Tuesday – Anything Possible -Kreative Kue #165 by Keith Channing

March 13, 2018March 12, 2018 ~ John W. Howell ~ 59 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 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.

“So before our next record by the New Dellys, I want to introduce you to a person I have in the studio with me today. Welcome, Aakanksha.”

“Why thank you, Aditya. It is a pleasure to be with you today.”

“I know our listening audience needs no introduction to you. I don’t think there is a person on Earth who does not know of you.”

“My goodness, you certainly are making me blush.”

“You deserve every accolade. Do you mind if I ask a few questions?”

“No, of course not. I’m so excited to be on your show. Ask anything you want.”

“I see by my notes you were born and raised in New Delhi.”

“Yes. I am one of the fortunate ones in that I had the opportunity to attend school and go on to university.”

“Was it in the university that you learned your craft.”

“Oh yes. I took extensive training and worked hard to be the best. We formed a group in my freshman year and have been together since.”

“Well, that certainly paid off. I think you are recognized as the foremost expert in your field.”

“You favor me with such nice words, Aditya. I have to believe there are others who are just as talented as I.”

“Yes, but none have achieved your notoriety.”

“I attribute that to being in the right place at the right time.”

“You certainly have starred in a lot of videos, Aakanksha.”

“I have had a lot of help along the way.”

“Now turning to the future. What can you tell us about your future projects?”

“Aw, Aditya you know my projects are surrounded by super secret security. I ‘ll give you a hint though.”

“That would be swell. Listen up folks you are going to get a hint about the next Aakanksha project. Okay, what is the hint?”

“I’ll give you one word, Brinks.”

“OMG, you talking about hitting the Brinks organization.”

“That’s all I can say for now. Your fans will be reading about a spectacular bank job shortly.”

“Wow. That’s all the time we have today. I want to thank Aakanksha the most notorious Robin Hood hold up artist in all the country.”

“Thank you, Aditya. It was a pleasure to be with you. Goodbye folks.”

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Kreative Kue #164 by Keith Channing

March 6, 2018March 5, 2018 ~ John W. Howell ~ 47 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.”

Here is the photo.

“It’s a dud.”

“Hold on. It may take a while for the signal to reach the device.”

“Well?”

“Okay let me look. Humm.”

“Humm what?”

“It looks like one of the leads has come undone.”

“What the hell. I made sure I had those damn things were attached.”

“Sure you did dear. This reminds me of the time you said the parachute was packed correctly.”

“Well, okay, you got me there.”

“Good thing the reserve worked or I’d be somewhere else.”

“I hope someday we will forget that mistake.”

“Which brings us to today’s mistake.”

“Uh. How am I going to go all the way back down there and connect the wire without blowing myself up?”

“You have to first take the white wire off. That will reset the impulse. Then you connect the red wire first and the white second.”

“Oh man. It took me six hours to get to the base. ”

“I would get going then.”

“You have forgiven me on that parachute thingy right?”

“Yes, m’love. I have forgiven the parachute thingy.”

“You sure?”

“Yes, I’m sure. I would move out now if I were you.”

“Okay then. I’ll see you in six hours.”

“Sure you will.”

“Huh?”

“Nothing sweet. Six hours it is.”

“I Love you.”

“Love you too.”

“Bye.”

“Bye now.”

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Kreative Our #161 by Keith Channing

February 13, 2018February 12, 2018 ~ John W. Howell ~ 42 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.

“Here boy. Come on.”

“Hey, dog you are being called.”

“The name is Trevor, and I think he’s calling you.”

“Now that is damn near impossible.”

“Why is it impossible?”

“Well for one thing. He can’t see me so how’s he supposed to know I’m here?”

“You are kidding me. The old man can’t see you?”

“Well, there are some rare times he can.”

“When’s that?”

“You know that special bottle of brandy in the den.”

“Brandy? Oh, you mean the water that smells bad?”

“There is a lot of water that smells bad, but yes.”

“What about it.”

“Well, when there have been too many “I’ll just have one more,”then he magically can see me.”

“Does he talk to you?”

“Um, talk isn’t the right word. I think they call it cursing.”

“Oh yeah. I’ve heard that went he comes across my poop in his bare feet.”

“Ha ha ha. I love those times.”

“So how come I can see you? I don’t use any of the smelly water.”

“You are pure of heart. You have no agenda.”

“You are saying I’m dumb.”

“No, let’s just call you simple and leave it at that.”

“So what makes him so complex?”

“Look at him. Sitting on that noisy thing called a Snapper, cutting grass out in the middle of nowhere. Don’t you think doing something useless like that takes a complex mind?”

“I never thought of it like that. So you are saying the more useless the task, the more complex the planning behind it?”

“You know Trevor, I take back what I said about you being simple.”

“Well, thanks but why?”

“You have just identified one of the facts of life not many think about.”

“Facts of life?”

“Yes. You have articulated the key to understanding the government.”

“Is that possible?”

“You have given the world a start.”

“Before I’m nominated for the Nobel prize, I think I’ll go over and ask Mr. Complex if it is dinner time yet.”

“You go, boy.”

”

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Kreative Kue #160 by Keith Channing

February 6, 2018February 5, 2018 ~ 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 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 – 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 website, next Monday.

The photo.

“Okay, mister. Where do you want the concrete?”

“Concrete? What concrete?”

“I have a mixer full of concrete ordered for delivery.”

“Delivery? I never ordered concrete for delivery.”

“Here’s the invoice. Look for yourself. ”

“Hmm, six yards of concrete. Yes, that’s my address, but I’m telling you I didn’t order it.”

“Give it to me. Your name Smith?”

“No. My name is Bronkowski.”

“You have any idea who Smith is? Whoever it is, owes me $540.00.”

“Well, it sounds phony and it’s not me, that’s for sure.”

“Sorry, buddy but your address is on the order, so I need to unload here.”

“Wait. I just had a thought.”

“Yeah, what’s that?”

“Old lady Schmidt has been complaining about my chicken wire sculptures for a month. I’ll bet she called you guys.”

“Why would she do that?”

“I think she believes these are support structures for concrete statues.”

“So she is giving you a hint?”

“More like a shove.”

“So what about it?”

“Not a bad idea. I was going to make topiary sculptures, but I can see concrete might be more permanent.”

“You’ll have to work fast. This stuff sets up pretty quick.”

“How quick?”

“You’ll have a couple of hours. Besides that delicate chicken wire is not going to take a heavy load all at once.”

“So you are telling me?”

“To stick with topiary. Where does Old Lady Schmidt live?”

“Next door.”

“What if I dump it there?”

“Yeah, it is only one number off. Could you?”

“You cover the cost?”

“I’ll get my checkbook.”

Tuesday – Anything Possible _ Kreative Kue #159 by Keith Channing

January 30, 2018January 29, 2018 ~ John W. Howell ~ 23 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 website, next Monday.”

The photo.

“Will you stop giggling. I’m trying to hear.”

“I can’t help it. That last Jal-jeera went to my head.”

“I guess the fact that it is only spices and no alcohol is lost on you.”

“Say what you want, but that cumin packs a punch. Where are we anyway?”

“If you’ll stop babbling maybe I can find out.”

“Hey look. There are crowds of people along the highway.”

“It appears we’re in some kind of parade. What are you doing?”

“I’m going to wave my hat. They’re waving at us.”

“Yeah, I see that. Notice no one is smiling though.”

“Oh, that’s a little creepy isn’t it.”

“I would say. Hold on. I’m getting a signal. Yes, this is Channing. Who’s this? Uh huh. So how did we get here? We are in a damn parade. We are on a float. It’s not a float? Okay, roger that, Channing out.”

“Who was that?”

“Believe it or not that was Century Base One.”

“What’d he say.”

“For some reason, we took a wrong turn at Waypoint Beta and are now on our way to a sacrifice.”

“A sacrifice. I’ve never been to a sacrifice.”

“You idiot. Of course, you’ve never been. We are the sacrifice.”

“Why can’t I remember?”

“Remember what?”

“The trip from the Jal-jeera joint to here.”

“Don’t feel alone. I can’t either.”

“What do we do now?”

“I’ve set your transponder to section four. Now let’s get out of here.”

“I think I gave my transponder to that pretty girl.”

“What pretty girl?”

“The one in the Jal-jeera joint.”

“The one with the blond hair?”

“Yes.”

“Well, I guess she and I will be in section four.”

“Where will I be?”

“My guess is hot water. See ya,”

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Kreative Kue #158

January 23, 2018January 22, 2018 ~ John W. Howell ~ 36 Comments

yIn 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 keith@channing.info 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.

“I don’t have a coat on my arm.”

“You don’t need one.”

“I don’t have a beard.”

“You don’t need one.”

“I don’t have a white checkered shirt.”

“You don’t need one.”

“Blue jeans?”

“Nope.”

“What kind of apprenticeship is this anyway?”

“You are a photographer’s apprentice.”

“Sounds impressive.”

“Of course it is.”

“I don’t have a camera.”

“You’ll grow into one.”

“So what should I do other than use this phone?”

“Forget the phone. Make clicking noises.”

“Clicking noises?”

“Yes like this, click, click, click. Every time you take a picture make the noise.”

“I should take pictures?”

“You need to practice. Make the noise.”

“Click, click, click.”

“Not so fast, you need to rewind after every shot. Like this, click, whrrrr. Got it?”

“Click, whrrrr. Click, whrrrr. Click, whrrrr.”

“That’s it. Now let me see the photos.”

“What photos?”

“The ones you just took.”

“I didn’t take any.”

“Why not?”

“No camera.”

“Are you going to take this apprenticeship seriously or not?”

“Okay, here they are.”

“Hmmm. Could use a little more light. Try again.”

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Kreative Kue #157

January 16, 2018January 15, 2018 ~ John W. Howell ~ 40 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 keith@channing.info 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.

“Why are you on top of that box?”

“Are you kidding? Do you know how many shoplifters are out there?”

“What good does it do to stand up there?”

“I can look over the crowd and spot them before they can rob us.”

“Sounds good in theory. How is it working so far?”

“Right now there is a pickpocket checking out a guy’s wallet.”

“Where?”

“See that’s the problem with you a slouched in that chair. You can’t see anything. He’s over to the left. he looks like a shark ready to have a meal.”

“That guy in the olive colored jacket?”

“Yes, the one with the mustache.”

“That is a police officer, you idiot.”

“He sure doesn’t look like one.”

“He is undercover looking for thieves.”

“I guess you have to look like one to catch one.”

“Yeah, he is even carrying a baby so as not to stand out. Now come down from there before you hurt yourself.”

“Where would you get a baby?”

“Are you serious.? Quit with the questions and get down.”

“Wait there is a guy with a backpack.”

“All the way across the aisle. I don’t think he is a threat.”

“By the way. Do you see that set of stairs on top of Omar’s tent over there.”

“I see them. So what?”

“I think I’m going to ask Omar if I can borrow them.”

“What for?”

“To make it easier to climb up on my box.”

“You and that box ought to run away with each other. You know that?”

Tuesday – Anything possible – Kreative Kue #156 by Keith Channing

January 9, 2018January 8, 2018 ~ John W. Howell ~ 47 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 keith@channing.info 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.

“Can you hurry up?”

“One minute. I want to remember this moment with my friends.”

“You’ve taken about twenty photos already. It’s time to leave. We will miss our train if we don’t go now.”

“Do you see how the flower turns toward me when I start to take a picture?”

“No, I don’t see that at all.”

“I think these flowers would like to come with us.”

“You have got to be kidding me. They are planted here.”

“See that fence. Why would you have a fence if they weren’t trying to keep them here?”

“Uh. Maybe to keep nuts like you out of here. You see the no picking flowers sign?”

“Yeah, I saw it. That’s like putting a no touching the prisoner’s sign in a jail. They don’t want any escapes.”

“Listen to yourself. I think you need some help.”

“If we grab as many flowers as we can hold we might have a chance to free most.”

“Where do you get these ideas?”

“I hear voices.”

“Voices?”

“Yes, voices.”

“Okay, now I’m concerned. Where do these voices come from?”

“From the little leaves all around me. They say. “Take me home. Take me home.”

“You sure that’s not your phone.”

“I’m sure.”

“Well, I’m going to leave now. Coming with me?”

“Can I bring a friend?”

“No. It is against the law.”

“Even a little friend?”

“Like one of those leaves?”

“Yes.”

“Fine if you must.”

“Hear that guys? Who wants to go with me?”

“For heaven’s sake.”

“I can’t make up my mind. They all want to go.”

“Look. I’ll get you a package of baby spinach if we leave now.”

“That will do. Let’s go.”

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Kreative Kue #155 by Keith Channing

January 2, 2018 ~ John W. Howell ~ 35 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 keith@channing.info 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.

“Where did you put the key?”

“Under the mat as usual.”

“Under the mat. Are you sure?”

“Yes, of course, I’m sure. We always put the key under the mat.”

“I know I know. Well, the key is missing.”

“No kidding Sherlock. Look closer, and you’ll see the house is missing.”

“Okay, now I think we have a problem.”

“What gave you a hint?”

“There is nothing in our slip but a seagull.”

“Which tells you what, Inspector Clouseau?”

“Someone has run off with our houseboat.”

“Bingo. I think you’ve got it.”

“What do we do now?”

“I think we need to call the police.”

“What are they going to do. Our house could be in Singapore by now.”

“Come on. How many houses do you think are floating down this canal. It shouldn’t be too tough to find it.”

“I suppose you are right. After all, there aren’t a lot of houses with a red and blue paint scheme.”

“Now, you can thank me for the color choice.”

“I suppose. And you can thank me for leaving the bathtub drain unplugged.”

“What are you talking about?”

“I think I see the tip of our roof.”

“Where?”

“Just below the surface of our slip. see it?”

“You idiot. How many times have I told you to make sure to close the drain?”

“Well, at least no one stole our house.”

“Thank you for small miracles.”

“Oh, and I found the key in my other pocket.”

“Twice Blessed.”

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Kreative Kue #154

December 26, 2017December 25, 2017 ~ John W. Howell ~ 26 Comments

Using 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 keith@channing.info 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.