Tuesday – Anything Possible – Kreative Kue 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, with links to your own blog or web site, next Monday.”

The Photo.

Kreative Kue #193

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt Flower/Flour

Stream of Consciousness

 

It is Stream of Consciousness Saturday again and this week’s prompt is  “flower/flour. Linda Hill says we can use one or both but in any case “have fun.” I think I can do that. If you would like to join in go to Linda’s blog and read how easy it is. Here is the link. https://lindaghill.com/2018/09/21/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-sept-22-18/

Flower/flour by John W. Howell © 2018

“I wonder if you know the difference?”

“What difference?”

“Between flower power and flour power.”

“Sound the same to me.”

“F-l-o-w-e-r power and f-l-o-u-r power.”

“Oh. I’m guessing you have been up the hill to see Linda.”

“Well, there is a prompt going on today.”

“Let me guess. Flower and flour.”

“Right on.”

“Hmmm. A phrase out of the sixties.”

“Which should give you a hint on flower power.”

“I really don’t need a hint. I remember studying the sixties protests very well.”

“So what was flower power?”

“It was not a what but a symbol to end the madness. Folks used the flower as a metaphor for peace. Allen Ginsberg the poet coined the term in 1965 as a symbol for peaceful affirmative action to end the war in Vietnam.”

“My goodness. I didn’t know all that. So what is flour power?”

“Something you made up?”

“Yeah, I did.”

“You tell me what it means.”

“I think it stands for all those cooks out there who make wonderful things to eat out of flour.”

“Okay, so I would say the difference is flower power stands for a movement and flour power stands for skill in baking.”

“Couldn’t have said it better myself.”

“Wish you had.”

“Had what?”

“Said it yourself. You and these prompts will be the end of me someday.”

“Oh come on. You always get engaged.”

“But never married.”

“We still talking about the prompts?”

 

 

 

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Kreative Kue #192 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, with links to your own blog or web site, next Monday.”

The photo.

Kreative Kue #192

I Wonder by John W. Howell © 2018

“Excuse me, sir.”

“Yes, what is it?”

“I work for the Audubon Dailey News, and we are doing a feature on what birds think.”

“And what does that have to do with me?”

“You a bird?”

“So I’ve been led to believe.”

“Do you think?”

“Contrary to conventional wisdom around bird brains, yes.”

“So how about an interview?”

“On what I think?”

“Yes.”

“About what?”

“Huh?”

“On What do you want me to give my thoughts?”

“Oh. My paper wants to know in general what you think about.”

“Ah. Like when I’m all alone and not being disturbed.”

“Well, that would be interesting.”

The first thing I think about is Why does the sun go on shining?”
“Okay. That is pretty philosophical.”
“Why does the sea rush to shore?”
“Uh huh.”
“Don’t they know it’s the end of the world?
‘Cause you don’t love me anymore.”
“Wait a minute. Those are lyrics to a song.”
“And a lovely song it is. Why do the birds go on singing?
Why do the stars glow above?
Don’t they know it’s the end of the world?
It ended when I lost your love
I wake up in the morning, and I wonder
Why everything’s the same as it was
I can’t understand, no, I can’t understand
How life goes on the way it does
Why does my heart go on beating?
Why do these eyes of mine cry?
Don’t they know it’s the end of the world?
It ended when you said goodbye. Any questions?”
“I should have known you have a little mockingbird in you.”
“By the way.  The song is titled The End of the World written by Songwriters: Peter Mcnulty-Connolly / Marcus Mybe / Louie St. Louis / Kurtis Deshaun Williams / Michael Angelo

The End Of The World lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group.”
“Yeah well, forget it.”

 

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt “Post.”

 

Stream of Consciousness

It is Stream of Consciousness Saturday time again and this weeks prompt is “post.” Linda Hill says we can use it as a stand alone or to find a word that uses “post” as a prefix. If you would like to join in with this fun just pop over to Linda’s blog and read how. Here is the link. https://lindaghill.com/2018/09/14/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-sept-15-18/

Post by John W. Howell © 2018

“What the heck is a prefix?”

“You don’t know?”

“Would I ask if I did?”

“A prefix is a word or a letter placed in front of another.”

“So what would be a prefix to the word post?”

“How about lamp?”

“Ah, lamppost. I get it.”

“I have decided not to use a prefix though.”

“Pretty brave. You going to use ‘post’ alone.”

“Yup.”

“Go ahead then.”

“This post will not contain any prefixes to the word post.”

“Pretty boring so far.”

“Ahem. The torn and folded piece of paper was driven into the post by whoever used the large knife to stick it there. Not sure whether or not I should interfere in whatever was going on, I just sat astride my horse and stared.”

“Okay, that’s better. Keep going.”

“It was clear the paper has some kind of message and the post because it is central to the town is the perfect spot for special delivery.”

“Now you’re cooking.”

“My mount sensed some danger and kept urging me to pull away. With a firm hand, I guided it closer to the post and wrapped my fist around the handle.”

“And then?”

“A scream moving out from the gates of hell fell across us, and the horse bolted leaving me on the ground with the knife. The note was still attached to the post. I wasn’t sure I could stand but looked up to see a small rivulet of blood begin to amble down the post from where the knife used to be.”

“Wow.”

“This is none of your business came a thought out of the air, and it was clear to me that my troubles had just begun. I tried to rise but could feel a force holding me down. I looked at the knife and tried to open my fingers. Almost like a magnet, the knife held me fast.”

“What did you do?”

“Not sure.”

“What do you mean not sure?”

“I haven’t finished the story.”

“You got us all worked up, and you haven’t finished the story?”

“Want to catch some lunch?”

“I want you to finish the story.”

“After lunch.”

“That will be the goalpost then. Story after lunch.”

“Linda Hill will love you. Sure the goalpost is to finish the story after lunch. I’ll give you a hint. The guy dies.”

“Ah man?”

 

 

Tuesday- Anything Possible – Kreative Kue #191 by Keith Channing

On this anniversary of the 911 attack on America let us never forget the preciousness of freedom and keep the ones who have paid the ultimate sacrifice in our hearts.

Memorial day

Kreative Kue #191

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, with links to your own blog or web site, next Monday.

The Photo.

Kreative Kue #191

“Now just have some patience. We can’t cross until the light turns green.”
“I know you want to help, but I need to get going.”
“Aw come on. You know very well that you could use my help getting across the street.”
“What is taking so long? This light must be an eternity.”
“I pushed the walk sign. It shouldn’t be too much longer.”
“Do you offer to help strangers all the time?”
“Honestly? No. You just caught my eye and looked like you needed my help.”
“That is very nice of you my dear, but I have lived in this city for fifty years and never had a problem before.”
“Well then let’s just say this is a way of me paying it forward.”
“So this is about helping you rather than about helping me?”
“Um. Well, I guess so. I hadn’t thought about it up to now.”
“Yeah, I get it. A young woman from the suburbs comes into the city and wants to save some poor soul from harm.”
“No, it isn’t like that. I just want to do some good today is all. By the way is that bag too heavy for you?”
“I’ve been carrying this bag forever. Keep your hands off it.”
“Okay, okay. I just asked the question.”
“That’s it. I need to be going. Thank you for trying to help but I see the light has changed and I’m off.”
“You can see?”
“Of course I can see. What made you think I couldn’t?”
“The glasses. I er ah—”
“Typical of a do-gooder. Just assume someone is sightless simply because they are old and wearing sunglasses. Goodbye girl.”
“I don’t know what to say.”
“How about letting go and say goodbye.”
“Hey, you with the old woman. Don’t let her go.”
“W-what officer?”
“She just held up the First National bank. You are very brave to grab her. You can let go. I’ve got her now.”
“I’m shocked. She seems like a nice old lady.”
“Kiss my grits sister. Now, look at what your good deed has done.”
“Hush up Sadie and put your hands behind you.”
“You know her officer?”
“Yeah, hardened criminal this one.”

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt – Earworm

Stream of Consciousness

 

It is Stream of Consciousness Saturday time again and this weeks prompt is “earworm.” Yup, you read that right, earworm. Linda Hills says we can write about our latest earworm or one that continually haunts us. If you would like to join in the madness, go to Linda’s blog and read about how easy it is to slip off the edge. Here is the link https://lindaghill.com/2018/09/07/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-sept-8-18/

Earworm by John W. Howell © 2018

“Good evening ladies and gentlemen and welcome to NPR’s People Feature of the Week. I’m Alex Silverton. This week we are featuring some special guests who claim to have an earworm of special note. Now for those in our audience who are unfamiliar with  the term “earworm,” here is Lexis Brominowski to give us some background.”

“Thank you, Alex. An earworm is that annoying song that gets stuck in your ear and is very difficult to shake. An example is Mary had a Little Lamb. Once you hear the song, it is difficult to stop it from rolling around in your head.”

“Thank you, Lexis. Our first guest comes to us from Buford Montana and claims to have an earworm. Tell us your name and the nature of the earworm.”

“Hello, my name is  Ralph Dunson, and my earworm is Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony.”

“Oh, you mean pieces of the symphony?”

“No the whole thing. From the first dum de dum to the last ta ra.”

My goodness, how do you concentrate on anything else?”

“Huh? My goodness, it’s hard. Hold on the second movement is just starting.”

“Okay, Ralph. We are going to cut over to Tillis Wentworth who says her earworm is the Gettysburg Address. How is this possible Ms. Wentworth?”

“You tell me, Alex. I was minding my own business, and one morning I got up, and there it was.”

“Who is speaking the address?”

“You’re kidding right?”

“Don’t tell me it’s Lincoln.”

“It’s not Lincoln. I think it is James Earl Jones.”

“How long has it been since you have had this earworm?”

“Hmmm. It might have started when I went to Disneyland.”

“Thank you, Ms. Wentworth. Now our last guest, Max Sanders claims to have an earworm that is of a strange alien radio broadcast. Tell us about this, Mr. Sanders.”

“Not much to tell. My every waking hour is taken up by this broadcast of news from outer space.”

“Can you identify the station?”

“Well like I told the FBI it sounds like it is from another planet.”

“What makes you say this?”

“Some of the people who are interviewed cannot be from this Earth.”

“Any names jump out at you.”

“There have only been a few.”

“Like who?”

“No one I have ever heard of for sure.”

“For instance?”

“The Kardashians and Kanye West.”

“I hate to tell you this, Mr. Sanders but I think you might be receiving CNN.”

“Yeah that’s what the Feds told me, but you know how those people try to cover stuff up.”

“I can see by the clock that we have just about run out of time. I want to thank our guests and look forward to next week’s show.”

“Mr. Silverton?”

“Yes, Mr. Sanders.’

“I just heard a broadcast describing that your show is canceled.”

“That would be too kind, Mr. Sanders. Too kind indeed.”

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Kreative Kue #190 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, with links to your own blog or web site, next Monday.

The photo.

Kreative Kue #190

The Driver by John W. Howell © 2108

“Okay, everyone. I need to have your attention.”

“What’s he want Mama?”

“I don’t know my child. Perhaps we should be quiet and find out.”

“But Mama I have this hand puppet that won’t stop talking.”

“Perhaps if you thought to yourself about how still the night can be the puppet will take a hint.”

“Everyone. This is your driver, and I need you to pay attention.”

“I’m not going to look at the driver, Pradeep.”

“Why not.?”

“He made a comment about my pink shirt so he is dead to me.”

“Maybe he has something important to say.”

“Then you’ll tell me.”

“Please, I need your attention. We have a little emergency.”

“Better put that camera down, dear. Looks like the driver needs to make an announcement.”

“So let ’em. I have a picture of whatever he announces.”

“More like the back of his head.”

“This will be my last appeal for your attention. This bus will not move until I have everyone’s attention.”

“I think if you sit down Gladys the driver will make his silly announcement.”

“These seats are so small. I can hardly fit in mine.”

“That is no reason to be carrying on in the aisle.”

“Thank you for your kind attention. For your information, this bus had a destination that would take us four hours to complete. I have some good news and bad news about that. Which would you like first?”

“Bad News.”

“The trip has been canceled, and there is no other bus going that way today.”

“Good news?”

“All of you have been booked on the first bus tomorrow. There is one more piece of bad news though.”

“What’s that?”

“You have to remain on board the bus to keep your reservation. I have secured the doors and wish you all a pleasant evening. For those of you who wish to cancel your reservation, there are no refunds. There is also a little good news.”

“Good news.”

“The company is going to cater a curry dinner with all the fixings.”

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Kreative Kue # 189 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, with links to your own blog or web site, next Monday.

The photo.

Kreative Kue #189

The Intern by John W. Howell © 2018

“So what is going on here?”

“What do you mean?”

“Who is this European looking woman?”

“She is my intern, Pasha.”

“Intern? Where is it written that you need an intern?”

“There is no writing as you well know. I just decided I needed a little help around here.”

“And so we are now deciding things without any advice from me?”

“I already know your advice. So rather than put you in a position of being wrong I proceeded to get an intern.”

“I suppose I should be grateful that you spared my feelings.”

“That is a good way to look at it. In fact, I think you owe me.”

“Owe you? Whatever for may I ask?”

“Keeping your manliness intact.”

“What if I forbid this intern thing?”

“Then you will have the embarrassing situation of what to do with a miscreant wife.”

“You would defy my wishes?”

“Oh no, my love. As long as you wished for anything other than the dismissal of the intern I would be pleased to fulfill them.”

“I’m confused.”

“A natural state of manhood my dear. Now run along and issue orders and demands of the livestock and leave Shirley and me to work.”

“Shirley? What kind of name is that?”

“She is from Long Island in the United States and is visiting our country for a few weeks.”

“Does she have a work visa?”

“Of course not, my dear. She is an unpaid intern. She does not need a work permit.”

“Where is her husband?”

“I think he went back to the US.”

“And left her here.”

“No. He ordered her to return with him.”

“And?”

“He is now faced with an embarrassing situation of what to do with a miscreant wife. There is a lesson here.”

“I will leave you two. Welcome to our family Shirley.”

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt – Notice

Stream of Consciousness

 

It is Stream Of Consciousness Saturday time again and this week’s prompt is, “notice.” Linda Hill says we can use “notice,” any way we want. If you would like to join in on the fun visit Linda’s blog and read how. Here is the link. https://lindaghill.com/2018/08/24/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-aug-25-18/ 

Notice by John W. Howell © 2018

“Would you look at this?”

“What?”

“This notice in the newspaper.”

“Let me see it.”

“Read that part about more taxes.”

“OMG. The county is raising the tax rate. Can they do that?”

“Yes, if they publish a notice they can.”

“Well, this looks like a notice to me. How about if we just ignore it.”

“Ignore it? Then what?”

“When it comes time to pay the taxes we’ll just say we never got the notice.”

“Doesn’t work that way.”

“Why not?”

“They posted a notice. Nowhere in the statutes does it say anyone has to read the notice.”

“That’s taxation without retnalization.”

“Without what?”

“Retnalization. Without making sure the eye sees the notice.”

“You been reading lawyer fiction again?”

“No, but it has to be a thing.”

“Good luck with the tax bill. As for me, I’m going to pay mine.”

“Well, I’m going to fight to my last fiber against unfair taxation.”

“It is a one mill increase.”

“One million? Outrageous. Get a gun.”

“A mill is one one-hundredth of a cent. It is almost not enough to count.”

“One one-hundredth? Hmm. That means my bill goes up by a dollar.”

“I’m not good at math, but it sounds right.”

“That’s different.”

“it is?”

“Not worth my time to fight.”

“What about the principle?”

“Principles are overrated. Let’s get some coffee.”

“No gun?”

“Please.”

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Kreative Kue #188 by Keith Channing

Feeling better so I thought I would ease in with a prompt from 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, with links to your own blog or web site, next Monday.”

The photo

Kreative Kue #188

“Okay, that’s it. This shovel marks the line of demarcation.”
“Demarcation? What the heck are you talking about?”
“I’ve had it with your yellow plastic. I’ve had it with your empire building.”
“Reggie, what’s come over you? We have a job to do.”
“Maybe you have a job to do, but I am now throwing off the yoke of oppression and declaring this land to be free of big business and big pharma.”
“I think I’m beginning to see the problem. You stopped taking your medication didn’t you?”
“That has nothing o do with it. This land is my land and from now on it shall be called, Borkville.”
“For heaven’s sake. Let’s get back to work. The owner wants a garden here, and it is up to us to build one.”
“In Borkville this will be the common house. We will all live here in harmony.”
“Reggie. Tell me one thing.”
“What?”
“You’ve been watching the History Channel, right?”
“Yeah so?”
“And you are at the part where Columbus discovers America, right?”
“Well yeah.”
“And he plants the flag of Spain and claims all the land in the name of Queen  Isabella?”
“Yeah, so cool.”
“Guess what?”
“What?”
“Never happened.”
“Huh?”
“Fake news.”
“Fake news?”
“America was discovered by the McDonald brothers.”
“Seriously?”
“Yup. They needed a place to expand their hamburger business, so they went there.”
“Seriously?”
“So you can stop your little charade about claiming land. It just doesn’t happen.”
“This is disappointing, to say the least. I feel so mislead. One question.”
“Yes.”
“Do you think the McDonald Brothers would mind if I claimed this land in their name?”
“Well, that depends.”
“On what?”
“On whether or not Harrods grants them permission to accept. Back to work shall we?”