Tuesday Anything Possible – Kreative Kue #178 by Keith Channing

June 12, 2018June 11, 2018 ~ 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 – pingbacks don’t often work.

Go on. You know you want to. Let your creativity and imagination soar. I shall display the entries, with links to your own blog or web site, next Monday.”

The Photo.

“What the hell?”

“Excuse me, ma’am?”

“Why is this thing telling me to sign in again?”

“Well. you have to use the sign in procedure to use the computer.”

“Come on sonny. I’m not that stupid. I’m talking about this website.”

“Oh sorry. I thought you were having trouble signing in.”

“Yeah if only. I got bigger problems than that.”

“Can I be of assistance?”

“Do you know anything about binary physics?”

“Er..no.”

“Then thank you very much but butt out.”

“Well. I never.”

“Never what?”

“Experienced such rudeness.”

“Please. At your age, I’m sure you have.”

“I can’t remember when then.”

“So put on your big boy pants and get over it. I need to concentrate.”

“Fine. I’ll just finish my banking then.”

“Banking?”

“Yes, I do my banking online.”

“What bank do you use?”

“First National.”

“I would take my money out of there if I were you.”

“What? Why would I do that?”

“Cause in ten minutes that place will be empty.”

“I don’t understand.”

“Look sonny. I’m giving you a hint since you tried to be nice. Take it or leave it.”

“What are you doing over there?”

“Wouldn’t you like to know? Now are you going to move your money or not? I’m ready to hit the enter button.”

“I can’t believe this.”

“Believe it, sonny. Believe it.”

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Kreative Kue #177

June 5, 2018June 4, 2018 ~ John W. Howell ~ 40 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 – pingbacks don’t often work.

Go on. You know you want to. Let your creativity and imagination soar. I shall display the entries, with links to your own blog or web site, next Monday.”

The Photo.

“Okay, guys listen up. We have good intel that the enemy has begun moving supplies and personnel into our sector. Yes, what is it, Ames?”

“What kind of intel?”

“Our spotters have confirmed. Okay?”

“Yeah, okay. It’s just those damn spotters have misled us before.”

“That was only because of that corn that was dropped on the highway. May I continue?”

“You’re the boss.”

“So we need to make sure our troops know to enact Plan Red on my command. You all know about Plan Red, right?”

“Yes.”

“Yes, sir.”

“Right so commander.”

“Great then. By the way Ames.”

“Yes, sir.”

“Why are continuing to scratch your ear.”

“I’m not sure sir. It sure itches.”

“Let me have a look at that.”

“My God man you have been infected by the invaders.”

“What does that mean sir.”

“It means the enemy is now upon you. We need to hit you with Plan Red immediately or who knows what will happen.”

“Aren’t there side effects to Plan Red?”

“Oh, a few minor ones.”

“Like what?”

“Palm hair is handled. Tooth growth if ingested. Withered extremities if inhaled.”

“What about if sprayed?”

“No side effects.”

“Why not spray me then.”

“That is probably the safest way.”

“Do it.”

“We can’t.”

“What why not?”

“None of us have been trained.”

“Who is trained then.”

“Only the spotters as far as I know.”

“Tell them to get here quick.”

“Now that’s a problem.”

“Why is that a problem.”

“They are on a corn break right now.”

“Tell them the break is over.”

“Can’t do that.”

“Why not.”

“They are union.”

“So that means?”

“You might want to join the union, fast.”

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Kreative Kue #175 by Keith Channing

May 22, 2018May 21, 2018 ~ John W. Howell ~ 33 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 – pingbacks don’t often work.

Go on. You know you want to. Let your creativity and imagination soar. I shall display the entries, with links to your own blog or web site, next Monday.”

The photo.

“Alright riders. Keep this side of the white line and in single file.”

“Why do we need to stay here, Boss?”

“What is the matter, Schmidt? Did you miss the briefing?”

“No, sir. I was there.”

“Then you know the answer to the question. Don’t make me say it out loud so they can hear.”

“Who sir?”

“You are getting on my last nerve, Schmidt. The ectators spec ey.”

“All those people lining up to watch us?”

“Keep your voice down. They’ll hear you.”

“So what, Boss?”

“In another minute I’m going to reach back and give you a smack.”

“I still don’t get it.”

“Before we started on this mission I told you there would be some who would not want us to complete what we need to do.”

“Yeah, but look at them. They are cheering.”

“Are you listening? They only sound like they are cheering. They are shouting out their orders.”

“Orders.”

“I told you before we started. This would be no picnic for us.”

“What the hell. What do you mean, orders?”

“What part of flesh-eating didn’t you get when I covered this earlier.”

“I thought they would be monsters.”

“Trust me, Schmidt, they are. They only look like us to lure us over that white line.”

“And once over the line, we are lunch?”

“Now you’ve got it. All we have to do is get by these things, and we will be free to ride out of this place.”

“This can’t be true, boss. Look at them. There’s a cute one up ahead.”

“Don’t fall for it, Schmidt. Stay in line.”

“It’s getting harder, Boss.”

“Schmidt. Come back. Everyone else. Stay in line. Schmidt, come back. That’s an order.”

“Can’t hear you, Boss.”

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Kreative Kue #173 by Keith Channing

May 8, 2018May 7, 2018 ~ 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 – pingbacks don’t often work.

Go on. You know you want to. Let your creativity and imagination soar. I shall display the entries, with links to your own blog or web site, next Monday.”

The Photo.

“Okay, sir. What is it you’re doing today?”

“I want to thank you for giving me the opportunity to join the Wildlife Club.”

“This is a tryout, sir. We will determine if you are qualified for the Wildlife membership after your audition.”

“Oh, I know that. You’ll have to excuse me. I’m really excited about becoming a member.”

“Yessir. We are very excited about that prospect as well. Again, what are you doing for your audition?”

“Ah, very good then. Today I’m going to demonstrate various calling techniques.”

“Calling techniques?”

“My first is hawk calling.”

“Excuse me. I missed that. Did you say hog calling.”

“Ha ha ha. I know it sounded like that. No, hawk, that is h-a-w-k calling. C-a-l-l— ”

“I get it. Looks like you already have a hawk.”

“Oh, that is just a decoy.”

“What are the dogs doing?”

“They are ready to go after the groundhog.”

“Groundhog?”

“Yes, see this little puppet on my hand?”

“Hadn’t noticed it before, but now I do.”

“It’s a groundhog lure.”

“Groundhog lure? How does it work?”

“You wiggle it like so while blowing this whistle.”

“Pardon me, but you have a funny smirk on your face. Is this for real?”

“Oh please don’t think I’m not sincere. It’s just when I blow the whistle, so many groundhogs show up it is comical.”

“Okay. You can start any time.”

“First the hawk call. Sooooouuuuuuuuuuiiiiiiieeeeeeeeee. Now the whistle.”

“Mr. Peters?”

“Yes?”

“Where did all these pigs come from?”

“I’m sure I couldn’t tell you. They are in the way of the groundhogs though.”

“Thank you. We’ll be in touch.”

“Did I make it?”

“Don’t call us. we’ll call you.”

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Kreative Kue #172 by Keith Channing

May 1, 2018April 30, 2018 ~ John W. Howell ~ 35 Comments

In Keith’s words. “Using this photo as inspiration, (below) 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 – pingbacks don’t often work.

Go on. You know you want to. Let your creativity and imagination soar. I shall display the entries, with links to your own blog or web site, next Monday.”

The photo.

“Hold on Reggie.”

“What Sean?”

“I don’t remember a train track in this part of town.”

“How often do you come this way?”

“Not very. Usually to visit the Pig and Whistle.”

“The pub you mean?”

“Yes, that’s the one.”

“Well, no wonder you don’t remember a track here. You’re usually pissed when you leave a pub.”

“Aw Reggie. You know me so well. So what is with this train anyway?”

“Beats me. It does look a little different. Hey you.”

“Who?”

“You the engineer.”

“What can I do for you mate?”

“Where’s this train bound?”

“To Glory my man.”

“Glory? I never heard of a town named Glory.”

“It’s not a town. It’s a state of mind.”

“Okay, Sean. I get it. This is one of those preach, teach, and reach outfits. They get you on a vehicle, and pretty soon you’re dunked in a tank or river and yelling that you’ve been saved.”

“Not like that at all governor. This is the real deal. You can get on board and ride this train to Glory.”

“Not on your life. Mr. preacher man.”

“I think you may want to think about life for a moment. What are you going to do now?”

“What do you mean now?”

“Now that you have passed.”

“Passed? What are you talking about?”

“What’s the last thing you remember?”

“Driving Sean here and myself to this town.”

“Did you ever enter the town?”

“Well, let me think.”

“Reggie, we were passing that truck, remember?”

“Yes, I do. The bounder wouldn’t let us back in. . .Oh my gosh. We hit a tree.”

“And so here you are at the first stop of the Glory Train. Hop on board.”

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Kreative Kue # 171 By Keith Channing

April 24, 2018April 23, 2018 ~ John W. Howell ~ 49 Comments

Go on. You know you want to. Let your creativity and imagination soar. I shall display the entries, with links to your own blog or web site, next Monday.”

The photo.

“Hey, Archie what are you doing?”

“Oh, man I have this itch that I can’t reach.”

“Itch. You gotta be kidding me.”

“No, I swear. It is driving me crazy.”

“How could that be?”

“I have no idea. There is a spot right in the middle of my back that’s killing me.”

“You better not let the curator see you moving around. You’ll get cashiered. or worse.”

“Any suggestions on getting that spot then?”

“Are you certain you can’t just wait until nighttime.”

“I think I know what the problem is.”

“Do tell.”

“The sun. It is so hot I can feel something dripping down my back.”

“Oh, now that is serious.”

“Who can we call?”

“You can’t let on that you are alive.”

“Why not? I certainly am.”

“You are made of wax. You know that. To be alive and made of wax is the stuff of horror movies.”

“So what do I do?”

“Can you back up slightly into the shade more.”

“I’m going to melt is what you are saying.”

“I don’t think it is that bad. Just hold on till nightfall.”

“It is just so hot.”

“Come on Archie, stay with me. Hush, here comes the curator.”

“Who left this archer out in the sun? Don’t you people know he could melt. Move him in the shade.”

“How’s that feel Archie?”

“I thought I was a goner. Feels better. The itch is gone. I hope tomorrow is a better day.”

“Let’s hope those guys don’t move you into the sun again.”

“Now I’m worried.”

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Kreative Kue #170 by Keith Channing

April 17, 2018April 16, 2018 ~ John W. Howell ~ 45 Comments

Go on. You know you want to. Let your creativity and imagination soar. I shall display the entries, with links to your own blog or web site, next Monday.”

The photo.

“How much air does he have left in there?”

“I would say about ten minutes.”

“Hello out there.”

“Yes, sir what is it?”

“You know I can hear you through the intercom?”

“Yes, we know that. We are trying to figure a way to get you out of there.”

“What do you mean by ten minutes of air.”

“Uh, that is a hermetically sealed capsule. The only air you have is what is inside. The canisters look to have about ten minutes left.”

“Don’t sugar coat it. How much time do I have?”

“My God, Man. I just told you. Ten— excuse me, Nine minutes.”

“Y’all better get humping on that solution then.”

“Well, sir. We thought we would take our lunch break now.”

“Don’t get cute. You know what I mean.”

“Unfortunately we do, sir.”

“I wish my hands weren’t handcuffed I would try to help.”

“Oh, don’t worry sir. We doubt you would be able to do too much to help.”

“Why say something mean like that?”

“Not to point out the obvious but you were the one insisting on the handcuffs.”

“Makes for a better simulation.”

“And I have the key. See it here.”

“I see it. I gave it to you when we closed the hatch.”

“That you did sir. Tell me again what you hoped to accomplish?”

“This is going to be the greatest escape trick ever. An astronaut handcuffed in space does the amazing feat of freeing himself and then gliding to earth.”

“You insisted on locking the hatch as well.”

“Of course. Don’t you see how difficult it will make the trick seem.”

“Not only seem, sir. But in reality almost impossible.”

“What do you mean?”

“Remember when you grabbed the key just as the hatch slammed shut.”

“Yes, I wanted to be able to open it.”

“Good thinking, sir. Except, the key works from the outside. The hatch automatically locks when shut. Hmm. Six minutes.”

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Kreative Kue # 168 by Keith Channing

April 10, 2018April 9, 2018 ~ John W. Howell ~ 41 Comments

Go on. You know you want to. Let your creativity and imagination soar. I shall display the entries, with links to your own blog or web site, next Monday.”

The photo.

“Okay, you guys. We need to take a break.”

“Gee, dad we just got started.”

“Well, we have been hiking for an hour, so we need to rest.”

“Aw come on Randy. Give pop a break. He’s getting older now and needs his rest.”

“Very funny, Joe. I think we need to conserve our energy is all.”

“You bring any snacks?”

“Yes, Randy. I brought some trail mix to munch on. It’s way too early for that though. We just had breakfast.”

“I was just checking.”

“So, pop what are we going to see today?”

“I’m glad you asked, Joe. Here is a booklet of the kinds of things we should see.”

“Awesome. Are you sure all of these are in this area.”

“Well, I can’t guarantee every one of those, but hopefully we will see a lot of them.”

“Let me look, Joe.”

“Here you go, little guy.”

“Wow. I can’t wait to get going again.”

“You guys know we have to be very quiet if we are going to spot them.”

“We know dad. Trying to keep pipsqueak quiet might be a chore.”

“I’m not a pipsqueak. Did we bring a camera?”

“Yes, Randy. We have a camera. Okay, guys, before we begin, let’s go over a couple of rules.”

“Aw, dad. We don’t need rules.”

“Quiet Randy. Let pop explain.”

“Thank you, Joe. Okay, here they are. Short and simple. Try not to make any noise. Don’t move when we get near them. This one is the most important. Do not run if they come toward us. Just hold still. Any questions?”

“I can’t wait.”

“Which is your favorite Randy?”

“I think I like the Rapters best.”

“I have to go for good old T-Rex. Those teeth. Massive.”

“Okay, boys. Let’s go.”

Tuesday-Anything Possible-Kreative Kue #167

March 27, 2018March 26, 2018 ~ John W. Howell ~ 63 Comments

Go on. You know you want to. Let your creativity and imagination soar. I shall display the entries, with links to your own blog or web site, next Monday.”

The photo

“What did you do?”

“Me? Nothing.”

“Where did all this steam come from?”

“How do I know? I was just taking a picture of that crawly thing when it came up from the grate. Wait. Don’t walk on it.”

“I wasn’t going to walk on it. I wanted to see if it is hot.”

“With your foot?”

“I don’t want to stick my hand in it.”

“Get back away. Of course, it’s hot.”

“How do you know?”

“I can feel the heat from here.”

“What crawly thing were you taking a picture of?”

“You didn’t see it?”

“No what did it look like?”

“Sorta like a centipede.”

“Ew. I’m glad I didn’t see it. Where is it now?”

“It jumped into the grate just before the steam came out.”

“Where do you think it went?”

“I’m sure I don’t know, but I’ll tell you one thing.”

“What’s that?”

“Where ever it went I’m sure it is dead. That must be a thousand degrees down there.”

“Should we be worried?”

“About what?”

“I don’t know. Maybe an earthquake or volcano?”

“Oh please. This is a little disturbance is all. Nothing ever happens like that here.”

“That’s a relief. How about some lunch?”

“I heard they have a great place around the corner.”

“Where did you hear that?”

“I bought a guidebook.”

“Let me see it.”

“Okay, here on page 45 starts the list of the top restaurants in Pompeii.”

“You feel that?”

“Whoa, I sure did.”

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Kreative Kue #166 by Keith Channing

March 20, 2018March 19, 2018 ~ John W. Howell ~ 66 Comments

Go on. You know you want to. Let your creativity and imagination soar. I shall display the entries, with links to your own blog or web site, next Monday.”

The photo.

“Yes, ma’am that’s correct. Derick Dazzle of Chanel Ten News.”

“Oh, my. What brings you out on this gloomy day?”

“We have received many calls from our viewers wondering what you are doing.”

“I can’t imagine anyone calling a TV station about me. Why not just ask?”

“I’m sure I don’t know ma’am. My producer sent me here to get your side of the story.”

“My side. What are people saying? Also, please quit calling me ma’am. My name is Princess of Flight.”

“Ah, Princess of Flight, huh? How did you get that name?”

“I’m sure I don’t know. It has been my name forever. I suppose my parents gave it to me. You still haven’t told me what people are saying?”

“Well Princess, they are saying you must be mentally unstable.”

“Unstable? Why is that?”

“You sit here every day with big bags of bird food and feed these pesky pidgins.”

“Who says the pidgins are pesky?”

“Everyone. They are known to make a big mess here in the plaza.”

“They are one of God’s creatures and deserve to be treated fairly. I am looking out for them.”

“I can see that, Princess. Doesn’t it bother you that people think you are not doing the right thing?”

“Who says I’m not doing the right thing?”

“Well, feeding pests seems to be wrong.”

“Would everyone be happy if these so-called pests disappeared?”

“I suppose they would.”

“Good. You see I run a restaurant across town, and one of my most popular dishes is squab under glass. Eventually, I will have served every last one of these fat beauties. What do you think of my mental state now?”

“I think I need to go home and lay down.”