It is Stream of Consciousness Saturday time again, and here is Linda Hill with this week’s prompt. “Your Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is “welcome.” Use it any way you’d like. Have fun!” If you would like to have some fun with these prompts, visit Linda’s blog and read how. It is easy to let yourself go. Here is the link.
“Okay, Lucy. It’s Friday ruckus time.” “Whisper Little One, Whisper.”
With all the news of social distancing and the crazy swings of the stock market, this week seemed like a never-ending stream of bad news. Well, now we are eight hours to at least some time to take it easy. You may be at home working all week, and now is the time to pitch all that and head for the patio, backyard, or even a walk around the block. If spring has not arrived in your area, then maybe it’s time to play some board games or even binge-watch something you have always wanted to see. Yeah, you could also read a book. 😁 The point is to separate your weekend self from your working self. You’ve earned it.
This week I made the decision to stop going out. I’m in the high-risk age group (At the upper end) and have underlying medical issues. I have had a compromised immune system for the last ten years and have been able to stay healthy. I learned to wash my hands and be very careful. Unfortunately, I have seen some folks totally disregard the CDC warnings, and I can no longer trust that my efforts will be enough to stay healthy.
Instead of working out at the gym, I am now riding my bike. Our daughter has decided to stop coming for Sunday dinner since she believes it too risky. I have to respect her mature attitude, but I can’t say it is a pleasant prospect. I know she will miss visiting and can’t help but be proud of her choice.
Today’s JohnKu contemplates the new realities of life. I hope you all have a great weekend and will keep yourself safe.
“Hey, you two. Let’s go outside and play.” “We are in the Wednesday mode, Boss. Check back on Friday.”
It is Wednesday Story Day again, and last week, Larry and Andrew brought us up to speed. If you missed it don’t worry, Larry and Andrew have decided to go back to Boston after they speak with Joachim Cortez about what he knows regarding the goons that came and shot up Jerry’s place. If all this is Greek, just read on, and it will become clear. I’m a firm believer in living in the moment and would encourage “reading at the moment.” OH MY GOSH. Larry and Andrew are approaching Cortez’s table in the restaurant. We better hot foot it over there to catch every word.
“Well, well, well, my two favorite investigators. Please have a seat.”
“Thank you, Joachim. We aren’t going to stay long. We just had a couple of questions.”
“I hear you put a bullet into my son in law.”
“Wentworth? That’s funny.”
“What do you mean, funny?”
“Okay, we will have a seat. It’s funny because he shot himself in the foot.”
“That sounds exactly like him. My apologies, he told me you did it. Would you gentlemen care for a drink?”
“I would love a coffee. How about you, Andrew?”
“A coffee sounds good to me as well.”
“Here is a fresh pot the server just brought. Help yourself.”
“With all these cups on the table, you must have a lot of visitors?”
“You might say this is my office away from home. Now, what can I do for you today?”
“We were having a discussion with Wentworth before he had his..um …accident, and he wanted to be forthcoming, but we got the feeling he was afraid.”
“Forthcoming about what?”
“While we were chasing a lead, a few goons showed up at our subject’s apartment and put about a hundred holes in the place.”
“Would this be the apartment of Jerry Foster?”
“Hmmm. How did you know?”
“I read in the paper that his place was the target of a drive-by shooting.”
“Already in the papers, huh.”
“Yes, detective.”
“Would you have any information on who sent the shooters?”
“I might have a lead, yes.”
“Would you be willing to share this lead?”
“As you know, detective information has great value. Might I enquire as to why you want to know?”
“Other than almost getting killed ourselves, we think Foster was the target which would make him part of our ongoing investigation into who killed Sandusky and Rafferty.”
“Why is that?”
“As you say, information has value. Before I tell you why I think Foster was the target, I need to know who ordered the hit.”
“I don’t want to spread vicious lies, so let me just say I believe if you investigate Spencer Taggett, you may get some answers.”
“Spencer Taggett, the Assistant District attorney?”
“Yeah, that’s right.”
“What does he have to do with this mess?”
“All I’m saying is if you check around, you might make a connection between him, Ned Dixon, and Janice Rafferty. Now, why do you think Jerry Foster was the target?”
“I thought it was because he overheard an argument between you and Rafferty.”
“So, you would believe I ordered the hit?”
“Yeah, that’s right.”
“If I had ordered the hit, detective. You nor Foster would be still around. No, it wasn’t me. More coffee?”
“No, thank you, Joachim. We do appreciate your hospitality and information, though. We need to be going.”
“If you want my advice.”
“Yes, sir, we would welcome your advice.”
“I would get back to Boston, where you have some authority and shake the trees on Rafferty and Dixon.”
“Yeah, that is good advice. We already know they shared a room here, so there’s not much more we can learn.”
“Plus, you will get out of Taggett’s jurisdiction, which might be healthier for you all the way around.”
“Great talking with you, Joachim. You take care of yourself.”
“Be careful out there, detective. I’d take the sideroads to the airport if I were you.”
In Keith’s words “Using this photo as inspiration, write a short story, flash fiction, scene, poem; anything, really; even just a caption for the photograph. Either put it (or a link to it) in a comment or email it to me at keithchanning@gmail.com 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.
Go on. You know you want to. Let your creativity and imagination soar. I shall display the entries next Monday.”
“What do you mean you can’t find it? The coordinates are clear.”
“The coordinates are real clear, but we still can’t find it.”
“That’s impossible. Give me an optical scan of the area.”
“Okay. Coming at you.”
“I don’t see anything.”
“That is exactly what I told you.”
“Maybe the solar flares are distorting the picture.”
“Okay. What do you see then?”
“Some vegetation is all.”
“That is exactly what we are seeing.”
“Why don’t you walk a couple of klicks and send us another shot.”
“What? Through the coordinates, you mean?”
“That object is as big as a mountain. It can’t have disappeared.”
“So one would think. Maybe our measuring devices have been damaged. You think the locator on the thing could have gotten damaged in flight.”
“Well, the takeoff was certainly a jolt. You could be right.”
“Not to mention the landing. This planet’s gravity is pretty strong.”
“Okay let,’s assume the locator is faulty. Can you get to higher ground and, maybe you can spot it.”
“Yeah, there is a cliff up ahead. We have to cross what looks like a desert.”
“Go ahead and cross.”
“Okay, the rover made it across the sandy place. It looks like this desert has been dug out of the cliff.”
“Can you climb to the top of the cliff?”
“I have shot a grappling hook and rappelling rope up and over. All I have to do is climb up there.”
“You have permission to do that.”
“Okay, I’m here. My goodness.”
“What?”
“This is a plateau and, it is made of grass.”
“Can you see the sphere?”
“No, but when I rise with my jet pack, I can see a huge hole not too far away. There is some kind of pole rising up from the hole.”
“Send me the picture.”
“Here you are.”
“Look at that. Amazing. Aim the camera up to the top of that pole.”
“I don’t have an LD lens, so I don’t know if you can see the top.”
“Yes, I can make it out. There is some kind of symbol on a flag on top. Jet to the hole and point the camera into it. Be careful and don’t fall in.”
“Here it is. “Look at that. The sphere is at the bottom of the hole.”
“You sure. It doesn’t look like ours. The size looks right, but that one is white. Can you see the letters on it.”
“Yes, I can.”
“Do you have any idea what it means?”
“S-P-A-U-L-D-I-N-G? I have no idea.”
“Well, it can’t be good to see other spheres landing around there. We’ll just chalk ours up to lost and take the penalty. Come on back. It’s time for lunch anyway.”
This post is an updated repeat of last year. Since Daylight Savings Time is so near and dear to us all, I thought you would enjoy a re-run.
This week marks the 102nd anniversary of Congress authorizing Daylight Savings Time, which set up the legal precedence for the states to take action. So if you were there or plan on a time trip, the following list is designed to keep you from making any mistakes that might result in a time warp or tear.
10 If you were there when Congress authorizes daylight savings time, do not think the action is a big joke. If you do at best, you’ll be early or late to everything. At worst, you will finally realize that the fun will last for a hundred and two years. (Tired of laughing yet, Gairbeth? Join the rest of us.)
9 If you were there when Congress authorizes daylight savings time, do not push your protest sign into Tiny the WWF champ’s face. If you do, at best, Tiny will ignore you. At worst, Tiny, the newly elected Senate sergeant-at-arms, will give you a demonstration of the latest wrestling hold he just learned from the Senate pages. (Don’t worry, Gall. The loss of feeling in your lower body will come back in a couple of days. In the meantime, I would grab things to keep you from falling down.)
8 If you are there when Congress authorizes daylight savings time, do not bring your confused cow to the protest. If you do, at best, you will not be allowed in the chamber. At worst, your cow will be called upon to testify, and your entire argument will hinge on a simple yes or moo. (You were told to bring credible witnesses to prove as to the inconvenience of DST, Galvin. The rest of us have to suffer due to your lack of follow-through. Just wait until you get back to 2020. Does the word “goat” mean anything to you?”
7 If you are there when Congress authorizes daylight savings time, do not say the mnemonic “Spring forward, fall back” out loud. If you do, at best, not many will catch on. At worse, those who hear you will think you are in favor of the move. (Now you are facing an angry crowd, Gamal. How are you going to explain the rationale for the change? I think most folks get the fact that their morning work trip will be in the dark. To do what? Allow everyone to play outside after dinner?)
6 If you are there when Congress authorizes daylight savings time, do not brag loudly that your smartphone automatically resets the time. If you do, at best, most will think you’re drunk. At worst, the local constable will look at you much closer. (He does not look like someone you will be able to fool, Gannon. You better come up with a plausible explanation for that cell-phone. Oh, and you know it doesn’t work in 1918 right?)
5 If you were there when Congress authorizes daylight savings time, do not try to convince everyone that they get an extra hour’s sleep in the fall. If you do, at best, those with kids will laugh you out of the room. At worst, the crowd will take you for a shill of the government. (Looks like someone is lighting a fire under that tar bucket, Gardar. Maybe there’s going to be an old-fashioned tar and feathering soon. I hope you aren’t the honored guest.)
4 If you are there when Congress authorizes daylight savings time, do not list the 23 ways changing time harms health. If you do, at best, you’ll cause concern. At worst, you may cause the Center for Disease Control to put a stop to your free speech. (you see, Garnet, this whole DST thingy is a government plot to keep you confused about your everyday life. Think about going to work in the dark. Confusing no?)
3 If you were there when Congress authorizes daylight savings time, do not try to convince those near you that the farmers need the daylight at night to milk the cows. If you do, at best, there will be no farmers nearby to contradict you. At worst, your words reach the Grange farmers co-operative. (Don’t look now, Garrey, but a delegation from the Grange is heading in your direction. It seems that they would rather have the sunlight in the morning and believe you are behind the change. My, those pitchforks look nasty.)
2 If you were there when Congress authorizes daylight savings time, do not show folks how to set their digital watch. If you do, at best, you will scare them away. At worst, some brave ones will take you for an alien. ( Looks like there is going to be a trial by twelve angry men, Garry. Gotta wonder about the drinking and exactly how fair that trial will be. I think I would take the opportunity to skedaddle if I were you.)
1 If you were there when Congress authorizes daylight savings time, do not offer to organize a clock changing party. If you do, at best, no one will want to celebrate. At worst, some of the celebrants will get out of control. (Looks like the constable is going to be a calling, Garuda. Best to get your story straight about minding your own business when a bunch of roughnecks busted into your place, drank all your liquor, and then hit the town. I’m sure he’ll believe you. Well, maybe a slip out of town move might be better.)
Here we are back to the Activity Center In Lakeway for the City-Wide Garage Sale last weekend. I decided to cover the sale held here since this may be the last gathering of people for a while. I know I have done the sale before, but given the uncertainties of Covid-19, I didn’t think you would mind another go.
“Can you take a quarter for this blanket?” The vendor looks like he might say, “No.”
I have a fascination with dishes that look like food. I’m wondering when someone will come up with food that looks like dishes.
Hey, Marylyn, you are beautiful, but a 2019 calendar may not work for me. Lots of other stuff, though. I like that bag of soap. Might come in handy, given all the handwashing that will go on.
There is a doll dress dummy that is interesting. I noticed that the red paper towel roll holder is empty. Pretty typical, I would say.
The vendor tried to run out of the photo. Trapped like a rat. That wine bucket caught my eye. Reminded me of a large restaurant where the waiter rushed out with the wine on ice. In times like these, the wine doesn’t stay around long enough to get warm. (“Sure, bring another bottle.”)
Lots of art here. “Can we really live without that pink lamp?” Don’t even mention the Emelda Marcus shoe collection. That fern needs water or a dusting. Such treasures.
Ah, the dress dummy. Every home should have one. My eye also went to the basket of phony tomatoes wrapped in cellophane. A must-have for sure.
Thanks for going along with me today. Here take this Purell. You can never be too careful. Next time we will do an outside tour.
Consider me giddy that you’ve come for Day 13 of my extended blog tour! Please join me in praise for my most excellent host for sharing some blog space today. I hope to interest you tale-mavens in trying my first book in way too many years, this my only collection of short fiction: Comes this Time to Float: 19 Short Stories by Stephen Geez. You could add another “by Stephen Geez” to that, as I put the moniker in the subtitle, too. I’d be forcing it to find a theme, except maybe that all my stories try to look at something I think is important, but told in a decorative sort of way. Written here and there among novels over two decades, they show a variety of genres and styles, as I get restless. Now they’re tucked between jacketed hard covers and softs, or in e-however-you-likes.
The Enticement
Each tour stop will offer the opening paragraphs of a story from the book, then link to the full story online. A few will also link to audio-shorts narrated by me. An RRBC-specific promo video will be foisted on you every day. Using a narrator didn’t seem right for my own trailer, so yeah, it’s me. Be sure to post reviews in your favorite places, most helpfully if Amazon. RRBC members, be sure to report the Amazon link to your Reviews Coordinator for quarterly credit.
And you, I thank, too.
A Geez Author Blurb
Stephen Geez grew up in the Detroit suburbs during the American-auto domination. He earned his undergraduate and master’s degrees at the University of Michigan—Ann Arbor. He retired from scripting/producing television and composing/producing television music, then expanded his small literary management firm into indie-publisher and multi-media company Fresh Ink Group. Now he works from a deck overlooking the lake in north Alabama, helping other writers share their compelling narratives with the world.
The Book Blurb
Prepare to think as you explore these wildly disparate literary short stories by author, composer, and producer Stephen Geez. Avoiding any single genre, this collection showcases Geez’s storytelling from southern gothic to contemporary drama to coming-of-age, humor, sci-fi, and fantasy—all finessed to say something about who we are and what we seek. Some of these have been passed around enough to need a shot of penicillin, others so virgin they have never known the seductive gaze of a reader’s eyes. So when life’s currents get to pulling too hard, don’t fight it, just open the book and discover nineteen new ways of going with the flow, because NOW more than ever Comes this Time to Float.
I don’t know why, but this critter won’t eat the stuff, instead preferring collards and other greens.
So imagine warm light, cool breeze, a splash of gurgling water, eight explorable square feet, one climbing ladder of latticed sticks, a thatch of tasty greens beckoning from above, and our hero methodically clawing his way upward for all he’s worth—which is normally about five bucks, free if you simply pick him up, as Taj did.
It’s a hermit crab, about the size of a jawbreaker, the landlubber version found in tropical beach-side brush. This crab and its three crabby cohorts hail from Gulfcoast Florida, having hitched back to Chicago in a sack of shells collected by the four-year-old son of my youngest producer. I normally frown on taking souvenirs from sites above water and below, these being nature’s mobile homes for myriad denizens wet or dry, but young Taj didn’t know better, so no major harm.
I help him and three other kids, all now dedicated hermit-crab owners, as they outfit a large terrarium in the day-care area of our video-production facility. Dabbing quick-clean non-toxic paint, each decorates his crab’s shell for easy identification, this despite my warning that these critters often change houses a for better fit and to runway-strut the latest in chic crab style.
The Whole Story
I’m posting the stories each day on my blog. Be sure to come back here!
It is Stream of Consciousness Saturday time again, and here is this week’s prompt per Linda Hill. “Your Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is “wire.” Use “wire” as a noun or a verb or any way you’d like. Enjoy!” So there you have it. If you would like to have some fun, go to Linda’s blog and read how. Here is the link.
