So that you understand the nature of what is going on here, I have to quote Linda Hill on this week’s prompt. “Your Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is: “so/sow/sew.” Use one, use ’em all, use ’em any way you’d like. Bonus points if you start and end with any of them. Enjoy! So” I hope everyone noticed I began this post with “so.”

Now I ask you is this freedom or what? If you would like to join in the fun go to Linda’s post. Here is the link.

The Friday Reminder and Prompt for #SoCS Feb. 11/17

So/Sow/Sew by John W. Howell ©2017

“So what are you up to today?”

“You noticed I’m deeply involved in this story.”

“I love stories. What is it?”

“It is about a young man who left his home to seek his fortune.”

“That sounds familiar what it the name.”

“Go West Young Man.”

“Hmmm. I’m familiar with the saying by Horatio Alger, but that title escapes me.”

“Cause I just put it on paper.”

“Oh. I get it. It is a story you are writing.”

“Man. Hard to put stuff past you.”

“Now don’t be contrary. Can I read it?”

“It’s not finished. Maybe when it’s done.”

“Read me a line.”

“Okay how about the opening line?”

“Super go.”

“It was a dark and stormy night.”

“Wait. You’re kidding right?”

“Okay. I’ll read the real first line. Ahem. ‘Jacob felt he could so no further. His bones ached from the fear and weight of what he had to do. All along his father told him not to go, and now that he ignored him, Jacob could feel the karma slide like a wet snake up his back and feel the heat on his neck. He could smell the stench of the payback that was about to be his.”‘

“Go on. This sounds great.”

“He decided to lay his burden down and face whatever was in store.”

“What burden?”

“It’s a metaphor for his guilt. Shall I continue?”

“Please.”

“The sow had to weigh hundreds of pounds, and the yoke of wagon pressed into his shoulders. He must find a place to rest, or surely he will fall to the ground and not be in a condition to escape. He stopped at a tree and there an old man called his name.”

“How did the old man know his name?”

“You sound like a reviewer. Just wait.

‘Jacob,’ he called.

Jacob stopped gazing at the man with his brow furrowed. ‘You know my name, old man.’

‘I do.’

‘How is that possible?’

‘I know your father. He sent me to find you.’

‘For what purpose?’

‘To see if you have finished your foolish task which you set out to do. “Sew your wild oats.” is how I believe you explained it to your father.”‘

“‘Wild oats.’ What the heck does that mean?”

“Experience what life has to offer. I think I’ve read enough.”

“No, I want to hear more.”

“Okay. Let me read one more line. ‘Your father has instructed me to warn you to return to the homestead so. . .'”

“So?”

 

 

 

 

Partaking in more of the good stuff it is Stream of Consciousness Saturday time again. This week’s prompt is the letter “p.” Here is what the dungeon master Linda Hill has ordered. “Your Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday and Just Jot It January is: A word that starts with “P.” Find a word that begins with the letter “p,” and make it the theme of your post. Bonus points for starting and ending your post with a “p” word. Enjoy!”

There you have it, and now you have the reason I started this post with the word “partaking.” If you would like to jump in and do this as well, go to Linda’s post right here and read about it.

The Friday Reminder and Prompt for #SoCS and #JusJoJan Jan. 14/17

“P” by John W. Howell © 2017

“Percy.”

“Pray What?”

“Please, I need you to come into the bathroom.”

“Perfect. I’m here. Okay dear, what is it?”

“Plumbing.”

“Plumbing?”

“Plumbing is making noise. You hear that?”

“Pings? Yes, I do.”

“Persistent aren’t they? Are they getting worse?”

“Possibly. We will have to do some tests.”

“Playful tests or something serious?”

“Pressure tests.”

“Puzzler. What is entailed?”

“Put a strain on the pipes and see if there is an object in there.”

“Perhaps the pipes will break.”

“Pitiful outcome, but at least we will get rid of the noise.”

“Prickly way to a solution.”

“Pricey risk if there is a break. Water everywhere.”

“Percy?”

“Penelope?”

“Perchance it would be more advantageous to ignore the problem.”

 

 

 

It is Stream of Consciousness Saturday time again. This week’s prompt is “Coat.” It is also Just Jot is January and this post counts in both. That’s good since I have missed all the prompts so far. If you would like to participate in either go to Linda Hill’s post and read all about it. Here is the link. https://lindaghill.com/2017/01/06/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-and-jusjojan-jan-717/

Coat by John W. Howell © 2017

“What are you doing?”

“Putting on a coat.”

“I can see that. I’m talking about those gloves, the cap, scarf, and Uggs.”

“Hello. This is the middle of winter and we’re going out.”

“I know but you look like you live in Minnesota. ”

“I can’t help it. The Arctic Vortex has hit us.”

“Well, it’s a little colder than normal but hardly worth dressing  like you’re competing in the Iditarod.”

“Speak for yourself flip-flop man. I see you are wearing shoes.”

“Well yeah. we are going out to dinner and I don’t think the restaurant folks would appreciate me walking in with flip-flops. Besides these are boat shoes. Hardly good in the snow.”

“I don’t care. I’ve been cold for two days and I’m not taking it anymore.”

“Cold for two days? Are you sure you don’t have the flu or something?”

“I don’t have anything but goosebumps.”

“The Arctic Vortex has just been here since yesterday. Why have you been cold for two days.”

“You know as well as I the air conditioner was not working right. It was stuck on cool. The house was 65 degrees.”

“I know. Why didn’t you open the door and let in some warm air?”

“You know how the humidity ruins the furniture.”

“Well, it is now fixed.”

“And it is still 65 degrees.”

“Turn on the heat.”

“What? Turn on the heat so early in the season? No way.”

“You know how ridiculous this conversation sounds to the folks up North don’t you?”

“They are lucky.”

“How so?”

“When it is time to be cold it is cold. Makes planning easier.”

“I see. Let me help you with that coat. I certainly hope no one reads this. We will be the laughing-stock.”

Happy New Year. It is Stream of Consciousness Saturday time again. This week’s prompt is “first/last.”  Linda Hill says we can use the two words or definition for the words. There is an extra credit possibility by beginning the post with “First/Beginning/Start etc. and ending the post with “Last/End etc. If you would like to try this kind of thing go to Linda’s post and read the rules. Here is the link https://lindaghill.com/2016/12/30/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-dec-3116/

First/Last by John W. Howell © 2016

“First, as a beginning, I want to start this lecture with a story.”

“Excuse me, professor.”

“Yes, Mr. uh.”

“Tompkins sir.”

“Yes, Mr. Tompkins what can I do for you.”

“Well, sir I’m a little confused on your opening statement.”

“Confused?”

“Yes, sir. You began your lecture saying the same thing three times.”

“I did now. Well please illuminate for the rest of the class and me as to your meaning.”

“Uh you said ‘first as a beginning, I want to start this lecture with a story.”‘

“I believe you are quoting me correctly, Mr. Tompkins. What is your question?”

“Is it not true that First, beginning, and start have the same meaning?”

“In the context of my statement absolutely not.”

“Can I ask for an explanation then.”

“Yes, my son I am happy to explain. By first I meant the number one thing to accomplish. Beginning in my statement meant to prioritize. Finally, the word start said where the priority would begin. So as you can see, they are not the same.”

“I have to beg to differ, sir.”

“But young man. I hold the keys to your success in this class.”

“But professor—”

“I think the discussion is over for now.”

“Can I add one more point?”

“I don’t see how the time spent on this is significant.”

“I need to understand.”

“See me when I have said my last and the lecture is at an end.”

 

 

 

It is Saturday and time for Stream of Consciousness. This week’s prompt is “cook.” Since it is also Christmas Eve, I think a Christmas story would be in order. Linda Hill says we can do whatever we want, so I think I have the portfolio. If you would like to read up and join the fun, go to Linda’s post. Here is the link.

The Friday Reminder and Prompt for #SoCS Dec. 24/16

Cook by John W. Howell © 2016

There is a lot of rumors going around that a new king of kings is to make an appearance in the village. Such nonsense is of no concern to Josiah. There is bread to bake and cakes to make. There is no time to be listening to the tounges wagging in the street. Josiah has the distinction of being the village cook and takes his responsibility seriously. Soon the people will descend upon his shop to buy this day’s labor.

The work starts early and Josiah must hurry to give the dough time to rise and to mix the batter until it is smooth. Sleeping late is a luxury for the idle rich and Josiah can barely make ends meet. He feels fortunate that he can keep a small portion of the bread for himself which is set aside for the time when he goes home for the day.

This day has been especially busy since there are new people in the village. There was a decree sent out by Caesar Augustus that all the people should be taxed. The decree further stated that each person should return to the land of their birth to be counted and then taxed. So many have come to his village that Josiah has been forced to make more and more bread and cake each day. Even so, he has had to turn away customers. Josiah does not take comfort in the increased business since the Miller charges him more and more each day for the flower. The evil man laughed and told him to go somewhere else if he didn’t like the price. There is nowhere else for Josiah to go. He must continue to work harder

So many have come to his village that Josiah has been forced to make more and more bread and cake each day. Even so, he has had to turn away customers. He does not take comfort in the increased business since the miller charges him more and more each day for the flower. The evil man laughed and told him to go somewhere else if he didn’t like the price. There is nowhere else for Josiah to go. He must continue to work harder and make less money for his trouble. Still, he feels fortunate that he is able to save a small portion for himself.

The business day finally ends and Josiah locks his shop and begins his long walk home. He decides to take a shorter way home past the stables that are behind the Inn. Nearing the stables Josiah encounters a light that makes daylight out of the dark. He stops and is struck with the wonder before him. There are animals clustered around a manager and at first Josiah though they were eating hay. Upon venturing closer Josiah could see a little baby, wrapped in swaddling clothes lying in the manger. A beautiful woman and proud looking man are there along with heavenly hosts praising God. Josiah is compelled to draw nearer and is filled with the spirit.

“E-excuse me. I don’t mean to interfere.”

“You are most welcome sir. Please come closer. This is the Christ child and my wife Mary. My name is Joseph.”

“I-I’m named Josiah which is also Joseph. Is this the king of kings I have heard about”

“So nice to meet you, Josiah. Yes, this is he.”

“I want to give the baby a gift but I don’t have anything to offer but this crust of bread.”

“He would be honored to receive it.”

“Here little baby. I’m sorry it is so meager and not worthy of the king of kings.”

“Your gift gives him pleasure and more from the heart than all the gold, frankincense, and myrrh which he has already received.  Go in peace Josiah.”

“Thank you your grace.”

“I’m a carpenter, Josiah.”

“Thank you, Joseph.”