In Keith’s words: “Using this image (Below) as inspiration, write a short story, flash fiction, scene, poem; anything, really. Either put 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 do also mention it in a comment here. Thank you for taking part.
Keith’s post: https://keithchanning.wordpress.com/2024/03/25/kreative-kue-425/
The photo:
Beach by John W. Howell © 2024
” You look like your thoughts are far away. What’s up?”
“Just wondering, is all.”
“About what?”
“Oh, I don’t know. The future, I guess.”
“Oh my. What started this path?”
“I think it was planning this vacation.”
“It has been glorious. You did a fabulous job.”
“I have enjoyed it too.”
“So why so glum.”
“I’m not glum. Just because I’m thinking of things doesn’t mean I’m unhappy.”
“You may say so, but I recall things differently.”
“Maybe your memory is flawed. You know that blast could have knocked a few screws loose.”
“Yeah, that was something, but I have all my facilities.”
“Look down the beach. It appears folks are rebuilding.”
“I’m amazed anyone is still here.”
“It is a miracle for sure. What was here before the blast?”
“You mean what city?”
“Yeah.”
“Los Angles.”
“Well, at least the beach is still here.”
“Ever the optimist.”
Fiction Favorites 
Good one, John. Thanks. Background: Just north of Cape May, NJ. According to the elderly owner of the efficiency we were staying in (strange name for a self-catering room, but… okay), he knew an Irish sailor – well, you know the rest, don’t you?
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Thanks Keith
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Dang. I’ll have to dust the Los Angeles off my car before the commute this morning.
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More like shovel LA out of the drive. Great comment, Craig.
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Optimism in the face of disaster is definitely a vacation norm.
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Almost a necessity. Thanks, Charles.
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At least the beach is there! You never hear that down here. After every storm, more beach disappears. But like all other humans, we can’t resist building and building some more.
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I’ve always wondered when Florida was going to capsize. Thanks, GP.
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If the ocean keeps rising, it shouldn’t be long after NYC.
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That’s a helluva vacation, just sayin’!
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Might be the last too. Thanks Dale 😊
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Seriously!
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Oh wow, that sat me back in my heels , of course it’s entirely possible. They’ll always be the beach , I hope. 😊🐂
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There is always hope🐂
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And the lines at LAX where ever it was are very short…
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Yes. Just get on board. 🤣
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Wow, John! That’s a huge blast!
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Yes it was. Thanks,Tim.
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A story for our times . . .
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Sadly. Thanks, Liz.
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You’re welcome, John.
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Very creative and timely, John. Life is beautifully fragile, but we often dismiss this truth as nonsense. 😔
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I think we see the fragile nature of life every day. Thanks , Gwen.
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And just like that, it was gone. I do appreciate the optimistic view. 😀
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Me too Kymber. Thank you.
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That’s the mantra here in Florida–rebuild. As they add a Cat 6 to the hurricane chart and increase our insurance rates.
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Been there with Hurricane Harvey. That’s why we moved.
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I like where I live, but having six months of hurricane season does wear on your nerves. Glad you got out.
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Wow, that was unexpected! Then again you always manage to surprise and entertain me, John!
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Thank you, Mae. I try to surprise and am so glad I did. Thanks for telling me.
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These twists come out of the blue, John. This one was a doozy! Great use of the prompt.
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Thank you, Jan I’m glad you liked it 😊
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Nice that the beach at least survived! I didn’t know where you were heading with this one, John. An interesting spin, as usual.
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Thank you, Debbie. Sometimes the road is a winding one. 😊
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I did not see that coming!
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I call that a win. Thank you Pam.
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I’d be contemplating life, too, if L.A. tried out the big bang theory, lol
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Yes indeed. Thanks, Jacquie
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Holy Cormac McCarthy! That took a dystopian turn, and quickaly at that. I guess the only upside to the horrible science fiction ending is that Los Angelinos will always have a beach to look forward to. The downside is they best live in Colorado to take advantage.
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Ha ha ha. I hope they kept a boat tied up in Colorado.
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You can never be too prepared.
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Nice job, John. At least there are survivors.
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Yes indeed. Maybe these folks can get it right.
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Great job, John. Gotta love the optimists of the world.
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Yes we do. Thanks, Monika.
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Well done, John!
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😊
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You have to keep optimism alive! 😀
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You do for sure, Deborah.
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[…] Beach by John W. Howell © 2024 […]
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Thanks.
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