Tuesday – Anything Possible Kreative Kue #45 by Keith Channing

As you may know, I have become enamored by the talent of Keith Channing. He has a weekly prompt named Kreative Kue, which runs on Mondays. Here are the instructions from Keith for the prompt. “Using this photo as inspiration, write a short story, flash fiction, scene, poem; anything, really; and either put it (or a link to it) in a comment or email it to me at keithkreates@channing.fr before 6pm on Sunday (if you aren’t sure what the time is where I live, this link will tell you). If you post it on your blog or site, a link to this page would be appreciated.”

His advice. “Go on. You know you want to. Let your creativity and imagination soar. I shall display the entries, with links to your blog or website, next Monday.” Here is the photo.

Kreative Kue #45

The Thing by John W. Howell © 2015

“Alright, I’m here now tell me what you did Ray.”

“Nothing. I just squeezed the trigger on this thing.”

“So what’s the problem?”

“Look at the street. There’s nobody around.”

“Whoa, you are right there’s no one here.”

“I just love it when you state the obvious.”

“So why did you call me?”

“To help me figure out how to get the people back.”

“What is that thing anyway?”

“I don’t know. I found it on the sidewalk over there.”

“Why did you pull the trigger?”

“I didn’t know it was a trigger. It looks more like a button to me. See?”

“Yeah, a red button. Don’t you know red buttons mean trouble.”

“Well, I do now for sure.”

“Any other dials or buttons on that thing?”

“Look there’s this green one.”

“There you go. The green one probably puts everything back. Go ahead push it.”

“Okay. I hope you’re right.”

“Man. Did you see that?”

“All the buildings are gone.”

“No kidding. I’m right here with you. Push the green again maybe it’s a cycle thing.”

“There.”

“Nice. The buildings are back.”

“I think I should push the red one again. It looks like red is for people and green for stuff. If I push the red again, I believe the people will come back.”

“Okay, but point that thing towards the buildings.”

“Here I go.”

“Nothing happened Ray. Where the hell are you? Oh, Ray if you can hear me don’t push the red again.”

 

 

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt “Expect/Unexpected”

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Stream of Consciousness Saturday again. This week’s prompt is “Expect/Unexpected.” Linda Hill lets us use the words any way we want. If you would like to learn more visit Linda’s site at http://lindaghill.com/2015/10/02/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-oct-315/ Here is my interpretation.

Expect/Unexpected by John W. Howell © 2015

“Whaddayou expect? You scared me.”

“Your reaction was entirely unexpected.”

“Well, I would have expected you to be less of a fright.”

“I did not expect you to react that way.”

“My unexpected reaction was as a result of not expecting you to come out of nowhere.”

“I expected you would be frightened, but your response was unexpected.”

“Would you expect me not to defend myself?”

“No. I would expect you to defend yourself, but this red paint was unexpected.”

“I suspect I threw the first thing in my hand in reaction to your unexpected arrival.”

“I expect you to help me clean it off.”

“I didn’t expect you to jump me so you can clean it yourself.”

“Now that reaction is unexpected.”

“Wait. What are we talking about here? I expect you to apologise.”

“For what?”

“For making me waste a whole can of red paint. My arm hurts as well. I expect I’ve sprained something.”

Tuesday – Anything Possible Kreative Kue #44 by Keith Channing

As you may know, I have become enamored by the talent of Keith Channing. He has a weekly prompt named Kreative Kue, which runs on Mondays. Here are the instructions from Keith for the prompt. “Using this photo as inspiration, write a short story, flash fiction, scene, poem; anything, really; and either put it (or a link to it) in a comment or email it to me at keithkreates@channing.fr before 6pm on Sunday (if you aren’t sure what the time is where I live, this link will tell you). If you post it on your blog or site, a link to this page would be appreciated.”

His advice. “Go on. You know you want to. Let your creativity and imagination soar. I shall display the entries, with links to your blog or website, next Monday.” Here is the photo.

Kreative kue #44

The Gang by John W. Howell © 2015

“See those guys over there?”

“What guys?”

“The ones with the black jackets.”

“Quit staring. They’re going to know you’re looking at them.”

“Seriously they look like trouble.”

“I still don’t see who you are talking about Jerry.”

“There’s one with a bald head just like yours Antoine.”

“Please, no one has a head like mine. I still don’t see ’em.”

“Don’t turn around Shirley but trust me they look badass.”

“So what if they are? Mind your own business and you’ll be okay. Close your mouth for god’s sake.”

“I’m hunching down and still don’t see who you are talking about.”

“Francine, they are right across the court over there. There is one with blond hair like yours.”

“This is driving me mad. I don’t see them, Jerry.”

“Hold on Jerry. I think I see them.”

“Ah ha at last Gladys. Someone knows I’m not nuts.”

“Oh, Jerry I would not be too quick to assume that yet.”

“Why not Gladys?”

“That is a mirror over there. You see our reflection.”

“Erm. Anyone want coffee? Told you they were badass.”

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt “EAT”

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It is Stream of Consciousness Saturday time again. Linda Hill has assigned the word “eat” as the prompt. She also says we can add letters to it to make a different word but admonishes us not to cheat. If you would like to learn more, go to Linda’s site. http://lindaghill.com/2015/09/25/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-sept-2615/ Here is my interpretation.

Eat by John W. Howell © 2015

“So this Stream of conscious thing.”

“Yeah, what about it?”

“You get a prompt each week.’

“Yup. On Friday, Linda Hill sends it out.”

“what is this week’s prompt.”

“Eat.”

“Excuse me?”

“Eat. We can add letters to it, though.”

“What d’you mean?”

“Like Eaten. Also, maybe Eaton the place.”

“How about Meat?”

“Hmm, that sounds like cheating.”

“Cheating?”

“Linda says no cheating.”

“Well, cheating has eat in it.”

“Never thought of that. Okay meat is good.”

“Treat is another.”

“Let’s stop now.”

“Sweat, teat, heat, great, peat, feat─”

“Enough. I think this one is done.”

“You admit defeat?”

“One more and I’ll find a stick.”

“ Stick? What for?”

“To give you a beating. That’s what for.”

“Not neat my friend.”

“That’s it. Start running.”

Tuesday – Anything Possible Kreative Kue #43 Prompt by Keith Channing

As you may know, I have become enamored by the talent of Keith Channing. He has a weekly prompt named Kreative Kue, which runs on Mondays. Here are the instructions from Keith for the prompt. “Using this photo as inspiration, write a short story, flash fiction, scene, poem; anything, really; and either put it (or a link to it) in a comment or email it to me at keithkreates@channing.fr before 6pm on Sunday (if you aren’t sure what the time is where I live, this link will tell you). If you post it on your blog or site, a link to this page would be appreciated.”

His advice. “Go on. You know you want to. Let your creativity and imagination soar. I shall display the entries, with links to your blog or website, next Monday.” Here is the photo.

Kreative Kue 43

Here is my interpretation. It’s called Buzz. Hope you like it.

Buzz by John W. Howell © 2015

“So tell me again why we are following this road so close to the ground.”

“Like I said the navigation and communication radios are not working.”

“I understand that I just wonder why we are down here so low.”

“It’s like this. We can’t communicate with anyone and we have no idea where we are so we are following this road to the nearest town, and we’ll take a fix and figure a way home.”

“Why so low?”

“See those clouds above us. With no radios, we can’t get clearance to fly on instruments and go up through the clouds to clear air. With no clearance, we are sitting ducks for some plane who has clearance. The ceiling is getting lower by the minute. Also following this road will give us a better chance of not hitting any electrical wires or towers. There are none in the middle of the street.”

“How about those over the road?”

“A real worry but out in the country pretty rare. Keep your eyes peeled. I have throttled back to a pretty safe speed.”

“I can hardly see out the front.”

“I know looks like we are getting some rain.”

“I’m really worried.”

“Just keep looking.”

“There’s a dark spot up ahead.”

“I see it. Damn, it’s a stand of trees. We gotta climb, or we’ll take the wings off.”

“Can we?”

“Damn. Can we what?”

“Climb?”

“I’m trying. Whoa, hear that? We just skimmed the tops of those trees. We’re okay now.”

“Jim?”

“Yes, Frank.”

“When we land I’m going to need to change.”

“Roger that Frank. Here have a mint.”

Stream of Consciousness Saturday

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It is Stream of Consciousness Saturday and the prompt for this week is “Route/Root.” Linda has kindly consented to let us use them either together or separately. If you would like to join in on the fun, visit Linda’s site for more information.  http://lindaghill.com/2015/09/18/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-sept-1915/

Route/Root by John W. Howell ©2015

“So tell me again why you don’t stop for directions.”

“Man, it’s like this is the biggest deal. Okay I don’t stop for directions because every time I do whoever I always ask says, ‘I don’t live around here.’”

“Right now we are in the middle of nowhere, nd I think the Route 37 turn off is way back the other way.”

“I don’t understand why this GPS system is on the fritz. That’s the root cause for our frustration right now.”

“The GPS has nothing to do with my frustration.”

“What does then?”

“That you are so stubborn you won’t stop and ask for directions.”

“Okay I will stop and ask as soon as we see someone.”

“Look there. It’s a guy on a tractor. He must live around here. Stop and ask him.”

“Okay. I’ll pull over here and wave him down. Hey mister. Yeah you. Can you help us?”

“Sure enough son. What’s the problem?”

“My  wife and I seem to be lost and wonder if you know where the Route 37 turn off is located?”

“Hmm Route 37 turn off you say?”

“Yes the Route 37 turn off.”

“I can’t rightly say I know where that is.”

“Well I think it might be a couple of miles down that road back the way we came.”

“Okay. If that’s what you believe I would go back and pick it up.”

“I guess I would like to be sure before I go all the way back.”

“Wish I could help but I don’t live around here.”

“You’re on a tractor and you don’t live around here?”

“Nope. I just work the fields during planting season. I actually live on Miami Beach.”

“Figures.”

“I can give you good directions to the best espresso stand in all of South Florida though.”

“Yeah I’ll bet you can.”

“You take I 94 South out of Minneapolis till you get to Illinois─”

“Yeah, thanks. Bye now.”

 

Kreative Kue Prompt # 42 by Keith Channing

As you may know, I have become enamored by the talent of Keith Channing. He has a weekly prompt named Kreative Kue, which runs on Mondays. Here are the instructions from Keith for the prompt. “Using this photo as inspiration, write a short story, flash fiction, scene, poem; anything, really; and either put it (or a link to it) in a comment or email it to me at keithkreates@channing.fr before 6pm on Sunday (if you aren’t sure what the time is where I live, this link will tell you). If you post it on your blog or site, a link to this page would be appreciated.”

His advice. “Go on. You know you want to. Let your creativity and imagination soar. I shall display the entries, with links to your blog or website, next Monday.” Here is the photo.

Kreative Kue #42

The Stroll by John w. Howell © 2015

“Oh miss Marilyn I’m wondering if it is safe to go outside?”

“Why yes, my dear I think so.”

“But I think the way you look you may call attention to yourself.”

“I don’t know what you mean.”

“Those combat boots, automatic rifle, and camouflage will let the soldiers know you mean them no good.”

“Well, I believe in dressing right for each occasion, and this outfit is for shooting and I’m tired of these occupation troops.”

“True, but do you have to broadcast your intent?”

“Hmm, I see what you mean. let me go and change.”

“Good idea. Try that long Victorian orangish, yellowish one you wore to the costume ball. You know the one with the lace cuffs.”

“Be right back.”

“No hurry. I’ll hold your gun here.”

“I’m back. How do I look?”

“I think you will need a cloak to hide the automatic.”

“This black one seems to do the trick.”

“Now you need a hat. Here try this one with the designer’s name on it.”

“I think I’m ready. Do you think I stand out now?”

“No matter. I would hum a tune, and maybe they’ll believe you are insane.”

“Sometimes it feels that way. See you darling.”

 

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt “Temp”

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Stream of Consciousness Saturday time again. This week’s prompt is “temp” and Nurse Linda says we can use it anyway we want. If you would like to join in go to Linda Hill’s site and find out how. http://lindaghill.com/2015/09/11/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-sept-1215/

Temp by John W. Howell © 2015

“So where do I put my things?”

“Excuse me but are you sure you have the right place?”

“Yeah. I’m the temp for Sally Sacrose.”

“Oh, I’m sorry I didn’t know Sally was not in today.”

“Yeah, seems she is sick or something.”

“Sick? I just saw her yesterday was fine.”

“Well she‘s not fine today. I got a call that I was to fill in for the rest of the week.”

“I can’t believe it. I wonder why she didn’t call me?”

“You her boss?”

“No. I’m her friend.”

“Oh. Figures.”

“What do you mean figures?”

“You are all bent cause she didn’t call you.”

“It is strange.”

“Maybe she can’t.”

“Can’t what?”

“Call. Maybe she is hurt.”

“Oh my gosh. I better call her.”

“So where do I put my things?”

“In the break room is a cubby. You can put your stuff in there. Excuse me the phone is ringing.”

“Fine. I’ll go find it myself.”

“Oh my gosh Sally are you okay? I was so worried. You didn’t call me. Yes the temp is here. You’re kidding. No I can’t believe it. Are you sure you’re okay? Maybe you should go to the hospital. You sure? Okay I’ll let the boss know. Call me later okay? Good. Bye now.”

“How’s Sally?”

“Not that you would care she’s fine no thanks to you.”

“Aw come on. I just tapped her is all.”

“You hit her. Why?”

“I needed the work. It was the only way I could find a temp position. I had to make sure there was an opening.”

“So you hit Sally to take her out?”

“Well it was better than trying to give her the flu.”

“I can’t believe this. I’m going to the boss and report you.”

“Sure you are. Won’t do any good.”

“What do you mean won’t do any good.”

“The boss works for my dad. My dad will tell him to ignore it.”

“We’ll see.”

“Nice knowing you. Good luck on your next job.”

Tuesday – Anything Possible Kreative Kue #41 Prompt by Keith Channing

As you may know, I have become enamored by the talent of Keith Channing. He has a weekly prompt named Kreative Kue, which runs on Mondays. Here are the instructions from Keith for the prompt. “Using this photo as inspiration, write a short story, flash fiction, scene, poem; anything, really; and either put it (or a link to it) in a comment or email it to me at keithkreates@channing.fr before 6pm on Sunday (if you aren’t sure what the time is where I live, this link will tell you). If you post it on your blog or site, a link to this page would be appreciated.”

His advice. “Go on. You know you want to. Let your creativity and imagination soar. I shall display the entries, with links to your blog or website, next Monday.” Here is the photo.

Kreative Kue 41

The Line by John W. Howell © 2015

“Wow, I don’t believe I actually won something.”

“Well you did, and it looks nice on you.”

“I thought this was going to be your usual church service.”

“Well, it didn’t turn out that way.”

“You know usual like the old stuff kneel, pray, ask forgiveness, get communion, be forgiven, give thanks.”

“I know right. There you were with your hands ready to receive the host and plop the priest drops a hat on your head.”

“Yeah, then he says something about go forth and sin no more.”

“What was the last thing he said?”

“Ping someone else.”

“Ping? That’s what it says on your hat.”

“It does? I’ve been afraid to look. What does ping someone else mean?”

“The guy behind you has a polo pony on his.”

“I heard the priest say ‘ride someone else.”‘

“Oh, you did not. You’re just saying that.”

“What about the rest? No hats.”

“There is one, but that’s it.”

“So what does it mean?”

“You are special?”

“Yeah right.”

“Okay. You got a free hat.”

“I wonder if anyone else wore this one before.”

“Ew. Take it off.”

 

”

 

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt “Light”

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It is Stream of Consciousness Saturday and this week’s prompt is “Light.” Linda Hill says we can do whatever we want with it. (Hmm causes one to wonder a bit) If you would like to participate, visit Linda and find out the rules. (Almost none) Here is the link. http://lindaghill.com/2015/09/04/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-sept-515/

Light by John W. Howell © 2015

“Get that light out of my face.”

“Tell me what you are doing here and maybe I will.”

“I was looking for a glass of water.”

“A glass of water? Here in the family room?”

“Well, I got turned around.”

“I guess so. It would be logical to get a glass of water in the kitchen.”

“Duh. I know that. I just got turned around is all. Get that light outa my face.”

“Not so fast. I still have to wonder how you got into the family room?”

“Okay, okay it’s no big deal. I came in through the window over there.”

“That’s what I thought. So you broke in.”

“No, I didn’t break in. The stupid window was open. I more or less fell in.”

“Fell in?”

“Yeah I was leaning against the house and the next thing I know I’m lying on the floor inside.”

“You don’t think entering someone else’s house is a problem?”

“Someone else’s? This is my house.”

“And who am I then?”

“Damned if I know.”

“Well, if you don’t know I’m not telling. See ya.”

“You’re a burglar. Hey not so fast.”

“What?”

“That’s my flashlight isn’t it?”

“Yup. Bye now.”

“You are taking my only light.”

“Tough break.”

“Yeah, tough. See ya.”