Tuesday – Anything Possible – Kreative Kue #195

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, with links to your own blog or web site, next Monday.”

The photo.

Kreative Kue #195

The Wager by John W. Howell © 2018

“Let me buy you a drink, my man.”

“That is very nice of you given the circumstances.”

“Ah what the heck. Life is too short.”

“But it seems like one would feel a little remorse.”

“Remorse? For what?”

“Well, it seems like a pretty goodly amount of money.”

“Yeah, but you know what they say, ‘easy come, easy go.”’

“I know if it were me, I don’t think I would take it so well.”

“You have to remember who suggested the wager.”

“That’s true. I guess if you hadn’t prepared yourself to lose you never would have suggested going title to title on a boat race.”

“That part is true. You see I really had not too much to lose.”

“What are you talking about? That is a gorgeous five-masted schooner.”

“You know the old saying, ‘one mans trash, another man’s treasure.”‘

“Yeah, I’ve heard that.”

“See, I have been trying to sell that tub for over two years with no takers.”

“That is surprising. It is a classic.”

“Yes, it is. Loaded with barnacles and filled with woodworms.”

“So you are saying you are glad to get rid of it.”

“You tell me. The last salvage estimate I got was over a million.”

“Someone would pay you a million?”

“No, I would have to pay a million to get rid of it. Now, how about that drink?”

“Now it is my problem.”

“Yup and at a leakage rate of one hundred gallons an hour, I think you better figure out what to do with it. Those pumps are pretty old. Maybe tow it beyond the shelf and scuttle it.”

“Gin on the rocks.”

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt – “Card”

Stream of Consciousness

 

It is Stream of Consciousness Saturday time again. This weeks prompt is “card.” Linda Hill says we can use it any way we want. If you want to join in the madness go to Linda’s blog and read about how easy it is to participate. Here is the link to her post. https://lindaghill.com/2018/10/05/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-oct-6-18/

Card by John W. Howell © 2018

“What are you doing?”

“Playing a card game. What does it look like?”

“But you keep going through that deck over and over. What game is that?”

“solitaire.”

“solitaire? I’ve never seen solitaire played that way.”

“Well, I admit it is a little unusual.”

“Have you won a game yet?”

“No.”

“How long have you been playing?”

“Today or lifetime?”

“Okay, both.”

“Today, three hours. Lifetime, twelve years.”

“You’ve used the same deck of cards all this time.”

“Yes, I have.”

“And never won?”

“Nope.”

“Any idea why not?”

“It could be because I’m playing with a deck of fifty-one.”

“Could be? Are you nuts? You can’t win with a missing card.”

“It really doesn’t matter.”

“It doesn’t?”

‘Haven’t you heard the expression, ‘It’s not whether you win or lose, but how you play the game.”‘

“Yeah, but this is crazy. Where did you get this idea?”

“That song.”

‘What song?”

“Flowers on the Wall by the Statler Brothers.”

“Another earworm for sure.”

“Here take a listen.”

“Rather not.”

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Kreative Kue #194 by Keith Channing

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, with links to your own blog or website, next Monday.”

The photo.

Kreative Kue #194

Fishing by John W. Howell © 2018

“So you got me up at the crack of dawn to come with you while you fish.”

“Trust me. You are absolutely going to love it.”

“No coffee even.”

“I brought a thermos. When we get settled, we’ll have some coffee.”

“It is so chilly out here.”

“I brought a blanket. We’ll be nice and comfy.”

“What is the first thing we need to do?”

“I’ll need to show you how to bait a hook.”

“Bait?”

“Yes. Here see this worm?”

“Ew, get that squirmy thing away from me.”

“Alright, I’ll bait the hook for you. You can watch.”

“What are you doing?”

“I’m putting this worm on the hook.”

“But you are hurting it.”

“Well, it is only a worm. Fish like them.”

“Do you have to stab it like that? I think I’m going to get sick.”

“It is all over. All you have to do is sit down. I’ll cast your line out to the deep.”

“What happens if I catch a fish?”

“You turn this crank and bring it in.”

“When’s coffee?”

“I’ll get it as soon as my line is in.”

“Oh wait. Something tugged on my line.”

“Quick turn the crank. That’s it, nice and steady.”

“What is that thing?”

“Looks like a nice bass. Here let me put a net under it.”

“What do I do now?”

“Take the fish off the hook.”

“Oh lord no. I can’t do that. You do it.”

“For heaven’s sake, George you have to get a grip. It is not that big a deal.”

“This thing is so slimy. I don’t want to touch it.”

“Fine. There it is off.”

“Throw it back.”

“What?”

“The poor thing. I don’t want it to suffer.”

“Of all the he-men in the world, I had to hook up with a marshmallow.”

“Oh smores. I could go for a smore right now. Where’s the coffee?”

 

 

 

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt – “Dom”

Stream of Consciousness

 

It is Stream of Consciousness Saturday time again and this weeks prompt is “dom.” Yup that’s it, dom. Linda Hill says we can use it alone or as part of another word. If you would like to join this mayhem, visit Linda’s blog and find out how easy it is to get hooked. Here is the link. https://lindaghill.com/2018/09/28/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-sept-29-18/

Dom by John W. Howell © 2108

“Look at this travel guide.”

“Which travel guide.”

“The one I got for our trip to Germany.”

“Humm. Did I miss something? What trip to Germany?”

“Remember we talked about taking a trip?”

“I do remember. I thought we decided on Kansas City.”

“Maybe you decided on Kansas City, but I think we ought to see a little more of the world. We have done enough of domestic travel. I want to go overseas.”

“Okay. What is special about Germany?”

“For one thing the city of Cologne has the Dom Cathedral. ”

“And what is so special?”

“It was built over 500 years and completed in 1880 and is massive. It is one of the largest churches in the world.”

“Looking at this brochure, it says, Kölner Dom.”

“Yes, the city we call Cologne is Köln in German. Kölner Dom means Cologne Cathedral.”

“Sure looks beautiful.”

“Doesn’t it?”

“Whats this Kölsch?”

“Amazing that you would spot that. It is a beer that is made locally in Köln or no more than 30 miles from the city. They say it can’t be transported too far and must be drunk on the premise. There are a number of places that have Kölsch in the city. You can’t get it anywhere else.”

“When do we leave?”

“Do you want to hear of other things to see?”

“Nope, I’m good.”

“How about other cities?”

“I think we won’t have much time after we visit all the Kölsch breweries.”

“Why don’t you let me do the predominant itinerary and then we can see how many we can visit.”

“Okay but leave enough time for a bunch.”

“I love your indomitable, and I might add random spirit.”

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Kreative Kue by Keith Channing

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, with links to your own blog or web site, next Monday.”

The Photo.

Kreative Kue #193

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt Flower/Flour

Stream of Consciousness

 

It is Stream of Consciousness Saturday again and this week’s prompt is  “flower/flour. Linda Hill says we can use one or both but in any case “have fun.” I think I can do that. If you would like to join in go to Linda’s blog and read how easy it is. Here is the link. https://lindaghill.com/2018/09/21/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-sept-22-18/

Flower/flour by John W. Howell © 2018

“I wonder if you know the difference?”

“What difference?”

“Between flower power and flour power.”

“Sound the same to me.”

“F-l-o-w-e-r power and f-l-o-u-r power.”

“Oh. I’m guessing you have been up the hill to see Linda.”

“Well, there is a prompt going on today.”

“Let me guess. Flower and flour.”

“Right on.”

“Hmmm. A phrase out of the sixties.”

“Which should give you a hint on flower power.”

“I really don’t need a hint. I remember studying the sixties protests very well.”

“So what was flower power?”

“It was not a what but a symbol to end the madness. Folks used the flower as a metaphor for peace. Allen Ginsberg the poet coined the term in 1965 as a symbol for peaceful affirmative action to end the war in Vietnam.”

“My goodness. I didn’t know all that. So what is flour power?”

“Something you made up?”

“Yeah, I did.”

“You tell me what it means.”

“I think it stands for all those cooks out there who make wonderful things to eat out of flour.”

“Okay, so I would say the difference is flower power stands for a movement and flour power stands for skill in baking.”

“Couldn’t have said it better myself.”

“Wish you had.”

“Had what?”

“Said it yourself. You and these prompts will be the end of me someday.”

“Oh come on. You always get engaged.”

“But never married.”

“We still talking about the prompts?”

 

 

 

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Kreative Kue #192 by Keith Channing

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, with links to your own blog or web site, next Monday.”

The photo.

Kreative Kue #192

I Wonder by John W. Howell © 2018

“Excuse me, sir.”

“Yes, what is it?”

“I work for the Audubon Dailey News, and we are doing a feature on what birds think.”

“And what does that have to do with me?”

“You a bird?”

“So I’ve been led to believe.”

“Do you think?”

“Contrary to conventional wisdom around bird brains, yes.”

“So how about an interview?”

“On what I think?”

“Yes.”

“About what?”

“Huh?”

“On What do you want me to give my thoughts?”

“Oh. My paper wants to know in general what you think about.”

“Ah. Like when I’m all alone and not being disturbed.”

“Well, that would be interesting.”

The first thing I think about is Why does the sun go on shining?”
“Okay. That is pretty philosophical.”
“Why does the sea rush to shore?”
“Uh huh.”
“Don’t they know it’s the end of the world?
‘Cause you don’t love me anymore.”
“Wait a minute. Those are lyrics to a song.”
“And a lovely song it is. Why do the birds go on singing?
Why do the stars glow above?
Don’t they know it’s the end of the world?
It ended when I lost your love
I wake up in the morning, and I wonder
Why everything’s the same as it was
I can’t understand, no, I can’t understand
How life goes on the way it does
Why does my heart go on beating?
Why do these eyes of mine cry?
Don’t they know it’s the end of the world?
It ended when you said goodbye. Any questions?”
“I should have known you have a little mockingbird in you.”
“By the way.  The song is titled The End of the World written by Songwriters: Peter Mcnulty-Connolly / Marcus Mybe / Louie St. Louis / Kurtis Deshaun Williams / Michael Angelo

The End Of The World lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group.”
“Yeah well, forget it.”

 

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt “Post.”

 

Stream of Consciousness

It is Stream of Consciousness Saturday time again and this weeks prompt is “post.” Linda Hill says we can use it as a stand alone or to find a word that uses “post” as a prefix. If you would like to join in with this fun just pop over to Linda’s blog and read how. Here is the link. https://lindaghill.com/2018/09/14/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-sept-15-18/

Post by John W. Howell © 2018

“What the heck is a prefix?”

“You don’t know?”

“Would I ask if I did?”

“A prefix is a word or a letter placed in front of another.”

“So what would be a prefix to the word post?”

“How about lamp?”

“Ah, lamppost. I get it.”

“I have decided not to use a prefix though.”

“Pretty brave. You going to use ‘post’ alone.”

“Yup.”

“Go ahead then.”

“This post will not contain any prefixes to the word post.”

“Pretty boring so far.”

“Ahem. The torn and folded piece of paper was driven into the post by whoever used the large knife to stick it there. Not sure whether or not I should interfere in whatever was going on, I just sat astride my horse and stared.”

“Okay, that’s better. Keep going.”

“It was clear the paper has some kind of message and the post because it is central to the town is the perfect spot for special delivery.”

“Now you’re cooking.”

“My mount sensed some danger and kept urging me to pull away. With a firm hand, I guided it closer to the post and wrapped my fist around the handle.”

“And then?”

“A scream moving out from the gates of hell fell across us, and the horse bolted leaving me on the ground with the knife. The note was still attached to the post. I wasn’t sure I could stand but looked up to see a small rivulet of blood begin to amble down the post from where the knife used to be.”

“Wow.”

“This is none of your business came a thought out of the air, and it was clear to me that my troubles had just begun. I tried to rise but could feel a force holding me down. I looked at the knife and tried to open my fingers. Almost like a magnet, the knife held me fast.”

“What did you do?”

“Not sure.”

“What do you mean not sure?”

“I haven’t finished the story.”

“You got us all worked up, and you haven’t finished the story?”

“Want to catch some lunch?”

“I want you to finish the story.”

“After lunch.”

“That will be the goalpost then. Story after lunch.”

“Linda Hill will love you. Sure the goalpost is to finish the story after lunch. I’ll give you a hint. The guy dies.”

“Ah man?”

 

 

Tuesday- Anything Possible – Kreative Kue #191 by Keith Channing

On this anniversary of the 911 attack on America let us never forget the preciousness of freedom and keep the ones who have paid the ultimate sacrifice in our hearts.

Memorial day

Kreative Kue #191

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, with links to your own blog or web site, next Monday.

The Photo.

Kreative Kue #191

“Now just have some patience. We can’t cross until the light turns green.”
“I know you want to help, but I need to get going.”
“Aw come on. You know very well that you could use my help getting across the street.”
“What is taking so long? This light must be an eternity.”
“I pushed the walk sign. It shouldn’t be too much longer.”
“Do you offer to help strangers all the time?”
“Honestly? No. You just caught my eye and looked like you needed my help.”
“That is very nice of you my dear, but I have lived in this city for fifty years and never had a problem before.”
“Well then let’s just say this is a way of me paying it forward.”
“So this is about helping you rather than about helping me?”
“Um. Well, I guess so. I hadn’t thought about it up to now.”
“Yeah, I get it. A young woman from the suburbs comes into the city and wants to save some poor soul from harm.”
“No, it isn’t like that. I just want to do some good today is all. By the way is that bag too heavy for you?”
“I’ve been carrying this bag forever. Keep your hands off it.”
“Okay, okay. I just asked the question.”
“That’s it. I need to be going. Thank you for trying to help but I see the light has changed and I’m off.”
“You can see?”
“Of course I can see. What made you think I couldn’t?”
“The glasses. I er ah—”
“Typical of a do-gooder. Just assume someone is sightless simply because they are old and wearing sunglasses. Goodbye girl.”
“I don’t know what to say.”
“How about letting go and say goodbye.”
“Hey, you with the old woman. Don’t let her go.”
“W-what officer?”
“She just held up the First National bank. You are very brave to grab her. You can let go. I’ve got her now.”
“I’m shocked. She seems like a nice old lady.”
“Kiss my grits sister. Now, look at what your good deed has done.”
“Hush up Sadie and put your hands behind you.”
“You know her officer?”
“Yeah, hardened criminal this one.”

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt – Earworm

Stream of Consciousness

 

It is Stream of Consciousness Saturday time again and this weeks prompt is “earworm.” Yup, you read that right, earworm. Linda Hills says we can write about our latest earworm or one that continually haunts us. If you would like to join in the madness, go to Linda’s blog and read about how easy it is to slip off the edge. Here is the link https://lindaghill.com/2018/09/07/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-sept-8-18/

Earworm by John W. Howell © 2018

“Good evening ladies and gentlemen and welcome to NPR’s People Feature of the Week. I’m Alex Silverton. This week we are featuring some special guests who claim to have an earworm of special note. Now for those in our audience who are unfamiliar with  the term “earworm,” here is Lexis Brominowski to give us some background.”

“Thank you, Alex. An earworm is that annoying song that gets stuck in your ear and is very difficult to shake. An example is Mary had a Little Lamb. Once you hear the song, it is difficult to stop it from rolling around in your head.”

“Thank you, Lexis. Our first guest comes to us from Buford Montana and claims to have an earworm. Tell us your name and the nature of the earworm.”

“Hello, my name is  Ralph Dunson, and my earworm is Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony.”

“Oh, you mean pieces of the symphony?”

“No the whole thing. From the first dum de dum to the last ta ra.”

My goodness, how do you concentrate on anything else?”

“Huh? My goodness, it’s hard. Hold on the second movement is just starting.”

“Okay, Ralph. We are going to cut over to Tillis Wentworth who says her earworm is the Gettysburg Address. How is this possible Ms. Wentworth?”

“You tell me, Alex. I was minding my own business, and one morning I got up, and there it was.”

“Who is speaking the address?”

“You’re kidding right?”

“Don’t tell me it’s Lincoln.”

“It’s not Lincoln. I think it is James Earl Jones.”

“How long has it been since you have had this earworm?”

“Hmmm. It might have started when I went to Disneyland.”

“Thank you, Ms. Wentworth. Now our last guest, Max Sanders claims to have an earworm that is of a strange alien radio broadcast. Tell us about this, Mr. Sanders.”

“Not much to tell. My every waking hour is taken up by this broadcast of news from outer space.”

“Can you identify the station?”

“Well like I told the FBI it sounds like it is from another planet.”

“What makes you say this?”

“Some of the people who are interviewed cannot be from this Earth.”

“Any names jump out at you.”

“There have only been a few.”

“Like who?”

“No one I have ever heard of for sure.”

“For instance?”

“The Kardashians and Kanye West.”

“I hate to tell you this, Mr. Sanders but I think you might be receiving CNN.”

“Yeah that’s what the Feds told me, but you know how those people try to cover stuff up.”

“I can see by the clock that we have just about run out of time. I want to thank our guests and look forward to next week’s show.”

“Mr. Silverton?”

“Yes, Mr. Sanders.’

“I just heard a broadcast describing that your show is canceled.”

“That would be too kind, Mr. Sanders. Too kind indeed.”