Tuesday – Anything Possible – Prompt – Kreative Kue # 350 by Keith Channing

March 8, 2022March 7, 2022 ~ John W. Howell ~ 73 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 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.

“So, I’m glad you decided to join me.”

“Did I have a choice?”

“We all have choices, Stanley.”

“But in my case, not to meet might have been hazardous to my health.”

“Come, come, Stanley. I think you are being a bit dramatic.”

“Tell me what you want?”

“I guess we are skipping the amenities.”

“You know this is business, so why once around.”

“I find even in business, it doesn’t hurt to be pleasant.”

“How pleasant are you when you off someone?”

“Now, Stanley. I don’t think such talk is necessary.”

“Get to the point, will you?”

“Very well. The boss has an offer for you.”

“Which I can’t refuse, I suppose.”

“Not to get too existential, but we all have free choice.”

“God, Tony. What’s got into you?”

“Love for my fellow man, Stanley.”

“Sure. What’s the offer?”

“You know the boss care for his family?”

“So I’ve heard.”

“He considers you as one of his family.”

“What the black sheep?”

“So the offer is this. You sell one hundred boxes of girl scout cookies, and your loan is forgiven.”

“Come on, Tony. Get to the serious part.”

“That’s it. The boss’s kid is under a little pressure since she wants to be the high seller this year. So we have a deal?”

“Well…Yes, we have a deal.”

“Good. Here are the order forms. Go get ’em, Stanley.”

“The boss can count on me.”

“He hopes so, Stanley. The bay is way too cold this time of year.”

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Prompt – Kreative Kue # 349 by Keith Channing

March 1, 2022February 28, 2022 ~ 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 time.”

The photo.

“See that pigeon?”

“What pigeon?”

“Over there.”

“Where?”

“For the love of heaven. The one sitting on the roof.”

“The brownish one?”

“Yes.”

“No.”

“What’s the matter with your eyesight?”

“If anything, I would say my eyesight is perfect.”

“Then what can’t you see the pigeon?”

“I have had too much to drink, that’s why.”

“Now, who’s fault is that?”

“The guy who set up the reception, I suppose.”

“Free drinks at a reception does not mean you are duty-bound to drink the bar dry.”

“Who says?”

“Common sense would dictate.”

“So why is that pigeon so important?”

“He looks like he might be carrying a message.”

“From here, he looks like he escaped from Central Park.”

“Now come on. He has a regal look about him.”

“I would say he has a squab look.”

“I guess you are not a bird watcher.”

“I would say you are correct.”

“I just looked in my book, and it’s a dove.”

“What’s a dove.”

“The pigeon is a dove.”

“Even more reason to think of a roasting pan.”

” You are definitely someone not to discuss birds with. I guess we might as well get back to the party.”

“Did we ever leave?”

“Yes, we came for a walk to get some fresh air.”

“Oh, thank heavens I didn’t drive.”

“I think you are cut off.”

“Or at least should switch to something soft.”

“Now you’re talking.”

“A dry martini is pretty soft.”

“Give me the keys.”

“Someone else has them.”

“Who?”

“No clue.”

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Kreative Kue #348 by Keith Channing

February 22, 2022February 21, 2022 ~ John W. Howell ~ 69 Comments

In Keith’s words.

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

The photo.

“So as I was saying. Just keep her straight, and she’ll do the job.”

“You call it she?”

“Yes, as a matter of fact, I do.”

“Why’s that?”

“Because I think of her with fondness.”

“You can think of him with fondness too.”

“Yes, I know. I guess it is just that she has so many feminine traits.”

“Like what?”

“She’s tough and beautiful. She has great wheels too.”

“Brother. I think we need to send you to sensitive training.”

“Oh, come on. Those are all great traits. She has a super seat too.”

“Okay, now you are on the cusp of inappropriate.”

“We are talking about a lawn tractor, right?”

“Well, for a minute, I thought you were straying into the anthropomorphic.”

“The what?”

“Assigning human characteristics to non-humans.”

“For gosh sake. All I’m trying to do is demonstrate this machine.”

“Yeah, I’m sorry. I got us off track. Go ahead.”

“Have you noticed the headlights? They are whoppers.”

“Um.”

“Treat her right, and she purrs like a kitten.”

“Uh.”

“She loves a bath followed by a nice rub down.”

“Okay, I’ve heard enough. Put it back on the truck.”

“Fine. She’s better off with me anyway.”

Anything Possible – Prompt – Kreative Kue 347 by Keith Channing

February 15, 2022February 14, 2022 ~ John W. Howell ~ 78 Comments

In Keith’s words.

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

The photo.

“If you don’t mind holding still.”

“How did you get on my finger?”

“I was in that plant when you stuck it into the soil.”

“Why do I need to hold still?”

“Moving up and down makes me nauseous.”

“How about going back to the plant?”

“A question first.”

“Yes, what is it?”

“Why do you stick your finger into the soil?”

“To see how dry the soil is so I can determine if it needs water.”

“Can’t you set up a regular schedule?”

“Um, didn’t think it necessary.”

“Well, knowing a creature lives in there, maybe you might consider it.”

“What kind of lizard are you? You remind me of the Geico gecko.”

“Oh, please. Life has not been the same since that campaign started.”

“How so?”

“For one, people keep asking if I have shrimp on the barbie.”

“Must be the Australian accent.”

“They also ask if I can save them 15% on their car insurance.”

“What people are these? As far as I know, no one else lives here.”

“Oh, I have lived in other places.”

“Okay, so what caused you to move.”

“The house owners died.”

“Really? How did that happen?”

“They were bitten by a highly poisonous raptor.”

“Goodness, I didn’t know there was such a thing.”

“Oh indeed.”

“Wait. You’re a raptor, aren’t you?”

“Sure am.”

“A-and you have a poisonous bite?”

“Sure do. So my recommendation for a watering schedule does come with some concern for your overall health.”

“Let’s walk slowly to the plant.”

“If you would leave the windows open, I’m partial to flies. Some say humans taste like chicken, but I find that chicken is too bland.”

“Anything you say.”

“I could use some reading material too.”

“Sure. Anything else?”

“A Play Station would be nice.”

“You got it. Here’s your plant. You are going to behave, right?”

“Who me? Of course. You have my word. Don’t forget the schedule.”

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Kreative Kue # 346 by Keith Channing

February 8, 2022February 7, 2022 ~ John W. Howell ~ 66 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 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.

“So Trevor, what are you doing out here?”

“I, uh misplaced something.”

“Misplaced something? What is it?”

“Not really a what. More like a who.”

“Ah, I see. A lost love, perhaps.”

“Well, I guess you could put it that way.”

“You want to talk about it?”

“Yeah, sure. Not much to say, though.”

“Well, share what you feel comfortable sharing. Say, is that lipstick on your neck?”

“Okay, I tell you. I met this girl and invited her to the camper.”

“Sounds romantic.”

“She said she would love to go with me.”

“Yes?”

“So we came here and got inside where it was warm.”

“It’s getting interesting.”

“We decided to sing some songs.”

“Sing? Is that a code word?”

“No. Really sing. Trouble was she couldn’t carry a tune.”

“Where was I when all this was going on?”

“Still in town, I suspect.”

“Okay, go on.”

“Well, I started to teach her how to carry a tune.”

“And?”

“She became distraught, so I thought I would try something else.”

“Is this where the lipstick comes in?”

“You are very wise. Yes, I decided to put some on her.”

“Then what happened.”

“She bolted for the door, and here we are.”

“Boy, that’s too bad. Did you learn anything with this experience?”

“Yeah, I sure did.”

“Tell me.”

“When you try to teach a pig to sing, you end up with a frustrated pig and teacher.”

“She was a pig?”

“Didn’t I tell you that?”

“No. No matter. Did you learn anything else?”

“You can put lipstick on a pig, but you still have a pig.”

“Wisdom beyond your years. I would write those down.”

“No opposable thumb, remember.”

“Have Seri remind you then.”

“Will do.”

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Kreative Kue #345 by Keith Channing

February 1, 2022January 31, 2022 ~ John W. Howell ~ 76 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 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

“Sign here, mate”

“What am I signing?”

“The deed to your house. Whatya think”

“I don’t know”

“It’s for the delivery”

“Delivery? What delivery?”

“Oh, come on. You ordered the 2000 piece life-size puzzle.”

“I think there must be some mistake.”

“Is this 323 Rural Route 22?”

“Well, yes but I don’t recall an order.”

“Look, Mac. Just sign and then take it up with Amazon.”

“What does signing this mean?”

“That I delivered it.”

“It doesn’t mean I ordered it, right?”

“I’m no lawyer, Mac. All I know is the fine print says by signing this delivery receipt you verify it was in fact delivered.”

“Okay, I can verify that after I have a look.”

“Aw geez. I have a hundred deliveries today.”

“I’ll just be a minute. I’ll just look out the window . . . OMG it’s laying all over the yard.”

“Yeah, you paid for an unpacking service.”

“And there is snow on top.”

“Took me two hours to unpack. Started snowing. Here’s the place to sign.”

“Very well. There are you satisfied now?”

“Thanks. I’ll be on my way. Good luck with the puzzle.”

“I don’t see any artwork on any of the pieces.”

“I think it’s one of those modern ones where you have to figure out how it goes by the shapes.”

“It looks like they’re all rectangles.”

“Yeah, makes it a little tougher.”

“You wouldn’t want to just load it all up and take it back would you?”

“Love to help you out but you see, I’m deliveries. There’s others who do pick up. I do have an idea though.”

“Let’s hear it.”

“Get yourself a piece of cardboard.”

“Yes?”

“And a sharpie.”

“Okay.”

“Make a sign. ‘kindling for sale.’ You’ll make a killing.”

“I think I’ll call Amazon and see where this stuff came from.”

“That works too. See ya.”

Tuesday – A Little Personal – Kreative Kue #344 by Keith Channing

January 25, 2022January 24, 2022 ~ John W. Howell ~ 64 Comments

In Keith’s words.

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

The Photo

“Yes. You rang?”

“H-hurry o-open t-the g-gate.”

“Who is requesting entrance?”

“It’s me you idiot.”

“If I were truly an idiot, I would have no capacity to identify you.”

“Another minute, and I’m going to freeze to death.”

“State the nature of your business.”

“Once inside the house, I’m going to make a cup of tea and then konk you with my heavest pan.”

“Oh my goodness, my love, it’s you. Why didn’t you identify yourself?”

“After 30 years, I didn’t think I had to.”

“I can get that, but your voice was so shaky I couldn’t identify it.”

“Are you going to open the gate or not?”

“Love of my life, I pushed the button. It should have opened.”

“I-it’s n-not o-opening.”

“Give it a push.”

“N-not w-working.”

“Looks like I’ll have to get on my snow gear and come get you.”

“T-that w-would b-be n-nice.”

“One question, though.”

“S-shoot.”

“You still going to konk me?”

“O-of c-course n-not.”

“I’ll be right there.”

“C-can y-you s-still h-hear m-me? Hmmm silence. No, I’m not going to konk you. No, not me. Trust me, though. It will be a long time till this little episode is forgotten.”

“Did you say something, my dear? I was away from the receiver.”

“N-no, n-nothing. Y-you C-coming?”

“On my way, my sweet. On my way.”

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Kreative Kue # 343 by Keith Channing

January 18, 2022January 17, 2022 ~ John W. Howell ~ 78 Comments

IN Keith’s words.

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

The photo.

“Okay, now let go.”

“I’m not sure I should.”

“Why not?”

“I don’t think he’s got the hang of it yet.”

“You know, at camp, everyone has to be on their own.”

“I know, but maybe we can do this later.”

“For heaven’s sake. You have been saying that for a week.”

“But look at him. He looks so frightened.”

“He’s not frightened. He just has gas.”

“Well, whatever. It’s not my idea to send him to camp.”

“I know it’s mine. The kid has to learn to get along in the world. The first thing is to let him swim on his own.”

“He’s never done that before.”

“I know. How do you think I feel when the whole pod is laughing behind our backs.”

“Why would they do that?”

“We are the only dolphins on the planet whose kid can’t swim.”

“That can’t be true.”

“Well, it is. Kids are supposed to be natural swimmers when they are born.”

“Ours is special.”

“That is one way to describe him. Please let him go.”

“Okay, but you better save him if he gets into trouble.”

“I’m always here.”

“There he is on his own.”

“And look at the wake he is turning up. Go boy go.”

“I’m really surprised.”

“I told you it was instinct.”

“But my child is just not any run-of-the-mill dolphin.”

“Yeah, I know. He’s now a dolphin who can swim and ready for camp.”

“Can I go too?”

“Against the rules. You and I will go to our own camp.”

“You devil.”

“I resemble that remark.”

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Kreative Kue # 342 by Keith Channing

January 11, 2022January 10, 2022 ~ John W. Howell ~ 63 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.combefore 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.

Now What? By John W. Howell

“Looks like he’s out.”

“Amazing. We were just talking about him and out he went.”

“You have to understand. He is a highly-strung dog and sometimes he just needs his rest.”

“Well, what about you? Maybe we can continue the interview while he naps.”

“Up to you.”

“You could give us some background on his life.”

“Like what?”

“Where was he born and the like.”

“That I don’t know. We found him at the side of the road.”

“Ah. A rescue.”

“Not exactly.”

“What then?”

“He was hitchhiking. We stopped and asked him if he needed a ride. He jumped in the car and that was it.”

“Extraordinary story. So he’s been with you ever since.”

“Yes. We got a call from his previous owner who wanted to visit him.”

“Really. That’s odd.”

“I’m not surprised that his previous owner wanted to contact him.”

“He’s that good?”

“I’m not sure that’s it.”

“What is it then?”

“Once he takes up residence, good things happen.”

“Like what?”

“Like that Lotto win, you are here to talk about.”

“That was some win. Where did you get the ticket?”

“I really have no idea.”

“You having memory problems.”

“No. The dog bought the ticket.”

“W-what? “Is the legal?”

“Don’t see why not. He’s over twenty-one in dog years and as far as I know, the Lotto rules don’t forbid ticket sales to dogs. When he wakes I’ll let him tell you the particulars.”

“You are saying he can talk?”

“Seven languages.”

“Anything else?”

“He’s a licensed financial advisor. I’m going to need his help.”

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Kreative Kue # 341 by Keith Channing

January 4, 2022January 3, 2022 ~ John W. Howell ~ 75 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.combefore 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.

“Wouldja look at that.”

“What?”

“That video. Almost looks real.”

“That’s cause it is.”

“What do you mean?”

“You’re looking out a window. Everything beyond the window is part of the world.”

“That might be true, but it doesn’t mean it’s real.”

“Oh, come on. Don’t tell me we are going to get caught in a semantics loop?”

“I don’t even know what that is. All I’m saying is just because there is stuff beyond the window doesn’t mean that stuff is real. Look now. It all changed.”

“That’s because we are moving.”

“Moving? What kind of insanity is that?”

“I don’t want to break this to you too hard, but we are on a train.”

“Since when?”

“Last night, we boarded a train.”

“Where was I?”

“Oh my gosh. You were on the end of your leash. You got on the train. We all went to sleep, and here we are.”

“Look at that. It looks like a big city.”

“Yes, it is. We need to go through the city to get to the seashore.”

“Seashore? We going to the seashore?”

“We sure are.”

“Oh boy. I love the seashore.”