In Keth’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 on 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 time.”

The photo.

The Photo by John W. Howell © 2022

“Can you guys hold still?”

“Come on, dear, take the photo.”

“I need you all to smile.”

“George, we need to get on with the hike. These kids are getting hungry.”

“Yeah, dad. We are starving.”

“Okay, if everyone would just look this way and smile.”

“We are smiling.”

“Ralphie isn’t smiling.”

“It’s cause I need to go potty.”

“That’s enough, Ralphie. The world doesn’t need to know your private business.”

“Aw, mom.”

“Can you all take a step back? I’m having trouble getting everyone in the viewfinder.”

“There’s no room, dearest. Just do the best you can.”

“I know I’ll back up, which will solve the problem.”

“Be careful, D—. Oh my gosh, he went over the side. Quick kids, let’s go help.”

“Does this mean the photo session is over?”

“Hey, dad, you okay. Dad?”

“I’m okay. Just took a big step, is all. Everyone back in their place. I’ll be right up.”

“Mom.”

“What, junior?”

“Is it wrong to wish that Dad can’t get up here again?”

“Yes, but very tempting.”

 

 

 

Before we get started on this prompt, I want to remind everyone that I will be taking a break from May 11th (Tomorrow) to May 19th.

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 on 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 time.”

The photo.

Detente by John W.Howell 2022

“Did you ever hear the story about stepping on a crack?”

“No. Can’t say I have.”

“Step on a crack, break your mother’s back.”

“That’s harsh. Anyway, these are lines.”

“Break your mother’s spine.”

“Come off it. We are not here to discuss fairy tales.”

“Doesn’t matter anyway cause these are shadows.”

“If I may get to the point.”

“Sure, go ahead.”

“We need to figure out boundaries.”

“Boundaries?”

“Yes. I’m tired of you wandering into my space as if it is your own.”

“What do you mean ‘your space.'”

“I was adopted first, so my space is what I choose.”

“That’s a laugh, small stuff. Where do you get this attitude anyway?”

“Around the folks, I have to be nice. Out here, I can be myself, which is someone tired of sharing the land.”

“Do you see all the space here?”

“Yeah, so?”

“Okay, what part do you want?”

“All of it. I need you to move to those hills over there.”

“And if I don’t?”

“You know what? I never thought you would refuse.”

“Well, I refuse.”

“Darn it. I’m used to getting my way. So what do we do now?”

“I didn’t start this, but if you want my advice, we come to a position of mutual tolerance.”

“Detente?”

“Exactly.”

“What do I get out of that?”

“The absence of nasty wounds.”

“Makes sense. Shake on it.”

“How about a wag instead?”

“Done.”

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 on 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 time.”

The Photo.

Gotta wonder by John W. Howell © 2022

“So, where did you get this washed?”

“It was the boy scouts.”

“The boy scouts?”

“Yeah, there was a troop doing a car wash.”

“So you had them do it?”

“Uh-huh.”

“I have to wonder how you pulled that off?”

“Was easy. I looked, and there they were.”

“I mean how you got to them.”

“Oh, that.” Yeah, it was tricky.”

“I’m not sure they did a good job.”

The windshield does seem a bit streaky.”

“Where was this again?”

“In a church parking lot.”

“So you really had room.”

“Piece of cake. You see that tree line, right?”

“I nearly do, but yes.”

“You know we need to put more distance between us and the ground.”

“Yeah, I’m climbing now. It’s a wonder no one complained.”

“About what?”

“You landing a helicopter in a church parking lot.”

“Well, there was one complaint.”

“Do tell.”

“The minister. He lost his wig.”

“‘Flipped his wig,’ you mean?”

“No. He had a wig, and it blew into the trees. I gave him your number.”

“Great.”

“I’m sure it wasn’t costly.”

“Says you.”

“An expensive one would have stayed on his head.”

“Comforting for sure. Call ATC and get us cleared to 1000 feet. Those electric lines might be a problem.”

 

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 on 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 time.”

The photo.

I’ll Wait by John W. Howell © 2022

Look at all those idiot cows running for the hay. “Here Bossie,” they call and you would think these bovines never had a meal before. That old hefer with the bell is the worst. She goes clanging down the hill and the entire herd takes off like some one shot a starter’s pistol. Not me brother. There is no amount of that dry geen stuff that’s going to turn me into a galloping fool.

I have a certain degree of dignity to maintain. After all, I’m the youngest, and If I may be so bold, the smartest of the spring calves. That’s another thing. Those calves. You would think their mothers would teach them a thing of two. Oh no it’s like they are destined to be wild animals. Just the other day two of them jumped the fence and were found on the road. On the road mind you. The place with all those smelly metal cow flatteners flying by at break neck speeds. They were lucky the farmer got them back onto the farm.

Did anyone punish them. Oh hell no. Their mama’s cried buckets when they were reunited. If that had been me I would have been grounded for a month. Just shows how the neighborhood is going to the dogs so to speak. Ah, that reminds me. If that border collie snaps at me one more time, I’m going to give him a hoof he won’t soon forget. Damn thing thinks he owns the place. Always bossing everyone around.

Hmmm. I think I hear the old farmer yelling. Oh yes there he is down the hill cupping his hands and trying to be heard. It looks like he is yelling at me. Okay I’ll take a couple of steps to see what the commotion is about. That’s better now I hear him calling me home. Sure I’ll come home when you offer a little more than dried salad. What’s that? Did I hear him say grain? There it is again and this time I distinctly hear the word grain.

Okay then I have to cut this short. You see I do talk big when it comes to alfalfa but grain is a whole other story. If you will excuse me I need to get going. I guess I better signal that I’m on my way. See you all later.

“MOOOOOOOOO.”

 

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 on 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 time.”

The Photo.

Anytime Now by John W. Howell © 2022

“See anything yet?”

“Just the mountains.”

“Not very comforting.”

“Yeah, for sure.”

“So, what are we going to do?”

“I can’t think of anything but wait.”

“You sure someone’s coming.”

“Positive.”

“It’s getting colder.”

“Yeah. We should have brought warmer jackets.”

“Says the guy who mocked us for wanting to bring the winter stuff.”

“Well, that’s done. No use dwelling on it.”

“Except you have a heavy jacket.”

“You can have it.”

“Thanks. By the way, how do you know someone’s coming.”

“Before we made the emergency landing, I radioed our location with a mayday call.”

“Landing? I wouldn’t call an upside-down airplane a landing.”

“It was rockier here than I thought.”

“What made the engine fail anyway.”

“Fuel starvation.”

“Ran out of gas?”

“Well, that is another way of putting it.”

“Didn’t you fill up before taking off?”

“With the four of us, I had to take a lighter fuel load. I think the gage was off.”

“You’re supposed to do a visual on the fuel level.”

“I know, but we were in a hurry.”

“Haste makes waste.”

“Thanks, I’ll remember that.”

“Should we build a fire?”

“If you want to get warm, I’m pretty sure the burning plane won’t blow up. After all, the fuel level was pretty low.”

“Is that a joke?”

“It did sound funny.”

“Excuse me for not laughing.”

“You know a more positive attitude would go a long way.”

“Okay, how about this. I’m so glad your mistake didn’t get us all killed.”

“Now you’re talking. Look, here comes a vehicle. See, we are saved.”

“That vehicle, as you call it, looks like a truck full of pigs.”

“It is still a way out of here.”

“Remind me to make an appointment when we get back.”

“An appointment?”

“I think you need to have your head examined.”

“Yeah, good. I’ll remind you.”

“Come on, kids. Daddy is treating us to a ride with his family.”

“See, your attitude is improving already.”

 

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 on 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 time.”

The photo.

Cold Night Out by John W. Howell © 2022

“Why are you rolled into a ball?”

“Because it is freezing out here.”

“Yeah, it’s cold, but it’s not so bad if you move around.”

“Says the one with fur-covered feet.”

“I never noticed your feet. They’re bald.”

“Yeah, no kidding and this snow plays hell with them.”

“So let’s get you warm.”

“Where?”

“See that pig-looking thing?”

“Yeah.”

“We can climb in there.”

“How can we get it open?”

“Oops didn’t think of that. How about we get next to one of these lights?”

“Not sure that’s enough heat.”

“How about just going inside.”

“Easy for you to say. You live here.”

“Aw, come on. No one will know. We go through the cat door and into the kitchen. There’s a nice warm bed there.”

“What if your folks find out.”

“They won’t even notice.”

“But I’m a hedgehog.”

“They will think you’re a toy. Just don’t move fast.”

“Well, if you think it’s okay. Anything is better than this.”

“It’ll be fun. Oh, just one thing.”

“I knew it.”

“If Brutus comes near you, don’t squeak.”

“Brutus?”

“The dog.”

“That’s it. I’ll take my chances with the cold.”

“He’ll only pick you up if you squeak.”

“Pass.”

“Suit yourself. Anyway, I think blue feet are a smashing fashion statement.”

“Very funny.”

 

 

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 on 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 time.”

The photo.

The Question by John W. Howell © 2022

“What would you like for dinner, my love?”

“Hmm. Haven’t given it much thought.”

“Well, I’m going shopping so I thought I would give you a choice.”

“Aw, that’s so sweet. What are the possibilities?”

“I was thinking of a nice Ibis or two.”

“Oh goodness. I’m so tired of Ibis. Look at ’em all hanging around. I feel full just looking at them.”

“I know but they are very plentiful.”

“That may be the problem.”

“So give me an idea.”

“Let me think. I have had gazelle on my mind for a while.”

“Those things are hardly ever in stock. Besides at my age running them down can be a problem.”

“I get that. Okay, something slower but as delicious. I know water buffalo.”

“You know they are dangerous right?”

“But you are such an accomplished hunter you are always on top of your game.”

“Those things take some help and everyone is off to the plains for the summer.”

“Okay then just make it simple. Anything you run across will be good.”

“What about dessert?”

“Maybe a rabbit.”

“Oh, good choice. Okay, then I’m off.”

“Good hunting.”

“You are so funny. You know we should consider vegetarian.”

“What? Eat what our food eats? I don’t think so.”

“Just a thought my love.”

“I could just see me at the pride meeting telling everyone that I was eating grass. I’d be laughed out of the county.”

“Okay, settle. I’ll find some meat.”

“You are the best.”

 

 

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 on 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 time.”

The photo

 

The Wait by John W. Howell © 2022

“So Eos. What do you suppose is the hold-up?”

“Beats me, Trevor. Normally it’s a matter of opening the can and plopping the stuff into the bowl.”

“I don’t think trying to do something special is the case.”

“No, that would be on a birthday. We are not having any birthdays.”

“Maybe the can opener is busted.”

“Please don’t say that. Knowing these two, if that were the case, we would all starve.”

“I can’t think of another reason.”

“We should offer to help.”

“Yeah, how’s that going to work? A couple of barks, and we’ll find ourselves outside.”

“I guess you’re right. Plus, I don’t know a thing about can openers.”

“Me either. Did you notice one thing?”

“What?”

“There is only one bowl.”

“Whoa. You’re right. Where’s the other one?”

“You and I have been sitting here the whole time. Did you see another bowl?”

“No. Now I’m really worried.”

“What does a missing bowl mean?”

“That we have to eat out of the same one.”

“Ew. I can’t do that.”

“That makes two of us.”

“So if one is missing, that means one of us doesn’t get fed.”

“Hey, wait a minute. That better not be me.”

“Oh yeah, what if it is you?”

“I’ll just have to relieve you of yours.”

“You and what army, punk?”

“Who you calling a punk, you overfed hound.”

“Calling me fat? You take that back.”

“Not in a hundred years.”

“Well, here we are, children. Sorry about the delay, but I wanted to make sure the bowls were given a nice shine today. So let’s all go outside and have a lovely dinner. Shall we?”

“Um, I guess there are two bowls.”

“I’m sorry for calling you overfed.”

“That’s okay. I have put on a few ounces.”

“So we are good?”

“As ever, my buddy. After you to the food bowls.”

“No, I insist. After you.”

 

 

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 on 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 time.”

The photo.

The Flight by John W. Howell © 2022

“Okay, sir, make yourself comfortable. We’ll be getting started shortly.”

“You the captain?”

“No, sir. I’m the first officer. The captain is getting the weather reports. Oh, wait, here she comes.”

“She? That little girl?”

“Yes, sir. Looks like she has some wildflowers too.”

“Surely you aren’t serious?”

“Yes, sir, those are wildflowers, and my name’s Ralph. Don’t call me Shirly.”

“Bad joke, Ralph. You can’t tell me that girl is flying this airplane.”

“I can put money on it, sir. She and I have logged over 4000 hours together. Best captain I ever had.”

“What makes her so special?”

“She always has peanut butter and jelly sandwiches.”

“Okay, now you are pulling my leg.”

“I think that would be considered assault by the FAA.”

“I mean, you are kidding me.”

“I never kid, sir. I have had a couple of pets but never a child.”

“Good grief. Let me off. I’m not flying with a seven-year-old in command.”

“Actually, she is five, sir.”

“Whatever. Get my bags. I’m out of here.”

“Suit yourself, sir. I’ll have someone get your bags.”

“Can’t you do it?”

“Not my paygrade.”

“The baggage guys make more than the pilots?”

“The miracle of supply chain economics. Stand outside, sir. They’ll be with you in a minute.”

“I’m never flying this airline again.”

“Good luck.”

“Why?”

“For disrupting this flight, you will be put on a no-fly list. I think you’ll be here a while.”

“What if I stay on the airplane?”

“Welcome back, sir. We will be leaving shortly.”

“Hi, little girl.”

“Captain dimples to you, sir. Buckle up, please. Here are some flowers for you.”