Tuesday – Anything’s possible – Kreative Kue #102

November 29, 2016November 28, 2016 ~ John W. Howell ~ 24 Comments

As you know, I like prompts, and Keith Channing has one I enjoy. Here’s the deal in his own 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 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 picture

Kreative Kue 102

“I know you’re in there Pradeep.”

“Mmmumble.”

“I can’t understand you.”

“Quambackltr.”

“What are you saying. It is time to go to work.”

“Why can’t I catch a break?”

“I heard that. It’s almost nine o’clock. You need to get going. I’m paying for this cab, and it is not for sleeping but for earning money.”

“All right, all right. You don’t have to yell. I’m getting up.”

“Why do you sleep in this cab anyway? Isn’t it uncomfortable?”

“Better than on the park bench. Did you bring coffee?”

“Coffee? Do I look like I’m running room service? I’m your boss for heaven’s sake.”

“Doesn’t hurt to ask.”

“It does show a lack of respect.”

“Oh I’m sorry. I’ll bet that means no donut either.”

“That’s it. You’re fired.”

“Oh dear me. Whatever will I do? Here take the keys. You going to drive the cab now?”

“I’m the boss. Bosses don’t drive the cabs. Bosses own the cabs.”

“Okay boss. Good luck.”

“Where’er you going?”

“I don’t know.”

“Need a job?”

“Why yes. Yes, I do.”

“Want to drive a cab?”

“Sounds fun.”

“You’re hired.”

“Do I get coffee?”

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt “Pretty”

November 26, 2016November 25, 2016 ~ John W. Howell ~ 20 Comments

SOCS

It is Stream of Consciousness Saturday again. This week’s prompt is “pretty.” Linda Hill says we can use it any way we want. That’s pretty clear I guess. If you want to engage in this effort, please visit Linda’s blog and read up on the rules. (Not very many) Here is a link to her site.

The Friday Reminder and Prompt for #SoCS Nov. 26/16

“Pretty damn nasty if you ask me.”

“What’s pretty damn nasty?”

“The way that pretty girl in the pharmacy wouldn’t look at me.”

“Why should a pretty girl look at you?”

“What? Are you kidding? I have a pretty face. That’s why.”

“Who told you about your pretty face?”

“My Mom told me I had a pretty face.”

“Your mom? Come on she had to say you had a pretty face.”

“Uh uh. She only told the truth about my pretty face.”

“I’m getting pretty fed up with you and your pretty face.”

“But why wouldn’t that pretty girl look at me?”

“I would say she is pretty smart.”

“And I would say you are pretty mean.”

“Oh, don’t be like that I’m pretty sure she didn’t know you were in the store.”

“See. Just as I said pretty mean.”

“I don’t get why you think I’m pretty mean.”

“If a pretty girl doesn’t know I’m in the store, then she has a problem, and it is not nice to say things about someone with challenges.”

“This is now getting pretty weird. You are saying that you are so beautiful you can’t escape notice unless a person has some sort of challenge?”

“Pretty good. I couldn’t have said it any better.”

“I’m pretty sure you need professional help.”

“I’m pretty sure your face is not pretty.”

“I’m pretty sure I’m leaving.”

“In fact, I am pretty sure your whole body is not pretty.”

“Pretty soon I’ll be out of earshot of you.”

“Pretty sure you can still hear me.”

“Pretty please stop talking.”

“Oh look the pretty girl is looking at me and smiling.”

“Pretty sure she has gas. Bye.”

Wednesday Story Day – AKA Hump Day

November 23, 2016November 21, 2016 ~ John W. Howell ~ 40 Comments

Hump Day

It is Wednesday Story Day again. This week’s episode is sponsored by Teagan Ríordáin Geneviene and her excellent blog Teagan’s Books which can be found at this link. https://teagansbooks.com This episode is being dedicated to Teagan since she guessed (pretty much) the ending of the story. So, last week, we left the gang getting ready to go out into the world. Alexis and Trudy told Ralph they weren’t going. Ben said the same but changed his mind after Ralph threatened a bullet to the kneecap. So back we must go. This may be the last time on this journey.
“All right then. Are we ready to go.”
“Mr. Worthe?”
“What Ben.”
“Do I really have to go out there?”
“Yes Ben. Also, I’m going to force Trudy to go as well.”
“You what? Listen to me Ralph Worthe. I’m not going anywhere with you.”
“You going to stay and face the music?”
“The music as you say is all on you.”
“What are you talking about?”
“I fixed it so you’ll take the fall, Ralph. That’s what.”
“Oh, do tell.”
“Not in front of these witnesses.”
“Oh come on Trudy. You know as well as I do we are all going to be dead before the day is over. In fact if it were up to Dan Anton we all would have been dead six weeks ago.”
“Who the hell is Dan Antion?”
“Forget him. Tell me now or I will put one through your left eye.”
“Daddy no.”
“Shut up Alexis. Tell me Trudy.”
“Okay. Yes I was the one who took the money offshore and sold explosives to the underworld. I made it look like you did it. You had no idea and in fact had you left well enough alone we would already be in the Cayman’s having a drink by the pool.”
“So you acted alone?”
“Yeah. Who would want a dumbass like you in on the take.”
“Mom?“
“Shut up, Alexis. This doesn’t concern you.”
“Yes, Alexis your mother has pretty much stepped in it. Lightfoot? You hear enough?’
“I sure have.”
“Ben. you got it all.”
“Yes sir I do. My phone recorded everything.”
“Alexis, you as well.”
“Yes, Daddy. Mom confessed to everything.”
“Okay then Lightfoot do your duty.”
“Yes, sir. Trudy Worthe, you are under arrest for money laundering and conspiracy to commit felony coercion and black mail as well as unlawful possession of explosives.”
“You can bite me Lightfoot. Why are you listening to Ralph, that worm Ben, and my daughter.”
“Alexis and Ben have been given immunity and will be happy to testify at your trial. Ralph has been an undercover agent for the last ten years. We have been trying to break this ring and now have you dead to rights.”
“You’ll never make it stick. After this bogus charge is thrown out I’ll sue you all for everything you have. You will owe me big time for this.”
“Trudy. I have always tried to be civil to you over the years in spite of your hateful personality. So I’m going to ask Agent Lightfoot to read you your rights and in the meantime offer you a big cup of shut the fu*k up. Commander we are coming out.”

Well, that is it for the Worthe’s Ben, Lightfoot, and Alexis. I hope you enjoyed the series. Don’t forget to visit Teagan at https://teagansbooks.com. The in next week for a new story

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Kreative Kue #101 by Keith Channing

November 22, 2016November 21, 2016 ~ John W. Howell ~ 33 Comments

Here is what it is all about 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 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.

Prompt

“So I was wondering. Would you like to go to the movie with me? I know it is forward of me to ask, but I have admired you from across the bazaar. I have been watching you for weeks now and think I almost know you. You don’t have to answer right now. I can come back. I was thinking we could go to the movie but grab a little dinner first. I know this beautiful place that has killer appetizers. It is a very public place, so you won’t have to feel uncomfortable. The movie is rated PG, so there will be no embarrassing, funny stuff on the screen. After the film, we could get some dessert. There is a lovely bistro that serves the best eclairs. Oh, maybe I misspoke. You may not like eclairs. That’s okay you can have anything you want. Their menu is quite extensive. Then after dessert, I will walk you home to make sure you arrive safely. So what do you think? ”

“Excuse me. Are you talking to me?”

“Uh. Yes, I was.”

“I’m sorry I was deep in thought. Please excuse me.”

“Not a problem. I was rambling anyway.”

“Rambling about what?”

“Oh, nothing much. You know the weather and such.”

“Yes, it is quite lovely today.”

“It is. Well, I won’t keep you. Have a pleasant afternoon.”

“You as well.”

“Bye now.”

“Goodbye.”

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt “Yes”

November 19, 2016November 18, 2016 ~ John W. Howell ~ 36 Comments

SOCS

Yes, it is Stream of Consciousness Saturday time again and this week’s prompt is “yes.” Linda Hill says we can use it as a word or part of a word. (Freedom’s just another word for nothing left to lose) Also this week there is an extra point possibility if we begin and end the post with “yes.” (That’s why you see “yes” as the first word in this post). If you would like to join in this hilarity, go to Linda’s site and read how. Here is the link to Linda Hill’s post

The Friday Reminder and Prompt for #SoCS Nov. 19/16

“Yes, we have no bananas. We have no bananas today.”

“Why are you singing that funny song? I can tell you’ll never make it at Yeshivah.”

“I don’t want to attend Yeshivah. I’m singing a song of yesteryear.”

“Forget the past. It sounds like yesternight. Too much beer huh?”

“No. This song was popular when there was a shortage of bananas. Same time as the invention of polyester.”

“You are a real font of information today. Do you have eyestrain from all that studying?”

“No. My eyesight is fine, thank you.”

“So are you going to sing any more of yesterday’s hits?”

“I’m reluctant to do so around you. Let’s say I’m the shyest.”

“I can live with that. I say yes.”

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Kreative Kue #100 by Keith Channing

November 15, 2016November 14, 2016 ~ John W. Howell ~ 43 Comments

It is hard to believe this edition of Kreative Kue is number 100. I have enjoyed each in which I have participated. If you want to do it here is Keith Channing to explain it all.

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 100

“Man alive, you are so in trouble.”

“I don’t need to hear that. I know it. What I need to hear is suggestions on how to fix this mess.”

“How on earth did this happen?”

“I’m not sure. I was feeding my rabbits and all of a sudden this thing drops out of the sky.”

“Out of the sky? This must be hundreds of tons. How could it just drop out of the sky?”

“I don’t know, but you can see the rabbit hutches are untouched. in fact when the thing hit they along with me just popped up onto this ledge.”

“You were lucky you weren’t killed.”

“Well, we need to figure out how to move this thing before my father gets home.”

“I don’t think that is possible. Your house is under there somewhere and even if you could move it there won’t be anything left.”

“So what can I tell my father.”

“How about the truth?”

“I’m not sure he would believe me.”

“Why not? You said you were feeding your rabbits and this thing fell out of the sky. That’s the truth right?”

“Not exactly.”

“Not exactly? What does that mean?”

“Well, I wasn’t feeding the rabbits. I was on my computer and having a chat with a guy whose name is Zeus.”

“Chat name of Zeus? What were you talking about?”

“Aw he was saying how great he is and I called his bluff.”

“Called his bluff? How?”

“I told him if he was so great and could do what he said why not show me something.”

“Like what?”

“Like putting the Brooklyn Bridge in my back yard.”

“Man, I’ve told you before that those chat rooms are dangerous.”

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt “Mem”

November 12, 2016November 11, 2016 ~ John W. Howell ~ 29 Comments

SOCS

It is Stream of Consciousness Saturday time again. This week’s prompt is “Mem.” If you would like to join in the fun, hop over to Linda Hill’s place and check it out. Here is the link https://lindaghill.com/2016/11/11/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-nov-1216/

“Try to remember that kind of September—”

“What are you doing now?”

“I’m singing a song from a Broadway show.”

“Yeah? Which show?”

“Hmmm, I saw it on a meme once.”

“Will your memory help you now?”

“Is this a test of my memorization skills?”

“Maybe a memorial for your brain.”

“I didn’t get the memo. Why do you care?”

“I was hoping I could put you up for membership in Mensa.”

“That’s kind of funny. My membership would commemorate a new low in Mensa requirements.”

“At least you would be less unmemorable.”

“Nice guy. Who made you the memsahib?”

“The what? Does memsahib have anything to do with dismembering?”

“No. It means foreign white woman. Makes you rememberable.”

“Yeah, since I’m not a woman. Here let me leave you a remembrance.”

“What are doing with that ball bat.”

“Trying not to strike out.”

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Kreative Kue #99 by Keith Channing

November 8, 2016November 7, 2016 ~ John W. Howell ~ 45 Comments

So here is the deal 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 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 #99

“So what do you guys want to portray?”

“We want the world to look at our photo and see four handsome eligible men.”

“Okay, I think we can do that. Why did you hire me.? I thought you already published a photo.”

“Well, we did but er it just didn’t say what we wanted it to say.”

“Okay. let me see it.”

“Here it is.”

“Hmmm. What did this photo say that you wanted to keep quiet.”

“For one thing. See that chipped cup in the foreground?”

“Yes.”

“That says poor.”

“Uh huh. I can agree there. What about those ashtrays.”

“They are the finest crystal from Waterford. They say rich.”

“Also they say smokers with stinky breath and clothes.”

“Oh. We didn’t think of that angle.”

“How about that background? The electric cord and the drapes. That orange color looks like poster board. Where did you take this? Looks like the Holiday Inn.”

“That was taken in our office conference room I’ll have you know.”

“Uh okay. You know what that says?”

“No what?”

“No creativity.”

“But I’m holding a camera as a demonstration of my interest in photography.”

“Does a lot of good when your photo stinks.”

“I didn’t take it.”

“Even worse. What about the shirt outside the pants.”

“He forgot a belt.”

“I suppose you all got those ties from the same place.”

“Yes, we did. A guy on the street corner had a sale.”

“Let me guess. Four for one.”

“How did you know?”

“Just lucky I guess.”

“I think you guys need more than a photographer. I can put you in touch with an image consultant.”

“Why do you think we need an image consultant?”

“Your question just confirmed it.”

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt “Novel”

November 5, 2016November 5, 2016 ~ John W. Howell ~ 38 Comments

SOCS

It is that time of the week again when I throw caution to the wind and take part in the Stream of Consciousness Saturday prompt. This week the word is “Novel.” This is a word I know by heart. If you would like to participate, go to Linda Hill’s site and read how. Here is the link https://lindaghill.com/2016/11/04/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-nov-516/

“Is that it?”

“Sure is.”

“Looks smaller than I thought.”

“It is a novel, not a baby.”

“Yeah, I know that. I just pictured it as a bigger book.”

“It is a standard size.”

“Let me hold it.”

“You have clean hands?”

“For heaven’s sake, it’s a novel, not a baby.”

“I just don’t want any smudges on the cover.”

“Yes, my hands are clean.”

“Okay hold your hand under the back cover.”

“You have got to be kidding me. It’s a novel, not a baby.”

“Well, maybe I’m a little fussy. It just may be like a baby to me.”

“Okay, I’ll be careful.”

“Here.”

“My goodness, it’s light.”

“It’s a novel, not a baby.”

“I get that I just thought it would be heavier.”

“Don’t ruffle the pages like that. Hey, don’t bend the pages back so hard.”

“Here take it. it is a baby, not a novel.”

“Thanks. I think it is a novel novel.”

“I believe you need to see someone.”

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Kreative Kue #98 by Keith Channing.

November 1, 2016October 31, 2016 ~ John W. Howell ~ 37 Comments

Here is how Keith explains it. “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 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 website, next Monday.”

The photo

Kreative Kue #98

“There I felt it again.”

“Come on. I’m telling you there are no ants here.”

“Then why do I feel them on my neck?”

“I think you’re imagining them. It may be that stop at the ant farm has gotten to you.”

“What are you stomping on over there?”

“Oh, nothing. I’m doing a little folk dance is all.”

“Who’s folk are you dancing for?”

“Ananda sweetheart what is that boy doing?”

“He says he’s doing a folk dance mama. I think he is trying to stomp on the ants that are all over here.”

“Yes. One landed on my mouth. I can still feel it.”

“Can we leave this place?”

“I thought we were going to have a picnic?”

“How can we with all these insects.”

“Correction dear. These are ants.”

“How can we with all these ants?”

“I do believe it is written that the first major ingredient for a picnic is ants. You father is holding the cooler, and I imagine it is getting heavy about now.”