In Keith’s words: Using this image (below) as inspiration, write a short story, flash fiction, scene, poem—anything, really. Either post your offering (or a link to it) in a comment or email it to me at keithchanning@gmail.com before the end of the week. If you post it on your own blog or site, a link to this page would be appreciated, but please also mention it in a comment here. Thank you for taking part.
Here is a link to Keith’s post. https://keithchanning.wordpress.com/2024/03/18/kreative-kue-424/
The photo:

Visitors by John W. Howell © 2024
“I don’t know about this fire. We might be out of propane.”
“I think we have bigger problems.”
“What do you mean?’
“I’m recording something that looks a bit strange. Do you see it, my dear?”
“The sun is in my eyes a little, but I see it too. ”
“What do you suppose it is?”
“Without propane, we won’t have lunch. What could be more important than that?”
“You want to explain it to him, my love?”
“Sidney. Forget about lunch. Keith is right. This is a big deal.”
“I can’t get my camera focused, you two. Tell Sidney what you are seeing.”
“Go ahead, Keith. Tell him.”
“Yes, my dear. I can’t be certain, but it looks like giant ants are heading this way.”
“Giant ants? You’ve got to be kidding.”
“No, have a look for yourself.”
“OMG. It never fails. Try to have lunch outdoors, and these unwelcome visitors show up. I’ll go get the ant powder.”
“Sid, it’s going to take more than powder. They look to be the size of busses.”
“Okay, then we’ll just let them have the steak.”
“I don’t think that will be enough.”
“What then?”
“I think we’d better make a run for it.”






















Hmm. Make a run for giant ants? I don’t think chicken wire will hold them in. Oh – you didn’t mean like a chicken run (although running could be seen as chicken). Did either of those puns survive the transatlantic trip?
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Yes they made it through. The pun jabs were off duty I think. Good job though. 😊
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“My God, what is it?I can’t believe we only have one decent set of binoculars between us! ‘Give them to me, Jo…’ Jo reluctantly handed them over to her husband…After studying the unusual scene for a few seconds, he said, collapsing in tears of laughter, and quickly dropping them: ‘You daft lot, half a dozen ants have invaded the other side of the lens!! ‘ Joy Lennick
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Terrific, Joy. Great job.
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I remember an old computer game involving giant ants invading a town. Forgot the name, but it was fun.
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Good to know it was fun.
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I got an idea, Merle. Hold my beer…
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Ha ha ha.
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Oh my, it’s Them! 😒 I don’t think the steak will be enough for them either.
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I could not think of the name of that old movie. Of course, Them. Thanks, Tim
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Making a run for it sounds like an excellent idea!!
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I thought so too. Thanks, GP.
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Yikes! I’d get out of there too. The alternative sounds like a sci-fi movie in the making!
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Yes, do not stay around giant ants.
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I was thinking Sci-fi again! Starship Troopers came to my mind. Heinlein and bugs! It’s always bugs!!!
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It is bugs or snakes. Why is it always bugs or snakes?
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Maybe because they out number us? 😲
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Good answer. 🤣
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This creeped me out. I’ve had a thing about giant ants ever since I peeked at a giant ant movie my mom was watching when I was a child. lol I’ve been waiting for them to take over the world. lol
Actually, I loved this, especially how the one character was more worried about lunch. haha 😀
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Look behind you. I think there is one on the living room couch. Thanks, Kymber. I’m glad you liked it.
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OMG! LOLOLOL 😱😂🤣 I just had a chill go down my neck. lol 😀
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🤣
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Yeah, when the ants are the size of buses, it’s time to bid adieu to wherever you might be standing and find some other place, far from all that. Preferably the location you find sells ant spray the size of taxi cabs . . .
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Ha ha ha. Great idea. Wear a mask though.
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Fo sho.
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😊
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“I’ll go get the ant powder.” Meanwhile she’s thinking, “I only have to be faster than you three.”
Good one, John.
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I love that old joke about the camper putting on tennis shoes when the bear is heading for the camp. “You’ll never outrun that bear.” “True. I’m only worried about outrunnng you.”
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🤣
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haha! This is such a great picture and your story was a riot. Giant ants! Sid, you should have eaten breakfast like we told you to. Lunch might be delayed.
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Of course, if he’s not careful, Sid will be the guest at lunch.
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Reminds me of that line from Silence of the Lambs: “I’m having an old friend for dinner.” 😨
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Ha ha ha. Loved that line.
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Great little story, John!
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Thank you, Mar. I’m so glad you liked it.
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It’s always interesting to see what direction you are going to take these prompts, John. Good one! 🙂
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Thank you, Jan. I appreciate your comment. 😁
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Ha ha ha, I love the return of the ants, this time in giant form!
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Ants are always on my mind. Thanks, Liz.
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You’re welcome, John. 🙂
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😁
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Ants near our home are to abide by a standing agreement we will not interfere in each other’s business. They are also aware if they cross over into our home, the ramifications will be far-reaching. Now if they’re giant ants…I may have to rethink this a bit…
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A rethink would be in order. I’m glad you have made peace with your resident ants.
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Ha ha ha! It gives a whole new perspective to ant traps.
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Can you imagine the size needed?
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Giggle. The image screams, “Which way is the eclipse?” To fun, giant ants…fire ants. Texas! Run.
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They don’t mind crashing an outdoor BBQ that’s for sure. I guess it’s true what they say about Texas. 🐜🐜
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Yes it is true. 😊
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I knew it! Great take in the Kue John. 🐂
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Ha ha ha. Don’t forget Texans Tell big stories too. 🐂
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Hmmm… hahaha, I’ll keep
That in mind.
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😁
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Ants the size of busses—now that would give me nightmares.
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Take a lot of sugar water to convince them to leave you alone.
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I hate it when the giant ant come into town!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Me too, Luanne. Thanks
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Lol
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Well … you never know … they might actually be nicer than some humans! 😁
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Maybe
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Great take on the photo! I think they are likely safe…they’re out of wine and most visitors leave once the wine is gone. 😉
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Yeah, good point.
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Giants ants??? Yikes! I’d be heading for the car … fast!
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I’d be right behind you.
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😉
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Wonderful dialogue. Fits the image very well.
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Thank you, Rabirus
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We had a picnic in Jasper National Park one year and noticed everyone staring at something over our shoulders. We turned to see a big herd of elk meandering through the trees straight for us, lol. The lunch was forgotten 🙂
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Sounds like a great sight. I would say the lunch would be forgotten.
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great take, John, I’d be running too❣️
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I would only hope you didn’t pass me as we run down the path. 🤣
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[…] Visitors by John W. Howell © 2024 […]
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