Tuesday – Anything Possible – Kreative Kue #345 by Keith Channing

February 1, 2022January 31, 2022 ~ John W. Howell ~ 76 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 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.

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

The photo

“Sign here, mate”

“What am I signing?”

“The deed to your house. Whatya think”

“I don’t know”

“It’s for the delivery”

“Delivery? What delivery?”

“Oh, come on. You ordered the 2000 piece life-size puzzle.”

“I think there must be some mistake.”

“Is this 323 Rural Route 22?”

“Well, yes but I don’t recall an order.”

“Look, Mac. Just sign and then take it up with Amazon.”

“What does signing this mean?”

“That I delivered it.”

“It doesn’t mean I ordered it, right?”

“I’m no lawyer, Mac. All I know is the fine print says by signing this delivery receipt you verify it was in fact delivered.”

“Okay, I can verify that after I have a look.”

“Aw geez. I have a hundred deliveries today.”

“I’ll just be a minute. I’ll just look out the window . . . OMG it’s laying all over the yard.”

“Yeah, you paid for an unpacking service.”

“And there is snow on top.”

“Took me two hours to unpack. Started snowing. Here’s the place to sign.”

“Very well. There are you satisfied now?”

“Thanks. I’ll be on my way. Good luck with the puzzle.”

“I don’t see any artwork on any of the pieces.”

“I think it’s one of those modern ones where you have to figure out how it goes by the shapes.”

“It looks like they’re all rectangles.”

“Yeah, makes it a little tougher.”

“You wouldn’t want to just load it all up and take it back would you?”

“Love to help you out but you see, I’m deliveries. There’s others who do pick up. I do have an idea though.”

“Let’s hear it.”

“Get yourself a piece of cardboard.”

“Yes?”

“And a sharpie.”

“Okay.”

“Make a sign. ‘kindling for sale.’ You’ll make a killing.”

“I think I’ll call Amazon and see where this stuff came from.”

“That works too. See ya.”

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt – Let Go

January 29, 2022January 29, 2022 ~ John W. Howell ~ 49 Comments

Another Saturday means thinking about the prompt that is due from Linda Hill. As I savored the aroma from the first cup of coffee, it occurred to me to check the front of the house once more. Last week there was a mountain of ice that had not only the prompt frozen against the front door but a lingering question on how the ice got there in the first place.

Thinking the whole situation was a figment of imagination, I looked at the Ring doorbell app on my phone. Sure enough, the mountain of ice was still there. Also, a prominent St Bernard dog was sitting patiently at the edge of the hill holding an envelope in its mouth.

I was forced to go out the back door since the front was frozen solid. Coming around the house, I discovered the reason for the mountain of ice. The hose attached to the faucet was doing the dance of the cobra while spewing water in all directions. I quickly calculated the value of a week’s worth of water running helter-skelter and made a mental note to contact the lending officer at the bank for a loan first thing Monday.

Getting the water turned off was challenging but accomplished. Next, it was time to address the dog.” Lovely doggy,” I said. “Snarl,” was his response. Bravely I took hold of the envelope, hoping he had the commands to release upon delivery. “Let go,” I said. His answer sounded like a muffled warning to take my hand away or lose it. “Fine, you win.”

As I turned away to go back inside, the big dog barked, and the envelope dropped from his mouth. Being quick of mind and certainly smarter than a dog, I grabbed the envelope. The dog seemed pleased that the delivery was made and trotted away.

Here is what was inside. Your prompt for #JusJoJan and Stream of Consciousness Saturday is: “let go.” Write about the first thing that comes to mind when you think, “let go.” Enjoy!

If you want to join this happy band, visit Linda’s blog and see how easy it is. Here is the link. https://lindaghill.com/2022/01/28/the-friday-reminder-for-socs-jusjojan-2022-daily-prompt-jan-29th/

“At least you explained the ice.”

“A small holdover from last week.”

“Why did the dog hold onto the envelope in the first place?”

“How would I know? I’m not a dog whisperer.”

“No, but you wrote the scene.”

“Okay. He didn’t know if it was me or not.”

“What changed his mind?”

“For heaven’s sake, can we get off the dog?”

“But you made him central to your story.”

“It’s the first thing I thought of when I saw ‘Let Go’ was the prompt.”

“Okay, so you have no idea why he let go of the envelope.”

“Well. he barked, and it fell out of his mouth. Isn’t that enough?”

“Why didn’t he pounce on you when you went to get the envelope.”

“Is this ever going to end?”

“I’m just saying. Plot holes are not a good thing.”

“Alright. The dog saw my blue feet from being all wet from turning off the faucet, so he had mercy on me.”

“Why didn’t you say that?”

“Too much for such a short story.”

“Well, when you leave questions, folks get anxious.”

“Why don’t you write it next week?”

“I’m a beer consumer, not a writer.”

“Magic word.”

“To end this misery?”

“You got it, and you are buying. Time to let go of some of that hoarded cash.”

“Says the guy who framed his first dollar. By the way. You mentioned blue feet. Did you go out there barefooted?”

Tuesday – A Little Personal – Kreative Kue #344 by Keith Channing

January 25, 2022January 24, 2022 ~ John W. Howell ~ 64 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 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.

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

The Photo

“Yes. You rang?”

“H-hurry o-open t-the g-gate.”

“Who is requesting entrance?”

“It’s me you idiot.”

“If I were truly an idiot, I would have no capacity to identify you.”

“Another minute, and I’m going to freeze to death.”

“State the nature of your business.”

“Once inside the house, I’m going to make a cup of tea and then konk you with my heavest pan.”

“Oh my goodness, my love, it’s you. Why didn’t you identify yourself?”

“After 30 years, I didn’t think I had to.”

“I can get that, but your voice was so shaky I couldn’t identify it.”

“Are you going to open the gate or not?”

“Love of my life, I pushed the button. It should have opened.”

“I-it’s n-not o-opening.”

“Give it a push.”

“N-not w-working.”

“Looks like I’ll have to get on my snow gear and come get you.”

“T-that w-would b-be n-nice.”

“One question, though.”

“S-shoot.”

“You still going to konk me?”

“O-of c-course n-not.”

“I’ll be right there.”

“C-can y-you s-still h-hear m-me? Hmmm silence. No, I’m not going to konk you. No, not me. Trust me, though. It will be a long time till this little episode is forgotten.”

“Did you say something, my dear? I was away from the receiver.”

“N-no, n-nothing. Y-you C-coming?”

“On my way, my sweet. On my way.”

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Kreative Kue # 343 by Keith Channing

January 18, 2022January 17, 2022 ~ John W. Howell ~ 78 Comments

IN Keith’s words.

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

The photo.

“Okay, now let go.”

“I’m not sure I should.”

“Why not?”

“I don’t think he’s got the hang of it yet.”

“You know, at camp, everyone has to be on their own.”

“I know, but maybe we can do this later.”

“For heaven’s sake. You have been saying that for a week.”

“But look at him. He looks so frightened.”

“He’s not frightened. He just has gas.”

“Well, whatever. It’s not my idea to send him to camp.”

“I know it’s mine. The kid has to learn to get along in the world. The first thing is to let him swim on his own.”

“He’s never done that before.”

“I know. How do you think I feel when the whole pod is laughing behind our backs.”

“Why would they do that?”

“We are the only dolphins on the planet whose kid can’t swim.”

“That can’t be true.”

“Well, it is. Kids are supposed to be natural swimmers when they are born.”

“Ours is special.”

“That is one way to describe him. Please let him go.”

“Okay, but you better save him if he gets into trouble.”

“I’m always here.”

“There he is on his own.”

“And look at the wake he is turning up. Go boy go.”

“I’m really surprised.”

“I told you it was instinct.”

“But my child is just not any run-of-the-mill dolphin.”

“Yeah, I know. He’s now a dolphin who can swim and ready for camp.”

“Can I go too?”

“Against the rules. You and I will go to our own camp.”

“You devil.”

“I resemble that remark.”

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt – “A Rainy Day.”

January 15, 2022January 14, 2022 ~ John W. Howell ~ 68 Comments

The day wakes like any other. Its dark curtain slowly rises to reveal hazy images of deer and trees. The cement driveway reflects the glow of the yard lamp. The effect is converting an ordinary grey slab to the appearance of polished granite. It is a rainy day.

Always welcome but at the same time disappointing the rain has come. The immaculate car of yesterday will become the spattered mess of tomorrow. The clear, undistorted windows will be rain marked, denigrating the views to impressions.

A sigh and a cup of coffee will perhaps change the attitude to a more positive view of a rainy day. As the brewer was working its magic, a sound not unlike a trumpet ran through the walls of the house. Not waiting for the coffee, I hurried to the front door. Checking my Ring image on my phone caused a lurch in surprise. A man on a horse was on the driveway looking very much like Teddy Roosevelt. The horse was snorting and seemed in a bit of a hurry. The man kept shouting for me to open the door.

Mrs. Howell didn’t raise an idiot, so I called out through the doorbell. I demanded to know the nature of the business of someone on a horse waving a bugle. He wasted no time explaining he had a dispatch from Linda Hill that was of the utmost urgency.

My response was to yell, “Leave it on the porch.” He clenched his jaw and showed a magnificent set of teeth while telling me a signature was required. I gave in and opened the door. The poor guy was wet to the skin. He handed me a clipboard and told me where to sign. He then gave me a leather pouch. The horse reared while looking at it, and when I looked up, they were both gone.

Inside the pouch were two things. The first was a Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup, and the second was a message from Linda.

The message read. Your prompt for #JusJoJan and Stream of Consciousness Saturday is: “a rainy day.” Write about the first thing that comes to mind when you think of the phrase “a rainy day.” Enjoy!

If you would like to enjoy, visit Linda’s blog and read how easy it is. Here’s the link.

https://lindaghill.com/2022/01/14/the-friday-reminder-for-socs-jusjojan-2022-daily-prompt-jan-15th/

“Now that was a waste of time.”

“How so?”

“What did a peanut butter cup have to do with anything?”

“I like them.”

“Yeah, I like ribs, but I don’t throw them into a story with no other rhyme or reason.”

“Well, it’s my post, and I can do that if I want.”

“What about reader consideration? Don’t you think they will be confused?”

“No more so than usual.”

“What does that mean?”

“Most know I have an unusual view of things.”

“I guess the Teddy Roosevelt thing demonstrates that. What was that all about?”

“Rain sometimes makes me think of Teddy for some reason.”

“Okay. No need to follow that up since I think it is a swamp of no return.”

“When I was a kid, I used to read on rainy days, and I loved to read about Teddy Roosevelt.”

“Cheeze, most kids would pick a baseball star.”

“Like I said, I have unusual views.”

“What about bar stuff?”

“Yeah, love me some VooDoo Ranger IPA.”

“Well, if we can forget Teddy for a while, I’m buying.”

“Who?”

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Kreative Kue # 342 by Keith Channing

January 11, 2022January 10, 2022 ~ John W. Howell ~ 63 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.combefore 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.

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

The photo.

Now What? By John W. Howell

“Looks like he’s out.”

“Amazing. We were just talking about him and out he went.”

“You have to understand. He is a highly-strung dog and sometimes he just needs his rest.”

“Well, what about you? Maybe we can continue the interview while he naps.”

“Up to you.”

“You could give us some background on his life.”

“Like what?”

“Where was he born and the like.”

“That I don’t know. We found him at the side of the road.”

“Ah. A rescue.”

“Not exactly.”

“What then?”

“He was hitchhiking. We stopped and asked him if he needed a ride. He jumped in the car and that was it.”

“Extraordinary story. So he’s been with you ever since.”

“Yes. We got a call from his previous owner who wanted to visit him.”

“Really. That’s odd.”

“I’m not surprised that his previous owner wanted to contact him.”

“He’s that good?”

“I’m not sure that’s it.”

“What is it then?”

“Once he takes up residence, good things happen.”

“Like what?”

“Like that Lotto win, you are here to talk about.”

“That was some win. Where did you get the ticket?”

“I really have no idea.”

“You having memory problems.”

“No. The dog bought the ticket.”

“W-what? “Is the legal?”

“Don’t see why not. He’s over twenty-one in dog years and as far as I know, the Lotto rules don’t forbid ticket sales to dogs. When he wakes I’ll let him tell you the particulars.”

“You are saying he can talk?”

“Seven languages.”

“Anything else?”

“He’s a licensed financial advisor. I’m going to need his help.”

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt – “In the”

January 8, 2022January 7, 2022 ~ John W. Howell ~ 71 Comments

In the month of December there were holidays on Saturday. Now that the holidays are about over, it is time to pay attention to the Stream of Consciousness prompt hosted by Linda Hill. In fact, I was sitting on the back porch drinking coffee when it occurred to me that I had not seen any envelopes or boxes either from the sky or on land. The hole in the backyard from the embedded chest is finally fixed, so anything falling would not be appreciated.

Thinking no deliveries a bit odd for a Saturday, I decided to go to the front of the house in the chance something had been dropped off. It’s doubtful that it would happen without Twiggy’s alarm being tripped, but it never hurts to check. Walking out the front door a large van was blocking the driveway. Walking up to it there was a small logo just below the cab window. It took a minute but getting closer it turned out to be this.

Going around to the driver’s side I knocked on the window. There was a bit of commotion inside the van but eventually the window slowly sunk into the door. A boxing glove on the end of what looked like one of those things old folk use to pick up stuff came out at great speed. Ducking away from the blow I was able to grab the note stuck to the glove. Here is what it said.

Your prompt for #JusJoJan and Stream of Consciousness Saturday is: “In the.” Start your post with the words “In the” – that’s the prompt! Enjoy!

As I finished reading the note a huge anvil from above buried itself in the street right behind me.

If you would like to join this fun visit Linda’s blog and read how easy it is. Here is the link. https://lindaghill.com/2022/01/07/the-friday-reminder-for-socs-jusjojan-2022-daily-prompt-jan-8th/

“In the slim chance I missed something , what was that verbiage all about?”

“An intro to the prompt.”

“I noticed you started with “in the.”

“Well yeah that was the instruction.”

“How did you know that?”

“I read it in the note.”

“But the note didn’t get their until that stupid cartoon boxing glove came out of the van.”

“Yeah so?”

“So how did you know?”

“I cheated.”

“What?”

“Yeah, I read Linda’s email and knew the post had to start with “in the.”

“My goodness. This is the first time in the near past that I can remember you admitting you cheated.”

“Well, come on. The risk is pretty low. What’s Linda going to do? Sue me?”

“No but in the chance you would go unpunished, I may deny you a nice barley pop.”

“Now that would be cruel and unusual punishment.”

“I guess you are right.”

“Really?”

“Besides it’s your turn to buy.”

“Of course, it is.”

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Kreative Kue # 341 by Keith Channing

January 4, 2022January 3, 2022 ~ John W. Howell ~ 75 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.combefore 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.

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

The photo.

“Wouldja look at that.”

“What?”

“That video. Almost looks real.”

“That’s cause it is.”

“What do you mean?”

“You’re looking out a window. Everything beyond the window is part of the world.”

“That might be true, but it doesn’t mean it’s real.”

“Oh, come on. Don’t tell me we are going to get caught in a semantics loop?”

“I don’t even know what that is. All I’m saying is just because there is stuff beyond the window doesn’t mean that stuff is real. Look now. It all changed.”

“That’s because we are moving.”

“Moving? What kind of insanity is that?”

“I don’t want to break this to you too hard, but we are on a train.”

“Since when?”

“Last night, we boarded a train.”

“Where was I?”

“Oh my gosh. You were on the end of your leash. You got on the train. We all went to sleep, and here we are.”

“Look at that. It looks like a big city.”

“Yes, it is. We need to go through the city to get to the seashore.”

“Seashore? We going to the seashore?”

“We sure are.”

“Oh boy. I love the seashore.”

“I know you do. That’s why we are going.”

“Where?”

“To the sea— Hold on. Are you feeling okay?”

“I’m just messing with you. I can’t wait until we get there.”

“We should be there tonight.”

“All those smells. The crabs and birds. The sand and sun.”

“You believe it is real then?”

“The seashore?”

“Yes.”

“Of course. It’s just looking out this window that doesn’t look real.”

“Maybe you should take a nap then.”

“And miss something.”

“Something that may not be real.”

“Good point. A nap it is.”

“Good dog.”

“Arf.”

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Finger Point Prompt – Thunderstorm

December 28, 2021December 27, 2021 ~ John W. Howell ~ 65 Comments

Keith Channing is still on break, so it is time for a finger-point prompt once again. Today, we have opened that non-New York Times bestseller, Eternal Road – The final stop by the world infamous author, John W. Howell. Randomly it was opened to page 167, and again randomly, a finger was pointed to the page. Of course, the word closest to the finger is prompt. In this case, the word is ‘thunderstorm.’ Since I have no idea what will come out as I proceed, I hope you will enjoy whatever it is.

“That noise. I can’t believe we can hear it. The sound of a ball rolling on a wooden floor.”

“That is thunder.”

“Thunder? Oh, I don’t think so.”

“Yes. It is the sound that lightning makes.”

“Huh?”

“When there is lightning, the thunder is the resulting sound.”

“Okay. But I see lightning, and then the thunder comes later.”

“That’s cause light travels faster than sound. So an old trick is to count the seconds from the time you see the lightning until you hear the thunder.”

“What does that tell me.”

“How far away the thunderstorm. One mile for each second.”

“Where did you learn that?”

“Not sure. Maybe school. All I know is you don’t want to be outside when there is a thunderstorm.”

“There’s that sound again. I didn’t see any lightning.”

“Maybe it is because the curtains are closed.”

“Why do they call it a thunderstorm? Shouldn’t it be called a lightning storm?”

“Yeah, good point. I’m not sure.”

“Maybe that should be something we investigate.”

“Yeah, along with how come we hear thunder with no lightning.”

“I think I have the answer.”

“Okay, tell me.”