Tuesday – Anything Possible – Kreative Kue #383 by Keith Channing

October 25, 2022October 24, 2022 ~ John W. Howell ~ 67 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 your offering (or a link to it) in a comment or email it to me at keithchanning@gmail.com before Sunday evening UK time. 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. Thank you for taking part.”

Check out Keith’s post for the stories from last week. https://keithchanning.wordpress.com/2022/10/24/kreative-kue-383/

The photo.

“Yah, hello.”

“Who’s this?”

“What do you mean who’s this? The phone was ringing in this booth and I answered it. Who’s this?”

“You first.”

“No way. I’m hanging up now.”

“Wait. Is this the Sanford residence?”

“No. This is a phone booth on Sussex.”

“Where on Sussex?”

“Why does that matter?”

“It might be close to the Sanford residence.”

“So what?”

“Maybe you can run over there and tell Mrs. Sanford, she has a call.”

“Not on your life. I’m hanging up.”

“Wait. it just may be my life.”

“What do you mean?”

“I was told to call Mrs. Sanford and tell her to deliver one million pounds to the park or her husband gets it.”

“Why not call the police?”

“They told me not to do that.”

“What do you care?”

“I’m Mr. Sanford.”

“And you don’t know your damn phone number?”

“I do but I think I misdialed. I’m a tad nervous.”

“Where are you now?”

“In a dark room.”

“Can’t you call for help?”

“They are only letting me make one call.”

“And you muffed it.”

“It appears so.”

“Okay, then what’s the address.”

“126 Sussex. Tell her the thugs will call with a location.”

“Okay then. You sure you can give the thugs the right number?”

“Good point. I’ll try but could you stay by the booth just in case?”

“I’m on holiday and other things to do.”

“More important than saving a life?”

“Pretty ignorant life at that.”

“What?”

“Nothing. I’ll go to your house then standby the booth.”

“You are a mensch.”

“How long?”

“How long what?”

“Till the thugs call?”

“I don’t know. I didn’t ask.”

“Could you?”

“What?”

“Ask them.”

“When I see them I will.”

“I’m hanging up now.”

“Thank you ever so much.”

“Sure. What’s in a holiday anyway.”

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Kreative Kue #382 by Keith Channing

October 18, 2022October 17, 2022 ~ John W. Howell ~ 76 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 your offering (or a link to it) in a comment or email it to me at keithchanning@gmail.com before Sunday evening UK time. 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. Thank you for taking part.”

A link to Keith’s post

https://keithchanning.wordpress.com/2022/10/17/kreative-kue-382/

The photo.

“What do you have there?”

“It’s an old photo.”

“Let me see. OMG, it’s of that stupid van.”

“Whatya mean stupid van? We had a lot of fun with it.”

“I have to admit we took it to a lot of places when we were young.”

“We could see things we never would have been able then. Good times”

“Yeah, okay. I also remember some of the not-so-good times. Like the day you pulled up in it to take me out.”

“Your dad sure had a lot to say, didn’t he.”

“You blame him? Some hot blood pulls up in a bedroom on wheels. I remember that silly grin on your face too.”

“I didn’t own it. Then I had just borrowed it .”

“And I remember watching television that night with my dad watching you.”

“We can laugh about that now.”

“I suppose we can. At least we don’t have to travel like that anymore.”

“I have a surprise for you.”

“The tone in your voice is the same as when you pulled up the first time so long ago. I can never forget that tone. So tell me, my worst fear is not coming true.”

“What is that?”

“That somehow you found a van like the old one sitting on the driveway.”

“Nah. I wouldn’t do that.”

“Thank heavens. So what’s the surprise?”

“Two first-class tickets to Paris. We’re going top drawer.”

“I can’t believe it. Sounds great.”

“And we can check out a new van while we are there.”

“Don’t tell me.”

“Just messin’ with you. Nope, five-star hotels and a leisurely six weeks to see the country. We even have a driver.”

“You are the best.”

“No smooching in the back seat, though.”

“Is that a dare?”

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Kreative Kue #381 by Keith Channing

October 11, 2022October 10, 2022 ~ John W. Howell ~ 85 Comments

In Keith’s words.

Link to Keith’s page https://keithchanning.wordpress.com/2022/10/10/kreative-kue-381/

The photo.

“You think you can get away.”

“I know I can. I just have to turn around and walk.”

“How foolish you are. I have locked onto your eyes, and you are now in my power.”

“Who you trying to fool, you big bully. All it would take is a shot from a gun to eliminate you.”

“You have a gun?”

“No.”

“Then, under my power, you shall remain. A warning to you. I have not had lunch yet, so don’t even blink.”

“What do you mean ‘don’t blink.'”

“You blink, and I strike.”

“What are you, a snake?”

“You are not that lucky. Hawk’s my name. Vermin’s my game.”

“Oh, very clever. Big talk from what amounts to an oversized sparrow.”

“From where I sit, you are in no position to be insulting.”

“Tell you what. I’ll give you to the count of three to buzz off.”

“Then what?”

“If you are still here, I’ll lift my tail and hit you with my best shot.”

“Shot of what?”

“It’s not bourbon, I can tell you that.”

“Now you have me curious.”

“Which is a feeling that killed the cat.”

“You look like a cat.”

“Only to Pepe De Pew. Trust me, I’m no cat. One.”

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Kreative Kue #380 by Keith Channing

October 4, 2022October 3, 2022 ~ John W. Howell ~ 62 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 your offering (or a link to it) in a comment or email it to me at keithchanning@gmail.com before Sunday evening UK time. If you post it on your own blog or site, a link to this page would be appreciated, but please also mention it in a comment here. https://keithchanning.wordpress.com/2022/10/03/kreative-kue-380/

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

The photo.

“So take the bloody photo, will ya.”

“I can’t seem to get this camera to focus.”

“Do you have it on auto?”

“Yes, but something’s not working right.”

“Just touch the shutter button lightly, and you’ll get a message.”

“What kind of message?”

“Will tell you if the lighting or setting is right.”

“All I see is you and some lines.”

“Are the lines green?”

“Sort of orange.”

“Means the setting is off. Check auto again.”

“It is on.”

“Okay, let’s forget it.”

“No, wait. I think I have solved the problem.”

“How?”

“My finger was blocking the sensor.”

“Right, of course, it was.”

“Say cheese.”

“Limburger.”

“I got it. Good thing too ’cause the film needs replacing.”

“Good thing. The guy is headed this way. I’m sure he will wonder what we are doing around his Land Rover.”

“Well, don’t worry, at least we got the shot. I’m going to send copies to the folks in Texas. They’ll get a kick out of the license plate.”

“If it’s a good shot, I want to send one to my mom too.”

“This may be the best shot of the trip. She will love it.”

“I hope so. All the rest are blurry.”

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Kreative Kue #379 by Keith Channing

September 27, 2022September 26, 2022 ~ 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 your offering (or a link to it) in a comment or email it to me at keithchanning@gmail.com before Sunday evening UK time. 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 time.”

Yu can visit Keith at his blog. https://keithchanning.wordpress.com/2022/09/26/kreative-kue-379/

The photo.

“Wow, look at this. Here we are in New York city.”

“Yes indeed. A perfect place for a test.”

“Test? What kind of test?”

“We are here for that quiz show, Right?”

“Yes but what test?”

“That show is all about being able to remember stuff.”

“Okay.”

“So I think it would be good to see how much of this street you can remember after we drive down it.”

“But the show is about history and songs and other things.”

“I think this will help stimulate your memory cells.”

“I don’t see it but I’ll humor you.”

“Okay I’ve taken a photo of the street. Tell me what you remember from the beginning to where we are right now.”

“There’s Brandy. There’s solar, wind, natural gas and oh yes, oil by British Petrolium. McDonalds at 46th and 7th. Discover card, TDK, Budweiser, NBC.”

“Okay that’s enough. You pass.”

“Aw come on. I was just getting warmed up.”

“Maybe you should save it for the show. Here I’ll send you the photo.”

“Oops.”

“Oops what?”

“I left my phone somewhere?”

“What do you mean ‘somewhere?'”

“It’s either at the hotel, the coffee shop, that little shop we went into, or still at home.”

“Do you remember the last time you had it.”

“I took some photos at grandma’s.”

“That was last Thanksgiving.”

“Maybe it’s at grandma’s”

“I guess as a memory sevant there are things that slip through the cracks.”

“Who are you by the way?”

“Oh my.”

“Just messin’ with ya. My phone’s right here.”

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Kreative Kue #378 by Keith Channing

September 20, 2022September 19, 2022 ~ John W. Howell ~ 68 Comments

In Keith’s words.

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

The photo

“Hold still while I zip this up.”

“Easy for you to say. You aren’t wearing a hot fly suit.”

“This was your idea, remember.”

“Well, I heard Steve McQueen got his start this way.”

“That’s not true. He was in the movie The Blob.”

“Yeah, that’s right. He played the blob. Just makes my point.”

“What point is that?”

“Sometimes you have to start at the bottom.”

“But the audition notes didn’t say anything about a fly.”

“I know. That’s the beauty of going as a fly.”

“I still don’t get it.”

“How many actors do you think will show up for this audition?”

“A few?”

“Try fifty.”

“Okay.”

“How many will be in a fly suit?”

“None, I’ll wager.”

“Bingo. I’ll stand out. Vincent Price was famous, and he played a fly.”

“Good grief, this is just a walk-on part.”

“Exactly, and what better way to get it than to walk on the ceiling?”

“I don’t want to be there.”

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Kreative Kue # 377 by Keith Channing

September 13, 2022September 12, 2022 ~ John W. Howell ~ 68 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 your offering (or a link to it) in a comment or email it to me at keithchanning@gmail.com before Sunday evening UK time. If you post it on your own blog or site, a link to this page would be appreciated, but please 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 time.”

The photo.

“What do those signs say?”

“We have reached The Magic kingdom.”

“The what?”

“The magic Kindom. You know Disney.”

“Who the heck wants to be here?”

“Aww, come on. Every kid on the planet.”

“How did we get into this situation?”

“What is the matter with you. We went for a car ride, and here we are.”

“I had no intention of going this far.”

“That’s just like you. Start a trip and then complain when we reach the destination.”

“I started the trip all right but never figured on ending it here.”

“So now, why don’t you just relax and enjoy yourself.”

“I could do that back home. Didn’t need to go on a fool’s journey.”

“Alright, we need to make a deal.”

“Like what?”

“You shut up about the trip, and I’ll let you have a drink and a rest.”

“I need to rest a week.”

“I know that. All us mosquitoes need to rest a week after a drink.”

“Can I bite the blond one?”

“Sure. You take your pick.”

“You’re a good brother, you know that?”

“Thanks, sis. You’ll feel better after your rest.”

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Kreative Kue # 376 by Keith Channing

September 6, 2022September 5, 2022 ~ John W. Howell ~ 57 Comments

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

The photo.

Here comes the wife. I’ve got this snake right where I want him. If I stop playing, he will strike, and I am a dead man.

“Good morning Ravi.”

“Mum hum.”

“Is that all you can say on a glorious day like today?”

“Mum hum.”

“We have some things that you and I need to discuss.”

“Um?”

“Could you put down that silly punji and talk to me?”

“Muff a luffla.”

“I can’t understand you. I think you are playing off key too.”

“Mamfp.”

“Okay if you are not going to stop, here’s what I have to say. First of all you seem to spend a lot of time here in the marketplace yet I don’t see any mony coming home.”

“Ruggerle rap.”

“That’s not all. We have the need to fix the roof. Where are we going to get the money?”

“Merp?”

“My shoes have holes and I can’t even affored the newspaper to fill them.”

“Uk?”

“Those paans make my mouth water yet we can’t affored even one.”

“Upt.”

“I give up. Either stop this stupid nonsense with the basket and snake or I’ll have to ask my mother to come live with us to help.”

“Eeek. Alright my dear. I’ve stopped playing and soon your troubles will be over.

“You going to get a job?”

“Better. My snake and insurance policy will be all you need.”

“I don’t want that ugly snake.”

“Yes dear.”

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Kreative Kue #375 by Keith Channing

August 30, 2022August 29, 2022 ~ John W. Howell ~ 62 Comments

In Keith’s words.

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

The photo.

“Met mo.”

“Moo met mo”

“Mot mon my mife.”

“M’ll mrowl.”

“Mo mahead.”

“Mrrrrrrrr.”

“Making mike a meaf.”

“Poo. That’s it. I can’t take anymore.”

“Ha. Made you give up.”

“It wasn’t that.”

“What was it then.”

“You talking with your mouth full. What the heck was ‘making mike a meaf?'”

“Shaking like a leaf in response to your growl.”

“Should have known. That was not a fun game.”

“I thought it was terrific.”

“Yeah, ’cause you had the rope end.” What’s next?”

“I found this rubber band.”

“You can play with that by yourself. I can see what will happen when we are a few feet apart.”

“Come on, what’s the worst that can happen?”

” A snap to the nose.”

“Well worth the laugh.”

“For you, maybe. Let’s go back to the toy.”

“Heh, heh, heh. So easy.”

“What?”

“Nothing.”

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Kreative Kue #374 by Keith Channing

August 23, 2022August 22, 2022 ~ John W. Howell ~ 64 Comments

In Keith’s words.

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

The photo.

“Whoa. That was hard.”

“Tell me why you’re doing this again?”

“Doing what?”

“Going underwater and holding your breath.”

“I thought you understood.”

“I guess the logic of the whole thing kinda slipped away seeing you sputter and cough.”

“You know Two Legs has this passion for hunting.”

“Yeah. Seems dumb, but yeah, I know.”

“Well, he has decided to go after waterfowl.”

“I did not know that. So you are in training to be a retriever?”

“No, not exactly.”

“So what then?”

“You and I are both on the side of protecting the species, right?”

“Of course. Leave that work up to Two Legs, and we all are lost.”

“Exactly. So I’m actually in training to be a bird warden.”

“Bird warden. What the heck is that?”

“When old Two Legs goes hunting, I’m going to be the underwater warning system for the birds.”

“Huh?”

“I’m going to swim to where they are and let them know Two Legs has a gun.”

“So you will be out of sight the whole time?”

“Now you got it.”

“How long do you think you will need to stay underwater?”

“Well, the distance to the birds will mean I’ve got to stay under for four or more minutes.”

“Where are you now?”

“You saw me.”

“Ten seconds? You are at ten seconds?”

“We have to start someplace.”

“There will not be a bird left by the time you get to four minutes.”

“Maybe you are right. Change of plan then.”

“What?”

“I’ll bite him.”

“I’ll bet between he and his gun that will work once.”

“Yeah, let me think a little.”

“I would say you are thinking as little as possible right now.”

“Spoiled sport.”

“Nitwit.”