Tuesday – Anything Possible – Fingerpoint Prompt – Big Smack

July 23, 2019July 22, 2019 ~ John W. Howell ~ 34 Comments

Keith Channing is still not settled in his house in the UK, so his prompt from Kreative Kue will not be done this week. I have substituted the Finger Point prompt. I have chosen the book Circumstances of Childhood from that internationally well-known author John W. Howell. I opened to a random page and pointed. The result is pictured below and is “big smack.” I could have just chosen big but thought it too easy.

“Hi there.”

“Oh, hi.”

“You want to go to the park with me?”

“Erm. I don’t know you. Why would I want to go to the park with you?”

“I thought we could sit on a bench and feed the birds.”

“That would not be something I would want to do.”

“Okay, how about go for a rowboat ride?”

“I don’t think so.”

“Get some ice cream?”

“Look. I don’t know you and am not about to go anywhere with you.”

“Okay. Can’t fault a fella for trying.”

“You giving up?”

“Yeah. You’ve made it plain I’m wasting my time.”

“Are you looking for a big smack.”

“Uh. No.”

“Well, you are about to get one if you don’t keep trying.”

“You mean you might go to the park with me?”

“Oh that’s never going to happen, but I really like the attention.”

“Well, then I’m still wasting my time.”

“But in a good way. Come on. How about a picnic?”

“I love picnics. Will you go?”

“Ah, no.”

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt “frame.”

July 20, 2019July 19, 2019 ~ John W. Howell ~ 44 Comments

It is Stream of Consciousness Saturday time again, and this weeks prompt is, “frame.” Here is how Lind Hill describes the assignment. “Your Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is “frame.” Use it as a noun or a verb or any way you like. Have fun!” Notice how easy it is for her to say, “have fun.” If you would like to join in and have some fun, go to Linda’s blog and read how easy it is. Here is the link.

The Friday Reminder and Prompt for #SoCS July 20/19

“Doggone it.”

“What’s the problem?”

“This frame.”

“What about it?”

“It doesn’t go with the room.”

“The painting is fabulous.”

“Yeah, but the frame is gold.”

“So?”

“The room is nickel.”

“Change the frame?”

“Might be easier to change the room.”

“How could that be?”

“I hate this room.”

“You just finished it. I thought you loved it.”

“I did while I was doing it. Now I think I’ve changed my mind. In fact, let’s sell the house.”

“I say we put that picture and frame away for a while. Maybe come back to it later.”

“It won’t help.”

“You’ll be in a better frame of mind.”

“Who can I frame when they find you dead?”

“You’re talking crazy.”

“I need a margarita.”

“Wouldn’t it be easier to just ask for one.”

“I needed to frame the justification.”

“It’s okay. I’ll have one too.”

“Oh, good. Know what?”

“What?”

“That picture and frame look okay now.”

“Another problem solved by soothin’ syrup.”

Tuesday Anything Possible – Finger Point Prompt – Preset

July 16, 2019July 15, 2019 ~ John W. Howell ~ 46 Comments

I usually run a Keith Channing prompt on Tuesday. Keith is off in the UK living in a motor home while getting ready to close on a new house. Needless to say, he has no time for prompts. So here is a finger point prompt. The idea is to open a book to a random page and point at the text. The word closest to your finger is the prompt. I chose the book, Circumstances of Childhood by that world-famous (cough) author John W. Howell. I opened it to a page and pointed. Before I knew what the word was, I took a photo of the process. The word is “preset.” Not the best, but I’ll give it a go.

“About time, you woke up. I’ve been up for hours.”

“Why didn’t you just wake me?”

“I looked at your timer device, and it was preset for now.”

“Then why so upset?”

“I just want to make sure we are on course.”

“Why wouldn’t we be?”

“It’s a hundred-year journey. Anything can happen.”

“I think you need to relax. Did you make coffee?”

“Yes. Here’s your vacuum cup.”

“Thank you. Now let me look at the position calculator. Hmmm. Seems to be okay.”

“So how long until we reach our destination?”

“The calculator puts us in the outer band of the planet’s solar system. Looks like we should be there by dinner time. By the way anything to eat? I have a hundred-year appetite.”

“Yes. I prepared a wholesome, wake-up meal. Here is your vacuum tube.”

“Umm, this is good. Tastes like chicken and waffle.”

“I know I thought the same thing. I think we are going to enjoy our visit. There is more where that came from. This planet is full of these animals. It is like a renewable resource.”

“Okay, let me focus on the preset landing sequence.”

“I can help?”

“Yes, you can. Look at the control panel and just let me know the setting as I read the sequence.”

“Okay. I’m ready.”

“Preset destination?”

“On.”

“Preset speed?”

“Locked.”

Planet identification?”

“Third, from their sun.”

“Landing presets.”

“On.”

Okay, there is nothing we have to do for the next couple of hours but dream of getting out teeth into some of those tasty Earthlings.”

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt – Instructions

July 13, 2019July 12, 2019 ~ John W. Howell ~ 46 Comments

Welcome to Stream of Consciousness Saturday. This weeks prompt is a little different. Here are Linda’s word describing the assignment “Your Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is “instructions.” Write instructions for anything you know how to do. As detailed or as rambling as you’d like. Enjoy!”

There you have it. If you would like to have fun with words, go to Linda’s blog and read how. It is real easy. Hee is the link:

The Friday Reminder and Prompt for #SoCS July 13/19

“So what are we doing today?”

“Trying to get this IKEA chest put together.”

“You have the instructions, right?”

“Yeah, but look at them.”

“So, what’s the problem?”

“There are no words, only drawings.”

“Take each step. Here let me help.”

“Thank you.”

“Take part A. Put it on chest C with bolt A1.”

“Uh…How do I find part A?”

“There is a sticker on it with an A.”

“Here it is. How about bolt A1?”

“In the diagram bolt, A1 is this one.”

“Okay, now I got it. This wrench is a little difficult to work.”

“They all are. Just keep going.”

“There, finished. What’s next?”

“Repeat with part B and bolt B1.”

“Now I’m getting the hang of it. part C bolt C1.”

“Excellent. You’re on a roll.”

“Then you take part D and attach with bolt D1. First, you put your two knees close up tight you swing ’em to the left, and you swing ’em to the right. Step around the floor kinda nice and light. Twist around, twist around with all your might.”

“Okay, what’s that?”

“Instructions on Ballen’ the Jack. Spread your lovin’ arms way out in space. Do the eagle rock with a style and grace. Put your left foot out and bring it back. That’s what I call Ballin’ the Jack.”

“You finished with the chest?”

“Yup. Let’s stand ‘er up.”

“Goodness.”

“Hmmm. Looks like it is upside down.”

“You put the legs on wrong.”

“I don’t know, I think I like it this way.”

“Only you would.”

“I don’t think I can go through the process again.”

“How you going to fill the drawers?”

“Good point.”

“Tomorrow is another day. Can you help me with my IKEA bed?”

“I think tomorrow I’m going to have the flu.”

“Drink plenty of liquids.”

“Oh. I plan on that.”

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt Chew/Choo

July 6, 2019July 5, 2019 ~ John W. Howell ~ 46 Comments

It is Stream of Consciousness Saturday again, and this weeks prompt is “chew/choo.” Before we start, let’s go to the recorded instructions issued by Linda Hill. “Your Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is “chew/choo.” Use one or both, any way you’d like. Have fun!” You heard it here first. Notice the “Have fun conclusion. So if you would like to have fun like this, visit Linda’s blog and read how easy it is. Here is the link.

The Friday Reminder and Prompt for #SoCS July 6/19

“Why are you looking through that shoe catalog?”

“Are you kidding. This thing is loaded with designer shoes at a discount.”

“Don’t you have enough shoes right now?”

“Asks the man with three leaf blowers.”

“Hey, wait a minute. Each has its use.”

“Well, each pair of shoes has its use.”

“Okay, then. Anything catch your eye.”

“I like this pair of Jimmy Choo heels.”

“Whoa. You could get a car for that amount.”

“Yeah, crappy car or the best shoes?”

“You make a good point.”

“They have shoes for men in this catalog. Interested?”

“Let me chew on it for a while. Not sure I could pay that much for something I wouldn’t wear every day.”

“So you think every day ought to be cheap?”

“Yeah. You get value out of use.”

“Like those Old Navy sneakers?”

“Precisely.”

“The ones with the twine for laces.”

“Works.”

“And duct tape for backs?”

“As I said. Works.”

“Okay, then. Anything above ten bucks is overpayment as far as you are concerned.”

“Make that two for ten.”

“Give me the strength.”

“You’re strong.”

“Times like these not strong enough.”

“Want to wrestle?

“Right.”

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt “For/Fore/Four”

June 29, 2019June 28, 2019 ~ John W. Howell ~ 49 Comments

It is Stream of Consciousness Saturday time again. This weeks prompt is “four/fore/four.” Linda Hill advises using one or all three. In her usual way, she also advises to “have fun.” If you would like to join in visit Linda’s blog to read all about how easy it is. Here is the link.

The Friday Reminder and Prompt for #SoCS June 29/19

“Ah, what a gorgeous day.”

“It is a perfect day for being outside.”

“Look at that sky. I’ve never seen a blue like that.”

“I know, right? How about the green of the grass. Just inhale the smells of a beautiful morning.”

“How about it? You want to play today?”

“Well, we are here. Half the battle is showing up. Why not?”

“I have to warn you, I may be only good for four holes.”

“Oh please. You say that every time we come out, and you end up finishing nine.”

“I do look forward to the time when I could do eighteen.”

“Well, at your age, that might be a stretch. I think just taking one hole at a time is the way to go today.”

“Do they still yell “fore” if a ball might come close to you?”

“That is part of the rules, so yes.”

“I sure wouldn’t want to get hit. You know how some of those players are. Bearly give you a chance to start on a hole before firing a ball in your direction.”

“I guess they don’t know how to savor the moment. You ready to get started?”

“I sure am. I feel like a million bucks. Where should we go?”

“I was thinking of a nice sized hole on the first fairway.”

“With a big mound that drives the groundskeeper crazy.”

“That’s right. That guy is a little nuts anyway.”

“Should we burrow there or go overland?”

“Let’s save our strength and hoof it. Best way to make nine holes.”

“Did we mention what a beautiful day it is today?”

“We did.”

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Kreative Kue #223 by Keith Channing

June 25, 2019June 24, 2019 ~ John W. Howell ~ 50 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.

“So when do you think she’ll be here?”

“I thought she would have been here by now.”

“Could it be we missed her?”

“How is that possible? All these people have been waiting, and they would have seen her.”

“Did you ask anyone.”

“Heavens no. I’m embarrassed enough as it is without making a scene. Besides. Look at them. They are all looking down the driveway.”

“Maybe there is another arrival they are looking to see.”

“Please. This is the only thing going on here today.”

“Well, I think it couldn’t hurt to ask.”

“Enough. Do I need any more humiliation?”

“Suit yourself. One last question.”

“Please get whatever it is off your chest. Ask away.”

“Do you recognize any of these folks?”

“Now that I look I can say I don’t.”

“Don’t you think that a bit odd?”

“Put that way, I guess I do.”

“Do you have the invitation?”

“Yes, it is right here.”

“What is the name and address of the church?”

“This is silly. I know where the church is. We had a rehearsal here last week.”

“Humor me.”

“All Saints Church. 39 Pastoral Way.”

“Do you see the name on that sign?”

“Yes. All Saints Chape—Yikes. This is the wrong church. What. . . I put the address in the GPS system.”

“Does the invitation give a time of the service.”

“Y-yes. Two o’clock.”

“Three minutes to go ten miles. Better reprogram the GPS and start moving. You may not live this one down.”

“There’s no one I can call.”

“And admit you went to the wrong church? You might want to hit a tree on the way over there. Maybe it’s your only out.”

“You joking?”

“Maybe a little. Let’s go.”

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt – “Leaves.”

June 22, 2019June 21, 2019 ~ John W. Howell ~ 39 Comments

It is Stream of Consciousness Saturday again, and this weeks prompt is “leaves.” Linda Hill says we can use the word as a noun or a verb, but above all, have fun.” T think I can do that. If you would like to join in on the fun, go to Linda’s site and read how. Here is the link.

The Friday Reminder and Prompt for #SoCS June 22/19

“The leaves dwindle to a precious few.”

“What are you doing?”

“Singing September Song.”

“The one by Frank Sinatra?”

“Yup. That’s it.”

“You care to get the words, right?”

“What do you mean?”

“It’s not ‘leaves’ down to a precious few.”

“What is it.”

“‘Days’ down to a precious few.”

“Man that leaves me cold.”

“Sorry, but those are the words.”

“Is the next line ‘October, November?'”

“Close. It’s ‘September, November.”‘

“What happened to October?”

“The songwriter leaves October out of the song.”

“Why do that?”

“It is titled September song. Maybe that’s it.”

“But then November is in. Should be titled September/November Song.”

“I didn’t write the song. Besides this discussion leaves me wanting to change the subject.”

“I know the title should be ‘We Decided to Feature Only September and November in this Song.”‘

“You need to get a life you know that?”

“Speak for yourself.”

“What do you mean?”

“I’m not the one asking questions about a stupid song being sung by someone with no life.”

“I get your point. I’m going to the bar.”

“I’m going to read some poetry.”

“I almost don’t want to ask.”

“Leaves of trash by Walt Whitman.”

“Yeah, well you enjoy.”

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Kreative Kue #222

June 18, 2019June 17, 2019 ~ John W. Howell ~ 49 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.

“Yeah, I think we are good to go.”

“I’m sorry I can’t understand you.”

“What do you mean you can’t understand me?”

“Just what I said.”

“Do I need to speak up cause if I do I don’t want anyone to overhear.”

“No, I hear you fine. I just have a problem with what you mean by ‘good to go.”‘

“You’re kidding, right?”

“No.”

“It means I have planted the explosives and we are ready to execute in three minutes.”

“Execute? My gosh are you sure you have the right number?”

“Is this 210-555-5555?”

“Yes, that is correct.”

“Black Operations?”

“Black what?”

“Black Operations?”

“My heavens no. This is Birdies Gift Shop.”

“Birdies gift sh— What the hell? This burner phone is preprogrammed. How did I get you?”

“I’m sure I don’t know, but there is no need to raise our voice, young man.”

“Raise my voice? I’m going to be forced to do a little more than that. Where are you?”

“In front of the shop.”

“No, I mean the address.”

“For some reason, I don’t think I should tell you.”

“Aw come on. I just want to say hello and maybe buy some gifts.”

“I’m sorry whoever you are. We don’t carry explosives. I’m hanging up now.”

“What is it, young man?”

“Can we forget this conversation?”

“Why should I do that? You want me to file the assignment report, don’t you?”

“For heaven’s sake. Is that you, Jenkins?”

“Had you going, huh?”

“You have a warped sense of humor, you know that?”

“Tell me when the building is dust.”

“Will do. Lance out. By the way. I’m going to get you for this.”

“Can’t wait for you to try double o eight.”

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt “Social.”

June 15, 2019June 14, 2019 ~ John W. Howell ~ 43 Comments

It is Stream of Consciousness Saturday time again. This weeks prompt is “social.” Linda Hill says we should have fun with it, so I guess that’s what I will do. If you would like to have fun with it too just go to Linda’s blog and read how easy. Here is the link.

The Friday Reminder and Prompt for #SoCS June 15/19

“Oh look an ice cream social.”

“What the heck is that?”

“You go there and eat ice cream and be social with the folks who are there.”

“Social? What does “be social” mean?”

“I forgot you were raised in the city. Probably in a dumpster.”

“Now, now country boy. Let’s not let our jealousy show.”

“To be social is to interact with the gathered folks. Let them see what an exceptional being you are. ”

“Do I have to like them?”

“No, but you have to be cordial.”

“Another strange word.”

“You have to be nice.”

“I’m not sure I know how to be nice.”

“Well, for instance. You don’t cut in front of someone waiting for ice cream.”

“Ice cream is food, right?”

“Yes. Delicious food.”

“And there is a lot of it by appearances.”

“That is true.”

“So why cut in front of someone?”

“See you are beginning to understand being nice.”

“What I mean is. Why not just buzz around and then when the time is right just land on the side of the dish. You know the side opposite those two big eyes.”

“Well, that would be nice and kind.”

“Kind? How so.”

“You know how humans react to us when we land on their food?”

“Yeah, you would think there was something wrong with walking around in cow dung all day.”

So your method would get you the ice cream, you’d be kind, and social all in one movement.”

“And avoid that fast-moving swatter too.”

“A bonus. You have learned well cricket.”

“Excuse me the last I looked I’m a fly.”

“Matter of speech. You never see Kung Fu?”

“Every time I get near a TV that swatter thingy follows me so no thanks.”

“Okay you lead, and I’ll follow.”

“This should be fun.”