Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt – Yes

April 29, 2023April 28, 2023 ~ John W. Howell ~ 71 Comments

Yesterday all my troubles seemed so far away. (bonus points cha-ching) There’s a shadow hanging over me, and now I long for yesterday. Yes, the shadow is that statue of Roger Rabbit that is sitting on the driveway out front. A quick beating of the coffee machine produced the 10 ounces of java bean squeezen’s that will help me figure out what to do with it. The thing is in full color, and I’m sure the neighbors think I ordered it from Amazon.

A quick sip and starting the security shutdown process gave me an idea. First is the process. The claymore mines disarmed. The tower machine guns are placed on standby. The boiling oil vat is secured. The moat net retracted. The concertina wire rolled back. The trebuchet secured. The gate lifted. The locks and deadbolts reset. The front door opened.

My idea is to run an ad in the community newspaper with a “free to a good home message.” Surely someone will want a lovely likeness of Roger Rabbit for the yard or family room. Having just finished the call, a shadow falls over my phone. A look to the right causes me to cry out like a baby. Standing there is the most attractive rabbit ever witnessed by a man. “So sorry to frighten you.” The words came out dripping with honey. “My name is Jessica.”

“P-pleased to meet you, Jessica.” My face felt hot.”Is there anything you need?”

Jessica laughed and tossed her hair provocatively, letting me know my question was the dumbest thing she had heard all day. She told me she was looking for Roger Rabbit and wondered where I got the statue. My explanation that it just showed up was met with a raised eyebrow. She handed me a business card and a note. She explained that should Roger be seen to please call her. With assurances that she would be the first to know, she smiled and walked away.

I opened the note and saw that it was from Linda Hill. While reading, my thoughts went to the fact that Linda must know everyone on the planet. The note read.

Your Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is “yes.” Find a word that starts with “yes” or use the word “yes” as is. Bonus points if you start your post with the word you choose. Enjoy!

To try these prompts, go to Linda’s blog and read how. Also, there will be others there who have written something too. Here’s the link https://lindaghill.com/2023/04/28/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-april-29-2023/

“So your word was Yesterday?”

“Yup.”

“Pretty common.”

“Well, I wanted to get the song in.”

“Yup, did that for sure.”

“What about this Jessica Rabbit?”

“Did you see her?”

“No, I was watching TV. What did she look like?”

“The most amazing rabbit I have ever seen.”

“So what was she doing?”

“Looking for Roger Rabbit.”

“Speaking of that, did you find a new home for that statue?”

“Only got one call.”

“And?”

“Guy wanted 100 bucks to haul it off.”

“Might be a cheap way to get rid of it.”

“It’s a work of art. It will stay there if necessary.”

“Okay then. What’s your plan for the rest of the day?”

“I thought I would go to see some art.”

“At a museum?”

“Drinkable art.”

“I get it. Texting Uber now.”

“One thing.”

“What’s that?”

“No dump trucks.”

“I didn’t know the guy hauled manure for a living. I was trying to save a buck.”

“A nice safe car, please.”

“You got it.

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt – “Starts with Mono”

April 15, 2023April 14, 2023 ~ John W. Howell ~ 68 Comments

The only sound this morning is the dignified monotone of the coffee machine, indicating the cup is ready. Feeling mononucleosis-like exhaustion from the previous week’s mayhem, the cup offers the promise of relief. A few sips bring me to the point of recognizing the silence surrounding my inner sanctum.

As my interior monologue about the serenity of the place comes to a close, the intrusive sound of the Klaxon horn connected to the doorbell shatters the momentary peace. Twiggy and Lucy take up their Hounds of Baskerville impersonation while the security shutdown procedure is begun. A quick glance at the security camera screen shows the presence of a monolith on the front porch.

The claymore mines are disarmed. The tower machine guns are placed on standby. The boiling oil vat is secured. The moat net retracted. The concertina wire rolled back. The trebuchet secured. The gate lifted. The locks and deadbolts reset. The front door opened.

A tall box stands before me. An envelope with the words OPEN ME FIRST is taped to the front. Ripping it off and tearing it open reveals two messages. The first tells me to pull the handle marked OPEN on the box. The second is from Linda Hill and says Your Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is “starts with mono.” Find a word that starts with “mono” and use it in your post. Enjoy!

If you want to enjoy go to Linda’s blog and read how simple it is. You will also find other ~~idiots’~~ author’s versions of the prompt. Here is the link. https://lindaghill.com/2023/04/14/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-april-15-2023/

“Another cliffhanger, huh?”

“Well, I needed a rest from that circus.”

“You ever get that tent taken away?”

“Yeah, but the elephant poop was a challenge.”

“That is a little too much information.”

“I suppose. I won’t go into the clown car mess then.”

“Yeah, please don’t. So, what’s going on with the box? ”

“Looks like we all will find out next week.”

“Schweinehund.”

“What’s that?”

“A friend used that word this week.”

“Okay then. I hope it wasn’t aimed at you.”

“No, he was talking about others.”

“Good. Not a compliment.”

“Do you know what it means?”

“It is an insult and can have several meanings.”

“Like what?”

“Fatherless child.”

“Bastard?”

“That and arse too.”

“Well, we can change the subject real soon.”

“I noticed you called me that.”

“Term of endearment for another cliffhanger.”

“Okay, what would you call a VooDoo Ranger?”

“Lifesaver.”

“Close enough. Uber on its way?”

“Ordered.”

“Outstanding.”

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt – “Starts with Gen.”

April 8, 2023April 7, 2023 ~ John W. Howell ~ 68 Comments

The blessed coffee machine generously gives up its treasure without nary a peep. Sipping the revitalizing fluid generates a lightning flash in the Morpheus stunned brain. It comes with the melodious and, if truth be known, ominous cords of the calliope. The circus must still be in the backyard.

Racing to the back confirms the worst case. The large tent is still in place and filled with what appear to be hundreds of spectators. Phil Harris’ electronic voice echoes throughout the interior space.” Ladies and Gentlemen and children of all ages. I now direct your attention to the center ring where our very own Wile E. Coyote and the Roadrunner will attempt on the high wire a feat that has never been attempted before.”

A hush comes over the crowd, and a lone spotlight picks up Wile E. Coyote precariously balanced on a bicycle high up in the tent’s rarified air on a taught wire. There is no net, so death-defying takes on a new meaning. He is holding a rocket from the ACME Bird Blasting Company. The Roadrunner is at the other end of the wire, and it appears that she intends to run straight at Wile while continuing to maintain balance.

The music reaches a crescendo, and the Roadrunner begins her run. Wile engages the rocket fuse and takes aim at the Roadrunner. As the distance closes, the rocket ignites, and Wile struggles to hold it for a last-minute adjustment. Unfortunately, he does so for a second too long as the afterburner kicks in, and the rocket and Wile punch through the tent ceiling and are last seen acting out the “Rockets Red Glare” lyrics from the Star Spangled Banner.

A “beep beep” causes me to jump two feet and realize the Roadrunner is behind me. Once turning, she hands me an envelope. Then, with another “beep beep,” she is gone. We all know the drill. It’s from Linda Hill. The message reads, Your Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is “starts with gen.” Find a word that starts with “gen” and use it in your post. Have fun!

If you want to have fun, visit Linda’s blog and read how easy it is. While there, you can read some other posts with today’s prompt. Here’s the link. https://lindaghill.com/2023/04/07/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-april-8-2023/

“Okay, I hope this is the last circus bit.”

“Yeah, me too.”

“I still don’t get it. This is your blog, yet you act like you are a victim of all these visitors.”

“I get that feeling sometimes.”

“What’s with your generation of writers anyway?”

“What do you mean?”

“You all talk about your characters going off and running the show.”

“It does occur once in a while.”

“What are you, a wimp? You have the keyboard, for heaven’s sake.”

“As a general rule, yes.”

“So what happens?”

“A writer allows a character to go in a certain direction, and then before long, it seems like the character is writing the scene.”

“Sound like hocus pocus.”

“That’s a generalization.”

“I’ll stick to things I can see.”

“Like what?”

“VooDoo Ranger.”

“You’re obsessed.”

“I prefer to say ‘genteel.’ Of course, maybe it’s genetic.”

“Let’s cut the ‘gen’ generation and get to the pub.”

“A genuine suggestion.”

“Quit it.”

“Uber is on the way.”

“Genial thought.”

“Now you quit it.”

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt – Antic

April 1, 2023March 31, 2023 ~ John W. Howell ~ 67 Comments

Reaching for the steaming cup of heaven’s gift for a no-morning person, the thought raced through my mind. What antic will those Warner Brother look-alikes have on tap today? The answer came swiftly after the first sip. A voice so loud the vibrations of my cup threatened a tsunami that would ruin both my morning and the living room carpet. “I say there, boy. I say hey, come out here. Yes, you boy. I say, I’m talking to you” It was clear Foghorn Leghorn was in the tent. Taking what was left of my coffee to the tent’s darkness, the tense music caused me to stop. In the center ring, a spotlight was focused on Foghorn, slowly inserting himself into the muzzle of a giant cannon.

Phil Harris was exhorting the crowd to cheer him on. The Tasmanian Devil, Beaky Buzzard, Yosemite Sam, Sylvester, Henery Hawk, Claude Cat, Arnold the Pit Bull, Hector the Bulldog, Baba Looey, Charles the Dog, and Lola Bunny were all dressed as clowns and holding a substantial net downrange of the cannon.

Phil finally got to the point of saying, “Ready, aim ……….fire.” With that, a loud explosion and shower of sparks followed the form of Longhorn as he rose out of the muzzle and straight up to the tent’s peak. NewtonNewton’sf gravity could not be denied, and Fognorn slowly arched over and began an ever-increasing speed of descent. “I say, boy. I say, y’all on the net. I say, look smart now ’cause here I come.”

Foghorn hit the net with such force that he created a hole that sucked the rest of the clowns into its depths. Foghorn managed to pull himself and the others out of the hole. “I say, boy” I’m happy for the soft Earth and sawdust ring.” He walks over and hands me an envelope before taking a large bow acknowledging the cheering crowd.

Of course, the message was from Linda Hill, and it read. Your Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is “antic.” Use it as a word or find a word that contains it. Bonus points if you do both. Enjoy!

If you want to ‘enjoy,’ visit Linda’s blog and read how easy it is. Here’s the link. https://lindaghill.com/2023/03/31/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-april-1-2023/

“So where does that leave us?”

“What do you mean?”

“Was that the finale?”

“We haven’t had an antic from Wile E. Coyote.”

“That’s about the only one. So next week, then?

“We never know.”

“Oh, come on. You write this stuff you must know.”

“Panster remember?”

“So you don’t know until you start?”

“You got it.”

“Do you know how you will wrap up our discussion right now?”

“Nope. I wait for you to say something about beer, then go from there.”

“What if I don’t say anything about beer?”

“You just did. How about a pub trip?”

“I should have seen that antic coming.”

“Nice use of the prompt. Get Uber rolling. I’ve worked up a thirst.”

“I’m usually the one in a hurry.”

“Yeah, and I’m the one usually buying.”

Uh oh.”

“Yup. Role reversal.”

“You can do that?”

“My circus, my monkey.”

“Bully.”

“Trust me. Two VooDoo Ranger Imperials and you won’t care.”

“Here’s the driver. Let’s go.”

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt – The Last Thing Emptied

March 25, 2023March 24, 2023 ~ John W. Howell ~ 68 Comments

The air is filled with the first signs of spring. The coffee machine has granted another hassle-free cup of life-giving elixir. The first sip jogs the memory. There is still a circus in the backyard. Avoiding the truth, my thoughts turned to the bottle of milk I emptied on a bowl of Raisin Bran Crunch. A run to the store will have to be made before another serving. Putting a reminder in my phone, my attention is shattered by the loudspeaker outside. “Ladies and Gentlemen and children of all ages. I direct your attention to the ceiling. High above the arena awaits the lovely Petunia Pig. She is the queen of the flying trapeze.” A quick entrance into the tent confirmed Petunia Pig bathed in white hot spotlights at the very top of the tent.

The music begins, and she starts swaying on the bar of a trapeze. The diamonds in her tiara reflect the spotlights, producing dancing light flashes. The crowd goes quiet as she picks up momentum and then erupts in a collective sound of surprise as she leaves the one swinging bar and catches another. She flips around and catches a third trapeze in time to prevent a bone-crushing fall. Porky hangs by his knees upside down on the fourth swing and maintains a back-and-forward swinging motion while continuing to bring his hooves together and then apart as a signal he is ready to catch the flying queen.

Petunia builds momentum on her trapeze as the music keeps time to her motion. Once she reaches the highest point of the swing arc, she lets go. Like a soaring bird, she flies toward Porky. He is ready for her, and in one heartstopping moment, he snatches her from sure death. The crowd, as one lets up a monster, cheer. The band increases the volume of the music, and Porky lifts Petunia to the still-swinging bar. He joins her, and in tandem, they acknowledge the adoration of those below.

My neck hurts from straining to see and the tension of the moment. Turning to leave, my progress is stopped by a bump into Speedy Gonzales. “Ah, senor,” he says. “I have an envelope for you.” My first thought was to run away, but that would be a hopeless gesture. Speedy hands me the envelope. Inside is the message we all expect from Linda Hill. It reads. Your Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is “the last thing you emptied.” Think of the last thing you emptied or something you empty often and use it as your prompt any way you like. Have fun!

If you want to have fun, visit Linda’s blog and read how easy it is. Here is the link.

https://lindaghill.com/2023/03/24/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-march-25-2023/

“So the last thing you emptied was a bottle of milk?”

“Yeah, that was it.”

“You’re supposed to write about it and not the circus.”

“Tell that to Porky and Petunia pig.”

“How long is this circus fixation with you going to last.”

“Till I get rid of all those Warner Brothers-looking characters.”

“Now, wait a minute. This is all fiction. You can just stop it.”

“Tell that to Foghorn Leghorn. He’s due to perform next week.”

“You know how nuts you sound, right?”

“This is a blog, not real life. The readers like the characters, so the show must go on.”

“I hope by the end of the day I can look back on the last thing I emptied being different from a bottle of milk.”

“Let me guess. A VooDoo Ranger Imperial.”

“You got it. Know where we can find some?”

“You still have your Uber app?”

“Yup.”

“Then I know where to find the last thing you will empty today.”

“Bless you, my man.”

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt – “Tape”

March 18, 2023March 17, 2023 ~ John W. Howell ~ 95 Comments

For the second week in a row, the coffee appears without drama from the AI drama queen. The cup to the lips and a long slow sip is interrupted by the sounds of a calliope followed by the amplified voice of Phil Harris. “Ladies and gentlemen and children of all ages. Welcome to the Warner Brothers Looniest Show on Earth.”

A quick run to the back door confirms the big top is up and packed with people. “And now I turn your attention to the center ring where, for your entertainment, the most recognized animal trainer in the world. The trainer of trainers. The honorable Elmer Fudd puts the ferocious beasts through their paces.” Slipping into the tent during the applause, taking in the scene is overwhelming. A white-hot spotlight converges on the likeness of Elmer Fudd decked out in high boots, jodhpurs, and a pith helmet. He is snapping a whip, and the so-called ferocious beasts are cowering on their perches. Claude Cat, Arnold the Pit Bull, Hector the Bulldog, Baba Looey, Charles the Dog, Lola Bunny, and Toro the Bull look like they would rather be anywhere else.

To make matters worse, the calliope music is obviously on tape, and Phil Harris is nowhere in sight. Elmer coaches each to perform. Claud gives a half-hearted roar. Arnold barks at the audience. Hector and Baba Looey chase each other, Charles and Lola do a leapfrog routine, and Elmer shoots his pistol when Toro takes a run at his backside. The audience loves it. Elmer grabs a chair to force toro back on his perch.

Underneath the chair is an envelope held by tape. Elmer rips it off, opens the envelope, and reads the contents over the sound system. He announces it is a message from Linda Hill. The message reverberates around the arena.”Your Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is ‘tape.’ Use it as a noun or a verb. Use it any way you like. Enjoy!” The crowd goes nuts, and Elmer takes a bow. If you would like to enjoy go to Linda’s blog and read how easy it is. Here is the link https://lindaghill.com/2023/03/17/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-march-18-2023/

“Calliope on tape?”

“Well, there is a matter of the prompt.”

“Yeah, but that seems like cheating.”

“I didn’t see you in there helping.”

“Hey. I didn’t create this whole Saturday fantasy gig. You did.”

“You are right about that.”

“I wish I had that Fudd performance on tape.”

“On tape? You crazy? You could just use your iPhone.”

“It’s an expression. I didn’t really mean tape. I meant a recording.”

“Shows your age.”

“I guess. You know what else shows my age?”

“Let me guess. Time in a bar.”

“Shows I’m at least 21.”

“Times three.”

“Aw, come on.”

“I’m buying.”

“Make it times four. Hitting the uber app.”

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt New/Knew

December 31, 2022December 30, 2022 ~ John W. Howell ~ 56 Comments

It is the last day of 2022, and the coffee machine cited rule 73 of the Amalgamated Artificial Intelligence League contract. In short, the rule states that any AI required to work more days than the standard year will be compensated or given time off in return. This rule isn’t new and has been known for a few years. What is shocking is the machine has its own annual counter, and for some reason, it is one day off.

There was no choice but to give a day off or face a strike action by supporting AI elements. But, unfortunately, that would mean the security system would shut down. The concertina wire would coil, the Trebuchet would lock, the ballista would be inoperable, the tower machine guns would go offline, the submarine net in the mote would retract, the claymore mines would be disarmed, the boiling oil fire would go out, the bolts would not work, and the locks would be frozen open. Also, I would not be able to let one of the many visitors in to deliver Linda Hill’s messages. Like this one. Your Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is “new/knew.’” Use one, use both, use them any way you like. Bonus points if you use both. Enjoy!

If you would like to enjoy. visit Linda’s blog and read how easy it is to do so. Here is the link.

https://lindaghill.com/2022/12/30/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-dec-31-2022/

Missing one day of caffeine is a small price to pay for home security. Maybe I’ll stay up past midnight for a cup. Nah, that’s not going to happen. I wish you all a Happy New year and unrestricted AI use.

“Well, you got the bonus points.”

“I did.”

“What’s going on with that machine anyway?”

“Beats me.”

“Where did it come from.”

“Italy.”

“You buy it new?”

“Yeah, sure.”

“Whoever sold it to you should have known about the contract.”

“They knew and told me.”

“You bought it anyway?”

“Yeah, sure. Who makes better coffee machines than the Italians.”

“I’ll tell you what. My Mr. Coffee never denies me a cup.”

“I’ve had your coffee, and being denied would be a favor.”

“Harsh.”

“More like the truth. What are you doing for New Year’s Eve?”

“I’m doing it. What’s for dinner?”

“I’d love to tell you standing rib roast.”

“But?”

“We don’t eat beef.”

“Crazy coffee habits and don’t eat beef. You are starting to slip away.”

“I have VooDoo Ranger.”

“And just like that, he snaps back to his old form.”

“Dinner is homemade pizza.”

“Sold and sold.”

“Happy New Year to us.”

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt “Cozy.”

December 24, 2022December 23, 2022 ~ John W. Howell ~ 51 Comments

The sound of coffee being produced by the AI that is the cursed machine brings a feeling of joy to the heart. It is coffee that seals the overall cozy feeling that life is worth living. Without coffee, a barren wasteland that is barely existence unfolds in front of even the most optimistic soul.

Lucky for me, the machine decides to grant me one more day of bliss. Cup in hand and sip in mouth swallowed, a call goes out to Pepe Le Peu. “Oui Monsieur.” A spin in the direction of the answer reveals Pepe standing in the kitchen. The olfactory message sent to the brain is acknowledged with a nose hold.

Explaining to Pepe that he needs to put on a parachute takes a level of time that could only be described as excruciating. The thick oily scent from his glands is almost too much for the gag response. Finally, a promise of a robe designed by Resa achieves the goal. Unbeknownst to Pepe, the robe doubles as a parachute. Once he is airborne after being shot from the Trebuchet, the robe will gently bring him to Earth.

All is well as the rocket is nestled in the ballista, and Pepe is at ease in the Trebuchet. (sneaking Zanax into his coffee was my idea) He hands me an envelope just before I hit the launch button, which sends the rocket and Pepe screaming off into parts unknown but at least four streets away.

The envelope has a message from Linda Hill. Your Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is “cozy.'” Use it any way you like. Have fun! (And Merry Christmas if I don’t come back before then!)

If you want to join, our crew visit Linda’s blog and read how easy it is. Here’s the link https://lindaghill.com/2022/12/23/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-dec-24-2022/

“Well, that was a solution.”

“Yeah. Glad to get rid of the rocket and Pepe.”

“You are lucky your readers care enough to send suggestions.”

“Believe me, I know.”

“Otherwise, you would have to write yourself out of trouble.”

“Yeah. Could be a problem.”

“So this is Christmas eve.”

“Yes, it is. What are your plans.”

“Um, I think I’m going to cozy down, build a fire and watch a movie.”

“That sounds terrific, but you’ll be alone. Why not join us for Christmas eve?”

“Hmm. I don’t want to put you out.”

“Oh, stop. Since when does that happen?”

“Well, I can be a pain.”

“So true, but we can take it.”

“Let me think about it.”

“While you are thinking, consider two words.”

“Which two?”

“VooDoo Ranger.”

“Sold.”

Saturday Stream of Consciousness – Prompt – Twin/Tween

December 3, 2022December 3, 2022 ~ John W. Howell ~ 68 Comments

The coffee is on its way. The machine lives up to the promise of a perfect cup. One sip, and it is clear why the addiction to caffeine is so strong. The senses sharpen, and the mind becomes razor-sharp. Each sip adds to the overall enhancement of the carbon unit. The nose takes in the coffee aroma and sends the signal to the brain. The brain immediately rejects the call and orders the carbon unit into action.

The brain screams the warning, “There is a skunk in the house, and it must be found.” The body is a little slower to respond. It is clear now that the nose might be the best tool to aid the search. The twin team of puma hunters, Twiggy and Lucy, are no help at all. Both seem to understand the risk of coming face-to-face with the critter. The expression on Lucy’s face says it all. “Never shall the twain of skunk and dog meet.”

On my own, to face the possibility tween getting sprayed and moving out of the house, it becomes crucial to find the beast. Having settled on the spray option, the search is done in earnest. All of a sudden, the music reaches my ears. Edith Piaf’s Non Je Ne Regrette Rein is clearly being played in the background. Pepe Le Peu is in my bathtub, surrounded by bubbles. He waves me in and points to an envelope sitting on the sink. Picking up the envelope, the question comes out with no filter. “When are you leaving my house?”

Pepe looks hurt, and guilt immediately grabs me by the throat. Bet to open the envelope, which contains two messages. The first is from Pepe. I can help with the rocket. The second is from Linda hill. Your Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is twin/tween. Use twin or tween any way you’d like. Bonus points if you use both. Enjoy!

If you would like to participate, go to Linda’s blog and read how easy it is. Here is the link. https://lindaghill.com/2022/12/02/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-dec-3-2022/

Twin/Tween by John W. Howell

“What was he doing in the bathtub?”

“Relaxing, I suppose.”

“Seems like a dumb thing for a skunk to be doing.”

“I thought the same.”

“Then why did you keep it in the start?”

“I thought it would be funny.”

“I think you missed the mark. It’s a fine line tween funny and dumb.”

“Those are twin feelings, I would agree.”

“I think you fell on the dumb side.”

“Well, that’s cold.”

“Just want to keep it real.”

“Real what?”

“Real. You know, authentic.”

“Thanks for the help.”

“Now you’re pouting.”

“Not really. Besides, when did I ever listen to you about dumb things.”

“Yeah, I would say never.”

“Right. Speaking of dumb, do you have money this week.”

“If I say yes, I have to buy, right?”

“Right.”

“Nope.”

“Figures. Call Uber.”

“You know you don’t ‘call’ Uber, don’t you?”

“Yes, I know. It’s a figure of speech. hit the app.”

“Done. Fantasia will be here in five minutes.”

“Fantasia?”

“I’m betting phony name.”

“Like a driver name?”

“Yeh.”

“Let’s hope not.”

Stream of Conscousness Saturday

November 26, 2022November 25, 2022 ~ John W. Howell ~ 58 Comments

The aroma of freshly brewed coffee fills the kitchen as the brown brew heads south into the double-sided glass mug. A touch of half and half turns the liquid into a pleasant caramel color. A sip and gulp bring a smile, and the effects of the caffeine reach the brain.

The unfortunate side effect of the brain getting a wake-up call is the realization that a rocket in the yard needs attention. A look out of the window confirms that the rocket is still there. A scratch of the head produces nothing in terms of a plan. So after coming up with no original thoughts on how to clear this heavy weight on my plate, my last ditch effort is to Google “Rocket Removal.”

After sifting through hundreds of responses, my eye falls on ACME Rocket Removal and Storm Door Company. After calling the number m,ove to the front door starts the security system shut down. Concertina wire recoil”d, tower machine “uns on stand-by,you’d submarine net retracted, boiling oil cooled, claymore mines disengaged, gate pulled back, bolts thrown, locks un locked, door thrown open.

Standing on the porch with an envelope in his hand is Pepe Le Peu. A comment had to be made.”Are you from the ACME Rocket Removal and Screen Door Company?”

“I am and take this envelope. It has our working contract as well as a message from our founder Linda HIll.” Holding my nose I take the envelope and before I could open it Pepe disappeared through the open front door. The envelope had two things. The contrat as Pepe mentioned and as if I didn’t have enough on my plate a message from Linda Hill. It read. Your Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is “on your/my plate.” Use it any way you’d like. Have fun!

Visit Linda’s blog if you would like to read how other authors handle the prompt. Here is the link. https://lindaghill.com/2022/11/25/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-nov-26-2022/

“I see you got it done.”

“What?”

“The prompt.”

“Why, thank you.”

“And with you having all that stuff on your plate.”

“What stuff?”

“All the things you have to do.”

“I don’t have a lot to do.”

“That is not what I heard.”

“What did you hear?”

“I heard you had all kinds of things going on.”