Today I randomly opened The Last Drive to page 181. With my eyes closed, I pointed to the page. The word closest to my finger is “Shines.” That is our prompt today.
Shines by John W. Howell © 2026
“Look how the lowering sun shines on the water.”
“I know. It makes the surface look like silver dollars.”
“It is just beautiful.”
“I’m so glad we came to the beach today.”
“Oh, I am, too. It has been a lovely day.”
“Of course, it is getting late and will be dark soon.”
“I know. I just hate to leave, though.”
“I guess we could stay and see the sunset.”
“That would be wonderful.”
“There is something really special about ending the day on the beach.”
“It won’t be a problem getting home in the dark, will it?”
“No. I have great night vision, unlike some.”
“That is comforting.”
“We just have to watch out for other crazies, is all.”
“I can help with that.”
“Then it’s settled. We’ll stay for the sunset and leave after.”
“You’re the best. Do you know that?”
“Aw. You say the nicest things.
“Should we stop for dinner on the way?”
“That would be fun. Who wants to do dinner after a long day? In fact, I know of a place.”
“How fun. What place?”
“Sonic drive-in. It’s on the way.”
“You sure we can get something?”
“Are you kidding? Those humans drop food all over the place.”
“Will they mind?”
“A couple of starlings grabbing a fry off the parking lot will never be noticed.”
“You are so wise. Oh look. The sun is starting to dip below the horizon. How romantic.”
“It is.”
What a fun and creative prompt, John! The idea that anything is possible opens the door to so many unexpected directions, and the finger-point prompt adds an intriguing twist. Always enjoyable to see where imagination takes us. Thanks for another entertaining Tuesday! 😊✨
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Thank you, Mihran. 😊
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You left me with a big smile. Very enjoyable. My guess wasn’t right this week – foiled again!
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There is always next week. Thanks, Esther. 😀
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So romantic, sunset and parking lot fries.
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Isn’t it, though? 😀
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There is nothing more romantic than watching a bird drag a fry across the parking lot. **insert heavy sigh here** This was cute, John.
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Thank you, Lois. 😀
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Was expecting gulls, but that’s probably due to my area. Don’t think I’ve seen starlings at the beach here.
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Not sure I ever have either. 😀
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Chicago equals Pigeons! Pigeons! Sometimes they are aggressive but usually just messy.
By the lake (Michigan) there are sea gulls looking for hand outs from the fishing boats that clean their fish and toss the birds scraps. Kind of fun to watch and listen to them.
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My roosters will kick your pigeon’s tail feathers T🦴…🐳
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BT, my birds can just fly away. Your roosters and chickens just make noise and make a mess where they congregate.
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And lay eggs.
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😊
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Definitely a colorful display. Thanks. Tom.
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We have chickens around here…will eat anything they find and the roosters will chase you…🐳
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Nothing like being trampled by a rooster.
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Geat take on the prompt. I was sure it was sea gulls!
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Sorry, no. Thanks, Noelle.
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Should always stay for the sunset! I know they will ge well fed
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Yes. Sunsets are lovely.
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Love this one! Although I am not a big Sonic fan
Kent 512.608.3535
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I hear you. For starlings, it is definitely upscale. Thanks for the visit and comment, Kent.
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It’s so nice the starlings will watch sunset on the beach, John!
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Thank you, Tim.
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My pleasure, John. 😊
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😊
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Such romance for the starlings.. xxx I’ve never met a sunset I didn’t like.. xx
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Me neither, Cindy. That goes for sunrises, too.
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I totally agree!! xx
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😀
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I rarely guess who’s talking until the very last moment. Cute dialog.
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Thank you, Rebecca. 😊
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That is a beautiful and romantic starling story
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If there could be such a thing. Thank you, Thomas.
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I have had fries while in a parking lot, but not when they’re actually on the parking lot. These starlings clearly have figured out you don’t have to order fries to enjoy fries!
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Ha ha ha. I guess they have, Bruce. Thank you. 😀
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Sounds like seagull. They are expert scavengers.
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Is that your final answer?
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No, I saw that others voted for a different scavenger.
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I also named the bird in the story.
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😚
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That twist at the end with the starlings heading to Sonic for dropped fries was brilliant! As bruce@ssa and Kent O’Brien noted, Sonic really is top-tier fine dining in the bird world. Such a clever and fun response to the prompt, John!
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So glad you enjoyed it, Prateek. 😀
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😊😊😊
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I really believed that they were humans this time!
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Nah. Never.
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😁
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Birds of a feather drive-thru together. A love story.
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Maybe it should be a movie. Thanks, Pilgrim.
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Why not?
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😊
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Wasn’t expecting starlings. Love it!
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So glad. 😀
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You’re such a romantic, John.
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😊
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You had me, John. Nicely done!
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Love it. 😊
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😀
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😊
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I have to agree about watching the sunset on the beach. I did not guess what the animal was. Great job, John!
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Thank you, Jan. Always fun to pull the wool.
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