Looking forward to a nice cappuccino, the heat of a blush races across my face. There is no milk. Checked the fridge, wine cooler, and even the cow. Nope, there’s no milk and therefore no cappuccino. A large coffee is the consolation prize. Pressing the two coffee buttons on the touchscreen, the normal wait produces the liquid of my dreams. One sip and the Westminster chimes signal the dogs that duty calls. A knuckle bone tossed into the soundproof room and a door slam stops the bedlam and saves the window panes from an eventual shatter.
Glancing at the security monitor confirms a visitor so foreign that the “do not ring the doorbell” sign is in a language not yet learned. “What do you want?’ is the question through the intercom. “Letter for Howell” is the answer. “Leave it,” is the order. “Needs signature,” is the rebuff.
Heaving a sigh, the security system shutdown process has begun. The SWAT team needs to be put on standby. A quick text to the leader confirms that status. Also, the flight of A-10 Warthogs must be diverted. Another call to the commander puts that worry to rest. The SEAL team needs to be called off, and a call to the leader makes that possible. The control panel simplifies the shutdown process of the security system. The boiling oil vats are put on standby, the turret mortars disengaged, the Trebuchet on safety, the concertina wire rolled, the Claymore mines reset, the tower Gatling guns on safety, the moat net dropped, the alligators fed, the IEDs and shoulder-held rockets put away. The Proton torpedoes switched off. The locks on the door are thrown. And the door opened.
Standing before me is a character with a large red handlebar mustache, a big cowboy hat, and two six guns. If I had paid a royalty to Warner Bros., I would swear it was Yosemite Sam. But since it can’t be. “Sign here, pardner.” The clipboard has a spot for my signature. After signing, the letter is released. Turning to go back inside, the character says, “Where’s my tip?” “Don’t eat the yellow snow,” is the reply, and the doors slam.
The letter is from Linda Hill and says: Your Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is “blush.” Use as a noun, use it as a verb, use it any way you’d like. Enjoy!
To see what others have done with the prompt, visit Linda’s post. Here is the link: https://lindaghill.com/2025/08/01/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-aug-2-2025/
Blush by John W. Howell © 2025
“Pretty short with the delivery guy. Made me blush.”
“Oh, stop. That is all a figment of my imagination. There are no hurt feelings.”
“Well, if I were the one on the end of that tip, I would have hurt feelings.”
“Admit it. You laughed.”
“Okay. I did.”
“So where is the harm?”
“I see your point. Why don’t you contact Warner Bros. and see if they mind you using their characters?”
“In a past life, I had some experience with Warner Bros.”
“How did that work out?”
“It was fine, but they are pretty strict about their character use.”
“So?”
“I don’t think it would be worth the trouble.”
“Well, okay then. What about your flagrant use of the VooDoo Ranger trademark?”
“What about it?”
“Don’t the folks at New Belgium Brewing get upset?”
“Upset about free advertising?”
“Guess not. And speaking of VooDoo Ranger.”
“Uber?”
“Right over there.”
Photo by Dan Antion
“I’ll be darned. A Volvo wagon.”
“Yup. Safest wagon on the road.”
“Or at least the one that appeals to the fussiest folks. What year is that?”
“Maybe a 2003. Most look alike, so it’s hard to tell.”
“Well, it will get us there.”
“Just one thing.”
“Yeah, of course.”
“We have to drop off the Cub Scout pack on the way.”
“Doesn’t seem like a big problem.”
“No, except we have to teach them knots.”
“Huh?”
“Yeah, it is knot day at the meeting.”
“Do you know any?”
“I know what not to drink.”
“Idiot.”
Fiction Favorites 
Dear John
I drove these Volvos for many years – and I once attended a knot-tying workshop. Afterwards, I tried hard at home with shoe laces and a book to tie knots.
Great story, we all enjoyed
The Fab Four of Cley
🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂
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So glad you all enjoyed the story. As a Boy Scout, I learned many knots, and the only one that really stuck was the two half hitches. Thanks for sharing your story. Wishing the F$oC a peaceful rest of the weekend.
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Dear John
We more or less only use half hitches
The Fab Four of Cley
🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂
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👍🏻
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What in Yosemite Sam came over you Sheriff?
At first blush, you made me think this mission was going to turn into some sort of Warner Brothers skit but then you got deadly serious with a (not so) top secret transfer of Boy Scouts on . . of all days . . . knot day! But at least you have the correct ride for it. I miss my old Volvo wagon, it was like a tank with a sound system.
Well played sir, well played.
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I remember ads for Volvos where the folks got buried in the snow and lived for days. Well, three out of four. The other was needed for lunch. 😀
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Right! LOL. I mean, someone has to take one for the team.
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Yes, they do.
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LOL
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😀
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Teaching elementary school kids how to tie a knot might be challenging, John. You might better start having a few VD Rangers before you get in the Uber from now on!
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I think you are right, GP. Maybe a cooler on the floorboard will be a good idea. Thanks 😊
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Hope the cub scouts did not act knotty in the car or they might make you blush. Fun segment., John.
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Thank you, Pat. Glad you liked it. 😊
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I admit, I laughed. Enjoyable start to my day.
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Oh good. The best way to start the day. Thanks for letting me know.
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Wow. That car is a blast for the past. Can’t remember the last time I saw one.
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I’m with you. I can’t remember either.
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Haha, very funny, John. Great post.
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So glad you liked it, Robbie.😀
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Wow !! That was great. My bride came in the room and I read it to her. She actually smiled. So kudos to you for that.
The weapons dis engagement always make me grin.
And your “tip” made me laugh out loud.
Thanks for the smiles.
Tom
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A smile? I’ll take it. Glad you enjoyed it as well. Thanks for letting me know.
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I used to see one Volvo in town with the license plate: VOLVOOM. No vanity plates for me. Too easy for people to remember them when they call the cops. 😂
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Ha ha ha. I like your reason for no vanity plates.😀
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“We have to teach them knots” Bwahahaha! Nice ending to a terrific prompt, John.
P.S. There’s nothing worse than having a taste for something particular only to realize a key ingredient is missing. At least you had a second best choice. 😉
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On the weekends, special coffee drinks are the first choice. You are right, the second choice is okay too. Thanks, Monika
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It’ll do in a pinch till you can hit HEB. 🙂
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Yup. All done, ready for tomorrow.
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Argh…would you mind ‘taping’ a t in front of ‘each? Just now noticed that typo. Sorry.
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Added the t. I’m the typo king, so no shame here.
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You’re very kind. Thank you!
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😊
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You don’t see station wagons on the road much anymore, but I loved them. And I heard that they might be coming back. As for knots, I learned to tie them when I was a Mariner. How’s your memory of them?
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My memory of knots stinks. I still can tie half hitches and bowlines, but the other thirty or so are lost in the time fog.
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I’ve probably forgotten a lot of them too. The ones I remember the best were ones I used when sailing.
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Yes, much needed when sailing.
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That was funny!
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Glad you like it. 😀
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😀
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😊Sent from my iPhone
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Don’t eat the yellow snow is always solid life advice.
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Yes, it is unless somebody spilled Lemoncello.
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Very true, though I don’t know anyone willing to take that bet and do a taste test🤣
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Ha ha ha. 🤣
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I suppose Yosemite Sam liked your tip, John. Riding in the Volvo with the cub scouts was interesting, I think. Teaching them knots would be busy work.
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I think he would have liked some money better. Teaching kids knots is busy work. Thanks, Tim.
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No, Mervin, you need thirteen wraps on your noose. It’s traditional.
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😀
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That delivery dude deserved much more than he got… he’s obvious to that there delivery bidness🐳…BT did enjoy the morning read, very entertaining and grin productive😂🐳
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Glad you liked it. Thanks for letting me know. 😊
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Very funny conversation (w/your writer self). 😆👍🏻
🪢 I remember my brother having to do that. Maybe more beneficial than my Girl Scout job of having to sell cookies.
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I think we may have more opportunity to sell things (including ourselves) than to tie knots. Wishing you a super balance of the weekend.
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Good point! Thank you and here’s to never selling ourselves short! 👍🏻 Thank you so much and to you too.
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😊
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What a perfect way to end a story: “Idiot.” No snappy comeback after that—”I know you are but what am I” not effective for anyone over the age of 12.
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😊
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That Volvo stationwagon is my kind of vehicle … yup, I’m a fussy driver. Although I have gotten so used to having a rear camera, I don’t think I could back up any vehicle without one now 😉 I’m glad you’re staying wide of any “cease & desist” letters from Warner Bros. Those corporations have such thin skins.
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Ha ha ha. Thanks, Marie. I don’t have a camera on my car, so I still retain my backup skill. 😀
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Good for you! I sort of need it with the Prius since, like my husband says, it’s like trying to park a beach ball.
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Good analogy.
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I was wondering what Yosemite Sam had been up to. Guess he got a side-hustle delivering messages!
I dunno about the Volvo… they attract a certain type of driver. However, let us be positive and hope you picked up a the how-to to a few special knots!
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A certain kind of driver is an understatement. 🛎️ When I was a Boy Scout, I knew a lot of knots. Now I’m down to the half hitch. 😊
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Haha! Glad you agree. And I used to know quite a few. Amazing what you forget when you don’t practice.
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So true, Dale.
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haha! Great dialogue!
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Thank you, Amanda. 😊
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Yes who asks for a tip for delivering a letter? “Don’t eat the yellow snow,” was a good answer but it could make someone blush. I haven’t seen an old volvo wagon in a long time.
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Blush is the operative word. Nice one, Thomas.
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I passed the quintessential Volvo on Friday, John. Vermont plates. A “Support Dairy” bumper sticker and a “Bernie 2016” bumper sticker. Great post. Better study those knots.
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That was the perfect Volvo for sure.
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LOL! ” I know what not to drink” Loved it.
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Thanks, Deborah.
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I can tie knots!
Self taught, before film, I decided I was going to be a macrame artist. I made plant holders and wall hangings. I was in demand, tying thousands upon thousands of square knots.
People were crazy about my creations. They claimed no one else’s work looked like mine.
Then I got a massive commission. It was a hanging to cover an entire wall in someone’s beautiful living room.
When it was done and hung, I was admiring it with its proud owner.
At some point in the conversation, I said, Yep, that’s a lot of square knots. The person informed me they were Granny Knots.
Later when I checked, I learned that a granny knot was a square knot tied wrong. Unlike the square knot, the granny does not lie flat, and is not secure.
That is why my creations looked so different. Everyone else used square knots 🪢 creating nice flat, organized pieces.
My works were twisty, wild, nonconforming and gnarly.
I’ve never made another piece since that day.
I even had a part time job teaching macrame. All my pupils learned the wrong square knot.
Want me to help out with the scouts?
🪢X 🪢X 🪢X 🪢X
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I tied many a granny knot in my day. I’m sure the work was beautiful. 🪢X 🪢X 🪢X 🪢X
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I never got over it. It was all wrong, but right..
🪢X 🪢X 🪢X 🪢X
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There you go. 🪢X 🪢X 🪢X 🪢X
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