Tuesday – Anything Possible – Kreative Kue #225 by Keith Channing

August 20, 2019August 19, 2019 ~ John W. Howell ~ 71 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.

“Hold on Sedgwick. Who appointed you a chief mechanic?”

“Well, I’m not saying I’m chief, but I know a hell of a lot more than you.”

“Oh, sure. Says the guy who forgot the locking bolts on the baggage hold hatch.”

“I didn’t forget them. They were just not deployed is all.”

“So you did that on purpose?”

“Not on purpose. It was an honest mistake.”

“Made by an incompetent.”

“Now you two need to stop. We must get this flight ready to depart. What seems to be the problem?”

“Mr. know it all here says this piece of baggage can’t be put on the plane.”

“Sedgewick is that true?”

“There’s no room. The plane is full and so it the baggage compartment.”

“So why not take it into the terminal and we’ll send it on the next flight?”

“The problem that Sedgewick refuses to recognize or discuss is that bag has all the emergency oxygen masks in it. and need to be on the plane.”

“Do tell. How is that possible?”

“Sedgewick removed them.”

“True Sedgewick?”

“Yes, ma’am it was time for their annual inspection, so I took them out.”

“Now, there is no time to put them back. Is that it?”

“That is it in a nutshell, ma’am.”

“Well, I think there is an easy solution.”

“Sedgewick and I would like to hear it, ma’am.”

“We’ll tell the pilot to stay below 10,000 feet, and there will be no need for the masks should an emergency occur.”

“He can do that?”

“Of course. The only problem will be when he approaches the Alps.”

“How tall are they, ma’am?”

“Fifteen thousand or so.”

“Can the folks hold their breath till they get over them?”

“You know Sedgewick. I thought you didn’t know much, but that is a perfect solution. Are we good here?”

“All good, ma’am.”

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Kreative Kue #224 by Keith Channing

August 13, 2019August 12, 2019 ~ John W. Howell ~ 46 Comments

I am happy to repost that Keith Channing is back. After six weeks of moving he is back on line. Welcome Keith. In his 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.

“Lets hope he has not made a mistake.”

“A mistake? The guy is clearly off his rocker.”

“Why do you say that?”

“Um. Let’s look at the evidence. One he is sitting out in the hot sun. Two he thinks beer is going to drop from that dark cloud.”

“But as he explained he created a new form of rain.”

“Rain that is supposed to be beer? Don’t make me laugh.”

“I tend to feel sorry for him.”

“Not sure that is the proper emothion. I think more we should get him some help.”

“What would happen if that cloud opened up and filled his glass with beer?”

“He would be a billionaire in no time. That’s not going to happen. Who ever heard of such a thing.”

“I hear thunder.”

“Okay so it might rain.”

“Normally when it thunders I smell ozone. Right now I smell beer.”

“Don’t make me put you in the same straight jacket.”

“Look. It is raining in the glass and there is a nice head on the beer.”

“I see it alright. I am really surprised.”

“What do you say now Mr. Doubting Thomas?”

“Sure glad he is our son.”

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Kreative Kue #223 by Keith Channing

June 25, 2019June 24, 2019 ~ John W. Howell ~ 50 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.

“So when do you think she’ll be here?”

“I thought she would have been here by now.”

“Could it be we missed her?”

“How is that possible? All these people have been waiting, and they would have seen her.”

“Did you ask anyone.”

“Heavens no. I’m embarrassed enough as it is without making a scene. Besides. Look at them. They are all looking down the driveway.”

“Maybe there is another arrival they are looking to see.”

“Please. This is the only thing going on here today.”

“Well, I think it couldn’t hurt to ask.”

“Enough. Do I need any more humiliation?”

“Suit yourself. One last question.”

“Please get whatever it is off your chest. Ask away.”

“Do you recognize any of these folks?”

“Now that I look I can say I don’t.”

“Don’t you think that a bit odd?”

“Put that way, I guess I do.”

“Do you have the invitation?”

“Yes, it is right here.”

“What is the name and address of the church?”

“This is silly. I know where the church is. We had a rehearsal here last week.”

“Humor me.”

“All Saints Church. 39 Pastoral Way.”

“Do you see the name on that sign?”

“Yes. All Saints Chape—Yikes. This is the wrong church. What. . . I put the address in the GPS system.”

“Does the invitation give a time of the service.”

“Y-yes. Two o’clock.”

“Three minutes to go ten miles. Better reprogram the GPS and start moving. You may not live this one down.”

“There’s no one I can call.”

“And admit you went to the wrong church? You might want to hit a tree on the way over there. Maybe it’s your only out.”

“You joking?”

“Maybe a little. Let’s go.”

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Kreative Kue #222

June 18, 2019June 17, 2019 ~ 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 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.

“Yeah, I think we are good to go.”

“I’m sorry I can’t understand you.”

“What do you mean you can’t understand me?”

“Just what I said.”

“Do I need to speak up cause if I do I don’t want anyone to overhear.”

“No, I hear you fine. I just have a problem with what you mean by ‘good to go.”‘

“You’re kidding, right?”

“No.”

“It means I have planted the explosives and we are ready to execute in three minutes.”

“Execute? My gosh are you sure you have the right number?”

“Is this 210-555-5555?”

“Yes, that is correct.”

“Black Operations?”

“Black what?”

“Black Operations?”

“My heavens no. This is Birdies Gift Shop.”

“Birdies gift sh— What the hell? This burner phone is preprogrammed. How did I get you?”

“I’m sure I don’t know, but there is no need to raise our voice, young man.”

“Raise my voice? I’m going to be forced to do a little more than that. Where are you?”

“In front of the shop.”

“No, I mean the address.”

“For some reason, I don’t think I should tell you.”

“Aw come on. I just want to say hello and maybe buy some gifts.”

“I’m sorry whoever you are. We don’t carry explosives. I’m hanging up now.”

“What is it, young man?”

“Can we forget this conversation?”

“Why should I do that? You want me to file the assignment report, don’t you?”

“For heaven’s sake. Is that you, Jenkins?”

“Had you going, huh?”

“You have a warped sense of humor, you know that?”

“Tell me when the building is dust.”

“Will do. Lance out. By the way. I’m going to get you for this.”

“Can’t wait for you to try double o eight.”

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Kreative Kue #221 by Keith Channing

June 11, 2019June 11, 2019 ~ 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 Monday.”

The photo.

“Merciful heaven, Mary. When was the last time we picked salad greens?”

“It’s been a while. Just see if you can find some young leaves.”

“Young leaves?”

“Yes look under the plant. Those top leaves are way too big.”

“Okay, but I’m not holding my breath.”

“Yes, please breathe. Makes the work go easier.”

“Yeah, pretty funny. Whoa, what’s that?”

“What?”

“I’m not sure. It looked like a dog with big ears.”

“Probably a bunny.”

“A bunny? I thought bunnies were small and furry.”

“What do you mean?”

“This was big and hairy.”

“Oh, stop. You said you would help me with the harvest. We have a lot to go before nightfall. These boxes won’t fill themselves.”

“I’m not kidding. This guy was huge. He had red eyes too.”

“Please. Just keep picking. Whatever it is it is more afraid of you than you are of it.”

“It must be plenty scared then. Ow.”

“What now?”

“He bit my behind.”

“I’m sure. No matter what you say I’m not going to stop the picking is that clear?”

“Crystal. Can I go get my gun?”

“No, you may not. You have fallen behind with your foolishness. Keep picking.”

“I heard a snarl.”

“Probably your deviated septum.”

“I’m not kidding.”

“Fine. Go get your gun but I swear you are more of a danger to yourself then that animal.”

“I wish I could believe you. I’ll be right back.”

“I have to wonder about him.”

“Okay, I’m back, Mary. Mary?”

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Creative Kue #220 by Keith Channing

June 4, 2019June 3, 2019 ~ John W. Howell ~ 50 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.

“Now let me get this straight. The guy comes over and asks what you would like to drink.”

“Yes about an hour ago.”

“You tell him,’ Surprise me.'”

“Yup that’s what I said.”

“He then brings you what?”

“A gin and lemon. It’s right here. I tried it.”

“You didn’t like it?”

“I told him that.”

“What did he do?”

“Went off and came back with a glass of white wine.”

“You haven’t touched it.”

“I know. I don’t like Chablis.”

“How do you know it’s Chablis?”

“He told me when he plopped it on the table.”

“So you said what?”

“I don’t like Chablis.”

“What did he do?”

“Came back with that beer over there.”

“What’s wrong with it?”

“A pale ale. Too bitter.”

“Why didn’t you just tell him to bring you something you like.”

“I did. I said, ‘Get me a draft.'”

“And?”

“He did. That’s what I’m drinking.”

“So are you enjoying your party?”

“Oh, I don’t know. Seems like a hassle so far.”

“I can imagine given the struggle over a drink. What are you going to eat for dinner?”

“Humm. Surprise me.”

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Kreative Kue # 219 by Keith Channing

May 28, 2019May 27, 2019 ~ 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

“Well sir, just sit back and relax. We’ll be airborne in a few minutes.”

“I’m not sure about this.”

“Now, sir. You are as safe with me as if you are in your favorite chair in your living room.”

“That’s what I’m worried about. This is like a chair. You sure this thing can fly?”

“It is called a lightweight, sir. It flys like a bird.”

“But can it lift the two if us?”

“I have made hundreds of flights. Trust me, it can lift the two of us. In addition, we will have some friends join us.”

“On this thing. Now you are kidding me, right?”

“Not on this vehicle. Behind us.”

“Behind us?”

“Yes, we will be leading a flock of geese.”

“Geese? Aren’t a bunch of them called a gaggle.”

“Gaggle, flock. No matter. They will follow us for some exercise.”

“Why don’t they go on their own?”

“They think our ship is their mother.”

“Come again?”

“When they hatched, they saw my lightweight first. You know the old imprinting birds do. Well, the eggs were in a nest next to my plane, and the rest is history.”

“Is that them walking around.”

“Yup. You ready now?”

“I guess so.”

“Remember to lift up as we gain speed.”

“You’re kidding?”

“A little lightweight humor.”

“I’m not laughing.”

“Here we go. oops.”

“Oops? What’s oops?”

“Forgot the goose call.”

“Isn’t is like a honk.”

“No, I mean the device.”

“A problem?”

“Not really. You can make a goose sound, can’t you?”

“No. I have no idea how.”

“It’s okay. More lightweight humor.”

“Still not laughing. I see they are following us.”

“Yup.”

Tuesday – Anything Possible Kreative Kue #21 by Keith Channing

May 21, 2019May 20, 2019 ~ John W. Howell ~ 48 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.

“I still don’t get the idea of the game.”

“It is so easy. I’m surprised you don’t understand.”

“Could you give me one more tutorial?”

“Sure. In fact, I will also demonstrate the finer points.”

“That would be swell.”

“Okay, so the first thing you do is choose your bird. ”

“I have mine.”

“Good. Next, you take your position in the birder box.”

“That’s where you start, right?”

“That’s correct. Now keep your knees bent slightly and get ready to play.”

“This is the part that confuses me.”

“The play part or the knees bent part.”

“No the play part. I’m not sure what to do after the pitch.”

“Oh, now I get it. No one told you that you had to run to the stake over there behind you?”

“They did tell me that. They didn’t explain what happens as I’m running.”

“It is quite simple. You toss the bird. Then you run like hell. If you make the stake before the bird you have scored a point.”

“So it is important to throw the bird as far as possible.”

“I would say it is critical.”

“What happens if the bird gets to the stake ahead of me.”

“See that’s just it. The bird is not going to race for the stake.”

“Oh?”

“No, you see dear he is racing for your hair. If he beats you he gets to tear your hair.”

“Tear my hair?”

“That is a figure of speech. He lands on your head.”

“With those talons? There is a danger that he could hurt me.”

“Now that you mention it. Yes, there is a danger here. I guess that’s why we don’t get many new members. Well, I see you’re up. Give ‘er a good toss now.”

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Kreative Kue #217 by Keith Channing

May 14, 2019May 13, 2019 ~ John W. Howell ~ 53 Comments

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

The Photo.

“Mmm mafmum dros emufff.”

“Excuse me?”

“I said I think I’ve had enough.”

“Aw come on. You like my omelet.”

“Yes, but I have had an omelet every meal for the past five weeks.”

“Yes and look at you. A big bird.”

“I know, and I’m thankful for your care.”

“Yeah, you were a mess. You were naked and cold on the ground.”

“I don’t know how I got there. I can’t imagine my mama tossing me out.”

“Sometimes when there are a lot of hatchlings the nest gets crowded. A couple of toss and turns and there you are.”

“S’wonder I didn’t break my neck.”

“I couldn’t put you back in the nest. It was too high. Anyway, you are healthy now.”

“I would say so. You have done a nice job.”

“Aw. Thanks. So back to the omelet.”

“Well, I know you try to avoid meat. I, on the other hand, need meat.”

“Meat? What are you talking about?”

“Oh, I don’t know. A stray worm, cricket, or spider would go well.”

“OMG. The thought makes me gag.”

“Yeah and the thought makes me dream of sinking my beak into one of those wiggly ones.”

“I guess I could go into the garden and try to find a worm. Would that be okay?”

“It would be heaven. One more thing.”

“What’s that?”

“A nice Chianti and some fava beans would go well with that.”

“I named you Hannibal, but you don’t have to get carried away.”

“It was fun though, wasn’t it? Clarice”

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Kreative Kue #216 by Keith Channing

May 7, 2019May 6, 2019 ~ John W. Howell ~ 45 Comments

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

The photo.

“Excuse me.”

“What?”

“Where are you taking those sprouts?”

“What do you mean?”

“You just took a bucket full of my sprouts, and I want to know where you are taking them.”

“What makes you think these are your sprouts?”

“Everything here is mine.”

“I’m here, and I’m not yours.”

“How do you know?”

“The farmer tells me so.”

“Jeez, a poet. Tell me Mr. Farmer’s pet. Where are you going with those sprouts?”

“Not that it’s any of your business but I have a trough full of slop, and I thought these sprouts would add an element of crunch to a fairly bland offering.”

“You can’t eat those.”

“Why not. They look delicious.”

“They are to be planted for this year’s crop harvest.”

“Oh, come on. There is a lot left. Duh.”

“I suppose once you have totally fattened the price for you will offset any loss on the number of crops.”

“Huh. What do you mean fattened?”

“You know what happens to pigs on a farm, don’t you?”

“I still don’t know what you are talking about.”

“Ever hear of spiral sliced ham?”

“No.”

“Bacon?”

“Doesn’t ring a bell.”