Category: Prompt

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Kreative Kue #190 by Keith Channing

~ John W. Howell ~ 47 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, with links to your own blog or web site, next Monday.

The photo.

Kreative Kue #190

The Driver by John W. Howell © 2108

“Okay, everyone. I need to have your attention.”

“What’s he want Mama?”

“I don’t know my child. Perhaps we should be quiet and find out.”

“But Mama I have this hand puppet that won’t stop talking.”

“Perhaps if you thought to yourself about how still the night can be the puppet will take a hint.”

“Everyone. This is your driver, and I need you to pay attention.”

“I’m not going to look at the driver, Pradeep.”

“Why not.?”

“He made a comment about my pink shirt so he is dead to me.”

“Maybe he has something important to say.”

“Then you’ll tell me.”

“Please, I need your attention. We have a little emergency.”

“Better put that camera down, dear. Looks like the driver needs to make an announcement.”

“So let ’em. I have a picture of whatever he announces.”

“More like the back of his head.”

“This will be my last appeal for your attention. This bus will not move until I have everyone’s attention.”

“I think if you sit down Gladys the driver will make his silly announcement.”

“These seats are so small. I can hardly fit in mine.”

“That is no reason to be carrying on in the aisle.”

“Thank you for your kind attention. For your information, this bus had a destination that would take us four hours to complete. I have some good news and bad news about that. Which would you like first?”

“Bad News.”

“The trip has been canceled, and there is no other bus going that way today.”

“Good news?”

“All of you have been booked on the first bus tomorrow. There is one more piece of bad news though.”

“What’s that?”

“You have to remain on board the bus to keep your reservation. I have secured the doors and wish you all a pleasant evening. For those of you who wish to cancel your reservation, there are no refunds. There is also a little good news.”

“Good news.”

“The company is going to cater a curry dinner with all the fixings.”

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt – Round

~ John W. Howell ~ 41 Comments

Stream of Consciousness

Round about now it is Stream of Consciousness Saturday time again and this week’s prompt is “round.” There are bonus points available if you start and end the post with the word round or a word that contains round. Now you know why my first sentence looks so weird. If you would like to knock yourself out for things like bonus points, maybe you should join our gang. It’s easy. Go to Linda Hill’s blog to read how. Here is the link. https://lindaghill.com/2018/08/31/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-sept-1-18/

Round by John W. Howell © 2018

“I don’t get it.”

“What?”

“This thing that I ordered is supposed to be round.”

“That piece of wood?”

“Yeah. I specifically indicated on my order that it needed to be round.”

“So send it back.”

“Well, here’s the problem. It was custom engraved.”

“So you still should have a round one if that is what you ordered.”

“I suppose you are right. I just hate to go through the hassle of returning this one and then getting another.”

“I understand, but if it is not what you ordered, then they should make it right.”

Maybe I can make this one work.”

“Let me see it.”

“Here.”

“This is a square piece of wood that has been stained and finished and has the letters TOIT carved in the face.”

“Beautiful right?”

“Yes, it is gorgeous. What does it mean?”

“You know when you ask someone to do something?”

“Yes.”

“And they give you the old, “Yeah when I get around to it.”

“Like in the machine shop.”

“Exactly. I want to buy this thing and give it to the foreman.”

“Oh. You mean the round wood with TOIT carved in the face.”

“So when he gives me the old line I would hand him the round piece of wood and say, “Here is a round TOIT. Now get busy.”

“That is fabulous, and no a square TOIT just won’t cut it.”

“I see that now. So I will reorder.”

“Good idea. One more thing.”

“Yeah, what’s that.”

“When you hand that round TOIT to the foreman.”

“Yes.”

Make sure I’m around.”

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Kreative Kue # 189 by Keith Channing

~ John W. Howell ~ 55 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, with links to your own blog or web site, next Monday.

The photo.

Kreative Kue #189

The Intern by John W. Howell © 2018

“So what is going on here?”

“What do you mean?”

“Who is this European looking woman?”

“She is my intern, Pasha.”

“Intern? Where is it written that you need an intern?”

“There is no writing as you well know. I just decided I needed a little help around here.”

“And so we are now deciding things without any advice from me?”

“I already know your advice. So rather than put you in a position of being wrong I proceeded to get an intern.”

“I suppose I should be grateful that you spared my feelings.”

“That is a good way to look at it. In fact, I think you owe me.”

“Owe you? Whatever for may I ask?”

“Keeping your manliness intact.”

“What if I forbid this intern thing?”

“Then you will have the embarrassing situation of what to do with a miscreant wife.”

“You would defy my wishes?”

“Oh no, my love. As long as you wished for anything other than the dismissal of the intern I would be pleased to fulfill them.”

“I’m confused.”

“A natural state of manhood my dear. Now run along and issue orders and demands of the livestock and leave Shirley and me to work.”

“Shirley? What kind of name is that?”

“She is from Long Island in the United States and is visiting our country for a few weeks.”

“Does she have a work visa?”

“Of course not, my dear. She is an unpaid intern. She does not need a work permit.”

“Where is her husband?”

“I think he went back to the US.”

“And left her here.”

“No. He ordered her to return with him.”

“And?”

“He is now faced with an embarrassing situation of what to do with a miscreant wife. There is a lesson here.”

“I will leave you two. Welcome to our family Shirley.”

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt – Notice

~ John W. Howell ~ 79 Comments

Stream of Consciousness

 

It is Stream Of Consciousness Saturday time again and this week’s prompt is, “notice.” Linda Hill says we can use “notice,” any way we want. If you would like to join in on the fun visit Linda’s blog and read how. Here is the link. https://lindaghill.com/2018/08/24/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-aug-25-18/ 

Notice by John W. Howell © 2018

“Would you look at this?”

“What?”

“This notice in the newspaper.”

“Let me see it.”

“Read that part about more taxes.”

“OMG. The county is raising the tax rate. Can they do that?”

“Yes, if they publish a notice they can.”

“Well, this looks like a notice to me. How about if we just ignore it.”

“Ignore it? Then what?”

“When it comes time to pay the taxes we’ll just say we never got the notice.”

“Doesn’t work that way.”

“Why not?”

“They posted a notice. Nowhere in the statutes does it say anyone has to read the notice.”

“That’s taxation without retnalization.”

“Without what?”

“Retnalization. Without making sure the eye sees the notice.”

“You been reading lawyer fiction again?”

“No, but it has to be a thing.”

“Good luck with the tax bill. As for me, I’m going to pay mine.”

“Well, I’m going to fight to my last fiber against unfair taxation.”

“It is a one mill increase.”

“One million? Outrageous. Get a gun.”

“A mill is one one-hundredth of a cent. It is almost not enough to count.”

“One one-hundredth? Hmm. That means my bill goes up by a dollar.”

“I’m not good at math, but it sounds right.”

“That’s different.”

“it is?”

“Not worth my time to fight.”

“What about the principle?”

“Principles are overrated. Let’s get some coffee.”

“No gun?”

“Please.”

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Kreative Kue #188 by Keith Channing

~ John W. Howell ~ 58 Comments

Feeling better so I thought I would ease in with a prompt from 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 #188

“Okay, that’s it. This shovel marks the line of demarcation.”
“Demarcation? What the heck are you talking about?”
“I’ve had it with your yellow plastic. I’ve had it with your empire building.”
“Reggie, what’s come over you? We have a job to do.”
“Maybe you have a job to do, but I am now throwing off the yoke of oppression and declaring this land to be free of big business and big pharma.”
“I think I’m beginning to see the problem. You stopped taking your medication didn’t you?”
“That has nothing o do with it. This land is my land and from now on it shall be called, Borkville.”
“For heaven’s sake. Let’s get back to work. The owner wants a garden here, and it is up to us to build one.”
“In Borkville this will be the common house. We will all live here in harmony.”
“Reggie. Tell me one thing.”
“What?”
“You’ve been watching the History Channel, right?”
“Yeah so?”
“And you are at the part where Columbus discovers America, right?”
“Well yeah.”
“And he plants the flag of Spain and claims all the land in the name of Queen  Isabella?”
“Yeah, so cool.”
“Guess what?”
“What?”
“Never happened.”
“Huh?”
“Fake news.”
“Fake news?”
“America was discovered by the McDonald brothers.”
“Seriously?”
“Yup. They needed a place to expand their hamburger business, so they went there.”
“Seriously?”
“So you can stop your little charade about claiming land. It just doesn’t happen.”
“This is disappointing, to say the least. I feel so mislead. One question.”
“Yes.”
“Do you think the McDonald Brothers would mind if I claimed this land in their name?”
“Well, that depends.”
“On what?”
“On whether or not Harrods grants them permission to accept. Back to work shall we?”

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt – Bodily Functions

~ John W. Howell ~ 56 Comments

 

Stream of Consciousness

It is Stream of Consciousness Saturday time again. This weeks prompt is “bodily functions.” Yup, you heard me right. Flipping bodily functions. Linda Hill says we can write about one or a whole bunch of bodily functions. If you would like to engage in frying your brain as I do each week, please visit Linda Hill’s blog and find out how easy it is to do just that. Here is the link. https://lindaghill.com/2018/08/10/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-august-11-18/

Bodily Functions by John W. Howell © 2018

“Why so glum chum?”

“I just went up the Hill so to speak and got my prompt for today.”

“You always love these prompts.  Is this one different?”

“Not different just a big challenge.”

“How so?”

“The prompt is bodily functions.”

Bruuuuhahahahah. You have to be kidding.”

“No. I’m serious. We can write about one or a whole bunch. My problem is I can only think of one.”

“Oh come on. It can’t be that bad. What is the one?”

“Pooping.”

“Whoa. You can’t write about that. Yours is a family friendly blog.”

“Yeah tell me. I did think of another.”

“Okay with some caution I’ll ask what are you thinking.”

“Breathing.”

“Yeah, now there you go. Talk about breathing.”

“I feel better already. Let’s see there are different kinds of breathing.”

“Go on.”

“When you are running you breathe harder.”

“Good.”

“When you sweat and run your breath is different. Wait, another bodily function, sweat.”

“Excellent. I think you’re going to kill this.”

“When you are quiet and resting your breath is easy.”

“Almost poetic. Go on.”

“When you kiss someone your breathing can become deeper. I got it. Saliva production is another bodily function.”

“You are the master.”

“Where was I? Oh, yes kissing.  Makes the heart beat faster. Heartbeat has to be another bodily function.”

“You are taking strange paths to get there, but I have to say you are getting there.”

“Then as the kissing gets more heated—”

“Stop.”

“What do you mean, ‘stop”‘

“You are now starting to concern me again. Where are you going with this?”

“I was going to mention goosebumps. What is wrong with goosebumps?”

“Okay. Nothing wrong with goosebumps. Proceed.”

“Then if all works well there’s the orgasm.”

“One toke over the line my friend. One toke over the line.”

 

 

Tuesday- Anything Possible – Kreative Kue #186 by Keith Channing

~ John W. Howell ~ 48 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, with links to your own blog or website, next Monday.”

The photo

Kreative Kue #186

“Easy guys, easy.”
“You say something, Frank?”
“No, I didn’t say anything.”
“Could have sworn I heard something.”
“We need to get control of this bird.”
“Fat chance Dumbo.”
“Come on, Gerry. You don’t have to be insulting.”
“What are you talking about?”
” I said. ‘We have to get control of this bird,’ and you called me, ‘Dumbo.”‘
“I did nothing of the sort.”
“Sure you did fathead.”
“Alright, Frank. I think we have had it for the day.”
“Now what?”
“You just called me fathead.”
“You must be imagining things. I didn’t call you anything.”
“Your mother wears combat boots.”
“Okay, Gerry. Secure your bird. I definitely do not want to do this anymore.”
“Fine with me.”
“Sissy.”
That’s it, Frank. As soon as I get this bird tethered you and I are going to have a serious discussion about friendship.”
“Yeah, well bring it on.”
“Okay smart guy. How about I give you a smack on the chin.”
“I haven’t said a word, Gerry. You are getting worked up over nothing.”
“And you are the nothing.”
“Nice. Get that bird in the car and come on back. I think you have a whooping coming.”
“Forget the bird let’s get it on. Oh, wait.  He just broke loose.”
“Hey, you guys. Bird one. Humans zero.”
“You know that bird could talk?”
“I think it is more like that bird can mind control. No, I didn’t. What about that whooping.”
“Ah, that was just the bird talkin.’ How about a beer.”
“You’re on. Too bad he got away.”
“Why?”
“Could have made some money.”
“And lose your mind.”
“Yeah, and that. Let’s go.”

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt – “Call”

~ John W. Howell ~ 37 Comments

Stream of Consciousness

 

It is Stream of Consciousness Saturday and this weeks prompt is “call.” Linda Hill says we can use it any way we want, including in another word as long as the letters are in the same order. So with all of that if you would like to participate, visit Linda’s blog and find out how. Here is the link. https://lindaghill.com/2018/08/03/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-august-4-18/

Call by John W. Howell © 2108

“You look happy.”

“I should be I just got a call from my boss.”

“Uh oh. What did you boss want?”

“Actually it was a good thing.”

“I’m dying to hear. Come on what did your boss want?”

“You know I’ve been learning calligraphy.”

“Yes, and you have been callously avoiding me.”

“Oh, come on. Those classes are callipered to wash some out if they don’t work hard.”

“Just the same, you used to make scalloped potatoes, and it has been weeks.”

“I know I have been lax. You also promised scallops.”

“Yes I did but only if you stay home one night. It shouldn’t be too hard to avoid your callers.”

“Okay, that’s a deal. I’ll make scalloped potatoes with scallions, and you make those delicious garlic scallops.”

“I almost forgot. Why did your boss call?”

“To ask if I would use my calligraphy on some invitations to a party.”

“Thank is not an exciting reason for calling.”

“No, it is not. But calling with some business is better than calling with an assignment.”

“You getting paid for the calligraphy?”

“No. The boss called it job enrichment.”

“Callow indeed.”

“Rascally too.”

 

Tuesday Anything Possible – Kreative Kue #185 by Keith Channing

~ John W. Howell ~ 46 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, with links to your own blog or web site, next Monday.”

The Photo.

Kreative Kue #185

Today’s Special by John W. Howell © 2018

“Okay pops. Time for a toast.”

“Hold on son. I don’t believe the barman gave me a whole pint.”

“It looks full to me.”

“See this head on here. That is nothing but air. I think there is some missing.”

“Dearest?”

“What Ducky.”

“There is a guy with a camera recording you right now.”

“It doesn’t matter. I’ll be paying for a pint, and I want a pint. Oh, Barman?”

“Yes, sir what is it.”

“Look at this stout.”

“Yes, sir it is that alright.”

“I mean this is supposed to be a full pint. Look at the head on top.”

“Yes, sir.  The head is what gives the stout its creamy flavor.”

“It also takes up the room.”

“That it does sir.”

“What do you say about that fact.”

“It is definitely a fact sir. Now if you will excuse me.”

“Not so fast my good man. I’m paying for a pint and I expect a full pint.”

“Yes, sir. Take a draught of your pint then.”

“Why Do that?”

“If you do that and hand it over to me, I will refill it, and you will have your full measure.”

“Capital my man. Here it is.”

“Yes sir and here you are. Now I need to attend to the other customers. Will there be anything else.”

“No, you’ve taken care of everything. Wait. What about the next pint?”

“On the house sir. On the house.”

“This is a great place.”

“Thank you, sir.”

“Now son the toast.”

“Thank you. Ahem. Here’s to you, pops and your enjoyment of your stout.”

“Thank you, son. It does taste especially good.”

“I reckon its cause it is ninety-eight percent spit-free.”

“You are kidding me?”

“Sure pops I’m kidding.”

“Son?”

“Yes, mom.”

“You are kidding right?”

“Sure mom. You know me. A laugh a minute.”

“That’s why I’m worried. Horace, put that stout down.”

 

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt “T, Tea,Tee

~ John W. Howell ~ 45 Comments

Stream of Consciousness

It is Stream of Consciousness Saturday and this weeks prompt is . . . Well, I’m going to quote Linda Hill since it is a little complex.

Your Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is “T, tea, tee.” Theme your post around “tea” or “tee,” or find a word that starts with “T” and talk about that. Bonus points if you manage to incorporate all three. Enjoy!

There you have it. If you would like to join the crew, visit Linda’s blog to find out how. Here is the link. https://lindaghill.com/2018/07/27/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-july-28-18/

T, Tea, Tee by John W. Howell © 2108

“Tremendous prompt.”

“What? Are you having a stroke?”

“No, I just got the e-mail with the prompt for Saturday.”

“Can”t be that exciting.”

“Well, maybe not for you but for an old prompter it is a doozy.”

“What is it?”

“T, Tea, Tee.”

“Come again?”

“A word that starts with T.”

“Uh huh.”

“Tea like the drink.”

“Okay.”

“Tee like in golf.”

“And what makes all these so tremendous?”

“Extra credit.”

“Extra credit?”

“Yeah if you use all three there is extra credit.”

“Like in one sentence?”

“I guess that would be one way. It would be better to make a story around all three.”

“So let’s hear it?”

“What?”

“The story.”

“You have eaten up most of the prompt time with your questions so it will have to be short.”

“Fine with me and I’m sure the fourth wall would thank you for keeping it short.”

“Yes, well here goes. It was a lovely day for a golf match. The greens were perfect and the temperature was ideal. The three golfers approached the tee with one thing in mind. They wanted to trounce the fourth. You see every week the fourth guy would take the total match with the tiniest lead. The other three could taste victory and conspired to try to work together to maybe see the fourth go down in defeat. After the first nine holes, it was apparent that the test the three thought to try was not working. They decided over a cup of tea to tamper with the fourth’s golf balls. While he was occupied with an Earl Grey, they touched each ball with some tincture of lead. They figured with the slight added weight, the ball would tumble out of control and one of the three would be the winner. When fourth returned, they all went to the tee. The three could hardly keep a straight face as the fourth place his ball on the tee and prepared to drive it to the fairway. He swung and with a loud “thwack,” the ball disappeared from sight. The three could not believe it. The ball looked like it was going to hit the green in one stroke.`The Three looked at each other with trepidation. They all teed off, and when they reached the green, they were traumatized. The ball had tipped into the cup as they approached. “That is a fine how do you do,” said the tallest of the three. “Tiddlywinks,” said the timidest. “Tar and feathers,” said the trickiest. The fourth won that day which brings up a lesson. If you are going to cheat, know your business. Tincture of lead does not a tricky ball make.”

“And?”

“What do you mean, ‘And”‘

“Is there more?”

“No.”

“Terrible tale, tacky, turkey.”

“Thank you. I just love reviews.”