Tuesday – Anything Possible – Kreative Kue #303 by Keith Channing

March 16, 2021March 15, 2021 ~ John W. Howell ~ 52 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.

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

The photo.

“Well, you’ve done a fine job.”

“Why, thank you. You mean that, or are you just saying it?”

“No, I mean it. Of course, I think it’s time you stop.”

“Why?”

“Here you are. You’ve almost circled this entire tree. I just think it is time to stop.”

“You think this nest is okay then?”

“I would say you have built the finest nest South of the equator.”

“You mean that?”

“Of course I do.”

“This brings up a problem, you know.”

“What’s that?”

“What do I do next?”

“Oh. I think I can help you with that?”

“Oh yeah? You have an idea?”

“Now that the nest is finished, we can start a family.”

“That sounds like the logical next step, I think.”

“You agree then?”

“I can see the future.”

“Which is.”

“An addition to accommodate the new family members.”

“You know most Social Weavers take a break from building.”

“Lazy Social Weavers*, I would say.”

“Shall we go in?”

“I never thought you would ask.”

*Social Weavers are birds that build huge nests in Africa. They live in colonies so my story has taken a little bit of license with a single family view.

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Kreative Kue #302 By Keith Channing

March 9, 2021March 8, 2021 ~ John W. Howell ~ 53 Comments

In Keith’s words.

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

The Photo.

Kreative Kue #302

“What was that?”

“That flash, you mean?”

“Yes, that flash you, idiot. What else would I be talking about?”

“The bear trap on your right leg.”

“Ouch. I didn’t even notice that. What the hell?”

“I think we have been made.”

“What do you mean?”

“Well, I’m standing in tar and can’t move my feet. Unless you feel like chewing off your leg, I don’t think you can go anywhere either.”

“What kind of person sets these kinds of traps?”

“You really don’t know?”

“Who does this stuff?”

“In all the years I’ve known you, that is about the dumbest question you have ever asked.”

“Why is it dumb? Who goes around setting a bear trap that an innocent person would step in?”

“You just said the magic word.”

“What word?”

“Innocent.”

“How did we deserve this? You tell me.”

“How many porches have we raided?”

“Um. Don’t know.”

“Well, it is hundreds. Don’t you think we may have done this one before?”

“How do I know? They all look the same.”

“So now it is the end of the line.”

“Why do you say that?”

“Do you not hear the siren approaching?”

“I thought it was my tinnitus acting up.”

“Our porch pirate days are coming to an end.”

“Aw, don’t say that. We have had so much fun.”

“At the expense of others.”

“That was the fun part.”

“You are incorrigible.”

“My best trait.”

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Kreative Kue #301 by Keith Channing.

March 2, 2021March 1, 2021 ~ John W. Howell ~ 63 Comments

In Keith’s words.

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

The photo.

Kreative Kue

“Breakenridge, Cessna 174.”

“Cessna 174, go ahead.”

“I have an emergency.”

“You have Breckenridge Control, Cessna 174. What is the nature of your emergency?”

“I’m losing altitude but cannot explain why. Currently going through ten-thousand heading for nine.”

“Your nearest airfield is Hanover. Would you like vectors to Hanover?”

“Affirmative Breckenridge. Cessna 174.”

“Turn to 220 degrees maintain nine thousand. Contact Hanover tower at 290.5.”

“290.5, nine thousand. The problem is I just went through nine, heading for eight. Cessna 174.”

“Maintain eight thousand, switch to 290.5. Breckenridge out.”

“Hanover, Cessna 174 with you at eight thousand heading for seven.”

“Affirmative Cessna 174. Breckenridge said, you have a problem?”

“Roger that, Hanover. I cannot maintain altitude.”

“Understood, Cessna 174. What is your DG?”

“220 degrees.”

“Maintain 220 degrees. You. are cleared to land on runway 22. You are about six miles from touchdown. Do you have the runway in sight?”

“I’m not sure, Hanover. There is a double rainbow right in front of me. I’m having trouble seeing beyond it.”

“We do not see the rainbow from here. Can you look beyond it, Cessna 174?”

“No, It’s . . . uh . . . like a curtain.”

“Maintain your current rate of descent, Cessna 174. You should be at the end of the runway shorty.”

“I . . .uh. . . can’t”

“You’re breaking up Cessna 174. Did you say you can’t? . . . Cessna 174? . . . Do you copy Cessna 174? . . . Hanover to Cessna 174 do you read?. . . Cessna 174.”

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Kreative Kue # 300

February 23, 2021February 22, 2021 ~ John W. Howell ~ 68 Comments

This is the 300th post that Keith Channing has created as a prompt. I joined his prompts after the 36th. So this means I have been enjoying and participating in Keith’s prompts since August 4th, 2015. Boy, time flies when you are having fun. Congratulations Keith on a fine job.

In Keith’s words.

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

The photo,

Kreative Kue #300

Westward Ho by John W. Howell

“Amos. Come here and look at this.”

“What is it.”

“There is someone out in the south pasture on a lawn tractor.”

“I told you to make sure that gate was locked.”

“Never mind that. What is she doing there.”

“From my view, she’s mowing the hay.”

“We don’t want that do we?”

“I’ve thought it’s about time. I was just looking over the baler yesterday.”

“But she is cutting the hay, and look how it is blowing out in little pieces.”

“I think you’re right. That’s not the kind of thing we want. Hey, you on the tractor. in the pasture.”

“Me.”

“Are you on a tractor?”

“I think so.”

“Are you the only one in the pasture?”

“Besides you?”

“Yes.”

“I guess so.”

“So what are you doing here.”

“Heading West.”

“Heading West? On a lawnmower?”

“It’s the only vehicle I have.”

“But you are making a mess of my pasture.”

“I thought you would appreciate getting it cut.”

“The pieces are so small I won’t be able to pick them up.”

“Oh, I never thought of that.”

“You from around here.”

“No. I’m from New York.”

“New York City?”

“Yes.”

“And you came all the way to Iowa from there?”

“Yes.”

“Well, I have to give it to you. I couldn’t imagine doing that myself.”

“You want me to finish the mowing?”

“Maybe you need a break. What’s your name?”

“Jenny. Jenny Deere.”

“You wouldn’t be related to-”

“John Deere? Yup, he’s my dad.”

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Kreative Kue #299 by Keith Channing

February 16, 2021February 15, 2021 ~ John W. Howell ~ 67 Comments

In Keith’s words.

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

The photo.

“Hold on, everyone.”

“I can’t see my feet.”

“Looks like they are running out of shrimp.”

“Did you honestly just sneeze?”

“Where’s the help around here.”

“All you can eat for a buck?”

“Harold, you said this was an exclusive place.”

“Has anyone seen my wing?”

“Chicken wing.”

“Nah, stupid. My wing.”

“Hey, you there. That’s my serving.”

“Get your foot outa of mine then.”

“Where’s the manager?”

“Right here under y’all.”

“I’m never coming back.”

“Don’t let the door smack ya where the good Lord cracked ya.”

“Waiter. Wheres my wine?”

“You are kidding, right?”

“Yeah, make it a birdbath.”

“Anybody want to swarm after the meal?”

“Excuse me, madam. Take your wings off me. I’m not your husband.”

“You sure look like him.”

“I’ve been told that a lot.”

“Who wants dessert?”

“Is it included?”

“Yes.”

“What is it?”

“Suet paired with sunflower seeds.”

“Oh, yes, please.”

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Kreative Kue 298 by Keith Channing

February 9, 2021February 8, 2021 ~ John W. Howell ~ 60 Comments

In Keith’s words.

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

The photo

Kreative Kue #298

“Trevor. Oh, Trevor.”

“Over here, boss.”

“Over where? I can hear you I can’t see you, though.”

“By the hedgerow. Near the post.”

“There you are. What on Earth?”

“What on Earth indeed.”

“What happened?”

“I was minding my own business on the scent trail of that pesky skunk and all of a sudden I found myself stuck.”

“Can’t you back out?”

“That’s just it. I tried backing out but the snow clumped up on my behind and I got stuck.”

“It looks pretty free now.”

“Yeah, cause I started rocking back and forth to make room.”

“What stopped you then?”

“The skunk.”

“The skunk? How could the skunk stop you?”

“He came over and said he could get me out.”

“Your sworn enemy offered to help you?”

“Well, he said he could get me out if I made him a promise.”

“Uh-oh. That doesn’t sound good.”

“Tell me about it. He wanted me to promise never to chase him again.”

“What did you say?”

“I told him I could never make a promise like that.”

“What’d he do.”

“Walked away. So, now, can you get me out?”

“Sure but I need you to make me a promise.”

“What promise?”

“To never chase that skunk again.”

“Here we go again. I could never make that promise.”

“Well, this snow should be gone in a week or two.”

“Okay, okay. I promise not to chase the skunk again.”

“Repeat after me. And if I do.”

“And if I do.”

“I’ll sleep in the barn until the smell goes away.”

“Gee. I kinda like the smell.”

“Say it or stay here till spring.”

“I’ll sleep in the barn until the smell goes away.”

“Okay, I have you.”

“Thanks, boss. By the way, I had my paws crossed.”

“And I’m the only one who can open doors to let you in the house.”

“Yeah, good point.”

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Kreative Kue 296 by Keith Channing

January 26, 2021January 25, 2021 ~ John W. Howell ~ 57 Comments

In Keith’s words.

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

The photo.

Kreative Kue 296

“I’m not sure I can run anymore.”

“You have to. We need to make it to the yard.”

“What’s the rush?”

“You’re kidding me, right?”

“No, I’m not. Are we late for dinner?”

“No, dinner is hours away.”

“I give up. Why are we running?”

“You didn’t see that thing by the woods.”

“What thing?”

“That monstrosity with the black eyes and glowing nose.”

“You mean the carrot?”

“Carrot? What are you talking about?”

“It’s a snowman with a carrot nose.”

“What about those coal-black eyes.”

“You just said it.”

“What?”

“Coal. The eyes are made of coal.”

“Nah, uh.”

“Un-huh.”

“Whew, let’s stop running.”

“Thank heavens. I can hardly get my breath.”

“So you’re saying it was a snowman.”

“Yup.”

“How’s he get there?”

“That old guy with the beard built it.”

“The one we live with?”

“The very same.”

“The author.”

“Yup.”

“Why would he build a snowman?”

“For a story.”

“Not much of a story.”

“What if the snowman came alive and was chasing us?”

“Now that would be a story.”

“Don’t look now, but we better get to running again.”

“This is fiction, right?”

“I’m not hanging around to find out. I’m going to bug out. You with me?”

“Well ahead of you, my friend.”

Tuesday – Anythings Possible – Kreative Kue 295 by Keith Channing

January 19, 2021January 18, 2021 ~ John W. Howell ~ 80 Comments

In Keith’s words.

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

The photo.

Kreative Kue #295

“Look at that.”

“I know. Crazy, wouldn’t you say.”

“Out in this kind of weather.”

“No hat even.”

“Would serve her right.”

“What would serve her right?”

“If she got picked up in the talons of a giant snow owl.”

“I wouldn’t mind seeing that.”

“You making a challenge?”

“No, I just said I wouldn’t mind seeing her picked up in the talons of a giant snow owl.”

“You know they don’t believe in giant snow owls.”

“So who would know?”

“I had the same thought.”

“Why don’t you do it then?”

“Then what?”

“Beats mice, I’m sure.”

“To eat?”

“I’m just saying.”

“Ew.”

“Okay, then forget it.”

“You know something?”

“What?”

“You and I don’t have enough to do.”

“Guilty. Let’s think of something else.”

“Like maybe a sheep.”

“Yeah. A sheep in a snowstorm. Now that would be a real challenge.”

“You’re on.”

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Kreative Kue #294 by Keith Channing

January 12, 2021January 11, 2021 ~ John W. Howell ~ 49 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 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 Monday.”

The photo.

Kreative Kue

“Where is our bus?”

“I don’t see it.”

“What are we going to do now?”

“I don’t have a clue. Maybe we can catch another.”

“I thought this was supposed to be a lunch break.”

“Yeah, me too. Looks like it was just a quick stop. I told you we should have gotten a translation book.”

“This rain isn’t going to make it any more comfortable.”

“The fact that I’ve grown webbing between my toes should tell us something.”

“Webbing?”

“Just joking. It’s been raining so much. I think we are going to need to tread water soon.”

“So, back to the bus. What should we do?”

“Hold on, I have the tour operator’s card here. Let me call them.”

“Oh, thank heavens. Yes, call them.”

“Hello. This is McGee calling. Bob McGee. We are stranded at a bus stop. How soon for the next bus? You’re kidding? Yeah, we know that now. Yes, sure, put us on that one. Isn’t there anything sooner? Okay then. Thanks. Bye.”

“So that didn’t sound good.”

“The next bus is tomorrow at this time.”

“Twenty four hours in this jungle outpost? There’s no place to sleep.”

“Well, we will just have to make due. The guy said we should never have gotten off the bus.”

“That makes me feel so much better knowing that. So what do you suggest?”

“What do you have in that bag?”

“My dirty red bandana and my harmonica.”

“Perfect. We are saved.”

“How so?”

“I’ll just thumb a diesel down before the next rain, and we’ll sing songs to the driver. We’ll sing every song the drive knows.”

“You sayin’ the windshield wipers will be slapping time?”

“Now, you’ve got it.”

“Gee, Bobby. It does sound good.”

“We are making memories, kiddo. The kind where you might want to trade all your tomorrows for a single yesterday.”

“You have such a way with words, Bobby. Put out that thumb, and let’s get going.”

***

Thanks to Chris Christopherson for writing, Janus Joplin, and Johnny Cash among others for singing one of my favorite songs, “Me and Bobby McGee.” Here is Janis

Tuesday- Anything Possible – Kreative Kue #293 by Keith Channing

January 5, 2021January 4, 2021 ~ John W. Howell ~ 69 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.

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

The Photo.

Kreative Kue 293