Tuesday – Anything Possible – Creative Kue #77

May 17, 2016May 16, 2016 ~ John W. Howell ~ 34 Comments

As you know, I’m a fan of prompts. Keith Channing has a prompt each week and in his words here is what it is all about.

“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 #

“Hello, Nanu base. Come in.”

“This is Nanu base. Who is this?”

“This is Rubber Ducky One reporting in.”

“Let me see. Rubber Ducky One. Oh yes, I see you were launched in sub-lunar year six.”

“That is correct, and I have landed.”

“Roger that Rubber Ducky One. That was one hundred lifetimes ago. Do you know where you are?”

“I think I’m on the Earth but can’t verify.”

“What makes you think you are on the Earth.”

“There is a lot of water, and I can see land up ahead.”

“Okay, that could be any planet in the system.”

“How about this. I can see a moon in the sky which is blue.”

“The moon is blue?”

“Negative. The sky is blue.”

“Can you reach land?”

“Yes. I have put on my putter-putter and am heading there now. Oh oh.”

“Is there a problem Rubber Ducky One?”

“There is a creature in the water just ahead of me.”

“Can you identify?”

“I’m going to take a chance and say it is a human.”

“How do you know?”

“I’m looking at my Earth creature identification chart and this creature has a dorsal fin and enormous teeth.”

“And you say it is human.”

“Yes. There is a picture of one here and it is labeled with the term lawyer. In checking the index, lawyers are an occupational subset of the human race.”

“Maybe you could offer food and start a friendly discussion.”

“I wonder what they eat?”

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt Two letter Word

May 14, 2016May 13, 2016 ~ John W. Howell ~ 40 Comments

If I thought other prompts were unusual, Linda has set up one of the strangest. The idea is to start today’s post with a two letter word. There is extra credit for ending the post with a two letter word as well. Well, I started it with the word “If.” Let’s see if I can end the whole thing with a two letter word as well. (I really want extra credit) If you would like to have some fun as well go to Linda’s site and read how. Here’s the link.

The Friday Reminder and Prompt for #SoCS May 14/16

“So, what do you have planned today?”

“I’m not sure. I think I would like to catch some TV.”

“TV? It is such a beautiful day, you should go outside.”

“No. I think I should stay in here where it’s cool. You sound like my mother did when I was a kid.”

“Me? Your mother? That’s a laugh. Of course, sometimes you need someone to keep you in line.”

“I’m sure you think that, but I’m capable of taking care of myself.”

“Oh. Sure you are. Tell me what you had for breakfast?”

“If you call what I had at eleven o’clock breakfast, I had cold pizza.”

My, my. Sounds like a full and upright breakfast to me.”

So, you tell me what is wrong with pizza.”

“Ok. Let’s start with the fat content and move through the carbs all the way to the nitrates.”

“If I had any concern about fat I would give it to you. I don’t care about fat. It is good.”

“In moderation, you should say.”

“No. I think it is okay in any old quantity. What’s the matter you look confused?”

“I’m thinking.”

“So this is new for you?”

“As you can see I am thinking about a problem of mine.”

“We can figure it out whatever it is.”

“I’m not sure. You see I have to end this post with a two letter word.”

“At whose insistence?”

” To get extra credit from Linda Hill’s SoCS prompt.”

“It has come to me how to end in a two letter word.”

“Oh, I would be so grateful if you could tell me how.”

“It is simple. I’ll ask a question that will end in two letters.”

“I’m in your hands. Ask away.”

“Do you love me?”

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Creative Kue #76 by Keith Channing

May 10, 2016May 9, 2016 ~ John W. Howell ~ 22 Comments

Here is what Keith Channing has to say about this photo prompt. “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 #76

“Yeah go on you dopes. I don’t care if you leave me.”

“What is he saying?”

“I don’t know. Something about leaving him.”

“Just relax Blackie We’ll be right back.”

“Yeah, sure. You always say that and then I find myself sitting here and waiting.”

“Oh, for heaven’s sake. You guys go ahead I’ll sit here with Blackie till you get back.”

“Aw gee, thanks, Robin.”

“You are such a baby sometimes.”

“Well, I hate to bring it up, but you guys left me at the park. Remember?”

“That was because it was raining cats and dogs and we needed to take shelter.”

“And what about me. I sat on the bench until I was wet to the skin. I waited and waited.”

“A whole five minutes.”

“I’m a bird remember. Five minutes are like five hours in bird time.”

“Please spare me the dramatics. You’ll be okay. I’m here with you. By the way, why did you pick this table to stand on?”

“You don’t like red. I’m surprised given the red breast and all.”

“I’ll thank you to keep your eyes up North.”

“Jeez. I didn’t mean anything. I was talking about color.”

“You know, it’s amazing.”

“What?”

“You’re blushing.”

“How do you know?”

“You have this glow. Kind of a crow blush if that’s a thing.”

“You did shock me with that eyes comment.”

“I was teasing. You can look at my red breast anytime you want. It is quite cute.”

“When do you think the others will be back?”

“I would say after they case the fry situation at McDonald’s and the bread crumb outlook at Panera.”

“Did you order?”

“No, I’m on a diet.”

“A diet? Which one.”

“The Atkins Protean Diet.”

“What can you have on that?”

“Worms. Nothing but worms.”

“Yuk. How do you stand it.”

“I hold my beak. It’s still disgusting.”

“Maybe you should exercise more.”

“You calling me fat?”

“Aw gee.”

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt Apparent/A Parent

May 7, 2016May 6, 2016 ~ John W. Howell ~ 36 Comments

If it is Saturday, then it must be Stream of Consciousness time. This week’s prompt is Apparent/A Parent. Linda Hill says we can use both or either. Don’t you love the smell of freedom in the morning? If you would like to join in the fun, go to Linda’s site and learn how. Here is the link.

The Friday Reminder and Prompt for #SoCS May 7/16

“So which one did you chose?”

“I think it’s apparent if you think about it.”

“Apparent huh. Think about it huh. So you going to make me guess?”

“I think that would be fun. Give it a try.”

“Okay, I’ll play one time. I guess Harvard.”

“Wrong. Try again.”

“I said I was only going to play one time. You wanted to go to Harvard. What happened?”

“To tell you the truth a parent talked me out of it.”

“A parent? What the hell does that mean?”

“My dad asked me to consider all the schools before I made my choice.”

“Yeah so?”

“So, I looked at each one carefully and weighed all the pros and cons.”

“I know you can get into any school you choose so I’ll say MIT.”

“Nope. That one did rank up there, though.”

“Yale?”

“Nope.”

“Stanford?”

“Too far.”

“NYU?”

“No, I don’t think you will get it so let me just tell you.”

“Now we’re getting somewhere. Where for heaven’s sake?”

“Hoboken Barber College.”

“Uh. Say again.”

“Hoboken Barber College.”

“Barber College? You nuts?”

“No. Think of it. I will be out in three months and will be making good money cutting hair. My dad will be happy because I won’t be going to Harvard. He’s a Yale man you know.”

“You can’t be serious?”

“How did it sound?”

“Like you need to have some rest time in a rest home.”

“So when I lay that on my dad, do you think he will still have a problem with Harvard?”

“No wonder you have so many scholarships.”

“Good huh?”

“Yeah, great provided your dad doesn’t have a heart attack.”

“Naw. He runs marathons.”

“Good.”

“It’s apparent he can take it. Go for it.”

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Creative Kue #75 By Keith Channing

May 3, 2016May 2, 2016 ~ John W. Howell ~ 19 Comments

Although the title of this post is Anything Possible, it seems that the possible becomes Keith Channing’s prompts. In his words, he 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 – 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 #

“I see what you’re saying, Helen. That man looks strange.”

“I know right. What do you suppose he is doing?”

“I can’t really tell, but it looks like he has his arms outstretched like he is waiting for a hug.”

“You don’t imagine he is one of those huggers I’ve read about.”

“Huggers? What are you talking about?”

“Oh. These dirty old men go around hugging people for no reason.”

“Dirty old men? This one looks pretty clean.”

“I’m not talking about their clothes. I’m talking about their moral character.”

“You don’t suppose there is anything dirty about a hug?”

“Are you kidding me, Ruth? Some old guy grabbing you and giving you a squeeze. You would find that uplifting?”

“Well, I think there may be extenuating circumstances where it would be okay. I’m curious about that guy, though.”

“Curious how?”

“He is looking to heaven like he is a preacher asking for supplication. Look how his hair glows.”

“Supplication? Glowing hair? OMG, I just figured it out.”

“Figured out what?”

“That man is not just a man.”

“You mean?”

“Yes, that is Donald Trump.”

“Okay, I’ve reconsidered. A hug is out of the question. I need more wine.”

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt Zoo

April 30, 2016April 29, 2016 ~ John W. Howell ~ 36 Comments

Another Saturday and so it is Stream of Consciousness time. Linda Hill has given us a very nice prompt, “Zoo.” She says we can use it alone or as part of another word. I’m going to try to put Zoo in each line of dialog. If I can’t fit it in the conversation will be over. If you would like to join this ~~madness~~ fun click on the link and go see what is going on.

The Friday Reminder and Prompt for #SoCS April 30/16

“So what was that Zoo something movie?”

“Zoolander?”

“Yeah that was it. It wasn’t about a zoo though.”

No, it was about the modeling industry which is a zoo of it’s own.”

“Yeah, I remember the character’s name was Darrell Zoolander and he was no paleozoologist I would say.”

“What is a Paleozoologist? Sounds zooty.”

“Zooty? What kind of word is that? Gadzooks, it sounds like you are in another world.”

“Zooty is an old term for someone who is sharp. Goes back to the 1940’s when there were guys standing around in Zoot suits. back to my question on Paleozoologist.”

“I’m really lost now on how your mind works with that zooty thing. A Paleozoologist is someone who studies ancient animals.”

“I thought that was a Paleontoligist. How did we get zoologic all of a sudden?”

“Look up at the top. Does the prompt say anything about toligist? No it says zoo. Why would I use a word that didn’t have zoo in it. I’m forced to be a Zoophile. Besides Paleozoologist and Paleonoligst are the same science.”

“Zoophile? We need a dictionary.I think you more resemble a Zoophite anyway.”

“Zoophite? Somehow I don’t think that is a compliment. So in keeping with your insult, I think you are in reality a Zoomorph.”

“I happen to know what a Zoomorph is and I resent being called animal-like.”

“Well you’ll just have to get over it. I’m the head keeper here and want you to come eat your Waterzooi.”

“I hate Waterzooi. Besides I’m supposed to have greens not stew. Where’s my zoosporangium.”

“You are a hippo for heaven’s sake. This is a zoo. I’m the zookeeper. You don’t get to call for zooporangium.”

“Some fun you are Bazooka breath.”

“Call me more names why don’t you? Just sit on your wazoo and smile for the folks.”

“Fine. I’m going to call the zoological society and file a complaint.”

“Good luck holding the phone.”

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Creative Kue #74 by Keith Channing

April 26, 2016April 25, 2016 ~ John W. Howell ~ 25 Comments

I have been participating in Keith Channing’s Kreative Kue prompts. 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.”

This week’s photo.

Kreative Kue #74

“Do you see ’em?”

“No, you twit. Put that camera down and get over here.”

“I just can’t help recording this moment.”

“Moment? Which one? Our last you mean?”

“Oh, please. Those guys were just fooling around.”

“Fooling around? Did you see that dust and brush kicked up when they passed overhead?”

“What are you saying?”

“Those were fifty caliber machine gun bullets tearing up the ground that’s what I’m saying.”

“You’re kidding right?”

“I wish I were. I think they are trying to kill us for some reason.”

“Who are they?”

“Might be rebels I don’t know. I do know that they will probably come back.”

“Do you think they know they missed us?”

“I’m sure of it.”

“Shouldn’t we get off the road?”

“I think that will be a good idea. I need you to come back and get this car going.”

“I think you are right. Do you have the keys?”

“I thought you had them.”

“Maybe I left them in the ignition.”

“Come look.”

“Shouldn’t we try to find them before they see us again?”

“Well, yeah stupid. I’m looking.”

“Might be easier to see them if you removed those lens covers.”

“Just find the keys okay.”

“Okay.”

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt “TA”

April 23, 2016April 23, 2016 ~ John W. Howell ~ 26 Comments

Once again time for Stream of Consciousness Saturday. This week Linda has come up with another two letter prompt. It is “Ta” which Linda explains is British slang for goodbye. I remember the old TTFN designation used may years ago. It stands for Ta Ta For Now. I’m not sure people still sat TTFN, but if you want to join the fun, please visit Linda at https://lindaghill.com/2016/04/22/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-april-2316/ Here is my interpretation of “Ta.”

“So what are you writing?”

“A little sign to put up in my yard.”

“Yard? What for?”

“Well, as you know I have had a bunch of people constantly wandering around my property.”

“No, I didn’t know. What’s that all about?”

“I’m not sure. I asked one guy about it, and he told me there was a rare bird nesting in a tree in my backyard.”

“So these people are visiting the bird.”

“I guess so. You would think they would ask me if it was okay.”

“Yeah, seems like the decent thing to do.”

“I haven’t had one ask. When I go up to them and politely ask them to leave, they just look at me.”

“So why not call the cops?”

“Did. They said there was nothing they could do.”

“Brother. So what is the sign going to say.”

“Ta ta for now. Take you and your bird watching stuff and beat it or else.”

“Uh. I don’t think that’s going to do anything.”

“Would you read a sign like this and not react.”

“I would be asking myself or else what?”

“Hmm, good point. How about this?”

“Or the bird gets it. You mean that?”

“No, but who is going to call my bluff?”

“Not bird people. That’s for sure. Good job.”

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Creative Kue #73 By Keith Channing

April 19, 2016April 18, 2016 ~ John W. Howell ~ 24 Comments

Another Tuesday and another Kreative Kue. Keith Channing 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.

Kreative Kue #73

“I don’t see anything funny about wet tobacco.”

“Well, take a look at the dog. I don’t think he finds anything funny either.”

“What would make a dog lick a pipe until it’s wet.”

“I think he would ask what makes a human try to smoke a dog slobbered pipe of tobacco.”

“I would answer the mutt, ‘Because it is all I have left you dumb dog. It would be dry if you kept your tongue to yourself.”‘

“I think he is trying to save you from cancer.”

“What about licking tobacco. He should save himself.”

“Just shows how much he loves you.”

“Let’s be clear. That dog does not love me. He finds every excuse under the sun to make me miserable.”

“Oh, come on now. How does he make you miserable?”

“Ask Joey over there. Oh, sorry Joey I didn’t mean to wake you.”

“Huh? What’s going on?”

“Ralph says the dog hates him and will do anything to make him miserable.”

“Yeah I think that could be true.”

“See Joey knows.”

“So tell me how does he make you miserable?”

“For one thing, he sits on my pillow when I’m not in the bedroom.”

“How do you know?”

“Joey saw him do it. Right Joey?”

“Yeah, I sure did. He also dragged his butt across the pillow.”

“OMG, you never told me that?”

“I think he only did it once.”

“What were you doing in Ralph’s bedroom Joey?”

“Ralph asked me to keep an eye on the dog.”

“So you two have been in cahoots in collecting evidence of the dog making Ralph miserable.”

“Sure Ray. What’s wrong with that?”

“No wonder the dog hates you. You don’t trust him.”

“Ha. So you admit he hates me.”

“I’m just saying.”

“So now that we have determined the dog hates me. What are we going to do?”

“Joey do you have a suggestion?”

“I think Ralph should get another place to live.”

“Why doesn’t the dog find a new place to live.”

“Gee Ralph Joey and I like the dog.”

“What about me?”

“Not so much.”

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt “No”

April 16, 2016April 16, 2016 ~ John W. Howell ~ 24 Comments

It is Stream of Consciousness Saturday once more. This week’s prompt is “No.” Linda Hill says we can use it as an abbreviation of the word number or just as it is. If you would like to see what all this is about, go to Linda’s blog and check it out. https://lindaghill.com/2016/04/15/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-april-1616/

“What number do you have three?”

“No.Seventy two.”

“No kidding. What number are they serving?”

“They have been stuck on two for the last hour. No movement.”

“Aw man. Don’t they know we need to go fishing today or no dinner?”

“Gee you think? No, they don’t know.”

“Why on earth did you decide to get your license renewed on a Saturday? This is no day for a DMV trip.”

“Hey, I work all week. No other time but Saturday.”

“I guess you’re right. I meant no offense.”

“None taken. Sit down and relax. No need to get riled up. It shouldn’t take too long.”

“No? It looks like it may take several days. If they have done two in an hour, it will take thirty-six hours to get to you.”

“No, you’re right.This isn’t logical. I’ll go see. Hold on.”