Stream of Conscious Saturday – Prompt – Container

September 26, 2020September 25, 2020 ~ John W. Howell ~ 41 Comments

It is Stream of Consciousness Saturday time again, and here comes Linda Hill carrying a big bag.

“Hi, Linda.”

“Hi, John, I have in this container the prompt for this week.”

“Can’t wait. What is it?”

“Your Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is ‘container.’ Use the word ‘container’ any way you’d like. Or think about a container of some kind and write about it. Enjoy!”

“Gee, thanks., Linda.”

“You need a haircut, John.”

“Bye, Linda.”

There you have it. If you would like to join in the fun, visit Linda’s blog, and you can read how easy it is. Here is the link.

The Friday Reminder and Prompt for #SoCS Sept. 26/2020

“Hey, man. What’s up?”

“Ah, the seventies man arrives.”

“Wow. Good mood I see. Linda Hill must have given you a perplexing prompt.”

“Not really, it’s just I have to figure out how to use the prompt.”

“What is it?”

“Container.”

“Easy peezy. Just use the word ‘container.’ Heck, you and I could use it several ways.”

“No, the word container was already used up top.”

“Up top? Where is ‘up top?”‘

“The beginning of the post. Linda used the word ‘container’ in describing what she had in a bag.”

“So that’s a noun. Use it as a verb.”

“Um.”

“He containered the virus.”

“Big stretch.”

“Okay, adjective.”

“Go ahead.”

“His belly resembled a container.”

“Bigger stretch. I think I’ll just use ‘container ship’ as my prompt.”

“Oh, excellent idea. You can talk about how they container things and where they store the containers.”

“And I can do it myself.”

“Ah, right you are. Me ? I’ll just walk to the container store and see what is new in closet items.”

“Or walk to the open container joint and have a few 12 ouncers.”

“That too. You stay and work hard. I’ll be off doing research.”

“Be careful I don’t want to have to bail you out of the drunk container.”

“I like what you did there. See ya.”

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Kreative Kue by Keith Channing

September 22, 2020September 21, 2020 ~ John W. Howell ~ 42 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

“Here, take these binoculars and tell me what you see.”

“Lord, it looks like a castle.”

“My thought exactly.”

“I had no idea that we would be tackling something this big.”

“Nor I. When I got the orders, I simply thought it was going to be a two-person job.”

“Not likely. You and I would be quickly overwhelmed if we tried to do this alone.”

“How many people do you think are inside.”

“Oh, who knows? There could be a hundred given the size of that building. You know how much mayhem a bunch of people cause.”

“My thought exactly. Should we move in closer, or do you think we know enough to walk away?”

“We can’t walk away. We have a responsibility and even took an oath.”

“Yeah, you would have to remind me about the oath. So what do you recommend?”

“I say if we walk away now, we will never be able to live with ourselves. We should do our duty.”

“Even if its the last thing we do?”

“Without a doubt.”

“Okay, I’m with you. Do you have the paperwork?”

“Yup, right here in the rucksack.”

“Should we say a prayer?”

“I don’t think so. You’ve made your peace, right?”

“Yes, I have.”

“Let’s just go. How about we hum the Battle Hymn of the Republic. It will give us comfort.”

“Good idea. OMG, I’m not sure I have a pen.”

“Not to worry. I have one in my rucksack.”

“Do you have the listing agreement?”

“Yup. All filled out.”

“Okay, then. Let’s go forth and list this sucker in the name of MLS.”

“Mine eyes have seen the glory. . . . ”

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt – “Tion”

September 19, 2020September 18, 2020 ~ John W. Howell ~ 54 Comments

Concentration is needed when it is Stream of Consciousness Saturday. You will see what I mean when Linda Hill explains this week’s prompt. Here is Linda now.

“Thanks, John. Okay, you get the bonus points.Your Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is “-tion.” Find a word that ends with “tion.” Bonus points if you start your post with it. Have fun!”

Goodbye, Linda, and thanks for the prompt. Well, now, you can see why I started the post with the word “concentration.” Let’s hear it for the one step closer to the Bentley convertible. I can almost see it.

Views of the neighborhood

“Fascination is the name of the game.”

“Do I get decryption of this message?”

“In your case, I will make an exception.”

“I hope I’m not violating a long-standing prohibition of yours.”

“No, it’s just when you come around I get the sensation that you don’t approve of these prompt days.”

“Wow, what a revelation. I can’t imagine how you got that idea.”

“Maybe it’s the friction that I feel between us.”

“Or the devotion that you have to this Saturday romp.”

“Now that you mention it, I guess it would look like that to you.”

“Or anyone who happens to observe your action.”

“Well, at least it’s not my vocation.”

“So, back to your original statement. What is the relation to fascination?”

“To win at Stream of Consciousness, you have to have a certain level of motivation.”

“Yeah? You sure it’s not a level of mutation?”

“See there you go again with a level of rejection.”

“Okay, I’ll put aside my dysfunction feelings and let you explain.”

“These prompts keep me from mental deprivation.”

“So they are a substitution for idleness of the brain.”

“Yes, an equalization for my lack of thinking activity during this lockdown.”

“I get it. How about something with some barley and carbonation.”

“Is it a celebration?”

“Yes. A declaration of your mental freedom.”

“I guess I could use the rehydration.”

“Spoken like a true academic.”

“Hey, you didn’t use a “tion” word.”

“My mortification for sure. Let’s go.”

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Kreative Kue by Keith Channing

September 15, 2020September 14, 2020 ~ John W. Howell ~ 61 Comments

In Keith’s words.

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

The photo.

Kreative Kue #280

“Don’t make a sound.”

“Don’t worry. I’m not nuts you know.”

“I wonder what he wants?”

“See that horn. You can take a guess.”

“Aren’t Rhino’s grass eaters?”

“Yeah, but tell him that.”

“I think he is lost.”

“Oh, come on. He wants to run us through and then stomp us into molecules.”

“Why do you suppose he picked us?”

“How do I know. I’m guessing he saw us and decided we needed to be taught a lesson.”

“Boy, that breath is something else.”

“Well, I don’t know about you, but I’m not going to stand here and wait for him to make the decision. I’m taking action.”

“The last words said by a brave one and recorded by the steadfast and cowardly sidekick.”

“You gonna just wait for him to make a move?”

“Maybe he’ll forget.”

“Ha. He’s a cousin to the Elephant. Those brutes never forget.”

“Okay, then. You go, and I’ll be right behind you.”

“Wait. I just had a thought.”

“What is it.”

“We are tick birds, right.”

“Last time I checked.”

“I think he needs a going over.”

“Why didn’t he just say so?”

“You speak, Rhino?”

“No, of course not. You?”

“No. Just jump up on top of him, and let’s see what happens.”

“Look, he likes us.”

“Man, look at all the goodies.”

“This is heaven for sure. Look at him when I scratch right here.”

“It doesn’t get any better than this. Look up synergy in the dictionary, and you’ll see our picture.”

“You are just using hyperbole, right?”

“Most definitely. There’s no picture.”

“You had me concerned.”

“Eat your ticks, and enjoy yourself.”

“I could say the same.”

“So noted.”

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt – Collar

September 12, 2020September 11, 2020 ~ John W. Howell ~ 51 Comments

It is Stream of Consciousness Saturday, and here is Linda Hill with this week’s prompt. So Linda, what do we have today?

“Your Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is “collar.” Use it as a verb, a noun, or metaphorically. Bonus points for using it in all three ways! Enjoy!”

Thank you. If you would like to join this group, visit Linda’s blog and read how. Here is the link.

The Friday Reminder and Prompt for #SoCS Sept. 12/2020

“What is that?”

“This, my friend, is an old fashioned collar.”

“I’ve never seen anything like that before.”

“I found it in my granddad’s chest in the attic.”

“How does it work.”

“Well, you have a shirt that doesn’t have a collar. This attaches to it.”

“Why would anyone want that kind of thing?”

“In the olden days, you could wear the shirt without the collar. The collar stays clean. Then when it came time to dress up, you add a clean collar. Get it?”

“I suppose. Sounds like a lot of work to me. What else was in that trunk?”

“You knew my grandfather was a detective, right?”

“Yeah, I heard you mention that a few times. Given the prompt today, can you guess what else is in the truck?”

“What’s the prompt?”

“Collar.”

“Don’t tell me grandpa has records of all his collars?”

“Bingo. You got it. His arrests are all documented, and he kept them all.”

“Sounds a little compulsive to me.”

“Well, he was kind of that way. He was proud of being able to make a collar after a long investigation.”

“Speaking of long.”

“Yeah, I think we’ve covered the subject.”

“You wearing your collar to the bar?”

“No, I think I’ll leave it here.”

“Good, the Eau de mothball is not a good scent for you.”

“Thanks.”

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Kreative Kue #278 by Keith Channing

September 1, 2020August 31, 2020 ~ John W. Howell ~ 55 Comments

In Keith’s words. “Using this photo 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 #278

“Come on boy. You can do it, boy.”

“The name’s Roscoe. Call me Roscoe.”

“Come on Roscoe. You can do it.”

“I know I can do it. My feet are touching the bottom. See I’m walking in.”

“Okay, you are almost here. Halleluiah I’m saved.”

“Saved what are you talking about? You having a soulful experience over there?”

“You are a rescue dog aren’t you?”

“Whaaaaat? Rescue dog?”

“Yeah, even your name screams rescue. Roscoe rescue.”

“How long you been on this island, Mate?”

“Hard to tell. What year is it?”

“2020.”

“Yikes. my boat foundered and sank in 2018.”

“Well, genius looks like you have been here for two years. I like what you’ve done to the place.”

“So you are not a rescue dog/”

“Look at me, Bud. I couldn’t rescue myself let alone some hayseed your size.”

“Well, at least it is nice to have someone to talk to. Want some tea?”

“You know Sport. You are dumber than you look. How many dogs you know drink tea?”

“Well, none.”

“Yes, that’s right. Also, let me ask you a question.”

“Okay, shoot.”

“How many dogs you know talk?”

“Again none.”

“So maybe you better take stock, Rube. Ya think you might be having a hallucination?”

“You have got to be kidding. I watched you swim from the horizon to here.”

“So whats that fifty miles you think?”

“Seems difficult but you are a rescue dog.”

“Wake up Ferd. Go ahead and touch me.”

“Oh, my. My hand went right through you.”

“What does that tell you?”

“I’m just dreaming.”

“Now you got it. One last question.”

“Sure, might as well.”

“Why a dog hallucination?”

“What do you mean?”

“You could dream up anyone. Why a dog?”

“Man’s best friend I suppose. ”

“You are hopeless. Okay, I’ll take the tea. Darjeeling I hope. A little milk no sugar. Got scones?”

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Kreative Kue #277 by Keith Channing

August 25, 2020August 24, 2020 ~ John W. Howell ~ 56 Comments

In Keith’s words.

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

The Photo.

Kreative Kue #277

“Now, I have to ask.”

“Go ahead.”

“Why the jacket over your head? You been arrested?”

“No. Nothing like that. It’s this new camera.”

“What about it?”

“I can’t see the subject because the light is too bright.”

“You seem to be the only one with that problem.”

“So is everybody looking at me?”

“No narcissistic one. Everyone couldn’t care less about you.”

“That is good news.”

“Why are you so concerned?”

“Well, there is another reason I have this jacket over my head.”

“I certainly hope so. For the amount of money you paid for the camera, it should do everything, bright light or no.”

“Yeah, it’s not the camera. It’s me.”

“So, are you going to tell me?”

“I’ll show you. Make sure no one is looking.”

“Okay, the coast is clear no one is looking. OMG, what happened to your nose?”

“It grew.”

“I can see that. How did that happen?”

“I’m not sure. I was telling that young lady over there about picture taking, and it started to grow.”

“Wait a minute. Slow down. What were you telling that young lady?”

Uh…about my lens.”

“What about your lens?”

“That it takes great portraits.”

“Uh-huh.”

“And that being a professional photographer …”

“Hold it. Is that when your nose started to grow?”

“Not that I noticed.”

“I think I have the cause of the problem.”

“What is it?”

“It’s called the Pinocchio Effect.”

“What’s that?”

“Just one more question.”

“Go ahead.”

“Did you ask her to model for you?”

“Well, I er…”

“The nose knows.”

“What should I do now?”

“Go tell her you are not a professional.”

“Pretty embarrassing.”

“You’d rather have that nose?”

“Good point.”

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt “Brush”

August 22, 2020August 21, 2020 ~ John W. Howell ~ 45 Comments

It is Stream of Consciousness Saturday time again. Here is Linda Hill carrying a valise. I hope she is here to tell us about the prompt this week. Hi Linda. Welcome. “Hello, John. Yes, I’m here with this week’s prompt. Let me set this case up on the table. You are in for a treat, but let’s get to the prompt first. Your Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is ‘brush.’ Use it as a noun, a verb, or an idiom. Have fun! ”

“Okay, Linda, that sounds pretty. Self-explanatory. What is in the case?”

“I have a deal for you. How many times have you wanted to clean something and didn’t have the right tool? Don’t answer that. Many times I’m sure. Well, now your troubles are over. I have, in this case, every kind of brush known to man.”

“Are you working for the Fuller Brush Company?”

“No, I have my own brush company, Hill’s Brushes. Our motto, “Brush up your life with Hills.”

“I think I’m all set in the brush department, Linda. Thank you for the prompt. By the way, how is ‘brush’ used as an idiom?”

“You gotta brush up on your idioms, John.”

“That’s why I’m asking.”

“No, you see I just used an idiom.”

“Oh, I see. We have also have used ‘brush’ as a noun.”

“Yup. Now all you need is a verb, and you’ll collect those bonus points for sure. Well, since you have no need for a brush, I guess I’ll be going.”

“Wait, Linda.”

“What?”

“You have something on your shoulder there. Looks like dog hair.”

“I can’t see it.”

“Here, give me that brush, and I’ll brush it off.”

“Here you go. How close are you to that Bentley Turbo?”

“Maybe a thousand points or so. There I got the hair.”

“Thank you, John. You just earned ten bonus points for the verb.”

“Verb? Oh, I get it. Thank you, Linda. Good luck in the brush business.”

“Another ten points.”

“Wow, What for?”

“Adjective. See ya.”

Tuesday – A Little Personal -Kreative Kue #276 by Keith Channing

August 18, 2020August 17, 2020 ~ John W. Howell ~ 65 Comments

In Keith’s words.

“Using this photo 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 #276

“You aren’t going to do that now, are you?”

“No one is looking, so why not?”

“Just seems like a risk is all.”

“Okay, now that I’m halfway there, tell me about your view of the risk.”

“First off, you are not sure where you’re going to land.”

“Yeah, that’s true. I can’t see anything right now.”

“So come on back and let’s talk about it.”

“Good idea. So I’m back.”

“What makes you decide to up and dematerialize for no apparent reason. You know how dangerous it is. What if we are discovered?”

“Oh, come on. Aren’t you being a little dramatic?”

“Talk about dramatic. What if someone had seen you half here? They would have a fit. You should see yourself with one leg.”

“I’ve seen you plenty of times. It doesn’t bother me.”

“You dope. That’s because we are the same species. We are not humans.”

“Speaking of that. Did you ever see one of them without garments? Talk about a fit.”

“No, and I don’t want to. Besides that is off the subject. You know very well the rules of dematerialization require absolute privacy before engagement.”

“Look around. It’s just you and me and those young ones over there.”

“My point exactly. The young ones can see you.”

“What do they know?”

“Enough to tell their parents.”

“And we just deny the whole thing.”

“That may work, but right now, I’m tired of this discussion.”

“So, what are you going to do?”

“I think I’m going to resume my own appearance and go home.”

“Wait, I’ll come with you.”

“Suit yourself. I just think it’s time.”

“You homesick?”

“Maybe. I think when you started to dematerialize for no reason, it reminded me of how much I miss being able to do that whenever I want.”

“So what form are you.”

“Oh, that’s right, you never met the real me.”

“No. Just the human-like you.”

“Here I am.”

“A toad? You’re a toad?”

“Disappointed?”

“Well, I never expected a toad.”

“Show me you.”

“Here.”

“You are a toad as well.”

“I know, right?”

“OMG, this is amazing.”

“Maybe we were meant for each other.”

“Hold on there toady. Let’s take it slow.”

“Can I buy you a fly.”

“I would love that.”

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt – Pro/Con

August 15, 2020August 14, 2020 ~ John W. Howell ~ 56 Comments

It is Stream of Consciousness Saturday, and here comes Linda Hill with this week’s prompt. “Hey, Linda, what do we have today?”

“Thanks, John. Nice haircut by the way. Your Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is “pro/con.” Talk about the pros and cons of anything. Enjoy!”

“Thanks, Linda. The Producer did it. If you would like to join in the fun, visit Linda’s blog and read how effortless it is. Here’s the link.”