Tuesday – Anything Possible – Finger Point Prompt –

July 7, 2026July 7, 2026 ~ John W. Howell ~ 55 Comments

Today I randomly opened Detour on the Eternal Road to page 175. With eyes closed, I pointed to the page. The word closest to my finger is salutes. This is our prompt today.

“How many salutes did you say?”

“21 gun salutes.”

“Whoa, that’s a lot of salutes.”

“I know, so I would keep my head down if I were you.”

“You’re not kidding. You don’t have to worry about me.”

“I do worry since you seem to get into more trouble than most.”

“What are these salutes for, anyway?”

“Someone is celebrating a birthday.”

“Are they having a big party?”

“I suppose.”

“We weren’t invited?”

“Afraid not.”

“That’s pretty cold.”

“Well, we don’t know the person.”

“Yeah, but they are doing salutes in our neighborhood. Shouldn’t we be invided to attend?”

“I’m not sure they would want us there.”

“Why not?”

“Humans don’t like us very well.”

“What? Given how cute we are?”

“Maybe it’s the rattles or the poison. Who can say?”

“Well I think it’s rude.”

Tuesday- Anything Possible – Kreative Kur #440 by Keith Channing

July 16, 2024July 15, 2024 ~ John W. Howell ~ 36 Comments

In Keith’s words.

“Using this image (below) as inspiration, write a short story, flash fiction, scene, poem; anything, really. Either put your offering (or a link to it) in a comment or email it to me at keithchanning@gmail.com before the end of the week. 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.”

Link to Keith’s post. https://keithchanning.wordpress.com/2024/07/15/kreative-kue-440/

The Photo.

“Okay, that didn’t go well.”

“I don’t know. Looks like everything is in one piece.”

“That descent could have done us in.”

“You didn’t tell me about that lever.”

“One of the main reasons I didn’t is I didn’t want you to be tempted to touch it.”

“It was right there, almost begging me to pull it. It even had the word ‘pull’ on it.”

“If you had read the rest of the words, it says ‘pull for fire.'”

“Well, obviously, it didn’t work.”

“What do you mean?”

“There was no fire.”

“Going forward, there have to be some rules.”

“Look, I’m here to take lessons from you. I would hope there are rules.”

“The first is no touching anything until I tell you.”

“Sounds like a good one. What’s the second rule.”

“The second is for me, actually.”

“That’s interesting. What is it.”

“Never, ever book a student who obviously has the mental capacity of a grape.”

“Hold on. You referring to me?”

“Oh, no, sir. I’m just making a rule for the future.”

“That’s good. Now, what is this thingy here.”

“The thingy that says ignition?”

“Yeah, that’s the one.”

“It is a magic converter that turns electricity into an order for the engine to begin to rotate in anticipation of igniting the spark that will fire this sucker into action.”

“When do we use it?”

“After you open that door and get out.”

“But how will I be able to fly if I’m not in the vehicle.”

“Try beating your arms, or I’ve heard there are some drugs that may help. Try not to slam the door on your way out. Mind that seat belt release; it can be tricky.”

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Prompt – Kreative Kue #438 by Keith Channing

July 2, 2024July 1, 2024 ~ John W. Howell ~ 53 Comments

In Keith’s words. “Using this image (below) as inspiration, write a short story, flash fiction, scene, poem; anything, really. Either put your offering (or a link to it) in a comment or email it to me at keithchanning@gmail.com before the end of the week. 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.”

Keith post. https://keithchanning.wordpress.com/2024/07/01/kreative-kue-438/

The photo.

“Sir, could you please step over her for a minute?”

“Of course, is something wrong?”

“No sir, Is this your bag?”

“Why yes. Yes it is.”

“Would you open it for me?”

“W-why?”

“We just need to check the contents, sir.”

“Am I under suspicion?”

“Sir, this is routine. You have been randomly selected. To ensure the safety of our travelers, we conduct random bag checks.”

“Is this allowed?”

“Yes, sir. Congress has authorized TSA to conduct searches of any bag that is on airport property. By the way. Are you a lawyer by chance?”

“No, I’m not. Just a concerned citizen.”

“As a concerned citizen, do you have anything in this bag that might cause harm to other passengers?”

“Not that I’m aware of.”

“Then you shouldn’t mind if we look inside your bag.”

“Okay. Please do.”

“Thank you, sir. First, I’m going to wipe your bag with a narcotic and gunpowder detection strip.”

“Sure, go ahead.”

“Now I’m going to open your bag. Oh my.”

“What?”

“You have a stuffed pumpkin in here.”

“And?”

“My daughter has wanted one of those forever. Where did you get it?”

“I have never seen that thing in my life.”

“And what’s this?”

“What?”

“Looks like you are trying to smuggle a rare species.”

“Wait a minute. That’s our family pet.”

“Sure it is, sir. You have any papers to that effect.”

“Huh?”

“Can you prove this is your dog?”

“Um, I’m not sure. Oh, wait. I have some photos on my phone. Here, look.”

“Humm. It looks like your dog. So what is it doing in your suitcase?”

“I would like to know the same thing.”

“You obviously can’t proceed with a dog in your case.”

“I think I’ll have to go back home.”

“Well, sorry, sir, but that’s the right thing to do.”

“Too bad, too.”

“Why’s that?”

“My boss is going to be furious.”

“Yeah, they do react that way. Just tell the story. You can catch a flight later.”

“But I have the cocaine.”

“What’s that, sir?”

“Oops.”

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Kreative Kue #437 by Keith Channing

June 25, 2024June 24, 2024 ~ John W. Howell ~ 65 Comments

In Keith’s words.

Link to Keith’s post. https://keithchanning.wordpress.com/2024/06/24/kreative-kue-437/

The photo.

“So Monica, I hear you have a job offer already.”

“I do. I’m so excited.”

“Who is the company.”

“Oh, I’m sorry, Leslie, but I can’t identify them yet. I have an NDA until my first day. Once I start, I can tell you everything.”

“At least you can tell me where you will be located.”

“Humm. Yes, I guess I can tell you that. It’s in Singapore.”

“Singapore? You never told me that.”

“We have been so busy, darling, I haven’t had a chance.”

“But Singapore. That is so far away.”

“I know it, sweet one. Don’t worry; you can join me there.”

“I have a job here.”

“But you can get another.”

“We need to talk about this.”

“Do you two need some time alone?”

“Thanks, Leslie, but I don’t think so. You are a close friend, and we can talk freely in front of you.”

“Speak for yourself, Monika.”

“What’s wrong?”

“I just learned two minutes ago that you are going to Singapore, and you expect me to drop everything and follow you there.”

“Yeah, so?”

“I think we need some private time to discuss this.”

“I don’t see what there is to discuss.”

“Our future together. My job. Who should give up what? I think there is a whole host of things to discuss.”

“Alright. Let’s start with the paycheck.”

“Huh?”

“How much does your job pay?”

“That doesn’t mean anything. It’s the opportunity, the future, the goals, the rise in the corporate structure, the long game.”

“I start at $500,000.”

“When do we move?”

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Kreative Kue #436 by Keith Channing

June 18, 2024June 17, 2024 ~ John W. Howell ~ 51 Comments

In Keith’s words, “Using this image (below) as inspiration, write a short story, flash fiction, scene, poem; anything, really. Either put your offering (or a link to it) in a comment or email it to me at keithchanning@gmail.com before the end of the week. 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.”

Here is a link to Keith’s post. https://keithchanning.wordpress.com/2024/06/17/kreative-kue-436/

The photo.

“We just left the metro. What’s up?”

“You can’t be serious right now.”

“What do you mean calm down.”

“We are on vacation 5000 miles from you, and you tell me to calm down.”

“So, how bad is it?”

“What do you mean not that bad?”

“Yes, I am alarmed. You call me out of the blue, and for what?”

“Don’t interrupt. You call to say there is water running down the stairs from the second floor and to calm down. How can I calm down?”

“Under control? Why did you call me then?”

“Key to the front door? It’s on the table by the door. Why do you need the key to the front door?”

“How deep is the water?”

“Well, the key has to be under the water somewhere.”

“What do you mean, never mind?”

“So if the door is gone, how can you keep the house safe?”

“What do you mean we don’t need to worry about that?”

“The whole house? How did this happen?”

“Bath? What bath? You never take baths.”

“Call the insurance guy.”

“The number is in the drawer in the kitchen.”

“What do you mean you lost the kitchen?”

“No, I’m going to finish my vacation. You will need to figure this out.”

“Yes, dear. I love you, too. Please don’t call me again.”

“Just go to the ER, and they can stop that. Bye, dear.”

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Kreative Kue #435 by Keith Channing

June 11, 2024June 10, 2024 ~ John W. Howell ~ 46 Comments

In Keith’s words.

Keith’s post link. https://keithchanning.wordpress.com/2024/06/10/kreative-kue-435/

The photo.

“Why are we here, Papa?”

“As I said before, Ulysse, we are in our new home.”

“I’m not sure how to interpret that.”

“As you know, we sold the farm.”

“Yeah, Ulysse. What are you dumb or something.”

“That will be enough, Trevor. Ulysse has every right to understand our new situation.”

“Thank you, Papa. I am having some difficulty.”

“With what, Ulysse?”

“We have no roof.”

“That is only temporary. Besides, you can come under my desk if it rains.”

“Desk? This is a camp table.”

“Very well. But it will still protect you.”

“And where will you go?”

“Under with you.”

“Oh, great. Whose butt will be in the rain, I wonder?”

“It’s not raining now. Look on the bright side.”

“How about a description of the bright side?”

“I have my computer, phone, reader, batteries, and this glass of wine.”

“Okay, that’s your bright side. How about mine?”

“Your bed is here, and your loving brother.”

“Who just happens to be in my bed.”

“Well, in any case, we are all together and have our health.”

“I would like to see what a couple of wind-blown nights and a rainstorm will do to all this togetherness.”

“If you must know, in a very few minutes, the livery will drop off a house trailer, which we will use until the house is built.”

“Why didn’t you say that earlier.”

“And deny you the opportunity to complain?”

“Good one, Dad. Now you know what I have to put up with all the time.”

“Why don’t you get out of my bed, Trevor.”

“Why don’t you come and make me, Ulysse.”

“Okay, kids. Enough. Let’s enjoy the day.”

“Easy for you to say. You’ve got the wine.”

Tuesday – Anything Possible Kreative Kue #434 by Keith Channing

June 4, 2024June 3, 2024 ~ John W. Howell ~ 77 Comments

In Keith’s words.

Link to Keith’s post. https://keithchanning.wordpress.com/2024/06/03/kreative-kue-434/

The photo.

“Hey Trevor. What do you have?”

“I found him in the woods.”

“He looks a little worse for the wear.”

“I know. I thought you could take a look and see what’s needed.”

“I’d be happy to do that. Put him down here.”

“Before I do, you have to know he is a stuffed toy.”

“I’m so glad you told me that. I thought for a minute he was a live elephant.”

“Okay, I catch the sarcasm. I just didn’t want you to think it was me who made him worse for the wear.”

“You? How would I ever think you would do such a thing?”

“Dark sarcasm in the classroom.”

“Okay, just set him down and let me have a look.”

“Here.”

“Hmm. It doesn’t look too bad.”

“What do you mean too bad?”

“There is a little tear that needs fixing and he could do with a bath.”

“Okay. Will that be all?”

“I think so. Let me palpitate him to see if there is anything we can’t see.”

“What’s that noise?”

“Sounds like a squeaker.”

“A squeaker? We need to get that out.”

“Yes, I’ll remove it so you don’t have to tear the poor thing apart.”

“Squeakers, give me the willies.”

“They aren’t good for dogs if swallowed.”

“Are you sure you can do it?”

“I’m a doctor, for heaven’s sake. Of course, I can do it. There it is out. Now let me stitch him back up.”

“Oh, doctor, I’m so grateful.”

“Save it, Trevor. There are no cameras here. There, your friend is ready for a bath.”

“Do we really have to do that?”

“If you want him to come inside, we do. While we are at it, you are pretty ripe as well.”

“On second thought he can be an outside toy. See ya. Thanks.”

Tuesday -Anything Possible – Kreative Kue #433 by Keith Channing

May 28, 2024May 27, 2024 ~ John W. Howell ~ 60 Comments

In Keith’s words.

Here is a link to Keith’s post. https://keithchanning.wordpress.com/2024/05/27/kreative-kue-433/

The photo.

“Open wide.”

“Gimerglibb.”

“What?”

“Ahem. I can’t get any wider.”

“Sorry. It’s an expression.”

“What is that stuff anyway?”

“A scientific mixture of chick food.”

“No wonder.”

“No wonder what?”

“It tastes so bad. I’m not a chick.”

“You are a young bird. Almost the same thing.”

“To you, maybe. To me, I’m a fledgling.”

“Who taught you that?”

“My Mama.”

“Where is she now?”

“Still at the nest, I suppose.”

“Why aren’t you there?”

“Like I said, I’m a fledgling. I’m supposed to go my own way.”

“We thought you needed help.”

“What made you think that?”

“You were walking instead of flying for one thing.”

“Oh, that. I was giving my wings a rest.”

“Could have fooled me. You looked all done in.”

“Mama taught me to look weak in the face of an enemy.”

“I’m not an enemy.”

“I didn’t know that.”

“Okay, what now?”

“I have to hoof it back home.”

“Hoof it?”

“Well, I mean fly. Hoof it is an expression.”

“So, you don’t need rescue.”

“Nope. Thank you kindly. And a word to the wise.”

“Yes.”

“Lose the chick food.”

“Noted.”

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Kreative Kue #432 by Keith Channing

May 21, 2024May 20, 2024 ~ John W. Howell ~ 66 Comments

Keith’s post link https://keithchanning.wordpress.com/2024/05/13/kreative-kue-432/

The photo.

“Long story short, Mom, I want to invite Billy for a sleepover.”

“Oh, darling. That might be hard to do.”

“Why?”

“Well, if we had an empty nest, I would say go for it.”

“But there is plenty of room.”

“For you and your sisters, yes.”

“Billy can sleep in my part.”

“It’s not that easy. Look at me right now.”

“Yeah, so?”

“I’m half out of the place.”

“But you always sit there.”

“Sure, ’cause there’s no room with you little ones here.”

“Can’t the sisters stay with friends tonight?”

“Their friend’s family has the same problem. ”

“But they only have two chicks.”

“Bald Eagle chicks are a whole lot bigger than you guys.”

“Aw gee, Mom. I never get a chance to have any fun.”

“Now you sound like your father.”

“Just one night, please?”

“Have we met Billy?”

“No, he’s new to the neighborhood.”

“Well, why don’t you invite him to dinner, and then we’ll see where it goes.”

“What are we having?

“Rodent, I think. I haven’t gone shopping yet.”

Ew. I don’t think Billy likes rodents.”

“How do you know?”

“He’s a quail. I think he’s vegan.”

“A quail? Does his Mom know you and he are friends?”

“The subject never came up, why?”

“Well, quail and hawks don’t usually get along. In fact, it might not be a good idea for you two to play together.”

“Why’s that?”

“Your dad has been known to attack quail.”

“No kidding. Why?”

“I don’t know how to say this, but sometimes they are dinner.”

“Aw, Mom. Say it isn’t so.”

“I wish I could.”

“He’s my best friend.”

“Well then, let’s just keep thins between us. Don’t tell your father. Dinner or an overnight are out of the question.”

“I can see that.”

“And if Billy’s parents find out he is friends with a hawk, you can expect they will have something to say about that.”

“Boy, this world is sure messed up.”

“It is sometimes son. But for the most part, pretty nice.”

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Kreative Kue #431 by Keith Channing.

May 7, 2024May 6, 2024 ~ John W. Howell ~ 52 Comments

In Keith’s words: “Using this image (below) as inspiration, write a short story, flash fiction, scene, poem; anything, really. Either put your offering (or a link to it) in a comment or email it to me at keithchanning@gmail.com before the end of the week. 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.”

Keith’s post: https://keithchanning.wordpress.com/2024/05/06/kreative-kue-431/

The photo: