Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt – “etc”

February 29, 2020February 29, 2020 ~ John W. Howell ~ 37 Comments

It is Stream of Consciousness Saturday time again, and this week’s prompt needs to be explained by Linda Hill. In her words.

“Your Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is “ect.” Find a word with the letters “ect” in it, and base your post on that word. (Not to be confused with “et cetera,” which is “etc.”) Enjoy!”etc”

If you would like to join in the fun, go to Linda’s blog and read how. It is easy to go off the edge. Here is the link.

The Friday Reminder and Prompt for #SoCS Feb. 29/2020

“Well, this certainly is farfetched.”

“You seem upset. What has caused you to express this farfetchedness?”

“I’m looking at the latest Stream of Conscious prompt, and it is wretched.”

“Let me see. Oh my, that is the sketchiest.”

“I know, right? Anything I can think of right now is a stretch.”

“So, you have no idea? Mind if I kvetch?”

“For once, I think I could use something from your mental sketchpad.”

“I’ll take that as a yes. So here is my latest mind stretchability.”

“My brains are outstretched to welcome any idea.”

“That is a visual that’s not very fetching. Here we go with my idea. What don’t you build a dialog around words that have “etc” in them?”

“Like maybe a story about streetcars?”

“Whatever. The important part will be to include an “etc” word in each line. This will etch a commonality in the reader’s mind, and you will have met the prompt.”

“That sounds great. Then in the backstretch, I could do something really super.”

“This is not a horserace, but what are you thinking? I wouldn’t overstretch the concept.”

“Pull out a word that few will know. Like baronetcies.”

“Are you tetched? Why would you do that?”

“To outdo the prompt in the homestretch.”

“Guess what, wretch?”

“What is it, kevetchier?”

“There is a pint with my name on it that will take me away from this wretchedness.”

“And a burger and fries with ketchup?”

“Let’s go fetch it.”

“I have been letching for it all morning.”

“Letch no more my man.”

“How do we stop this kvetching?”

“Grab your coat, etcetera, and walk out the door.”

“Etc no more.”

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Kreative Kue #251 by Keith Kreates

February 25, 2020February 24, 2020 ~ John W. Howell ~ 58 Comments

In Keith’s words. “Using this photo (below) as inspiration, write a short story, flash fiction, scene, poem; anything, really; even just a caption for the photograph. Either put it (or a link to it) in a comment or email it to me at keithchanning@gmail.com before 6pm next Sunday (if you aren’t sure what the time is where I live, this link will tell you). If you post it on your own blog or site, a link to this page would be appreciated, but please do also mention it in a comment here.

Go on. You know you want to. Let your creativity and imagination soar. I shall display the entries next Monday.”

The photo

Kreative Kue #251

“Well, folks. I have given the car a complete check over. I have some good news and some bad news.”

“Doesn’t surprise me there is bad news. That POC has been giving me fits for two years.”

“Now, darling. Let’s not be negative. Let’s hear what the nice man has to say.”

“Okay nice man. Give us the bad news first.”

“You sure you wouldn’t rather have the good news?”

“No, I’m a realist and need to deal with the downside of each issue foremost.”

“Very well, sir. The bad news is I don’t think your car is ever going to run again.”

“What do you mean? I just had the thing completely overhauled before we started on this ill-advised adventure.”

“Now, dear. We shouldn’t bother this nice mechanic with some of our petty feelings about this trip.”

“Not bother him. What about me. I said driving that heap would be a mistake. And who’s idea was it to take a trip to visit who’s mother?”

“Okay, Leonard. Now is not the time to start ranting about my mother.”

“I think it is a perfect time. We came all this way, and do you think she could have at least offered a cup of tea?”

“You know she’s not well.”

“Not well? That old warhorse is far more healthy than you, and I combined.”

“Well, she still has her challenges.”

“Challenges? Let’s call that little gin habit of hers what it is. She’s a lush.”

“Excuse me, folks, but I need to get back to the shop.”

“Ah, forgive us.”

“Yeah, please tell us the good news since the bad news says we are pretty much doomed to call my wife’s mother for help.”

“Wel,l even though your car will never run again, I can give you a tow to the garage.”

“Excuse me. Where is the good news in that? Are you saying you can tow us for no extra charge?”

“Oh, no, sir. The fee will be five hundred dollars.”

“That is exorbitant. I’m still waiting for good news.”

“The good news is I can still offer you a ten dollar coupon good on any service. The offer expires at midnight tonight.”

“Such good news, I’m overwhelmed.”

“We only have these coupons once a year.”

“Yeah, I’m not surprised.”

“You and your wife want to ride in the truck?”

“Or what? Walk?”

“Dark sarcasm in the classroom, sir.”

“Yeah, I know. How can you have any pudding if you don’t eat yer meat?”

“You said it, sir.”

“Here’s my card.”

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt – “Animal Sounds”

February 22, 2020February 21, 2020 ~ John W. Howell ~ 53 Comments

It is Stream of Consciousness Saturday time again, and this week’s prompt will need some explanation by the Prompt Master, Linda Hill. Here is what she posted on the dungeon door, “Your Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is “animal sounds.” Write about the sounds animals make and how you experience them. Have fun!”

“Meow.”

“Okay, I give.”

“Woof.”

“Please tell me you aren’t having a stroke. Instead, tell me you are heeding the call of the Linda Hill prompt instead.”

“Growl.”

“Please get up off the floor and tell me what’s going on.”

“Snarl.”

“Now you are causing me concern. Before I call animal control, tell me what you are doing.”

“Okay. We are supposed to write about the sounds animals make and how we experience them.”

“So, your experience is making the sounds?”

“Great guess. See you should join in the fun.”

“As the last thing I do on Earth, you mean?”

“Aw come on. You might like it.”

“I think a root canal might be more pleasurable.”

” Go ahead, make an animal sound.”

“You’re pushing me.”

“Have some fun.”

“Toot.”

“You are kidding, right? What sound was that?”

“A baby elephant.”

“Oh my. Why did you pick a baby elephant?”

“To give you fair warning.”

“Of what?”

*BARRRATTTTT

“It’s irratated mama.”

“Very funny.”

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Kreative Kue #250 by Keith Channing

February 18, 2020February 17, 2020 ~ John W. Howell ~ 57 Comments

Go on. You know you want to. Let your creativity and imagination soar. I shall display the entries next Monday.”

The photo.

Kreative Kue #250

“Can you hear me?”

“Muffelluff eff.”

“What?”

“Merfing merp merp.”

“I can’t understand you. Is something blocking your mouth?”

“Ah, moggle mit merf. Is this better? The snow was in the way.”

“My goodness, yes. How are you doing?”

“Just fine. Unfortunately, I fell in this deep hole.”

“I know. I have been sent to rescue you.”

“Who are you?”

“My name is Arty.”

“Arty?”

“Yup. Short for Arctic Rescue Canine.”

“Do you have a rope?”

“No. Just my paws. I will have you out in no time.”

“You are going to dig down here?”

“Yup. That’s right.”

“Then what?”

“Then, we walk out of the hole together.”

“Excuse me if I seem dubious, but I don’t know how that’s going to happen.”

“The walking part?”

“No the digging part. You’ve got about ten feet to dig to reach me.”

“Piece of cake.”

“How can you be so sure.”

“I used to be able to dig out of my yard in ten seconds flat, and that was dirt. This is snow. What chance does it stand?”

“Well, you sound convincing.”

“What do you have to lose?”

“Nothing, I guess. One more thing.”

“Yes.”

“I’m a cat.”

“You’re kidding?”

“No. Arctic Bob is my name.”

“Tell me the name ‘Bob’ is not part of the term bobcat.”

“It is.”

“You know I think I hear my owner. You can do this Bob. See ya.”

“Darn. Thought I had one.”

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt “Cheek”

February 15, 2020February 14, 2020 ~ John W. Howell ~ 39 Comments

It is Stream of Consciousness Saturday time again and this week’s prompt is “cheek.” Linda Hill says we can use it as a noun or verb. I can think of cheek as a noun and an adjective but am having a tough time coming up with a verb. Maybe something will come to me. If you would like to be faced with such life-altering thoughts why not pop over to Linda’s blog and read how you can solve them by joining the happy but at times confused gathering of writers. Here is the link.

The Friday Reminder and Prompt for #SoCS Feb. 15/2020

“Something wrong?”

“No, not really.”

“Why are you sitting like that?”

“Okay if you must know I have a cramp in my left cheek.”

“Of your butt?”

“Yes, nosey one. You have a lot of cheek you know.”

“What did I do?”

“I’m in here minding my own business and you barge in and put me on the spot.”

“You fell right?”

“How did you know?”

“The last time you got your cheek in a bunch you fell off the ladder.”

“Okay then, yes I fell.”

“You okay?”

“I suppose. I just need to stretch it out.”

“How did it happen?”

“I was reaching up to try and grab a bowl off the top shelf and lost my footing.”

“Didn’t use the stop ladder?”

“More cheek from him.”

“Huh?”

“Just found the verb form of cheek.”

“Is that good? What am I saying? It’s Saturday Stream time, right?”

“Yup.”

“Well, I hope you will be okay.”

“I am now.”

“That you found a verb?”

“You better believe it.”

“You need to make an appointment.”

“For my cheek?”

“No for your head.”

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Kreative Kue #249 by Keith Channing

February 11, 2020February 10, 2020 ~ John W. Howell ~ 55 Comments

Go on. You know you want to. Let your creativity and imagination soar. I shall display the entries next Monday.”

The photo.

Kreative Kue #249

“Geez, Frank. I didn’t realize this watering hole was so popular.”

“I didn’t either. When I asked you to stop after work for a couple of drinks, it was beyond me that it would be so crowded.”

“Well, we might as well make the best of it.”

“Yeah, let’s crowd in and see if we can snag a drink.”

“By the way, I still am pleased you asked me to join you.”

“Aw think nothing of it. It has been too long. We’ve been working together for how long?”

“I guess it is over a year.”

“Yeah, see. That’s what I mean. A drink together has been long overdue.”

“How is your work going? Since you left the department, I have kinda lost track.”

“Oh, it is pretty much like when I was in the department. You know, find new ways to make things work.”

“I never did understand why you transferred out.”

“Well, that is a little hard to believe, George.”

“What do you mean?”

“Weren’t you the one who came in and took my job?”

“Well, that was not up to me, Frank. I just did what the boss told me to do.”

“I know how that is. I think Benedict Arnold said the same thing before he dropped through the trap door.”

“Trap door? What are you saying? Hey, where is everyone going?”

“Looks like the tiger is upon us, Kid. I wish you well. I hope you have been doing your wind sprints while not kissing up to the boss.”

“Well, here is a newsflash for you, Frank. You’re not going to outrun that tiger.”

“Well, you see, Frank. I’m not worried about outrunning the tiger.”

“So, what are you worried about?”

“Outrunning you. See ya. Best of luck.”

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt “(Un)Pack”

February 8, 2020February 7, 2020 ~ John W. Howell ~ 48 Comments

It is Stream of Consciousness Saturday time again and this week’s prompt needs an explanation by Linda Hill. Here are her words “Your Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is “(un)pack.” Use “pack” or its opposite in your post. Have fun!” If you would like to join the merriment go to Linda’s blog and read how. It is very easy. Here is the link. https://lindaghill.com/2020/02/07/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-feb-8-2020/

“Why are all these clothes on the floor?”

“I’m unpacking.”

“And throwing them everywhere?”

“No, I have to keep them handy so I can pack.”

“Where are you going? I never heard you were taking a trip.”

“I’m not.”

“Don’t tell me this has something to do with that Consciousness group you’ve become addicted to?”

“I’m not addicted.”

“Says the word junkie while throwing clothes on the floor.”

“Seriously. I’m living out a prompt.”

“Tell me.”

“I’m packing and unpacking which is my choice for the prompt.”

“Who said you had to act it out.”

“Nobody said so. It’s my idea.”

“Now we are dealing with a genius.”

“How long have we been discussing pack and unpack.”

“A few minutes. Why?”

“There you are.”

“There I am what?”

“The prompt has been fulfilled.”

“Put that sword down and tell me what the heck you talking about.”

“You helped me with the prompt.”

“How’s that.”

“Didn’t you ask about what I was doing?”

“Yes, but—”

“No but. You were intricately involved in my prompt which heretofore you have previously mocked.”

“Heretofore and previously mean the same thing, oh redundant one.”

“Besides the fact that you added and abetted a prompt.”

“Yeah, well, just shoot me.”

“Hard to do since I’m not packing.”

“Don’t go there. This romp is over.”

“Not packing could be said as Unpacked.”

“I can’t hear you.”

“Your ears packed?”

“No. The call of the six-pack is drowning you out.”

“You sure drink a lot.”

“You might be the reason.”

“Can I help with the six-pack?”

“Best make it a twelve pack.”

“Will I need a backpack?”

“Let it go.”

“It’s unpacked.”

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Kreative Kue #248 by Keith Channing

February 4, 2020February 3, 2020 ~ John W. Howell ~ 40 Comments

In Keith’s words. “On to this week’s challenge: Using this photo (below) as inspiration, write a short story, flash fiction, scene, poem; anything, really; even just a caption for the photograph. Either put it (or a link to it) in a comment or email it to me at keithchanning@gmail.com before 6pm next Sunday (if you aren’t sure what the time is where I live, this link will tell you). If you post it on your own blog or site, a link to this page would be appreciated, but please do also mention it in a comment here.

Go on. You know you want to. Let your creativity and imagination soar. I shall display the entries next Monday.”

The photo.

Kreative Kue #248

“I heard your phone, ding. Who is sending you a message?”

“OMG. It’s that boy I met on the bus yesterday.”

“What, boy. You never told us about a boy.”

“Well, I didn’t think it was necessary. You know how boys are. I didn’t expect to hear from him again.”

“How did he get your number?”

“We traded numbers.”

“My gosh, Aahana. Don’t you know how dangerous that is?”

“Oh, nonsense. It’s not like I gave him my home address.”

“Another ding.”

“Yes, he is sending me a picture. Oh, look.”

“Whoa. He is a handsome one, for sure. What is his name?”

“I don’t know. We didn’t trade names.”

“Well, ask him?”

“I can’t do that?”

“Why not?”

“It’s too personal. I should have asked when I was talking to him.”

“You give him your phone number, and you think asking his name is too personal?”

“Oh, wait. He is asking my name.”

“Ha.”

“Don’t ‘ha” me. That is a personal question. I don’t have to give him my name.”

“You now think he is too forward?”

“I do. I am going to ignore his texts. Look, he is now asking where I live?”

“Well, I would ignore that one for sure.”

“Here, I’ll take care of it and tell him I have no interest in him.”

“He sure is good looking.”

“So what. Probably raised in a barn. The nerve. Asking my name and where I live. Wait, he is sending me his address. Look at this.”

“Isn’t that the Prime minister’s address?”

“This might be his son.”

“Oh, Aahana. Did you send the text telling him you have no interest.”

“I did. Ours crossed. Oops. He just sent a sad emoji.”

“So tell him you didn’t mean it.”

“There is not a future anyway.”

“Why?”

“My dad voted against the prime minister and would never consent to a date.”

“You could tell him he’s a lawyer.”

“Even worse.”

Stream of Consciousness Saturday- Prompt – “Choices”

February 1, 2020January 31, 2020 ~ John W. Howell ~ 57 Comments

It is Stream of Consciousness Saturday time again, and this week’s prompt is “choices.” Not just any choices mind you. Let’s let Linda Hill explain in her words.

“Your Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is “choices.” Base your post on the subject of making small, uneventful choices. Enjoy!”

If you would like to have the same kind of fun, go to Linda’s blog, grab a big cocktail, and read how easy it is. Here is the link.

https://lindaghill.com/2020/01/31/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-feb-1-2020/

“A little bit of this or a little bit of that.”

“What are you doing?”

“I have some small, uneventful choices to make.”

“Linda Hill, right?”

“Yeah, but look at this.”

“Okay. What am I looking at here?”

“I’m trying to decide between Raisin Bran Crunch or Cheerios.”

“For breakfast?”

“No, that would be too eventful. I mean, a big bowl of either is a meal. That’s an event. Not in the rules.”

“Rules? What rules?”

“Linda’s rules.”

“Let me shut my mouth then. What do you need me to do?”

“See this little crumb?”

“Yes, I see it. I think.”

“Uneventful, right?”

“I would say so.”

“Okay, look at this crumb.”

“Yes. Looks like the other one.”

“Au contraire mon frère.”

“Dale will love you. So, what is it.”

“Like I said, I need to make an uneventful choice. This crumb is a Raisin Bran Crunch crumb, and this is a Cheerios crumb.”

“Can we get to the end of this before I need eye surgery? So what are you doing with these crumbs?”

“You know how I love to feed the birds.”

“I suppose. I have always had a mild concern about your motivation with that?”

“Oh, come on. I love birds.”

“So what about these crumbs?”

“I need to make a change in bird food.”

“I’m waiting for the punch line.”

“I thought I would put one of these crumbs on the feeder.”

“Are you kidding me? The birds won’t even see them, and you’ll base your bird food selection on a dubious experiment?”

“No. The bird food decision is a big one. This crumb decision has nothing to do with that.”

“THEN WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU PUTTING IT ON THE FEEDER FOR?”

“Geez. Calm down. As I said, the rules say uneventful choice. This is about as uneventful as I can make it. The birds won’t see it, and even if they do, it will have nothing to do with my choice of bird food.”

“I think I need to take a nap.”

“That is pretty eventful.”

“Bite me.”

“Another event for history.”

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Kreative Kue #247 by Keith Channing

January 28, 2020January 27, 2020 ~ John W. Howell ~ 70 Comments

In Keith’s words

“Using this photo (below) as inspiration, write a short story, flash fiction, scene, poem; anything, really; even just a caption for the photograph. Either put it (or a link to it) in a comment or email it to me at keithchanning@gmail.com before 6pm next Sunday (if you aren’t sure what the time is where I live, this link will tell you). If you post it on your own blog or site, a link to this page would be appreciated, but please do also mention it in a comment here.

Go on. You know you want to. Let your creativity and imagination soar. I shall display the entries next Monday.”

The photo

Kreative Kue #247

“You call a cab buddy?”

“I sure did.”

“Well, jump in. You can sit upfront with me. Here I’ll open the door.”

“Er. I’m not sure I’m your ride.”

“Why are you not sure. You said you called for a cab?”

“Yeah, I did. But I thought I had called the Yellow Cab company.”

“Ah, what’s the difference. You still get to your destination.”

“Well, that is my worry.”

“What worry?”

“I’ve been reading a lot about gypsy cabs. You know the ones where they kidnap unsuspecting travelers and hold them for ransom.”

“Oh, man. You must have been reading the Enquirer. That doesn’t happen around here.”

“How do I know that?”

“Look at me. Do I look like the kind of guy who could kidnap anyone? I’m an old fart with skinny arms. You could take me in a minute. You work out right?”

“Yeah, I do work out.”

“I could tell by those biceps you got. Some pair of guns. Hey, guy, I need the fare. If you don’t want to get in then just close the door and I’ll be off.”

“I don’t mean to be so cautious but this is my first time here.”

“I understand. If it would make you feel better you can get in the back.”

“That would make me feel better.”

“Okay, no problem. Jump in and we’ll get you to your hotel bing badda boom.”

“You from the States?”

“Yeah, Brooklyn. Born and raised.”

“Okay, I’m in.”

“Where to, Pal?”

“The Continental. Wait why did those doors lock?”

“To keep you safe .”

“Oh.”

“And to keep you from getting away.”

“What do you mean.”

“We are going on a little trip so sit back and relax.”

“Hey. Stop this cab and let me out.”

“Not gonna happen, brother. You are my meal ticket. There at a bunch of nice guys who’ll pay me a thousand bucks for you.”

“Okay, I’m coming up there if you don’t let me out.”

“Yeah just try. Your seat belt has you locked in. You cautious types always put on the seat belt. Makes it so much easier.”

“I demand that you pull over.”

“This is rich if I say so myself. Here’s a guy who is making demands. The same guy who gets in a gypsy cab with the name of Moron. This is one for the boys at the tavern.”