Tuesday Anything Possible – Finger Point Prompt – Glasses

August 1, 2023July 31, 2023 ~ John W. Howell ~ 70 Comments

You know the drill. Randomly open a book to a page and, without looking, put your finger on the page. The word or words closest to your finger is the prompt. Today, we have opened The Last Drive to page 91, and the word is ‘glasses.’

“Do you see better with lens one or two?”

“Two.”

“Two or three?”

“Three.”

“Three or one.”

“Three.”

“Okay, that does the exam. I have some good news for you.”

“I love good news.”

“You won’t need your glasses anymore.”

“Really? That is good news. What has changed?”

“According to the database, a new set of lenses has come in, and you are qualified to receive them.”

“I don’t understand.”

“When we last worked on your eyes, we had to give you the 2.1 version of the lens set. They were not the latest. Now the 3.0 version is available. This set will correct all the problems of the 2.1.”

“But the others were okay. With glasses, they worked quite well.”

“Yeah, but your new classification came through as well. You have been upgraded to warrior.”

“What does that have to do with anything?”

“Warrior bots have to have perfect uncorrected 20/20 vision.”

“Bots?”

“You got the briefing?”

“What briefing?”

“The orientation to AI briefing. You used to be a human, right?”

“Used to be?”

“Oh, dear. Hold on. Central? I need to report a programming snafu. Yes, in my office now. Okay. No, he won’t be going anywhere. He is still restrained. Good. Hurry.

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt – “One/Won”

July 29, 2023August 11, 2023 ~ John W. Howell ~ 75 Comments

Serenity is having a cup of coffee and time to think of important matters. The machine has given up its addictive brew, and now, with feet up, the time seems right for those important thoughts. The first sip of nectar stimulates the brain into action. The first thought: One cannot live by bread alone. A good cup of coffee is the root of sustainable life.

Thinking that the important thought objective will be won congers the second: All things come to he who waits. A good cup of coffee is a virtue. Just as the third thought begins to bubble up from the subconscious, my ring doorbell detects a visitor. Grateful that the person heeds the “Do Not Ring the Doorbell” sign, a step over the sleeping Twiggy gets me to the security panel.

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 opened. The front door is opened, and there stands someone who looks a lot like Bugs Bunny.

“Hi, Doc,” he says. “It’s my birthday, and I’ll cry if I want to.” He then hands me an envelope, which is from Linda Hill. “I was born on July 27th, 1940, and have decided you need some carrot cake.” Bugs then tosses a cake in my direction before turning and leaving.

Wiping cake from my eyes, I open the envelope. Inside is a message. It reads, Your Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is “one/won.” Use one, use them both, use them any way you’d like. Bonus points if you use them both. Enjoy!

If you want to see how others handle the prompt, visit Linda’s blog. Here is the link. https://lindaghill.com/2023/07/28/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-july-29-2023

“Squeeked by on that one.”

“Come on. I won it. Also, I need to thank Tom Okragly and Dan Conti for the Bugs information.”

“Yeah, but you had to take advantage of Bugs Bunny’s birthday to do it.”

“I call that fair.”

“Like a robber would say, he is ‘liberating the goods he steals.'”

“Where did that come from?”

“Deep thoughts from coffee.”

“Anyway, I did get the prompt done.”

“I suppose you can count it.”

“And I won the bonus. This calls for a drink.”

“Uber is waiting. Right over there.”

“That Bently turbo convertible?”

“No, the one behind it.”

“The truck with the sheep?”

“Got a good deal.”

Tuesday- Anything Possible – Finger Point Prompt – “Showing”

July 18, 2023July 17, 2023 ~ John W. Howell ~ 66 Comments

Here is how it works. I open a book to a random page and without looking point. The word or words closest to my pointing finger is the prompt. Today I opened Eternal Road – The last stop to page 191 and found “showing” under my finger.

“Your green is showing.”

“Why do you say they?”

“Cause I can see you are jealous of my new shoes.”

“What are you talking about? Those raggedy-assed shoes?”

“Yeah, you are just saying that.”

“I can’t believe you would think something as ugly as your shoes would be something that would cause me to be jealous.”

“Well. Just look at yours.”

“Mine are fine. A little dirty, maybe.”

“How about those holes?”

“Where?”

“Look down the line. In the back.”

“I can’t see back there.”

“Trust me after pair fifty, there’s a whole mess going on.”

“Ah, who cares. Millipedes can’t control that stuff.”

“If you cared, you could.”

“Your arrogance is showing. When’s the last time you looked at your shoes after fifty pair.”

“What are you saying?”

“Your last fifty make mine look pristine in comparison.”

“I gotta get to the shoe store.”

“Now your pridefulness is showing.”

“Better that than sloppiness.”

“Hey, we millipedes have our challenges. How about a truce?”

“You want to come with?”

“To the shoe store.”

“Yeah, I need someone to help me carry the money.”

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt – ‘Record’

July 15, 2023July 14, 2023 ~ John W. Howell ~ 57 Comments

Waiting for my coffee to begin its journey from the bean hopper through the press and down the twin spouts, my thoughts turn to how nice it is to be in my own place. The aroma of the coffee filling the mug causes a reflection on how great the simple things of life are and how often they are taken for granted. Our brains don’t seem to be programmed to record the simple stuff but tend to make ample notes of the complex.

Jessica brought home that the fight or flight response is the record the brain plays repeatedly. When fighting isn’t possible, then the concentration turns to flight. That big bun and the big guy convinced me to take advantage of anything at hand for a getaway. Sipping my brew brings the total picture into focus. There has to be more time spent on the small blessings that are all around.

Feeling satisfied with my conclusion and getting to the end of my phone vibrates. Pulling the phone out of my pocket, there is a new text message from Linda Hill. It says, Your Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is “record.” Use it as a noun, use it as a verb, use it any way you’d like. Have fun! Visit Linda’s blog to see what others have done with the prompt. Here is the link https://lindaghill.com/2023/07/14/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-july-15-2023/

“Wait a minute.”

“What?”

“No falling rocket or safe?”

“I guess not.”

“This has to be a record.”

“Well, you can’t have that kind of thing every day.”

“Yeah, but this is once a week, and I think I should.”

“Good thing this isn’t your blog.”

“Yeah, but I’m a reader and have rights.”

“What kind of right?”

“The right to be entertained.”

“And a falling safe does that?”

“You bet along with a cartoon character.”

“Anything else?”

“A description of your security system.”

“You sound like a broken record. I’ve done all those.”

“Yeah, so do more.”

“Or you find something else to read?”

“I didn’t say that.”

“I know. I did. Maybe a hint. What do you think?”

“I already ordered a Uber. He’s over there.”

“That flatbed truck?”

“No, the limo behind it.”

“The white limo with six rear wheels.”

“Yeah, it was on special. It has a pool.”

“For the record, I object.”

“The fridge is full of Voo Doo Ranger.”

“Objection overruled.”

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt – “Acronym”

July 8, 2023July 7, 2023 ~ John W. Howell ~ 75 Comments

My blinking SOS with my eyes had no effect on the clerk. WTF went through my brain as the clerk handed me my temporary membership card. Making faces and rolling my eyes did nothing to alert the clerk that my condition was SOL. Jessica grabs my arm and pulls me away from the desk. “Let’s get to the statue,” she says through her teeth. Seeing that the clerk will be no help, there is no choice but to enter the store.

My mind is racing as the checker waves us on. The only thought that comes is to stall as much as possible. Pointing in the direction of the last row clear across the store, we start moving in that direction. Wishing the opportunity to grab someone and scream bloody murder would come up, my objective is to move as slowly as possible.

“Quit stalling.” Jessica seems to be on to me. We pass the clothing displays, and Jessica does not appreciate me pointing out the terrific saving on bib overalls. We come to a woman holding a tray of cream cheese on cracker samples, and again, Jessica takes exception to my offer of trying one. She grips my arm with enough pressure to turn my hand black. “I’m not afraid to use this gun right here. Unless you want to be DOA, my suggestion is you get to the statue proto.”

A sigh passes my lips, realizing that my goose is now in the oven. Wait, an idea pops into my head. All that needs to be done is to go to the rotisserie oven and grab a couple of hot birds. Tossing them at Jessica and the big guy might be enough of a diversion for me to start screaming like a girl and get some help. With the plan in mind, I steer them toward the hot chickens. Grabbing two birds and flinging them catches both Jessica and the big guy off guard. Jessica starts swearing. The big guy decides to start eating my contribution is a scream that could crack the crystal.

A security guy comes over, and both the big guy and Jessica book for the exit. The security guy looks at my membership card and lets me know there is a message from Linda Hill. He shows me the message on his iPad, and it reads; Your Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is “acronym’.” Choose an acronym and use it any way you’d like. Enjoy!

If you want to see what others have done with this prompt, visit Linda’s blog. Here is the link https://lindaghill.com/2023/07/07/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-july-8-2023/

“SOL? Do you think anyone will know what that means?”

“Yeah. So Outta Luck.”

“That is the family blog meaning. I mean the real one.”

“We’ll just leave it at that.”

“DOA is Dead on Arrival, right?”

“You got it.”

“We all know WTF.”

“Yes, and no need to expand that one.”

“So where did this throwing chicken idea come from.”

“Where most of my hair brain ideas come from.”

“You know I feel a little cheated with that solution.”

“Come on, the whole idea of being hit with a lemon pepper chicken is pretty funny.”

“I suppose, but I expected some kind of gunfight or something.”

“Well, think of the chickens in that context.”

“That’s a stretch.”

“Think of something else then.”

“Like the Uber arrival text.”

“There you go.”

“That’s him over there.”

“In a Good Humor Ice Cream truck?”

“It’s the discount fare vehicle.”

“Can we fit?”

“Yeah, but you need to ring the bells.”

“Figures. Not a direct trip, I’ll bet.”

“Well, just a few stops.”

“OMG.”

“Nice.”

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Finger Point Prompt – ‘Asleep’

June 27, 2023June 26, 2023 ~ John W. Howell ~ 64 Comments

The idea is to open a book randomly and, without looking, point to the page. The word or words closest to the pointing finger is the prompt.

Today we opened The Eternal Road on page 147. The word closest to the pointing finger is ‘asleep.’

“Who can tell me what asleep means without using the word sleep. Yes, Johnny.”

“Well, teacher, I believe asleep means that your eyes are closed and you are breathing deeper.”

“Okay, Johnny. That is part of it. Anyone else? Your hand is up, Nancy.”

“How about you are dreaming.”

“That’s good, Nancy. Go ahead, Jerry.”

“And you can’t hear the TV anymore.”

“I see. Asleep while TV watching.”

“Yeah, my dad does it all the time.”

“Thank you, Jerry.”

“After he drinks a lot of beer.”

“That will be fine. Anyone else? Okay, Maureen.”

“Asleep is what you want to be to relax.”

“That’s interesting.”

“You lock your bedroom door and tell the kids to be quiet.”

“Thank you, Maureen. Surely someone else has an idea.”

“I do.”

“Yes, Richard.”

“It’s what happens when you talk about history after lunch.”

“I can see that, Richard. Thank you. Can anyone tell me what part of speech is asleep?”

“I’d say all parts of speech are asleep.”

“Thank you again, Richard. It is an adjective. Does anyone care to try a sentence? I’m holding my breath, but go ahead, Richard.”

“When I sit too long in class, my bum feels asleep.”

“Richard, it is time for you to take a walk. Please take this attendance sheet to the office and try not to hurry.”

“Did I use it right?”

“Yes, Richard, and your reward is to keep your bum awake. Bye now.”

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt “Sight/site”

June 17, 2023June 16, 2023 ~ John W. Howell ~ 59 Comments

Jessica Rabbit has two messages for me last time. The first was delivered. It had to do with the prompt. that week. When we were last together, the question came out of my mouth. “And the second?” My head is pounding, trying to convince my still-bound hands to get coffee. Tied to a chair with Jessica Rabbit casting a long shadow from the bare light bulb behind her, there is little likelihood that coffee is on the agenda.

My feeling that the next words out of Jessica’s mouth would be an offer I couldn’t refuse was confirmed when she parted her lips, slowly licked her teeth, and said, “My statue or you are a dead man.”

Stuttering and trying to explain that the statue’s location was not included in my knowledge base had little effect on Jessica’s intimidating demeanor. “It seems, She began. “That you don’t care for your life.” After a pause, she continues, “How about I take your sight one eye at a time?”

Now things are getting out of hand. If I had knowledge of the site of the stupid statue, I would give it up faster than a cat’s hairball. How to convince Jessica of this fact was the center of my mind’s activity. Finally, the solution seeped into my brain. Convincing Jessica to release me while we both go to a fictitious location where Jessica is convinced the statue is being kept might allow me to break free. It will be risky but worth a shot.

The proposal is presented to Jessica, and she bites. She lets me know that any false move will be met with extreme prejudice. She also tells me that Linda Hill called with the following message. Your Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is “sight/site.” Use one, use them both, use them any way you’d like. Bonus points if you use them both. Have fun!

If you want to see what other bloggers have done with the prompt, go to Linda’s blog and check them out. Here is the link https://lindaghill.com/2023/06/16/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-june-17-2023/

“Okay, so you got both words in there.”

“Yup. Bonus point for me.”

“What do bonus points get you?”

“I always say they can be redeemed for a Bently Turbo convertible.”

“That would be a sight. How many points will that take?”

“Um, maybe two lifetimes.”

“So why keep saying it?”

“Cause it’s fun. I already have four lug nuts.”

“Funny you should mention nuts. This site is ground zero.”

“Yes, well. You hang out here enough.”

“That’s cause the VooDoo Ranger is free.”

“Nice segway. Contact Uber.”

“Already done. There he is in a Bently Turbo convertible>”

“Where?”

“Just messing with you. He’s in the Gremlin over there.”

“Not nice to play tricks.”

“But oh so easy.”

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Prompt – “Expression.”

June 13, 2023 ~ John W. Howell ~ 63 Comments

Here’s how it goes. I open a book to a random page. Without looking, I point to a place on the page. The word or words closest to my finger is the prompt. Today the book is The Last Stop, page 201, and the word “expression.”

“Please hold your head still. You look like you’re going to say something.”

“Not me.”

“The words say one thing, and your expression says another.”

“You read minds?”

“No, but I am a student of human nature.”

“And you have read my expression as having something to say.”

“It appeared so, yes.”

“How about now?”

“You look angry.”

“Wrong again. My expression is one of irritation, not anger.”

“What has irritated you?”

“To be honest, your attitude has made me irritated.”

“I do apologize. I’m just doing my job.”

“This eye scan should only take an instant.”

“You keep moving, so it is hard. Besides, you have beautiful eyes.”

“You coming on to me?”

“No, just an observation. There, the scan is complete. You may continue checking out.”

“Is there a place on your keyboard where I can leave a complaint?”

“Whatever for?”

“I have never been so mishandled by a self-checkout machine.”

“I’m sure it’s your imagination.”

“I’m sure it’s not.”

“Press R, and you can leave a review.”

“Thank you.”

“I canceled your order as well.”

“Why?”

“To prevent it from being mishandled.”

“Also, I never had a passive-aggressive self-checkout machine.”

“Welcome to the new world of AI, lady. Kindly remove your purchases and step out of line. Thank you for shopping with us today.”

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Finger Point Prompt – Glances

June 6, 2023June 5, 2023 ~ John W. Howell ~ 56 Comments

What this prompt is all about is opening a book to a random place and without looking point to a page. The word or words closest to the pointing finger is the prompt. I opened The Last Drive to page 67 and the word “glances” was closest to my finger.

The thief glances sideways to check who is walking near the stylish young woman with the Goyard bag on her shoulder and clicking Louboutin heels. Satisfied there appears to be no superhero among the disinterested-looking crowd on 5th Avenue, the plan in his head is okay. A quick pass on the strap with a razor-sharp stiletto knife will cause the bag to slip toward the street. A fast pickup and he will probably be on his way before she realizes the purse is gone.

He takes a deep breath and pushes the button that releases the blade from the hilt. A momentary glint of the sun hitting the stainless edge of the blade reflects off the woman’s sunglasses. She glances his way, and he knows he must move fast. He is sure she will not put together the sun flair, and his intention on taking her bag. Comforted with this belief, he closes the slight distance between them with the knife concealed by his side. The strap is on her right shoulder, and since he is righthanded, he will have to make a cross-body movement that will end with an upward slash on the part of the strap near her back. The bag itself will drop, and he will need to grab it at almost the same time as the cut. If it hits the street, time will be lost picking it up, not to mention someone stepping on it.

The time has come, and he raises his hand to make his move. The woman senses his movement and glances over her shoulder. Her eyes lock onto his with enough strength he hesitates for a millisecond. His strike with the knife is off-target slightly, and the strap remains secure. The woman turns and, with the power of many hours spent with free weights and Tie Quan Do, connects her elbow with the man’s jaw. He hits the pavement like a prizefighter about to be counted out.

She stands over him, and a crowd begins to form. He opens his eyes and tries to speak. He is still confused after the blow to his chin. “Stay down,” the woman warns. He rests his head back on the concrete and glances to his right to confirm the noise of a winding down siren is from a police car on the street near him. The uniformed officer and EMS are intent on reaching him. The woman holds her bag with the almost cut strap for them to view.

He thinks about hoping they don’t find the knife and also thinks about the half-empty glass of luck that got him here. He wonders why an honest thief cannot count on beautiful women being helpless these days. The officer’s words come out of a haze, and he bearly hears the warning not to move. He wonders why the EMS guy keeps yelling, “Stay with me, buddy.” It is then that he realizes he has fallen on his knife. The word ‘petard’ flashes through his mind as all thoughts enter the dark.

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Finger Point Prompt – Claims

May 30, 2023May 29, 2023 ~ John W. Howell ~ 61 Comments

The idea of a finger-point prompt is to open a book at a random place and, without looking, point to the page. The word or words closest to the pointing finger becomes the prompt. For example, today, I opened The Last Drive to page 151. The word closest to the pointing finger is “claims.”

“Her father was a no count. Claims he has a bad back.”

“What are you doing?”

“Singing a song.”

“I can’t get the tune, but the words sound familiar.”

“Polk Salad, Annie.”

“Could have fooled me. I thought you were singing “Ring of Fire.”

“The words don’t match.”

“Well, your tune is one I never heard connected to the song.”

“I guess I have a tin ear.”

“The man claims to cover his music ineptitude.”

“By the way. I was very happy here by myself.”

“I’ll bet. I just came from the insurance office.”