Today, I randomly opened Detour on the Eternal Road to page 45. With my eyes closed, I pointed to the page. The word closest to my finger was “Steps,” which became the prompt.
Steps by John W. Howell © 2024
“We need to make a list.”
“A list? What for?”
“Lists help with organization by detailing steps in a process.”
“Organization? Whatever do you mean?”
“I mean, we run through life without a purpose.”
“Without a purpose? What about living each day?”
“You know if this dialogue lasts too much longer, you will have come up with twenty questions.”
“Very funny. I’m just trying to understand why we need lists.”
“Let me explain it with an example. Tell me about the day so far.”
“Okay, I’ll play along. I got up. I had breakfast, and now I’m talking to you.”
“What did you accomplish?”
“Huh?”
“If you had a list of your steps to the day, you would have had plenty of time to cross something off that you completed. As it is, you are sitting there looking pretty useless.”
“I beg your pardon. You better watch it, Bud.”
“I’m just saying. By knowingly keeping track of the day’s steps, you will feel more fulfilled knowing how you made a mark.”
“Okay, let’s start with you. What was on your list today?”
“Fine. Here it is. Rise, check. Wait for breakfast, check. Eat breakfast, check. Introduce the concept of listing steps and check. That brings us to now. Four things accomplished already.”
“Who went out to get the breakfast?”
“Well, you.”
“Who served it?”
“You.”
“Who lays around like a fat dumbass?”
“Now, hold on. I am the king of beasts. That’s what we do.”
“Yeah, and you go to listen to that stupid chimpanzee blabber about organization and steps to the day. Then you come back here with some goofy idea about lists.”
“I’m just trying to improve.”
“If you want to improve, go out and get a zebra or something. Better yet, why not take on a rhino. You’re the king of beasts, after all.”
“Gee, I was just thinking —”
“Dangerous pastime for you.”
“Okay, let’s forget it.”
“No, I think you are on to something. I’m going to join the ladies at the waterhole. Here’s a list of things that need doing around the den. Try to feel accomplished today by taking steps to get them done.”
“Yes, dear.”
Fiction Favorites 
Now that’s funny and can apply to all species!
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I think so too. Anywhere there is a judgemental lazy male. 😁
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This is so funny and at the same time true to the human species too. lol
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You are so right, Adele. I used humans as the model. Thank you ‘n’ a guid day tae ye.
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Guid day tae you an awe John
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😁
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😂🤣😂
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😁👍
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Hysterical, John. Their life resembles a few other species, eh?
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Yes there are a few species. One in particular.😁
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Tomorrow it’s a list about lists.
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Having a list of things to do reminds one of what should get done, and can give a feeling of accomplishment. The king of beasts’ stomach has the list.
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Ha ha ha. Thanks, Tim.
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Haha – very amusing. For the record, I make lists 🙂
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I just knew you did, Barbara.
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🙂
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Great skit.
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Thank you, Charles.
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Life at the top of the food chain isn’t as easy as it appears. Nicely done, John.
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Very complex, Dan. Thanks.
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Even the king has to do some work 🙂
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You would think. But in typical King mode he decides to train others in how to do it.
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Aren’t we supposed to do 10,000 steps each day (lol)?
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Sounds like a good goal. Put that on the list.
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So clever and human-like. I’m sure the King of the Beasts makes lists!!!
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In the brain maybe. Thanks Noelle.
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The paws would be a little clumsy!
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Yes they would. 😁
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haha! I hope that fat dumbass learned his lesson!
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To at least keep his ideas to himself.
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Ha! And that’s the way it goes. Love this, John!
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I’m so glad you enjoyed it, Jan.
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Very creative dialogue driven story. I can sympathize with what I am guessing is the lioness.
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Yes the long suffering lioness
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My wife makes lists for me.
My job is to ignore all items on those lists.
If I accidentally do something on her list, I take full credit.
Seems to work . . . 58 years and counting. 😂✔
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I think you have been very lucky all those years.
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This can apply to so many species. Made me chuckle. Thanks, John.
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Yes. I think the model is homosapians
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Too funny, John. I bet you had fun writing this story. Have a great day. 😄
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It was fun, Gwen. Wishing you a super week. 😊
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That was funny and a good twist of it being lions, John:)
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You know I have to twist it somewhat. Thanks Denise😊
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Nicely done! I was wondering what kind of critters these were, and you didn’t disappoint me. “Yes, dear” covers a LOT of ground!
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Yes , Dear is code for “I surrender.” 😄
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Well, the lioness got the better of the lion this time!
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I think most times. 😄
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😁
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A nice dialogue. I think steps are important. When I brew a beer I do it in steps. First I boil the wort with the malt and hops, etc. When I make a blog post I do it in steps. When I read a book I do it in steps, page 1, page 2, page 3, etc.
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There are many steps in life. We need to watch out for the last one.
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Yes that’s true
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😁
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A nice twist with practical dialogue, John. It could have taken different steps.
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Yes it might have ended differently for sure.
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Just goes to show that even the top of the food chain has to answer to someone, LOL
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Yes. She who must be obeyed.
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LOL
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Now if I can just remember where I put my list?
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The biggest challenge of all.
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Naturally I expected to be entertained by one of your finger-point prompts, John. LOL, but this one was unexpected. 🐱 You slay me. Hugs.
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Always good to hear, Teagan. Thanks for letting me know. Hugs.
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Tee hee…how about just sitting there looking pretty (or handsome & regal as the case may be)? Awesome way to meet the prompt, John!
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🤣 😆 thinking is indeed a dangerous pastime! It can really hurt the brain. LOL those steps sound productive. As long as I’ve had my coffee, that is one accomplishment I can’t go without! ☕️
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Coffee is key. 😁
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Oh my, testy but made me laugh,
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Which is a good thing.
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Yes!
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