Thursday – A little Personal Kreative Kue #93 by

September 8, 2016September 5, 2016 ~ John W. Howell ~ 14 Comments

Here is another of Keith Channing’s Photo prompts. I am pleased to report that this is the 52nd Kreative Kue in which I have participated. That makes it a year. Here are Keith’s words describing what we are doing. “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

“You going to go up there?”

“To that place? Not on your life.”

“Why not?”

“Look at that porch, those rails.”

“Yeah, so what?”

“They are in a bad need of painting and we are painters.”

“But we’ll make money.”

“There is not enough money in the world to make me stay to paint.”

“I guess I don’t understand then. What is wrong with the place?”

“You can’t see them from here, but the site is loaded with crazy people.”

“Crazy people? How do you know?”

“I had to visit one time to see my aunt and got an eyeful.”

“So how do you know they are crazy.”

“Okay let me describe them and you tell me.”

“Fine. Go ahead.”

“First of all,everyone sits in front of a computer.’

“Okay so far sounds normal.”

“They sit there pounding on the keys for hours.”

“Most offices are like that .”

“Then they print off something and pass it to others.”

“Okay, maybe a review process.”

“Then they sit in a circle and tell each other what they think is good and bad about what has been written.”

“Some kind of critique group.”

“Some get real touchy about what they have produced.”

“Human nature.”

“Then they all go back to pounding on the computer keys again.”

“I think I know what’s going on.”

“You do?’

“Yes. These are political speech writers.”

“What do political speech writers do?”

“I would say nothing of value.”

“Still look crazy.”

“No mistake they aren’t as crazy as the politicians who take those words and give speeches.”

“Or as crazy as those who believe what is said.”

“Amen, brother. Let’s find another place to paint.

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt “accumulate.”

September 3, 2016September 2, 2016 ~ John W. Howell ~ 44 Comments

SOCS

It is Saturday and time for Stream of Consciousness. This week’s prompt is “accumulate.” Linda Hill says we can use the word any way we want. I was thinking of naming a piece of furniture Accumulate given it has been in the way for a while. I don’t believe that use was what Linda had in mind. If you would like to see what this prompt is all about you can visit Linda’s post here.

The Friday Reminder and Prompt for #SoCS Sept. 3/16

“What are you doing?”

“Trying to figure out how I managed to accumulate all this junk.”

“What junk? I see a garage full of things but no junk.”

“Well to you it may be things to me it’s junk. Look at this saw for instance.”

“What about it?”

“It is not sharp. Look I can run my hand along the teeth and not get . . . oops.”

“What happened. Oh my gosh you’ve cut yourself.”

“I would say so. Hand me that towel.”

“Here. Is it serious? It’s not supposed to be serious.”

“Nah. This is nothing. See its stopped bleeding already. What do you mean it’s not supposed to be serious.”

“I’m glad it’s not serious. I intended to say I hope it’s not serious. So what other junk are you talking about?”

“Look at this old bike. It needs new everything.”

“You could fix that if you had the time, and it would be like new.”

“Who has the time. Look at this tennis racket and all this other stuff.”

“Okay, I’ll admit that you have quite an accumulation of things and time is a premium.”

“Ha. See.”

“I don’t think you need to worry about it, though.”

“Why’s that and by the way. Who are you?”

“Who am I? They call me the grim reaper and I have come for your soul.”

“You’re kidding right?”

“Nope. That’s who I am.”

“I’m sorta relieved.”

“How so?”

“Look at this accumulation. Who wants to deal with that mess?”

“As I said.”

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Kreative Kue #92 by Keith Channing

August 30, 2016August 29, 2016 ~ John W. Howell ~ 32 Comments

So here is another photo prompt from Keith Channing. He explains what we are doing here. “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 #92

“Okay now try to relax and give us your name.”

“Um. My name is Silly.”

“Silly what?”

“Silly Goose.”

“Alright, Ms. Goose. What we need you to do is act natural and say the word AFLAC. Can you do that?”

“I-I think so.”

“Listen toots. This is no place for geese to ‘think’ anything. You are trying out for a major part in a commercial. It could mean a lot of money if you pass this audition.”

“I understand. Yes, I can say APLAC.”

“No, no, no. It’s ‘AFLAC,’ Say it.”

“It.”

“Ms. Goose. Are you trying to be funny? If so, we have other geese just waiting to try out. Look at that guy next in line. Hey, buster. No eating the lawn. It’s a prop. Man! I told my agent I didn’t want to cast this dog and look what I got.”

“I’m sorry I thought you said to say,’it'”

“Okay let’s take this a little slower. See that camera? When I say ‘action’ you are going to say ‘AFLAC.’ Got it?”

“I see the camera. When I hear ‘action,’ I say ‘AFLAC.’ I got it. I do have a question, though.”

“I could have guessed. What’s the question?”

“What’s my motivation?”

“Motivation?” What do you mean ‘motivation?”‘

“Why am I saying ‘APLAC?'”

“IT’S AFLAC. Where in the heck did this person come from anyway? Who brought her in here?”

“I did.”

“Oh, Mr. Big. I didn’t see you there.”

“Is there a problem with my pet goose?”

“No, sir. Everything is fine. We can dub the sound. Ready Ms. Goose? ‘ACTION.'”

“APLAC.”

“Thank you that’s a wrap. Very good Ms. Goose.”

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt “Your/You’re/Yore”

August 27, 2016August 26, 2016 ~ John W. Howell ~ 26 Comments

SOCS

It is Saturday Stream of Consciousness time again. This week’s prompt is Your/You’re/Yore. Linda Hill says we can use all or just one. She has ordered us participants, to enjoy so that I will. If you want to know more about this prompt visit Linda at https://lindaghill.com/2016/08/26/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-august-2716/

“Say again.”

“Your, you’re, yore.”

“Are you having a brain freeze or is this talk like a pirate day?”

“No. I’m telling you the prompt for this week’s Stream of Consciousness Saturday.”

“What? Never heard of that stream unconscious Saturday. I will inform you that most of my Saturday’s are unconscious.”

“It is consciousness not unconscious.”

“Who cares anyway. So we have too much to drink on Friday. Conscious, unconscious. What’s the difference?”

“You are slow sometimes. I was trying to tell you about this week’s prompt.”

“Now there’s something I know about.”

“Know about what?”

“Prompt.”

“What about prompt? Man, you are almost on my last nerve.”

“Never late. That’s me.”

“I could have predicted something like that from you.”

“Why? I think being late is a bad habit. Look at me. I believe promptness is next to godliness.”

“Yeah, I’m sure you do. To the point, though. Are you going to help me with these words?”

“Help you do what?”

“Use them in a story.”

“Didn’t you just do that very thing?”

“This doesn’t count. You being an idiot doesn’t count. I mean a real story.”

“Okay. Ahem. Once upon a time there were two guys talking. One came out with your, you’re and yore and wanted the other to help him making up a story. They both talked for a while when it became clear that it was time to go and get a beer. The one who the other thinks is so dumb spoke. ‘Why don’t we go to your bar and have a drink since you’re so uptight. Then we can relax and tell tall tales of yore while we get drunk.’ There you have your story.”

“The bar part is a good idea. Not sure the prompt use will fly.”

“Trust me. If we go now, we won’t be too late for the free appetizers.”

“Prompt right?”

“Yup.”

Tuesday Anything Possible – Kreative Kue #91 by Keith Channing

August 23, 2016August 22, 2016 ~ John W. Howell ~ 34 Comments

Here are Keith’s words explaining what is going on here. “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.

Vacation

“So passengers, we are coming up on one of the bonus extras in your all-inclusive tour package. See that camera. My brother will be taking a picture of our cruise yacht, and you’ll all get a complimentary photo as a souvenir. Now smile.”

“My God, Ralph. I’m not sure I can smile while trying to hold down that fish stew breakfast.”

“Just a little more time darlin’ and this trip will be over.”

“How did we ever get booked on this tub?”

“Well remember we missed our ship and had to take the next thing to catch up.”

“The next thing is right. How much more time do we have on this nightmare?”

“We are coming into port now. See there is our ocean liner docked up ahead.”

“Oh, thank God. I don’t think I can stay in these clothes any longer. Why did we have to put on costumes again?”

“So those nice men in the patrol boat wouldn’t know we were in the country illegally.”

“Illegally? What does that mean?”

“Well, we never got a visa for this country. We are supposed to be on the ship and not get off.”

“So we could be arrested?”

“Yes, but these nice people offered to hide us until we reach the ship.”

“Are there others they are hiding?”

“Look around. All these people are hiding.”

“These are smugglers then.”

“Harsh word my dear. I prefer importers.”

“Try pirates.”

“Well, that too. Smile dear.”

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt – “Date”

August 20, 2016August 19, 2016 ~ John W. Howell ~ 26 Comments

SOCS

It is Stream of Consciousness Saturday time again and this week’s prompt is “Date.” Linda Hill says we can use it any way we want to use it. Which brings up the question, how many ways are there to use “date.” I can think of three right off the bat. 1. The fruit. 2. A social event where at least two people attend. 3. A specific period on the calendar. If you would like to enjoy yourself by joining in for this madness, please go to Linda’s site and read how. https://lindaghill.com/2016/08/19/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-aug-2016/

“Where do you want to go?”

“Why do I always have to decide?”

“You don’t always have to decide. I usually decide.”

“No, you don’t. I’m the one making the decision on where to go.”

“Okay then. Where do you want to go?”

“I don’t want to decide. You decide.”

“Fine. Monster truck mash then.”

“No way.”

“I thought you didn’t want to decide.”

“I don’t, but you have to believe monster truck mash is something I wouldn’t want to do on a date.”

“I see. Okay, how about the opera?”

“Now you’re an idiot.”

“A move then.”

“What’s playing.”

“How about we just watch TV and eat popcorn.”

“We did that last week.”

“I’m going to give up in a minute.”

“Come on. You can do better.”

“Skydiving?”

“Now you’re talking.”

“You’re kidding right?”

“Yes. How about we take a picnic dinner to the park, and we just relax.”

“That sounds good. Let’s do it.”

“Told you.”

“What?”

“I always decide.”

Wednesday Story Day – AKA Hump Day

August 17, 2016August 15, 2016 ~ John W. Howell ~ 42 Comments

Funny College

Wednesday Story Day Again. Last week we left Ben saying a quick hello to Alexis as she was running to her room to pack. It looks like Trudy has put Ben’s plan to get rid of her husband and Alexis into action. If it works, Trudy and Ben will be alone, and you and I will be forced to see sights that we will regret. Let’s hope something else happens to prevent what could be a life scarring moment. Here take this blindfold and don’t take it off until I tell you. There may be sights too horrible for your tender eyes. (Wait! You are a writer, right? Aw, you can take it unless your name’s Dan. If so put it on.)
“Hello, Ben. I’m so glad you are out of that bed.”
“Hi, Trudy. What did you have to show me here in the kitchen.”
“It is not really in the kitchen. It’s in the garage.”
“The garage? What are you trying to pull now?”
“Nothing Ben dear. I have picked out a special gift for you.”
“Excuse me. When you pick out a gift, there must be a reason.”
“Ben dear. I have started your plan to have my husband and Alexis out-of-the-way for a while. At least you could recognize that I’m trying.”
“Aw, I’m sorry. I think that was rather rude of me to imply you had some agenda, and the gift was not from the heart.”
“It is from the heart. You’ll see. You can go into the garage and take a look. I need to give my husband some last-minute instructions. He and Alexis are going on a trip to the Cayman’s as you suggested.”
“Wow. I’m really surprised.”
“I don’t see why. I’m crazy about you. Now just pop in there and I’ll be right back. A taxi should be here shortly. Then you and I can get down to some serious relationship building.”
“Yes, we can. Okay, see you in a bit. Is the gift wrapped?”
“Well, it is pretty hard to cover. You’ll see what I mean.”
“I’m excited.”
“Me too dear. Bye now.”

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt “Cash”

August 13, 2016August 12, 2016 ~ John W. Howell ~ 23 Comments

SOCS

It is Stream of Consciousness Saturday time again, and we have a new logo. John Holton is the genius behind its design. This week’s prompt is “cash” and Linda Hill says we can use it as a noun, verb or anything we want. If you would like to learn more here is a link into the Twilight Zone where you’ll certainly be on your own.https://lindaghill.com/2016/08/12/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-august-1316/

“Hello, I’m Johnny Cash.”

“No, you’re not. You don’t even look like Johnny Cash.”

“I really would like to be Johnny Cash, though.”

“Well, that black outfit sure gives the illusion.”

“Yeah, too bad I can play the guitar.”

“You don’t need to do that. There a plenty of guitar players. All you have to do is sing.”

“I’m afraid I can’t do that either. Listen. ‘I hold out for the tie that binds, I walk the line”‘

“You are certainly right about the non-singing part. Maybe if you just stood in the dark with that black hat and outfit, someone may think you are Johnny Cash.”

“You think so?”

“No. Had you going there didn’t I.”

“Okay, so I’m no Johnny Cash. Who can I be then?”

“Why don’t you try yourself?”

“How would I earn money that way.”

“Ever think of working?”

“Uh. There’s that word again. Why does everyone think I should work?”

“I think most of us are tired of handing you cash when you beg.”

“Beg? I don’t beg. By the way, you wouldn’t have a couple of bucks you could lend me do ya?”

“No.”

“Aw, come on. I have not eaten in days, and I just need a little food so I can go job hunting.”

“You’re begging.”

“Seriously? No, I’m not. I’m just giving you the rationale for handing me some coin so I can cash it in on a burger.”

“Then what?”

“Then what what?”

“After the burger then what?”

“I’ll see if the burger joint is hiring.”

“Right. I can see you doing that after your burger. You’ll take a nap is what you’ll do.”

“How do you know?”

“How many burgers have I funded.”

“Oh, maybe a few.”

“Like hundreds and after each one you have a nap on the bench.”

“You know what?”

“What?”

“You’re right. I need to get a grip. Don’t give me the burger cash.”

“What? wait. Here take the money.”

“No, I need to take charge.”

“Please take the money.”

“Well, I hate to see a person beg. Okay. Thanks.”

“You’re good you know that right?”

“I know.”

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Kreative Kue by Keith Channing

August 9, 2016August 9, 2016 ~ John W. Howell ~ 26 Comments

I do this prompt once a week but if you need to be briefed on what is going on here are Keith Channing’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

Two dogs

“I hate to tell you darling, but those things are back.’

“Things? What things?”

“Those two wolf-like things that you told me you got rid of last year.”

“You have to be kidding. I took them for a hundred mile drive.”

“Well, they’re sitting in the corner in the dining room. They still have that stupid wolfsbane around their necks too.’

“OMG. That stuff was guaranteed to keep them away forever.”

“I said at the time that I didn’t think you were supposed to put it on them. You were to put it around the house.”

“Yeah, yeah. Small miscalculation is all.”

“I’ll give you miscalculation if you don’t get rid of them.”

“They still have those eyeballs that look like glass?”

“Yup. All four of them.”

“Four of them. You said two.”

“I mean eyeballs you, idiot. The thin one is still snarling as well.”

“Okay. Give me a minute and I’ll go get my net.”

“That net isn’t going to help. You need some bait.”

“Bait? What would you suggest?”

“I think you could use a rabbit or something.”

“Rabbit? Where in the hell am I going to get a rabbit?”

“Pet shop has plenty.”

“It’s after six. Those guys are closed. How did we do this last time?”

“You got in the car, and they jumped in.”

“Why won’t that work this time?”

“I think they are wise to you. They want to live here.”

“Why don’t we let them?”

“You have to be kidding. Those two are a danger to society.”

“Can’t we call animal control? By the way, how did they get in the house.”

“They rang the bell. Before I knew what was happening, they pushed by me and went to the dining room.”

“Okay, that’s it. I’m going to tell them they have to leave.”

“I’ll wait right here.”

“You do that. I’ll be right back.”

“That didn’t take long. Did You tell them they had to leave.”

“I did.”

“So they’re gone?”

“Not exactly.”

“What do you mean not exactly?”

“They said they would leave after dinner.”

“You believe them?”

“They gave me their word. Oh, and they would like meatloaf.”

Tuesday – Anything Possible Kreative Kue #88 By Keith Channing

August 2, 2016August 1, 2016 ~ John W. Howell ~ 37 Comments

Another photo prompt from Keith Channing. In his words, he can explain. “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 – for reasons I have yet to fathom, pingbacks don’t seem to be working.

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 #88