Tuesday – Anything Possible – Kreative Kue #247 by Keith Channing

January 28, 2020January 27, 2020 ~ John W. Howell ~ 70 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

Kreative Kue #247

“You call a cab buddy?”

“I sure did.”

“Well, jump in. You can sit upfront with me. Here I’ll open the door.”

“Er. I’m not sure I’m your ride.”

“Why are you not sure. You said you called for a cab?”

“Yeah, I did. But I thought I had called the Yellow Cab company.”

“Ah, what’s the difference. You still get to your destination.”

“Well, that is my worry.”

“What worry?”

“I’ve been reading a lot about gypsy cabs. You know the ones where they kidnap unsuspecting travelers and hold them for ransom.”

“Oh, man. You must have been reading the Enquirer. That doesn’t happen around here.”

“How do I know that?”

“Look at me. Do I look like the kind of guy who could kidnap anyone? I’m an old fart with skinny arms. You could take me in a minute. You work out right?”

“Yeah, I do work out.”

“I could tell by those biceps you got. Some pair of guns. Hey, guy, I need the fare. If you don’t want to get in then just close the door and I’ll be off.”

“I don’t mean to be so cautious but this is my first time here.”

“I understand. If it would make you feel better you can get in the back.”

“That would make me feel better.”

“Okay, no problem. Jump in and we’ll get you to your hotel bing badda boom.”

“You from the States?”

“Yeah, Brooklyn. Born and raised.”

“Okay, I’m in.”

“Where to, Pal?”

“The Continental. Wait why did those doors lock?”

“To keep you safe .”

“Oh.”

“And to keep you from getting away.”

“What do you mean.”

“We are going on a little trip so sit back and relax.”

“Hey. Stop this cab and let me out.”

“Not gonna happen, brother. You are my meal ticket. There at a bunch of nice guys who’ll pay me a thousand bucks for you.”

“Okay, I’m coming up there if you don’t let me out.”

“Yeah just try. Your seat belt has you locked in. You cautious types always put on the seat belt. Makes it so much easier.”

“I demand that you pull over.”

“This is rich if I say so myself. Here’s a guy who is making demands. The same guy who gets in a gypsy cab with the name of Moron. This is one for the boys at the tavern.”

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Kreative Kue #246 by Keith Channing

January 21, 2020January 20, 2020 ~ John W. Howell ~ 48 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 6 pm 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.

Kreative Kue #246

“What are you doing up there?”

“I can’t seem to find anything.”

“What is the problem.”

“I have mislaid my bouncy ball.”

“Well, I don’t think you’re going to find it u there.”

“It could have bounced onto this shelf.”

“With the ladder in the way, I hardly think so.”

“It is possible.”

“Okay, I’ll admit the possibility is there I just doubt the feasibility.”

“You have a lot of bility. How about you giving me an idea of where the ball went.”

“Let me ask. Who was the last one playing with the ball?”

“Er. That would be me.”

“Okay, where were you playing with the ball?”

“In the yard, I think.”

“So, what makes you think it is on that shelf?”

“A hunch.”

“And you decided to follow your hunch?”

“Yes, that’s it. I followed my hunch.”

“The fact that a bag of treats is on that shelf has no relevance, huh?”

“T-treats. I don’t see no stinking treats.”

“Come down from there. Let me smell your breath.”

“Smsnbrrtlrthe brth.”

“Open your mouth.”

“Mmmbftth.”

“For heaven’s sake. You have a mouthful of treats.”

“Dgtjoegbthh.”

“Drop them.”

“Fine.”

“What do you have to say for yourself?”

“I’m a victim.”

“A victim? What are you talking about.”

“Dog abuse.”

“Come again?”

“The placement of the ladder was without regard to my natural instincts to hunt down the treats. Hello ASPCA.”

“I’ll ASPCA you. Bad dog.”

“Abusive language. I think I have PTSD.”

“Have a treat.”

“Bribery. Class D misdemeanor.”

“You’ve been watching too many cop shows. Go to your bed.”

“Solitary confinement. Against the Geneva convention.”

“So, sue me.”

“First how about a game of catch?”

“Where’s the ball?”

“In the yard where it’s been all along.”

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Kreative Kue #245 by Keith Channing

January 14, 2020January 13, 2020 ~ John W. Howell ~ 51 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 6 pm 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.

Kreative Kue #245

“Why is he sitting like that?”

“I don’t know. I think he is trying to show me something.”

“Is that it boy. Are you trying to show us something?”

“Ask him if Timmy fell in the well.”

“Don’t be an idiot. There’s no Timmy around here.”

“Worth a try.”

“No, it has to be something else. Did you take him for his walk?”

“Yes, but he wouldn’t let me take off his sweater.”

“Is he running a fever? Did you feel his ears?”

“Yes, I mean, No. I mean, I felt his ears, and he has no fever.”

“Come on, boy. What is the problem?”

“Like he is going to tell you.”

“Wait, he’s pointing at you.”

“He hasn’t moved his paws.”

“I mean with his nose. Do you have something of his?”

“No. Although on walk, he wanted me to run with him.”

“Did you do it?”

“Yes, for as long as I could.”

“Uh-huh. What was that, ten feet?”

“No. I would say a half a mile.”

“Well, if I were to guess, I would say he wants you to sit.”

“How on earth do you know that?”

“Intuition. Sit.”

“Okay, then. There. Happy?”

“Now, he’s looking at me.”

“Maybe, he wants you to sit.”

“No, I think he wants me to praise you. Here let me pat your head. Who’s my good boy? Such a good boy. There’s my good boy.”

“He’s walking away.”

“See, he wants you to behave like a dog.”

“I suppose next he’ll want me to eat out of his dish.”

“No, he’s pretty particular about his dish. Do you feel you bonded with him?”

“I’m not sure about bonding, but could we do that ‘good boy’ thing again?”

Tuesday – Anything Possible Kreative Kue # 244 by Keith Channing

January 7, 2020January 6, 2020 ~ John W. Howell ~ 39 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.”

The Photo

Kreative Kue

“I’m telling you, Pradeep. I’m sitting on a bench listening to the whole thing.”

“Can you talk?”

“They are right behind me. Maybe I should take you off speaker.”

“Good idea.”

“Okay, you are off. Like I said, you won’t believe it.”

“So you are at the Taj. Tell me again what the two said.”

“The guy came up to the meadow stairs with this girl. They were holding hands. He said to her, ‘Are you ready for your surprise.”‘

“Yeah, then what?”

“Here’s the funny part. He told her that he had bought the taj as a surprise.”

“Oh, Man. Who would believe that?”

“Not you and I, but she is still jumping up and down with delight.”

“How dumb can some of these people be. How old is she?”

“I’d say over twenty-one.”

“So, she should know better.”

“I think she looks like she went to university.”

“All the more reason. I hope the guy is happy with one not too bright.”

“Hold on, Pradeep. The couple is coming over here.”

“Excuse us, sir. I see you have a phone.”

“Yes, yes, I do.”

“Would you mind taking our photo and then sending it to my fiancee’s e-mail?”

“I would be happy to do that. Pradeep hold on a little more. This is getting better and better. Alright, you two. I have the Taj behind you, and you look delighted. There. Now, where should I send it?”

“Send it to hrh.palace.saudiaarabia.gov.sa.”

“Okay, miss it is sent.”

“Thank you so much. We won’t forget this. Goodbye.”

“Pradeep? Pradeep, you still there?”

“You would fall into a dung heap and come out smelling like saffron, you know that?”

Tuesday- Anything Possible _Kreative Kue #243 by Keith Channing

December 31, 2019December 30, 2019 ~ John W. Howell ~ 43 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

Dear Diary,

I certainly hope someone takes the time to read this message after I’m gone. I will try with the last remaining strength to chronicle the whys and wherefores of my demise. Where to begin? I suppose the best place to start, Dear Diary is in the beginning.

I have to laugh since where else would I start. The ending is quite clear. I’m held captive by this exceptionally strong being who looks like a dog. Let me assure you it is not a dog but some interstellar traveler that I managed to interrupt during one of its experiments.

Where was I? Oh, Yes. It began when I walked into the yard and beheld (I love the term beheld) this monster digging in the turf. I told it to shoo, but instead of leaving, it ran after me and cornered me in my bedroom. After what I would call a sterling resistance by Moi, I finally succumbed to its power. Although it did not speak, what it wanted was clear. Maybe it did a telepathic number on me, but I somehow knew I was to lay in the bed, and it followed.

I tried to get up, but it reached over and secured me by the neck. It is very crafty in allowing me only enough air to marginally meet my needs. Its control is absolute. Even now it sleeps but still has me in its power.

“Keith. Where are you?”

“In the bed, love.”

“Is Ranger with you?”

“Yes. Sound asleep.”

“What are you doing?”

“Oh, just writing a little story.”

“I hope you finish before I get there.”

“Not to worry, my love. I think it is done.”

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Kreative Kue #242 by Keith Channing

December 24, 2019December 23, 2019 ~ John W. Howell ~ 50 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.

Kreative Kue #242

“Hey, you.”

“W-who me?”

“Yes, you. What do you think you are doing?”

“Um. Just looking for something to munch on.”

“You know you’re not supposed to be running around.”

“Who says so?”

“Clement Clark Moore. That’s who.”

“Who the heck is Clement Clark Moore?”

“The author of the poem “A Visit from Saint Nicholas” Known more by the first line “Twas the Night Before Christmas.”

“Yeah, so what does that have to do with me?”

“The next lines have something to do with you.”

“So what are they?”

“And all through the house.”

“So, far, nothing.”

“Not a creature was stirring not even a mouse.”

“Still don’t get it.”

“What do you think you are?”

“What do you mean?”

“Are you a creature?”

“I never thought about it.”

“Well, I can tell you. You are a mouse.”

“That’s not what my mama told me.”

“I can’t wait to hear.”

“A beautiful boy.”

“That’s just mother talk. You are a mouse, and you shouldn’t be stirring.”

“I don’t even have a spoon.”

“Not that kind of stirring you dummkopf. Moving around, stirring.”

“Okay, I get it. Just let me find a bit of cheese, and I’ll quit.”

“If that’s all you need here, take some of mine.”

“Wow. That is so nice of you.”

“It is Christmas Eve, after all.”

“You look pretty big for a mouse.”

“That’s ’cause I’m not a mouse.”

“What are you then?”

“A cat.”

“Never heard of it.”

“Look it up and count your lucky stars.”

“Great cheese. Merry Christmas to us all.”

Tuesday Anything Possible – Kreative Kue #241 by Keith Channing

December 17, 2019December 16, 2019 ~ John W. Howell ~ 37 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.

Kreative Kue #241

“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

He will bring us goodness and light.”

“Not half bad, mom.”

“Thanks. Let’s go home and have some tea.”

“And a biscuit?”

“Several.”

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Kreative Kue #240 by Keith Channing

December 3, 2019December 2, 2019 ~ John W. Howell ~ 42 Comments

In Keith’s words.

Go on. You know you want to. Let your creativity and imagination soar.

The photo

Old St. Nick by John W. Howell

“Why is that guy hanging on the wall there.”

“That’s not a guy. It’s St. Nicholas.”

“I still would like to know what he’s doing on the wall there.”

“I imagine he’s trying to gain access to that apartment through the window.”

“Seems like a hard way to go. Why not just go up the stairs and knock on the door?”

“You do know that St. Nick is supposed to come down the chimney, don’t you?”

“Yeah. That’s what makes this guy’s moves all the more particular.”

“Well. there is no chimney big enough for the old guy, so he is using the window.”

“Still seems odd.”

“Why? He is supposed to surprise everyone when we all find gifts under the tree in the morning.”

“You just said it.”

“What?”

“In the morning. It’s barely past three in the afternoon. I thought St. Nick came at night.”

“Now, I get it. You think it is odd that St Nick is trying to enter that apartment in broad daylight?”

“You are pretty quick. Yes, that is what I’m saying.”

“So you think that guy is up to no good?”

“Yup. Way up.”

“I’ll dial the police. I must say, I never thought there was anything out of place with a St. Nick hanging on a wall.”

“Well, this is coming from someone who has the world’s biggest wooden nickel collection.”

“You wait. They will be valuable someday.”

“Like your salted gold mine stock.”

“That was cold.”

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Kreative Kue #239 by Keith Channing

November 26, 2019November 25, 2019 ~ John W. Howell ~ 36 Comments

First, a note about this week. My sister is visiting from Michigan, so this holiday is extraordinary. I intend to spend as much time with her as possible, so I will be on a blog break until Sunday, December 1st. Please excuse me if I don’t reply or comment on your posts in a timely manner. I will disable comments on this post since commenting back will be difficult. I wish you in the US a very Happy Thanksgiving. I’ll be back with a Views of the Neighborhood on December 1st.

Now to today’s post

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.

Kreative Kue #239

“Who turned up the fog machine?”

“I was going to ask the same question.”

“Boys. Take it easy. The air just got a little warmer than the snow, so fog is formed.”

“Thanks, pop, but the information doesn’t help us see any better.”

“That’s just it. It doesn’t matter about the visibility. I’ve been over this area hundreds of times. It’s flat as a board. No fear of falling into a crevasse.”

“You just said ass. Heh, heh.”

“I just said a word that stands for a crack in the Earth’s crust that could be dangerous should you fall into it.”

“Heh, heh, heh.”

“What now?”

“You said crack.”

“Okay, let’s just keep on walking.”

“Where are we going?”

“I’m glad you finally asked. We are heading for Bald Mountain.”

“What’s there?”

“There is an old gold mine that I think will be pretty interesting.”

“Real gold?”

“Yup.”