Tuesday – Anything Possible – Kreative Kue # 341 by Keith Channing

January 4, 2022January 3, 2022 ~ John W. Howell ~ 75 Comments

In Keith’s words.

“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.combefore 6pm on 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 time.”

The photo.

“Wouldja look at that.”

“What?”

“That video. Almost looks real.”

“That’s cause it is.”

“What do you mean?”

“You’re looking out a window. Everything beyond the window is part of the world.”

“That might be true, but it doesn’t mean it’s real.”

“Oh, come on. Don’t tell me we are going to get caught in a semantics loop?”

“I don’t even know what that is. All I’m saying is just because there is stuff beyond the window doesn’t mean that stuff is real. Look now. It all changed.”

“That’s because we are moving.”

“Moving? What kind of insanity is that?”

“I don’t want to break this to you too hard, but we are on a train.”

“Since when?”

“Last night, we boarded a train.”

“Where was I?”

“Oh my gosh. You were on the end of your leash. You got on the train. We all went to sleep, and here we are.”

“Look at that. It looks like a big city.”

“Yes, it is. We need to go through the city to get to the seashore.”

“Seashore? We going to the seashore?”

“We sure are.”

“Oh boy. I love the seashore.”

“I know you do. That’s why we are going.”

“Where?”

“To the sea— Hold on. Are you feeling okay?”

“I’m just messing with you. I can’t wait until we get there.”

“We should be there tonight.”

“All those smells. The crabs and birds. The sand and sun.”

“You believe it is real then?”

“The seashore?”

“Yes.”

“Of course. It’s just looking out this window that doesn’t look real.”

“Maybe you should take a nap then.”

“And miss something.”

“Something that may not be real.”

“Good point. A nap it is.”

“Good dog.”

“Arf.”

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Kreative Kue #340 by Keith Channing.

December 21, 2021December 20, 2021 ~ John W. Howell ~ 54 Comments

In Keith’s words. “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.combefore 6pm on 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 time.”

The photo.

“So listen, Bud. It’s my turn to select the program.”

“Says who?”

“Sez me.”

“And what army.”

“Big talk for a little punk.”

“I’ll wipe the floor with ya.”

“I could take you sitting here without even getting up.”

“When I’m through with you, that’s about all you will be able to do is sit.”

“Yeah, right. Go get some friends. You’ll need them.”

“Hey, you two.”

“What, Trevor?”

“Yeah, Trevor. Don’t try to save this big dumbass’s ass.”

“I’m just wondering why you go through this every time we watch TV?”

“Huh? We do?”

“Yes, and it’s getting boring.”

“Okay, then, smartypants, tell us how to resolve this dispute.”

“You both like Animal Planet, right?”

“Right.”

“You both like UK’s Funniest Animals, right?”

“Yes, we do.”

“Well, then just trade-off. Watch one and then the other. You both will get your way.”

“You know what, Trevor?”

“What?”

“You should run for Parliament. What a great idea.”

“Why, thank you.”

“What do you like to watch?”

“Naw, forget about me.”

“No, I insist. You get the next choice.”

“How nice.”

“So, what is it?”

“Yellowstone.”

“Huh?”

“What?”

“I told you to forget me.”

“Who are you?”

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Kreative Kue # 339 bu Keith Channing

December 14, 2021December 13, 2021 ~ John W. Howell ~ 77 Comments

In Keith’s words. “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 on 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 time.”

The photo

“Ahhh. The fire feels good.”

“It does. Especially on a night like this.”

“Yes. I’m grateful that we are inside and cozy.”

“Me too. I can’t imagine being out there. Listen to that wind.”

“I know. When I got us more wood, I thought I was going to freeze.”

“You poor dear. I should have gone in your place.”

“Oh no, my love. Fetching firewood is my job.”

“But I would hate to see you somehow get into trouble out there.”

“I had my heavy coat and gloves. I was okay.”

“Did you wear a hat?”

“No. I didn’t think I would need it.”

“See, this is what I’m talking about. Taking shortcuts when it could mean your life.”

“I’ll make sure I have a hat next time, okay?”

“You promise?”

“I promise. Oh, I see it’s almost time for the weather report. I want to see how long this is going to last.”

“How about I make us some hot chocolate, and you get the report.”

“Sounds like a deal. I certainly hope there is going to be a break.”

“What was the temperature when you got the wood?”

“You want it in Fahrenheit or Centigrade?”

“That’s right. You have that fancy watch. Give me both.”

“When I went out, it was 59 degrees Fahrenheit, which is 15 degrees Centigrade.”

“Wow. That is cold. The chocolate will feel good. You know we ought to think about moving South before the next winter. This Texas chill goes right to my bones.”

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Kreative Kue # 338 by Keith Channing

December 7, 2021December 6, 2021 ~ John W. Howell ~ 64 Comments

“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 on 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 time.”

The photo

“Excuse me, you, there.”

“Who there?”

“You at 38,000 feet on a 270 heading.”

“Yeah, what do you want?”

“This airspace is mine.”

“Says who?”

“Air traffic control.”

“No way. They told me this is my space.”

“I’m right behind you, and had I been asleep, I would have run up your pipes.”

“Well, you can back off and go find another space.”

“Not going to happen.”

“Why?”

“When someone tells me this is mine, I’m not going to give it up to some trespasser.”

“Oh yeah. I’m calling ATC right now.”

“What frequency?”

“Why?”

“I want to be there, so you don’t fudge the truth like you always do.”

“Is this Jimmy?”

“Yes, Bobby, it is.”

“What the hell. Just because we are twins doesn’t give you the right to follow me wherever I go. The frequency is 122.25.

“Just make the call. I’ll be there.”

“Control Delta 1776.”

“Go ahead 1776.”

“Hey, hold on. I’m Delta 1776.”

“Keep quiet, Jimmy. Sorry about that Control. Requesting assigned altitude.”

“Roger Delta 1776, you are assigned 38,000 feet.”

“Thank you, Control. 1776 out. Did you hear that, Jimmy?”

“We got a problem.”

“What is it?”

“You and I are both flying Delta 1776 but in different airplanes.”

“No, you have made a mistake. I am 1776. You are something else.”

“Why didn’t the Controller say something about two planes?”

“Hmmm. That’s a good question. Of course, since we are IFR, he would have reported you being so close.”

“I think we have finally gone our own directions.”

“What do you mean?”

“Different but parallel planes of existence. Let me call Control. Control Delta 1776.”

“Go ahead 1776.”

“Could you verify my assigned altitude, and are there any planes in my vicinity?”

“Roger 1776. Your assigned altitude is 38,000 feet. You have one flight ten miles to your stern at 36,000 feet.”

“Thank you, Control. See what did I tell you? We both have this altitude but in different times or spaces.”

“How come we can talk then?”

“I don’t know. I wonder if someone put something in my coffee?”

“Don’t be silly. How can we explain this situation?”

“Remember when we were kids, and we would take each other’s places to fool the adult?”

“Yes.”

“I think this is payback.”

“I don’t like it.”

“I guess now we can feel what those folks felt.”

“Well, okay if that’s all it is. Excuse me, I have to prepare for a landing.”

“Yeah, me too.”

“Where you going?”

“SFO.”

“I’ll see you there.”

“Let’s hope so.”

Tuesday – Anything Possible- Kreative Kue # Kreative Kue # 337 by Keith Channing

November 30, 2021November 29, 2021 ~ John W. Howell ~ 79 Comments

Keith is back, and these are his words. “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 on 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 time.”

The photo.

“So it looks like you are off to a good start.”

“Well, thank you, but I need your advice.”

“I assumed you hired me for a reason.”

“Yes, and at three hundred an hour, we should get to it.”

“Right. What seems to be the problem.”

“That wall over there.”

“Yes.”

“I want to go two stories high but am not sure if the foundation will support that weight.”

“What kind of foundation did you pour?”

“Concrete.”

“I’m sure that will support the wall.”

“Shouldn’t we take a look at it?”

“Is that what you want?”

“It seems logical to me.”

“Well, then we should.”

“Excuse me, but you seem to agree with everything I say.”

“What you say has great merit.”

“What if I’m wrong?”

“You will know that too.”

“I hired you to give me feedback on this project.”

“How do you think it is going?”

“Okay, but I need confirmation.”

“I think it is okay too. By the way, do you have the time?”

“Eleven o’clock.”

“That sounds right. Are we finished?”

“Why do I get this feeling your feedback is what you think I want to hear?”

“Consulting is giving the client what the client wants. You don’t have another cup of that coffee, do you?

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Kreative Kue #336 by Keith Channing

November 2, 2021November 1, 2021 ~ John W. Howell ~ 68 Comments

In Keith’s words. “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 on Sunday 5th December (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 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 time.”

The photo

“Hello.”

“I need to speak softly since I don’t want to disturb it, and it looks dangerous.”

“Understood. I can hear you fine. What do you see?”

“Hard to explain. I would like to get closer but may spook it.”

“Well, do the best you can from there. Don’t take any risks.”

“Okay, so the first thing I see is hair.”

“Hair?”

“Yeah, KInda creepy. Looks like it might be all over its body.”

“That gives me the willies. Why don’t you just get out of there?”

“I’m afraid to move. Although it looks asleep, it might be faking.”

“Why do you think it’s asleep.”

“There’s no movement.”

“Dead?”

“No, I can see breathing but other than that, nothing.”

“You think it’s poisonous?”

“Really hard to tell. The face doesn’t show signs of any fangs.”

“That isn’t always a sign.”

“Yeah, but it lacks the kind of mouth that would typically be associated with a poisonous creature.”

“Describe it”

“From here I can only say it has teeth and makes noise when it sleeps.”

“Sounds like your average house human to me.”

“They aren’t dangerous?”

“Tell me it’s laying down.”

“Yeah.”

“It is a hibernation ritual called a nap. When they get up they could be dangerous especially if there is a newspaper near.”

“I don’t see one.”

“Still I would get out of there. You have waterspout work to do.”

“Yes sir. Getting right on it.”

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Kreative Kue # 335 by Keith Channing

October 26, 2021October 25, 2021 ~ John W. Howell ~ 63 Comments

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.”

The photo

“I don’t know Jacques. I would say the air is more like blue.”

“Well, either way, I don’t like it.”

“You and me both, brother. What do you suppose happened?”

“Hard to tell. You know how those idiots keep threatening each other with annihilation.”

“You don’t suppose they finally did it.”

“You have to admit, it is pretty quiet.”

“Yeah. It’s like there is only you and me here.”

“You think?”

“I almost don’t want to believe that could be true.”

“If it is, what are we going to do?”

“Um, I would say have a great time.”

“Why do you think what got them didn’t get us?”

“I think it might be we already had the bird flu.”

“So you think that’s what did them in?”

“That or maybe one too many cheeseburgers.”

“Really?”

“No. I’m just messing with you. Let’s fly to the city and see if anyone else is around.”

“If it is bird flu, those Peragine hawks are going to be all over that place.”

“Yeah, maybe you are right. Let’s fly to Starbucks. If no humans are there, then you know we are alone.”

“Better idea. Could also check Chick-Fil-A too.”

“Great point. Let’s go.”

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Kreative Kue # 334 by Keith Channing

October 19, 2021October 18, 2021 ~ John W. Howell ~ 60 Comments

In Keith’s words.

Go on. You know you want to. Let your creativity and imagination soar. I shall display the entries next Monday.”

The photo.

“Okay, you want to tell me what made you do that?”

“What?”

“Tell the boss that he could take a hike.”

“He was getting on my nerves.”

“For heaven’s sake. That’s what humans do.”

“Well, I just couldn’t take any more.”

“Your barking was getting annoying.”

“Did you see all those people we passed?”

“Yeah, of course.”

“They needed to be taught a lesson.”

“Which is?”

“This is my Earth, and you need to get off.”

“Says the narcissistic sociopath.”

“Aw, come on. You know you would like to bark those idiots to mars.”

“But I don’t, and that is the difference.”

“I would say the boss needed to be taught a lesson.”

“Which was.”

“Don’t stand between a dog and his bark.”

“Okay. Maybe you need to be taught a lesson too.”

“And what would that be?”

“How to start and drive a car.”

“Yeah. Maybe I was a bit rash.”

“You think?”

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Kreative Kue # 332 by Keith Channing

October 5, 2021October 4, 2021 ~ John W. Howell ~ 55 Comments

In Keith’s words

“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.”

The photo

“I’m telling you there was this huge kid just loping along the street.”

“Kid? I thought someone said it was a marshmallow.”

“No. It was a kid who was made out of marshmallows, I think.”

“Did it have the words Stay Puff on his sailor hat?”

“Yes, how did you know?”

“I saw the movie.”

“Movie? What are you talking about?”

“Ghostbusters. There was the Stay Puff marshmallow kid in the movie.”

“What’s it doing here?”

“You can ask that cop approaching, but I would say he’s part of the protest.”

“I guess that makes some sense.”

“Yes, after all, we are protesting the use of iconic symbols in advertising.”

“Huh? I thought we were protesting higher taxes.”

“That’s a good cause too. No, this is definitely to end the abuse of symbols that we know and love.”

“Like what symbols?”

“Smokey the bear, for one. The poor overweight guy in those Michelin commercials for another.”

“I’m speechless.”

“You didn’t know how far it went, did you.? Think Gerber, baby. How does that kid live down the representation he was given.”

“You’ll have to excuse me. I gotta go.”

“Oh, sure. Run out when the going gets tough. You ask the Roadrunner how she feels being tied to a cable company for so many years.”

“Uh. I think I hear my wife calling me.”

“Yeah, run home to mommy. Don’t even think of that poor bear container having to sit in pantries all across the US holding that honey. Does anyone ask if she would like some? Noooo.”

“What a cute baby. What’s her name?”

“Oh, thank you. Her name is Minnie.”

“After Minnie Mouse?”

“You have a problem with that?”

“Lovely name. Good talk. See ya.”

Tuesday – A Little Personal – Kreative Kue #331 by Keith Channing

September 28, 2021September 27, 2021 ~ John W. Howell ~ 72 Comments

In Keith’s words:

“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.”

The Photo

“How do you know?”

“I’m telling you I smelled the shampoo.”

“How can you smell shampoo when it’s not been used?”

“Come on. You know as well as I do that stuff can leave an olfactory trace that can be picked up for miles.”

“Yes, but mom isn’t even home.”

“Which makes our situation all the more precarious.”

“So you think this back-to-back watch scenario is going to help?”

“Look. If we spot the old man coming out of the kitchen door with some sad excuse of a treat, you know he’s got a bath on the brain. I just think early warned is early armed.”

“So, what are we going to do?”

“When we spot him, we run like hell.”

“That’s not very dignified.”

“Who cares? It keeps the suds out of our eyes.”

“Look, here he comes.”

“Treat?”

“Yup. A piece of turkey.”

“Turkey, you sure. Let me look. Damn, you are right. It’s turkey.”

“What does it mean.”

“Worse than I thought.”

“Tell me.”

“A trip to the vet. Let’s take off.”