Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt “Figure”

March 7, 2020March 6, 2020 ~ John W. Howell ~ 41 Comments

It is Stream of Consciousness Saturday time again and this week’s prompt is explained by Linda Hill. “Your Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is “figure.” Use the word “figure” any way you’d like. Have fun!”

If you would like to join in, go to Linda’s site and read how. It is effortless to let yourself go over the edge. Here is the link.

The Friday Reminder and Prompt for #SoCS March 7/2020

“Go figure.”

“What?”

“It just figures that this week’s prompt would be something that I could get my teeth into.”

“So get your teeth into it, already.”

“You don’t understand.”

“I guess not. Tell me.”

“The word figure can be used in several ways.”

“So use it.”

“Not so easy. I have to figure out a strategy.”

“Um-hum.”

“What do you mean by that?”

“You, the panster’s pantster needs a strategy? I don’t think so.”

“How do you figure?”

“I don’t think you need to plan. I figure you can just let yourself go and that will be it.”

“You figure?”

“Yup.”

“I was going to describe our neighbor.”

“Which one?”

“The one across the street.”

“Ah. The one with the shapely figure. I could have guessed.”

“Wait a minute. I could write about the guy next door. He cuts a fine figure of a man.”

“That is actually my place to observe.”

“Men can comment on other men?”

“Sure, but when you talk to figure, it seems a little odd.”

“Don’t you ever admire the figure of another woman?”

“Well, sure. That’s different.”

“How?”

“Go figure.”

“What.”

“You stumped me for once.”

“Heh, heh, heh.”

“Shut up and finish your figure prompt before I figure out a way to get back at you.”

“You could throw a barley pop in my face.”

“I figure we will end up there eventually.”

“Smart woman.”

“Not an ending that’s tough to figure out.”

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt – “etc”

February 29, 2020February 29, 2020 ~ John W. Howell ~ 37 Comments

It is Stream of Consciousness Saturday time again, and this week’s prompt needs to be explained by Linda Hill. In her words.

“Your Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is “ect.” Find a word with the letters “ect” in it, and base your post on that word. (Not to be confused with “et cetera,” which is “etc.”) Enjoy!”etc”

If you would like to join in the fun, go to Linda’s blog and read how. It is easy to go off the edge. Here is the link.

The Friday Reminder and Prompt for #SoCS Feb. 29/2020

“Well, this certainly is farfetched.”

“You seem upset. What has caused you to express this farfetchedness?”

“I’m looking at the latest Stream of Conscious prompt, and it is wretched.”

“Let me see. Oh my, that is the sketchiest.”

“I know, right? Anything I can think of right now is a stretch.”

“So, you have no idea? Mind if I kvetch?”

“For once, I think I could use something from your mental sketchpad.”

“I’ll take that as a yes. So here is my latest mind stretchability.”

“My brains are outstretched to welcome any idea.”

“That is a visual that’s not very fetching. Here we go with my idea. What don’t you build a dialog around words that have “etc” in them?”

“Like maybe a story about streetcars?”

“Whatever. The important part will be to include an “etc” word in each line. This will etch a commonality in the reader’s mind, and you will have met the prompt.”

“That sounds great. Then in the backstretch, I could do something really super.”

“This is not a horserace, but what are you thinking? I wouldn’t overstretch the concept.”

“Pull out a word that few will know. Like baronetcies.”

“Are you tetched? Why would you do that?”

“To outdo the prompt in the homestretch.”

“Guess what, wretch?”

“What is it, kevetchier?”

“There is a pint with my name on it that will take me away from this wretchedness.”

“And a burger and fries with ketchup?”

“Let’s go fetch it.”

“I have been letching for it all morning.”

“Letch no more my man.”

“How do we stop this kvetching?”

“Grab your coat, etcetera, and walk out the door.”

“Etc no more.”

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt – “Animal Sounds”

February 22, 2020February 21, 2020 ~ John W. Howell ~ 53 Comments

It is Stream of Consciousness Saturday time again, and this week’s prompt will need some explanation by the Prompt Master, Linda Hill. Here is what she posted on the dungeon door, “Your Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is “animal sounds.” Write about the sounds animals make and how you experience them. Have fun!”

“Meow.”

“Okay, I give.”

“Woof.”

“Please tell me you aren’t having a stroke. Instead, tell me you are heeding the call of the Linda Hill prompt instead.”

“Growl.”

“Please get up off the floor and tell me what’s going on.”

“Snarl.”

“Now you are causing me concern. Before I call animal control, tell me what you are doing.”

“Okay. We are supposed to write about the sounds animals make and how we experience them.”

“So, your experience is making the sounds?”

“Great guess. See you should join in the fun.”

“As the last thing I do on Earth, you mean?”

“Aw come on. You might like it.”

“I think a root canal might be more pleasurable.”

” Go ahead, make an animal sound.”

“You’re pushing me.”

“Have some fun.”

“Toot.”

“You are kidding, right? What sound was that?”

“A baby elephant.”

“Oh my. Why did you pick a baby elephant?”

“To give you fair warning.”

“Of what?”

*BARRRATTTTT

“It’s irratated mama.”

“Very funny.”

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt “Cheek”

February 15, 2020February 14, 2020 ~ John W. Howell ~ 39 Comments

It is Stream of Consciousness Saturday time again and this week’s prompt is “cheek.” Linda Hill says we can use it as a noun or verb. I can think of cheek as a noun and an adjective but am having a tough time coming up with a verb. Maybe something will come to me. If you would like to be faced with such life-altering thoughts why not pop over to Linda’s blog and read how you can solve them by joining the happy but at times confused gathering of writers. Here is the link.

The Friday Reminder and Prompt for #SoCS Feb. 15/2020

“Something wrong?”

“No, not really.”

“Why are you sitting like that?”

“Okay if you must know I have a cramp in my left cheek.”

“Of your butt?”

“Yes, nosey one. You have a lot of cheek you know.”

“What did I do?”

“I’m in here minding my own business and you barge in and put me on the spot.”

“You fell right?”

“How did you know?”

“The last time you got your cheek in a bunch you fell off the ladder.”

“Okay then, yes I fell.”

“You okay?”

“I suppose. I just need to stretch it out.”

“How did it happen?”

“I was reaching up to try and grab a bowl off the top shelf and lost my footing.”

“Didn’t use the stop ladder?”

“More cheek from him.”

“Huh?”

“Just found the verb form of cheek.”

“Is that good? What am I saying? It’s Saturday Stream time, right?”

“Yup.”

“Well, I hope you will be okay.”

“I am now.”

“That you found a verb?”

“You better believe it.”

“You need to make an appointment.”

“For my cheek?”

“No for your head.”

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt “(Un)Pack”

February 8, 2020February 7, 2020 ~ John W. Howell ~ 48 Comments

It is Stream of Consciousness Saturday time again and this week’s prompt needs an explanation by Linda Hill. Here are her words “Your Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is “(un)pack.” Use “pack” or its opposite in your post. Have fun!” If you would like to join the merriment go to Linda’s blog and read how. It is very easy. Here is the link. https://lindaghill.com/2020/02/07/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-feb-8-2020/

“Why are all these clothes on the floor?”

“I’m unpacking.”

“And throwing them everywhere?”

“No, I have to keep them handy so I can pack.”

“Where are you going? I never heard you were taking a trip.”

“I’m not.”

“Don’t tell me this has something to do with that Consciousness group you’ve become addicted to?”

“I’m not addicted.”

“Says the word junkie while throwing clothes on the floor.”

“Seriously. I’m living out a prompt.”

“Tell me.”

“I’m packing and unpacking which is my choice for the prompt.”

“Who said you had to act it out.”

“Nobody said so. It’s my idea.”

“Now we are dealing with a genius.”

“How long have we been discussing pack and unpack.”

“A few minutes. Why?”

“There you are.”

“There I am what?”

“The prompt has been fulfilled.”

“Put that sword down and tell me what the heck you talking about.”

“You helped me with the prompt.”

“How’s that.”

“Didn’t you ask about what I was doing?”

“Yes, but—”

“No but. You were intricately involved in my prompt which heretofore you have previously mocked.”

“Heretofore and previously mean the same thing, oh redundant one.”

“Besides the fact that you added and abetted a prompt.”

“Yeah, well, just shoot me.”

“Hard to do since I’m not packing.”

“Don’t go there. This romp is over.”

“Not packing could be said as Unpacked.”

“I can’t hear you.”

“Your ears packed?”

“No. The call of the six-pack is drowning you out.”

“You sure drink a lot.”

“You might be the reason.”

“Can I help with the six-pack?”

“Best make it a twelve pack.”

“Will I need a backpack?”

“Let it go.”

“It’s unpacked.”

Stream of Consciousness Saturday- Prompt – “Choices”

February 1, 2020January 31, 2020 ~ John W. Howell ~ 57 Comments

It is Stream of Consciousness Saturday time again, and this week’s prompt is “choices.” Not just any choices mind you. Let’s let Linda Hill explain in her words.

“Your Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is “choices.” Base your post on the subject of making small, uneventful choices. Enjoy!”

If you would like to have the same kind of fun, go to Linda’s blog, grab a big cocktail, and read how easy it is. Here is the link.

https://lindaghill.com/2020/01/31/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-feb-1-2020/

“A little bit of this or a little bit of that.”

“What are you doing?”

“I have some small, uneventful choices to make.”

“Linda Hill, right?”

“Yeah, but look at this.”

“Okay. What am I looking at here?”

“I’m trying to decide between Raisin Bran Crunch or Cheerios.”

“For breakfast?”

“No, that would be too eventful. I mean, a big bowl of either is a meal. That’s an event. Not in the rules.”

“Rules? What rules?”

“Linda’s rules.”

“Let me shut my mouth then. What do you need me to do?”

“See this little crumb?”

“Yes, I see it. I think.”

“Uneventful, right?”

“I would say so.”

“Okay, look at this crumb.”

“Yes. Looks like the other one.”

“Au contraire mon frère.”

“Dale will love you. So, what is it.”

“Like I said, I need to make an uneventful choice. This crumb is a Raisin Bran Crunch crumb, and this is a Cheerios crumb.”

“Can we get to the end of this before I need eye surgery? So what are you doing with these crumbs?”

“You know how I love to feed the birds.”

“I suppose. I have always had a mild concern about your motivation with that?”

“Oh, come on. I love birds.”

“So what about these crumbs?”

“I need to make a change in bird food.”

“I’m waiting for the punch line.”

“I thought I would put one of these crumbs on the feeder.”

“Are you kidding me? The birds won’t even see them, and you’ll base your bird food selection on a dubious experiment?”

“No. The bird food decision is a big one. This crumb decision has nothing to do with that.”

“THEN WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU PUTTING IT ON THE FEEDER FOR?”

“Geez. Calm down. As I said, the rules say uneventful choice. This is about as uneventful as I can make it. The birds won’t see it, and even if they do, it will have nothing to do with my choice of bird food.”

“I think I need to take a nap.”

“That is pretty eventful.”

“Bite me.”

“Another event for history.”

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt “Last Call.”

January 25, 2020January 24, 2020 ~ John W. Howell ~ 52 Comments

It is Stream of Consciousness Saturday time again, and this week’s prompt needs an expert to describe. So let’s drag Linda Hill from her warm cozy house and ask her to explain.

“Fine, John. You could have at least allowed me to get my coat, but never mind. Here it is. Your prompt for #JusJoJan and Stream of Consciousness Saturday is: “last call.” Talk about the enterprise (sales or service) conducted by the last phone call you received from a business you’re not associated with (i.e. your workplace), or talk about that phone conversation itself. Have fun!”

Thank you, Linda. If you would like to participate, visit Linda’s blog. Here take this coat with you. The link is.

The Friday Reminder for #SoCS & #JusJoJan 2020 Daily Prompt – Jan. 25th

“Why so glum chum?”

“I just got off the phone with the doctor.”

“Oh my goodness, what’s wrong?”

“No, nothing’s wrong.”

“Then why the long face?”

“I was given a clean bill of health.”

“And that bothers you, why?”

“No, it’s not that.”

“Do I need to pound the reason out of you?”

“Okay, here’s the scoop. My prompt this week is ‘last call.'”

“The fact that your whole life revolves around that prompt kills me. Go on.”

“According to the rules, I have to take the last call I received and talk about it.”

“Yeah, so?”

“A friggen’ doctor’s office call? Whats to talk about?”

“Describe the visit.”

“Hell no. Not a soul would care. Besides, there are laws protecting my medical privacy.”

“Not if you spill the beans.”

“You keep using ‘spill the beans’ in these posts. Why?”

“Don’t change the subject. What is the problem.”

“I had planned to talk about something more exciting.”

“Like what?”

“Like the new Porsche 911 Carrera Cabriolet.”

“Yeah, that’s exciting all right. What made you think you were going to get a phone call about a Porsche? Those things start at $110,000. That may be without wheels and steering wheel too.”

“I had it all planned. I phoned the dealer and asked to speak to someone and then pretended I had to go and asked them to call me back.”

“No call, I take it.”

“No., Just the doctor.”

“The dealer probably heard of you.”

“What do you mean?”

“They ran a credit check, and your score was so low, Experian was going to bill them for the report.”

“Very funny.”

“So talk about your doctor’s visit. Start with the part where you had to take off your pants.”

“I did not have to take off my pants. Just my shirt.”

“Okay, I’ve heard enough. I need something to kill the image.”

“A loaded gun?”

“Good one. Maybe a six-pack will do it”

“Make it two.”

“Done.”

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt – Last Movie Seen

January 18, 2020January 17, 2020 ~ John W. Howell ~ 53 Comments

It is Stream of Consciousness Saturday time again, and this week’s prompt is…well, let’s let Linda Hill explain it.

“Your prompt for #JusJoJan and Stream of Consciousness Saturday is: “movie title.” Take the title of the last movie you watched (just the title, not the premise of the movie), and base your post on that title. Have fun!” I always like the ‘Have Fun’ part.

So if you would like to have fun, visit Linda’s blog and read how easy it is. Here is the link. https://lindaghill.com/2020/01/17/the-friday-reminder-for-socs-jusjojan-2020-daily-prompt-jan-18th/

“So, the last movie you saw was Midway?”

“Yeah. it was a good historical reenactment of the Battle of Midway.”

“How do you know?”

“What do you mean?”

“Were you at the battle of Midway?”

“No. It took place in 1942. I was still not even walking.”

“So how do you know it was, to quote you, ‘a good historical reenactment?”‘

“I read the reviews.”

“Oh. I thought you were going to say you have studied the history of the time and can vouch for the accuracy.”

“Well, I did a little, but that was so long ago.”

“The reviews were good, huh?”

“Well, some called the movie middling and too long, but no one took on a claim of inaccuracy, including NPR.”

“So, you going to use the movie in your prompt?”

“As the instructions say, just the title.”

“What are you going to write about then?”

“I am midway through my post.”

“Tell me what the post is about?”

“I am midway through my peanut butter and jelly sandwich.”

“More information in the TMI category.”

“I am midway through the day.”

“Oh, brother.”

“I am midway through my patience.”

“So, you aren’t going to tell me?”

“I just did.”

“That’s it? You talking about your midway positions?”

“Yup. That’s it.”

“Duck.”

“Huh?”

“I’m midway to a roundhouse punch that’s going to knock you off that chair.”

“Oh, come on. You know you are midway to respecting my art.”

“And midway to walking out.”

“And where we are, just midway to the bar.”

“Midway to inviting you.”

“Midway to accepting.”

“I’m Midway to asking the readers to forgive us.”

“Midway to a sign of weakness.”

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt – “First Three Words”

January 11, 2020January 10, 2020 ~ John W. Howell ~ 57 Comments

Stream of Consciousness

It is Stream of Consciousness time again, and this week’s prompt is going to take some explaining. Let me ask Linda Hill to tell us what is needed. In her words. “Your prompt for #JusJoJan and Stream of Consciousness Saturday is: “the first 3 words of the first full sentence.” Okay, follow me here. This is what I want you to do: 1. Grab the closest book to you when you sit down to write your post. 2. Open it to a random page. 3. Locate the first complete sentence on that page. 4. Use the first three words of that sentence to start your post, then take it from there–write whatever comes to mind. That’s it! Have fun!”

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

The Friday Reminder for #SoCS & #JusJoJan 2020 Daily Prompt – Jan. 11th

“She snaked her…”

“Huh?”

“The first three words of the first complete sentence randomly chosen in this book.”

“Doesn’t make any sense.”

“I know. But the rules are the rules.”

“Whose rules? Oh, wait. It is Saturday, and you are off on that prompt goose chase again.”

“It’s not a goose chase. It is intellectually stimulating.”

“I suppose you were told to have fun too.”

“Yeah. Linda always says to have fun. She is kind that way.”

“Well, your three words sound pretty lame.”

“I think I’ll make a story about someone snaking their arm around an unsuspecting bystander.”

“Yeah, sounds real exciting, all right.”

“No, wait. It gets better. He cries out as the hypodermic needle is plunged deep into his side.”

“Okay, now it is starting to sound like something.”

“She supports his weight as the poison begins to buckle his knees.”

“Sounds like a thriller.”

“Slowly, she allows his body to descend to the concrete as she shouts for help from passersby.”

“She killed him, right?

“The syringe is secreted away as the first good Samaritan arrives.”

“Someone should call 911.”

“What happened, lady?”

“I don’t know. I was standing next to this man, and he simply passed out against me.”

“My gosh. I think he’s dead?”

“Oh, good lord, call 911.”

“Do you know him?”

“Never met him before in my life.”

“Okay, okay, that’s enough. We don’t have to hear the whole story.”

“Aren’t you curious as to what happens?”

“Sure, but I can read it on your blog.”

“Why not just listen a minute, and you’ll have it now.”

“I hear the roar of a six-pack calling.”

“I think I hear it too.”

“What about your story?”

“Ah. She works for the Russians, and the guy is their enemy. She gets caught and spends twenty-five years in jail.”

“I’ll bet there is more story between killing the guy and jail.”

“Yeah, but as you say, there is another calling.”

“I guess this could be why you are not a best selling author.”

“Could be, but who knows. The first one is on you.”

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt “Ow.”

January 4, 2020January 3, 2020 ~ John W. Howell ~ 48 Comments

It is Stream of Consciousness time again and this week’s prompt is “ow.” Lrt’s let Linda explain. “Your prompt for #JusJoJan and Stream of Consciousness Saturday is: “ow.” Find a word that contains “ow” or use it as a word in your post. Have fun!”

There’s that “have fun” thing again. If you would like to have fun visit Linda’s blog and read how. Here is the link.