Tuesday – Any Thing Possible – Kreative Kue #97 by Keith Channing

October 25, 2016October 24, 2016 ~ John W. Howell ~ 20 Comments

I am so glad Keith Channing is back from India. In his own words. “Using this photo (Below) as inspiration, write a short story, flash fiction, scene, poem; anything, really; and either put it (or a link to it) in a comment or email it to me at keithkreates@channing.fr 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 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.

Kreative Kue #97

“I can’t get this damn thing to work.”

“Give it to me. You were never good with mechanical stuff.”

“Just give me a chance will you?”

“I’m telling you if it’s like everything else you’ll break it before we can send a message.”

“I don’t think we need to go after self-esteem right now do you?”

“I’m just saying there are all kinds of boats out there and if we don’t signal them we will be on this God forsaken island the rest of our lives.”

“Now that’s a bit harsh.”

“Give me the damn thing.”

“No. One more try is all I need. By the way, this bench you built is really comfortable.”

“Why, thank you. I didn’t know you cared enough to give a compliment.”

“I care. What gave you the idea I didn’t?”

“How long have we been here?”

“Let me see. Our boat went down. . .Oh, I see you don’t want to know how long we’ve been here. You are saying I haven’t let you know I care for all that time.”

“Yes. Sorry if I was a little subtle.”

“Okay. I think I have it now. Well, I’m sorry since I do care and should have told you more often. I hope this flare gun still works. It has been a long time since I fired it last.”

“Wait. Let’s just pause a minute here. If you shoot that flair, we get rescued. Right?”

“Right.”

“After being here for over twenty years?”

“Right.”

“After everything we’ve accomplished here?”

“Right.”

“You say you care?”

“Yes, I do. Very much.”

“Let’s go have lunch and forget the flair.”

“Done.”

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Kreative Kue #96 by Keith Channing

September 27, 2016September 26, 2016 ~ John W. Howell ~ 16 Comments

Here are the words from Keith Channing to describe what is going on here. “Using this photo (below) as inspiration, write a short story, flash fiction, scene, poem; anything, really; and either put it (or a link to it) in a comment or email it to me at keithkreates@channing.fr 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 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.” Now the tragic part. Keith goes on to say, “Important note: I shall be on holiday for the next three weeks. Kreative Kue 97 will not appear until 24 October.” Oh dear. Well, let’s worry about that next week.

Here this week’s photo.

Happy Faces

“Keep smiling and maybe they won’t know.”

“Shush. They’ll hear you.”

“Don’t be silly. They are so far away they would never hear us.”

“Don’t be too sure. I think the old guy is getting wise. He’s smiling back.”

“Naw. He just has gas is all.”

“How long do we have to hold these grins? My face is beginning to cramp.”

“Till they walk away. I’ll let you know.”

“Tell me again why we are smiling?”

“For Pete’s sake. The guy gave us a nickel. We are showing gratitude.”

“For a nickel? You gotta be kidding me.”

“Shush. They are coming back. Keep smiling and let me do the talking.”

“Hi there.”

“Hi, sir.”

“You youngsters have been smiling for quite a while. Is everything okay?”

“Oh yes, sir it is.”

“You sure you don’t have a stomach ache of anything?”

“No, sir. We are just fine.”

“Well, have a good afternoon.”

“We will sir and the same to you.”

“Oh, by the way. I seem to have dropped my coin purse. Did you happen to see it?”

“Why no sir. Are you sure it’s not in another pocket?”

“I’m quite sure.”

“That is a shame since you were so generous with that nickel. Would you like it back, sir?”

“No that’s okay. You have fun with that coin.”

“We will sir. Is there a name we can call you since you’ve been so nice?”

“Sure. Just call me Mr. Scrooge.”

“Yes, sir, Mr. Scrooge and God bless you.”

Tuesday Anything Possible – Kreative Kue #95 by Keith Channing

September 20, 2016September 19, 2016 ~ John W. Howell ~ 36 Comments

Another great prompt by Keith Channing. In his words. “Using this photo as inspiration, write a short story, flash fiction, scene, poem; anything, really; and either put it (or a link to it) in a comment or email it to me at keithkreates@channing.fr 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 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

The Photo

Kreative Kue #95

“So tell me again why we don’t have a seat in the gondola.”

“The story won’t change.”

“I want to hear it again. Maybe I will understand it if I hear it enough times.”

“Okay. I bought the tickets from a guy on the street.”

“Oh yes. First smart move.”

“May I continue?”

“Please do.”

“He was willing to sell them at half off.”

“You forgot the sick wife part.”

“I didn’t think you wanted to hear that again.”

“Please go through each detail.”

“Okay so he had a sick wife and they couldn’t make the trip.”

“And the tickets were half off.”

“Yes.”

“Go on.”

“You know when we got to the balloon launch site our tickets were for the observation section of the balloon.”

“Yes, the only two seats in the observation section.”

“So what is so bad?”

“Tell me you enjoy sitting up here, holding on for dear life. This is on top of the actual balloon for heaven’s sake.”

“The view is great.”

“Try to let go and take a picture why don’t you?”

“Well okay. I see your point.”

“I’ll bet the landing will be tons of fun. Can’t wait till they deflate the balloon so we can get down.”

“Yes, my love.”

Thursday – A little Personal Kreative Kue #93 by

September 8, 2016September 5, 2016 ~ John W. Howell ~ 14 Comments

Here is another of Keith Channing’s Photo prompts. I am pleased to report that this is the 52nd Kreative Kue in which I have participated. That makes it a year. Here are Keith’s words describing what we are doing. “Using this photo (below)as inspiration, write a short story, flash fiction, scene, poem; anything, really; and either put it (or a link to it) in a comment or email it to me at keithkreates@channing.fr 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 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.

Kreative Kue

“You going to go up there?”

“To that place? Not on your life.”

“Why not?”

“Look at that porch, those rails.”

“Yeah, so what?”

“They are in a bad need of painting and we are painters.”

“But we’ll make money.”

“There is not enough money in the world to make me stay to paint.”

“I guess I don’t understand then. What is wrong with the place?”

“You can’t see them from here, but the site is loaded with crazy people.”

“Crazy people? How do you know?”

“I had to visit one time to see my aunt and got an eyeful.”

“So how do you know they are crazy.”

“Okay let me describe them and you tell me.”

“Fine. Go ahead.”

“First of all,everyone sits in front of a computer.’

“Okay so far sounds normal.”

“They sit there pounding on the keys for hours.”

“Most offices are like that .”

“Then they print off something and pass it to others.”

“Okay, maybe a review process.”

“Then they sit in a circle and tell each other what they think is good and bad about what has been written.”

“Some kind of critique group.”

“Some get real touchy about what they have produced.”

“Human nature.”

“Then they all go back to pounding on the computer keys again.”

“I think I know what’s going on.”

“You do?’

“Yes. These are political speech writers.”

“What do political speech writers do?”

“I would say nothing of value.”

“Still look crazy.”

“No mistake they aren’t as crazy as the politicians who take those words and give speeches.”

“Or as crazy as those who believe what is said.”

“Amen, brother. Let’s find another place to paint.

A Big Thank You to Keith Channing For Helping Launch #Newbook Our Justice

September 6, 2016 ~ John W. Howell

Keith Channing

Thank you, Keith Channing, for posting the announcement of the Launch of Our Justice. You can see his post HERE.

keith Channing

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Kreative Kue #92 by Keith Channing

August 30, 2016August 29, 2016 ~ John W. Howell ~ 32 Comments

So here is another photo prompt from Keith Channing. He explains what we are doing here. “Using this photo (below) as inspiration, write a short story, flash fiction, scene, poem; anything, really; and either put it (or a link to it) in a comment or email it to me at keithkreates@channing.fr 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 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.

Kreative Kue #92

“Okay now try to relax and give us your name.”

“Um. My name is Silly.”

“Silly what?”

“Silly Goose.”

“Alright, Ms. Goose. What we need you to do is act natural and say the word AFLAC. Can you do that?”

“I-I think so.”

“Listen toots. This is no place for geese to ‘think’ anything. You are trying out for a major part in a commercial. It could mean a lot of money if you pass this audition.”

“I understand. Yes, I can say APLAC.”

“No, no, no. It’s ‘AFLAC,’ Say it.”

“It.”

“Ms. Goose. Are you trying to be funny? If so, we have other geese just waiting to try out. Look at that guy next in line. Hey, buster. No eating the lawn. It’s a prop. Man! I told my agent I didn’t want to cast this dog and look what I got.”

“I’m sorry I thought you said to say,’it'”

“Okay let’s take this a little slower. See that camera? When I say ‘action’ you are going to say ‘AFLAC.’ Got it?”

“I see the camera. When I hear ‘action,’ I say ‘AFLAC.’ I got it. I do have a question, though.”

“I could have guessed. What’s the question?”

“What’s my motivation?”

“Motivation?” What do you mean ‘motivation?”‘

“Why am I saying ‘APLAC?'”

“IT’S AFLAC. Where in the heck did this person come from anyway? Who brought her in here?”

“I did.”

“Oh, Mr. Big. I didn’t see you there.”

“Is there a problem with my pet goose?”

“No, sir. Everything is fine. We can dub the sound. Ready Ms. Goose? ‘ACTION.'”

“APLAC.”

“Thank you that’s a wrap. Very good Ms. Goose.”

Tuesday Anything Possible – Kreative Kue #91 by Keith Channing

August 23, 2016August 22, 2016 ~ John W. Howell ~ 34 Comments

Here are Keith’s words explaining what is going on here. “Using this photo (below) as inspiration, write a short story, flash fiction, scene, poem; anything, really; and either put it (or a link to it) in a comment or email it to me at keithkreates@channing.fr 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 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.

Vacation

“So passengers, we are coming up on one of the bonus extras in your all-inclusive tour package. See that camera. My brother will be taking a picture of our cruise yacht, and you’ll all get a complimentary photo as a souvenir. Now smile.”

“My God, Ralph. I’m not sure I can smile while trying to hold down that fish stew breakfast.”

“Just a little more time darlin’ and this trip will be over.”

“How did we ever get booked on this tub?”

“Well remember we missed our ship and had to take the next thing to catch up.”

“The next thing is right. How much more time do we have on this nightmare?”

“We are coming into port now. See there is our ocean liner docked up ahead.”

“Oh, thank God. I don’t think I can stay in these clothes any longer. Why did we have to put on costumes again?”

“So those nice men in the patrol boat wouldn’t know we were in the country illegally.”

“Illegally? What does that mean?”

“Well, we never got a visa for this country. We are supposed to be on the ship and not get off.”

“So we could be arrested?”

“Yes, but these nice people offered to hide us until we reach the ship.”

“Are there others they are hiding?”

“Look around. All these people are hiding.”

“These are smugglers then.”

“Harsh word my dear. I prefer importers.”

“Try pirates.”

“Well, that too. Smile dear.”

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Kreative Kue by Keith Channing

August 9, 2016August 9, 2016 ~ John W. Howell ~ 26 Comments

I do this prompt once a week but if you need to be briefed on what is going on here are Keith Channing’s words. “Using this photo (below) as inspiration, write a short story, flash fiction, scene, poem; anything, really; and either put it (or a link to it) in a comment or email it to me at keithkreates@channing.fr 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 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

Two dogs

“I hate to tell you darling, but those things are back.’

“Things? What things?”

“Those two wolf-like things that you told me you got rid of last year.”

“You have to be kidding. I took them for a hundred mile drive.”

“Well, they’re sitting in the corner in the dining room. They still have that stupid wolfsbane around their necks too.’

“OMG. That stuff was guaranteed to keep them away forever.”

“I said at the time that I didn’t think you were supposed to put it on them. You were to put it around the house.”

“Yeah, yeah. Small miscalculation is all.”

“I’ll give you miscalculation if you don’t get rid of them.”

“They still have those eyeballs that look like glass?”

“Yup. All four of them.”

“Four of them. You said two.”

“I mean eyeballs you, idiot. The thin one is still snarling as well.”

“Okay. Give me a minute and I’ll go get my net.”

“That net isn’t going to help. You need some bait.”

“Bait? What would you suggest?”

“I think you could use a rabbit or something.”

“Rabbit? Where in the hell am I going to get a rabbit?”

“Pet shop has plenty.”

“It’s after six. Those guys are closed. How did we do this last time?”

“You got in the car, and they jumped in.”

“Why won’t that work this time?”

“I think they are wise to you. They want to live here.”

“Why don’t we let them?”

“You have to be kidding. Those two are a danger to society.”

“Can’t we call animal control? By the way, how did they get in the house.”

“They rang the bell. Before I knew what was happening, they pushed by me and went to the dining room.”

“Okay, that’s it. I’m going to tell them they have to leave.”

“I’ll wait right here.”

“You do that. I’ll be right back.”

“That didn’t take long. Did You tell them they had to leave.”

“I did.”

“So they’re gone?”

“Not exactly.”

“What do you mean not exactly?”

“They said they would leave after dinner.”

“You believe them?”

“They gave me their word. Oh, and they would like meatloaf.”

Tuesday – Anything Possible Kreative Kue #88 By Keith Channing

August 2, 2016August 1, 2016 ~ John W. Howell ~ 37 Comments

Another photo prompt from Keith Channing. In his words, he can explain. “Using this photo (below) as inspiration, write a short story, flash fiction, scene, poem; anything, really; and either put it (or a link to it) in a comment or email it to me at keithkreates@channing.fr 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 – for reasons I have yet to fathom, pingbacks don’t seem to be working.

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.

Kreative Kue #88

“So when you set the trap didn’t you wonder that it was a little big?”

“I didn’t think about it at the time. I was worried that I would get caught in it myself.”

“How on earth did you get those trap jaws separated and set?”

“That was tricky. I had to get a tree limb and leverage the jaws open. I then jumped for my life hoping the trigger would hold.”

“Who put you up to this anyway?”

“Old Trapper John. He sold me the trap and told me I would be in National Geographic and get a reward if I caught the thing.”

“How did you get the trap into the woods. It weighs a ton.”

“Old John has a tractor, and he hauled it in for me.”

“Why didn’t you call anyone for help?”

“What? If I did that, I would have to split the reward.”

“How about now? You’ve got us all hauling this thing out of the woods. You didn’t think twice about asking for help after the trap was sprung.”

“Well I figured since there would be no reward Y’all would take pity on me and help.”

“You know we are all right here. Why tell us to our face that we are fools?”

“I didn’t mean that. I’m very grateful for the help.”

“Why no reward?”

“I didn’t trap the right thing.”

“Well, this is big and heavy enough to be the right thing. What’s the problem.”

“Take a look. What you are hauling isn’t an animal it’s a hot air balloon. The damn balloon came down right on my trap.”

“What happened to the occupants?”

“They all scattered, and that’s why I called you guys.”

“If this isn’t an animal why do you have to haul it out of the woods?”

“Cause the pilot said he would beat my butt if I didn’t.”

“Hmmm. The pilot definitely has an idea.”

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Kreative Kue #87 by Keith Channing

July 26, 2016July 25, 2016 ~ John W. Howell ~ 24 Comments

This prompt is created by Keith Channing. In his words. “Using this photo (below) as inspiration, write a short story, flash fiction, scene, poem; anything, really; and either put it (or a link to it) in a comment or email it to me at keithkreates@channing.fr 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 – for reasons I have yet to fathom, pingbacks don’t seem to be working.

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

Kreative Kue #87