“Using this photo (below) 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.”
“A song, a song
High above the trees
With a voice as big as the sea
With a voice as big as the sea.”
“Hey, Ma’ma.”
“Yes, Little One.”
“Could you hold down the carol for a second?”
“Sure. What’s the problem?”
“Do you see what I see?”
“Tell me more.”
“Don’t listen to her Mom. Go ahead and keep singing.”
“Let’s just wait, Trevor. What is it, you see?”
“On that cement post there. Is that a camera?”
“My goodness child. It does look like one. I wonder who put it there?”
“It wasn’t pop I can guarantee that. He’s like a bear in hibernation.”
“Now Trevor. Your dad is busy with his writing. So what should we think about the camera?”
“Beats me. Maybe the government wants to make sure we aren’t doing anything improper.”
“That’s a laugh. They should have cameras on themselves then.”
“Ma’ ma. Be careful what you say. These are the days of the conservatives you know.”
“I have an idea. Let’s all gather around the camera and sing a carol.”
“I can’t wait for the dispatched loonie wagon to reach us.”
“Oh hush, Trevor. I think it will be fun.”
“Okay, mom. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.”
“Ready? One Two Three.
Said the king to the people everywhere
Listen to what I say
Pray for peace people everywhere
Listen to what I say
The child, the child
Sleeping in the night
He will bring us goodness and light
He will bring us goodness and light
1903 Wright Flyer (A19610048000) at the Smithsonian Institution National Air and Space Museum. February 27, 2017. Smithsonian photo by Eric Long (A19610048000.3T8A5583) (NASM2018-10795)
December 16th marks the 116th anniversary of the first flight of a self-propelled heavier than air aircraft by the Wright brothers at Kitty Hawk, North Carolina. We do want to go and witness this major event. I have a list of things to avoid so that we don’t get into any trouble while we are there. So let’s get ready to go.
Top Ten Things Not to Do at the First Flight of an Airplane.
10 If you are at the first airplane flight, do not ask the Wrights for a special in-flight meal. If you do, at best, you’ll get a confused look. At worst, Orville will think you have a great idea, but the weight of the turkey will prevent the flight from taking off. (You did not have to specify turkey, Jose. A nice cucumber sandwich would have sufficed.)
9 If you are at the first airplane flight, do not ignore Tiny the WWF champ and self-appointed flight attendant directions. If you do, at best, Tiny won’t notice. At worst, Tiny, who has skipped the last ten court-ordered anger management sessions, is highly offended. (Well, Jamie. You only have yourself to blame. It appears Tiny wants to see if you bounce when dropped out of a plane at 1000 feet. I think we’d all like to know that too.)
8 If you are at the first airplane flight, do not demand a hotel and meal voucher if your flight gets canceled. If you do, at best, no one will understand what you are talking about. At worst, on top of all their troubles, the Wright brothers will consider you a pest. (Looks like Wilber is coming out of the barn with his trusty shotgun, Jackson. It may be time to try out those new Nike running shoes.)
7 If you are at the first airplane flight, do not shout, “Go Gamecocks.” If you do, at best, everyone will be busy and not hear you. At worst, the crowd will come to a silent halt. (You see, Jake, The Gamecocks are a South Carolina University team, and you are standing in Tar Heels territory, which is North Carolina University space. I see a few men picking up shovels. Best head for the hills.)
6 If you are at the first airplane flight, do not try to check an overweight bag. If you do, at best, it will be refused. At worst, the luggage will be jettisoned once the Wrights are airborne. (Looks like those Sponge Bob Squarepants boxers are a big hit with the goats, Jude. With everyone else not so much.)
5 If you are at the first airplane flight, do not ask Wilber if he gives frequent flyer miles. If you do, at best, Wilber will miss the point. At worst, Wilber will issue you credit for the 100 feet before he ejects you from the plane. (You see, Juan. This thing isn’t ready for passenger travel yet no matter what Orville says.)
4 If you are at the first airplane flight, do ask about a Wright Airline club membership. If you do, at best, you’ll get no response. At worst, Wilber will collect a lifetime fee and direct you to the barn. (Quit complaining, Jay. This club is so exclusive you are the only member. Those chickens are interlopers, and I would report them to the management. Free drinks? Sure the pump is right over there.)
3 If you are at the first airplane flight, do not ask for champaign once you get on the plane. If you do, at best, you’ll get a laugh from Orville who will think you are joking. At worst, Orville will find it easier to take someone else than to get a bottle of champaign (Well that didn’t end well, Joe. Now you’ll have to beg for a ride.)
2 If you are at the first airplane flight, do not ask Wilber what time you are arriving at your destination. If you do, at best, Wilber won’t hear you. At worst, Wilber will wonder what happened to your brain. (The first flight lasted 12 seconds and went 120 feet, Jerome. It’s no wonder Wilber thinks you are nuts.)
1 If you are at the first airplane flight, do not ask which movie is playing. If you do, at best, you’ll get a blank stare. At worst, since Orville and Wilber are serious fellows, they think your question is an insult. (Movies are just becoming popular, Jerry but are seen as frivolous entertainment. These two guys from Ohio are very sensitive. Oh look, they have called the sheriff. It must be time to go.)
A lot of folks think Texas is flat. Although a lot of it is, some parts are pretty hilly. We live in one of those parts. I took some photos to give you an idea of what the topography around here looks like. I hope you like the Views today.
Here is what I look at while exercising on the elliptical machine at the gym.
Here is a photo taken from P.Terry’s a fast-food establishment.
Although I don’t visit this place, this photo is what you see from the plastic surgery spa.
Just so you didn’t think I was making the spa up here is the front of the building.
This photo is of the neighborhood near the spa.
This is a shot from the coffee shop.
Here is the front of the coffee shop. Oops, coffee lounge.
On the way home, I took this photo out of the front window of the car. It gives you an idea of the hills. Yes, I was driving, and yes, you should not try this at home.
It is Stream of Consciousness Saturday time again, and this week’s prompt is “loud.” It is a little more complicated than just using the word loud. Here read Linda Hill’s description of the prompt, and you will see what I mean. “Your Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is “loud.” Find any word that means “loud,” and use it any way you’d like in your post. Enjoy!”
So it looks like we don’t use the word loud but a word that means loud. Hmmm. Maybe like ear-shattering. Of course, that is a hyphenated word and don’t know if it qualifies, and I have no time to call Linda to find out. So I guess I’ll have to find another word. I think deafening will work. Let’s go with that.
“Oh, that. I was just articulating an option for using a word that means loud.”
“Why not just use loud?”
“Because we have to use a word that means loud.”
“And you chose deafening?”
“That’s right.”
“Why not vociferous?”
“I don’t know what that means.”
“Loud.”
“Naw, I can’t think of a subject using the word vociferous.”
“What are you going to say about deafening?”
“The piano fell out of the fifth-story window and hit the ground with a deafening crash.”
“You are telling not showing.”
“Huh?”
“You just described the scene. You didn’t get us involved in the scene by showing us what happened.”
“So why don’t you give it a try.”
“Jack looked up in time to see the large grand piano begin its plummet from the fifth story window. The piano’s shadow surrounding Jack became ever wider as gravity pulled it closer to the Earth. Jack knew that as the instrument meets the street, the deafening sound of the implosion would be a lovely experience for any lucky bystanders. In an instant, he also realizes it is now too late for him to get out of the way. He will miss the symphony of destruction. ”
“Geez. You write dark stuff.”
“Yeah, but it has a little more depth.”
“I think I’ll find another word.”
“What other word?”
“Raucous.”
“That’s a good one. Let me hear your story.”
“Um. The party took on a raucous edge when little Janie secretly added three pints of grain alcohol to the champaign fountain.”
“Yeah, I like it. Then what happened?”
“What do you mean?”
“You got my interest up. What happen next?”
“Oh, I don’t know. The police came and threw everyone in jail I guess.”
“So, you don’t know what happened?”
“Why does something have to happen?”
“I thought you were supposed to write a story using the prompt.”
“Yeah, but now I’m out of time. I’m just going to go with what we have.”
“is that Friday, Lucy?” “By golly, it is Little One.”
Once again Friday has arrived. It seems like this week it took its sweet old time. I can’t put my finger on it, but it sure felt like a long week.
We got the Christmas tree up along with some other decorations. It is always nice to have the holiday come around again. I didn’t think my inbox would survive black Friday and Cyber Monday but it certainly did. Heard on the news that this was the biggest retail and online sales figures made to date. I have to believe people are feeling good about buying and giving gifts.
I’m still plugging away at my WIP. Almost halfway through the latest round. It looks like I will be calling for beta readers after January 1st and will then allow until February 15th for comments. I always hate to rush beta readers. After the beta read comes the professional edit. I have made up my mind that this book will be launched in the spring. Probably in April or May.
Today’s JohnKu talks about the holidays and the spirit of the time. I hope you have an enjoyable weekend.
“Hey, Lucy. When is it Friday?” “Huh? Two more days Little One. Take a nap.”
It is Wednesday Story Day again, and last week, we witnessed Charles the server denies he went home with Mrs. Rafferty, which was information received from Jerry the server. Also, Charles lawyered up and decided he wouldn’t do any more talking without a lawyer. We should get back to the Hyatt since I see Larry headed for Sanford Wentworth’s office. He doesn’t look too pleased either.
“Yes, detective. Come right in.”
“I need to talk to Jerry Foster again.”
“Is there a problem Detective
“Yes, there is, but I need to take it up with Jerry.”
“Sure enough. Hold on, I’ll call him.”
“Thank you.”
“That’s strange.”
“What?”
“His cell phonies going to voicemail after one ring.”
“Yeah, well, I have had that happen to mine when the signal’s not good.”
“But throughout our property, we have repeaters. We need to be in constant touch with our employees. This should not happen.”
“You sure he isn’t hitting the ‘not accept’ button.”
“It could be, but he knows this number, and that would certainly be grounds for discipline.”
“So, where does he hang out?”
“There is a little server’s break room off the kitchen. He could be there.”
“Let’s go down there then.”
“Okay, follow me.”
“Wait. I need to get Andrew.”
“I’ll wait for you here.”
“I’ll be right back.”
*
“Hey, Andrew.”
“Yes, Larry. What’s the deal?”
“We need to talk to Jerry Foster, and now he is out of touch with his boss.”
“Yeah, so what? Maybe he is in the men’s room.”
“Wentworth seems concerned, so I’m concerned.”
“Well, if you are concerned, then I’m concerned.”
“Okay, never mind. Just come with me to Wentworth’s office and then to see if we can find Jerry.”
“This is almost like a posse.”
“You do concern me sometimes, Andrew.”
“If you are concerned—”
“Knock it off, Andrew. Let’s just go.”
“Right, you are chief. Lead the way.”
“That’s better.”
“What are we going to do with Jerry Foster when we catch up with him.”
“For one, I want to know why he lied to us.”
“Good point. What else?”
“I think he needs to explain what else he knows about Mrs. Rafferty and the accident with her husband.”
Keith Channing is on a hiatus this week. I have arranged a finger point prompt using the best selling novel Circumstances of Childhood by that world-famous author John W, Howell. As luck would have it, the prompt for today is, “eat.”
This post was published in December of 2017. Since history does not lend itself to humor this week, I thought you might enjoy a revisit or a visit for those who missed it.
I always enjoy wrapping presents. I pretty much avoid the “store gift wrap” in favor of the messes I create. I think putting oneself into the process is a way you can show the recipients of the gift that you really care. The inspiration for this post is every year of doing my own. I hope you enjoy it.
10 If you are gift wrapping, don’t think it’s the thought that counts. If you do, at best, your wrapping will look like you didn’t think at all. At worst, your package will be mistaken for trash and never opened in the first place. (No wonder you didn’t get a thank you, Cassidy.)
9 If you are gift wrapping, do not try to use a fake box with Tiny, the WWF champ who just enrolled in a court-ordered intensive course on how to handle disappointment. If you do at best, you won’t be in the room when Tiny open,s the Tiffany box to find a screwdriver. At worst, although Tiny will do his best to control himself, it may be more than one can expect. (You have been thinking of removing that dining room wall anyway right, Crane?)
8 If you are gift wrapping, do not use seasonally inappropriate paper. If you do, at best, others will think you mentally unstable. At worst, friends and family will gather and determine what to do with you now that you have lost track of time. (Okay, so you wanted to save a few bucks on paper, but Easter wrap was not the way to go, Clive.)
7 If you are gift wrapping, do not forget the nametags. If you do, at best, you’ll remember each gift and who it goes to just by the wrapping. At worst, Uncle Phil will wonder what you are trying to say with the Lady Schick electric razor gift. (You thought for sure that red box was a bottle of bourbon, Cal. I wonder what aunt Helen thinks of it.)
6 If you are gift wrapping, do not forget to measure twice before cutting once. If you do, at best, there is a smaller box that can be wrapped with your mistakes. At worst, you have another trip to the wrapping store to get additional supplies. (Too bad they are all out of Christmas wrap, huh, Cameron? They have plenty of Easter wrap, though.)
5 If you are gift wrapping, do not use the same paper for all the gifts. If you do, someone will recognize it as last year’s $0.99 Target sale item. At worst, your display under the tree will look like the packages were done by Mrs. Jones first grade class. (Why is everyone asking if these gifts are meant for a Toys for Tots donation, Carling?)
4 If you are gift wrapping, do not throw away the return receipts. If you do, at best all your gifts will be perfect. At worst, those gifts that were a little off the mark will show up next year. (You could have sworn you gave this scarf to your cousin last year, huh, Carmichael?)
3 If you are gift wrapping, do not think more scotch tape will solve sloppy wrapping. If you do, at best, your recipients will have a scissor handy to cut through. At worst, you’ll get calls about paper cuts and tape in kid’s hair. (Maybe taking more time would have been a good idea, Carver.)
2 If you are gift wrapping, do not try to create what you are not qualified to design. If you do, at best yours will be the last one opened. At worst, your package will end up looking like a bizarre thing that should soak in water before being disarmed. (Gotta wonder why your brother-in-law called the bomb squad. That grenade on top was a dummy right, Caster?)
1 If you are gift wrapping, do not think a bunch of sparkling confetti in the box will be well received. If you do, at best, the recipient will be kind and not shoot you. At worst, the gift is opened on the new white living room carpet. (You just know that stuff will be there until next year, don’t you, Chadwick?)
The Hills Country Club here in Lakeway held an evening of shopping and invited a number of suppliers to set up shop and offer holiday specials. I snuck in past Tiny who was charged, with keeping the riff-raff out. There were tons of suppliers. Hopefully you’ll get a good idea about the event.
Massage stuff and chair (partially pictured)
Pet T-Shirts
Cheese, dip, and cracker station.
Plush toys with a charitable purpose.
Various items.
Olive oil from trees raised in Texas.
Pampered Chef with Kori Blankenship (The most enthusiastic supplier at the event)
