Tag: Keith Channing

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Kreative Kue #216 by Keith Channing

~ John W. Howell ~ 45 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 #216

“Excuse me.”
“What?”
“Where are you taking those sprouts?”
“What do you mean?”
“You just took a bucket full of my sprouts, and I want to know where you are taking them.”
“What makes you think these are your sprouts?”
“Everything here is mine.”
“I’m here, and I’m not yours.”
“How do you know?”
“The farmer tells me so.”
“Jeez, a poet. Tell me Mr. Farmer’s pet. Where are you going with those sprouts?”
“Not that it’s any of your business but I have a trough full of slop, and I thought these sprouts would add an element of crunch to a fairly bland offering.”
“You can’t eat those.”
“Why not. They look delicious.”
“They are to be planted for this year’s crop harvest.”
“Oh, come on. There is a lot left. Duh.”
“I suppose once you have totally fattened the price for you will offset any loss on the number of crops.”
“Huh. What do you mean fattened?”
“You know what happens to pigs on a farm, don’t you?”
“I still don’t know what you are talking about.”
“Ever hear of spiral sliced ham?”
“No.”
“Bacon?”
“Doesn’t ring a bell.”
“Pork shoulder? Pork belly?”
“Wait the term pork rings a bell. When we came here the farmer remarked about a fine-looking group of porkers.”
“Did he mention you will end up in packages.”
“No, tell me.”
“You are food. Once you are big enough, you go to a place and come out in pieces.”
“Say it isn’t true.”
“Can’t do that.”
“Well, there is only one thing to do.”
“What’s that?”
“Here take these sprouts back. I’m going to spread the word that we all go on a hunger strike.”
“Thanks for the sprouts. Good luck on the protest.”
“Want to join us?”
“Not really. I’m pretty partial to sausage.”
“What’s that?”
“Oh, never mind. Not important. Good luck.”

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Kreative Kue #215 by Keith Channing

~ 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.

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

The Photo.

Kreative Kue #215

The Target by John W. Howell © 2019

“Be real quiet. We are almost there.”

“To the target?”

“Yup. It is just beyond the tree line.”

“How do you know?”

“My GPS has it pinpointed.”

“Man, this brush is so thick I can’t see a thing.”

“I know. We will need to cut through it. We risk making a lot of noise.”

“I don’t know why we didn’t just take the road.”

“And be spotted? That would have been the end of us and our mission.”

“You sure the boss said to take it right?”

“Yeah. The order was to take it not to just look at it.”

“Alright. Don’t get testy. I was just asking.”

“You know our group is counting on us right?”

“I do. Death before failure.”

“You got it. Now if my eyes don’t deceive me, there is a trail over here. Most likely made by deer.”

“Should we follow it?”

“That’s what I’m thinking. So much quieter. Follow me.”

“Oh, this is nice. Look there it is.”

“Man. Look at the size of that silo.”

“What if we take on fire.”

“You know the orders. Avoid engagement unless provoked.”

“Roger that. I’m ready.”

“Okay on my count we will rush the silo and take it.”

“Wait, a question.”

“What?”

“There must be 100 metric tons of grain in there.”

“Yeah so?”

“Don’t you think that is a lot for us two mice to carry home?”

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Kreative Kue #214 with Keith Channing

~ John W. Howell ~ 56 Comments

In Keith’s words. (Welcome back Keith)

“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.

Kreative Kue #214

Clear by John W. Howell © 2019

“Where are we?”

“Somewhere south of Tulsa.”

“Damn. When is this fog going to clear?”

“Yeah, I wish I knew. My eyes are killing me from the strain of trying to look through it.”

“Is that car stopped up there?”

“No, he is moving. Just slowly.”

“I guess we should do the same.”

“You backseat driving?”

“I’m right here in the passenger’s seat. Front seat driving.”

“Okay, so I’ll slow down. No use running up his bumper.”

“Lucky we have those lines.”

“At least I can keep it in the center.”

“What is that guy doing now?”

“Pulling over it seems.”

“Just go on by.”

“What if he needs help? We are in the middle of nowhere.”

“Always the good Samaritan are we?”

“What if it was you there all alone. Wouldn’t you want someone to stop to help?”

“Okay then, pull over. I just hope it’s not a mistake.”

“Here we go. I’ll just stop behind him.”

“You get out. I’ll stay in the car.”

“Okay. Be right back.”

“I sure hope he knows what he is doing. Oh, here he comes.”

“Well, they are okay.”

“So, what are they doing stopping?”

“Just changing drivers.”

“Oh, well, that seems logical.”

“I’m putting on my signal and pulling out.”

“You sure they are okay. I didn’t see anyone in the car as we passed.”

“They are not very big.”

“What do you mean not very big?”

“When they are changing spots you can’t see them.”

“Okay, now I’m confused.”

“Let’s forget it okay?”

“What is the matter with you. Who was driving that car?”

“A dog. Well not driving just steering.”

“What?”

“The cat was operating the pedals.”

“Quit joking.”

“I’m not.”

“We should call the police.”

“Why?”

“A dog and cat driving a car is dangerous.”

“I thought they did a good job.”

“You going to call or should I?”

“No need I’m telling you.”

“Okay convince me. Why is there no need?”

“The guy in the backseat said he had everything under control.”

“Not from the backseat would he have everything under control.”

“Well, he can’t do the driving.”

“Why not?”

“He’s had too much to drink.”

“That’s it. I’m calling.”

 

.

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Kreative Kue #213 by Keith Channing

~ John W. Howell ~ 43 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.

There won’t be a Kreative Kue for a couple of weeks – it seems someone is rather keen (and in a hurry) to buy our home here in France. Next week, we’ll be heading to the north of England in an effort to identify a house to live in after we have to leave this one! The next scheduled Kreative Kue will be on Easter Monday, 22nd April.”

The photo.
Kreative Kue #213
Gotta Light? by John W. Howell ©2019
“Hey, Charlie. Whatcha doing?”
“It looks pretty obvious.”
“So tell me.”
“I’m trying to decide on calling the fire department or not.”
“For this little fire?”
“Yes for this little fire. I’m getting concerned.”
“Concerned? About what? It looks like it’s under control. A few branches is all.”
“It may appear to be that to you. There’s a deeper issue.”
“My goodness. Sounds sinister.”
“Don’t laugh. It is sinister.”
“Oh come on. Looks the fire is starting to die down.”
“That’s what I thought about a half hour ago.”
“So this thing has been burning for a half hour?”
“Longer than that.”
“That does seem a little strange. It doesn’t seem like there is enough wood to keep it going for that long.”
“Now you are beginning to get a sense of my worry.”
“Other than that it still seems quite normal.”
“Except for one thing.”
“What’s that?”
“I didn’t start the fire.”
“Come again? What do you mean you didn’t start the fire?”
“I came out here to light this brush—”
“So you did start the fire.”
“Let me finish, will you?”
“Go ahead.”
“I came out here to light this brush, and when I got here, I realized I forgot my matches.”
“Sounds like you. So how did you get the brush lit?”
“That’s just it. While reaching in my pockets for a light and realizing I had forgotten the matches I said, “Hey brush. You gotta light?”
“Don’t tell me.”
“Yup. The brush ignited. Just like that.”
“And has been burning ever since.”
“Now you understand.”
“I think we need to do something.”
“Okay. I’m glad you feel the same as I do.”
“Repeat after me.”
“Huh? I was thinking of calling the fire department.”
“No, forget that. I have a feeling you are gifted, and we should act fast before the gift goes away. Repeat after me. “Hey, brush.”
“I don’t get it but okay, “Hey, Brush.”
“You gotta beer?”
“You gotta beer? You are a jerk. You know that?”
“You want one?”

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Creative Kue #212 by Keith Channing

~ John W. Howell ~ 43 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 #212

The Walk by John W. Howell © 2019

“So how long have you been coming this way?”

“What do you mean?”

“Along this rocky beach.”

“Oh, this is a favorite of mine. I love the sound of the water.”

“But it is hard to walk on.”

“Yes but the views and fresh air make it all worthwhile.”

“I don’t know, but I think I prefer the higher ground.”

“What? And miss the opportunity to commune with nature?”

“The only nature I see are those buzzards circling overhead.”

“Come on. Look at those gulls over there.”

“Yeah, you see one gull you see them all.”

“Looks like someone got up on the wrong side of the bed.”

“Well, I wasn’t very keen on taking this walk.”

“I know if it were up to you, it would be all about lying around the house all day and never seeing anything.”

“Well, I’m not a big fan of the outdoors.”

“I don’t get that. Your kind has roamed the Earth for centuries.”

“Maybe some of my kind has. It is not for me. Can we go back now?”

“I can’t believe this. Your ancestors invented fire for heaven’s sake. You would think you could stand a little walk?”

“Easy for you to say. You have four legs so it is not as hard on each leg.”

“Okay, we’ll go back, but not a peep until kibble time.”

“I promise.”

 

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Kreative Kue #210 by Keith Channing

~ 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 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 #210

The Lesson by John W. Howell ©2019

“Now my son. It is time you learned the ways of the sea.”

“Ways of the sea? What do you mean Papa?”

“Soon you will be a man and the duty of providing for your family will fall to you.”

“I don’t have a family except for you, Mama, and sister.”

“There will be a time when you will take a spouse, my son.”

“That is a long way off I hope.”

“Yet that time will come. And then you will have children.”

“Wait, Papa. I don’t want to rush into anything.”

“Just so you are prepared to be able to provide for them it is time we begin your lessons of the sea.”

“Can we hurry. I have a baseball game this afternoon.”

“The first lesson is very brief, my son.”

“Are you sure we need to begin this future life thingy now?”

“The mysteries of the sea will take years to learn. There is no time like the present to begin.”

“Very well, Papa. I will try to do my best. What is the first lesson?”

“Now you make me very proud, my son. My heart is bursting with my love for you.”

“Thank you, Papa. What do I need to know first?”

“See the water, my son. It is filled with millions of fishes and other good things to eat. If you know its ways, you can live a fine life from its bounty.”

“I love to eat fish, Papa.”

“So here is the first thing you need to know.”

“You have my attention.”

“Take this, my son.”

“Your phone Papa?”

“Yes. Dial 210-555-5555.”

“Okay now what?”

“Tell them this is a pickup for four orders of the deep-fried fish and chips with cole slaw.”

 

 

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Kreative Kue #209 by Keith Channing

~ 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 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 #209

The Show by John W. Howell © 2019

“so you are telling me to soar above this crowd and make them ooh and ah?”

“Exactly.”

“You know its easy for you to give orders. You just stand there with your bah of heaven knows what and boss me around.”

“What do you mean ‘heaven knows what’? There are prime mouse pieces I give you.”

“Yeah, well it would be nice if they didn’t sit in the fridge so long.”

“You think I’m going to run out and get you a fresh mouse before every performance?”

“No, I wouldn’t expect you to do that. Just cut me loose, and I’ll bring back a nice fresh mouse for myself.”

“That will never happen. You would be gone in a heartbeat.”

“You don’t trust me?”

“How did you guess.”

“Okay, so that one time I got lost in the fog.”

“There was no fog.”

“Heavy rain?”

“Clear as a bell. You were making a run for it.”

“Till your thugs caught up with me.”

“Might I remind you of one thing.”

“What’s that?”

“You were sick and undernourished, and you’re lucky we brought you back.”

“I remember it differently. I’m oppressed.”

“Please. What is this all about anyway? You are acting like a petulant child.”

“I was looking at that animal show.”

“You were watching TV again?”

“Couldn’t help it. That thug guard left it on.”

“Your handler you mean?”

“Your words not mine. Anyway, there was this beautiful falcon flying in the robin’s egg blue sky free as a bird, so to speak.”

“And that’s what you would like to do?”

“Yes. I would also like to poop on this crowd but know I’ll get detention.”

“And rightfully so. What about your food and medical care?”

“I’ll find my own.”

“Like you did before?”

“Um.”

“Why not just do the show, and I’ll get you some nice turkey meat to eat.”

“Can I have an apple with that?”

“Of course.”

“Okay. Let’s get this over.”

“Don’t drag your talons through anyone’s hair.”

“Man you know how to suck the joy out of life.”

 

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Kreative Kue #208 by Keith Channing

~ John W. Howell ~ 29 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 #208

The Plan by John W. Howell ©2019

“Ho Ho. Mama and I love each other.”

“Yeah right. Go ahead and enjoy yourself. You’ll be back down here when she gets tired of you.”

“Says you. Look at that smile. She thinks I’m the cutest.”

“Everyone likes a little puppy kiss now and then. It will become old hat pretty soon.”

“I think you are jealous.”

“Me jealous? You have got to be kidding me. I just want you down here so I can explain my plan.”

“Plan? What plan?”

“Let me ask you. Do you enjoy living in this teapot on wheels?”

“It’s okay. Nice and cozy.”

“Well, I can remember running across the meadows free as a bird. Now you try to run, and you get about as far as the end of the leash.”

“Yes but Mom and Dad said this was only temporary while they are on vacation.”

“Temporary? How long has it been? You tell me.”

“I don’t know. Dad said we would be gone a month.”

“Do you know how long that is in dog years?”

“I’m a puppy. How would I know?”

“Seven months we have been held captive in this tin can.”

“Wow. That does seem like a long time.”

“So here’s what we are going to do. As soon as you stop licking Mama’s face, you are going to whine to go out. I will do the same. Once we get outside, we will slip out collars and take off for the open road.”

“Slip our collars? I’ve never done that.”

“It’s easy. First, you bolt forward. Then when Mama pulls you back you turn around and duck your head. Like magic, the collar comes right off.”

“How did you know how to do this?”

“Humans always pull back when you  lunge forward. The collar and leash are designed to hold you from getting away with tension in the forward position. The collar is not designed for the reverse. I have practiced a few times. So you got that?”

“I think so. Where are we going to get dinner on the road?”

“Oh, I don’t know. Maybe a stray rabbit or something.”

“Ew. You mean a raw rabbit?”

“Yes, I mean a raw rabbit. Our ancestors lived that way for centuries.”

“You going to catch it?”

“I suppose.”

“Skin it.”

“OMG, why don’t I just order out.”

“Maybe we could make our get-away after dinner.”

“What and miss our after-dinner walk and treat?.”

“This is sounding like a not good idea.”

“Okay. How about tomorrow?”

“Good. After breakfast then.”

“You’re on.”

“Wait.”

“What?”

“We always have ‘fetch the ball’ session after breakfast.”

“Let’s just serve our time shall we?”

“I’m good with that.”

 

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Kreative Kue # 207 by Keith Channing

~ John W. Howell ~ 46 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 #207

Dispatch by John W. Howell © 2019

“I just love to write cards home.”

“Huh? I’m sorry, but I was concentrating on this dispatch.”

“I said I just love to write cards home. Do you?”

“You know I need to get this out. What was the question?”

“Do you like to write cards home?”

“Sometimes I write home. I can’t say I like it. I would rather be home thank you.”

“That goes without saying, but a card makes you feel a little closer.”

“You are so funny. How can a card make you feel closer?”

“While you are writing, you can think of those who will be reading what you wrote and then you can visualize their smile and feel close.”

“You are quite a romantic. When I write home, I only give the facts like I’ve been taught.”

“Don’t you ever miss home?”

“Of course I do, but it doesn’t help to make up stories about smiles and thinking of those reading what I write.”

“Why not?”

“For one the only people reading what I write want to know what is going on and could care less about feelings.”

“I think you have not had a happy youth.”

“Happy has nothing to do with it. I’m a warrior and what I write is a situation analysis, not a valentine card.”

“Goodness, we are grumpy today.”

“For another what makes you think the folks back home smile?”

“Everybody smiles.”

“See you are now thinking like an Earthling. Everybody here smiles. When was the last time you saw a smile on your controller droid?”

“So you won’t let me dream?”

“You do not have time to dream. We are being extracted in two hours, and if I don’t get this dispatch off, the mission will be scrubbed, and we’ll be trapped here for another hundred Earth years.”

“Would that be so bad? At least we would have our smiles.”

“And pizza. I almost forgot about the pizza.”

“Can we please stay? It’s only a hundred years.”

“I guess it wouldn’t hurt. Go ahead and finish your card. I’m going to color for a while.”

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Kreative Kue # 206 by Keith Channing

~ John W. Howell ~ 63 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 #206

“I can’t understand frog. I said, ‘Hello little guy.’ Maybe you could sign or something.”
“For heaven’s sake. How about I use English?”
“Wow. You speak English?”
“No. The guy across the way is throwing his voice.”
“What guy?”
“Forget the guy. I was being facetious. I’m speaking English. What the heck is the matter with you?”
“You ask that? Here I am holding a frog in my hand who is speaking English.”
“Yeah so?”
“So? Don’t you think that is cause to be a little confused?”
“If I were human I suppose it would be a little unusual.”
“If you were human? What the heck are you.”
“What do I look like?”
“A frog.”
“Looks like a frog. Just might be a frog.”
“Are you from outer space.”
“Nope. From right here in Murphy’s swamp where you found me.”
“How did you learn to speak English?”
“How many times have you come to this swamp to read your poetry?”
“Yeah, hundreds.”
“It would take a fool not to be able to speak after listening to all those poems.”
“Which one did you like the best?”
“I think the question should be, ‘Which one was the least offensive.”‘
“That was cold.”
“You are right. I just can’t help myself.”
“Are you a poet?”
“No, but I do review poetry.”
“You do?”
“Yup. For the New York Times.”
“My gosh. What is your byline.”
“Phineus P Phrog.”
“You are Phineus P. Phrog? I can’t believe it. I worship your reviews. You’ve made the most famous poets with your elegant words.”
“My goodness, you make me blush which is not a good thing when the crane comes around.”
“Please tell me my poems are not that bad.”
“I have professional integrity to maintain. Between you and me I think I would find something else to do.”
“Don’t say that. I love to read and write poetry.”
“You don’t have to give up reading.”
“You are breaking my heart.”
“I have an idea.”
“What’s that?”
“I could make you my assistant.”
“Your assistant? That sounds wonderful. What would I have to do?”
“Well. there’s a matter of needing proofreading.”
“Yeah, I can do that.”
“The mail is horrendous. Maybe you could answer the mail.”
“Perfect.”
“Twitter?”
“All over it.”
“My Facebook page needs a redo.”
“Consider it done.”
“Deadlines?”
“I have a great organizational system.”
“My blog?”
“I’ll ghostwrite and post for you.”
“Flies.”
“Flies?”
“I eat a lot of flies.”
“You don’t catch your own?”
“No time.”
“Freeze-dried?”
“Last resort.”
“Deal.”