Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt Clown

~ John W. Howell

A picture of a string with drops of water- the logo for SoCSCoffee has a way of calming nerve endings, and the coffee machine makes the need for calming nerve endings an absolute necessity. The grinding beans, the sound of tamping, and the initial spurt of brown aroma-filled liquid from the spout are all designed to place the anticipation gauge on maximum. It makes one want to tell the machine to quit the clown act and deliver the goods.

Finally, the cup is full, and the first sip is recorded as incoming by the central nervous system. The brain lights up and remembers the alarm clock gift from the president of Warner Brothers. Picking it up brings back the challenge of figuring out how to set it so a visit can be made to a time zone, knowing how much time can be spent there.

The dial for the year is set to 1923 cause it is a hundred years ago. The month and date are set for November 18th cause that is today. Now, how do I set the alarm that will bring me back? Wait, here is a little switch that says ‘pull.’

OMG, it is San Diago, and there is Ed Fletcher unveiling the Pacific coast milestone of a southern transcontinental highway in San Diego’s downtown plaza and reading a message of congratulations from President Coolidge. This ends the transcontinental route from Washington, D.C., to Dan Diago. What is that ringing?

Back in my living room, but not before being handed a letter by a bystander to the event. The letter is from Linda Hill (how does she do that?) and reads. Your Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is: “clown.” Use it as a noun or a verb; use it however you’d like. Have fun!

To see what other bloggers do with this prompt, visit Linda’s post. Here is the link. https://lindaghill.com/2023/11/17/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-nov-18-2023/

Clown by John W. Howell © 2023

“How come you don’t stay longer at the places you visit?”

“Cause I still haven’t figured out how to set the time for the alarm.”

“That is a bummer. This series might be a bust.”

“Don’t clown around about that.”

“I’m serious. You have to spend a little more time. You were lucky to even get the description out.”

“Yeah, No kidding.”

“You did get the prompt in, though.”

“You noticed.”

“Who could miss it.”

“Well, let’s celebrate.”

“I ordered an Über.”

“I’m afraid to look.”

“You might be surprised.”

“Wow, I am surprised. We are going in style.”

Let’s go.”

“Who’s the clown who is going to pay for this?”

“Check that mirror over there.”

“Thought so.”

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

    1. I remember a Jack in the Box commercial where a group of hoods took an accountant looking guy for a last ride. They stop at a drive through for the victims last meal and the lead hood says, “Hey Clown. Give us a Double.” The victims name was Stanley and the closing line was “Bon Appetite, Stanley.”

      Liked by 1 person

  17. John, while back in time you could make some real money since you know the outcome of say a Presidential election or a World Series baseball game. Imagine the bucks you could make.
    Have fun on these trips and remember to pack a lunch.

    Liked by 1 person

  19. There is a rumor going around that if one brings and exta Kate she can help you get the clown out of the mirror. Fee several Voodoo Rangers. Declowning does not come cheap.

    Like

  21. Lovin’ the alarm clock, too bad you can’t set it right. No instructions with your time travel, eh?
    (Of course yu’re paying for the ride – did you think otherwise?)

    Liked by 1 person

  23. That’s quite a cool clock, I mean with the time travel and all.
    Hey, look at me I’m gninwolc around!
    Too bad you can’t figure out how it works, better.
    Perhaps an egg timer is more up your alley?
    🥚⧗ ⏲𝑋

    Liked by 1 person

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