Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt “Book Title

July 15, 2017July 14, 2017 ~ John W. Howell ~ 39 Comments

SOCS

It is Stream of Consciousness time again. This week is a doozy. Here is Linda’s instruction. “Your Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is: “book title.” Take the title of the book you’re currently reading or the one sitting closest to you when you’re ready to write your SoCS post and base your post on the title only. I’m not asking for a book review or a synopsis, just whatever the title itself brings to mind. For example, Gone Girl makes me remember the first time I left home to live by myself. Or Lord of the Rings makes me think of all the rings I’ve owned in my life. Enjoy!” If you want to join this happy band, go to Linda Hill’s post and read how. Here is the link. https://lindaghill.com/2017/07/14/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-july-1517/

I am currently reading Fantasy Patch Steven Geez

“So, where are we?”

“What do I look like? I know nothing about navigation. I have no idea.”

“I must have blacked out when we went through that force field.”

“That makes two of us.”

“I remember being one light wave from touch down at the last check.”

“Yeah well, I think we missed the landing site.”

“Hows the ship?”

“Looks like all is normal. We are listing twenty degrees though.”

“I think we hit something soft.”

“Why do you say that?”

“The landing sequence failed, and we should have been pulverized at the decent speed.”

“Yet we are still here.”

“That’s why I’m saying something soft.”

“What is the surface of Planet X73 composition?”

“Let me see. According to the records, it is supposed to be granite like strata.

“Well if that were the case we would be goners for sure. Does the environment scan work?”

“Yup. Let me run it. Hold on I’m getting the readings and interpretation.”

“What is it?”

“This is impossible. it says gauze and cotton.”

“Gauze and cotton. Those are compositions found on Earth. Not five light years from there.”

“All the same.That’s what it says.”

“Get a visual and shoot it to my communicator.”

“You have it.”

“You won’t believe this.”

“What?”

“We are sitting on a patch on the arm of a giant.”
“Get out.”

“Seriously. He looks asleep. When he gets up we are in for a fall I’ll tell you.”

“What kind of patch?”

“Let me blow the image up a bit. It has a name. F-A-N-T-A-S-Y. fantasy. A fantasy patch?”

“You thinking the same thing as I am.”

“That this giant is in some kind dream state. Yes.”

“Can we fire up again.”

“I think we better. As I say when he wakes up and stands up I don’t think we will survive the fall.”

“Here goes. The launch sequence has begun. We have ignition.”

SLAP!!!

“Mom there’s still more mosquitos in my room.”

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Kreative Kue #131 by Keith Channing

July 11, 2017July 10, 2017 ~ John W. Howell ~ 45 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 keithkreates@channing.ino 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.

Here is the photo.

“So what are we supposed to be looking for anyway?”

“The dispatcher said to keep an eye out for anything unusual.”

“Look at those yellow awnings. They are unusual.”

“Yes, they are. Not that kind of unusual.”

“So what kind?”

“How long you been on the force?”

“Ten years why?”

“You should know what kind of unusual. Robbers, killers, rapists and anything else that looks illegal.”

“Man I haven’t seen any of those for a while.”

“You know what I mean.”

“What do those kinds of people look like anyway?”

“You are getting on my last nerve. Quit being so literal. Just look for anything suspicious.”

“That for sale sign looks suspicious.”

“I give up. Sit there and be quiet.”

“What if I see something?”

“Ask for permission to speak.”

“Got it.”

“The silence is a nice change.”

“Permission to speak.”

“Go ahead.”

“Whats that guy with the gun doing?”

“What guy? What gun?”

“Permission to speak.”

“Yeah do it.”

“That was just a test.”

“Okay one more and I’m reporting you to the captain.”

“Permission to speak.”

“Yes, what is it?”

“Coffee.”

“Coffee what?”

“Permission to speak.”

“Damnit go ahead.”

“The guy with coffee has a gun.”

“Yeah right. Yikes. What was that?”

“Permission to speak.”

“Go ahead darn you.”

“The guy with coffee is shooting at us.”

“Shoot back.”

“Permission to speak.”

“For heaven’s sake get down. Speak.”

“My gun’s not loaded.”

“Okay, we are getting out of here. My report will end your career.”

“Permission to speak.”

“I give up. Go ahead.”

“The guy with the coffee gives me an idea.”

“What is it?”

“Permission to speak.”

“Ugh. Please.”

“Let’s get some coffee.”

Footprints Challenge by aFrank Angle

July 10, 2017 ~ John W. Howell ~ 54 Comments

This prompt is the brainchild of aFrank Angle and follows all the rules laid out. Primarily this picture must be used.

Footprints in the sand

a story needs to be written that is 150 words or less and titled like so

“Why do you do it?”

“Do what?”

“Manage to have every young woman on the beach watch you walk by?”

“Why darling, I have no idea what you are talking about.”

“You do, you old goat.”

“It must be the cane. I got it special in India.”

“I don’t think that is it.”

“What is it then?”

“That ridiculous Speedo.”

***

Now I need to link back to Frank’s post. Here it is.

https://afrankangle.wordpress.com/2017/07/10/on-footprints-in-the-sand/

Finally, I have to display the following badge

I think I have done it all. I hope you like the story

Stream of Consciousness – Prompt “ick”

July 8, 2017July 7, 2017 ~ John W. Howell ~ 40 Comments

SOCS

It is Stream of Consciousness time again. This week’s prompt is “ick.” Linda Hill says we can use it as part of another word or by itself. If you want to join the fun here is the link. https://lindaghill.com/2017/07/07/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-july-817/

“Ick.”

“What is ick?”

“I just stepped on a cricket.”

“That’s no small trick.”

“Well, not to nitpick but he could have avoided it.”

“Now you’re making me snicker. How’s it his fault?”

“He’s quicker than me and should have gotten out of the way.”

“Maybe there was other traffic.”

“You on his side or just being tricky?”

“No gimmick. I just am presenting another side.”

“We can avoid any bickering if you just admit it was his fault.”

“We can argue if you wish. I’m not chicken.”

“I don’t want to argue. I just hate like the dickens to be wrong.”

“I know that. Trust me this situation can quickly get boring.”

“You calling me boring? I’m thunderstruck.”

“Oh my goodness. You sound like a slapstick comedy.”

“You sound like someone about to be dropkicked.”

“Arguing is not my bailiwick.”

“Then admit the dipstick of a cricket is at fault.”

“Okay fickle one. I admit it but only because I don’t want to sleep outside.”

“Good job. By the way you just reminded me, that doohickey needs repair.”

“Doohickey? You mean that finnicky tent?”

“Yup. The way you roll you never know when you will need it, Micky.

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Kreative Kue #130 by Keith Channing

July 4, 2017July 3, 2017 ~ John W. Howell ~ 24 Comments

Keith explains in his own 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 keithkreates@channing.ino 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.

Here is the photo.

Kreative Kue

“So, here’s the room.”

“Wait a minute.”

“What?”

“I thought you advertised a room to let that was one occupant.”

“That’s correct.”

“Where did all this stuff come from?”

“Oh that. The last tenant left it.”

“Are you going to clean it out?”

“No the room lets as is.”

“You have got to be kidding. There are clothes and personal things here.”

“Call it furnished. Look there is even a computer here.”

“That seems like a holdover from the 80’s. I’m sure it is hopelessly out of date.”

“It is still a computer.”

“I’m afraid I’m going to have to pass on the room.”

“You can’t do that. I already turned down another tenant who called after you and was going to take the room.”

“Call them back or remove all this stuff.”

“You sure you don’t want it?”

“I don’t like the idea of using other people’s things especially the underwear.”

“It has all been cleaned.”

“No dice.”

“How about a twenty-dollar discount on the rent?”

“Make it twenty-five, and you have a deal.”

“Done.”

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Kreative Kue #129 by Keith Channing

June 27, 2017June 27, 2017 ~ John W. Howell ~ 26 Comments

Let Keith explain in his own 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 keithkreates@channing.ino 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 #129

“What? Who said that?”

“You’ve got to be kidding me.”

“Where are you?”

“If you must know, I’m laying flat on my back under this stupid machine of yours.”

“Oh my gosh. Did I hit you?”

“Oh no, not at all. I was just lying here when I decided to quickly slide under your machine and make myself comfortable.”

“You’re kidding me right?”

“Get this stupid thing off me.”

“I still can’t figure out how you got under there.”

“You know what? Right now your enlightenment is not the main concern. Can you back up?”

“Oh sure. Here goes.”

“Whew. That’s better. Thank you very much.”

“I’m so sorry for hitting you. Um.”

“Um, what?”

“I can’t see you.”

“What a shock.”

“What do you mean?”

“I’m invisible is what I mean.”

“Invisible? How is that possible.”

“I’m a spirit.”

“No.”

“Yes.”

“Prove it.”

“Don’t have to. You can not see it with your own eyes.”

“Um.”

“Um, what?”

“Should I be concerned?”

“About what?”

“The fact that you can communicate with me.”

“And the fact that you were driving on the highway and a big fat truck hit you, knocking you into this field where you fell right on top of me? I would say so.”

“Am I in trouble?”

“Only for the first thousand years.”

***

I’m still out of the country. I apologize in advance if my response to your comments is delayed.

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt – rain/rein/reign.

June 24, 2017June 23, 2017 ~ John W. Howell ~ 26 Comments

SOCS

It is Stream of Consciousness Saturday time again. This weeks prompt is rain/rein/reign. Linda Hill says we can use all the words or just one or two and can use them any way we want. If you would like to join in, visit Linda’s blog. Here is the link.

The Friday Reminder and Prompt for #SoCS June 24/17

“Rain, rain go away. Come again another day.”

“Hey rein yourself in Buster. We need the rain.”

“Oh come on, these rhymes never work.”

“Why tempt the fates? I mean there was a reason they made up these sayings.”

“In the days of the king’s reign, someone thought it was a good idea to make up rhymes to cover certain circumstances.”

“Okay. Give me an example that makes sense to you.”

“Well besides the rain, rain go away thing, there’s Jack Sprat could eat not fat, and his wife could eat no lean. Betwixt the two of them, they licked the platter clean.”

“So what does that have to do with anything.”

“I guess it was a warning for two people to be synergistic. You know if they ignored the warning something could happen.”

“Like what?”

“What if both could eat no lean? It would be chaos.”

“I still don’t get it.”

“There wouldn’t be enough food available, and maybe both would starve.”

“Now I get it.”

“You do?”

“Yes. You’re nuts.”

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Kreative Kue #128 by Keith Channing

June 20, 2017June 20, 2017 ~ John W. Howell ~ 22 Comments

Keith’s own words. “On to this week’s challenge: 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 keithkreates@channing.ino 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.

Kreative Kue #128

“Sir but it looks like you missed the boat.”

“Excuse me. I was deep in thought. What about the boat?”

“It appears you’ve missed the boat.”

“Yes, sadly. I was preoccupied and did miss it.”

“Preoccupied? What were you doing?”

“Well, the ducks were having a disagreement and needed some advice.”

“And you gave them the advice.”

“I tried, but they were so headstrong in their beliefs that I found I was wasting my time.”

“So what did you do?”

“What every red-blooded Russel Terrier would do.”

“Which was?”

“I chased them into the lake.”

“Ah, and we find them there still.”

“I have been waiting for them to come back and finish the discussion but they are still out there.”

“No offense but do you blame them?”

“They owe me a trip across the lake. Because of them, I missed my boat.”

“Do you hear yourself?”

“What?”

“What self-respecting duck is going to come on shore to face an irate Russel Terrier?”

“I would think those two.”

“How can you think that way?”

“Why not. They are my brother and sister.”

“From a different mother, I would say.”

“Why would you say that?”

“I must be going. I wish you the best.”

“Know anyone with a net?”

“Bye now.”

***

I am currently out of the country so responses to your comments may be delayed.

Stream Of Consciousness Friday – Prompt “Sign.”

June 17, 2017June 16, 2017 ~ John W. Howell ~ 29 Comments

SOCS

It is Stream of Consciousness Saturday and this week’s prompt is “Sign.” Linda Hill says we can us the word any way we want and to have fun. If you would like to have some of this fun, go to Linda’s blog and read how. Here is the link. https://lindaghill.com/2017/06/16/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-june-1717/

“Give me a sign.”

“Here’s a sign. ‘No Trespassing.”‘

“You dope I’m looking for a sign from the heavens.”

“What kind of sign?”

“A sign to tell me which way I should choose.”

“A sign to choose what?”

“I have two paths I can take. The first is to take this ten dollars I found and put it in the bank. So I need a sign.”

“What is the other path that a sign would help decide.”

“Do I go to the tavern and buy some beer sign.”

“Let me ask to clarify the sign need. Which path is on the left?”

“The bank path sign need is definitely on the left.”

“Oh look up ahead. There’s a sign.”

“I left my glasses what does the sign say?”

“The sign says, ‘Bear Right.'”

“I don’t suppose the sign says anything else does it.”

“No, that one doesn’t, but there is another sign.”

“And this sign says?”

“The sign says, ‘Take a pal to the Tavern.”‘

“You made up that sign.”

“Good idea for a sign though. Don’t you think?”

“That in itself is a sign. Let’s go.”

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Kreative Kue #127 by Keith Channing

June 13, 2017June 12, 2017 ~ John W. Howell ~ 31 Comments

Keith Channing explains what we are doing here. In his words, “Using this photo (below) as inspiration, write a short story, flash fiction, scene, poem; anything, really; and either put it (or a link to it) in a comment or email it to me at keithkreates@channing.fr 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 #127

“Can you get your harness fastened?”

“I’m not sure. I think the buckle is broken.”

“Broken? How can that be? The government paid over $100,000 for that buckle. it is Titanium for heaven’s sake.”

“Well, smarty pants why don’t you come down here and try to get it to work?”

“You know I can’t do that. You have been hermetically sealed in the capsule and we can’t open it. It would render the atmosphere non-sterile.”

“So what are we to do then?”

“Let me check with control and get back to you.”

“Okay. How long till liftoff?”

“Thirty minutes. Plenty of time.”

“I’ll wait for your return.”

“Ha ha ha. I’m not ging anywhere I’m calling them. Hello, control. We have a situation. Marie’s harness won’t fasten. Uh huh, yup, affirmative. Thanks.”

“Uh, Marie.”

“Yes.”

“Control doesn’t want to delay the launch.”

“I can certainly understand that. So what do we do?”

“Are you sure you can’t get the harness buckled.”

“Yes, I’m sure. Joey here even tried.”

“Okay then here’s what control recommends. See that yellow bar just above you and to your left?”

“Yes, I see it.”

“And the one above you straight ahead?”

“Roger that one too.”

“When liftoff comes you are to grab that yellow bar to the left and the one straight ahead and hold on.”

“Wait a minute. You mean I’m going off in space holding on to a couple of bars like a monkey?”