Yul”

December 23, 2017December 22, 2017 ~ John W. Howell ~ 39 Comments

You’ll not believe it is Stream of Consciousness Saturday time again. This week’s prompt is “yule/you’ll/Yul.” Linda Hill says to start the post with one of them. Now you know why the first sentence was so goofy. If you would like to join this band of misfits, visit Linda’s blog and read all about how. Here is the link.

The Friday Reminder and Prompt for #SoCS Dec. 23/17

“What is your name , son?”

“Yul.”

“Yul?”

“Yes, sir?”

“You’ll have to give me a hand here.”

“Yes sir. What are you doing?”

“Trying to get this Yule log into the sleigh.”

“Not sure you have the strength for that, sir.”

“Guess why I asked you for help?”

“Not sure.”

“You kidding me?”

“No sir.”

“Because I don’t have the strength.”

“Ah. We are on the same page.”

“So grab the end there.”

“Hummph.”

“Heavy right?”

“Mmmpphhh.”

“We are almost there.”

“There. We have it in the sleigh.”

“Thank you, Yul. You were a big help.”

“Sir?”

“Yes, Yul.”

“I hope you’ll have a Merry Christmas.”

“Thank you, Yul. I hope you’ll have the same.”

“I think I will.”

“You think?”

“Yes. Especially if you give me your wallet.”

Tuesday – Anything possible – Kreative Kue #153

December 19, 2017December 18, 2017 ~ John W. Howell ~ 53 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 keith@channing.info before 6 pm 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.

“How did you come to buy this present for me?”

“It just spoke to me as I walked by it in the store.”

“What kind of store was that?”

“A little shop down on Thirteenth Street.”

“Thirteenth street? What was the address?”

“Six-sixty-sixth Thirteenth Street, why?”

“Oh, just a little curious. I noticed on the card that the store had a funny name.”

“Funny how?”

“All Things Eternal sounds a little weird.”

“Oh, I don’t think so. I think they stand behind their products is all.”

“Look at this inspection tag. It’s signed by someone named Cya.”

“A very common name in the apparatus business. You going to try them or not?”

“I’m just a little concerned about this whole thing.”

“Why?”

“Look down. That is one heck of a fall if they don’t work.”

“For heaven’s sake. There is a lifetime warranty.”

“A what?”

“Lifetime warranty.”

“Whose lifetime.”

“The user of course.”

“Now you’ve convinced me. There is no way I’m putting these wings on and stepping off this ledge.”

“Chicken.”

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt “Contrast”

December 16, 2017December 15, 2017 ~ John W. Howell ~ 45 Comments

It is Stream of Consciousness Saturday and our prompt this week is “contrast.” Linda Hill says we can use the word or maybe a concept that demonstrates contrast. If you would like to join in and have some fun go to Linda’s blog and read how. It is not hard. All you really need is a strong sense of self-worth and plenty of alcohol. Here is the link. https://lindaghill.com/2017/12/15/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-dec-16-17/

“So there I was looking through my viewfinder.”

“Viewfinder? Were you taking a picture?”

“Of course I was taking a picture. What do you think? Think I go around looking at the world through my camera.”

“Well, you have that ginormous lens.”

“Okay, okay don’t interrupt. Let me finish the story . You’ll be impressed.”

“So far not.”

“You have to trust me on this. So there I was looking through my viewfinder and what do you think I saw?”

“Do you want me to tell the story?”

“I saw two buildings that were framed in perfect contrast.”

“Perfect what?”

“Contrast. Contrast.”

“What the heck is contrast?”

“These buildings.”

“No, I mean what do you mean by contrast?”

“Oh. Contrast is a color or illumination that makes one object stand out from the other.”

“Okay and I will be impressed how?”

“Here look at the photo on my camera.”

“Okay I see two buildings. So what?”

“Don’t you see that one is grey and one is mauve?”

“Well they are different color for sure.”

“Do you see both?”

“I said that.”

“Perfect contrast.”

“Man, you need to get out more.”

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Kreative Kue #152 by Keith Channing

December 12, 2017December 11, 2017 ~ John W. Howell ~ 42 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 keith@channing.info 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 are you looking at?”

“Shush. I think I hear something.”

“Don’t be a fool. There is nothing there. Keep digging.”

“I’m not sure I’ve told you I love you enough.”

“Aw, that’s sweet. What caused you to say that?”

“You know how I feel about you.”

“Yes, of course, I do.”

“I guess I’m a little taken with the fact we are on our honeymoon.”

“I know isn’t it wonderful? But you know this isn’t technically our honeymoon. That won’t begin until after the ceremony.”

“Well, I’m just filled with love. I think we have been on a honeymoon ever since we met.”

“You know, you say the nicest things.”

“I am so excited about our life together at last.”

“It has been a trial, but that is all behind us now.”

“I still think I hear something.”

“That is impossible.”

“Let me lean a little closer.”

“I think you are imagining things.”

“I don’t know. I may not have hit him hard enough.”

“Oh for heaven’s sake. He’s been dead for a day now. Hurry up and get him covered so we can get to the ceremony.”

“Should we say some words?”

“Why?”

“He was your husband after all.”

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt “liqu”

December 9, 2017December 8, 2017 ~ John W. Howell ~ 32 Comments

It is Stream of Consciousness Saturday time again and this week’s prompt is “liqu.” Yes, you see what I wrote, liqu. Linda Hill advised us that we could either use a word the starts with liqu or has liqu in it somewhere. If you would like to join this happy band of nut cases go to Linda’s blog and read how. Here is the link.

The Friday Reminder and Prompt for #SoCS Dec. 9/17

“I need to talk to you.”

“Well have a seat and tell me who you are.”

“Jackson Bump is my name.”

“Yes, Mr. Bump. What can I do for you?”

“I need to enhance my liquidity in my portfolio.”

“What portfolio would that be Mr. Bump?”

“My stock portfolio.”

“Let me look that up. Do you have your account number?”

“Yes, it’s 7601772.”

“Here we go. Ah yes. Mr. Bump. I can see you are pretty consolidated in just a very few stocks.”

“That’s why I need to liquefy one or more of my positions.”

“Might be a smart move for safety. Which did you have in mind?”

“What ones are there?”

“My goodness. Okay, let me read them to you. The first is Acme Liquorice Company. Their earnings look like they are in the black. Excuse me a small joke. The next is Worn Shoe Liquidators. Looks like someone walked a mile in theirs. The final stock is DWI Liquors. Looks like a long-term holding.”

“Which would you recommend?”

“I think I would liquidate the Worn Shoe Liquidators. Their long-term prospects look a little thin. That would get you a nice piece of change after you liquefy.”

“What should I do with the money?”

“If it were me I would add a little more to your liquor holding. I would Liquorize so to speak.”

“I don’t know. I’m thinking of staying liquid for a while.”

“Don’t blame you. Here have a martini. It will get you started on the road to all things liquorishness.”

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Kreative Kue #151 by Keith Channing

December 5, 2017December 4, 2017 ~ John W. Howell ~ 39 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 keith@channing.info 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.

“Ground control, helo 174.”

“Go ahead helo 174.”

“We are ready to move to the hanger.”

“Roger helo 174. Take alpha taxiway to intercept with 16. Make a left on 16 to beta and hold short at beta.”

“Alpha to 16. Left on 16 to beta. Hold at beta, helo 174.”

“Okay, Frank. You want to tell me how come this machine seems smaller than yesterday?”

“I’m not sure. I know you, and I haven’t grown.”

“Good observation. I hope you come up with an answer before we reach the hanger.”

“Who’s at the hanger?”

“The FAA examiner that’s who.”

“Who called him?”

“I had to. When it was clear we could no longer stay in the air, I was required to report it.”

“Let me think. I know when we came back from the trip yesterday this craft was full size.”

“Yeah no kidding, Hold on. Holding short at beta. Helo 174”

“Roger helo 174. Watch for the United heavy. Once he passes, proceed to the hanger.”

“Holding until the United heavy is clear then to the hanger. Helo 174. Did you do anything different when you put it away.”

“No. I gave her a wash and then put her in the hangar.”

“Did you refuel her?”

“I did.”

“Clean the interior?”

“Yup.”

“Dry her off?”

“Uh. Did you say dry her off?”

“Yes. Did you dry her off?”

“I forgot.”

“You forgot? Well, there you go. You put her up wet?”

“I guess I did.”

“Well, no wonder she is smaller. You let her shrink.”

“How did I know?”

“What is the name of this craft?”

“Violet.”

“You should have known.”

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt “Cramp”

December 2, 2017December 1, 2017 ~ John W. Howell ~ 41 Comments

It is Stream of Consciousness Saturday time again and this week’s prompt is “cramp.” Linda Hill says we can use it any way we want. Other than the obvious I’m going to have to figure a different use. If you would like to be part of this joyous band please visit Linda’s blog and see how easy it is to lose your mind. Here is the link.

The Friday Reminder and Prompt for #SoCS Dec. 2/17

“Attention students. Today we are going to be learning a few words that might be asked by the State Proficiency Test.”

“Teacher?”

“Yes, Johnny.”

“We’ve studied words for months. Why these new ones?”

“Excellent question, Jonny. The Board of Education heard that the state might throw in some different uses of words so we want to be ready. Here is the first word, cramp. Can anyone tell me what that means. Yes, Sally.”

“Cramp is a muscle seizure commonly associated with muscle fatigue or improper stretching.”

“Excellent Sally. Anyone else? Yes, Terrance. Tell us.”

“Cramp is a tightening of the muscles that could be brought on by cold weather or water.”

“Wonderful Terrance. Next? All right Patrice.”

“A cramp is a tool that is used in woodworking.”

“My goodness, Patrice. I’m amazed. Anyone else? Yes, Brad.”

“The word cramp could be used in place of the word restrict as in ‘higher interest rates could cramp housing market growth.”‘

“You are spot on Brad. You all have been marvelous in your knowledge of the word cramp. I think now it is time to introduce you to a few more meanings just in case. Here goes.

Cramp. When you are sent to a place in the summer and it sucks.

Cramp. When you get a gift from your grandfather and it sucks.

Cramp. When your brother or sister turns their music up too loud.

Cramp. When you are riding your bike or skateboard and you wipe out going up an incline for a jump.

Cramp.The sound of your answer when you are eating peanut butter and crackers and someone asks you a question.

Cramp. The wetness on your pants from the dew when you sit on the concrete stoop eating watermelon.

Cramp. What you do with M&Ms when you see your friend Joey down the block.

Cramp. The laud noise you make in the birthday jump house when it gets too crowed.

Cramp. The tightness of your fist when your sister or brother wants something you have.

Cramp. The sound a skydiver makes when he is sure he forgot a parachute. ”

“Mrs Thompson?”

“Yes, Darlene.”

“Are you putting us on?”

“Yes sweetheart I am. I just love the standardized test time and need to relax a little is all. I hope you all enjoyed these. Yes, Joey?”

“Will these be on the test?”

Tuesday – Any Thing Possible – Kreative Kue #150 by Keith Channing

November 28, 2017November 27, 2017 ~ John W. Howell ~ 44 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.

“Can’t you hear my heartbeat?”

“Excuse me. I didn’t hear what you said.”

“Oh, it was just a lyric to a song.”

“It sounded nice. Say it again.”

“When I feel you put your arms around me
Baby, baby, can’t you hear my heartbeat?”

“My goodness that sounds rather sexy.”

“When you move up closer to me
I get a feelin’ that’s ooo-wee.”

“So where did you hear this song?”

“It was on the radio this morning.”

“This morning and you still remember it?”

“Get real. Of course. I remember it.”

“Do you remember any more of it?”

“Can’t you hear the poundin’ of my heartbeat
’cause you’re the one I love, you’re the one I love.”

“Oh, that is so nice. How about you and I going out?”

“Hey boy. Have you forgotten where you are?”

“I don’t think so. Why.”

“We are kids for heaven’s sake. We can’t go out.”

“But you said you loved me.”

“It’s just a song. Besides we are supposed to be undercover. How would it look if we went on a date?”

“Who would know. It’s not like we would make out or anything.”

“I’m not so sure about you. Besides our orders are clear. Lay low and be children and wait for the rest of the invaders.”

“I know, I know. I just thought we had something that’s all.”

“Try to remember the mission and keep dancing Zogtool.”

“Hey, only my friends get to call me Zogtool.”

“Yeah, yeah, yeah. Tell it to the Galactic troopers.”

“Ah, your mother wears anti-gravity boots.”

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt “Ink”

November 25, 2017November 24, 2017 ~ John W. Howell ~ 34 Comments

It is Stream of Consciousness Saturday and this week’s prompt is “Ink.” Linda Hill says we can use it any way we want. If you would like to join in this happy band of nut cases visit Linda’s blog and find out how. Don’t worry no one will slip you into a straight jacket on the first visit. Here is the link https://lindaghill.com/2017/11/24/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-nov-25-17/

“You come back from that place with the weirdest stuff.”

“Weird? What’s weird about this?”

“You have got to be kidding me.”

“No. I’m serious. What is weird about the word ink?

“For one if you were going to make something out of the word you would have to write about printing.”

“That’s not true. Remember we can use the word any way we want.”

“Okay, how would you use it?”

“One example is we could talk about a squid.”

“A squid? What would you make out of a squid?”

“Try this. ‘The giant squid wrapped its tentacles around the boat and dragged it shrouded in a black cloud of ink to the bottom of the sea.”‘

“That is pretty exciting. What’s next?”

“What about another use?”

“Lay it on me.”

“Two guys hunched over a desk. One says to the other, ‘Let’s ink this contract so the people can get back to work.'”

“I like that. A labor story. What else?”

“A guy walks into a tattoo parlor. The proprietor looks up from the counter. ‘You here for the ink?’ he says.”

“Ah, the great anti-establishment story. Any more?”

“The young kid holding his dog looked up at the man. ‘His name is Ink cause he’s so black. Can you save him?”‘

“Aw, a boy and his dog story. Another?”

“A guy on a soapbox sweeps his arm at the unruly crowd. “I’ll tell you what INK stands for. I for Intensity. N for Now and K for Knuckleballers. Now go get them.”‘

“Knuckleballers? What kind of story is that?”

“It’s a baseball story.”

“Where did the initials come from?”

“They were on the locker room wall.”

“you are making this up as you go along aren’t you?”

“How can you tell? Go INK.”

“Go INK indeed.”

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Kreative Kue #149

November 21, 2017November 20, 2017 ~ John W. Howell ~ 37 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.