Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt – Preposition

August 24, 2019August 23, 2019 ~ John W. Howell ~ 59 Comments

With the advent of Saturday, we can guess that this is Stream of Consciousness Saturday on this blog. This weeks prompt is the preposition. Linda Hill says we can get bonus points for beginning and ending our post with a preposition. So you see why the beginning of my post looks unusual (nailed it). If you would like to wander in the excitement of a weekly prompt, go to Linda’s blog and read how easy it is to do just that there. Here is the link.

The Friday Reminder and Prompt for #SoCS August 24/19

“Under what rule are you working?”

“That is an odd way to ask that question.”

“Yeah, I was trying to start our conversation with a preposition.”

“Don’t tell me. Linda Hill?”

“You know how it is. I am possessed.”

“That may be too strong a word. Let’s just say, obsessed.”

“Whatever. I’m compelled to do these prompts and don’t know why.”

“Maybe the devil makes you do them.”

“I don’t think so. I think it is a matter of wanting to let my imagination run free.”

“Oh, sure. That explains it entirely. Sitting in the house on a beautiful day, wracking your brain on a prompt is freedom.”

“You are not making me feel better.”

“To make you feel better might be a bigger task than I want to tackle.”

“That’s cold but then again maybe you can help me out?”

“Which way did you come in?”

“Very funny.”

“You are not supposed to end a sentence with a preposition. You ended yours with “out.”‘

“So did you.”

“Huh?”

“Anyway. I’m supposed to end this with a preposition.”

“What? And break the cardinal rule of grammar?”

“Who appointed you the grammar boss?”

“Just trying to be helpful.”

“Okay, so I was going to end this with, ‘So where does this leave us at?'”

“Again, we in the serious, legitimate literary world don’t end our sentences with a preposition.”

“Okay. Let me rephrase my question. ‘So where does this leave us at, butthead?”

“That’s what I’m talking about.”

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Kreative Kue #225 by Keith Channing

August 20, 2019August 19, 2019 ~ John W. Howell ~ 71 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.

“Hold on Sedgwick. Who appointed you a chief mechanic?”

“Well, I’m not saying I’m chief, but I know a hell of a lot more than you.”

“Oh, sure. Says the guy who forgot the locking bolts on the baggage hold hatch.”

“I didn’t forget them. They were just not deployed is all.”

“So you did that on purpose?”

“Not on purpose. It was an honest mistake.”

“Made by an incompetent.”

“Now you two need to stop. We must get this flight ready to depart. What seems to be the problem?”

“Mr. know it all here says this piece of baggage can’t be put on the plane.”

“Sedgewick is that true?”

“There’s no room. The plane is full and so it the baggage compartment.”

“So why not take it into the terminal and we’ll send it on the next flight?”

“The problem that Sedgewick refuses to recognize or discuss is that bag has all the emergency oxygen masks in it. and need to be on the plane.”

“Do tell. How is that possible?”

“Sedgewick removed them.”

“True Sedgewick?”

“Yes, ma’am it was time for their annual inspection, so I took them out.”

“Now, there is no time to put them back. Is that it?”

“That is it in a nutshell, ma’am.”

“Well, I think there is an easy solution.”

“Sedgewick and I would like to hear it, ma’am.”

“We’ll tell the pilot to stay below 10,000 feet, and there will be no need for the masks should an emergency occur.”

“He can do that?”

“Of course. The only problem will be when he approaches the Alps.”

“How tall are they, ma’am?”

“Fifteen thousand or so.”

“Can the folks hold their breath till they get over them?”

“You know Sedgewick. I thought you didn’t know much, but that is a perfect solution. Are we good here?”

“All good, ma’am.”

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt “Co-“

August 17, 2019August 16, 2019 ~ John W. Howell ~ 45 Comments

It is Stream of Consciousness Saturday time again and this weeks prompt is “co-” Yup, that’s right. We are to use any word with co-. Linda Hill also says to have fun. She does have an interesting sense of humor. If you would like to join in on the fun visit Linda’s blog and read how easy it is. (Bring your own alcohol for even more fun.) Here is the link.

The Friday Reminder and Prompt for #SoCS August 17/19

“Co-op.”

“Huh?”

“I’m looking for words that start with co-.”

“Why? Oh, wait. It’s that Hill machination again, isn’t it?”

“It’s not a machination. It is more of a brain teaser.”

“Yeah for co-dependents.”

“I resemble that remark.”

“Hahaha. It’s just that this Saturday thing is like being around a bunch of co-conspirators.”

“Well, we all enjoy taking a prompt and having fun with it.”

“More like taking a prompt and co-authoring what sounds like scribblings from the edge.”

“Well, we can’t help it. We are writers, after all.”

“That explains everything. Co-inhabitants on the planet Mars.”

“Oh yeah? So what do you do for fun?’

“I don’t sit in a dark room on a sunny Saturday staring at a computer screen trying to co-operate by making up a story using someone else’s prompt.”

“I would say your life is boring then.”

“Do you hear yourself?”

“So what is fun for you?”

“A picnic with friends, a barrel of beer, great food, and fun games.”

“Really? You think that s a good time?”

“Yup.”

“When is the next picnic?”

“Today.”

“Can I go?”

“What about the prompt.”

“I’m coalescing around a different approach.”

“Which is?”

“Drink now, write later.”

“Now, you’re talking. Let’s go.”

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Kreative Kue #224 by Keith Channing

August 13, 2019August 12, 2019 ~ John W. Howell ~ 46 Comments

I am happy to repost that Keith Channing is back. After six weeks of moving he is back on line. Welcome Keith. In his 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.

“Lets hope he has not made a mistake.”

“A mistake? The guy is clearly off his rocker.”

“Why do you say that?”

“Um. Let’s look at the evidence. One he is sitting out in the hot sun. Two he thinks beer is going to drop from that dark cloud.”

“But as he explained he created a new form of rain.”

“Rain that is supposed to be beer? Don’t make me laugh.”

“I tend to feel sorry for him.”

“Not sure that is the proper emothion. I think more we should get him some help.”

“What would happen if that cloud opened up and filled his glass with beer?”

“He would be a billionaire in no time. That’s not going to happen. Who ever heard of such a thing.”

“I hear thunder.”

“Okay so it might rain.”

“Normally when it thunders I smell ozone. Right now I smell beer.”

“Don’t make me put you in the same straight jacket.”

“Look. It is raining in the glass and there is a nice head on the beer.”

“I see it alright. I am really surprised.”

“What do you say now Mr. Doubting Thomas?”

“Sure glad he is our son.”

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt “Where”

August 10, 2019August 10, 2019 ~ John W. Howell ~ 65 Comments

Where in the world does Linda Hill find these prompts? It is Stream of Consciousness Saturday, and this weeks prompt is “where.” There is a little more to it, so I’ll let Linda explain.

Linda’s words. “Your Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is “where.” Start your post with the word “where” and write whatever comes to you. Bonus points if you end your post with “where” too. Enjoy!”

Now you know why I started the post with “where.” If you would like to have fun like this, go to Linda’s blog and read how easy it is. Here is the link.

The Friday Reminder and Prompt for #SoCS August 10/19

“Where” by John W. Howell © 2109

“Where, oh, where has my little dog gone.”

“Another nut case Saturday I see.”

“Oh, where oh, where can she be.”

“Sigh.”

“With her tail cut short and he nose cut long.”

“Big finish now.”

“I forgot the next stanza.”

“You are kidding.”

“No. I’ve drawn a blank.”

“Are you feeling okay?”

“Yeah, I feel fine.”

“Not like you to forget a verse.”

“I know. Maybe I’m slipping.”

“That train pulled out long ago.”

“Very funny. Now I’m concerned.”

“Please. It’s just a dumb song that was made up eons ago.”

“Makes me wonder, though.”

“About what?”

“The brain.”

“How so.”

“When slips occur.”

“Why?”

“No, not why.”

“What then?”

“With all that information gone. To where.”

Wednesday Story Day – AKA – Hump Day

August 7, 2019August 6, 2019 ~ John W. Howell ~ 55 Comments

Twiggy — “Come up here Lucy. I think I see Friday pulling into the drive.”
“It’s Wednesday Little One so I doubt it.”

It is Wednesday Story Day again, and last week we found out that Christine has some information to share. What confused most of us is why she is willing to share the information. I guess when we recovered from the fact that Christine was still alive and was rather cavalier about her meeting with Larry and Andrew, we need to find reasons to trust her. I see she is getting her second drink and that Andrew has joined her with a snifter of Willet Reserve Bourbon.

“Here’s your drink.”

“Thank you, Andrew. I see you are joining me.”

“I never like to turn down an invitation from a beautiful lady for a drink.”

“Oh, you devil. Andrew. I’ll bet you were a killer in your day.”

“My day?”

“Okay, you two. Let’s get back to your theory, Christine.”

“Such a spoilsport, Larry.”

“I know, Andrew. Just enjoy your drink. So Christine, before all the bar fly activities you mentioned that you thought Alexis set up a meeting with his wife and that she and Mr. Dixon killed him.”

“That’s my theory.”

“Do you have any proof?”

“Not really. Just the fact that I got a call from him saying he would be a little late and was going to try and meet with his wife.”

“Was she here in South Tahoe?”

“Yes, they were staying on the California side in the Hyatt there.”

“Wait a minute. If he was staying with his wife at the Hyatt, how did he meet with you?”

“Come on, Larry. You have to know some couples have arrangements. She had her Dixon I had my Alexis.”

“Okay, I get it.”

“You don’t approve, though do you?”

“I was faithful to my wife until she died, and in many respects, I still am. Even so, folks have to do what folks have to do. You can’t really say you know if Alexis met with his wife or not, can you?”

“No, but it has to be worth something to be able to testify that she was here in South Lake Tahoe at the time of his death.”

“Did you see her?”

“No. Alexis told me.”

“Yeah, that isn’t going to do us much good.”

“Damnit, Larry I know she killed him, and somebody’s got to bring her to justice.”

“It is interesting that she told us she wasn’t here when he died. Andrew, I wonder if we can get the hotel to release records about Janice being in the hotel with Alexis.”

“That is going to be tricky. We don’t have jurisdiction here. The hotel might ask for a warrant.”

“How about a warrant from a Boston judge?”

“I’ll call the chief and explain what we need.”

“You gentlemen need some juice around this town?”

“What do you mean Christine?”

“I have some friends in high places, and if you need a favor, maybe they can help.”

“You know a judge?”

“I know one very well. He and I used to date.”

“Date?”

“Please, Larry, give a girl her dignity. Let me call him and see if he would do me a favor. I’m going to ask him to meet with you. You can then explain what you need. Excuse me guys, but I need to talk to him in private. I’ll be right back.”

“Don’t say a word, Andrew. Wait until we are outside.”

“Yes, boss.”

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Finger Point Prompt – Bothered

August 6, 2019August 5, 2019 ~ John W. Howell ~ 43 Comments

Keith Channing is still getting settled in the UK after his move from France. He does not yet have broadband, so his Kreative Kue feature is again paused.

Today’s finger point prompt comes from that best selling book, Circumstances of Childhood by that internationally known author, John W. Howell. The idea is to open a book, close your eyes, and point to a place on the page. This time my finger came to rest on bothered, so that is the prompt.

“Bewitched bothered and bewildered.”

“You listing your medical conditions or personality traits?”

“Very funny. I was singing a song from the 40s.”

“This is 2019. The forties haven’t happened yet.”

“I can’t believe you just said that.”

“Why?”

“I’m talking about the 1940s.”

“Ancient history.”

“For you, maybe. This was a song from the play Pal Joey which opened Christmas day on Broadway in 1940. It was written by Richard Rogers.”

“Are you kidding me?”

“No pupster. Since then the song has been done by Ella Fitzgerald, Linda Ronstadt, Rod Steward, Cher, and Lady Gaga.”

“What does this have to do with the price of peanuts?”

“You are a very strange person. You know that?”

“I mean, so what?”

“It’s a beautiful song. That’s what.”

“There are a lot of beautiful songs. Why this one?”

“It reminds me of a time that was a little more innocent and less hassled.”

“Okay, old man. Sit on the porch and talk about the old days.”

“If I do. What will you do?”

“Go play a video game.”

“Did I ever tell you about the time I met Joe Lewis?”

“I’m outta here.”

“Try and not let that screen door come in contact with your tushie, tykester.”

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt “Astronomical

August 3, 2019August 2, 2019 ~ John W. Howell ~ 63 Comments

It is Stream of Consciousness Saturday time again and this weeks prompt is — wait let’s have Linda Hill describe it. Her words, “Your Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is “astronomical.” Use it any way you like. Have fun!” There you have it. If you would like to join in go to Linda’s blog and read how easy it is to slip off the edge. Here is the link.

The Friday Reminder and Prompt for #SoCS August 3/19

“Here we are standing on the precipice of space witnessing the first human beings to—”

“What are you doing?”

“I’m announcing the first humans on Mars.”

“While standing on a chair in the kitchen.”

“Well. I had to simulate being on the precipice of space.”

“The what?”

“Precipice of space. You know where no man has gone before.”

“I think you are mixing your metaphors.”

“What is that in your hand.”

“My microphone.”

“Looks like a whisk to me.”

“Whatever. You are taking the joy out of space travel.”

“From where I stand, you’ve already done that. I suppose that the gauze mask is your oxygen supply.”

“Well, at least you can give me that.”

“Where is your space ship?”

“Out back.”

“Out back?”

“Yes, It’s parked on a crater.”

“Near that old bike?”

“Not a bike but personal Mars rover.”

“Why the mummy wrap?”

“Spacesuit.”

“You are astronomical.”

“Thank you.”

“Not a compliment.”

“Anything with “astro” in it is a compliment. Seems you are getting into the spirit.”

“The only reason I came in here was to get some ice for my spirit. Thanks to you, I will need several sessions with the spirit to get this picture out of my head.”

“Always willing to help.”

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Fingerpoint Prompt – Big Smack

July 23, 2019July 22, 2019 ~ John W. Howell ~ 34 Comments

Keith Channing is still not settled in his house in the UK, so his prompt from Kreative Kue will not be done this week. I have substituted the Finger Point prompt. I have chosen the book Circumstances of Childhood from that internationally well-known author John W. Howell. I opened to a random page and pointed. The result is pictured below and is “big smack.” I could have just chosen big but thought it too easy.

“Hi there.”

“Oh, hi.”

“You want to go to the park with me?”

“Erm. I don’t know you. Why would I want to go to the park with you?”

“I thought we could sit on a bench and feed the birds.”

“That would not be something I would want to do.”

“Okay, how about go for a rowboat ride?”

“I don’t think so.”

“Get some ice cream?”

“Look. I don’t know you and am not about to go anywhere with you.”

“Okay. Can’t fault a fella for trying.”

“You giving up?”

“Yeah. You’ve made it plain I’m wasting my time.”

“Are you looking for a big smack.”

“Uh. No.”

“Well, you are about to get one if you don’t keep trying.”

“You mean you might go to the park with me?”

“Oh that’s never going to happen, but I really like the attention.”

“Well, then I’m still wasting my time.”

“But in a good way. Come on. How about a picnic?”

“I love picnics. Will you go?”

“Ah, no.”

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt “frame.”

July 20, 2019July 19, 2019 ~ John W. Howell ~ 44 Comments

It is Stream of Consciousness Saturday time again, and this weeks prompt is, “frame.” Here is how Lind Hill describes the assignment. “Your Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is “frame.” Use it as a noun or a verb or any way you like. Have fun!” Notice how easy it is for her to say, “have fun.” If you would like to join in and have some fun, go to Linda’s blog and read how easy it is. Here is the link.