Happy New Year from All of US and a Break Announcement

December 31, 2024December 30, 2024 ~ John W. Howell

New Year’s Eve is here, and with it, an ideal time to wish you and your family a very Happy New Year.

Also, thank you for your support, visits, and comments. Interacting with you has been a year of joy, and I hope you feel the same.

I have family visiting, so I will take a break from tomorrow until Thursday, January 9th. Twiggy and Tempeste will be back on that date, but they will also take a break for now. I will be offline and will miss commenting on your posts. I hope to see you back on the 9th.

Until then, all the best to you.

I have closed comments.

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Finger Point Prompt – Brushed

September 17, 2024September 16, 2024 ~ John W. Howell ~ 48 Comments

I opened the book My GRL randomly to page 191 and, without looking, pointed to the page. The word closest to my finger is “brushed.”

“So, how long did that take?”

“It seemed like ten days, but it was only two. He is now fully brushed.”

“That sounds like a lot of time.”

“That horse is a monster.”

“Yeah, I know. I still can’t figure out why you felt the need to brush him.”

“You know all that dander and dust that builds up under those hairs.”

“Yeah, I’ve seen a little of that.”

“All that crap just got to me one day.”

“I still don’t get the point.”

“I am real tired of drilling through all that just to have lunch.”

“Why not just fly to a cleaner horse?”

“Cause those Clydesdales are real tasty. There’s nothing like them.”

“Funny. I never tried one.”

“You should. This one’s clean enough.”

“Well, thanks for the invite. How about after lunch, we fly over and go for a stroll in the dung pile.”

“You’re on.”

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Happy Birthday America

July 4, 2023July 3, 2023 ~ John W. Howell

From our house to yours, we wish you a Happy Fourth of July and a Happy Birthday to our precious democracy. Play safe, and maybe take a moment to reflect on all the freedoms we have here in the United States.

Comments are closed – Enjoy the day

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Fun Friends

June 20, 2023June 19, 2023 ~ John W. Howell ~ 71 Comments

For the last ten years, this space on Tuesday has been devoted to prompts even though the title is “Anything Possible.”

Well, today, I thought something different would be in order.

I have two friends, Tom and Dan, who regularly suggest what they consider interesting items to include in the Saturday post. Dan, for example, suggested that Roger Rabbit would make a good character. Tom keeps supplying me with security items like the anti-submarine net in the moat and the Trebuchet. In addition, there are plenty of jokes and comments that go back and forth.

This last week was very typical, but I thought I would share an example of one suggestion Tom made and a corresponding upgrade by Dan.

Tom suggested including the following list of facts in a post.

1 Biting your lips triggers a rush of chemicals in your brain that reduce anxiety, stress and boost your mood.

2 If a girl frequently plays with her hair in front of you, chances are she likes you.

3 Toy Barbie’s full name is Barbara Millicent Roberts.

4 Scotland’s national animal is the unicorn.

5 Try to breathe and swallow at the same time. You can not.

6 It is also impossible to hum while holding your nose.

7 Australia has over 10,000 beaches. You can visit a new beach every day for over 27 years!

8 The human nose can detect around 1 trillion different odors.

9 Flushing is triggered by a surge of adrenaline in the body.

10 People can detect the feeling of fear in your eyes, but they need some corresponding action to confirm it.

11 Daytime naps improve memory and reduce the risk of heart disease.

12 Japan has over 50,000 people over the age of 100.

13 Hot water can freeze faster than cold water.

14 Your brain will perform better when you believe you slept well, even if you didn’t.

I thought it was interesting and filed it away for possible use later.

Dan went on to add;

# 9 Flushing ??

In my house, it is triggered by a full toilet.

Dan would be the first to admit his bathroom humor can use some work.

Dan also wanted to add to the Friday Mastodon tooth story, so I received the following cartoon.

So as you can see, an ad hoc creative team is working behind the scenes to bring you the best content.

The latest from Tom.

I hope you enjoyed this little detour. I know I certainly enjoy Tom and Dan’s humor.

Tuesday Anything Possible – Kreative Kue #241 by Keith Channing

December 17, 2019December 16, 2019 ~ John W. Howell ~ 37 Comments

In Keith’s words.

“Using this photo (below) as inspiration, write a short story, flash fiction, scene, poem, anything, really, even just a caption for the photograph. Either put it (or a link to it) in a comment or email it to me at keithchanning@gmail.com before 6pm next Sunday (if you aren’t sure what the time is where I live, this link will tell you). If you post it on your own blog or site, a link to this page would be appreciated, but please do also mention it in a comment here.

Go on. You know you want to. Let your creativity and imagination soar. I shall display the entries next Monday.”

The photo.

Kreative Kue #241

“A song, a song
High above the trees
With a voice as big as the sea
With a voice as big as the sea.”

“Hey, Ma’ma.”

“Yes, Little One.”

“Could you hold down the carol for a second?”

“Sure. What’s the problem?”

“Do you see what I see?”

“Tell me more.”

“Don’t listen to her Mom. Go ahead and keep singing.”

“Let’s just wait, Trevor. What is it, you see?”

“On that cement post there. Is that a camera?”

“My goodness child. It does look like one. I wonder who put it there?”

“It wasn’t pop I can guarantee that. He’s like a bear in hibernation.”

“Now Trevor. Your dad is busy with his writing. So what should we think about the camera?”

“Beats me. Maybe the government wants to make sure we aren’t doing anything improper.”

“That’s a laugh. They should have cameras on themselves then.”

“Ma’ ma. Be careful what you say. These are the days of the conservatives you know.”

“I have an idea. Let’s all gather around the camera and sing a carol.”

“I can’t wait for the dispatched loonie wagon to reach us.”

“Oh hush, Trevor. I think it will be fun.”

“Okay, mom. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.”

“Ready? One Two Three.

Said the king to the people everywhere
Listen to what I say
Pray for peace people everywhere
Listen to what I say
The child, the child
Sleeping in the night
He will bring us goodness and light
He will bring us goodness and light

He will bring us goodness and light.”

“Not half bad, mom.”

“Thanks. Let’s go home and have some tea.”

“And a biscuit?”

“Several.”

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Kreative Kue # 238 by Keith Channing

November 19, 2019November 18, 2019 ~ John W. Howell ~ 57 Comments

In Keith’s words.

“Using this photo (below) as inspiration, write a short story, flash fiction, scene, poem; anything, really; even just a caption for the photograph. Either put it (or a link to it) in a comment or email it to me at keithchanning@gmail.com before 6pm next Sunday (if you aren’t sure what the time is where I live, this link will tell you). If you post it on your own blog or site, a link to this page would be appreciated, but please do also mention it in a comment here.

Go on. You know you want to. Let your creativity and imagination soar. I shall display the entries next Monday.”

The photo.

Kreative Kue #238

“Look at that place down there.”

“I know right? It’s beautiful.”

“Who do you suppose lives there? Probably some money-grubbing aristocrat.”

“The garden is lovely.”

“You can say that again.”

“The garden is lovely.”

“For heaven’s sake, I didn’t mean to really say it again.”

“Well, I’m a very literal kind of person.”

“With a side of Obsessive/ Compulsive behavior.”

“I resemble that. I’ve been told also that I am very sensitive.”

“What do you mean sensitive?”

“To the feeling of others.”

“Give me an example.”

“Well you said, ‘Who do you suppose lives there?'”

“Yeah, so what?”

“I never answered you.”

“Now that I think about it you did not. Why?”

“Cause I didn’t want you to be uncomfortable.”

“Uncomfortable? How would I be uncomfortable.”

“You mentioned that the owner of that house might be a money-grubbing aristocrat.”

“Yeah so?”

“I live there.”

“What? That’s impossible. You are just a plain old nerd I met at the balloon launch area.”

“Aristocratic nerd don’t you mean?”

“Aw come on. You are pulling my leg.”

“Ask the balloon pilot.”

“You’re serious.”

“Yup. We are landing for a spot of tea and a few watercress sandwiches.”

“At your place.”

“Right on the South lawn. See where the garden paths come together in a roundabout? Right there.”

“Goodness.”

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Kreative Kue #237 by Keith Channing

November 12, 2019November 11, 2019 ~ John W. Howell ~ 55 Comments

In Keith’s words. “Using this photo (below) as inspiration, write a short story, flash fiction, scene, poem; anything, really; even just a caption for the photograph. Either put it (or a link to it) in a comment or email it to me at keithchanning@gmail.com before 6pm next Sunday (if you aren’t sure what the time is where I live, , this link will tell you). If you post it on your own blog or site, a link to this page would be appreciated, but please do also mention it in a comment here.

Go on. You know you want to. Let your creativity and imagination soar. I shall display the entries next Monday.”

The Photo.

Kreative Kue #237

“What are you doing with that bugle?”

“I was going to play a farewell.”

“Farewell to who?”

“Whom.”

“Huh?”

“To whom. A farewell to whom.”

“That’s what I’m asking.”

“Okay, never mind. I don’t have time for a ‘Who’s on first’ thing with you.”

“What are you talking about? Let’s get back to the farewell.”

“See that guy in the prison clothes over there.”

“You mean the dayglo orange, so no one will miss seeing me, clothes?

“Whatever. See the guy?”

“Yes. Who could miss the guy.”

“He is loading Wanda for her last ride.”

“Wanda?”

“Yeah. Wanda Wagon. She’s gone over that mechanics bridge to the great junkyard in the sky.”

“Please. You are getting all maudlin over that pile of junk?”

“Pile of junk? That car has been through thick and thin with me.”

“Thick and thin? How do you figure? You bought her used last year.”

“Well, it’s been a tough year.”

“Don’t you think you are getting carried away?”

“Says the guy who sobbed at his Vespa’s departure.”

“That’s different. I had that scooter since I was eighteen.”

“Is that a tear I see?”

“I still miss her.”

“Didn’t you get a Harley?”

“Well, yeah. It’s just not the same.”

“I’ll say. Chrome headlights, fabulous saddlebags, terrific seat, wheels that would make you cry.”

“Yeah, she is sweet. You getting another wagon?”

“Do you have no sensitivity at all. It is too soon to talk of another wagon.”

“Coup, huh?”

“I’m in mourning.”

“Maybe red with a turbo V8?”

“I like blue better.”

“Ah, midnight blue. Maybe a convertible? The dealer is down the street.”

“Might do me good.”

“What about the bugle?”

“You are right. It was only a used car, after all.”

“You sure we were talking about cars?”

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Kreative Kue #235 by Keith Channing

October 29, 2019October 28, 2019 ~ John W. Howell ~ 48 Comments

In Keith’s words. “Using this photo (below) as inspiration, write a short story, flash fiction, scene, poem; anything, really; even just a caption for the photograph. Either put it (or a link to it) in a comment or email it to me at keithchanning@gmail.com before 6pm next Sunday (if you aren’t sure what the time is where I live, this link will tell you). If you post it on your own blog or site, a link to this page would be appreciated, but please do also mention it in a comment here.

Go on. You know you want to. Let your creativity and imagination soar. I shall display the entries next Monday.”

The photo.

Kreative Kue #235

“So, where are we going?”

“Hard to say.”

“Doesn’t that concern you?”

“Why should it?”

“We are flying behind a bunch of geese bound for who knows where and you are not concerned?”

“Gaggle.”

“Huh?”

“Gaggle of geese.”

“Oh, excuse me. The point is we are following them to heaven knows where.”

“We have more than enough fuel, and the winter snows are at least 500 miles off. So what is there to worry about?”

“The sun is beginning to set, and it will be dark soon.”

“We have running lights.”

“But can these geese see in the dark?”

“No.”

“What the heck?”

“We will land before it is totally dark and spend the night in a nice pasture near some water.”

“How do you know this?”

“I’ve done it before.”

‘You have?”

“Yup.”

“How long are we going to follow these guys?”

“Till we get to Miami Beach.”

“Wait. I didn’t tell anyone I would be gone that long.”

“You can call them when we land.”

“But I have work and responsibilities. I just thought we would be up here for an hour or so.”

“Didn’t I say we were going to fly south with the geese?”

“Yeah, but I didn’t think a thousand miles south.”

“At least we aren’t going to South America. Besides, you’ll love Miami Beach. Plenty of grass and water.”

“Grass and water? You’re kidding, right?”

“I wouldn’t kid about grass and water.”

“You are leading me to believe you think you are a goose.”

“Gander.”

“Er….what?”

“HONK.”

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Finger Point Prompt – Bothered

August 6, 2019August 5, 2019 ~ John W. Howell ~ 43 Comments

Keith Channing is still getting settled in the UK after his move from France. He does not yet have broadband, so his Kreative Kue feature is again paused.

Today’s finger point prompt comes from that best selling book, Circumstances of Childhood by that internationally known author, John W. Howell. The idea is to open a book, close your eyes, and point to a place on the page. This time my finger came to rest on bothered, so that is the prompt.

“Bewitched bothered and bewildered.”

“You listing your medical conditions or personality traits?”

“Very funny. I was singing a song from the 40s.”

“This is 2019. The forties haven’t happened yet.”

“I can’t believe you just said that.”

“Why?”

“I’m talking about the 1940s.”

“Ancient history.”

“For you, maybe. This was a song from the play Pal Joey which opened Christmas day on Broadway in 1940. It was written by Richard Rogers.”

“Are you kidding me?”

“No pupster. Since then the song has been done by Ella Fitzgerald, Linda Ronstadt, Rod Steward, Cher, and Lady Gaga.”

“What does this have to do with the price of peanuts?”

“You are a very strange person. You know that?”

“I mean, so what?”

“It’s a beautiful song. That’s what.”

“There are a lot of beautiful songs. Why this one?”

“It reminds me of a time that was a little more innocent and less hassled.”

“Okay, old man. Sit on the porch and talk about the old days.”

“If I do. What will you do?”

“Go play a video game.”

“Did I ever tell you about the time I met Joe Lewis?”

“I’m outta here.”

“Try and not let that screen door come in contact with your tushie, tykester.”

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Fingerpoint Prompt – Big Smack

July 23, 2019July 22, 2019 ~ John W. Howell ~ 34 Comments

Keith Channing is still not settled in his house in the UK, so his prompt from Kreative Kue will not be done this week. I have substituted the Finger Point prompt. I have chosen the book Circumstances of Childhood from that internationally well-known author John W. Howell. I opened to a random page and pointed. The result is pictured below and is “big smack.” I could have just chosen big but thought it too easy.