Tuesday – Anything Possible – Kreative Kue #116 By Keith Channing

March 28, 2017March 27, 2017 ~ 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; 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 #116

“Hey, you screws let us outta here.”

“Yeah, we want to talk to our lawyer.”

“YOU TWO SHUT UP AND BACK AWAY FROM THAT GATE OR YOU”LL FIND YOUR BUTT ON A CHAIN.”

“Boy, he sure is a grump huh?”

“You have to wonder if he likes his job.”

“What’s to like. Walking around with that billy club is no life as I see it.”

“Think of having to watch the likes of us all day. Makes you almost feel sorry for him.”

“Sorry? Never. If I could get my paws on him, I’d show him a thing or two.”

“So what are we going to do?”

“Not sure right now. I would like to be able to talk to someone, but frankly, I don’t have anyone.”

“Wow. Me too. I used to have the nicest home.”

“Tell me.”

“We were happy, and then all of a sudden things changed.”

“What happened?”

“I heard them talking about moving and then the next thing I knew I was on the side of a country road. I thought we were going for a ride and they kicked me out.”

“Country road?”

“Yup. Then this wagon pulled up and caught me in a snare and put me with a bunch of homeless like me.”

“Did they charge you?”

“I don’t think so. If they did, I don’t remember. Those guys were pretty rough.”

“So how did you find yourself at Camp Fed.”

“Camp Fed?”

“Yeah, that’s what we call this place. It is minimum security.”

“I was in the general population when someone came in and said, “That one.”

“Ah, the same thing happened to me.”

“What did we do wrong?”

“I don’t think that’s the right question.”

“What is the right question?”

“What happens next is the next question.”

OKAY, YOU TWO. THERE’S A COUPLE FROM A FARM THAT WANT TO TAKE YOUR SORRY ASSES HOME. NOW BACK AWAY FROM THE GATE AND BEHAVE YOURSELF.

“OMG. I think this means we will be released.”

“Together. Did you hear the guy say ‘your sorry asses?”‘

“Oh man, this is great.”

“Just one thing.”

“Yeah what?”

“What makes us think these won’t put us out on a country road?”

“Cause I heard their name’s, Channing. That’s why. Come on let’s go.

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt March.

March 25, 2017March 24, 2017 ~ John W. Howell ~ 28 Comments

SOCS

It is Stream of Consciousness Saturday again and this week’s prompt is “march.” Linda Hill says we can use the word any way we want. To quote Janis Joplin, “Freedom is just another word for nothin’ left to lose.” If you would like to get involved, go to Linda’s place and read how. Here is the link. https://lindaghill.com/2017/03/24/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-mar-2517/

“Forward march.”

“You’re kidding right. You gonna go there?”

“Why what’s wrong.”

“You’re doing a prompt right?”

“Yeah, that’s right.”

“The word is forward or march. Which one?”

“March.”

“Come on man. You can do better than, ‘forward march.'”

“Well I’m in a little bit of a hurry, and that was the best I could do.”

“You know haste makes waste. Take a moment and think about the word. You can tie it into something splendid if you try.”

“What do you care anyway?”

“This is my space, and usually there is something worth reading on these Saturday prompts.”

“Maybe it’s time you had a stinker.”

“Not on my watch. Now think.”

“Okay. Hmm, March Hare.”

“Now you are starting. Keep going.”

“March madness.”

“Yesssss.”

“Sousa March, March of the Sugarplum Fairies.”

“Good, good.”

“The month of March.”

“Hot damn.”

“March from Aida.”

“Sweet.”

“March comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb.”

“Right—uh wait a minute. Aren’t you supposed to make a story using the word March?”

“Well, yes. I just don’t know which to tell.”

“Why don’t you just start somewhere and let it flow.”

“Good idea. Ahem, let’s see how this sounds. Forward March.”

“Sounds great. Print it.”

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Kreative Kue #115 by Keith Channing

March 21, 2017March 20, 2017 ~ John W. Howell ~ 47 Comments

Here are Keith’s words to explain what is going on. “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.”

Here is the photo

Kreative Kue #115

“Hey, humans. Get that phone will ya? Where did everyone go?”

“We are in the kitchen, Ralphy. Just let it ring.”

“OMG. Did you have to have a klaxon horn for a ringtone?”

“George maybe you had better answer it.”

“Not me. You know who it is.”

“You don’t know that for sure. Go look see if the caller ID confirms it.”

“I’m telling you, I don’t even want to go near it. She’ll know.”

“Don’t be a fool. She will not know.”

“You humans in the house. Anybody going to answer this thing or do I keep on barking?”

“Hush Ralphy. I’m coming to look.”

“Look? Why not just toss it out?”

“Harriet. It is her. I’m not going to answer it.”

“George you coward. Hit the silent button.”

“She’ll know I hit silent.”

“She won’t care. Our lunch is going to the flies. Shut the phone off. I don’t know why we run when that thing goes off anyway.”

“Okay, there I did it.”

“Good man. See you are brave after all. Okay, Ralphy jump back up on your chair and let’s continue with our lunch.”

“By the way. How did you teach that dog to use a knife and fork?”

“It was easy. I think he already knew. Was that her on the phone?”

“Yup.”

“See she never knew.”

“Wait until next time.”

“Why does she keep calling?”

“I dunno. I guess she doesn’t have a lot of friends.”

“What does she want anyway?”

“To give us a sea cruise.”

“What’s wrong with that anyway?”

“We get seasick, and I would hate to disappoint her by saying no.”

“You are a good man, George. Ralphy don’t gulp your food. Take a drink of water.”

“He handles that bottle well too.”

Saturday Stream of Consciousness – Prompt “Man”

March 18, 2017March 17, 2017 ~ John W. Howell ~ 41 Comments

SOCS

It is Saturday Stream of Consciousness Saturday time again. This weeks prompt is “Man.” Linda Hill says we can use it by itself or as a word with “man” in it. Wow, this leads to all kinds of thoughts. I could address the issues of mankind, discuss man and woman, talk about the man in the moon. Knowing myself, I probably won’t do any of that stuff. If you would like to join in here is a link to Linda’s post. https://lindaghill.com/2017/03/17/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-mar-1817/

“What are you going to write about?”

“Man.”

“What?”

“Not what. I’m writing about man.”

“Oh, I thought you were calling me man.”

“No, the subject is man.”

“I see. So what are you going to write about?”

“Man.”

“Uh. I get that. What about man?”

“Well, I thought I would tell a story about a man.”

“What kind of story.”

“Um, maybe a story involving a man.”

“Hello is this mic on? I know it is about a man. What about the man?”

“Er. He is a man and—”

“Okay just stop there. I think you have no idea what you are going to write.”

“I resemble that. How did you know?”

“I think it would take an idiot not to know. You are stumbling around like a lost soul.”

“Hey. You just gave me a story idea.”

“I did? Tell me.”

“This guy meets up with the devil and is offered riches.”

“Oh please go on.”

“Here’s the good part. The devil want’s the man’s soul for the riches.”

“And when it comes time to collect the riches there is some hitch right?”

“You are clairvoyant. How did you know?”

“I watch reruns of the Twilight Zone which maybe ought to tell you something.”

“That you have no life.”

“Yeah right.”

Tuesday – Anything Possible Kreative Kue #114 with Keith Channing

March 14, 2017March 13, 2017 ~ John W. Howell ~ 31 Comments

Keith explains.

“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 #114

“Are you sure Tom Brokaw got his start this way?”

“Of course he did, Amad baby. Trust me. Pay your dues and fame will be yours.”

“I’m not sure what hiring you as an agent did for me.”

“Aw, you know how to hurt a person. You don’t mean that at all.”

“I haven’t had a paying job since I signed with you.”

“Let’s not go into this right now. The camera man is setting up the shot. Hey you guys where is the sound tech?”

“You can’t order these people around. I work for them not the other way around.”

“Believe me, Ahmed baby. In this town agents are kings. We make the whole thing work. I can yell at whoever I want. Do you know your lines?”

“Of course I do. It is not hard.”

“Okay run them with me.”

“Do we have to right now? Everyone’s listening.”

“Yes, we do.”

“Okay here goes. Ahem, don’t forget folks, Manhattan Island used to be a deserted as this strip of land. Now is the time to invest for your future. Call 888-777-6666. Operators are standing by.”

“Excellent. I liked the way you punched up the word ‘now.’ You are a natural Ahmed baby. You’re going to be great.”

“How much is this gig worth?”

“You get a cut of every lot that’s sold.”

“What? I’m on commission?”

“Don’t call it a commission. I prefer to call it a royalty.”

“Who negotiated that arrangement with you?”

“The land owner.”

“Sounds like he knows how to negotiate.”

“He takes after me.”

“You are related?”

“He’s my son Amir.”

“Amir, my brother?”

“Hush Ahmed. Everyone’s looking.”

“Aw, mom.”

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt “Short”

March 11, 2017March 10, 2017 ~ John W. Howell ~ 35 Comments

SOCS

It is Stream of Consciousness Saturday and this week out prompt is “short.” If you would like to join in the prompts you can. You can do it without reading anything at Linda Hill’s site. Just write anything that comes to mind around the word short and the link it to Linda’s place. Oh and no fair correcting typos and stuff like that. Here is the link (you may want to read the other rules like cooking a dozen cookies for each promptee.) https://lindaghill.com/2017/03/10/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-mar-1117/

“I’m not sure I like the word.”

“What word?”

“Short.”

“Now this is a twist. Why aren’t you sure you like the word?”

“I dunno. It just sounds a little inadequate to me.”

“Inadequate? How does short sound inadequate?What is wrong with you?”

“Um, you know.”

No. I don’t know.”

“Well um. Let’s say something you have is described as short.”

“Like what?”

“Er let’s say your arm is described as short.”

“Is your arm short?”

“That’s not the issue. No, it’s not but let’s say someone described it as short.”

“I’d love to know where this is going. Okay, let’s say someone described your arm as short. So what?”

“Wouldn’t you say the arm is inadequate?”

“Not necessarily.”

“Let’s say you needed to reach across the table with a short arm. Wouldn’t that mean the arm is inadequate?”

“Okay, so you now have defined a situation where the arm is inadequate.”

“Ah ha.”

“Ah ha, what?”

See what I mean about the word short.”

“Okay, so who called whatever you have short?”

“She called it short.”

“She? Who is she?”

“My girlfriend.”

Called what short?”

“I don’t want to say.”

“What is wrong with you? Why can’t you say?”

“It’s embarrassing.”

“She described something you have as short, and you’re embarrassed to tell me?”

“I don’t want people to laugh at me.”

“No one’s going to laugh. Tell me.”

“She said my uh attention span is short.”

“Mooohahahahahahaha. Wait. Did you say attention span?”

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Kreative Kue #113 by Keith Channing

March 7, 2017March 7, 2017 ~ John W. Howell ~ 40 Comments

I asked Keith to explain what is going on here. These are 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.”

Kreative Kue #113

“Hey, honey.”

“What dear?”

“You know that young woman who was a singer and died?”

“What are you talking about?”

“We read that article in People magazine. You know that teenage girl who was in the car wreck.”

“Oh. That girl who was just starting her career. The one with the number one song?”

“That’s the one.”

“What about her?”

“Did she have a sister?”

“What do you care?”

“Just answer. Did she?”

“No, she was all alone. Remember she was an orphan.”

“That’s what I thought. What was she wearing when she was in the accident?”

“You are starting to concern me. The article said she had just left the stage.”

“I know that. Do you remember what she was wearing?”

“The article said she was in pink and blue.”

“Braided hair right?”

“W-well yes. In the PR photo, she had braided hair.”

“Come look.”

“Okay. What am I looking at?”

“You don’t see her?”

“I see a lot of hers. Which one?”

“By the palm tree. Blue shirt, pink pants braided hair.”

“I see people in the grass. No girl.”

“You’re kidding. She’s right there.”

“Darling?”

“Yes dear.”

“How many margaritas’ have you had?”

“Too many I guess.”

“Yes, love. One too many. Let’s go sit down.”

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt “Project”

March 4, 2017March 3, 2017 ~ John W. Howell ~ 42 Comments

SOCS

It is Stream of Consciousness Saturday time again. This week’s prompt is “project.” Linda Hill says we can use it any way we want. (Oh joy). If you would like to join this rag-tag outfit go to Linda’s blog and read the rules, then send each of us a six pack of very expensive beer. Here is the link.

The Friday Reminder and Prompt for #SoCS Mar. 4/17

“Attention class. Today we are going to discuss the semester project.”

“Excuse me, Mr. Winther.”

“Yes, Michelle. You have a question?”

“I do sir. Can we select any member of the class to be project team members?”

“Well, although that is a good idea, Michelle this project is going to be an individual project.”

“Oh. You mean we can’t get others to help?”

“You should complete the project on your own. Now class. The first thing we should decide is what each of our projects will be. We should try to avoid any duplication.”

“Mr. Winther, sir.”

“Yes, Michelle?”

“I want to have the first pick of the project I want to do.”

“And why should that be, Michelle?”

“I’m the one with the highest GPA.”

“That’s not how we are doing it. We are going to list the projects on pieces of paper and each student will get a chance to draw their project out of a hat.”

“Mr. Winther?”

“Yes, Michelle.”

“Can I go first to draw?”

“We are going by last name Michelle.”

“That means I will be last.”

“It really doesn’t matter. All the projects are good ones.”

“I hate to be last, and I just know my project will suck.”

“Now Miss Zielinski we do not use language like that in my class.”

“I’m sorry, sir. I got carried away.”

“That is okay. If there are no more questions everyone, please pick a project.”

“I just knew it. My project sucks.”

“Miss Zielinski, please. What is your project?”

” To solve world hunger.”

“Now that is a very nice project, Michelle and If you do it properly, you will have your wings in no time. Let’s not hear any more complaining.”

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt “How”

February 25, 2017February 25, 2017 ~ John W. Howell ~ 46 Comments

SOCS How do I start Stream of Consciousness Saturday? Well, like I always do with some kind words from Linda Hill. She has given us the prompt “How.” She further will allow bonus points if we start and end the post with the word “how.” Okay, so I have one-half of the bonus in the bag. (notice the first word up there.) If you want to learn more and join in here is a link to Linda’s post. https://lindaghill.com/2017/02/24/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-feb-2517/

“How do you think we are going to get out of this mess?”

“I’m not sure but for god’s sake keep your head down.”

“Don’t worry about me. Mrs. Dumbrowski didn’t raise no dumb shit.”

“Mrs. Dumbrowski? Who’s that? Your name is Smith.”

“Oh, she was my caretaker when I was a kid.”

“Jeez. Always something with you. Why not just say Mrs. Smith didn’t raise no dumb shit.”

“Cause my Mom remarried and her name was Roselle.”

“For heaven’s sake. We are surrounded by a bunch of badasses trying to kill us, and you’re driving me nuts with word games.”

“It’s not word games. It’s the truth.”

“Who gives a f— Whoa what was that?”

“I think someone has themselves a new mortar. That was a shell flying over our head and exploding behind us.”

“I know it was. I was just using a figure of speech. I’ll bet the next one lands in our laps, and I’m going to spend eternity having to watch what I say since you take everything literally.”

“I resemble that. Words are important. You can’t just toss them around Helter Skelter and expect people to understand you.”

“Do me a favor and quit talking. I have a headache and would like to enter the gates of heaven in peace.”

“Larry?”

“What?”

“You think you are going to heaven?”

“I don’t know. I hope so. I’ll tell you one thing. If we don’t get help soon, we are certainly going to find out.”

“Find out what?”

“What eternity looks like. OMG here comes another shell.”

“Wow, that was close. Those guys aren’t very good are they?”

“Lucky for us.”

“Something about their sloppiness bothers me.”

“A little too Helter Skelter for you?”

“Yeah. If I had that mortar, I wouldn’t miss them.”

“Why don’t you make it easier for them. Or better yet. Why don’t you stand up and walk over there and show them how to do it.”

“Sounds good but I’m not sure they would accept my help.”

“Sure they would. Hold up a white handkerchief and take some chocolate.”

“Now you are putting me on. You just want to shut me up.”

“Is it working?”

“And how. ”

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Kreative Kue #111 by Keith Channing

February 21, 2017February 20, 2017 ~ John W. Howell ~ 38 Comments

Let Keith explain what we have 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 #111

“So I was saying to Chelsea, ‘I really need to get a different hairstyle—'”

“Hold on. I’ve seen that cop before.”

“Huh? Oh, that guy in the hideous orange thingy?”

“Yes. Keep your voice down. Look straight ahead and keep walking.”

“What’s the matter, Leon?”

“I’m telling you. I think that guy is following us. He has is back to us now, but I’m sure he was down at the last intersection.”

“Following us? Why would he do that?”

“I’m not sure, but I can’t shake the feeling we are being watched.”

“Oh don’t be silly. You and I are a couple out for a stroll. We look perfectly normal.”

“That’s what I hope, Esa. Just a couple of tourists walking along.”

“I think you are getting paranoid.”

“I think I have every right don’t you?”

“I don’t think we should talk about that now, do you?”

“It was your idea after all.”

“Yes that’s true but you are in it, and there is nothing you can do but keep walking.”

“He just looked at us.”

“I’m an attractive woman. He’s a cop for God’s sake. Of course, he would look.”

“He’s on his radio.”

“So what? That’s what they do. That and eat donuts.”

“Very funny. Say what you want we had better get a plan together.’

“We have a plan. Keep walking.”

“Are you sure that guy was reliable?”

“Of course. No one knows us or what we look like so calm down.”

“Excuse me, folks.”

“Y-yes officer?”

“You have something trailing out of your backpack.”

“Oh my goodness. Thank you, officer.”

“Looks like coffee beans. Please stop and let me have a look.”

“I can explain sir.”

“I think you’d better. Unless I’m mistaken, it looks like you have a whole bunch of coffee in that pack. Please step back and put your hands where I can see them. I think you may be in some pretty deep trouble. Looks like you could be charged with possession and distribution of a controlled substance. Big C is illegal here.”

“You and your caffeine habit. Looks what it has gotten us now.”

“Oh shut up. I’m jonesing for a Grande right now.”