Tuesday – Anything possible – Kreative Kue #257 by Keith Channing

April 7, 2020April 6, 2020 ~ 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 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 #257

“I’ve checked everything and don’t know what’s wrong.”

“You obviously missed something.”

“Easy for you to say.”

“If you checked everything, then you would have a clue why this thing quit out here in the middle of nowhere.”

“Speaking of that, do we know where we are?”

“You have the map. Why don’t you try and locate our position.”

“Let’s see. Here is the mountain range. Over here is the watering hole.”

“You see that on the map?”

“No. I’m just looking around. The mountain range is behind us, and the watering hole up ahead.”

“What does the map say?”

“Yeah, I was never good with maps. Say, are you getting thirsty?”

“You know we were on the road for three hours before this hunk of junk died. Hey, driver.”

“Yes, Bosi.”

“About how many miles have we come so far.”

“Um. Let me convert from kilometers. That would be about 120 miles.”

“See, all we have to do is measure out the miles on the map and then the general direction, and we will have a rough idea where we are.”

“Okay, let me use my finger joint as an inch. We’ve been heading West, so I say we are here in Fukarewe.”

“Was that so hard?”

“You guys know where we are yet?”

“Keep your pants on, Harold. We think we have it.”

“I hope so cause those animals are getting closer.”

“Uh, Bosi?”

“Yes, Jafari.”

“We are at the point of rescue.”

“How do you know?”

“I placed a call when the fuel ran out.”

“The fuel?”

“I mentioned that we should get fuel, but in a hurry, you were.”

“Yeah, I remember. What call did you make?”

“Triple-A. They should be here shortly.”

“Fuel. Why didn’t I think of that?”

“Why didn’t you think of Triple-A?”

“We need to go back and start over.”

“You said it. Just Jafari and me.”

“Shut up, Harold.”

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Kreative Kue #256 By Keith Channing

March 31, 2020March 30, 2020 ~ John W. Howell ~ 33 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 #256

“Look at those three. You would think they are starving to death.”

“I know, right? It’s like they think they had their last meal the last time.”

“Yeah, that last sentence was a little confusing. Oh-oh, here comes mama.”

“What delight does she have for us now?”

“From here, it looks like worm again.”

“Ew. I have just about had my fill of worm.”

“You and me both, brother. You would think she would pick up a grasshopper or something but noooo worm again.”

“Well, I’m not going to open my mouth. I’m going to sit here until she gets something more delicious than worm.”

“Okay. I’m with you too. Zero worm will cross my lips.”

“Uh, sister?”

“What?”

“You don’t have lips.”

“You know what I meant. Don’t be so picky.”

“So we stand in solidarity, do we?” Hey, what are you doing?”

“Mama made me eat it.”

“You could have kept your mouth shut.”

“She was very forceful.”

“So that is the end of the hunger strike?”

“No, you can go ahead and strike. I’m going to take a nap.”

“Fine feathered friend, you are.”

“Crybaby.”

Tuesday – Anything Possible- Kreative Kue # 255 by Keith Channing

March 24, 2020March 23, 2020 ~ John W. Howell ~ 60 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.

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

The Photo.

Kreative Kue #255

“Well, we finally made it to Broadway.”

“Oh, my goodness. What a trip it has been.”

“You are so right, sister. We have come a long way.”

“Did you ever think we would be here one day?.”

“Not even in my wildest dreams.”

“When I was a little girl, I used to dance and sing and pretend to be on Broadway.”

“Me too. That’s amazing. We had the same thing going on.”

“I used to put on shows for my family. I even had a cardboard sign with Broadway written on it.”

“Oh, that sounds cute.”

“I would charge my family a penny for the show.”

“Hahaha. I would probably have had to pay my family to attend, so I never mentioned a price.”

“So now we are here. What is the first thing we should do?”

“We need to find an agent.”

“Yeah, and then some auditions.”

“How about an apartment?”

“And some food.”

“Uh, ladies?”

“What?”

“Yes?”

“I think we better get jobs.”

“Buzzkill.”

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Kreative Kue #253 by Keith Channing

March 10, 2020March 9, 2020 ~ John W. Howell ~ 53 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 # 253

“Come on out, the water’s fine.”

“Nope.”

“Whattya mean nope.”

“Not coming out.”

“Why?”

“Because I look terrible.”

“How can you say that?”

“It’s true.”

“Okay. Tell me about the problem.”

“It’s embarrassing.”

“How long have we been together?”

“I can’t remember. Our whole lives, I guess.”

“I’m the only one out here.”

“Yeah, so?”

“We’ve been together forever. Why are you embarrassed in front of me.”

“I guess it’s this suit. I’ve never worn one like this before.”

“What bothers you about it?”

“I almost hate to say. You’ll laugh.”

“Come on. I promise not to laugh.”

“Well okay. This suit bearly covers my breast and makes me look like I have chicken legs.”

“But that’s not a bad thing.”

“Go on.”

“You have a beautiful breast and shouldn’t be ashamed to show it.”

“And?”

“You are a chicken. Why wouldn’t you have chicken legs?”

“Typical rooster comment. You just don’t understand.”

Tuesday – Anything possible – Kreative Kue #252 by Keith Channing

March 3, 2020March 2, 2020 ~ 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 #252

“Now, you have to be very careful with this.”

“I know, I know. You already explained that.”

“Yes, I did, but I want to make sure you know exactly how precious this is.”

“Please don’t lecture me on being careful. After all, you’re the one who dropped the last one.”

“Okay, that was an accident. I was jostled when we traded last time.”

“I’m just saying there is no reason to doubt that I won’t take care.”

“Okay, I get it. I didn’t realize you were so sensitive.”

“I’m not sensitive. You’re always giving me directions that don’t seem necessary is all.”

“Excuse me, but aren’t you the one who always gets nervous on new assignments?”

“You call it nervous I call it thorough because I want to do a good job, unlike some people I know.”

“You can’t be talking about me.”

“I am talking about you, Mr. Oops.”

“Where did that come from?”

“Oh, come on. Your little slip caused an entire system to implode.”

“Wait a minute. That system was tens of millions of years old. it was ready.”

“Says you. Okay, let’s forget it. I have the Orion arm solar system in my hand. You have a nice play day.”

“I will try now that I know you hate me.”

“Quit being a little child. You are a god for heaven’s sake. Act like it.”

“You are always so mean.”

“Cry baby.”

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Kreative Kue #251 by Keith Kreates

February 25, 2020February 24, 2020 ~ John W. Howell ~ 58 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 #251

“Well, folks. I have given the car a complete check over. I have some good news and some bad news.”

“Doesn’t surprise me there is bad news. That POC has been giving me fits for two years.”

“Now, darling. Let’s not be negative. Let’s hear what the nice man has to say.”

“Okay nice man. Give us the bad news first.”

“You sure you wouldn’t rather have the good news?”

“No, I’m a realist and need to deal with the downside of each issue foremost.”

“Very well, sir. The bad news is I don’t think your car is ever going to run again.”

“What do you mean? I just had the thing completely overhauled before we started on this ill-advised adventure.”

“Now, dear. We shouldn’t bother this nice mechanic with some of our petty feelings about this trip.”

“Not bother him. What about me. I said driving that heap would be a mistake. And who’s idea was it to take a trip to visit who’s mother?”

“Okay, Leonard. Now is not the time to start ranting about my mother.”

“I think it is a perfect time. We came all this way, and do you think she could have at least offered a cup of tea?”

“You know she’s not well.”

“Not well? That old warhorse is far more healthy than you, and I combined.”

“Well, she still has her challenges.”

“Challenges? Let’s call that little gin habit of hers what it is. She’s a lush.”

“Excuse me, folks, but I need to get back to the shop.”

“Ah, forgive us.”

“Yeah, please tell us the good news since the bad news says we are pretty much doomed to call my wife’s mother for help.”

“Wel,l even though your car will never run again, I can give you a tow to the garage.”

“Excuse me. Where is the good news in that? Are you saying you can tow us for no extra charge?”

“Oh, no, sir. The fee will be five hundred dollars.”

“That is exorbitant. I’m still waiting for good news.”

“The good news is I can still offer you a ten dollar coupon good on any service. The offer expires at midnight tonight.”

“Such good news, I’m overwhelmed.”

“We only have these coupons once a year.”

“Yeah, I’m not surprised.”

“You and your wife want to ride in the truck?”

“Or what? Walk?”

“Dark sarcasm in the classroom, sir.”

“Yeah, I know. How can you have any pudding if you don’t eat yer meat?”

“You said it, sir.”

“Here’s my card.”

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Kreative Kue #250 by Keith Channing

February 18, 2020February 17, 2020 ~ John W. Howell ~ 57 Comments

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

The photo.

Kreative Kue #250

“Can you hear me?”

“Muffelluff eff.”

“What?”

“Merfing merp merp.”

“I can’t understand you. Is something blocking your mouth?”

“Ah, moggle mit merf. Is this better? The snow was in the way.”

“My goodness, yes. How are you doing?”

“Just fine. Unfortunately, I fell in this deep hole.”

“I know. I have been sent to rescue you.”

“Who are you?”

“My name is Arty.”

“Arty?”

“Yup. Short for Arctic Rescue Canine.”

“Do you have a rope?”

“No. Just my paws. I will have you out in no time.”

“You are going to dig down here?”

“Yup. That’s right.”

“Then what?”

“Then, we walk out of the hole together.”

“Excuse me if I seem dubious, but I don’t know how that’s going to happen.”

“The walking part?”

“No the digging part. You’ve got about ten feet to dig to reach me.”

“Piece of cake.”

“How can you be so sure.”

“I used to be able to dig out of my yard in ten seconds flat, and that was dirt. This is snow. What chance does it stand?”

“Well, you sound convincing.”

“What do you have to lose?”

“Nothing, I guess. One more thing.”

“Yes.”

“I’m a cat.”

“You’re kidding?”

“No. Arctic Bob is my name.”

“Tell me the name ‘Bob’ is not part of the term bobcat.”

“It is.”

“You know I think I hear my owner. You can do this Bob. See ya.”

“Darn. Thought I had one.”

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Kreative Kue #249 by Keith Channing

February 11, 2020February 10, 2020 ~ John W. Howell ~ 55 Comments

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

The photo.

Kreative Kue #249

“Geez, Frank. I didn’t realize this watering hole was so popular.”

“I didn’t either. When I asked you to stop after work for a couple of drinks, it was beyond me that it would be so crowded.”

“Well, we might as well make the best of it.”

“Yeah, let’s crowd in and see if we can snag a drink.”

“By the way, I still am pleased you asked me to join you.”

“Aw think nothing of it. It has been too long. We’ve been working together for how long?”

“I guess it is over a year.”

“Yeah, see. That’s what I mean. A drink together has been long overdue.”

“How is your work going? Since you left the department, I have kinda lost track.”

“Oh, it is pretty much like when I was in the department. You know, find new ways to make things work.”

“I never did understand why you transferred out.”

“Well, that is a little hard to believe, George.”

“What do you mean?”

“Weren’t you the one who came in and took my job?”

“Well, that was not up to me, Frank. I just did what the boss told me to do.”

“I know how that is. I think Benedict Arnold said the same thing before he dropped through the trap door.”

“Trap door? What are you saying? Hey, where is everyone going?”

“Looks like the tiger is upon us, Kid. I wish you well. I hope you have been doing your wind sprints while not kissing up to the boss.”

“Well, here is a newsflash for you, Frank. You’re not going to outrun that tiger.”

“Well, you see, Frank. I’m not worried about outrunning the tiger.”

“So, what are you worried about?”

“Outrunning you. See ya. Best of luck.”

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Kreative Kue #248 by Keith Channing

February 4, 2020February 3, 2020 ~ John W. Howell ~ 40 Comments

In Keith’s words. “On to this week’s challenge: 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 #248

“I heard your phone, ding. Who is sending you a message?”

“OMG. It’s that boy I met on the bus yesterday.”

“What, boy. You never told us about a boy.”

“Well, I didn’t think it was necessary. You know how boys are. I didn’t expect to hear from him again.”

“How did he get your number?”

“We traded numbers.”

“My gosh, Aahana. Don’t you know how dangerous that is?”

“Oh, nonsense. It’s not like I gave him my home address.”

“Another ding.”

“Yes, he is sending me a picture. Oh, look.”

“Whoa. He is a handsome one, for sure. What is his name?”

“I don’t know. We didn’t trade names.”

“Well, ask him?”

“I can’t do that?”

“Why not?”

“It’s too personal. I should have asked when I was talking to him.”

“You give him your phone number, and you think asking his name is too personal?”

“Oh, wait. He is asking my name.”

“Ha.”

“Don’t ‘ha” me. That is a personal question. I don’t have to give him my name.”

“You now think he is too forward?”

“I do. I am going to ignore his texts. Look, he is now asking where I live?”

“Well, I would ignore that one for sure.”

“Here, I’ll take care of it and tell him I have no interest in him.”

“He sure is good looking.”

“So what. Probably raised in a barn. The nerve. Asking my name and where I live. Wait, he is sending me his address. Look at this.”

“Isn’t that the Prime minister’s address?”

“This might be his son.”

“Oh, Aahana. Did you send the text telling him you have no interest.”

“I did. Ours crossed. Oops. He just sent a sad emoji.”

“So tell him you didn’t mean it.”

“There is not a future anyway.”

“Why?”

“My dad voted against the prime minister and would never consent to a date.”

“You could tell him he’s a lawyer.”

“Even worse.”

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Kreative Kue #247 by Keith Channing

January 28, 2020January 27, 2020 ~ John W. Howell ~ 70 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 #247

“You call a cab buddy?”

“I sure did.”

“Well, jump in. You can sit upfront with me. Here I’ll open the door.”

“Er. I’m not sure I’m your ride.”

“Why are you not sure. You said you called for a cab?”

“Yeah, I did. But I thought I had called the Yellow Cab company.”

“Ah, what’s the difference. You still get to your destination.”

“Well, that is my worry.”

“What worry?”

“I’ve been reading a lot about gypsy cabs. You know the ones where they kidnap unsuspecting travelers and hold them for ransom.”

“Oh, man. You must have been reading the Enquirer. That doesn’t happen around here.”

“How do I know that?”

“Look at me. Do I look like the kind of guy who could kidnap anyone? I’m an old fart with skinny arms. You could take me in a minute. You work out right?”

“Yeah, I do work out.”

“I could tell by those biceps you got. Some pair of guns. Hey, guy, I need the fare. If you don’t want to get in then just close the door and I’ll be off.”

“I don’t mean to be so cautious but this is my first time here.”

“I understand. If it would make you feel better you can get in the back.”

“That would make me feel better.”

“Okay, no problem. Jump in and we’ll get you to your hotel bing badda boom.”

“You from the States?”

“Yeah, Brooklyn. Born and raised.”

“Okay, I’m in.”

“Where to, Pal?”

“The Continental. Wait why did those doors lock?”

“To keep you safe .”

“Oh.”

“And to keep you from getting away.”

“What do you mean.”

“We are going on a little trip so sit back and relax.”

“Hey. Stop this cab and let me out.”

“Not gonna happen, brother. You are my meal ticket. There at a bunch of nice guys who’ll pay me a thousand bucks for you.”

“Okay, I’m coming up there if you don’t let me out.”

“Yeah just try. Your seat belt has you locked in. You cautious types always put on the seat belt. Makes it so much easier.”

“I demand that you pull over.”

“This is rich if I say so myself. Here’s a guy who is making demands. The same guy who gets in a gypsy cab with the name of Moron. This is one for the boys at the tavern.”