Tuesday – Anything Possible – Kreative Kue #249 by Keith Channing

February 11, 2020February 10, 2020 ~ John W. Howell ~ 55 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 #249

“Geez, Frank. I didn’t realize this watering hole was so popular.”

“I didn’t either. When I asked you to stop after work for a couple of drinks, it was beyond me that it would be so crowded.”

“Well, we might as well make the best of it.”

“Yeah, let’s crowd in and see if we can snag a drink.”

“By the way, I still am pleased you asked me to join you.”

“Aw think nothing of it. It has been too long. We’ve been working together for how long?”

“I guess it is over a year.”

“Yeah, see. That’s what I mean. A drink together has been long overdue.”

“How is your work going? Since you left the department, I have kinda lost track.”

“Oh, it is pretty much like when I was in the department. You know, find new ways to make things work.”

“I never did understand why you transferred out.”

“Well, that is a little hard to believe, George.”

“What do you mean?”

“Weren’t you the one who came in and took my job?”

“Well, that was not up to me, Frank. I just did what the boss told me to do.”

“I know how that is. I think Benedict Arnold said the same thing before he dropped through the trap door.”

“Trap door? What are you saying? Hey, where is everyone going?”

“Looks like the tiger is upon us, Kid. I wish you well. I hope you have been doing your wind sprints while not kissing up to the boss.”

“Well, here is a newsflash for you, Frank. You’re not going to outrun that tiger.”

“Well, you see, Frank. I’m not worried about outrunning the tiger.”

“So, what are you worried about?”

“Outrunning you. See ya. Best of luck.”

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt – Last Movie Seen

January 18, 2020January 17, 2020 ~ John W. Howell ~ 53 Comments

It is Stream of Consciousness Saturday time again, and this week’s prompt is…well, let’s let Linda Hill explain it.

“Your prompt for #JusJoJan and Stream of Consciousness Saturday is: “movie title.” Take the title of the last movie you watched (just the title, not the premise of the movie), and base your post on that title. Have fun!” I always like the ‘Have Fun’ part.

So if you would like to have fun, visit Linda’s blog and read how easy it is. Here is the link. https://lindaghill.com/2020/01/17/the-friday-reminder-for-socs-jusjojan-2020-daily-prompt-jan-18th/

“So, the last movie you saw was Midway?”

“Yeah. it was a good historical reenactment of the Battle of Midway.”

“How do you know?”

“What do you mean?”

“Were you at the battle of Midway?”

“No. It took place in 1942. I was still not even walking.”

“So how do you know it was, to quote you, ‘a good historical reenactment?”‘

“I read the reviews.”

“Oh. I thought you were going to say you have studied the history of the time and can vouch for the accuracy.”

“Well, I did a little, but that was so long ago.”

“The reviews were good, huh?”

“Well, some called the movie middling and too long, but no one took on a claim of inaccuracy, including NPR.”

“So, you going to use the movie in your prompt?”

“As the instructions say, just the title.”

“What are you going to write about then?”

“I am midway through my post.”

“Tell me what the post is about?”

“I am midway through my peanut butter and jelly sandwich.”

“More information in the TMI category.”

“I am midway through the day.”

“Oh, brother.”

“I am midway through my patience.”

“So, you aren’t going to tell me?”

“I just did.”

“That’s it? You talking about your midway positions?”

“Yup. That’s it.”

“Duck.”

“Huh?”

“I’m midway to a roundhouse punch that’s going to knock you off that chair.”

“Oh, come on. You know you are midway to respecting my art.”

“And midway to walking out.”

“And where we are, just midway to the bar.”

“Midway to inviting you.”

“Midway to accepting.”

“I’m Midway to asking the readers to forgive us.”

“Midway to a sign of weakness.”

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Kreative Kue #245 by Keith Channing

January 14, 2020January 13, 2020 ~ John W. Howell ~ 51 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 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 #245

“Why is he sitting like that?”

“I don’t know. I think he is trying to show me something.”

“Is that it boy. Are you trying to show us something?”

“Ask him if Timmy fell in the well.”

“Don’t be an idiot. There’s no Timmy around here.”

“Worth a try.”

“No, it has to be something else. Did you take him for his walk?”

“Yes, but he wouldn’t let me take off his sweater.”

“Is he running a fever? Did you feel his ears?”

“Yes, I mean, No. I mean, I felt his ears, and he has no fever.”

“Come on, boy. What is the problem?”

“Like he is going to tell you.”

“Wait, he’s pointing at you.”

“He hasn’t moved his paws.”

“I mean with his nose. Do you have something of his?”

“No. Although on walk, he wanted me to run with him.”

“Did you do it?”

“Yes, for as long as I could.”

“Uh-huh. What was that, ten feet?”

“No. I would say a half a mile.”

“Well, if I were to guess, I would say he wants you to sit.”

“How on earth do you know that?”

“Intuition. Sit.”

“Okay, then. There. Happy?”

“Now, he’s looking at me.”

“Maybe, he wants you to sit.”

“No, I think he wants me to praise you. Here let me pat your head. Who’s my good boy? Such a good boy. There’s my good boy.”

“He’s walking away.”

“See, he wants you to behave like a dog.”

“I suppose next he’ll want me to eat out of his dish.”

“No, he’s pretty particular about his dish. Do you feel you bonded with him?”

“I’m not sure about bonding, but could we do that ‘good boy’ thing again?”

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt – “First Three Words”

January 11, 2020January 10, 2020 ~ John W. Howell ~ 57 Comments

Stream of Consciousness

It is Stream of Consciousness time again, and this week’s prompt is going to take some explaining. Let me ask Linda Hill to tell us what is needed. In her words. “Your prompt for #JusJoJan and Stream of Consciousness Saturday is: “the first 3 words of the first full sentence.” Okay, follow me here. This is what I want you to do: 1. Grab the closest book to you when you sit down to write your post. 2. Open it to a random page. 3. Locate the first complete sentence on that page. 4. Use the first three words of that sentence to start your post, then take it from there–write whatever comes to mind. That’s it! Have fun!”

If you would like to have the same kind of fun, go to Linda’s blog and read how easy it is. Here is the link.

The Friday Reminder for #SoCS & #JusJoJan 2020 Daily Prompt – Jan. 11th

“She snaked her…”

“Huh?”

“The first three words of the first complete sentence randomly chosen in this book.”

“Doesn’t make any sense.”

“I know. But the rules are the rules.”

“Whose rules? Oh, wait. It is Saturday, and you are off on that prompt goose chase again.”

“It’s not a goose chase. It is intellectually stimulating.”

“I suppose you were told to have fun too.”

“Yeah. Linda always says to have fun. She is kind that way.”

“Well, your three words sound pretty lame.”

“I think I’ll make a story about someone snaking their arm around an unsuspecting bystander.”

“Yeah, sounds real exciting, all right.”

“No, wait. It gets better. He cries out as the hypodermic needle is plunged deep into his side.”

“Okay, now it is starting to sound like something.”

“She supports his weight as the poison begins to buckle his knees.”

“Sounds like a thriller.”

“Slowly, she allows his body to descend to the concrete as she shouts for help from passersby.”

“She killed him, right?

“The syringe is secreted away as the first good Samaritan arrives.”

“Someone should call 911.”

“What happened, lady?”

“I don’t know. I was standing next to this man, and he simply passed out against me.”

“My gosh. I think he’s dead?”

“Oh, good lord, call 911.”

“Do you know him?”

“Never met him before in my life.”

“Okay, okay, that’s enough. We don’t have to hear the whole story.”

“Aren’t you curious as to what happens?”

“Sure, but I can read it on your blog.”

“Why not just listen a minute, and you’ll have it now.”

“I hear the roar of a six-pack calling.”

“I think I hear it too.”

“What about your story?”

“Ah. She works for the Russians, and the guy is their enemy. She gets caught and spends twenty-five years in jail.”

“I’ll bet there is more story between killing the guy and jail.”

“Yeah, but as you say, there is another calling.”

“I guess this could be why you are not a best selling author.”

“Could be, but who knows. The first one is on you.”

Tuesday – Anything Possible Kreative Kue # 244 by Keith Channing

January 7, 2020January 6, 2020 ~ John W. Howell ~ 39 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.”

The Photo

Kreative Kue

“I’m telling you, Pradeep. I’m sitting on a bench listening to the whole thing.”

“Can you talk?”

“They are right behind me. Maybe I should take you off speaker.”

“Good idea.”

“Okay, you are off. Like I said, you won’t believe it.”

“So you are at the Taj. Tell me again what the two said.”

“The guy came up to the meadow stairs with this girl. They were holding hands. He said to her, ‘Are you ready for your surprise.”‘

“Yeah, then what?”

“Here’s the funny part. He told her that he had bought the taj as a surprise.”

“Oh, Man. Who would believe that?”

“Not you and I, but she is still jumping up and down with delight.”

“How dumb can some of these people be. How old is she?”

“I’d say over twenty-one.”

“So, she should know better.”

“I think she looks like she went to university.”

“All the more reason. I hope the guy is happy with one not too bright.”

“Hold on, Pradeep. The couple is coming over here.”

“Excuse us, sir. I see you have a phone.”

“Yes, yes, I do.”

“Would you mind taking our photo and then sending it to my fiancee’s e-mail?”

“I would be happy to do that. Pradeep hold on a little more. This is getting better and better. Alright, you two. I have the Taj behind you, and you look delighted. There. Now, where should I send it?”

“Send it to hrh.palace.saudiaarabia.gov.sa.”

“Okay, miss it is sent.”

“Thank you so much. We won’t forget this. Goodbye.”

“Pradeep? Pradeep, you still there?”

“You would fall into a dung heap and come out smelling like saffron, you know that?”

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt “Ow.”

January 4, 2020January 3, 2020 ~ John W. Howell ~ 48 Comments

It is Stream of Consciousness time again and this week’s prompt is “ow.” Lrt’s let Linda explain. “Your prompt for #JusJoJan and Stream of Consciousness Saturday is: “ow.” Find a word that contains “ow” or use it as a word in your post. Have fun!”

There’s that “have fun” thing again. If you would like to have fun visit Linda’s blog and read how. Here is the link.

The Friday Reminder for #SoCS & #JusJoJan 2020 Daily Prompt – Jan. 4th

“Don’t say it.”

“What?”

“The prompt word.”

“How do you have the knowledge that I’m going to say it?”

“I just know you and your prowess when it comes to prompts.”

“Now you’ve thrown me. What do you mean by prowess.”

“I’ve shown you time and time again how you take the path of least resistance.”

“Allow me the dignity to understand your accusation.”

“You were going to say “ow,” weren’t you? Then start some kind of downhearted attempt at a story around an injury.”

“I resemble that. You could at least give me an allowance for creativity.”

“I did. You have a narrow band of creativity and I guessed where you were going to go.”

“Yeah okay. So I don’t have the creative horsepower that you have. At least I try hard.”

“I’m not sure it’s horsepower. Might just be brainpower.”

“You can use two powers in the same sentence.”

“They are different words, chowderhead.”

“Oh, I like the sounds of that. Let’s go to town for some clam chowder.”

“A downright capital idea.”

“Yeah. We can work on the prompt tomorrow.”

“Not sure about that. After a couple of growlers of beer, I might not be in any shape for word games.”

“We could try anyhow.”

“Let’s see where the wind blows.”

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt “Year.”

December 28, 2019December 27, 2019 ~ John W. Howell ~ 47 Comments

Stream of Consciousness

It is Stream of Consciousness Saturday, and this week’s prompt is “year.” Yup, that’s right, “year.” Here is what Linda Hill had to say on the subject.

“Your Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is ‘year.’ Use it any way you’d like. Enjoy!”

If you would like to get in on this enjoyment, visit Linda’s blog. Here is the link.

The Friday Reminder and Prompt for #SoCS Dec. 28/19

Year by John W. Howell © 2109

“Happy New Year.”

“Okay, not that I don’t like the sentiment, what caused that outburst?”

“I’m just filled with excitement looking forward to the new year.”

“Uh-huh. And I’m an elephant. Something else is going on.”

“Aren’t you looking forward to the new year?”

“Of course, I’m looking forward, but it is four days away.”

“You can never plan early enough for a new year.”

“Come on, tell me what is driving this ‘new year’ thing. Oh, wait. Hill right?

“Besides the fact.”

“Oh, sure it is. Let me guess. The prompt is ‘new.'”

“Ha. That’s how much you know.”

“‘Year’ then.”

“You finally stumbled on it. Yes, ‘year'”

“Okay, so you have something written up?”

“Look up there where I said Happy New Year.”

“Yeah, so?’

“What more needs to be written?”

“How about a sign to hang around your neck?”

“Which says?”

“Happy New Year from an idiot.”

“Aw. You say the nicest things.”

“I’m guessing dark sarcasm in the classroom.”

“How can you have any pudding if you don’t eat your meat?”

“Looks like we are off the rails again. Say goodnight Gracie.”

“Goodnight, Gracie.”

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Kreative Kue #242 by Keith Channing

December 24, 2019December 23, 2019 ~ John W. Howell ~ 50 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 #242

“Hey, you.”

“W-who me?”

“Yes, you. What do you think you are doing?”

“Um. Just looking for something to munch on.”

“You know you’re not supposed to be running around.”

“Who says so?”

“Clement Clark Moore. That’s who.”

“Who the heck is Clement Clark Moore?”

“The author of the poem “A Visit from Saint Nicholas” Known more by the first line “Twas the Night Before Christmas.”

“Yeah, so what does that have to do with me?”

“The next lines have something to do with you.”

“So what are they?”

“And all through the house.”

“So, far, nothing.”

“Not a creature was stirring not even a mouse.”

“Still don’t get it.”

“What do you think you are?”

“What do you mean?”

“Are you a creature?”

“I never thought about it.”

“Well, I can tell you. You are a mouse.”

“That’s not what my mama told me.”

“I can’t wait to hear.”

“A beautiful boy.”

“That’s just mother talk. You are a mouse, and you shouldn’t be stirring.”

“I don’t even have a spoon.”

“Not that kind of stirring you dummkopf. Moving around, stirring.”

“Okay, I get it. Just let me find a bit of cheese, and I’ll quit.”

“If that’s all you need here, take some of mine.”

“Wow. That is so nice of you.”

“It is Christmas Eve, after all.”

“You look pretty big for a mouse.”

“That’s ’cause I’m not a mouse.”

“What are you then?”

“A cat.”

“Never heard of it.”

“Look it up and count your lucky stars.”

“Great cheese. Merry Christmas to us all.”

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt “Ingle”

December 21, 2019December 20, 2019 ~ John W. Howell ~ 48 Comments

Stream of Consciousness

It is Stream of Consciousness Saturday time again, and this week’s prompt requires a visit by Linda Hill. In her words, “Your Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is “ingle.” Find a word that contains “ingle” and use it any way you’d like in your post. Have fun!” I love how she always throws in the “have fun” thingy.

If you would like to be part of the have fun thingy group, visit Linda’s blog and read how. You would be surprised how easy it is to have fun. Here is the link. https://lindaghill.com/2019/12/20/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-dec-21-19/

“Now, you really look pensive, my friend.”

“I’m writing a letter to Chris Kringle.”

“Santa Claus? Why are you saying Kris Kr— Oh, I’ll bet Linda Hill has you on a wild goose chase again.”

“It’s not a wild goose chase it’s words that have ‘ingle’ in them.”

“Hence ‘Kringle.”‘

“Yes. I had intended to put ingle words into my letter.”

“Oh, really? Is the letter done?”

“Yes, it is.”

“Will you read it to me?”

“Sure. Ahem

My Dear Mr. Kringle,

I have been very good this year. I can’t think of a single time where I was bad. Well, there was the time that I had too much Inglenook Chardonnay, but that was only a meaningless slip of judgment. You see, I was mingling with the wrong crowd, and the ringleader got me into a chardonnay chugging contest, and before I knew it, my toes began to tingle. By then, it was too late, and I was wingless, so to speak.

Besides that, I have tried my best to hang out a shingle of virtue. To that end, all I want for Christmas is a Bentley Turbo Convertable. I’m not fussy about the color, but a beautiful slate grey would be lovely. How does it sound?“

“If I were Kris I would leave you one jingle of a bell.”

“Aw come on. I deserve that car.”

“Sure you do. Like I deserve you or a case of the shingles.”

“Cold brother.”

“Speaking of?”

“Right behind you.”

Tuesday Anything Possible – Kreative Kue #241 by Keith Channing

December 17, 2019December 16, 2019 ~ John W. Howell ~ 37 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 #241

“A song, a song
High above the trees
With a voice as big as the sea
With a voice as big as the sea.”

“Hey, Ma’ma.”

“Yes, Little One.”

“Could you hold down the carol for a second?”

“Sure. What’s the problem?”

“Do you see what I see?”

“Tell me more.”

“Don’t listen to her Mom. Go ahead and keep singing.”

“Let’s just wait, Trevor. What is it, you see?”

“On that cement post there. Is that a camera?”

“My goodness child. It does look like one. I wonder who put it there?”

“It wasn’t pop I can guarantee that. He’s like a bear in hibernation.”

“Now Trevor. Your dad is busy with his writing. So what should we think about the camera?”

“Beats me. Maybe the government wants to make sure we aren’t doing anything improper.”

“That’s a laugh. They should have cameras on themselves then.”

“Ma’ ma. Be careful what you say. These are the days of the conservatives you know.”

“I have an idea. Let’s all gather around the camera and sing a carol.”

“I can’t wait for the dispatched loonie wagon to reach us.”

“Oh hush, Trevor. I think it will be fun.”

“Okay, mom. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.”

“Ready? One Two Three.

Said the king to the people everywhere
Listen to what I say
Pray for peace people everywhere
Listen to what I say
The child, the child
Sleeping in the night
He will bring us goodness and light
He will bring us goodness and light

He will bring us goodness and light.”

“Not half bad, mom.”

“Thanks. Let’s go home and have some tea.”

“And a biscuit?”

“Several.”