Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt “Passive /Aggressive”

April 7, 2018April 6, 2018 ~ John W. Howell ~ 54 Comments

Passive/aggressive is part of Stream of Conscious Saturday. Not necessarily behaviors of any of the principles it’s just that today’s prompt is passive/aggressive. There are bonus points for starting the post with either. (Cha-ching) If you would like to participate please visit Linda Hill’s blog and learn how to manage both passive and aggressive prompts. Here is the link. https://lindaghill.com/2018/04/06/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-april-7-18/

“Passive is my mode of dealing with challenges.”

“What are you talking about?”

“I was just getting ready for my support group meeting tonight.”

“What support group meeting?”

“Oh, I didn’t tell you. I have decided I need to talk out some things.”

“And my ears have been cut off I suppose.”

“Now come on. You know you get tired of hearing about all my little quirks.”

“No, I find your quirks as you call them, very endearing.”

“I can’t believe that.”

“Well, it’s true.”

“The fact that I can’t cross the kitchen floor.”

“Endearing.”

“Or can’t stand the tentative nature of living in a house that we don’t own.”

“Endearing.”

“Of wanting to have more babies.”

“Yes, endearing.”

“Of being afraid of aggressive insects.”

“Totally endearing.”

“Being allergic to flies.”

“The most endearing.”

“Afraid of being stepped on.”

“I share that fear and it is endearing.”

“I can’t weave a web.”

“I always help. Endearing.”

“Well, maybe I’m overreacting a bit. I think I need to put my feet down and get a grip.”

“That’s my love. Put all eight down and take a deep breath. I like it when your six eyes are shining. You look so aggressive.”

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Kreative Kue #168 by Keith Channing

April 3, 2018April 2, 2018 ~ John W. Howell ~ 43 Comments

In Keith’s words. “Using this photo 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 – pingbacks don’t often work.

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.

“So why did you hit me?”

“You’re being a jerk.”

“I still don’t think that is a reason to slug me in the arm.”

“Quit being a crybaby. I didn’t hurt you.”

“Yes, you did. I think I’m going to have a bruise.”

“Oh please. I barely touched you.”

“So what makes you think I’m a jerk?”

“What else would I think. Did you hear yourself?”

“My self? What about you? You marched in here and without a howdy do and started issuing orders. I could report you to HR you know.”

“Oh, Come on. You and I have worked together long enough that you don’t have to resort to chicken tactics.”

“Now you are threatening me and denying me due process. There’s another charge.”

“Come off it. Take a look at these papers, and I think you will be pleased enough to forget all this foolishness.”

“What do you have there?”

“Just the biggest order we have ever had.”

“Let me look. My goodness, this is big.”

“And all the credit will fall to you.”

“You’re the one who wrote the order. Why would I get the credit. You trying to bribe me?”

“Come on boss. You know that everything I do, people believe it’s because of your fine leadership.”

“Well, I am a good leader, aren’t I? Just no more punching.”

“Yes, boss. Anything you say.”

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt “Bun”

March 31, 2018March 30, 2018 ~ John W. Howell ~ 43 Comments

It is Stream of Consciousness Saturday and this weeks prompt is “bun.” Linda Hill further advises that the word bun can be used as part of a word or alone. If you would like to participate in this prompt, hop like a bunny (oh my) over to Linda’s blog and read all about it. Here is the link. https://lindaghill.com/2018/03/30/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-march-30-18/

Bun by John W. Howell @ 2018

“Bun in the oven. Bunsen burner. Easter Bunny.”

“What are you doing?”

“I signed up for the Stream of Consciousness Saturday prompt.”

“And you have lost your mind?”

“No, I’m trying to get a story developed around this week’s prompt.”

“Let me guess. The prompt is bun.”

“You are amazing.”

“So how hard can it be? How about a bun vendor who has a magic bun that he gives to a bun eater.”

“That is your story, not mine.”

“Why does it have to be yours anyway.”

“There are rules.”

“And if you break them you go to jail right?”

“It is a matter of pride and honesty.”

“Okay then put on your thinking cap and get a story going.”

“Okay here goes. There is this guy who is a bun vendor and has a magic bun. He gives it to a princess who needs the bun to attract the bun eating prince.”

“Why would the guy give away a magic bun?”

“He was actually a frog before the princess kissed him and now he needs to show his gratitude.”

“Gratitude for rising to the exalted position of bun vendor?”

“Well, he is human now and happy about that.”

“So no more fly eating.”

“May I finish.”

“You go.”

“Okay, so the princess takes the magic bun with her to the ball.”

“What ball?”

“The prince is throwing a ball to meet all the fair ladies in the kingdom.”

“A fine point left out of the story.”

“A big line forms and the ladies are meeting the prince.”

“Before cocktails? That must have been nerve-wracking.”

“Yes. I mean, may I continue?”

“Knock yourself out.”

“The princess gets in line and finally approaches the prince. She reaches out and has the bun hidden in her palm. She and the prince look into each other’s eyes as they eagerly grasp each other’s hand.”

“Wow. Romantic or what?”

“They pull together and as if magnetized, touch lips.”

“Okay. Now we are getting somewhere.”

“The magic bun melts in their fevered grip forming a permanent bond between the two.”

“And they live happily ever after right?”

“Well, let’s just say the magic bun did its job.”

“What does that mean?”

“The prince was turned into a frog and the princess had a frog attached to her hand.”

“OMG. Are you nuts?”

“Well, unlike every other prince in the kingdom, the bun vendor didn’t mind the frog and married the princess.”

“His plan all along?”

“He was the only one living happily ever after.”

“You need professional help. You know that?”

“Here, have a bun.”

Tuesday-Anything Possible-Kreative Kue #167

March 27, 2018March 26, 2018 ~ John W. Howell ~ 63 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 – pingbacks don’t often work.

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

“What did you do?”

“Me? Nothing.”

“Where did all this steam come from?”

“How do I know? I was just taking a picture of that crawly thing when it came up from the grate. Wait. Don’t walk on it.”

“I wasn’t going to walk on it. I wanted to see if it is hot.”

“With your foot?”

“I don’t want to stick my hand in it.”

“Get back away. Of course, it’s hot.”

“How do you know?”

“I can feel the heat from here.”

“What crawly thing were you taking a picture of?”

“You didn’t see it?”

“No what did it look like?”

“Sorta like a centipede.”

“Ew. I’m glad I didn’t see it. Where is it now?”

“It jumped into the grate just before the steam came out.”

“Where do you think it went?”

“I’m sure I don’t know, but I’ll tell you one thing.”

“What’s that?”

“Where ever it went I’m sure it is dead. That must be a thousand degrees down there.”

“Should we be worried?”

“About what?”

“I don’t know. Maybe an earthquake or volcano?”

“Oh please. This is a little disturbance is all. Nothing ever happens like that here.”

“That’s a relief. How about some lunch?”

“I heard they have a great place around the corner.”

“Where did you hear that?”

“I bought a guidebook.”

“Let me see it.”

“Okay, here on page 45 starts the list of the top restaurants in Pompeii.”

“You feel that?”

“Whoa, I sure did.”

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt “Picture”

March 24, 2018March 23, 2018 ~ John W. Howell ~ 46 Comments

It is Stream of Consciousness Saturday time again and this weeks prompt is “picture.” We are supposed to write about a picture that we see when we sit down to write. Unfortunately, my regular writing place which has lovely pictures is overrun with workers installing new flooring. I will have to write about the picture in my head.

“So what picture have you formed in your head?”

“I’m sitting on a desert island under a palm tree.”

“What are you doing there?”

“Basking in the sweet peace and quiet.”

“Is there anyone there with you?”

“Let me see. Nope. There is only me, the sand, and the crystal clear water. Oh yes, there are palm trees too.”

“Aren’t you lonely?”

“I just got here for heaven’s sake. By the way, where did you come from?”

“Me? I’m just a figment of your imagination.”

“Who asks a lot of questions.”

“Well, it must be your enquiring mind.”

“Okay so let’s just go with it. What else do you want to know?”

“Why are you here?”

“Have you ever spent three weeks with an air compressor and pounding hammers?”

“I could say yeah, cause I’m part of you but let me play along and say, no.”

“This island is so quiet it almost brings tears of joy in the response to the relief.”

“Wow. You trying to impress yourself with that kind of description?”

“Now you’re being a pain.”

“So how long are we—um—I mean you staying?”

“Oh, I don’t know. Let’s just say I might be ready to leave as soon as my heart slows down and ears stop ringing.”

“I think that was the bourbon and not hammers.”

“Very funny. I only used the bourbon as soothing syrup.”

“Said the guy who pitched an empty 1.5-liter bottle.”

“Aw come on. I had that thing a year. Besides, why do I listen to you?”

“Good point. Do you have an answer?”

“Go away.”

“How about a nice cold drink of water.”

“You bring a cooler?”

“No.”

“So why offer a cold drink?”

“It was a thought, not an offer.”

“Come to think about it. I think I need to find some water.”

“And a stray burger or two.”

“Damn. this may not work.”

“You think?”

“Let’s get out of here and stop at Buster’s Bodacious Burgers on the way home.”

“My kind of guy. I’m right behind you.”

“Wait. How do we get off?”

“I’m a figment, not a magician. How do I know? You got us here now take us home.”

“There’s no place like home.”

“Wizard of Oz isn’t going to help. Why don’t you just wake up.”

“Huh. Where am I? Where are you, figment? Oh great. Hammers.”

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Kreative Kue #166 by Keith Channing

March 20, 2018March 19, 2018 ~ John W. Howell ~ 66 Comments

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.

“Yes, ma’am that’s correct. Derick Dazzle of Chanel Ten News.”

“Oh, my. What brings you out on this gloomy day?”

“We have received many calls from our viewers wondering what you are doing.”

“I can’t imagine anyone calling a TV station about me. Why not just ask?”

“I’m sure I don’t know ma’am. My producer sent me here to get your side of the story.”

“My side. What are people saying? Also, please quit calling me ma’am. My name is Princess of Flight.”

“Ah, Princess of Flight, huh? How did you get that name?”

“I’m sure I don’t know. It has been my name forever. I suppose my parents gave it to me. You still haven’t told me what people are saying?”

“Well Princess, they are saying you must be mentally unstable.”

“Unstable? Why is that?”

“You sit here every day with big bags of bird food and feed these pesky pidgins.”

“Who says the pidgins are pesky?”

“Everyone. They are known to make a big mess here in the plaza.”

“They are one of God’s creatures and deserve to be treated fairly. I am looking out for them.”

“I can see that, Princess. Doesn’t it bother you that people think you are not doing the right thing?”

“Who says I’m not doing the right thing?”

“Well, feeding pests seems to be wrong.”

“Would everyone be happy if these so-called pests disappeared?”

“I suppose they would.”

“Good. You see I run a restaurant across town, and one of my most popular dishes is squab under glass. Eventually, I will have served every last one of these fat beauties. What do you think of my mental state now?”

“I think I need to go home and lay down.”

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt “Green”

March 17, 2018March 16, 2018 ~ John W. Howell ~ 48 Comments

It is Stream of Consciousness Saturday time again and this week’s prompt is “green.” Linda Hill says we can use the word any way we want. It is tough not to think of green in the context of St. Patrick’s Day, but I’m certainly going to try. Not that I have anything against St. Patrick’s Day. In fact, as a graduate of Notre Dame University, I embrace the day. (Happy St. Patrick’s Day) It’s just that using green in that context is so easy I have to resist. If you would like to have conflicts with yourself like this, why not join the group? Visit Linda Hill’s blog and find out how to become insecure really fast. Here is the link. https://lindaghill.com/2018/03/16/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-march-17-18/

“Green, green, it’s green they say
On the far side of the hill
Green, green, I’m going away
To where the grass is greener still.”

“Okay is this the New Christy Minstrels—dope addition?”

“Aw, come on. My singing isn’t that bad.”

“You need to step outside yourself and listen once.”

“You’re just envious.”

“Oh, yes. I’m green with envy that I can call hogs as well as you.”

“Call hogs? Where did that idea come from?”

“Look behind you.”

“What the heck is that?”

“In my view, it grunts like a hog, it smells like a hog. Probably is a hog.”

“Where do you suppose this hog came from?”

“I would guess a farm.”

“Now you’re being a smart-ass. I mean how did it get here?”

“Want to do another stanza of Green, Green and find out?”

“No thank you. You’re saying my singing called this hog over here.”

“Yup.”

“Can’t be. The nearest farm is twenty miles away.”

“I think we should enter this hog in the Olympics. Seems it can sprint pretty fast. Has great distance too.”

“Why don’t you do something to help me instead of cracking the jokes.”

“Okay tell you what. Let’s put up some signs in the neighborhood advertising this found hog. Someone is sure to claim it.”

“In the meantime, where do you propose we keep it?”

“I have a thought but you’re not going to like it.”

“Try me.”

“Your room.”

“My room?”

“I think it would be very happy there.”

“Very funny.”

“Wasn’t meant to be humorous.”

Tuesday – Anything Possible -Kreative Kue #165 by Keith Channing

March 13, 2018March 12, 2018 ~ John W. Howell ~ 59 Comments

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 – pingbacks don’t often work.

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.

“So before our next record by the New Dellys, I want to introduce you to a person I have in the studio with me today. Welcome, Aakanksha.”

“Why thank you, Aditya. It is a pleasure to be with you today.”

“I know our listening audience needs no introduction to you. I don’t think there is a person on Earth who does not know of you.”

“My goodness, you certainly are making me blush.”

“You deserve every accolade. Do you mind if I ask a few questions?”

“No, of course not. I’m so excited to be on your show. Ask anything you want.”

“I see by my notes you were born and raised in New Delhi.”

“Yes. I am one of the fortunate ones in that I had the opportunity to attend school and go on to university.”

“Was it in the university that you learned your craft.”

“Oh yes. I took extensive training and worked hard to be the best. We formed a group in my freshman year and have been together since.”

“Well, that certainly paid off. I think you are recognized as the foremost expert in your field.”

“You favor me with such nice words, Aditya. I have to believe there are others who are just as talented as I.”

“Yes, but none have achieved your notoriety.”

“I attribute that to being in the right place at the right time.”

“You certainly have starred in a lot of videos, Aakanksha.”

“I have had a lot of help along the way.”

“Now turning to the future. What can you tell us about your future projects?”

“Aw, Aditya you know my projects are surrounded by super secret security. I ‘ll give you a hint though.”

“That would be swell. Listen up folks you are going to get a hint about the next Aakanksha project. Okay, what is the hint?”

“I’ll give you one word, Brinks.”

“OMG, you talking about hitting the Brinks organization.”

“That’s all I can say for now. Your fans will be reading about a spectacular bank job shortly.”

“Wow. That’s all the time we have today. I want to thank Aakanksha the most notorious Robin Hood hold up artist in all the country.”

“Thank you, Aditya. It was a pleasure to be with you. Goodbye folks.”

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt – “So Far.”

March 10, 2018March 9, 2018 ~ John W. Howell ~ 54 Comments

It is Stream of Consciousness Saturday time again and this weeks prompt is “so far.” Linda Hill advises that we can use it any way we wish. If you would like to tease your brain, come join us. Go to Linda’s blog and read how. Here is the link.

The Friday Reminder and Prompt for #SoCS March 10/18

“So what do you have so far?”

“Dear Mr. President.”

“Yes well. Ahem. Dear Mr. President.”

“You already said that.”

“I know, I know I’m just trying to warm up.”

“Why not a couple of laps around the building.”

“I mean to the subject. Not actually a physical warm-up.”

“Fine. You’re the boss.”

“Now, where was I?”

“Dear Mr. President.”

“Oh yeah. Ahem.”

“Don’t say ‘Dear Mr. President’ again.”

“For heaven’s sake. How am I ever going to get this letter dictated if you keep interrupting?”

“It is a challenge I’ll admit.”

“Okay, I’m going to ignore you and just go through it.”

“The last time you ignored me remember what happened?”

“When was that?”

“Yesterday.”

“I can’t recall. What happened?”

“I told you to turn left on Forest Avenue and what did you do?”

“But there was a no left turn sign.”

“Ah, so you do remember. Tell everyone what happened next.”

“Em, we went straight ahead.”

“To what end.”

“The road it ended.”

“Yup and how much did it cost to have the car towed?”

“Wait a minute I never told you that.”

“You used your debit card. All I had to do was look at the transaction.”

“Can we get back to the letter?”

“Tell the folks how much.”

“Two hundred bucks.”

“Now don’t you feel better?”

“I’ll tell you what would make me feel better, Siri. Stay away from my debit card.”

“Not gonna happen boss. Okay, so far you have, ‘Dear Mr. President.”‘

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Kreative Kue #164 by Keith Channing

March 6, 2018March 5, 2018 ~ John W. Howell ~ 47 Comments

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.”

Here is the photo.