really travel. Two of my sons are headed to Patagonia at the beginning of November – for a two-week hike. Oh, to be young again! 😊
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Wow that sounds like some kind of a trip.If I were young again I certainly would not take a two week hike. 😁
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We never had a van. Now I feel cheated. 🤣
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You can always get one. 😁 Of course it may not be as fun as it was back then.
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It would have to be carpeted inside.
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Um. Of course.
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I’m gonna go ask my wife if she wants to partake in some smooching (not in the back seat…that might be too much gymnastics for one day).🙂
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Would love to know the answer. 😁
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👍
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😊
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Awww. What a great story, John. So romantic. I remember having a van like that – full of kids and dogs. Lol . Good times.
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Thank you, Diana. Getting soft in my old age.
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I’m sure your wife appreciates it. 🙂
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😊
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Great story, John, and lots of fun, but you gotta have some smooching. 🙂 And Paris sounds wonderful!
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Loved it!
(The van, I mean) 🙂
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I get it.
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I can picture the dad looking out and seeing that van and not being pleased. I hear that conversation now. How wonderful that he is giving her a first class trip with a five star hotel. What a guy.
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The old romance gene kicked in.
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I was worried there for a minute. Paris is better than the van.
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Way better.
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😎
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😊
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[…] Memories by John W. Howell © 2022 […]
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