Tuesday – Anything Possible – Kreative Kue # 402 by Keith Channing

October 10, 2023October 9, 2023 ~ John W. Howell ~ 62 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 your offering (or a link to it) in a comment or email it to me at keithchanning@gmail.com before Sunday evening UK time. 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. Thank you for taking part.”

Here is a link to Keith’s post https://keithchanning.wordpress.com/2023/10/09/kreative-kue-402/

The photo.

“What’s this number twelve mean?”

“You’re the twelfth fastest qualifier.”

“Okay. But in terms of the race, what does it mean?”

“You are in the twelfth starting position.”

“You mean there are eleven ahead of me?”

“Well, there are three rows across, so that means you are in the fourth row outside position.”

“What does ‘outside position’ mean?”

“The inside is by the rail. You are two camels to the right of the rail.”

“How can a person win from way back there?”

“It is possible, but I’ll admit it is harder than the number one position.”

“Who’s number one?”

“Sassy Sady.”

“Who?”

“The camel’s name is Sassy Sady.”

How many camels are in the race?”

“Twelve.”

“So I’m behind the whole flock?”

“Entrents.”

“Huh?”

“The flock, as you say, are called entrants.”

“But I’m behind them all.”

“Except for the two abreast of you.”

“I might as well call this an outing and just take my time.”

“Except for the mob bets, I would agree.”

“Mob bets?”

“Yeah, the odds are forty-six to one you will win?”

“So, who would bet on me?”

“The mob.”

“Why?”

“They think you might win, so I would give it your best.”

“Or what?”

“Ever hear of cement overshoes?”

“No.”

“Take my advice and run like your life depends on it.”

“They can’t be serious.”

“Never saw one of ’em crack a smile.”

“How does this happen?”

“Luck, I guess. See ya at the start.”

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt “Prime”

October 7, 2023October 6, 2023 ~ John W. Howell ~ 67 Comments

Waiting for a lifesaving ten ounces of Columbia’s finest liquid personality can challenge the nerves. Sure, it’s only three minutes, but it can seem like a lifetime when the nerve endings scream for relief. Caffeine addiction is a prime reason to be on edge, as the mechanics of producing the soothing syrup seem to be moving in slow motion.

The aroma and the click of the message to ‘enjoy’ signals the pain is almost over. A sip of the crema and the inhalation of the curative vapors lead to the belief that one will live. A walk to the patio, cup in hand, completes the morning. Since the seasonal change from Hell’s Back Porch to I Think We Are Going to Live has lowered the temperatures from the 100s to the 90s, life outside is possible.

Recent rains have left the Earth smelling like life has returned, and the reoccurring circling of the vultures has given way to the happy sounds of songbirds. Yes, the Texas summer seems to be over, and now it is time to enjoy the outdoors.

Feet up, contemplating a relaxing day is a brief respite from the cares of the world. A small shadow begins to widen around me. Clearly, a rather large box has been jettisoned from an unseen flying machine. As the square shadow continues to expand, it occurs to me that movement away from the contact point might be a good idea.

Jumping up and screaming like a first grader saves my bones from a crushing introduction to a very well-fortified box from the ACME air delivery service. Attached to the box is an envelope on a string. The return address is Linda Hill. The message inside says, Your Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is: “prime.” Use it as an adjective or a verb, use it any way you’d like. Have fun!

To see what others do with this prompt, visit Linda’s blog. Here is the link.https://lindaghill.com/2023/10/06/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-oct-7-2023/

“Another box?”

“Looks like it.”

“Your prime plot point.”

“Well it beats other things.”

“Like what?”

“Urns.”

“Yeah that one was a stretch for sure.”

“So who knows what is in that thing.”

“I’m surprised it didn’t smash apart.”

“I thought you would say something like ‘I’m gald you weren’t crushed.'”

“Look around.”

“What?”

“This is a blog not the real world.”

“I’m missing the point.”

“I knew you wouldn’t be crushed. If you were this puppy would be over.”

“I guess that’s true.”

“Now if you want to talk real.”

“Uber so we can fill our gut with VooDoo Ranger Imperial IPA.”

“Already called he’s sitting right over there. The green car.”

“That 1952 Studebaker Commander State?”

“Yeah that’s the one.”

“Well at least we have a car this time.”

“About that.”

“What.”

“It has no motor so we have to push it.”

“Not even going to ask or argue. Let’s hope for a favarable down hill run.”

“Coming back hom might be a problem.”

“Yeah but then I’ll have fortification.”

“True that.”

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Kreative Kue #401 by Keith Channing.

October 3, 2023October 2, 2023 ~ John W. Howell ~ 58 Comments

In Keith’s words.

If you would like to visit Keith’s post, here is the link. https://keithchanning.wordpress.com/2023/10/02/kreative-kue-401/

The Photo.

“I still don’t get it.”

“They want to take some photos.”

“What for?”

“I think they want to run them in their paper.”

“Seems silly to me.”

“You and I have the same opinion, but we really should play along.”

“Who are these other little weirdos?”

“They are members of the court.”

“Court?”

“You know. The homecoming court.”

“How in the heck did we get wrapped up in this mess.”

“Remember when we first got here, we said we needed to fit in?”

“Yeah, I even said that.”

“Fitting in meant we had to join the festivities.”

“I know that. What I mean is, how did we win the contest? That mess.”

“We were chosen out of al the other candidates.”

“I thought we were just standing with them. Not contestants.”

“It seems everyone thought we were worthy.”

“But there is supposed to be a king and queen.”

“I think they overlooked that part.”

“Well, Lieutenant. As soon as this foolishness ends, we must complete the mission.”

“I know, sir. And we will. There is just one more thing.”

“What’s that?”

“Chocolate cake.”

“What?”

“They are serving Chocolate cake.”

“We are on duty, Lieutenant. Besides, chocolate cake is illegal back home.”

“But we are not home, sir.”

“I suppose one piece won’t hurt.”

“Oh, sir. You are the best.”

“But no more. You know what the next morning feels like after too much.”

“Don’t remind me, sir.”

“Okay, let’s go to the cake bar and relax.”

“After you, sir.”

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt “Hum”

September 30, 2023September 29, 2023 ~ John W. Howell ~ 49 Comments

Last week was a humdinger is the thought as the aroma of a perfect cup of coffee fills the room. A quick sip reminds me that there is an Oscar the Grouch look-alike character living in an urn on the front porch. The temptation to hum the theme from the Good Bad and Ugly is tempered with the need to disarm the security system and have another try at getting rid of the noisy pest.

The tower machine guns are deactivated, the moat screen rolled, the concertina wire retracted, the boiling oil set to standby, the claymore mines detached, The trebuchet reset, the iron gate opened, and the locks and bolts thrown. The front door is open, and yes, the urn is still there.

We all know from reading stories that a rub on a strange urn might produce something. With that learning in mind, my hand quickly rubs a shiny spot on the side of the urn. Like magic, a cloud floats out of the urn, followed by a thing looking similar to Oscar dressed like a genie. He only comes out to the waist and yells, “Okay, you have interrupted my BBQ lunch, so you get three wishes.”

As we have all heard, this wish thing can be tricky, so taking time to think is paramount. After what seems like an hour, the first wish is issued. “I would like this urn to disappear.” There is a sound like “poof,” and it’s gone. The Oscar look-alike is standing on the porch holding a pork chop. “My next wish is to be a New York Times best-selling author for the next twenty years.” The Oscar look-alike nods.”My final wish is that you follow the urn.” The Oscar look-alike holds his hand up. “Hey, governor. If I disappear, that second wish is out of the question.”

Seems to be a fly in the Chardonnay. “So be it. Be gone.” The Oscar look-alike disappears in a cloud; only a fluttering envelope remains. Once landed, it is opened and contains a message from Linda Hill. It reads. Your Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is: starts with “hum.” Find a word that starts with “hum” or use the word “hum” itself. Send your bonus points to Dan at https://nofacilities.com/ if you use both. Enjoy! If you want to read how others responded to the prompt, visit Linda’s blog. Here’s the link. https://lindaghill.com/2023/09/29/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-sept-30-2023/

“Well, you got the bonus points.”

“Yup. I already requested them from Dan Antion.”

“Good. I hope he doesn’t run out.”

“Nah. Dan has a virtual bonus point printer. He’s like the government.”

“Well, that’s good. Not much to say about your story today.”

“Got rid of the character, which makes me happy.”

“I guess that’s all that counts.”

“That urn’s been on my porch for three weeks.”

“What was up with that best-seller wish?”

“Figured it couldn’t hurt.”

“You don’t feel bad about losing it?”

“You can feel bad about losing something you never had.”

“Ah, a philosophical day today.”

“We’ll just call it a realist day.”

“You know what else is real?”

“Have you called Uber?”

He’s right over there. Look.”

“That’s a tractor.”

“Hey, you know your vehicles.”

“How are we going to fit on that?”

“Snugly. Very snugly in the open air.”

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Kreative Kue #400 by Keith Channing

September 26, 2023September 25, 2023 ~ John W. Howell ~ 65 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 your offering (or a link to it) in a comment or email it to me at keithchanning@gmail.com before Sunday evening UK time. 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. Thank you for taking part.”

You can visit Keith’s post. Here’s the link https://keithchanning.wordpress.com/2023/09/25/kreative-kue-400/

The Photo.

“Tell me again. How did this happen?”

“Um. It is not a pleasant story, Doc.”

“Well, to treat it effectively, it would help if I know how you got it.”

“You promise this will stay between us.”

“I have taken an oath. Besides, HIPPA rules would have my butt if I talked about my patient’s treatments.”

“Okay then. I was having a drink or two—”

“Or two?”

“Okay, maybe I lost count. Anyway, I was feeling good and decided to entertain the folks at the party.”

“You didn’t mention a party.”

“There was a party.”

“Go on.”

“I decided to get a few laughs with my juggling.”

“Sounds pretty benign.”

“It was for a while. I started with oranges.”

“Started?”

“Then moved to grapefruit.”

“Uh-huh.”

“Then someone suggested watermelon.”

“Still doesn’t look like a problem. This looks pretty nasty, bump.”

“My spouse suggested we leave.”

“I still don’t understand.”

“Have you ever ignored your spouse?”

“I can’t say I have.”

“Well, when I ignored the request to leave, my spouse added in a bowling ball to the watermelon mix.”

“Couldn’t handle it, and it came down on your head?”

“No, I was doing fine until the ball-bat came down on my head.”

“Yeah, you’re going to need stitches.”

“And a note to get me back in the house?”

“You must have put on a real show.”

“So they tell me.”

“Not sure a note will work.”

“How about saying I have a terminal illness.”

“That’s a lie.”

“Without a note, it isn’t.”

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Kreative Kue #399 by Keith Channing

September 19, 2023September 18, 2023 ~ John W. Howell ~ 46 Comments

The photo.

Visit Keith’s blog to see what others do with this prompt. Here is the link: https://keithchanning.wordpress.com/2023/09/18/kreative-kue-399/

“Look through your scope and tell me what you see.”

“Yeah, you are right. It’s a man with a dog.”

“Any idea what he is doing here?”

“I don’t have a clue. But if he keeps walking in this direction, no tellin’ what will happen.”

“He’s got something slung over his shoulder. Can you see it?”

“Yeah. I can’t make it out.”

“Sachel bomb, you think?”

“Could be, but looks more like a lunch.”

“How can you tell that?”

“I’ve never seen a sachel bomb in a Yeti tote.”

“Could be a clever ruse.”

“I suppose. I’m more worried about that poor dog.”

“What about it?”

“He’s got it on the end of some kind of tether.”

“Which means?”

“Could be a remote-controlled explosive device.”

“Is the dog real?”

“Looks that way.”

“Man, talk about a cold-blooded killer. Uses a live dog as a bomb.”

“I don’t know, but I don’t get a killer vibe out of this guy.”

“How so?”

“Given the white whiskers and the country dress, I take him for a blogger.”

“A blogger. What the heck is a blogger?”

” Solitary beast that continues to write no matter what.”

“What makes you think he’s a blogger?”

“Aside from the dress, who else would be walking along a solitary road in the country with a dog on a rope?”

“I’ll take your word for it. So do we let him get close or vaporize him?”

“I say we let him pass. I’m sure he is harmless.”

“How would he react to the description that he’s harmless?”

“Probably write an angst-filled post about people experiencing harmlessness. The feeling would pass in a day after all the comments from empathetic readers.”

“Can we get into this blogging thingy?”

“What? Give up this vital security overwatch assignment and go back home?”

“Does sound pretty good.”

“And we have spare fuel for the ship.”

“And it’s only ten lightyears.”

“We would be the first bloggers. Our first post could be titled ‘Coming Home.'”

“On second thought, we have a job to do.”

“Yeah. Our world is counting on us. Another Earthling will come along.”

“One every hundred Earth years.”

“We need to be here.”

“Besides, it’s Taco Tuesday.”

“Settled then. We stay.”

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

September 12, 2023September 11, 2023 ~ John W. Howell ~ 45 Comments

In Keith’s words

The photo

“What a cute puppy.”

“He certainly is. Purebred too.”

“What’s his name?”

“Scruffy.”

“Aw, that’s a cute name. Where did you get him?”

“A friend of mine’s pet had him.”

“Does he live far away?”

“Who?”

“Your friend.”

“Yeah, a little far, why?”

“I’ve been thinking of getting a puppy. How far?”

“234 million miles.”

“Huh?”

“Yeah, he lives on Mars. He sends his puppies here to feed.”

“Feed? What do they eat?”

“Glad you asked. Can you stay for dinner?”

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt – Mostly/At least

September 9, 2023September 8, 2023 ~ John W. Howell ~ 76 Comments

The soothing cup of coffee reaches my lips. The deep intake of breath brings the healing aroma deep into the lungs. The first sip of the nectar of the gods enters the bloodstream and hits the brain like a free-based drag of heroin. This is legal, is the first thought. Well mostly. At least there will be no arrest for caffeine usage, is the second.

Once the internal conversation over the coffee high is finished, the mind remembers that the security system has been off for a week, and a package from the Warner Brothers President is sitting on the front porch. Looking around the living room shows that no monsters typically lurking outside have made it into the house.

Opening the front door confirms the package is still there and has not been moved. A cautious approach is for who knows what could be in there? There is a tab on the side that says “pull me.” A quick yank and the sides of the box fall down. A large urn with the Warner Brothers logo prominently displayed on the front is inside. The thought of what to do with this monstrosity enters my mind. As if to answer my question, Speedy Gonzoles zips up and hands me a letter and disappears in a cloud of dust.

The letter states that the urn is magic and all that has to be done is give it a rub. There is a P.S. on the letter from Linda Hill. Your Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday reads: “mostly/at least.” Use one, use ’em both, use ’em any way you’d like. Bonus points if they both appear in your post. Enjoy!

If you want to see what other bloggers have done with the prompt, visit Linda’s blog . Here is the link . https://lindaghill.com/2023/09/08/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-sept-9-2023/

“Mostly you cover the prompt. At least you didn’t go on and on.”

“What do you mean ‘mostly?’

“Well you could have gone into a little detail.”

“Like what?”

“Why would you consider caffein mostly legal.”

“I thought it was a little early in the day for philosophical discussions.”

“Philosophical discussions? About caffeine?”

“See. You don’t get it.”

“Okay explain.”

“Well I could have gone on about the rainforests being replaces by coffee plants or worker being poor;y paid for picking the beans.”

“I see what you mean about too early.”

“I’ll bet you didn’t know that for every cup of coffee drunk the world loses and inch of rainforest.”

“Okay pleals let me change the subject.”

“Okay go.”

“How many Voo Doo Rangers does it take to destroy how much of the rainforest?”

“None and none.”

“Excellent. Let’s give up coffee for Voo Doo Rangers.”

“You already ordered Uber, right?”

“Yeah they are right over there.”

“Which one? The 1960 F100 pickup or the road grinder?”

Photo by Dan Antion – https://nofacilities.com/

“Both.”

“Both why?”

“Cause the grinder only has one seat so one of us will have to stand on the back.”

“I nominate you.”

“Okay going. Then you coming back.”

“Let’s go.”

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Prompt – Kreative Kue # 397 by Keith Channing

September 5, 2023September 4, 2023 ~ John W. Howell ~ 58 Comments

I’m happy to welcome Keith Channing back and am so glad he is feeling better.

In Keith’s words. “Using this photo below (taken in Singapore at the end of 1978) as inspiration, write a short story, flash fiction, scene, poem; anything, really; even just a caption for the photograph. Either put your offering (or a link to it) in a comment or email it to me at keithchanning@gmail.com before Sunday evening UK time. 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. Thank you for taking part.” Here is a link to Keith’s post https://keithchanning.wordpress.com/2023/09/04/kreative-kue-397/

The photo.

“Hey, mom.”

“Yes, Adam.”

“This deer keeps putting its head on my butt.”

“Yes, dear. It’s trying to get to know you.”

“Well, it already knows Tania.”

“Yes, dear. Let’s just move on, shall we.”

“But Mom. Shouldn’t I try to get to know the mom.”

“I don’t think so, Adam. We need to see some other sights.”

“But I’m right here. I would make it a fast introduction.”

“You are starting to make a scene. Don’t make me come over there.”

“If you do come over, bring some carrots.”

“How about a switch.”

“What’s that?”

“Something to warm your bottom.”

“Will it get to know me too?”

“In a manner of speaking.”

“Okay, I’m coming over. Come on, Tania.”

“Good boy.”

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt – Chews/Choose

September 2, 2023September 1, 2023 ~ John W. Howell ~ 61 Comments

The machine works its magic. No begging, threatening, cajoling, or tears were needed for a delicious cup of steaming stuff that makes life worth living. The first sip rushes the caffeine to the brain like cocaine on steroids. The brew’s intense flavor is conducive to several chews rather than a simple swallow. It is always love at first taste of the drink we choose.

After the sip has me centered, a loud noise sends Twiggy off on a barking jag that will eventually clear the neighborhood. Checking my phone, I see a big old box has been dropped on the front porch. There is a tag in the corner that gives me a hint that life is about to get more stressful. The tag has big block letters spelling ACME.

The security system must be shut down to investigate the box. The tower machine guns are deactivated, the moat screen rolled, the concertina wire retracted, the boiling oil set to standby, the claymore mines detached, The trebuchet reset, the iron gate opened, and the locks and bolts thrown.

The front door is carefully opened, and the box is examined. There is a string with an envelope attached. On the outside of the envelope, the printing says OPEN and READ ME. Following the instructions, there are two letters inside. The first is from Linda Hill and reads. Your Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is: “chews/choose.” Use one, use ’em both, use ’em any way you’d like. Bonus points if you get ’em both in. Have fun! The second is from the President of Warner Brothers. It says simply, We hope you enjoy your gift.

To see how other bloggers have responded to the prompt, visit Linda’s blog. Here is the link. https://lindaghill.com/2023/09/01/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-sept-2-2023/

“Well, you got the bonus points.”

“Yup. Sure did.”

“What are those bonus points used for?”

“Anything you choose.”

“What do you use them for?”

“I’m buying a Bentley Turbo Convertable.”

“Wow. You can do that?”

“Sure.”

“When do you get the car?”

“Well, it will be a while cause I have to buy it piece by piece.”

“What?”