Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt “Psst”

November 18, 2017November 17, 2017 ~ John W. Howell ~ 27 Comments

AAAAOOOOOGGGGAAA. It is Stream of Consciousness Saturday time again. I have to quote Linda Hill to explain this week’s prompt. Here is what Linda says, “Your Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is “psst, or any other attention-getting noise or word.” Find a word or noise that you’d use to get someone’s attention, and start your post off with it. Enjoy!” So, now you know why I hit the ooga horn up front. If you would like to join in this fun go to Linda’s site and read how. Here is the link. https://lindaghill.com/2017/11/17/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-nov-18-17/

“Hey, you.”

“Who are you yelling at.”

“Not the guy behind you I can assure you.”

“Alright. What do you want?”

“I need to ask you a favor.”

“A favor? What kind of favor?”

“Oh, its nothing that is illegal for you.”

“That never occurred to me. So why would you mention illegal?”

“I just meant it is nothing that will get you into trouble.”

“Trouble? What kind of trouble?”

“I mean there will be no trouble.”

“You said trouble first.”

“For heaven’s sake. Will you do me a favor or not?”

“Depends on what it is.”

“That’s reasonable.”

“Thank you. As long as it doesn’t cost me anything I’ll do it.”

“Yeah, well it might cost a little.”

“Well then count me out. What’s that?”

“Oh, this? It is my gun and I want your wallet.”

“You said it was not illegal.”

“For you, it’s not. For me big time. Hand it over.”

“I don”t have a wallet.”

“Where do you keep your money?”

“In a paper sack.”

“Let me see it.”

“Here.”

“It’s all pennies.”

“A penny saved is a penny earned.”

“Of all the patsies in this world, I gotta pick Scrooge McDuck.”

“I resemble that.”

“Get off my foot. Take your bag of pennies.”

“You are so nice.”

“Beat it.”

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Kreative Kue #148 by Keith Channing

November 14, 2017November 13, 2017 ~ John W. Howell ~ 46 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.

The trip by John W. Howell

“So where is the cruise ship?”

“Who said anything about a cruise ship?”

“You said we were going on a cruise.”

“I don’t think I said a cruise.”

“What did you say then?”

“I think I said you and I were booked on a boat trip.”

“Boat trip, cruise. What’s the difference?”

“For one thing a boat trip is on a boat, not a ship.”

“To me, they are the same.”

“A boat is smaller.”

“Like those in the river there?”

“Exactly.”

“Okay, so it’s a small boat. Still a cruise to me.”

“Hold on. Another thing that separates a cruise from a boat trip is on a cruise you don’t have to do anything but eat, sleep, and play.”

“Yeah, I get that. So on a boat trip, you need to be involved in doing things.”

“Now I think you have it.”

“Like what things?”

“Depends on what you signed up for.”

“Signed up for? What does that mean?”

“Well, for instance, I signed up to be a deckhand.”

“Deckhand. Wait a minute. I thought this was going to be a vacation?”

“It is. A working vacation.”

“You mean to tell me we are going to be working as deckhands on one of those barges?”

“No, not at all.”

“Well. that’s a relief.”

“You’re signed up as a cook.”

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt “Arm”

November 11, 2017November 10, 2017 ~ John W. Howell ~ 31 Comments

A day to honor our veterans. I thank you all for your service which has allowed me to participate in and enjoy our country’s freedoms.

It is also Stream of Consciousness Saturday time again and this week’s prompt is “Arm.” We are advised to use it or any word that has “arm” in it. If you would like to participate in this madness visit Linda Hill’s blog and read how. You don’t even have to have normal personality traits to participate. Here is the link. https://lindaghill.com/2017/11/10/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-nov-11-17/

“So how did you get him to say, “yes?”

“Simple. We arm wrestled, and I won.”

“Just like that? You beat him at arm wrestling, and he told you okay?”

“That’s all it took. No arm-twisting. No arguing, no strong-arm stuff. Just a simple arm wrestle.”

“How did you get him to agree to the contest?”

“It wasn’t too hard.”

“Okay tell me how.”

“I pulled out my firearm and told him I would shoot him if he didn’t arm wrestle me.”

“You told me you didn’t do any strong-arm stuff. What would you call pulling out a firearm?”

“A getting his attention device.”

“So you had the contest and how did it go.”

“Well, there we were pretty much locked in a draw. I could see his arm starting to quiver. I applied a little pressure and he slowly started to slip.”

“This is exciting. Go on.”

“I have this special trick I use. It is a twist of the wrist which gives me an advantage over my opponent.”

“So then you pinned his arm?”

“No, he started a comeback. I could not believe his arm was almost on the table when he started to rise. I could see the sweat breaking out on his forehead and he was grunting. The crowd was starting to chant for him.”

“What did you do?”

“I applied a little more pressure and his rally was over.”

“What kind of pressure?”

“Oh, something small which usually works.”

“What?”

“I pulled the hammer back on my firearm.”

“Cheater.”

“I prefer the term winner.”

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Kreative Kue #147 by Keith Channing

November 7, 2017November 6, 2017 ~ John W. Howell ~ 35 Comments

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.

“So there I was standing on the bow of that great ship.”

“How did you get on the ship?”

“I was a member of the crew. May I continue?”

“Yes, by all means.”

“As I said I was standing on the bow looking off to the sea.”

“Where was the ship going?”

“It was headed for America. We were doing fourteen knots, and the air was so cold I could see my breath.”

“I’ve never seen my breath. What did it look like?”

“It was like a cloud or smoke from a hookah. All of a sudden this large chunk of ice appeared out of nowhere, and we crashed into it. I was thrown to the deck and covered with chunks as we passed.”

“How did you survive?”

“I got out from under the ice and ran to the bridge. It was warm inside. The captain was frantic. He asked me if I saw anything. I told him we hit some ice. That was the last time I talked to him.”

“Why didn’t you talk to him?”

“He was busy, and I had my duties to attend to.”

“What duties?”

“I was assigned to pilot a lifeboat which I did.”

“It is a wonder you survived.”

“Yes, most did not. That is why we are building this boat here in the desert. It is to be a memorial to those who perished.”

“There is no water for hundreds of miles.”

“It doesn’t matter. They will know.”

“Who will know?”

“The lost souls. The ones I couldn’t save. They will know my sorrow.”

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt – “shortcut/cut short.”

November 4, 2017November 3, 2017 ~ John W. Howell ~ 20 Comments

It is Stream of Consciousness Saturday time again. This week’s prompt is “shortcut/cut short.” Linda hill says we can use them anyway we want. If you would like to join in go to Linda’s blog and read how. Here is the link. https://lindaghill.com/2017/11/03/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-nov-417/

“I’m taking a shortcut through the strawberry patch.”

“Why are you doing that?”

“I want to see what it is like to take a strawberry shortcut.”

“Man, you come up with the dumbest things. Enough of this, I need to cut short the chit-chat.”

“In a rush are we?”

“Yes. I have to go downtown and speak with the tax appraiser.”

“Uh oh. That sounds ominous.”

“Not so bad. I need to ask them for a reappraisal of my house.”

“They will do that?”

“Yes. If you have a change of circumstance they will.”

“So what change of circumstance did you have?”

“You are kidding right?”

“What?”

“You were the one who decided to cut short your vacation and stay at my house instead.”

“Yes, I did.”

“And you were the one who wanted to take a shortcut and put the roast in the microwave.”

“Well, it was a good idea for reducing cooking time.”

“You also recall that the microwave caught on fire.”

“Well, I didn’t know that was going to happen.”

“What shortcut did you take with the fire?”

“Pan of water.”

“Which caused the grease to spatter and catch the island on fire.”

“Yeah, that water didn’t work too well.”

“The who decided to cut short his visit?”

“Uh. Me.”

“Correct. Meanwhile the kitchen is in flames.”

“I couldn’t do anything anyway.”

“Which spread to the upstairs.”

“That was one shortcut I didn’t expect.”

“Finally to the roof.”

“Time to cut short the description. I get it.”

“Get what?”

“Your house burned down and now you need a reappraisal.”

“Thanks to whom?”

“The change of circumstance.”

“Start running. Now.”

“Time for the shortcut.”

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Kreative Kue #146

October 31, 2017October 30, 2017 ~ John W. Howell ~ 39 Comments

Using 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.

“My children, as we look over the beautiful countryside we must think of how vast the world is and how small we appear in relation to it. Ow.”

“OMG. The pastor was just stung by a bee.”

“Impossible. He is our leader and cannot be taken down by a humble bee. He is impervious to such mundane nuisances.”

“Can someone help me? I have been stung by a bee.”

“So much for the impervious leader.”

“I can’t believe it. Just last night he was walking on hot coals.”

“I knew it was a trick.”

“It was no trick. I supervised the building of the coals myself. I looked at his feet, and he had no burns.”

“So why is he in so much pain over a little bee sting.”

“I don’t know. Did you see him the day before lying on a bed of nails.”

“Yes, and I thought that was a trick as well.”

“You can’t be serious. Did you not see the marks on his skin with your own eyes?”

“Yes I saw them. So what is up with the bee?”

“I can’t imagine. I think I must approach him and ask.”

“Good luck with that.”

“My leader. How may I help you?”

“This bee caught me in a venerable place, and I need help.”

“But my leader you are a man of courage and faith. I watched as you tested your faith on coals and nails. Can’t your faith carry you through this bee sting?”

“My son. We all have points of vulnerability. It is the Creator’s way to keep us from getting too arrogant thus believing we can live without faith.”

“Oh, I see. So the bee found your point of vulnerability.”

“Do you remember the classics, my son? The story of Achilles?”

“Oh, yes my leader. He was strong and brave, but his heel was his point of vulnerability.”

“That’s correct. We refer to someone’s vulnerability as “An Achilles heel.”

“So the bee caught you in your Achilles heel.”

“I would say Achilles’ bum is more accurate. Help me to the infirmary. I need someone to take out the stinger.”

“The only person there is nurse Pradeep.”

“Yes. I know my son. Hurry.”

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Kreative Kue #145 by Keith Channing

October 24, 2017October 23, 2017 ~ John W. Howell ~ 34 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.

“I’m waiting.”

“I know, I know. I need to take my time.”

“Time? Time to do what?”

“If you must know choosing the right fabric for my dress is very important.”

“I agree it is important if you were marring the right man.”

“Now Mom. Let’s not get into that again.”

“The that which you mention is a the heart of my discontent.”

“Why mom? You know he is a man after my heart.”

“Oh, I’m sure he is after much more than your heart, my dear.”

“Not this again. For the last time, he doesn’t want any part of our family money.”

“I’ll believe it when I see it.”

“Okay, he will sign a document saying he doesn’t want anything from you or dad.”

“He told you this?”

“Yes, he did.”

“This boy has a job?”

“He’s a man, and yes, he has a job. A good job.”

“Doing what?”

“He is a banker.”

“A banker? This sounds promising.”

“Well, I’m finished with my note.”

“Read it to me before you give it to the clerk.”

“Okay, mom. Here it is. Please take this fabric and put it in a bag. This is a holdup. We are desperate fugitives and will not hesitate to kill you if you don’t do what we say. Do not call for help. How’s that?”

“I think that part of desperate fugitives and killing is a little strong.”

“How about, this is a holdup and please do what we say, and no one gets hurt?”

“Much better dear. Go with that.”

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt – “Season”

October 21, 2017October 20, 2017 ~ John W. Howell ~ 44 Comments

Season is the reason for this week’s Stream of Conscious Saturday session. Theis weeks prompt is “Season,” and Linda Hill said we could add a suffix to it as well. There are bonus points for the first, and last words of the post are “season” or a seasoning. If you would like to join in on the fun, please visit Linda Hill (midnight is best) and find out all about it. Here is the link. https://lindaghill.com/2017/10/20/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-oct-2117/

Oh yes, Linda said there would be extra bonus points if we had pictures. That is not going to happen.

“Deck the halls with Boston Charlie.”

“What are you doing?”

“Getting into the spirit of the season.”

“what season are you talking about?”

“The holiday season. You know the one no one can actually say anymore.”

“Are you nuts?”

“Why?”

“It is not even Halloween, and you are singing about the holidays.”

“I have to ask. What’s wrong with that?”

“You sound like a lunatic. There is Halloween, and Thanksgiving before the holidays. Why aren’t you singing about Halloween?”

“I don’t know any Halloween carols.”

“Your Boston Charlie isn’t exactly a carol either.”

“Oh, I get it. Okay, let’s try this.

Trick or treat for Halloween,

Load my bag with candy.

If you cheat me, I’ll get mean,

And play a trick that’s dandy.”

“Stop.”

“What’s the problem?”

“You are killing me. Go back to the holiday stuff.”

“I thought it was quite good.”

“I think songs don’t cut it during the Halloween season.”

“Oh, I don’t know it could be a new thing.”

“Now you did it.”

‘What.”

“You added to the post. I had it finished and bonus points in the bag when I said ‘Halloween season.”‘

“You doing that prompt thing again?”

“Yes of course. Haven’t you noticed, it’s the only time I talk to you.”

“Now that you mention it, I do notice.”

“So what do you think?”

“Makes me think you are right.”

“Right? How?”

“We should end the post with the word season.”

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Kreative Kue #144 by Keith Channing

October 17, 2017October 16, 2017 ~ John W. Howell ~ 44 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.

“I don’t think I would go in there.”

“Why not. It is just a stone closet.”

“A stone closet? I’m pretty sure it is a little more than that.”

“Oh, yeah? What do you think it is?”

“It looks like a spot where they used to torture people.”

“Oh, C’mon. This is not a torture chamber. It is too small.”

“Well, it gives me the creeps.”

“Nonsense. Here take my camera. I want a picture of me in this closet.”

“Okay, but I’m warning you for the last time. I have a funny feeling about this.”

“Here I’m going to stand while you take the picture.”

“Okay. Smile. Wait. Why do you have your mouth open like that?”

“Since you are such a nervous Nelly I thought I would look like I’m screaming.”

“Look here there is a little plaque on the wall.”

“What does it say?”

“Dr. Tooth.”

“Dr Tooth? What the?”

“It’s a dentist office.”

“That’s right ladies. I’m Dr. Tooth.”

“W-what? Who said that? Where are you?”

“Ha ha ha. I am everywhere. Now I need to see your teeth. Open wide. Let me see how many of these beauties need to come out.”

“Yaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa”

Tuesday Anything Possible – Kreative Kue # 143 by Keith Channing

October 10, 2017October 9, 2017 ~ John W. Howell ~ 33 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.

Kreative Kue #143

“So how was camp? Did you have a good time?”

“You know, mom I feel a little different.”

“Different? Oh, nonsense. It’s just you have been away for two weeks. Tell us what was the most fun?”

“Gee, mom. I don’t feel so good. Can’t we just let this go until later?”

“Oh, my baby. Why are you so upset. Your brothers are getting concerned. Are you running a fever?”

“No mom. You don[t have to feel my forehead. I’m fine physically. I have a strange feeling I have changed.”

“You still look the same to me. Come here my little one and let mommy hold you.”

“Look at me, mom. Look at my brothers. Don’t you see anything different?”

“Well, now that you mention it, I think you could use a haircut.”

“Mom you are not getting the point. There was this ceremony, and we were to concentrate on being anything in the world we wanted to be.”

“So what did you concentrate on being?”

“I wanted to be an elephant.”

“An elephant? My goodness, whatever for?”

“I’ve been getting restless lately. I’m tired of being pushed around by the other kids.”

“So what happened.?”

“Can’t you see what happened?”

“You look the same, son.”

“For heaven’s sake. Can’t you see my nose is longer?”

“I’m sorry my boy, but it looks the same to me. You are my little Llama boy, and nothing can change that. Mommy loves you very much. Now c ‘mon let’s go in and have some lunch.”

“Yeah, okay, mom. I hope we are having alfalfa. All we got at camp was Coastal.”