Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt “Press”

May 28, 2016May 27, 2016 ~ John W. Howell ~ 41 Comments

Here it is Stream of Consciousness Saturday again and time for another run through the hoops courtesy of Linda Hill. This week’s prompt is “press.” Linda says we can begin a word with it, end a word with it or use it by itself. (Not “it” but “press”) If you would like a little of your mind eaten each week maybe you should join our happy band of scribblers and give this thing a try. Go to Linda’s blog and check it out. Here is the link https://lindaghill.com/2016/05/27/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-may-2816/

My interpretation.

“Make way, make way for the press.”

“The press? Who are you trying to kid?”

“I just got a new job with the newspaper.”

“Job? What kind of job.”

“I’m one of the pressmen.”

“Pressmen? What the heck are pressmen?’

“We press the print onto the paper.”

“You mean a printer.”

“No you oaf. In the newspaper business, we are called pressmen.”

“What if you are a woman like yourself?”

“Urm. I guess press woman.”

“Okay, so why are you going around saying, pressmen, when you should be saying press women?”

“Never gave it a thought.”

“You know firefighters have the name firefighters because many are women.”

“I know that. So you point is?”

“Maybe you should be called press workers.”

“Sounds less dignified. Our jobs are more than just work.”

“Okay. I can say with certainty press women doesn’t have much dignity either.”

“I was very happy with my new job until I ran into you. What is your position called?”

“Human resource manager.”

“Ah perfect. So give me a title that I can use.”

“How about pressessist?”

“Have you been drinking?”

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt “Break/Brake”

May 21, 2016May 20, 2016 ~ John W. Howell ~ 32 Comments

It is Stream of Consciousness Saturday time again. This week’s prompt is “Break/Brake.” Linda Hill says we can use one or the other or both. I usually go for broke (past tense of break? huh? maybe?) and I will try them both. Wish me luck

If you would like to join in here is the link to Linda’s site, and there you will get all the information you need to make a fool out of yourself.

The Friday Reminder and Prompt for #SoCS May 21/16

“Okay, gang let’s take a break.”

“Whew, boss its about time to put the brake on overtime.”

“What’s the matter Shultz. A little work will break you?”

“Naw sir. I just think this twelve-hour stuff needs a brake to slow it down for a while.”

“What kind of brake do you have in mind?”

“Well, we could all pitch in and work a little harder and maybe even avoid the afternoon coffee break.”

“Give me a break Shultz. You know the union will kick my ass if I ask y’all to skip a break.”

“Well, it’s been six weeks since I’ve seen my kid. I get up before him and arrive after he’s gone to bed. This kind of schedule will break my home life.”

“You the only one feeling this way? Anyone else need a brake applied to the hours of work?”

“I don’t know, but if we don’ get a break, there will be a massive brake on my love life.”

“Yeah, well we don’t need to go there. Pull the brake handle on that talk.”

“I guess I’m the only one not willing to trade living for money. Okay, break time is almost over, and I can see there’ll be no brake on the work hours.”

“Here’s one for you. Why not take a full-time break? You know cash out.”

“Love to boss, but there’s way too many bills to pay and how do I put a brake on them if I’m on a full’time break.”

“So we are finished with the break/brake discussion?”

“Yup break’s over. Thanks for your concern boss.”

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt Two letter Word

May 14, 2016May 13, 2016 ~ John W. Howell ~ 40 Comments

If I thought other prompts were unusual, Linda has set up one of the strangest. The idea is to start today’s post with a two letter word. There is extra credit for ending the post with a two letter word as well. Well, I started it with the word “If.” Let’s see if I can end the whole thing with a two letter word as well. (I really want extra credit) If you would like to have some fun as well go to Linda’s site and read how. Here’s the link.

The Friday Reminder and Prompt for #SoCS May 14/16

“So, what do you have planned today?”

“I’m not sure. I think I would like to catch some TV.”

“TV? It is such a beautiful day, you should go outside.”

“No. I think I should stay in here where it’s cool. You sound like my mother did when I was a kid.”

“Me? Your mother? That’s a laugh. Of course, sometimes you need someone to keep you in line.”

“I’m sure you think that, but I’m capable of taking care of myself.”

“Oh. Sure you are. Tell me what you had for breakfast?”

“If you call what I had at eleven o’clock breakfast, I had cold pizza.”

My, my. Sounds like a full and upright breakfast to me.”

So, you tell me what is wrong with pizza.”

“Ok. Let’s start with the fat content and move through the carbs all the way to the nitrates.”

“If I had any concern about fat I would give it to you. I don’t care about fat. It is good.”

“In moderation, you should say.”

“No. I think it is okay in any old quantity. What’s the matter you look confused?”

“I’m thinking.”

“So this is new for you?”

“As you can see I am thinking about a problem of mine.”

“We can figure it out whatever it is.”

“I’m not sure. You see I have to end this post with a two letter word.”

“At whose insistence?”

” To get extra credit from Linda Hill’s SoCS prompt.”

“It has come to me how to end in a two letter word.”

“Oh, I would be so grateful if you could tell me how.”

“It is simple. I’ll ask a question that will end in two letters.”

“I’m in your hands. Ask away.”

“Do you love me?”

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt Apparent/A Parent

May 7, 2016May 6, 2016 ~ John W. Howell ~ 36 Comments

If it is Saturday, then it must be Stream of Consciousness time. This week’s prompt is Apparent/A Parent. Linda Hill says we can use both or either. Don’t you love the smell of freedom in the morning? If you would like to join in the fun, go to Linda’s site and learn how. Here is the link.

The Friday Reminder and Prompt for #SoCS May 7/16

“So which one did you chose?”

“I think it’s apparent if you think about it.”

“Apparent huh. Think about it huh. So you going to make me guess?”

“I think that would be fun. Give it a try.”

“Okay, I’ll play one time. I guess Harvard.”

“Wrong. Try again.”

“I said I was only going to play one time. You wanted to go to Harvard. What happened?”

“To tell you the truth a parent talked me out of it.”

“A parent? What the hell does that mean?”

“My dad asked me to consider all the schools before I made my choice.”

“Yeah so?”

“So, I looked at each one carefully and weighed all the pros and cons.”

“I know you can get into any school you choose so I’ll say MIT.”

“Nope. That one did rank up there, though.”

“Yale?”

“Nope.”

“Stanford?”

“Too far.”

“NYU?”

“No, I don’t think you will get it so let me just tell you.”

“Now we’re getting somewhere. Where for heaven’s sake?”

“Hoboken Barber College.”

“Uh. Say again.”

“Hoboken Barber College.”

“Barber College? You nuts?”

“No. Think of it. I will be out in three months and will be making good money cutting hair. My dad will be happy because I won’t be going to Harvard. He’s a Yale man you know.”

“You can’t be serious?”

“How did it sound?”

“Like you need to have some rest time in a rest home.”

“So when I lay that on my dad, do you think he will still have a problem with Harvard?”

“No wonder you have so many scholarships.”

“Good huh?”

“Yeah, great provided your dad doesn’t have a heart attack.”

“Naw. He runs marathons.”

“Good.”

“It’s apparent he can take it. Go for it.”

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt Zoo

April 30, 2016April 29, 2016 ~ John W. Howell ~ 36 Comments

Another Saturday and so it is Stream of Consciousness time. Linda Hill has given us a very nice prompt, “Zoo.” She says we can use it alone or as part of another word. I’m going to try to put Zoo in each line of dialog. If I can’t fit it in the conversation will be over. If you would like to join this ~~madness~~ fun click on the link and go see what is going on.

The Friday Reminder and Prompt for #SoCS April 30/16

“So what was that Zoo something movie?”

“Zoolander?”

“Yeah that was it. It wasn’t about a zoo though.”

No, it was about the modeling industry which is a zoo of it’s own.”

“Yeah, I remember the character’s name was Darrell Zoolander and he was no paleozoologist I would say.”

“What is a Paleozoologist? Sounds zooty.”

“Zooty? What kind of word is that? Gadzooks, it sounds like you are in another world.”

“Zooty is an old term for someone who is sharp. Goes back to the 1940’s when there were guys standing around in Zoot suits. back to my question on Paleozoologist.”

“I’m really lost now on how your mind works with that zooty thing. A Paleozoologist is someone who studies ancient animals.”

“I thought that was a Paleontoligist. How did we get zoologic all of a sudden?”

“Look up at the top. Does the prompt say anything about toligist? No it says zoo. Why would I use a word that didn’t have zoo in it. I’m forced to be a Zoophile. Besides Paleozoologist and Paleonoligst are the same science.”

“Zoophile? We need a dictionary.I think you more resemble a Zoophite anyway.”

“Zoophite? Somehow I don’t think that is a compliment. So in keeping with your insult, I think you are in reality a Zoomorph.”

“I happen to know what a Zoomorph is and I resent being called animal-like.”

“Well you’ll just have to get over it. I’m the head keeper here and want you to come eat your Waterzooi.”

“I hate Waterzooi. Besides I’m supposed to have greens not stew. Where’s my zoosporangium.”

“You are a hippo for heaven’s sake. This is a zoo. I’m the zookeeper. You don’t get to call for zooporangium.”

“Some fun you are Bazooka breath.”

“Call me more names why don’t you? Just sit on your wazoo and smile for the folks.”

“Fine. I’m going to call the zoological society and file a complaint.”

“Good luck holding the phone.”

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt “TA”

April 23, 2016April 23, 2016 ~ John W. Howell ~ 26 Comments

Once again time for Stream of Consciousness Saturday. This week Linda has come up with another two letter prompt. It is “Ta” which Linda explains is British slang for goodbye. I remember the old TTFN designation used may years ago. It stands for Ta Ta For Now. I’m not sure people still sat TTFN, but if you want to join the fun, please visit Linda at https://lindaghill.com/2016/04/22/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-april-2316/ Here is my interpretation of “Ta.”

“So what are you writing?”

“A little sign to put up in my yard.”

“Yard? What for?”

“Well, as you know I have had a bunch of people constantly wandering around my property.”

“No, I didn’t know. What’s that all about?”

“I’m not sure. I asked one guy about it, and he told me there was a rare bird nesting in a tree in my backyard.”

“So these people are visiting the bird.”

“I guess so. You would think they would ask me if it was okay.”

“Yeah, seems like the decent thing to do.”

“I haven’t had one ask. When I go up to them and politely ask them to leave, they just look at me.”

“So why not call the cops?”

“Did. They said there was nothing they could do.”

“Brother. So what is the sign going to say.”

“Ta ta for now. Take you and your bird watching stuff and beat it or else.”

“Uh. I don’t think that’s going to do anything.”

“Would you read a sign like this and not react.”

“I would be asking myself or else what?”

“Hmm, good point. How about this?”

“Or the bird gets it. You mean that?”

“No, but who is going to call my bluff?”

“Not bird people. That’s for sure. Good job.”

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt “No”

April 16, 2016April 16, 2016 ~ John W. Howell ~ 24 Comments

It is Stream of Consciousness Saturday once more. This week’s prompt is “No.” Linda Hill says we can use it as an abbreviation of the word number or just as it is. If you would like to see what all this is about, go to Linda’s blog and check it out. https://lindaghill.com/2016/04/15/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-april-1616/

No By John W. Howell © 2106

“What number do you have three?”

“No.Seventy two.”

“No kidding. What number are they serving?”

“They have been stuck on two for the last hour. No movement.”

“Aw man. Don’t they know we need to go fishing today or no dinner?”

“Gee you think? No, they don’t know.”

“Why on earth did you decide to get your license renewed on a Saturday? This is no day for a DMV trip.”

“Hey, I work all week. No other time but Saturday.”

“I guess you’re right. I meant no offense.”

“None taken. Sit down and relax. No need to get riled up. It shouldn’t take too long.”

“No? It looks like it may take several days. If they have done two in an hour, it will take thirty-six hours to get to you.”

“No, you’re right.This isn’t logical. I’ll go see. Hold on.”

“I’m back. Well, they have had some kind of computer glitch. It’s fixed now. She told me no worries we will be out in forty-five minutes.”

“Joy. Then it is an hour and a half to the lake.No way to make it before noon.”

“What do you care? What else do you have to do today? No other job but catching fish.”

“Okay, I have no other engagements. I’m just going to sit here with my mouth shut and enjoy the quiet.”

“No kidding. You can relax knowing we have to sit here another forty-five minutes?”

“Wait a minute. You had me all calmed down. Now for no reason you have me fired up again.”

“There is no way you can make it on your own. You know that right?”

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt “Ha”

April 9, 2016April 8, 2016 ~ John W. Howell ~ 28 Comments

It is Saturday and time for some more Stream of Consciousness. Linda Hill has picked the prompt “ha.” In her benevolence, she is allowing the use of ‘ha” straight up or as the starting part of a word or words. If you would like to participate in the fun, go to Linda’s blog and see how. Don’t be afraid it only hurts for a little while.https://lindaghill.com/2016/04/08/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-april-916/

“Harold come here.”

“Okay, Hap. What do you want?”

“Did you read the latest hair-raising story ion the internet?”

No. I have better things to do with my time than hang onto a computer all day.”

“Happens there have been aliens spotted in Washington.”

“Well, that’s happy news. Maybe some will take over Congress.”

“I’m serious. I haven’t left this screen all day. It is horrifying.”

“Hand me the laptop. What are you talking about?”

“Look at the beings on the mall. They look like they are getting ready to fight. Look at that hag with the pitchfork.”

“I see them Hap. It looks like one of those zombie movies. Look at the guy with the hat.”

“You think it’s a movie? I have to admit I have a computer habit. Could I have been sucked in?”

“I hate to tell you, but yes. You’ve been sucked in. This film is a B-movie made in the sixty’s.”

“No wonder I didn’t know it. It was made before I was hatched.” (allowance for no fixing mistakes)

“I also think you were pretty hasty in your conclusion.”

“Don’t be a Harpy. I get it.”

“Okay, no harm done.”

“I hated the sixty’s.”

“Time to halt this conversation.”

“Harsh.”

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt “Be”

April 2, 2016April 1, 2016 ~ John W. Howell ~ 40 Comments

It is Stream of Consciousness Saturday again. The prompt for this week is “be.” Linda Hill is allowing us to used it any way we want. This kind of freedom can be downright intoxicating. If you would like to know more about all this prompting and streaming go visit Linda’s site. There are all kinds of other interpretations which are interesting to read. Here’s the link. http://lindaghill.com/2016/04/01/theres-no-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-april-216/

“To be or —”

“Don’t go there.”

“Why not?”

“That is the most obvious way to do this prompt.”

“Well, who cares? At least, it gets done.”

“You should have more pride in your work than that little bit of effort.”

“Do you know how long it took to memorize that line?”

“Yeah, maybe three seconds if you were really slow.”

“Okay, Mr. Smarty pants. What would you do with the prompt be.”

“I would be a little more thoughtful.’

“Okay, well then, what do you have?”

“I already gave it to you.”

“You did? Where was I?”

“Hard to tell. You’ll always be a mystery.”

“Wait, a minute. You’re trying to fool me.”

“Believe me. It would be hard to fool you.”

“I’m beginning to get it. You are tossing be’s in with every sentence.”

“Well, I’ll be darned. You’re a lot smarter than you look.”

“There you go again.”

“I would be interested in what you mean.”

“You are saying the word ‘be.”‘

“And what was the prompt this week?”

“Be.”

“So what should I be doing?”

“Using the word ‘be’ any way you want.”

“Can you hear what you are saying?”

“So you are just doing the ‘be’ prompt.”

“That’s exactly what I be doing.”

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt Real

March 26, 2016September 15, 2020 ~ John W. Howell ~ 30 Comments

Stream of Consciousness Saturday time again. This week’s prompt is “real.” Linda Hill, the dungeon mistress, says we can use it with a prefix or suffix or just use it by itself. The freedom here is exhilarating. If you would like to join, this merry band of nut cases go to Linda’s site and read all about it. http://lindaghill.com/2016/03/25/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-march-2616/

Here is my interpretation.

“It’s been real, but I have to get back .”

“Back? Back where?”

“Back to my real life as a business person.”

“Aw, come-on. Just one more day.”

“No I love hanging out with you, but all good things must come to an end.”

“Do you actually think the life of a business person is real?”

“Sure beats sitting around and feeling like a sloth.”

“What do you mean feeling like a sloth?”

“You know what I mean. Staying in bed all day. Eating all the wrong things. Watching those cursed movies.”

“You like it, though.”

“I like it too much. You make me real comfortable. Almost so I never want to go back.”

“Why don’t you just stay? What we have together is the real life not that pretend stuff you do.”

“You mean make money so we can sit around doing all the real things you think of as life.”

“You know how to hurt a guy. You know I can’t make money.’

“No one asked you to. My real life gives us this paradise, but I have to get back.”

“I wish you could stay. When you’re here, I feel so alive.”

“I know darling, but you know the rules.”

“Yes, I do. It’s just so dark and lonely when you leave.”

“Robbie? We’ve talked about this before. You are not a real person and when I leave I need to take your power pack with me. I can’t have you trying to do things on your own.”

“I always feel real when you are here.”

“Yes, dearest I know. sleep well.”