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.”
Keith’s post. https://keithchanning.wordpress.com/2023/12/11/kreative-kue-411/
The Photo.
Slow News Day by John W. Howell © 2023
“And now our reporter Max Fly in the Far East has a story about an obscure music maker.”
“That’s right, Bradley. I am here in Thailand with what has been reported as the only miniature bed of nail player in the world. Let me introduce you to Chakan Chokdee. Hello, Chakan.”
“Hello Mr, Fly.”
“You can call me Max.”
“Ah. Hello, Max.”
“Your English is perfect. Where did you learn it?”
“Stanford University. PhD in biostudies.”
“So, tell our audience about your instrument.”
“Yes. This is a miniature bed of nails, and instead of taking a nap on it, I play it.”
“And how do you do that?”
“Well, you hold it like this and pluck each nail.”
“Can you play it for us?”
“Sure, what would you like to hear?”
“For this demonstration, how about something traditional.”
“Ah, let me see. Yes, here is a traditional song.
Pluck – You say you are lookin’ for trouble?
Pluck – Well, son, you’ve come to the right place.
Pluck – Notice that I have this fist of iron.
Pluck – That’s got a reserved sign for your face.”
“Now that is an interesting folk song. What’s its name?”
“It is an ancient song that tells a story of cultural conflict.”
“I can imagine. What’s it called?”
“Mæ̀ k̄hxng khuṇ s̄wm rxngthêā būth t̀xs̄ū̂“
“Hmm. I wonder if you could translate that for our worldwide audience.”
“I’m not sure it would mean the same in English.”
“Give it a try.”
” Okay. The exact translation is Your Mother Wears Combat Boots.”
“I think we can understand that just fine. Back to you in the studio, Bradley.”
Fiction Favorites 
That’s an interesting song, John. Sounds like he nailed it, too!
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😳 Good one, Keith.
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I love the smell of inspired silliness in the morning!
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I love the term “inspired silliness.” I didn’t have the courage to identify the real title of the song. But this seemed to work.
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The title of the song a little risque?
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A little crude. I Love You So Much I Can’t Poop.
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That’s a new one on me!
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Now you know why the guy is not a famous songwriter.
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‘Yo Momma’ jokes really are universal.
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I think that is true. Thanks, Charles.
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You’re really on your game today.
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That Ginkgo really works. Thanks, Craig.
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What’s in your coffee? I want some! Good one, John.
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Thank you, Jill. It is good coffee. 😁
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Buahahahahaha! You are on fiah!
Love this.
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Thank you, Dale. 😁
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😊
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LOL!
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Thank you, Deborah.
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hahah! Meanwhile, Bradley is in the studio unable to utter a word. 🤣 Wonderful, John.
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Yes, Bradley is trying to figure out how to cut away. Thanks, Lois.
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And the closing theme music for today – May mother not interrupt her Bataan death march to remove her boot from his awkward and uncomfortable place. Yeah don’t make mama angry…
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If mama is happy we all are happy.
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Great, John! At least momma doesn’t have a mattress strapped on her back. 😀
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So true, Tim. 😁
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That was a fun song, John 🙂
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Glad you liked it, Denise.
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Ha!! Too funny. I would have never gotten music from this photo but you did and did a great job with the prompt!
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Thank you, Jan. 😁
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Haha! That was fun, John. I had the same thought that it looked like a miniature bed of nails, but I couldn’t imagine where you were going with it. Hugs.
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Thank you, Teagan. I went where my warped imagination went. 😁
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haha, I thought it looked like a mini bed of nails, but never thought about ‘playing’ it. He has a unique idea of an old traditional song too!
Way to go, John. Once again I tip my hat to you!
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I think he spent a little time in the SF mean street area.
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hahaha, that explains it!!
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Yup.
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I can appreciate those slow news days, John!
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Yes they do happen. Thanks, Debbie.
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Good job, John. I did not see that coming, but I liked where it went.
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Thank you, Dan.
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There’s a definite madness to his method but I kinda dig it.
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Thank you, Pilgrim. I think he is on the mad train for sure.
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No kidding.
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John, one of your best, or maybe I’m just too tired to discriminate one from the others. But, I’m still chuckling at your wildly imaginative mind. Good job!
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Thank you, Steve. Always good to hear that.
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😱 I am in awe of your warped imagination, John 😂🤣😂
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Ha ha ha. Thank you, Chris. 😁
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LOL! Not at all what I expected, but so fun. Good one, John!
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I’m glad you liked it, Mae. Thanks for the lovely compliment.
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Hahaha!!
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I love the sound of laughter. Thanks, Jennie.
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I do, too! You’re welcome, John.
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😊
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[…] Slow News Day by John W. Howell © 2023 […]
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