Today I randomly opened Circumstances of Childhood to page 141 and with my eyes closed, pointed at the page. The word closest to my finger is offense. That is our prompt today.
Offense by John W. Howell © 2025
“No offense but do you know what you’re doing?”
“No offense?”
“Well, I’m just wondering. That looks complicated.”
“I’ve been doing this for years. So, to answer your so called ‘no offense’ question. Yes, I know what I’m doing.”
“Okay. I didn’t mean to offend you.”
“I’m not offended but it seems that youngsters ought to think a little more before talking.”
“You have to admit that from where I’m sitting your actions look a little strange.”
“Strange? How so?”
“For one we are way too high for my comfort.”
“Well you didn’t have to come along.”
“I can say if I knew were were going to end up on the top of the world I would have stayed home.”
“It is a little late for that now.”
“I know and that is what worries me. How are we going to get down to the valley?”
“You’re kidding right?”
“No.”
“We are going to glide down.”
“Glide down?”
“Oh, for heaven’s sake. Look at you. You are scared aren’t you?”
“I’ve never been this high before.”
“You are a condor. What do you mean you have never been this high before? These mountains are your home.”
“My mom never let me .”
“That explains it all. Today you are going to become an adult.”
“By sailing down to the valley.”
“By catching the wind currents and soaring above the mountains and then down to the valley.”
“Does sound fun.”
“Yeah. Just don’t look down. Spread your wings like this and step off. Go ahead. I’m right behind you.”
We all have to take that leap of faith at some point… excellent as always John.. hugsx
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Yes, we do. Thank you, Sally.
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Life’s lessons often contain an element of fear. Nicely done, sir. I could not figure out what beastie you had chosen until the near end!
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I had this image in my head of the Andes mountains and these huge birds jumping off for a soar.
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Oooh… I love that!
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😊
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And thank you.
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Of course!
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😊
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Yup. He needs this, even if it isn’t mom approved.
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Ha ha ha. Thanks, Craig.
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A bird afraid of heights. There’s a cartoon short to be made there.
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I think so too, Charles.
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Wouldn’t that be fun?! Great message and dialogue, John. Loved it!
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I’m so glad, Gwen. Thanks for telling me.
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“Go ahead. I’m right behind you.”–usually followed by, “You first. I insist.” Gotta love this condor conversation. Who knew?!
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Ha ha ha. Thanks, Lois.
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You have chosen a great teaching scene, John! Best wishes, Michael
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Thank you, Michael.
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You´re welcome, John! Best wishes, Michael
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😊
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This is a wonderful image of taking flight and trusting, John! 🩷
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It was meant to be just that, Cindy. Thank you so much.
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Well, done.. you’re most welcome! 🤗
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😊
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I enjoyed that uplifting ending. You leave knowing he had trust and took flight.
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And grew in the process. Thanks, Esther.
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Condors on top of the world is entertaining, especially with the adult try to get the youngster to be brave.
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Thank you, Tim. I had hoped for the outcome you described. 😊
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I figured some kind of bird, but I didn’t know what kind.
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Well, half solved is a good thing. 😊
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True!
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It’s the only way they learn, John. Well done.
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Thank you, Dan
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We all have to make that jump sometime, John 🙂
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So true, Denise.
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Very good, John. I have to admit, I wasn’t thinking condor.
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I think it could have been almost any bird. Thanks, GP.
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Well done! I didn’t expect that but it carried me along. Good lesson.
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I’m glad, Jo.
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Sweet! A condor is an excellent choice for this story. You wouldn’t think they’d need any coaxing to glide, but that first time might be a little scary.
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I agree. Thanks, Marie.
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Kind of like jumping off a high dive! Nice for the little one to have a mentor.
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That is precisely what I thought it would be like.
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What fun! My first guess was a bald eagle. A little smaller!
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A lot smaller.
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Thanks for the share.
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Definitely a leap of faith! Love this, John!
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Thank you, Jan
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To borrow an old proverb for this Tuesday keeper, a good offense is the best defense. And hey, wings play a big part in this one so there’s that. As long as he keeps looking straight ahead and flaps his wings more than he flaps his gums . . all good.
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I like the use of offense, Pilgrim. Very good. 😊
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I enjoyed the glide, Boss. You dished up another keeper.
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Thank you, Marco. 😊
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A leap of faith with a leader behind – sounds like the best of both worlds! There’s no substitute for the actually doing. 🦅
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I so agree. Take a leap. Thanks, Michelle.
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Wonderful, yes! 🪽🪽🙏🏻
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Watch that first step, it’s a biggie. 😀
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Hee, hee…that’s the spirit-let the other guy go first. 😉
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After you, as they say.
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Those helicopter moms don’t help at all!
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True. 😀
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