Tuesday – Anything Possible – Kreative Kue #274 by Keith Channing

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 #274

Elected Representative by John W. Howell © 2020

“Okay, guys. Settle down. Let me do the talking.”

“Sure. Whatever you say. You are the biggest after all.”

“Darned right and the smartest.”

“Cut the chin music and tell the man our demands.”

“Boy, you sure cut to the chase, don’t you.”

“Look, we elected you to the position of steward now tell that oaf how things are going to be.”

“Okay, okay. Hey, you, man. Listen up.”

“Doesn’t look like he understands you. I thought you said you could speak human.”

“I didn’t say I could speak human. I said I can get humans to understand what I want.”

“Well, I would concentrate on that then. I can tell you we have had enough of the miserable treatment around here.”

“You never told me about miserable treatment.”

“You’re kidding.  You live with humans. Wait, don’t tell me you are one of those fawning pups who flops on its back for a tummy scratch.”

“Well, I —”

“Say no more. You are an imposter. Never peed behind the couch, I’ll wager.”

“That is so wrong on many levels.”

“Chewed a new pair of shoes?”

“Of course not. What do you think I am an animal?”.

“Dug up a newly sodded lawn?”

“I think you have the wrong representative. You need a cur like yourselves.”

“No matter. We elected you, and you need to bring some organization to this life.”

“What is it you want?”

“Steak bones with meat on em for one. I’m sick of kibble.”

“That sounds a little unreasonable. What else.”

“A damn dog door. I’m sick and tired of having to repeat my request to go outside umpty ump times.”

“Don’t you just whine like everyone else.”

“Yeah, but then I have to scratch on the door maybe a hundred times.”

“Okay, well, this one seems reasonable. Anything else?”

“I think that will do it.”

“Okay. Hey man, listen up. Dog door, steak bones with meat. You got that?”

“What did he say.”

“He’ll get back to you on that.”

“Sounded like ‘good dog,’ to me.”

“Same thing. Now excuse me. The man and I need to go have lunch.”

“What? You are breaking bread with the enemy. Why can’t we go too.”

“I’ll have my person call your person. We’ll make a meeting.”

“You sound like a politician.”

“Of the doggies, by the doggies, for the doggies. See ya.”

 

 

 

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Kreative Kue #273 by Keith Channing

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 273

Old Bean by John W. Howell © 2020

“Please tell me you will be my running mate this fall.”

“Running mate? You know I don’t like exercise.”

“That’s rich Old Shoe. What I mean is for class president.”

“I don’t want to be president.”

“You are making this tough Old Boot. I want you to be on the ticket with me as I run.”

“The ticket? We talking a ride here?”

“No Old Sock. We are talking about me as president and you as vice-president.”

“I don’t know anything about vice.”

“It is not vice that we will be dealing with, Old Block. Vice means assistant.”

“Assistant president? What do I have to do?

“Nothing Old Chap. Just smile and look pretty.”

“Do I get paid?”

“No Old Boy. There is no payment.”

“Well, since it is you, Old Bean, I’ll do it.”

“I don’t know how I became so lucky to have you as a friend.”

“You bought me a gobstopper remember?”

“Ah, yes. The best five cents I ever spent.”

“You told me it was twenty-five cents, Old Cow.”

“What difference does it make? We’re pals to the end.”

“You owe me twenty cents to make that a reality.”

“How about four more gobstoppers?”

“Since I’m a politician now, bribery will get you everywhere. Four it is.”

“Since you are a politician, I’m glad it is just four.”

“You good for five?”

“Whatever you say.”

“Man, I love this power.”

 

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt- Check/Cheque/Czech.

Stream of Consciousness

 

It is Stream of Consciousness Saturday time again, and here is Linda Hill to explain this week’s prompt.

Thank you, John. By the way, you need a haircut.

“Your Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is “check/cheque/Czech.” Use one, use ’em all, use ’em any way you’d like. Have fun!”

Thanks. Linda. If you would like to have fun, visit Linda’s blog and read how easy it is to join this troop of have funners. Here is the link.

https://lindaghill.com/2020/07/24/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-july-25-2020/

Check/Cheque/Czech by John W. Howell © 2020

“Happy Saturday to you.”

“Yeah, thanks.”

“Uh, oh. Trouble in promptsville.”

“How’d you guess?”

“Long face. Since you are not a horse, I think you have the Linda Hill blues.”

“This prompt is trouble.”

“How so?”

“There are three different uses of check/cheque/Czech.”

“Why are you repeating yourself?”

“No. There are three different words. Here I’ve written them down. See?”

“Oh, now I get it. This is no big deal. Just make up a story using all three.”

“Easy for you.”

“Okay, for example. The big Czech walked into the bank to check on his cheque.”

“Then what?”

“Hey. This is not my prompt. It’s yours.”

“Fine. I think I’ll do a new one.”

“Go for it.”

*

“The Czeck asked the clerk if he could cash his cheque. She went to check with the manager. She came back with a sad face. “I’m sorry, but that cheque is drawn on a Czeck bank, and we have to check for the availability of funds.”

“What kind of check do you need to make on the Czeck cheque?” he said.

“The Czeck cheque needs a check on whether or not there is money to cover it in the account.”

“How long will the Czech cheque check take?”

“The Czech cheque check will take overnight.”

“I can’t wait that long. The Czech cheque check needs to done in time for dinner.”

“You can eat at my place. Then you won’t have to worry about the Czech cheque check.”

“That won’t work. I need the Czech cheque check done so I can pay for a hotel ro—”

*

“Okay hold on right there.”

“What?”

“What kind of story is going to turn out to be.”

“It’s a romance.”

“Yeah, that’s what I’m afraid of. You have a very warped view of romance. I think you can wrap this up.

“They lived happily ever after.”

“Okay. Good.”

“Once they kicked their drug habit.”

“That will be fine.”

“And got out of jail.”

 

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Kreative Kue #272 by Keith Channing

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 6 pm 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 # 272

Below by John W. Howell © 2020

“I think it is rising.”

“You got to be kidding me. I think it is falling.”

“In either case, what is it?”

“Darned if I know. Maybe we should ask mum.”

“She looks as confused as us. I don’t think she will be much help. Besides other than throwing down a bowl of food, when has she ever answered a question from you?”

“Well, there was that time I whined at the door, and she let me out.”

“That is called rug preservation. She wasn’t really giving you an answer.”

“I suppose you are right. That thing looks bigger.”

“You were right. It is a sign that it is falling.”

“How did you get so smart?”

“Pop used to throw a ball in the air. As it came down, it looked bigger. I’m not smart, just observant.”

“Do you think we should get out of the way if that thing is falling?”

“Now you are showing some smarts. By my calculation, given the length of time, that thing has been up there, and given its relative size right now, it is bigger than a breadbox.”

“Maybe we should take off now.”

“What about mum.”

“Let me give her a couple of barks.”

“Oh good, she notices us. Let’s run.”

“Is she following?”

“Man, I’ve never seen her move that fast. I think she’s going to overtake us.”

“You hear that?”

“I felt it even.”

“That thing hit the ground.”

“Let’s go back. I’ll give mum a heads up.”

“What is it?”

“I’m not sure. M-O-S-L-E-R,  S-A-F-E, C-O-M-P-A-N-Y”

“What does it mean?”

“Don’t know, but mum is running back to the house.”

“You mean skipping back to the house.”

“Maybe it’s her Amazon Prime delivery. She always gets excited about that.”

 

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt – Link

 

 

It is Stream of Consciousness Saturday time again, and here is Linda Hill to explain this week’s prompt. “Your Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is “link.” Use it as a noun or a verb; use it any way you’d like. Enjoy!”

Thanks, Linda. If you would like to join up and enjoy prompts like this, visit Linda’s blog and read how. Even an idiot can do this. Just look at me. Here is the link (Hey, one point already)

The Friday Reminder and Prompt for #SoCS July 18/2020

Link by John W. Howell © 2020.

“I liked how you introduced this post. ”

“You say you liked how I did that?”

“Yeah, you introduced the prompt and then promptly used it.”

“Prompt, promptly. You trying to confuse me?”

“Wouldn’t take much.”

“Why do you say that?”

“I think you are the weakest link.”

“Link of what.”

“Our partnership. You are so focused on these prompts it takes most of the day to get you to release.”

“I would say you are the missing link.”

“I’ll bite. The link between what and what?”

“Chimps and humans.”

“Oh, that’s a beautiful thing to say.

“Well? How many intellectual pursuits do you have?”

“Come on, I have plenty.”

“Name one.”

“The Lotto.”

“Please. Tell me how the Lotto is intellectual?”

“There are numbers.”

“Uh-Huh.”

“Selection strategy.”

“Quick pick, you mean.”

“You have to know when to play.”

“Two times a week.”

“Okay, so it’s not very intellectual, but it is a link to intellectual stuff.”

“Now I’m interested. What possible link could there be between the Lotto and anything intellectual?”

“What if I won. The link is to imagine how to spend the money and not go broke like other Lotto winners.”

“I’ll bet you have a whole strategy.”

“What’s that?”

“Gameplan.”

“Yes, I do.”

“Do I figure into the plan?”

“As a matter of fact, you do.”

“Tell me how much do I get?”

“Fourteen bucks an hour.”

“Huh.”

“Yeah, you’ll be my driver.”

“You are brutal.”

“Come on. That Bentley Turbo is to die for.”

“I can’t wait.”

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Kreative Kue #271 by Keith Channing

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 #271

Mate by John W. Howell © 2020

“Ahoy on the boat.”

“Yes, I hear you.”

“Permission to come aboard.”

“Oh, there you are. Who are you?”

“You ran an ad for a mate and here I am.”

“Oh, I see. Welcome aboard.”

“Thank you. This is a nice boat.”

“I’m rather proud of it. I have had it for ten years.”

“My goodness, it looks immaculate. You’ve had a mate then?”

“No, never have. Have been alone.”

“This must be a lot of work then.”

“I spend most of my time on her, so the work doesn’t seem so much.”

“Why do you need a mate, then?”

“A man gets lonely after a time.”

“You want to ask about my qualifications?”

“Not much to ask. You cut a fine figure.”

“Just so we’re clear, and since I am one of the few female mates around, I don’t believe in fraternization with my employer.”

“Yeah, I wouldn’t do that either.”

“That’s a relief.”

“Yup, I’m a one-woman, man.”

“Where is your woman, then?”

“You’re kidding, right?”

“I don’t think so why?”

“Why do you think I ran the ad?”

“To get some help on the boat?”

“Don’t need help. I need a mate.”

“I’m confused. You ran an ad in the Boatman’s Times looking for a mate. That means you need help.”

“I see where the confusion is.”

“Tell me.”

“My ad was for someone to share my life. A mate. Not someone to work for me as a first mate.”

“Ah. Now I see. Okay, then.”

“I guess you have waisted the trip.”

“No, I think I would like to apply for the life mate position rather than the first mate job.”

“The position is yours if you want it.”

“Why so fast?”

“I have a feeling that life mate who knows how to be a first mate is exactly what I’m looking for.”

“I’m going to need to know a lot more.”

“There is a nice thing about a life mate arrangement.”

“What’s that?”

“Life is a long time to get to know more.”

 

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt- “Song”

 

It is Stream of Consciousness time again and here is Linda Hill to explain the prompt for this week. “Your Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is “song.” First, find a picture–the closest one to you. Your prompt is the title and/or the lyrics of the first song that comes to mind when you look at the picture. Have fun!”

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

The Friday Reminder and Prompt for #SoCS July 11/2020

Song by John W. Howell © 2020

“What are you doing?”

“Looking at a picture of an antique car.”

“Why?”

“Long story.”

“Linda hill, right?”

“Right. Now I have to think of a song that the car inspires.”

“And then write about the song?”

“How did you know?”

“Five years looking over your shoulder every Saturday has given me certain clairvoyance.”

“So I think I’ll write about “On the Road Again.”

“The Willie Nelson hit?”

“Yeah, you’ve got it.”

“What are you going to say?”

“Well, I want to be on the road again, making music with my friends.”

“Have you ever been on the road making music with your friends?”

“No, of course not.”

“Then what are you going to write?”

“I’ll make up a story. How’s this. We are in a band, and we travel from town to town, making music.”

“Been done before.”

“Okay, how about we are in a band and we travel. to different countries making music.”

“That’s been done too.”

“Has anyone done being in a band and staying in the basement?”

“Now that may have some legs.”

“Pretty boring, I think.”

“You think?”

“Maybe ‘On The Road Again’ might not work. I know, how about the story of a young girl who has a T-bird.”

“And she gives all the guys a wild goose chase now.”

“Yeah. Then there’s a guy who wants to go out with her but as long as she has the T-Bird he doesn’t stand a chance.”

“So the girl tells her dad that she’s going to the library but goes to the hamburger stand instead.”

“Here’s where it really gets good.”

“Her dad takes the keys to the T-bird, and now the boy and girl can have fun, fun, fun now that daddy took the T-bird away.”

“You’ve heard this before?”

“Nah. You are just a great storyteller is all.”

“Why, thank you.”

“Anytime.”

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Kreative Kue #270 by Keith Channing

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 #270

Mad Dogs and Englishman © 2020 John W. Howell

“Hey, boss.”

“Yeah. What is it?”

“Can you give me a boost up there with you?”

“I’m not staying up here. I’m coming down.”

“What are you doing up there in the first place?”

“Not that you would be interested I was just seeing how much room we had on top.”

“How much room? Why?”

“Well, the Mother in Law is coming for a visit, and we need a place for her to stay.”

“Please don’t tell me you were going to put her on the roof.”

“I was thinking we could put up a tent. It would be pretty comfortable.”

“How’s she going to get up there?”

“Just like me. Climb the ladder.”

“You can’t be serious?”

“Well, we are running out of room inside. I am just exploring the options.”

“Seems like a foolhardy idea.”

“This coming from a dog who chases cars.”

“I don’t chase them. I just bark at them.”

“Whatever. The point is we need to make room in the camper.”

“But to have that poor old lady struggle up the ladder to a hot mosquito-filled tent just seems cruel.”

“Maybe you would like to take her place.”

“She seems pretty fit. I think the ladder and tent will be a good solution for her. When’s dinner?’

“As soon as I get down.”

“Want me to catch you?”

“That’s okay. I can do it myself.”

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt – “Toss.”

Stream of Consciousness

Happy Fourth of July. I hope you have a safe one, and remember the strength of our democracy is in our individual effort to remain free.

Here is a shot of my flag flying today.

Happy Fourth of July
Old Glory

Now to the Stream of Consciousness Prompt. Here is Linda Hill to explain the prompt. “Your Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is “toss.” Use it any way you’d like. Enjoy!” If you would like to join us and enjoy as well, visit Linda’s blog and read how easy it is. Here is the link.

The Friday Reminder and Prompt for #SoCS July 4/2020

Toss by John W. Howell © 2020

“Hey, Happy Fourth of July.”

“Why, thank you. Where you off to?”

“Heading to the park to toss the old football around.”

“The park is closed.”

“Closed?”

“Yup. The county decided that people weren’t staying away from each other, so they closed the parks.”

“Okay. No problem. I’ll go to the ball diamond and toss the baseball around. Why are you looking at me like that?”

“Closed.”

“Shoot. How about the swimming pool. I can toss the sponge around. Don’t tell me.”

“Yup, closed.”

“I can’t think of anything else to do until the fireworks?”

” They are canceled too. How about you just stay here for the day, and we can toss whatever you want around. I’ve got enough corn and burgers.”

“Can we toss stuff back?”

“What do you mean?”

“This twelve-pack is just begging for a couple of good ole boys to toss back a few.”

“I’d say we have the makings of a great day. Let me put those on ice and get the football.”

“You are the best.”

“Happy Fourth of July, my friend.”

“Happy Fourth, now toss me a shiny one before you go.”

 

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Kreative Kue #269 by Keith Channing

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 # 269

The Post by John W. Howell © 2020

“So, what is it?”

“Appears to be a dog.”

“Well, that’s crazy. No one sends a dog through the post.”

“It looks like that’s exactly what happened.”

“Get the poor fellow a drink. He must be thirsty.”

“Water?”

“No, you idiot. Get him a big glass of whiskey. Maybe what he doesn’t finish you can have.”

“A woman after my own heart.”

“Of course, water.”

“Yes, I’m going.”

“Oh, poor puppy. I can’t imagine who would do this to you.”

“Look on the return address.”

“Huh?”

“Here’s the water. I put it in a bowl. I said, look at the return address. That will tell us who sent this beautiful puppy.”

“Don’t start with a ‘beautiful puppy.’ This dog’s not staying.”

“Aw, look at his eyes. Look how much he appreciates the water.”

“My foot is down.”

“He seems to be a pure-bred Jack Russell too.”

“So, where did he come from?”

“Let me see. Ah, yes, here it is. The return address is—Wait a minute. This box says it was mailed from London. That would be impossible.”

“So, what does the return address say?”

“It is from the Reliable Battery Company in London.”

“Why would they mail a dog?”

“I think we have been tricked. Look here the mailing address has been ripped off. This box was placed on our porch by someone local. Someone who used a box that they received batteries in. This poor thing is unwanted.”

“I have to wonder about the length of time that it took to figure that out.”

“Okay, so I thought it came in the post. What about the dog.”

“I’ll give it some of last night’s meat. Then it has to go.”

“Where?”

“To the vet. We need to get a check-up and some real dog food.”

“Then, we are keeping him?”

“Just until the real owner shows up.”

“That could be a while.”

“I’m counting on that.”

“You are not such a tough old bird, you know.”

“Don’t tell the greengrocer. I have him fooled.”

“Your secret is safe with me.”

“Or I’ll blacken your eye.”

“That’s my girl.”