Year”

March 13, 2021March 12, 2021 ~ John W. Howell ~ 65 Comments

It is Stream of Consciousness Saturday again, and I just got a Prime delivery. I finally got Lucy and Twiggy to calm down, so it’s time to open the box. There’s a note from Linda Hill. here’s what it says.

“Your Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is “day/week/month/year.” Use one, use them all, use them any way you’d like. Enjoy!”

If you would like to join this enjoyment, visit Linda’s blog and find out how. I have to warn you. It is very easy. Here is the link.

The Friday Reminder and Prompt for #SoCS March 13, 2021

“You look pretty happy today.”

“I am. I just got the Saturday prompt.”

“Of course, you did, and it’s easy right?”

“All I have to do is write about the day, or week, or month, or year, or all of them.”

“Better get started if you’re going to do them all.”

“What do you mean?”

“A year is a long time.”

“I can’t write about the whole year.”

“Sure you can. Boil it down to the basics.”

“Like how?”

“Mask up, wash hands, stay home.”

“That does pretty much does summarize the year.”

“Try the month.”

“Don’t know where to start.”

“Come on. It’s easy. Mask up, wash hands, stay home, try to find a vaccine shot.”

“You nailed it. How about the week?”

“Mask up, wash hands, go drinking with a bunch of infected losers, and look forward to your COVID relief check.”

“Not bad. The day?”

“Mask up, wash hands and give me a beer from your fridge after you wipe it down with a disinfectant wipe.”

“You are a genius.”

“What are you waiting for?”

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt “Butter”

March 6, 2021March 5, 2021 ~ John W. Howell ~ 50 Comments

It is Stream of Consciousness Saturday again, and I got a box in the mail that says to be opened by the recipient only. So I opened it. Inside I found an ear of corn, a shaker of salt, and a pound of butter with a note. Here is what the note said. “Your Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is “butter.” Use it as a noun, use it as a verb, use it any way you’d like. Have fun!”

So that’s it. If you would like to join in on the fun, visit Linda Hill’s post and learn how. It is effortless. Here is the link.

The Friday Reminder and Prompt for #SoCS March 6, 2021

“I see you have some good-looking corn.”

“Yeah, it is mighty tasty.”

“Dripping with butter, I see.”

“Yup. Wouldn’t have it any other way.”

“A little salt too?”

“Not too much, but yes indeed.”

“You sure have a big smile on your face.”

“You trying to butter me up?”

“No, why would I do that?”

“Butter wouldn’t melt in your mouth; cool one.”

“Don’t know what you mean by that.”

“You might as well save your breath.”

“I still don’t know what you mean.”

“I only have one ear of corn.”

“Oh.”

“So now what do you want to talk about?”

“Butter beans.”

“Huh?”

🎶”Just a bowl of butter beans. Pass the biscuits if you please.”🎶

“Why are you singing that song?”

🎶”I don’t want no collard greens. Just a bowl of butter beans.”🎶

“I think you have lost your mind.”

“No more than you sitting there gorging on the only ear of corn. What if I was sitting drinking the last beer on the planet.”

“You would share it with me.”

“Damn right, I would. So why not share the corn?”

“It’s different. I’ve licked the whole ear.”

“Ew.”

“You don’t want any?”

“Not now.”

“How about that beer?”

“What about it?”

“Where’s my half?”

“I drank it.”

“How about your half?”

“It was on top of yours.”

“So you drank it too.”

“Well, yes.”

“So we are even.”

“But I have more beer.”

“Oh good. Can I have some?”

“Butter me up first.”

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt – “Sty”

February 27, 2021February 26, 2021 ~ John W. Howell ~ 48 Comments

It is Stream of Consciousness Saturday time again, and I looked up in time to see a balloon floating down into the yard. Not being cautious, I ran over since I could see an envelope attached to a string on the balloon. Sure enough, the return address was Linda Hill’s. I ripped open the envelope to find out the prompt this week. To my surprise, here’s the message. “Your Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is “-sty.” Find a word that ends in “-sty” or use the word “sty.” Enjoy!”

If you would like to participate, visit Linda’s blog and see how easy it is to lose your grip[ on reality. Here’s the link.

The Friday Reminder and Prompt for #SoCS Feb. 27, 2021

“I don’t even have to ask. You got the prompt for this week.”

“Why don’t you have to ask?”

“You have the ashen look of a person who is flummoxed.”

“I’m not flummoxed. I just can’t decide the direction.”

“What is the prompt?”

“Sty.”

“Like in the eye?”

“Well, that could be one but words that end in s-t-y or the word itself.”

“Describe your bedroom, and you’ve got it.”

“Meaning?”

“Pigsty.”

“Yeah, very funny, that is a different word.”

“Okay, you got me. What are you going to do?”

“Ask a friend for help.”

“You have one?”

“I think I need to do this myself. Honesty is not your strong suit.”

“Ah, don’t be testy. I was just kidding. Let me help.”

“Okay, I’ll give you amnesty. Any ideas?”

“How about talking about modesty?”

“Um. I would have to get into immodesty descriptions, and that might get me into trouble.”

“Okay, maybe discuss your rhinoplasty.”

“Nose job? I haven’t had a nose job. That would be an element of dishonesty.”

“Was an idea that came to be looking at your nose. Maybe a nice story of the desert. Your hero could be thirsty and out of his mind.”

“And then he becomes a bloodthirsty killer as a result.”

“Now you’re cooking. I’ll leave you in this feisty mode. You’ve got this.”

“Thanks for your help. I was too hasty judging your input.”

“Now that your prompt problems are over, how about a frosty one?”

“At the Zesty Pig Pub?”

“I think you are pushing it, but sounds tasty.”

“After you, your majesty.”

“Stop it.”

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt – “Nerve”

February 20, 2021February 19, 2021 ~ John W. Howell ~ 69 Comments

It is Stream of Consciousness Saturday, and I got a message attached to a snowball from Linda Hill. Here is what she said.

“Your Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is “nerve.” Use it any way you’d like. Have fun!”

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

The Friday Reminder and Prompt for #SoCS Feb. 20, 2021

“You’ve got a lot of nerve.”

“Who you talking to?”

“The curbside food delivery people. Hold on. Okay, then just eliminate the light fluid but keep the antifreeze. Can’t do that either? Well, cancel the order then. Bye.”

“What was that all about?”

“I decided to order this week’s groceries on-line. After I placed the order, I got a notice that a couple of things weren’t authorized for curbside pick up.”

“Lighter fluid and antifreeze?”

“Yes.”

“Why do you need those?”

“Well, the fluid is so I can light my candles with my lighter.”

“And the antifreeze?”

“So I can protect my car engine from freezing.”

“Seems odd that you would wait for cold weather to protect your engine.”

“I drained some of the antifreeze and put it in my toilets.”

“What kind of insane person does that?”

“I didn’t want them to freeze.”

“Who said they would.”

“No one, it just makes sense.”

“To who?”

“Whom.”

“I mean, the heat in your house would keep them from freezing.”

“Uh-huh.”

“Tell me about the heat.”

“You know I have natural gas.”

“I didn’t, but go ahead.”

“The lines froze.”

“So your heater doesn’t work.”

“Right.”

“What about your pipes?”

“Might be frozen too.”

“What are you going to do?”

“Ask to stay with you.”

“Sure, no problem, but I meant about the frozen pipes.”

“Buy bottled water. Take a shower at your house.”

“The pipes are going to break with the expanding ice.”

“Nah.”

“Why ‘nah?”‘

“Drained out the water and filled them with some of that noxious liquor you gave me over the years.”

“The 25-year-old bourbon?”

“Yup, ten bottles filled them up, right beautiful.”

“I don’t know what to say.”

“I could have used beer, but I didn’t have the nerve.”

“Okay, I give.”

“It would have been a big sacrifice. Besides, beer does freeze. Want one while it is still liquid?”

“Yeah, maybe. I keep thinking of that 1000 dollars floating around in your pipes.”

“It will still be there in the spring.”

“Never thought of that.”

“I saved the bottles.”

“Good man. Here’s to ya. You ready to go?”

“Got room for five cases of Bud?”

“Not at one sitting.”

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – prompt – Above/Below

February 13, 2021February 12, 2021 ~ John W. Howell ~ 75 Comments

It is Stream of Consciousness Saturday time again, and here comes Linda Hill with a small package.

“Hey, Linda.”

“Hey, John. Here’s your prompt for this week.”

“Small box.”

“Small prompt. See ya.”

“Thanks, Linda. Well, let me open the box and see what we have. Your Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is “above/below.” Use one, use both, use ’em however they inspire you. Bonus points if you use them both. Enjoy!”

If you would like to have fun and enjoy, go to Linda’s blog and read how easy it is to join in. Here is the link. https://lindaghill.com/2021/02/12/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-feb-13-2021/

“The sky above and the Earth below.”

“What are we doing?”

“I’m creating a poem.”

“What’s it about?”

“The sky and Earth.”

“I got that part; how about the rest?”

“Not sure.”

“What do you mean, not sure?”

“I only have the first line, “The sky above the Earth below.”

“Do you mind if I add to it?”

“No, go ahead.”

“The row ahead, I gotta sow.”

“Hmm. Not sure that’s where I wanted to go.”

“The wind around is starting to blow.”

“I think you are touching on it, you know.”

“The river beside me continues to flow.”

“Now you are rhyming just like a pro.”

“The temperature’s falling, and it’s starting to snow.”

“Your skill is terrific, and mine is so low.”

“Spring will be soon, and things will grow.”

“For this great poem a debt to you I owe.”

“At last, our travels lead us to this plateau.”

“Wait, keep going, and I’ll pay you some dough.”

“Alas, my mind is tired, and we must end this tableau.”

“I’m thinking of a treat you might not want to forgo.”

“Not sure there is anything that is quite apropos.”

“I have in my mind a big treat by the name of merlot.”

“The lure of the grape has no hold which I had to outgrow.”

“Well, then I suggest a new friend, beer, just say hello.”

“I have met Mr. Beer, and our friendship is definitely not nouveau.”

“Let’s stop all this rhyming and go where we can become all aglow.”

“I happen to know a spot that would be perfect.”

“I’m so gal you stopped rhyming.”

“You actually threw off my timing.”

“Stop now.”

“But how?”

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt – Flag

February 6, 2021February 5, 2021 ~ John W. Howell ~ 68 Comments

It is Stream of Consciousness Saturday, and I pulled a postcard out of the mail today. To my surprise, Linda Hill did not make a trip to deliver the prompt. She sent it on this card instead. After reading the prompt I can see why. This week’s prompt, as written by Linda, is:

Your Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is “flag.” Use it any way you’d like. Have fun!

This one sure didn’t need a box or large envelop for sure. If you would like to participate in the fun, go to Linda’s blog and read how to do that very thing. (Was hard not to end that sentence with a preposition) Here is a link to Linda’s place.

The Friday Reminder and Prompt for #SoCS Feb. 6, 2021

“You look relaxed for a Saturday.”

“I’m just enjoying the sun.”

“What about the angst that is usually associated with the prompt?”

“No big deal. I’ve got it in the bag.”

“In the bag?”

“An expression.”

“Want to explain your laid back attitude.”

“This week’s prompt is “flag.” There are many ways to take it. All I have to do is pick one and write it.”

“You leaning in any direction?”

“Well, I could go with Old Glory, our country’s flag.”

“That would be a good one.”

“Or I could write about racing and the checkered flag.”

“There are oceans of material there.”

“Speaking of oceans, I could discuss ships of the line and the admiral’s flag.”

“The ship the admiral is on is called the flagship.”

“I might write a story about a stranded motorist who needs to flag down help.”

“You could make it a thriller and have the person who stops be a serial killer.”

“That would be exciting. I could also explain flag football.”

“Not a lot of folks know about that for sure.”

“Maybe I will discuss how referees throw a penalty flag.”

“Like in a Super Bowl game?”

“Exactly.”

“This is where you were leading me all along, right?”

“Caught me.”

“Let me guess. This little thingy will end at the pub.”

“How clairvoyent of you.”

“And I’m buying?”

“Pure genius.”

“This flag prompt is over, right?”

“Beer 30 my man.”

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt – The Beginning, The End

January 30, 2021January 29, 2021 ~ John W. Howell ~ 63 Comments

The end of the week signals Stream of Consciousness Saturday, and I see Linda Hill has decided to leave a big package at the curb. I don’t blame her since it looks heavy. The sign on the side says Prompt so, I guess this is it. Man, this is heavy.

Your prompt for #JusJoJan and Stream of Consciousness Saturday is: “the beginning, the end.” Write about the beginning of something and the end of something. Bonus points if your first sentence contains “the end” and your last sentence contains “the beginning.” <– Read that again. Have fun!

So there you are. If you would like to join in, visit Linda’s blog and read how. Here is the link. https://lindaghill.com/2021/01/29/the-friday-reminder-for-socs-jusjojan-2021-daily-prompt-jan-30th/

“The end of your life looks to have arrived.”

“No smart-assed comments. I have a real problem.”

“Besides your mental state, you mean?”

“Har de har har har. To the moon Alice.”

“Huh.”

“Ralph Kramden on The Honeymooners.”

“You are lost in the past, I see.”

“Did you ever see the show?”

“Can’t say I did.”

“Lot of good life lessons.”

“What has you all wrapped around the axle today? Please don’t tell me it’s the Hill prompt.”

“A little bit. I need to come up with a beginning.”

“Clear as mud. What beginning for what?”

“For the post. I have the end already up there.”

“The end? Up there? Let me smell your breath.”

“That comes later. The story started with The end, and the story has to end with The beginning.”

“You now have me so confused I’m not sure I can help you.”

“That’s okay, you already did. I was thinking of Ralph Kramden when he used to tell Alice he was boss and she was nothing.”

“Doesn’t sound very nice.”

“Then she would tell him that it was no big deal him being boss over nothing.”

“Sounds like a funny bit.”

“Then they would kiss and make up.”

“To end the show?”

“Nah, for their relationship, it was the beginning.”

“Like with you and I.”

“What do you mean?”

“Beer. The Beginning.”

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt – Close Eyes and Point

January 23, 2021January 22, 2021 ~ John W. Howell ~ 78 Comments

It is Stream of Consciousness Saturday, and here comes Linda Hill with a mammoth box.

“Hey, Linda.”

“John.”

“Prompt?”

“Duh. I’ll just leave it here on the porch. I doubt it will fit in the door.”

“Thanks, Linda. Would you look at this? I better open it and see what we’ve got. I feel like I’m on Chopped. The prompt.”

Your prompt for #JusJoJan and Stream of Consciousness Saturday is: “close eyes and point.” When you’re ready to write your post, open a book, a newspaper, or whatever is handy and close your eyes, and point. Whatever word or picture your finger lands on, make that the basis of your SoCS/JusJoJan post. Enjoy!

“Why are you sitting there with your eyes closed?”

“It’s part of the Saturday prompt.”

“Of course, it is.”

“When I open my eyes, I have to point at a magazine or book and then use a word or picture as the prompt.”

“So you picked Vanity Fair magazine?”

“Don’t you think that’s pretty smart? It’s the Holiday 2020/2021 issue.”

“Well, I suppose as long as the word or picture is something you can use in a story.”

“Okay, here goes. I’m opening the mag, and still with my eyes closed, I’m pointing right here.”

“Looks like you have one.”

“Tell me I’m afraid to look.”

“Not sure you’re going to like it.”

“Tell me.”

“Your finger is on Britney Spears nose.”

“You are kidding, right?”

“No. Open your eyes for heaven’s sake and take a look. Right here on page 49.”

“OMG. What can I do with that?”

“Your prompt, my man.”

“Maybe I could do it again.”

“You have a witness.”

“You?”

“Me. If you think I’ll let you out of this one, you’re nuts.”

“Maybe I can just talk about Britney Spears?”

“Nose.”

“Come on. What can I say about her nose?”

“Count your lucky stars it wasn’t somewhere else.”

“Maybe I could talk about the shape.”

“Sure, that’s a start.”

“Slopes downward.”

“So unusual.”

“Give me a break. What else can I say?”

“Is it cute?”

“Well, I wouldn’t call it cute. Attractive maybe.”

“Excuse me, Miss Spears, but you have an attractive nose.”

“What would you say?”

“This is not my prompt. In the first place, I would have picked a book. At least some words can be used.”

“How about if I start over.”

“I’ll report you to the Linda Hill police force.”

“Even if I offer a token of my appreciation?”

“I’m listening.”

“A pint or two at the pub.”

“Popcorn?”

“All you can eat.”

“Somehow, this makes me feel cheap.”

“No one will know.”

“Now I feel sorry for Brittney’s Nose.”

“She’ll get over it.”

“Yeah, and what’s in a prompt anyway.”

“Now you’re talking. Let’s go.”

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt “First Thing”

January 16, 2021January 15, 2021 ~ John W. Howell ~ 47 Comments

First thing this morning, I ran into Linda Hill. She had something wrapped in old newspapers. “Is that fish,” I said.

“Fish? You better hope not. This is your prompt for this week.”

“Oh, my goodness. Why is it wrapped in newspaper.”

“Cause I ran out of birthday wrap.”

“It’s not my birthday.”

“Just as well then. Here take it.”

“Thanks, Linda. Goodbye.”

Here is this week’s prompt. Your prompt for #JusJoJan and Stream of Consciousness Saturday is: “first thing.” Start your post with the words “first thing” and go from there. Bonus points if you end your post with the last thing. Have fun!

“First thing I noticed? Gee, that’s a hard one.”

“Just say whatever comes to mind.”

“Well, the first thing I noticed when we met each other was your complete obsession with the Saturday prompt.”

“Oh?”

“Yes, we had our first date, and you insisted on reading your response to the prompt. I can even remember the prompt.”

“What was it. I don’t remember.”

“It was rutabaga.”

“Rutabaga? What did I say about rutabaga?”

“I put it out of my mind but recall you were planning on planting some.”

“Well, I never did, so how can you say I’m obsessed?.”

“Let me count the Saturday evenings we only talk about your prompt that week.”

“You serious? We talk about a lot of stuff.”

“Like what?”

“Um. Like . . . er. . . the movie we are watching.”

“And how it relates to the prompt. Let me ask you. What caused you to come up with asking me about the first thing I noticed about you tonight?”

“It is the prompt this week.”

“See, the prosecution rests.”

“That’s not the whole thing.”

“What else.”

“We get bonus points if we end the post with “the last thing.”

“Let me help you with that.”

“I thought you didn’t like the prompt stuff.”

“Let me say good night, which will be the last thing.”

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt – “Sky’s the Limit”

January 9, 2021January 8, 2021 ~ John W. Howell ~ 57 Comments

It is Stream of Consciousness time again, and here comes Linda Hill. She has a balloon on a string and an envelope attached to the string. I’ll bet it is the prompt for today.

“Hi, Linda. Want to come inside.”

“No thanks, John. I just need to deliver this prompt.”

“I like the balloon.”

“Well, grab the envelope and open it. See you.”

“Bye, Linda. Now let me see. I’ll open the envelope. Oops, the balloon just got away. Wow, look at it, climb. The sky’s the limit for that sucker. Let me see what the note says.”

Your prompt for #JusJoJan and Stream of Consciousness Saturday is: “sky’s the limit.” Write about something that has or seems to have no end. Enjoy!

“Hey, why are you looking up at the sky?”

“I just lost a balloon.”

“A balloon. What kind of craziness are you up to now? Oh, wait. The Saturday prompt, right?”

“That’s right. It came from Linda Hill on the end of a balloon.”

“Let me guess. You opened the envelope, and the balloon got away.”

“Once again, you qualify as a clairvoyant.”

“Only you would lose a balloon chasing something as dumb as this Saturday thing.”

“The prompt is for us to talk about something that is endless.”

“Yeah, so what have you chosen? The height that the balloon will go?”

“No, that’s not it.”

“The amount of time you will spend on this prompt.”

“Very funny.”