Tuesday – Anything Possible – Creative Kue #82 by Keith Channing

June 21, 2016June 20, 2016 ~ John W. Howell ~ 30 Comments

Another photographic prompt by Keith Channing. Let me tell you what is going on 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 – 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’s the photo.

Kreative Kue # 82

“Hey look at that Pradeep.”

“We must go over there. I think that guy has some animals tied to that motorcycle.”

“You are right. if there is anything I can’t stand is seeing an animal chained up.”

“Yeah, I want to chain up anyone who does that to an animal.”

“Do you see any water dish over there?”

“No. I think you’re right. I don’t see water, and the sun is so hot. What’s the matter with that guy?”

“He’s not even there. Let’s get a bowl of water.”

“Good idea and maybe some food.”

“By the looks of those two, we could be the food. I think the water will be enough.”

“We will need a stick to push the bowl close to them.”

“Excellent idea, Pradeep. I see a tree limb over there. We’ll use that to push the dish.”

“There’s water spout and a bowl. We are now in business.”

“Be careful with that water. We need to keep it in the bowl.”

“Hey! What are you two doing?”

“We could ask you the same Mr. Animal abuser.”

“Animal abuser? What are you talking about?”

“You’ve got this lion and tiger chained to that bike.”

“Yeah so?”

“Don’t you think it is cruel to treat them this way? No water as well.”

“Are you dopes for real? These are stuffed animals. I chained them so no one would take off with them.”

“Stuffed? Oh my goodness.Pradeep it looks like we made a mistake.”

“Speak for yourself. I still think it’s cruel. I’m going to set them free.”

“Fifty bucks each and they are all yours. Otherwise don’t make me call the police.”

“Might be a good idea. Call ’em.”

“Uh, Pradeep. We need to go.”

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt “Class.”

June 18, 2016June 17, 2016 ~ John W. Howell ~ 35 Comments

It is Stream of consciousness Saturday time again. Today’s prompt is the word “class.” Linda Hill graciously said we could use it any way we want. (man, freedom is another word for nothing left to lose.) If you would like to join it here is Linda’s site. go here and you will have all the information you need. https://lindaghill.com/2016/06/17/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-june-1816/

“So what you are saying is I don’t have any class.”

“No, what I’m saying is this area is private and unless you are a member you can’t come in here.”

“Who made that rule?”

“The Board of Governors.”

“Who are they?”

“The people who run this place.”

“How about you. Are you allowed here?”

“Well, of course I’m allowed here. I’m an employee.”

“An employee huh? You are not a member.”

“No, I’m not a member.”

“Then technically you’re not allowed here either.”

“Look buddy. I just enforce the rules. Now, I have to ask you to leave.”

“Okay. Ask away. I’m not going.”

“Do you want me to call the police?”

“Are they members?”

“Hell no, they’re not members”

“Then, they won’t be allowed here either, so it won’t do you any good.”

“I don’t want any hassle. What do I have to do to get you to leave?”

“You could ask me politely to leave.”

“Okay. Will you please leave?”

“Could you say, ‘Will you please leave Mr. Class sir?”‘

“This is starting to become dreary. Okay, will you please leave, Mr. Class sir?”

“Before I go, look at the membership list under ‘C.”‘

“Okay. So here is a Mr. Class.”

“Charles Class.”

“Yes, Charles Class. That’s me.”

“Why didn’t you say so?”

“You never asked. You said unless I was a member, I would have to leave.”

“Why didn’t you say you were a member?”

“I just did. Now do I have to leave.”

“No sir, you don’t.”

“Excellent, I’m leaving.”

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Creative Kue by Keith Channing

June 14, 2016June 13, 2016 ~ John W. Howell ~ 20 Comments

I love prompts, and Keith Channing serves up a photo as a prompt. 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 – 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.”

The photo

Kreative Kue #81

“So then I said to the guy, ‘What makes you an expert?'”

“OMG, that must have set him off.”

“Yes, it did. he then came back with some comment about Claire.”

“What kind of comment?”

“He asked if she was with me.”

“And ?”

“I said, “Yeah, of course, she is with me. Who do you think she’s with my good man?”‘

“Sounds like a rude one.”

“Tell me. He then goes on to say he felt Claire could do better than to hang with me.”

“What did you do?”

“Do? Nothing. I had to agree with him.”

“What did Claire say?”

“Say? Nothing. She had to agree with him as well.”

“Oh, Jerry my man. You are pathetic.”

“Why? Because I have someone who hangs with me and can do better?”

“No. Because your self-esteem is in a position where you think Claire’s not good enough for you.”

“Claire is staring at you. She just might get up and pop you one.”

“I don’t think so. I think she ought to pop you one.”

“Now that’s funny. Hey, Claire, Billy thinks you should come over and pop me one.”

“You both should be popped.”

“Did you hear that Billy. Claire just cracks me up.”

“Yeah, she’s funny alright. What do you think Seal?”

“Keep me out of it. Get me a drink. Please.”

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt “mb”

June 11, 2016June 10, 2016 ~ John W. Howell ~ 38 Comments

It is Stream of Consciousness time again and this week’s prompt is “mb.” Yes, you read that right “mb.” We are supposed to find a word that has these two letters in this order and then base our post on the word. If this seems odd to you, think how I feel. Also, if you want to have the same fun I’m having, go to Linda’s blog and read all the rules. I’ll even give you her link.

The Friday Reminder and Prompt for #SoCS June 11/16

“So there I was with my arms akimbo and my feet assembled far apart like they were attached to the floor.”

“My heavens. What did the ambassador do?”

“Called the assemblywomen to come help him.”

“That must have been a clambering scene. Then what?”

“The combative assembly started yelling like they were having an embolism.”

“You must have been emboldened knowing you had all this activity around you.”

“Don’t forget I was outnumbered.”

“Ah yes, and a certain amount of rambunctiousness there as well.”

“So I did what every warmblooded person would do. I remembered my lessons from school.”

“You blew them away with math symbols?”

“No, I unambiguously pointed out the symbiotic nature of our goals.”

“The numbskulls bought it?”

“Every last member.”

“That was a gamble that paid off.”

“And no ambush later either.”

“Pure flamboyance.”

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Creative Kue #80 by Keith Channing

June 7, 2016June 6, 2016 ~ John W. Howell ~ 32 Comments

In Keith’s words here’s 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 – 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.

Kreative Kue #80

“Hey, old timer. You okay?”

“What Sonny? What chew say?”

“I asked if you were okay.”

“All depends.”

“Depends on what?”

“What you mean by ‘okay.”‘

“Have you been hurt you old codger?”

“No, I haven’t been bitten by a badger. They are more afraid of us than we are of them.”

“OMG. Let me come closer so you can hear me.”

“I don’t hear so good.’

“No kidding. I asked if you were hurt.”

“This was a present from my daughter.”

“What was?”

“You asked about my shirt. My goodness, you youngins sure have attention problems. Must be all that texting. It was a birthday present.”

“How old?”

“It’s brand new you dolt. She bought it new. She would never give me a used shirt.”

“Okay, Pops. I can see you don’t need help.”

“Who says?”

“Well, it looks like you are doing alright. You’re feisty enough.”

” Albright’s? I thought they were out of business. I don’t know where she got the shirt. I like the color. It looks like these fields don’t you think?”

“Yes, the green is very nice.”

“What green?”

“Your shirt it’s green.”

“Ha. I knew it. You have some kind of brain to the eye problem. It is yellow. Any fool can see that’s the color.”

“Why are you behind that fence?”

“Naw, I don’t take offense. I figure you have enough problems. After all one man’s yellow is another’s green. Am I right?”

“I think I will leave now. Nice talking to you.”

“Could you do me one favor before you go?”

“What would you like?”

“Can you tell me where we are?”

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt “Book”

June 4, 2016June 3, 2016 ~ John W. Howell ~ 29 Comments

It is time for Stream of Consciousness Saturday again. This week’s prompt is “book.” Linda Hill advises to use any meaning of the word as your theme or simply use the work in the post. If you would like to join in go to Linda’s link and check it out. Here is the link.

The Friday Reminder and Prompt for #SoCS June 4/16

I have to return to the instructions for a moment. Linda says, “use any meaning of the word as a theme.” I had to think hard about the meaning of the word “book.” So here goes nothing. (Which may be a self-fulfilling prophesy)

“Hey man, whatsup?”

“Nuthin much how about you?”

“Yeah, lookin’ forward to vacation.”

“Where you goin’?”

“Gotta book a flight to LA.”

“Cool. What’s in LA.”

“Movie pitch for my book.”

“Aw man. How cool.”

“Yeah, I’m excited to book it out there.”

“When you leavin’?”

“Soon’s I get clear of the panhandle charge.”

“That cop book you for panhandling?”

“Sure did and all I was doin’ was asking folks for money.”

“Don’t that beat all. Now they got your name in the book.”

“Time I spent at the precinct I should have been hitting the books.”

“Whadda you mean?”

“Study. You know I’m trying to get an MFA degree.”

“Well. I heard, but how about that movie deal?”

“Not a done deal. The producer has book problems.”

“Book problems? What’s that mean?”

“He doesn’t know how he’s goin’ to handle the script in some of the action scenes.”

“They can be worked out right?”

“Maybe with a book of matches.”

“Oh, oh. That bad?”

“Let’s talk later. Wanna grab dinner?”

“Ah. I’m booked up tonight. How bout tomorrow.”

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Creative Kue #79 by Keith Channing

May 31, 2016May 30, 2016 ~ John W. Howell ~ 30 Comments

Another prompt by Keith Channing. 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 – 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 #79

“Good morning, Trevor. What a beautiful day today.”

“Wha. Oh no. Is it morning already?”

“Yes it is and time to start the day.”

“Aw, no boss. I had a rough night last night. I need a couple a more hours in the sack.”

“The sack, as you call it, is my bed, and I would like to make it up now.”

“I’m telling you boss. I’m not a well dog. I think I’m running a fever.”

“Sure you are. I heard you making that ruckus last night. What was it the Johnson’s cat?”

“The Johnson’s cat? Paaalease. I wouldn’t walk across the street to give that brat a drink of water if she were dying of thirst.”

“My. my. This statement is coming from the guy who couldn’t seem to leave her alone. What happened?”

“Nothing.”

“Come on Trevor. Let’s have out with the truth.”

“Nothing happened. Could we forget about it?”

“Now I know something’s fishy.”

“Good choice of words.”

“Ah ha. There is something then.”

“Not really. It is a small thing.”

“That has you laying in bed like a sick dog.”

“Okay. I’ll tell you, but not a word to mom okay?”

“You have my word, not a word.”

“Mittsy, that’s the Johnson’s cat’s name. Mittsy came up to the back door and tried to get through the dog door.”

“Well, she does that all the time and I know her name.”

“I’m trying to tell a complete story. Anyway, she was carrying a fish.”

“A fish?”

“Gee boss. Have you lost your hearing or something?”

“No, I was surprised to hear she had a fish. What happened next?”

“I told her to drop the fish or no entrance.”

“So she dropped it.’

“Well not exactly. She ran into the house and I lost her for a while.”

“But you found her.”

“Yes.”

“Where was she?”

“I don’t think ‘was’ is the correct word. You should ask ‘Where is she'”

“Okay, so where is she?”

“I was trying to save you from this, but no you had to know. Pull back the covers.”

“Oh my gosh. Mittsy. What are you doing here? And why is this disgusting fish in my bed.”

“If I may boss, she snuck in your bed while you were sound asleep. Yes, that fish is disgusting.”

“Meow?”

“What did she say?”

“She doesn’t speak human boss. She said she brought the fish as a gift. You should have let me take care of this.”

“Everyone out.”

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt “Press”

May 28, 2016May 27, 2016 ~ John W. Howell ~ 41 Comments

Here it is Stream of Consciousness Saturday again and time for another run through the hoops courtesy of Linda Hill. This week’s prompt is “press.” Linda says we can begin a word with it, end a word with it or use it by itself. (Not “it” but “press”) If you would like a little of your mind eaten each week maybe you should join our happy band of scribblers and give this thing a try. Go to Linda’s blog and check it out. Here is the link https://lindaghill.com/2016/05/27/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-may-2816/

My interpretation.

“Make way, make way for the press.”

“The press? Who are you trying to kid?”

“I just got a new job with the newspaper.”

“Job? What kind of job.”

“I’m one of the pressmen.”

“Pressmen? What the heck are pressmen?’

“We press the print onto the paper.”

“You mean a printer.”

“No you oaf. In the newspaper business, we are called pressmen.”

“What if you are a woman like yourself?”

“Urm. I guess press woman.”

“Okay, so why are you going around saying, pressmen, when you should be saying press women?”

“Never gave it a thought.”

“You know firefighters have the name firefighters because many are women.”

“I know that. So you point is?”

“Maybe you should be called press workers.”

“Sounds less dignified. Our jobs are more than just work.”

“Okay. I can say with certainty press women doesn’t have much dignity either.”

“I was very happy with my new job until I ran into you. What is your position called?”

“Human resource manager.”

“Ah perfect. So give me a title that I can use.”

“How about pressessist?”

“Have you been drinking?”

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Creative Kue #78 by Keith Channing

May 24, 2016May 23, 2016 ~ John W. Howell ~ 36 Comments

Another Tuesday photo prompt from Keith Channing. 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 – 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.”

The photo.

Kreative Kue #78

“So where’s he off to?”

“Look at him. Do you think he knows.”

“Why does he have that goofy look?”

“Y’mean with the cig and all?”

“Yes. He looks like an idiot and he’s staring at us.”

“The fact that he’s on that bike confirms he’s an idiot.”

“Whaddya mean?”

“Look at that Fosters flag out front of the place he just left.”

“Ah. I get it. He’s had a few beers.”

“I would wager he has had more than a few.”

“Should we let him carry on?”

“Well, the Christian thing to do would be to take his keys.”

“He’s got a helmet on his head.”

“Not much good if he hits a tree.”

“Now I’m worried. We need to do something.”

“I’ll go over and suggest that he takes a rest before he starts out.”

“Excellent Idea Bradley. You always know what to do.”

“Well, thank you, my dear. I try. You know you get back what you give in this life.”

“Yes, I know Bradley. You say that all the time.”

“I do? My goodness. I didn’t realize I was becoming that annoying.”

“You’re not annoying Bradley. Your focus is on certain sayings is all. You are a concern.”

“A concern is it. Well, madam speak for yourself.”

“Whadda you saying Bradley?”

“Well, that old saw about bygones be bygones is getting stale.”

“I wish I could use that now. You can forget the boy.”

“What boy?”

“My heavens. The boy on the motorcycle. He just fell over. I think he passed out.”

“Good thing I’m guessing. Now he won’t kill himself.”

“And you won’t have to say, ‘You get back what you give in this life.”‘

“Now that’s a nice statement. Where did you hear that one?”

“I’ll tell you when we get home. Come along Bradley.”

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt “Break/Brake”

May 21, 2016May 20, 2016 ~ John W. Howell ~ 32 Comments

It is Stream of Consciousness Saturday time again. This week’s prompt is “Break/Brake.” Linda Hill says we can use one or the other or both. I usually go for broke (past tense of break? huh? maybe?) and I will try them both. Wish me luck

If you would like to join in here is the link to Linda’s site, and there you will get all the information you need to make a fool out of yourself.

The Friday Reminder and Prompt for #SoCS May 21/16

“Okay, gang let’s take a break.”

“Whew, boss its about time to put the brake on overtime.”

“What’s the matter Shultz. A little work will break you?”

“Naw sir. I just think this twelve-hour stuff needs a brake to slow it down for a while.”

“What kind of brake do you have in mind?”

“Well, we could all pitch in and work a little harder and maybe even avoid the afternoon coffee break.”

“Give me a break Shultz. You know the union will kick my ass if I ask y’all to skip a break.”

“Well, it’s been six weeks since I’ve seen my kid. I get up before him and arrive after he’s gone to bed. This kind of schedule will break my home life.”

“You the only one feeling this way? Anyone else need a brake applied to the hours of work?”

“I don’t know, but if we don’ get a break, there will be a massive brake on my love life.”

“Yeah, well we don’t need to go there. Pull the brake handle on that talk.”

“I guess I’m the only one not willing to trade living for money. Okay, break time is almost over, and I can see there’ll be no brake on the work hours.”

“Here’s one for you. Why not take a full-time break? You know cash out.”

“Love to boss, but there’s way too many bills to pay and how do I put a brake on them if I’m on a full’time break.”

“So we are finished with the break/brake discussion?”

“Yup break’s over. Thanks for your concern boss.”