Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt “est”

 

SOCS

It is Stream of Consciousness Saturday and this week’s prompt is “est.” That’s right “est.” What the heck am I supposed to do with “est?” I guess I will just have to figure it out once I start my story. Linda Hill says to have fun with it so as a good soldier I will try. If you want to suffer a little go to Linda’s post and read how you can jump into this exercise. https://lindaghill.com/2016/09/16/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-sept-1716/

Est by John W. Howell © 2016

“I was wondering why you continue to invent these dialogs?”

“What are you talking about?. This is fun stuff.”

“Maybe for you, cause all you have to do is come up with sentences in response to what I say. I’m the one who has to work in the prompt.”

“Oh, poor baby. Are we feeling a little oppressed?”

“‘We’ are feeling like we have more of the heavy lifting on this prompt business.”

“Okay then I’ll take over the prompt part, and you just sit there and react to what I say.”

“You’re on. Go ahead.”

“What’s the prompt?”

“I can feel this is going to work well. The prompt is est.”

“What? Dis you hiss at me.”

“No. That’s the prompt E-S-T.”

“Est? What the hell kind of prompt is that?”

“Stop now. You are either going to play or give it back to me.’

“And have you whine for the rest of the day no thanks. Okay, I’ll give it a try. Ahem. Your girlfriend is the nicest.”

“Okay, you got one. Now leave my girlfriend out of this.”

“My, my. You certainly are sensitive. I would say the sensitivest.”

“Beep. No such word. Try again.”

“Hmm. Before I met you today, I was the busiest. Now I’m playing a word game.”

“That works. How are you going to keep folks entertained with this stuff?”

“What’s the problem I have two.”

“Yeah and no one cares. You are not doing anything with the prompt.”

“Like what.”

“Like tell a story. You are just picking words out of the air.”

“Well, why didn’t you say so. Here goes. There was a guy who was the baddest, ablest, calmest, deadliest, evilest, and most contrary person in town.”

“Now you’re talking go on.”

“Well he walked into the bar and yelled,’who is the fastest gun in the place?”‘

“Then what?”

“Some other guy jumped up and said ‘I may not be the fastest but am the gnarliest.'”

“Now I see where you are going?”

“What?”

“You are saying “est” words in alphabetical order.”

“Story is good though isn’t it?”

“No comment.”

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt “View”

SOCS

 

It is Stream of Consciousness Saturday time again. This week’s prompt is, “view.” Linda Hill authorized the use of view anyway we want. If you would like to visit her blog and try and figure out what is going on you can visit her post https://lindaghill.com/2016/09/09/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-sept-1016/https://lindaghill.com/2016/09/09/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-sept-1016/.

View by John W. Howell © 2016

“Hey down in front.”

“You talkin’ to me.”

“Yeah I’m talkin’ to you. Sit down.”

“I hope you can back that with a little more than words.”

“Yeah I can. Either you sit down, or I’ll sit you down. You are blocking my view.”

“Your view? Who died and made you king.”

“A couple more comments and you be taking your meals through  a straw.”

“Yeah, yeah. It sounds like you need a lesson. Come on up and we’ll have us a ball.”

“You and what army are going to make me come up there?”

“Don’t need an army. Just little ole me. By the way get me water from the kitchen.”

“Why do you always make an issue out of watching a football game?”

“Makes it more like we are at the stadium.”

“If I get the water will you sit down?”

“Of course I will dear.”

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt “accumulate.”

 

SOCS

It is Saturday and time for Stream of Consciousness. This week’s prompt is “accumulate.” Linda Hill says we can use the word any way we want. I was thinking of naming a piece of furniture Accumulate given it has been in the way for a while. I don’t believe that use was what Linda had in mind. If you would like to see what this prompt is all about you can visit Linda’s post here.

The Friday Reminder and Prompt for #SoCS Sept. 3/16

Accumulate by John W. Howell © 2016

“What are you doing?”

“Trying to figure out how I managed to accumulate all this junk.”

“What junk? I see a garage full of things but no junk.”

“Well to you it may be things to me it’s junk. Look at this saw for instance.”

“What about it?”

“It is not sharp. Look I can run my hand along the teeth and not get . . . oops.”

“What happened. Oh my gosh you’ve cut yourself.”

“I would say so. Hand me that towel.”

“Here. Is it serious? It’s not supposed to be serious.”

“Nah. This is nothing. See its stopped bleeding already. What do you mean it’s not supposed to be serious.”

“I’m glad it’s not serious. I intended to say I hope it’s not serious. So what other junk are you talking about?”

“Look at this old bike. It needs new everything.”

“You could fix that if you had the time, and it would be like new.”

“Who has the time. Look at this tennis racket and all this other stuff.”

“Okay, I’ll admit that you have quite an accumulation of things and time is a premium.”

“Ha. See.”

“I don’t think you need to worry about it, though.”

“Why’s that and by the way. Who are you?”

“Who am I? They call me the grim reaper and I have come for your soul.”

“You’re kidding right?”

“Nope. That’s who I am.”

“I’m sorta relieved.”

“How so?”

“Look at this accumulation. Who wants to deal with that mess?”

“As I said.”

 

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt “Your/You’re/Yore”

SOCS

It is Saturday Stream of Consciousness time again. This week’s prompt is Your/You’re/Yore. Linda Hill says we can use all or just one. She has ordered us participants, to enjoy so that I will. If you want to know more about this prompt visit Linda at https://lindaghill.com/2016/08/26/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-august-2716/

Your/You’re/Yore/ by John W. Howell © 2016

“Say again.”

“Your, you’re, yore.”

“Are you having a brain freeze or is this talk like a pirate day?”

“No. I’m telling you the prompt for this week’s Stream of Consciousness Saturday.”

“What? Never heard of that stream unconscious Saturday. I will inform you that most of my Saturday’s are unconscious.”

“It is consciousness not unconscious.”

“Who cares anyway. So we have too much to drink on Friday. Conscious, unconscious. What’s the difference?”

“You are slow sometimes. I was trying to tell you about this week’s prompt.”

“Now there’s something I know about.”

“Know about what?”

“Prompt.”

“What about prompt? Man, you are almost on my last nerve.”

“Never late. That’s me.”

“I could have predicted something like that from you.”

“Why? I think being late is a bad habit. Look at me. I believe promptness is next to godliness.”

“Yeah, I’m sure you do. To the point, though. Are you going to help me with these words?”

“Help you do what?”

“Use them in a story.”

“Didn’t you just do that very thing?”

“This doesn’t count. You being an idiot doesn’t count. I mean a real story.”

“Okay. Ahem. Once upon a time there were two guys talking. One came out with your, you’re and yore and wanted the other to help him making up a story. They both talked for a while when it became clear that it was time to go and get a beer. The one who the other thinks is so dumb spoke. ‘Why don’t we go to your bar and have a drink since you’re so uptight. Then we can relax  and tell tall tales of yore while we get drunk.’ There you have your story.”

“The bar part is a good idea. Not sure the prompt use will fly.”

“Trust me. If we go now, we won’t be too late for the free appetizers.”

“Prompt right?”

“Yup.”

 

 

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt – “Date”

 

SOCS

It is Stream of Consciousness Saturday time again and this week’s prompt is “Date.” Linda Hill says we can use it any way we want to use it. Which brings up the question, how many ways are there to use “date.” I can think of three right off the bat. 1. The fruit. 2. A social event where at least two people attend. 3. A specific period on the calendar.  If you would like to enjoy yourself by joining in for this madness, please go to Linda’s site and read how. https://lindaghill.com/2016/08/19/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-aug-2016/

Date by John W. Howell © 2016

“Where do you want to go?”

“Why do I always have to decide?”

“You don’t always have to decide. I usually decide.”

“No, you don’t. I’m the one making the decision on where to go.”

“Okay then. Where do you want to go?”

“I don’t want to decide. You decide.”

“Fine. Monster truck mash then.”

“No way.”

“I thought you didn’t want to decide.”

“I don’t, but you have to believe monster truck mash is something I wouldn’t want to do on a date.”

“I see. Okay, how about the opera?”

“Now you’re an idiot.”

“A move then.”

“What’s playing.”

“How about we just watch TV and eat popcorn.”

“We did that last week.”

“I’m going to give up in a minute.”

“Come on. You can do better.”

“Skydiving?”

“Now you’re talking.”

“You’re kidding right?”

“Yes. How about we take a picnic dinner to the park, and we just relax.”

“That sounds good. Let’s do it.”

“Told you.”

“What?”

“I always decide.”

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt “Cash”

SOCS

 

It is Stream of Consciousness Saturday time again, and we have a new logo. John Holton is the genius behind its design. This week’s prompt is “cash” and Linda Hill says we can use it as a noun, verb or anything we want. If you would like to learn more here is a link into the Twilight Zone where you’ll certainly be on your own.https://lindaghill.com/2016/08/12/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-august-1316/

Cash by John W. Howell © 2016

“Hello, I’m Johnny Cash.”

“No, you’re not. You don’t even look like Johnny Cash.”

“I really would like to be Johnny Cash, though.”

“Well, that black outfit sure gives the illusion.”

“Yeah, too bad I can play the guitar.”

“You don’t need to do that. There a plenty of guitar players. All you have to do is sing.”

“I’m afraid I can’t do that either. Listen. ‘I hold out for the tie that binds, I walk the line”‘

“You are certainly right about the non-singing part. Maybe if you just stood in the dark with that black hat and outfit, someone may think you are Johnny Cash.”

“You think so?”

“No. Had you going there didn’t I.”

“Okay, so I’m no Johnny Cash. Who can I be then?”

“Why don’t you try yourself?”

“How would I earn money that way.”

“Ever think of working?”

“Uh. There’s that word again. Why does everyone think I should work?”

“I think most of us are tired of handing you cash when you beg.”

“Beg? I don’t beg. By the way, you wouldn’t have a couple of bucks you could lend me do ya?”

“No.”

“Aw, come on. I have not eaten in days, and I just need a little food so I can go job hunting.”

“You’re begging.”

“Seriously? No, I’m not. I’m just giving you the rationale for handing me some coin so I can cash it in on a burger.”

“Then what?”

“Then what what?”

“After the burger then what?”

“I’ll see if the burger joint is hiring.”

“Right. I can see you doing that after your burger. You’ll take a nap is what you’ll do.”

“How do you know?”

“How many burgers have I funded.”

“Oh, maybe a few.”

“Like hundreds and after each one you have a nap on the bench.”

“You know what?”

“What?”

“You’re right. I need to get a grip. Don’t give me the burger cash.”

“What? wait. Here take the money.”

“No, I need to take charge.”

“Please take the money.”

“Well, I hate to see a person beg. Okay. Thanks.”

“You’re good you know that right?”

“I know.”

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt “Ex”

Stream Of Consciousness Saturday

 

The instructions are simple, “Find a word with “ex” in it and use that word as the base for the post. In case you are confused about what I’m writing, I’m describing another Stream of Consciousness prompt by the fiendish  lovely Linda Hill. If you want to join in go to this link and read all about it. https://lindaghill.com/2016/08/05/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-aug-616/

EX by John W. Howell © 2016

“So what’s the prompt?”

“Ex.”

“Huh? What ya mean X?”

“No not X. Ex.”

“X what? X-Men?”

“I said not X as in X-Men but Ex as in exfoliation.”

“Exfoliation? What the heck does that mean?”

“My goodness man. Did you go to school?”

“Yes I did, and I graduated an expert.”

“Now who is confusing who? An expert in what?”

“Getting through school with no expectations.”

“I see. This still brings me back to ex.”

“Your ex?”

“No, not my ex. We need to find a word with an ex in it and make it the subject of this post.”

“Oh, now I see. How about execution.”

“You know with help like you give I don’t need any enemies. That’s not exactly a great subject for a post.”

“Okay, then. How about exercise?”

“Hey, I think you are on to something at last. We could examine all the aspects of exercise.”

“Naw. Go ahead without me. I’m exhausted.”

“I’m sure you are. You don’t exhibit much energy in the first place, and I’m sure all this mental work has been challenging.”

“Excuse me? Look who’s talking? You haven’t left that chair in over two hours.”

“I’m the boss of this outfit, and you are an exclusion.”

“Oh, Yeah? You want to expand on that statement?”

“Yeah, and since you want exactness, you’re nothing.”

“You know what Mr. Executive?”

“What Mr. Expendable?”

“You say you’re the boss and I’m nothing, and I have to say, ‘big deal boss over nothing.’ Examine that boss man.”

 

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt – “ART”

Stream Of Consciousness Saturday

It is Stream of Consciousness time again. This week’s prompt is “Art.” Linda Hill says we can use the word as it is or as a name. She also say’s we don’t have to draw. That is a big load off my mind since drawing is something I don’t do. If you would like to participate here is the link. https://lindaghill.com/2016/07/29/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-july-3016/

Art by John W. Howell © 2016

“Art?”

“Yes, my man. What cam I do for you?”

“Huh? I was just wondering if this mess on canvas was art.”

“Oh, I thought you were asking me a question.”

“I don’t know you. My name’s Art.”

“Can you believe it. My name’s Art too.”

“Go on. What’s the chance of that?”

“Now what were you saying about the mess on canvas?”

“Well, I was wondering if these blobs of paint could be considered art.”

“I think we should ask the artist?”

“Do you know who did this atrocity?”

“I know the artist, yes.”

“Well, maybe we could ask if they consider this art.”

“Yes.”

“Yes, we should ask?”

“No yes. It is art.”

“How do you know?”

“I’m Art, the artist.”

“Oops. I didn’t mean this mess was a mess.”

“No? What did you mean?”

“I guess I don’t like it very much.”

“You’ve made that clear.”

“Aren’t you mad?”

“Not really. You see this canvas was on the floor of my studio. My agent came in and the next thing I knew it was on the wall here in the gallery.”

“So you didn’t paint it?”

“No, I sorta slopped it.”

“What a relief. I enjoy your other works, and this was out of synch.”

“Well, They say art is in the eye of the beholder.”

“Is this for sale?”

“Yup.”

“How much?”

“Fifty Thousand.”

“You’re kidding?”

“All the way to the bank Art.”

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt “Second”

Stream Of Consciousness Saturday

 

Time again for another prompt from Linda Hill in support of Saturday Stream of Consciousness. This week’s prompt is “second.” The beautiful part Linda says we can use it any way we want. Reminds me of Janice Joplin’s lyric from the song “Me and Bobby McGee.” It goes like this, “Freedom’s just another word for nothing left to lose.” If you would like to join in, go to Linda’s site. https://lindaghill.com/2016/07/22/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-july-2316/

Second by John W. Howell © 2016

“I can’t believe it.”

“What?”

“I came in second.”

“Second on what.”

“Second on the poetry contest.”

“Well, that sounds pretty good. What did second get you.”

“You don’t understand. Second is nothing. Second is a failure. I wanted to be first.”

“Calm down. Not everyone can be first. I think second is quite an honor.”

“You would. You don’t understand my poetry.”

“Now that’s not true.”
Yeah well, you always glaze over when I read it to you.”

“I don’t glaze over. Sometimes I don’t think it is spot on.”

“You don’t understand.”

“Okay read me the second place entry then.”

“All righty then. I’ll read it, and you won’t understand.”

“Try me.”

“Okay here goes. Ahem. ‘Rise, fall, fail.”‘

“That won second place? You are upset with second place with that piece? Who won first.”

“Here is the first place poem. ‘Born, die.”‘

“I take it back. I don’t understand anything. You are so right. Congratulations on the second place finish.”

“Neanderthal.”

 

 

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt “Concentration”

Stream Of Consciousness Saturday

It is Stream of Consciousness Saturday time again and this week’s prompt is “concentration.” If you would like to join in go to Linda Hill’s place and read all about it. Here is the link https://lindaghill.com/2016/07/08/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-july-916/

Concentration by John W. Howell © 2016

“You hear that?”

“W-what?”

“That noise.”

“No. I am busy trying to figure this thing out.”

“I don’t mean to break your concentration, but I think we have a problem.”

“No kidding. That’s why I can’t think about some random noise.”

“Yeah well, the noise sounds like something’s been torn off.”

“Let me do a little more of, as you say, concentration and maybe we can do something about it.”

“Well, I would hurry if I were you.”

“I hear you. How much time to we have?”

“The ground is coming up pretty quick.”

“Might need a prayer.”

“Already done. Been a pleasure Steve.”

“Same here Sam.”