Tuesday Anything Possible – Finger Point Prompt – Preset

July 16, 2019July 15, 2019 ~ John W. Howell ~ 46 Comments

I usually run a Keith Channing prompt on Tuesday. Keith is off in the UK living in a motor home while getting ready to close on a new house. Needless to say, he has no time for prompts. So here is a finger point prompt. The idea is to open a book to a random page and point at the text. The word closest to your finger is the prompt. I chose the book, Circumstances of Childhood by that world-famous (cough) author John W. Howell. I opened it to a page and pointed. Before I knew what the word was, I took a photo of the process. The word is “preset.” Not the best, but I’ll give it a go.

“About time, you woke up. I’ve been up for hours.”

“Why didn’t you just wake me?”

“I looked at your timer device, and it was preset for now.”

“Then why so upset?”

“I just want to make sure we are on course.”

“Why wouldn’t we be?”

“It’s a hundred-year journey. Anything can happen.”

“I think you need to relax. Did you make coffee?”

“Yes. Here’s your vacuum cup.”

“Thank you. Now let me look at the position calculator. Hmmm. Seems to be okay.”

“So how long until we reach our destination?”

“The calculator puts us in the outer band of the planet’s solar system. Looks like we should be there by dinner time. By the way anything to eat? I have a hundred-year appetite.”

“Yes. I prepared a wholesome, wake-up meal. Here is your vacuum tube.”

“Umm, this is good. Tastes like chicken and waffle.”

“I know I thought the same thing. I think we are going to enjoy our visit. There is more where that came from. This planet is full of these animals. It is like a renewable resource.”

“Okay, let me focus on the preset landing sequence.”

“I can help?”

“Yes, you can. Look at the control panel and just let me know the setting as I read the sequence.”

“Okay. I’m ready.”

“Preset destination?”

“On.”

“Preset speed?”

“Locked.”

Planet identification?”

“Third, from their sun.”

“Landing presets.”

“On.”

Okay, there is nothing we have to do for the next couple of hours but dream of getting out teeth into some of those tasty Earthlings.”

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt – Instructions

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

Welcome to Stream of Consciousness Saturday. This weeks prompt is a little different. Here are Linda’s word describing the assignment “Your Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is “instructions.” Write instructions for anything you know how to do. As detailed or as rambling as you’d like. Enjoy!”

There you have it. If you would like to have fun with words, go to Linda’s blog and read how. It is real easy. Hee is the link:

The Friday Reminder and Prompt for #SoCS July 13/19

“So what are we doing today?”

“Trying to get this IKEA chest put together.”

“You have the instructions, right?”

“Yeah, but look at them.”

“So, what’s the problem?”

“There are no words, only drawings.”

“Take each step. Here let me help.”

“Thank you.”

“Take part A. Put it on chest C with bolt A1.”

“Uh…How do I find part A?”

“There is a sticker on it with an A.”

“Here it is. How about bolt A1?”

“In the diagram bolt, A1 is this one.”

“Okay, now I got it. This wrench is a little difficult to work.”

“They all are. Just keep going.”

“There, finished. What’s next?”

“Repeat with part B and bolt B1.”

“Now I’m getting the hang of it. part C bolt C1.”

“Excellent. You’re on a roll.”

“Then you take part D and attach with bolt D1. First, you put your two knees close up tight you swing ’em to the left, and you swing ’em to the right. Step around the floor kinda nice and light. Twist around, twist around with all your might.”

“Okay, what’s that?”

“Instructions on Ballen’ the Jack. Spread your lovin’ arms way out in space. Do the eagle rock with a style and grace. Put your left foot out and bring it back. That’s what I call Ballin’ the Jack.”

“You finished with the chest?”

“Yup. Let’s stand ‘er up.”

“Goodness.”

“Hmmm. Looks like it is upside down.”

“You put the legs on wrong.”

“I don’t know, I think I like it this way.”

“Only you would.”

“I don’t think I can go through the process again.”

“How you going to fill the drawers?”

“Good point.”

“Tomorrow is another day. Can you help me with my IKEA bed?”

“I think tomorrow I’m going to have the flu.”

“Drink plenty of liquids.”

“Oh. I plan on that.”

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt Chew/Choo

July 6, 2019July 5, 2019 ~ John W. Howell ~ 46 Comments

It is Stream of Consciousness Saturday again, and this weeks prompt is “chew/choo.” Before we start, let’s go to the recorded instructions issued by Linda Hill. “Your Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is “chew/choo.” Use one or both, any way you’d like. Have fun!” You heard it here first. Notice the “Have fun conclusion. So if you would like to have fun like this, visit Linda’s blog and read how easy it is. Here is the link.

The Friday Reminder and Prompt for #SoCS July 6/19

“Why are you looking through that shoe catalog?”

“Are you kidding. This thing is loaded with designer shoes at a discount.”

“Don’t you have enough shoes right now?”

“Asks the man with three leaf blowers.”

“Hey, wait a minute. Each has its use.”

“Well, each pair of shoes has its use.”

“Okay, then. Anything catch your eye.”

“I like this pair of Jimmy Choo heels.”

“Whoa. You could get a car for that amount.”

“Yeah, crappy car or the best shoes?”

“You make a good point.”

“They have shoes for men in this catalog. Interested?”

“Let me chew on it for a while. Not sure I could pay that much for something I wouldn’t wear every day.”

“So you think every day ought to be cheap?”

“Yeah. You get value out of use.”

“Like those Old Navy sneakers?”

“Precisely.”

“The ones with the twine for laces.”

“Works.”

“And duct tape for backs?”

“As I said. Works.”

“Okay, then. Anything above ten bucks is overpayment as far as you are concerned.”

“Make that two for ten.”

“Give me the strength.”

“You’re strong.”

“Times like these not strong enough.”

“Want to wrestle?

“Right.”

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt “For/Fore/Four”

June 29, 2019June 28, 2019 ~ John W. Howell ~ 49 Comments

It is Stream of Consciousness Saturday time again. This weeks prompt is “four/fore/four.” Linda Hill advises using one or all three. In her usual way, she also advises to “have fun.” If you would like to join in visit Linda’s blog to read all about how easy it is. Here is the link.

The Friday Reminder and Prompt for #SoCS June 29/19

“Ah, what a gorgeous day.”

“It is a perfect day for being outside.”

“Look at that sky. I’ve never seen a blue like that.”

“I know, right? How about the green of the grass. Just inhale the smells of a beautiful morning.”

“How about it? You want to play today?”

“Well, we are here. Half the battle is showing up. Why not?”

“I have to warn you, I may be only good for four holes.”

“Oh please. You say that every time we come out, and you end up finishing nine.”

“I do look forward to the time when I could do eighteen.”

“Well, at your age, that might be a stretch. I think just taking one hole at a time is the way to go today.”

“Do they still yell “fore” if a ball might come close to you?”

“That is part of the rules, so yes.”

“I sure wouldn’t want to get hit. You know how some of those players are. Bearly give you a chance to start on a hole before firing a ball in your direction.”

“I guess they don’t know how to savor the moment. You ready to get started?”

“I sure am. I feel like a million bucks. Where should we go?”

“I was thinking of a nice sized hole on the first fairway.”

“With a big mound that drives the groundskeeper crazy.”

“That’s right. That guy is a little nuts anyway.”

“Should we burrow there or go overland?”

“Let’s save our strength and hoof it. Best way to make nine holes.”

“Did we mention what a beautiful day it is today?”

“We did.”

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt – “Leaves.”

June 22, 2019June 21, 2019 ~ John W. Howell ~ 39 Comments

It is Stream of Consciousness Saturday again, and this weeks prompt is “leaves.” Linda Hill says we can use the word as a noun or a verb, but above all, have fun.” T think I can do that. If you would like to join in on the fun, go to Linda’s site and read how. Here is the link.

The Friday Reminder and Prompt for #SoCS June 22/19

“The leaves dwindle to a precious few.”

“What are you doing?”

“Singing September Song.”

“The one by Frank Sinatra?”

“Yup. That’s it.”

“You care to get the words, right?”

“What do you mean?”

“It’s not ‘leaves’ down to a precious few.”

“What is it.”

“‘Days’ down to a precious few.”

“Man that leaves me cold.”

“Sorry, but those are the words.”

“Is the next line ‘October, November?'”

“Close. It’s ‘September, November.”‘

“What happened to October?”

“The songwriter leaves October out of the song.”

“Why do that?”

“It is titled September song. Maybe that’s it.”

“But then November is in. Should be titled September/November Song.”

“I didn’t write the song. Besides this discussion leaves me wanting to change the subject.”

“I know the title should be ‘We Decided to Feature Only September and November in this Song.”‘

“You need to get a life you know that?”

“Speak for yourself.”

“What do you mean?”

“I’m not the one asking questions about a stupid song being sung by someone with no life.”

“I get your point. I’m going to the bar.”

“I’m going to read some poetry.”

“I almost don’t want to ask.”

“Leaves of trash by Walt Whitman.”

“Yeah, well you enjoy.”

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Kreative Kue #222

June 18, 2019June 17, 2019 ~ John W. Howell ~ 49 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.

“Yeah, I think we are good to go.”

“I’m sorry I can’t understand you.”

“What do you mean you can’t understand me?”

“Just what I said.”

“Do I need to speak up cause if I do I don’t want anyone to overhear.”

“No, I hear you fine. I just have a problem with what you mean by ‘good to go.”‘

“You’re kidding, right?”

“No.”

“It means I have planted the explosives and we are ready to execute in three minutes.”

“Execute? My gosh are you sure you have the right number?”

“Is this 210-555-5555?”

“Yes, that is correct.”

“Black Operations?”

“Black what?”

“Black Operations?”

“My heavens no. This is Birdies Gift Shop.”

“Birdies gift sh— What the hell? This burner phone is preprogrammed. How did I get you?”

“I’m sure I don’t know, but there is no need to raise our voice, young man.”

“Raise my voice? I’m going to be forced to do a little more than that. Where are you?”

“In front of the shop.”

“No, I mean the address.”

“For some reason, I don’t think I should tell you.”

“Aw come on. I just want to say hello and maybe buy some gifts.”

“I’m sorry whoever you are. We don’t carry explosives. I’m hanging up now.”

“What is it, young man?”

“Can we forget this conversation?”

“Why should I do that? You want me to file the assignment report, don’t you?”

“For heaven’s sake. Is that you, Jenkins?”

“Had you going, huh?”

“You have a warped sense of humor, you know that?”

“Tell me when the building is dust.”

“Will do. Lance out. By the way. I’m going to get you for this.”

“Can’t wait for you to try double o eight.”

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt “Social.”

June 15, 2019June 14, 2019 ~ John W. Howell ~ 43 Comments

It is Stream of Consciousness Saturday time again. This weeks prompt is “social.” Linda Hill says we should have fun with it, so I guess that’s what I will do. If you would like to have fun with it too just go to Linda’s blog and read how easy. Here is the link.

The Friday Reminder and Prompt for #SoCS June 15/19

“Oh look an ice cream social.”

“What the heck is that?”

“You go there and eat ice cream and be social with the folks who are there.”

“Social? What does “be social” mean?”

“I forgot you were raised in the city. Probably in a dumpster.”

“Now, now country boy. Let’s not let our jealousy show.”

“To be social is to interact with the gathered folks. Let them see what an exceptional being you are. ”

“Do I have to like them?”

“No, but you have to be cordial.”

“Another strange word.”

“You have to be nice.”

“I’m not sure I know how to be nice.”

“Well, for instance. You don’t cut in front of someone waiting for ice cream.”

“Ice cream is food, right?”

“Yes. Delicious food.”

“And there is a lot of it by appearances.”

“That is true.”

“So why cut in front of someone?”

“See you are beginning to understand being nice.”

“What I mean is. Why not just buzz around and then when the time is right just land on the side of the dish. You know the side opposite those two big eyes.”

“Well, that would be nice and kind.”

“Kind? How so.”

“You know how humans react to us when we land on their food?”

“Yeah, you would think there was something wrong with walking around in cow dung all day.”

So your method would get you the ice cream, you’d be kind, and social all in one movement.”

“And avoid that fast-moving swatter too.”

“A bonus. You have learned well cricket.”

“Excuse me the last I looked I’m a fly.”

“Matter of speech. You never see Kung Fu?”

“Every time I get near a TV that swatter thingy follows me so no thanks.”

“Okay you lead, and I’ll follow.”

“This should be fun.”

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Kreative Kue #221 by Keith Channing

June 11, 2019June 11, 2019 ~ John W. Howell ~ 62 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.

“Merciful heaven, Mary. When was the last time we picked salad greens?”

“It’s been a while. Just see if you can find some young leaves.”

“Young leaves?”

“Yes look under the plant. Those top leaves are way too big.”

“Okay, but I’m not holding my breath.”

“Yes, please breathe. Makes the work go easier.”

“Yeah, pretty funny. Whoa, what’s that?”

“What?”

“I’m not sure. It looked like a dog with big ears.”

“Probably a bunny.”

“A bunny? I thought bunnies were small and furry.”

“What do you mean?”

“This was big and hairy.”

“Oh, stop. You said you would help me with the harvest. We have a lot to go before nightfall. These boxes won’t fill themselves.”

“I’m not kidding. This guy was huge. He had red eyes too.”

“Please. Just keep picking. Whatever it is it is more afraid of you than you are of it.”

“It must be plenty scared then. Ow.”

“What now?”

“He bit my behind.”

“I’m sure. No matter what you say I’m not going to stop the picking is that clear?”

“Crystal. Can I go get my gun?”

“No, you may not. You have fallen behind with your foolishness. Keep picking.”

“I heard a snarl.”

“Probably your deviated septum.”

“I’m not kidding.”

“Fine. Go get your gun but I swear you are more of a danger to yourself then that animal.”

“I wish I could believe you. I’ll be right back.”

“I have to wonder about him.”

“Okay, I’m back, Mary. Mary?”

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt “Point”

June 8, 2019June 7, 2019 ~ John W. Howell ~ 53 Comments

It is Stream of Consciousness Saturday time again. I have to quote Linda Hill exactly on this week’s prompt. “Your Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is “open book, point, write.” Pick up the closest book to you when you sit down to write your post. Close your eyes, open the book, and place your finger on the page. Whatever word or phrase your finger lands on, write about it. Enjoy!” I have to run off and find a book.

So there you have it. If you would like to join in visit Linda’s blog and read how. Here is the link.

The Friday Reminder and Prompt for #SoCS June 8/19

To prove my intent here is a photo of the exercise.

“What was that whole point to the book thing you just did?”

“Part of a prompt. Linda made me do it.”

“And if she said to jump off a cliff.”

“Long way down. It would make a good story, though.”

“So what are you going to do with the word Cubans?”

“I could have cheated and said I hit on Cubans from Miami.”

“But knowing you, that is not possible.”

“So I could talk about cigars.”

“Are they legal yet?”

“You can bring them in for personal use, but they are not available in the US.”

“So a story about running cigars might not be that interesting.”

“Yeah. I could also talk about a sandwich.”

“Oh. A good Cuban sandwich can’t be beat.”

“But how much can you say about a sandwich.”

“How about rum.”

“How about ho-hum.”

“Good point. Maybe a discussion about the island itself.”

“Could offer some interest. You know Trump just put the kibosh on travel there.”

“Yeah he did kill the cruise line business there, but there are still a few other ways.”

“Maybe you should talk about them.”

“Well, there are eleven categories still allowed. Most everyone would fit the one that calls for support of the Cuban people.”

“What’s that?”

“You have to promise to stick to people-oriented events and not support the government or military events.”

“That seems easy.”

“It remains to be seen. Don’t forget cruise lines could deliver thousands of folks to the island at one time. Now all those folks will have to find there own way there.”

“A swim is not in the cards I suppose.”

“Ninety miles? You tell me.”

“What else could you discuss?”

“Music?”

“You have a lot of explaining to do, Lucy.”

“Oh, Ricky. Can you say Copacabana?”

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Creative Kue #220 by Keith Channing

June 4, 2019June 3, 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.