Tuesday – Anything Possible – Kreative Kue #110 by Keith Channing

February 14, 2017February 13, 2017 ~ John W. Howell ~ 26 Comments

Keith explains this prompt i n his own words. “Using this photo (below) as inspiration, write a short story, flash fiction, scene, poem; anything, really; and either put it (or a link to it) in a comment or email it to me at keithkreates@channing.fr 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 – pingbacks don’t often work.

Go on. You know you want to. Let your creativity and imagination soar. I shall display the entries, with links to your own blog or web site, next Monday.”

Here is the photo.

Kreative Kue #110

A Trap by John W. Howell © 2107

“Just look at that set of goodies.”

“Sush. That bozo will hear you.”

“Nonsense. He’s too far away.”

“I have to say that is an excellent lineup. Why do you think he has all those bowls of fish on the ground?”

“He thinks we are stupid that’s why.”

“What do you mean?”

“He thinks just because we are cats we’re going to run right over there to try and grab a snack.”

“Well, aren’t we?”

“We need to wait. I have to think this one out.”

“What’s to think. We break out of these bushes and run like hell. Grab a fish and head under that table and out the back.”

“How do you know he hasn’t laid a bunch of traps?”

“I don’t see any.”

“Doesn’t mean a thing. Look at that ramshackle tent. I think it is a front for a trap.”

“Maybe you are right.”

“I mean just look at that fake looking signage on the table. Screams camouflage to me.”

“What should we do?”

“I think I have it. The plan I mean.”

“I hope you hurry my stomach is growling louder, and I’m sure he’s going to hear it.”

“Well, I think he suspects we are here anyway. Look how he is staring.”

“So what’s the plan.”

“Let’s just forget the fish.”

“I’m starving. I don’t like that option.”

“I mean. I count to three, and we rush the guy roaring all the while.”

“Oh, I get it. We scare him off then take the fish.”

“Not at all. We take him and beat it back to the bush and enjoy our lunch. I’ll grab his leg and drag him off.”

“Haven’t had human for a while. might be a good change of pace.”

“So, you in?”

“My mouth is watering already. What about the others?”

“Just show them your fangs and shake that mane while roaring. They’ll back off.”

Okay. Let’s go.’

“One, two….”

Tuesday – Anything Possible – New Lens

December 27, 2016December 26, 2016 ~ John W. Howell ~ 48 Comments

Santa brought me a new lens for Christmas. This is the kind that I can clip on my iPhone and be available whenever I want to take a picture. Some of my animal shots were subject to me getting close enough to capture the image. Now I have the opportunity to take a shot without disturbing the subject. Here are some examples.

This is a shot of Peggy taken yesterday from the back porch.

Peggy

I know you can hardly see her. This next photo is from the same spot.

Peggy

Here is our Christmas tree.

Christmas Tree

Here are some ornaments from the same spot.

Christmas tree

Well, you get the idea. Here are Bailey and Lucy being completely natural.

Lucy and Bailey fullsizeoutput_391

So I think I may be able to catch some good shots. Here is hoping so. Keith Channing is on vacation, so Kreative Kue will be back in three weeks.

Tuesday – Anything Possible – A Trip to Indiana

October 18, 2016October 17, 2016 ~ John W. Howell ~ 42 Comments

While traveling to Detroit for a memorial service I touched down in Indiana to visit with my eldest daughter, son-in-law and two of the three grandchildren (The third is in Germany). Many years ago I lived in the northern part of Indiana, but this trip was to Nashville which is south of Indianapolis. The area is gorgeous and to these Western eyes so green you have to squint. There are some impressions that I will share. Also, there are way too many pictures, so I’ll confine my discussion to one historical part of the town.

Here is a photo of the Brown County Historical Society old location. (The new is up the street in a new building) It is a community building built around the 1830’s.

Historic building

One other building built around the same time is the jail. Seems that whenever people congregate there are some that can’t follow the rules.

Jail

This next photo is of the interior of the jail. The walls are almost a foot thick, and there are two cells. One on the main floor (pictured) and one on the top floor.

Jail

This next photo demonstrates two things about this part of the country. 1. How modest the people are in requesting funds. A twenty-five cent donation? 2. How un-politically correct the curators are in warning you about the buildings condition. The sign warns that the buildings are not up to code and never will be.

sign on jailhouse

Here is the blacksmith’s shop. A view outside and inside.

blacksmith

The stool is not a period piece. I think the smithy has a tender butt.

No town would be complete without the doctor’s office and apothecary. Given the building’s architecture, one could argue the doc was from back East.

Drs Office

This next photo also tells a little about the mindset of the people of Indiana. They have an incredible level of honesty, and it is reflected in the trust of others to be the same.

Water cart

The final photo is of the covered Bean Blossom Bridge. It was built in the 1880’s and is still functional.

Covered bridge

The area around the bridge is so quiet and serene it would be a perfect place to contemplate the next novel. Looking down the slow-moving creek played idly against the banks and the small trout could be seen darting from one flat rock to another. Time could stand still. Next stop Willoughby.

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Walk in the Yard

October 4, 2016October 4, 2016 ~ John W. Howell ~ 34 Comments

Normally I would have a Kreative Kue prompt on this day but Keith Channing is off on holiday, so I’m on my own. I was in the yard on Sunday doing some shrub trimming and took a look around. The flowering plants have decided to give one last bloom. I thought you might enjoy checking them out.

Birds of Paradise

This photo is of the Birds of Paradise. These are near the stairway in the front yard. This particular plant does not have a lot of blooms due to the lack of sunshine at times during the day. This year they have been quite active, though.

Plants

On the other side of the stair in the front is a Hummingbird bush. As the name implies, it is a place where the Hummingbirds like to visit. Since it is a fall bloomer, it is just in time for the Hummingbird migration which is taking place now.

Jatropha

The photo above is of the Jatropha. This plant has been with us for a few years and has remained the same size. It is quite susceptible to insect damage so must be cared for in the spring before blooms appear.

Laurel

Here is the Laurel in bloom

My favorite is the Hibiscus. It blooms most of the year with beautiful flowers. Severe cold will stop it from blooming. How severe? Low forties.

hibiscus

Our Bougainvillea has been under attack this year. There is a little green worm that plays havoc with the leaves and blooms. I have been spraying, but the critter seems to enjoy the shower.

Bougainvillea

This last photo is of our giant Bird of Paradise. These blooms are white and located near the bottom of the stem.

Giant Bird of Paradise

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Kreative Kue #92 by Keith Channing

August 30, 2016August 29, 2016 ~ John W. Howell ~ 32 Comments

So here is another photo prompt from Keith Channing. He explains what we are doing here. “Using this photo (below) as inspiration, write a short story, flash fiction, scene, poem; anything, really; and either put it (or a link to it) in a comment or email it to me at keithkreates@channing.fr 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 – pingbacks don’t work.

Go on. You know you want to. Let your creativity and imagination soar. I shall display the entries, with links to your own blog or web site, next Monday.”

The photo.

Kreative Kue #92

“Okay now try to relax and give us your name.”

“Um. My name is Silly.”

“Silly what?”

“Silly Goose.”

“Alright, Ms. Goose. What we need you to do is act natural and say the word AFLAC. Can you do that?”

“I-I think so.”

“Listen toots. This is no place for geese to ‘think’ anything. You are trying out for a major part in a commercial. It could mean a lot of money if you pass this audition.”

“I understand. Yes, I can say APLAC.”

“No, no, no. It’s ‘AFLAC,’ Say it.”

“It.”

“Ms. Goose. Are you trying to be funny? If so, we have other geese just waiting to try out. Look at that guy next in line. Hey, buster. No eating the lawn. It’s a prop. Man! I told my agent I didn’t want to cast this dog and look what I got.”

“I’m sorry I thought you said to say,’it'”

“Okay let’s take this a little slower. See that camera? When I say ‘action’ you are going to say ‘AFLAC.’ Got it?”

“I see the camera. When I hear ‘action,’ I say ‘AFLAC.’ I got it. I do have a question, though.”

“I could have guessed. What’s the question?”

“What’s my motivation?”

“Motivation?” What do you mean ‘motivation?”‘

“Why am I saying ‘APLAC?'”

“IT’S AFLAC. Where in the heck did this person come from anyway? Who brought her in here?”

“I did.”

“Oh, Mr. Big. I didn’t see you there.”

“Is there a problem with my pet goose?”

“No, sir. Everything is fine. We can dub the sound. Ready Ms. Goose? ‘ACTION.'”

“APLAC.”

“Thank you that’s a wrap. Very good Ms. Goose.”

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Kreative Kue by Keith Channing

July 12, 2016July 11, 2016 ~ John W. Howell ~ 30 Comments

This week’s photo prompt (below) from Keith Channing in his own words. “Using this photo as inspiration, write a short story, flash fiction, scene, poem; anything, really; and either put it (or a link to it) in a comment or email it to me at keithkreates@channing.fr 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 – for reasons I have yet to fathom, pingbacks don’t seem to be working.

Go on. You know you want to. Let your creativity and imagination soar. I shall display the entries, with links to your own blog or web site, next Monday.”

The photo.

Kreative Kue #85

Work by John W. Howell

“You could give me a hand you know.”

“Well, that’s just it. Sucking is not in my classification.”

“Wait? What do you mean not in your classification.”

“Just what I said, man. I’m a certified holder. There is nothing in my job classification that says I need to do anything but hold.”

“You’ve got to be kidding me. We’ve been working together for five years, and you never said anything about a job classification.”

“I just found out.”

“Huh? Wadda you mean?”

“I was with Jerry the union steward on another job, and he told I couldn’t suck enough.”

“You sure he was talking about a job classification and not the quality of your work?”

“Why that no good so and so was talking about the quality of my work.”

“Ah. Well, you don’t have to listen to him. Come give me a hand.”

“I’d love to, but I now feel unqualified.”

Oh, come on. You can suck with the best of them.”

“You say the nicest things. Thanks.”

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Creative Kue #72

April 12, 2016April 11, 2016 ~ John W. Howell ~ 28 Comments

Another Tuesday and time for Kreative Kue by Keith Channing. If you wonder what’s going on here, let me have Keith explain. Just so you know I’m making his mouth move. “Using this photo (below) as inspiration, write a short story, flash fiction, scene, poem; anything, really; and either put it (or a link to it) in a comment or email it to me at keithkreates@channing.fr 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 – for reasons I have yet to fathom, pingbacks don’t seem to be working.

Go on. You know you want to. Let your creativity and imagination soar. I shall display the entries, with links to your own blog or web site, next Monday.”

The photo;

Kreative Kue #72

“Let me step back a bit and take a look.”

“Okay, but hurry up. This concrete is cold.”

“Ah, I see a problem.”

“What problem?”

“The outline has a protrusion to the right. You need to bring your leg up more.”

“Leg? Which leg?”

“Well, your right one of course. I would hurry I think the police will be back very shortly.”

“This was all your idea. Let’s lie down on the body outline you said. It will knock the fraternity brothers off their feet you said. Now you are being picky about a leg?”

“Okay, I’ll take the photo. By the way that ceremonial sword you are holding looks fake.”

“It’s supposed to look fake. It’s a joke for heaven’s sake. Who would be lying in the road with the Mystical Knights of the Sea sword sticking out of them anyway?”

“Yeah, but a little blood wouldn’t hurt and can’t you put that sword in such a way, so it doesn’t look like you are holding it?”

“No short of really sticking it in me I can’t.”

“Also, you left your keys on the mat there. That looks stupid.”

“Alright, I guess this was not such a good idea after all. Let’s go. I’m going to get up.”

“No don’t move I’ll take the shot.”

“Whoops. I slipped.”

“Hold still.”

“Do we have any more whiskey?”

“I don’t think so why?”

“I could use a drink of something.”

“What’s the problem?”

“I stuck myself with the sword.”

“OMG. Let me get a shot of that. Now that looks real.”

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Creative Kue #69 by Keith Channing

March 22, 2016March 21, 2016 ~ John W. Howell ~ 25 Comments

Regular visitors know I like prompts and Keith Channing does one each week in which I am addicted to participating. Keith explains, “Using this photo (below) as inspiration, write a short story, flash fiction, scene, poem; anything, really; and either put it (or a link to it) in a comment or email it to me at keithkreates@channing.fr before 6pm on 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 – pingbacks don’t seem to be working, and I haven’t yet figured out why.

Go on. You know you want to. Let your creativity and imagination soar. I shall display the entries, with links to your own blog or website, next Monday.”

Here is the photo

Kreative Kue #69

Here is my interpretation.

Get Away by John W. Howell.

“Man, I can’t believe we did it.”

“Shush. We are still not in the clear.”

“Yeah I know. This sack is getting heavy, though.”

“It won’t be too much further until we make our hotel.”

“I can’t seem to stop smiling.”

“I know, and you’re going to give us away.”

“Okay. I’ll be serious. Hurrump.”

“Ha ha ha. Hurrump indeed.”

“I know right? How do I stop from laughing?”

“Think of getting caught. That should sober you up.”

“That’s a horrible thought alright. Okay, I’m good now. How much further?”

“The hotel is around the next corner. Once in our room, we can do all the laughing we want. Did you see the look on that clerks face when she read my note?”

“Oh man. Don’t remind me. I thought her eyes were going to bug right out of her head. The way you had your hand in your coat pocket, I’m sure she thought you had a gun.”

“I did that on purpose. I didn’t want any mess ups.”

“I never did see the note. What did it say?”

“Aw, you really don’t know?”

“No. I was in the restroom when you wrote it on that napkin remember?”

“Oh yeah. I just wrote put eight pair size six British shoes in the bag and take my American Express and no one gets hurt.”

“Why are these people so picky about American Express?”

“Don’t know. Maybe it’s the service fee. But anyway she got the word and here we are with the shoes.”

“And almost to the hotel.”

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Kreative Kue by Keith Channing – Prompt

December 15, 2015December 14, 2015 ~ John W. Howell ~ 26 Comments

I guess by now you all know I love writing prompts, and Keith Channing posts a picture once a week on Mondays. You can go here and see the post http://channing.info/wp/2015/12/07/kreative-kue-54/

Here is the photo and my interpretation follows.

Kreative Kue #55

“Sorry lady but I missed your comment.”

“Oh, young man my comment wasn’t for you to hear. I was talking to my friends.”

“I’m not sure I wasn’t supposed to hear. It sounded like you were commenting on my three legs.”

“My goodness, no young man. I was pointing to that building over there and wondered aloud if that’s where they stored eggs.”

“Eggs huh. Aren’t you a little old to be telling fibs?”

“I think all of us are allowed to tell lies once in a while. Especially if we avoid hurting someone’s feelings.”

“Like mine for instance?”

“Well yes.”

“You needn’t have bothered. I’m long past getting hurt feelings over my three legs.”

“Young man now that you have mentioned your three legs let me ask how you come to have three legs?”

“It is not a pretty story.”

“I think the three of us have heard most everything. If you would like to share, we would be willing to listen.”

“Well, when I was born I had four legs and lost one in the hay bailer.”

“Okay stop right there. You were right in the first place. I think it is none of our business. We have to be going.”

“You don’t want to hear about how I got into the hay bailer?”

“N-no thank you. Come on girls we need to catch the bus.”

“It’s a great story.”

“Bye now young man. Good luck to you.”

“I was on top of the machine—”

“We can’t hear you. MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM.”

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Kreative Kue with Keith Channing

November 10, 2015November 16, 2015 ~ John W. Howell ~ 22 Comments

As you may know, I have become enamored by the talent of Keith Channing. He has a weekly prompt named Kreative Kue, which runs on Mondays. Here are the instructions from Keith for the prompt. “Using this photo as inspiration, write a short story, flash fiction, scene, poem; anything, really; and either put it (or a link to it) in a comment or email it to me at keithkreates@channing.fr before 6pm on Sunday (if you aren’t sure what the time is where I live, this link will tell you). If you post it on your blog or site, a link to this page would be appreciated.”

His advice. “Go on. You know you want to. Let your creativity and imagination soar. I shall display the entries, with links to your blog or website, next Monday.” Here is the photo.

Kreative Kue #50