Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt “View”

SOCS

 

It is Stream of Consciousness Saturday time again. This week’s prompt is, “view.” Linda Hill authorized the use of view anyway we want. If you would like to visit her blog and try and figure out what is going on you can visit her post https://lindaghill.com/2016/09/09/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-sept-1016/https://lindaghill.com/2016/09/09/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-sept-1016/.

View by John W. Howell © 2016

“Hey down in front.”

“You talkin’ to me.”

“Yeah I’m talkin’ to you. Sit down.”

“I hope you can back that with a little more than words.”

“Yeah I can. Either you sit down, or I’ll sit you down. You are blocking my view.”

“Your view? Who died and made you king.”

“A couple more comments and you be taking your meals through  a straw.”

“Yeah, yeah. It sounds like you need a lesson. Come on up and we’ll have us a ball.”

“You and what army are going to make me come up there?”

“Don’t need an army. Just little ole me. By the way get me water from the kitchen.”

“Why do you always make an issue out of watching a football game?”

“Makes it more like we are at the stadium.”

“If I get the water will you sit down?”

“Of course I will dear.”

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt “accumulate.”

 

SOCS

It is Saturday and time for Stream of Consciousness. This week’s prompt is “accumulate.” Linda Hill says we can use the word any way we want. I was thinking of naming a piece of furniture Accumulate given it has been in the way for a while. I don’t believe that use was what Linda had in mind. If you would like to see what this prompt is all about you can visit Linda’s post here.

The Friday Reminder and Prompt for #SoCS Sept. 3/16

Accumulate by John W. Howell © 2016

“What are you doing?”

“Trying to figure out how I managed to accumulate all this junk.”

“What junk? I see a garage full of things but no junk.”

“Well to you it may be things to me it’s junk. Look at this saw for instance.”

“What about it?”

“It is not sharp. Look I can run my hand along the teeth and not get . . . oops.”

“What happened. Oh my gosh you’ve cut yourself.”

“I would say so. Hand me that towel.”

“Here. Is it serious? It’s not supposed to be serious.”

“Nah. This is nothing. See its stopped bleeding already. What do you mean it’s not supposed to be serious.”

“I’m glad it’s not serious. I intended to say I hope it’s not serious. So what other junk are you talking about?”

“Look at this old bike. It needs new everything.”

“You could fix that if you had the time, and it would be like new.”

“Who has the time. Look at this tennis racket and all this other stuff.”

“Okay, I’ll admit that you have quite an accumulation of things and time is a premium.”

“Ha. See.”

“I don’t think you need to worry about it, though.”

“Why’s that and by the way. Who are you?”

“Who am I? They call me the grim reaper and I have come for your soul.”

“You’re kidding right?”

“Nope. That’s who I am.”

“I’m sorta relieved.”

“How so?”

“Look at this accumulation. Who wants to deal with that mess?”

“As I said.”

 

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Kreative Kue #92 by Keith Channing

So here is another photo prompt from Keith Channing. He explains what we are doing here. “Using this photo (below) as inspiration, write a short story, flash fiction, scene, poem; anything, really; and either put it (or a link to it) in a comment or email it to me at keithkreates@channing.fr 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 – pingbacks don’t work.

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 #92

Audition by John W. Howell © 2016

“Okay now try to relax and give us your name.”

“Um. My name is Silly.”

“Silly what?”

“Silly Goose.”

“Alright, Ms. Goose. What we need you to do is act natural and say the word AFLAC. Can you do that?”

“I-I think so.”

“Listen toots. This is no place for geese to ‘think’ anything. You are trying out for a major part in a commercial. It could mean a lot of money if you pass this audition.”

“I understand. Yes, I can say APLAC.”

“No, no, no. It’s ‘AFLAC,’ Say it.”

“It.”

“Ms. Goose. Are you trying to be funny? If so, we have other geese just waiting to try out. Look at that guy next in line. Hey, buster. No eating the lawn. It’s a prop. Man! I told my agent I didn’t want to cast this dog and look what I got.”

“I’m sorry I thought you said to say,’it'”

“Okay let’s take this a little slower. See that camera? When I say ‘action’ you are going to say ‘AFLAC.’ Got it?”

“I see the camera. When I hear ‘action,’ I say ‘AFLAC.’ I got it. I do have a question, though.”

“I could have guessed. What’s the question?”

“What’s my motivation?”

“Motivation?” What do you mean ‘motivation?”‘

“Why am I saying ‘APLAC?'”

“IT’S AFLAC. Where in the heck did this person come from anyway? Who brought her in here?”

“I did.”

“Oh, Mr. Big. I didn’t see you there.”

“Is there a problem with my pet goose?”

“No, sir. Everything is fine. We can dub the sound. Ready Ms. Goose? ‘ACTION.'”

“APLAC.”

“Thank you that’s a wrap. Very good Ms. Goose.”

Tuesday Anything Possible – Kreative Kue #91 by Keith Channing

Here are Keith’s words explaining what is going on here. “Using this photo (below) as inspiration, write a short story, flash fiction, scene, poem; anything, really; and either put it (or a link to it) in a comment or email it to me at keithkreates@channing.fr 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 – pingbacks don’t work.

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.”

Here is the photo.

Vacation

Vacation by John W. Howell © 2016

“So passengers, we are coming up on one of the bonus extras in your all-inclusive tour package. See that camera. My brother will be taking a picture of our cruise yacht, and you’ll all get a complimentary photo as a souvenir. Now smile.”

“My God, Ralph. I’m not sure I can smile while trying to hold down that fish stew breakfast.”

“Just a little more time darlin’ and this trip will be over.”

“How did we ever get booked on this tub?”

“Well remember we missed our ship and had to take the next thing to catch up.”

“The next thing is right. How much more time do we have on this nightmare?”

“We are coming into port now. See there is our ocean liner docked up ahead.”

“Oh, thank God. I don’t think I can stay in these clothes any longer. Why did we have to put on costumes again?”

“So those nice men in the patrol boat wouldn’t know we were in the country illegally.”

“Illegally? What does that mean?”

“Well, we never got a visa for this country. We are supposed to be on the ship and not get off.”

“So we could be arrested?”

“Yes, but these nice people offered to hide us until we reach the ship.”

“Are there others they are hiding?”

“Look around. All these people are hiding.”

“These are smugglers then.”

“Harsh word my dear. I prefer importers.”

“Try pirates.”

“Well, that too. Smile dear.”

 

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt – “Date”

 

SOCS

It is Stream of Consciousness Saturday time again and this week’s prompt is “Date.” Linda Hill says we can use it any way we want to use it. Which brings up the question, how many ways are there to use “date.” I can think of three right off the bat. 1. The fruit. 2. A social event where at least two people attend. 3. A specific period on the calendar.  If you would like to enjoy yourself by joining in for this madness, please go to Linda’s site and read how. https://lindaghill.com/2016/08/19/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-aug-2016/

Date by John W. Howell © 2016

“Where do you want to go?”

“Why do I always have to decide?”

“You don’t always have to decide. I usually decide.”

“No, you don’t. I’m the one making the decision on where to go.”

“Okay then. Where do you want to go?”

“I don’t want to decide. You decide.”

“Fine. Monster truck mash then.”

“No way.”

“I thought you didn’t want to decide.”

“I don’t, but you have to believe monster truck mash is something I wouldn’t want to do on a date.”

“I see. Okay, how about the opera?”

“Now you’re an idiot.”

“A move then.”

“What’s playing.”

“How about we just watch TV and eat popcorn.”

“We did that last week.”

“I’m going to give up in a minute.”

“Come on. You can do better.”

“Skydiving?”

“Now you’re talking.”

“You’re kidding right?”

“Yes. How about we take a picnic dinner to the park, and we just relax.”

“That sounds good. Let’s do it.”

“Told you.”

“What?”

“I always decide.”

Wednesday Story Day – AKA Hump Day

Funny College

Wednesday Story Day Again. Last week we left Ben saying a quick hello to Alexis as she was running to her room to pack. It looks like Trudy has put Ben’s plan to get rid of her husband and Alexis into action. If it works, Trudy and Ben will be alone, and you and I will be forced to see sights that we will regret. Let’s hope something else happens to prevent what could be a life scarring moment. Here take this blindfold and don’t take it off until I tell you. There may be sights too horrible for your tender eyes. (Wait! You are a writer, right? Aw, you can take it unless your name’s Dan. If so put it on.)
“Hello, Ben. I’m so glad you are out of that bed.”
“Hi, Trudy. What did you have to show me here in the kitchen.”
“It is not really in the kitchen. It’s in the garage.”
“The garage? What are you trying to pull now?”
“Nothing Ben dear. I have picked out a special gift for you.”
“Excuse me. When you pick out a gift, there must be a reason.”
“Ben dear. I have started your plan to have my husband and Alexis out-of-the-way for a while. At least you could recognize that I’m trying.”
“Aw, I’m sorry. I think that was rather rude of me to imply you had some agenda, and the gift was not from the heart.”
“It is from the heart. You’ll see. You can go into the garage and take a look. I need to give my husband some last-minute instructions. He and Alexis are going on a trip to the Cayman’s as you suggested.”
“Wow. I’m really surprised.”
“I don’t see why. I’m crazy about you. Now just pop in there and I’ll be right back. A taxi should be here shortly. Then you and I can get down to some serious relationship building.”
“Yes, we can. Okay, see you in a bit. Is the gift wrapped?”
“Well, it is pretty hard to cover. You’ll see what I mean.”
“I’m excited.”
“Me too dear. Bye now.”

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt “Cash”

SOCS

 

It is Stream of Consciousness Saturday time again, and we have a new logo. John Holton is the genius behind its design. This week’s prompt is “cash” and Linda Hill says we can use it as a noun, verb or anything we want. If you would like to learn more here is a link into the Twilight Zone where you’ll certainly be on your own.https://lindaghill.com/2016/08/12/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-august-1316/

Cash by John W. Howell © 2016

“Hello, I’m Johnny Cash.”

“No, you’re not. You don’t even look like Johnny Cash.”

“I really would like to be Johnny Cash, though.”

“Well, that black outfit sure gives the illusion.”

“Yeah, too bad I can play the guitar.”

“You don’t need to do that. There a plenty of guitar players. All you have to do is sing.”

“I’m afraid I can’t do that either. Listen. ‘I hold out for the tie that binds, I walk the line”‘

“You are certainly right about the non-singing part. Maybe if you just stood in the dark with that black hat and outfit, someone may think you are Johnny Cash.”

“You think so?”

“No. Had you going there didn’t I.”

“Okay, so I’m no Johnny Cash. Who can I be then?”

“Why don’t you try yourself?”

“How would I earn money that way.”

“Ever think of working?”

“Uh. There’s that word again. Why does everyone think I should work?”

“I think most of us are tired of handing you cash when you beg.”

“Beg? I don’t beg. By the way, you wouldn’t have a couple of bucks you could lend me do ya?”

“No.”

“Aw, come on. I have not eaten in days, and I just need a little food so I can go job hunting.”

“You’re begging.”

“Seriously? No, I’m not. I’m just giving you the rationale for handing me some coin so I can cash it in on a burger.”

“Then what?”

“Then what what?”

“After the burger then what?”

“I’ll see if the burger joint is hiring.”

“Right. I can see you doing that after your burger. You’ll take a nap is what you’ll do.”

“How do you know?”

“How many burgers have I funded.”

“Oh, maybe a few.”

“Like hundreds and after each one you have a nap on the bench.”

“You know what?”

“What?”

“You’re right. I need to get a grip. Don’t give me the burger cash.”

“What? wait. Here take the money.”

“No, I need to take charge.”

“Please take the money.”

“Well, I hate to see a person beg. Okay. Thanks.”

“You’re good you know that right?”

“I know.”

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt “Ex”

Stream Of Consciousness Saturday

 

The instructions are simple, “Find a word with “ex” in it and use that word as the base for the post. In case you are confused about what I’m writing, I’m describing another Stream of Consciousness prompt by the fiendish  lovely Linda Hill. If you want to join in go to this link and read all about it. https://lindaghill.com/2016/08/05/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-aug-616/

EX by John W. Howell © 2016

“So what’s the prompt?”

“Ex.”

“Huh? What ya mean X?”

“No not X. Ex.”

“X what? X-Men?”

“I said not X as in X-Men but Ex as in exfoliation.”

“Exfoliation? What the heck does that mean?”

“My goodness man. Did you go to school?”

“Yes I did, and I graduated an expert.”

“Now who is confusing who? An expert in what?”

“Getting through school with no expectations.”

“I see. This still brings me back to ex.”

“Your ex?”

“No, not my ex. We need to find a word with an ex in it and make it the subject of this post.”

“Oh, now I see. How about execution.”

“You know with help like you give I don’t need any enemies. That’s not exactly a great subject for a post.”

“Okay, then. How about exercise?”

“Hey, I think you are on to something at last. We could examine all the aspects of exercise.”

“Naw. Go ahead without me. I’m exhausted.”

“I’m sure you are. You don’t exhibit much energy in the first place, and I’m sure all this mental work has been challenging.”

“Excuse me? Look who’s talking? You haven’t left that chair in over two hours.”

“I’m the boss of this outfit, and you are an exclusion.”

“Oh, Yeah? You want to expand on that statement?”

“Yeah, and since you want exactness, you’re nothing.”

“You know what Mr. Executive?”

“What Mr. Expendable?”

“You say you’re the boss and I’m nothing, and I have to say, ‘big deal boss over nothing.’ Examine that boss man.”

 

Tuesday – Anything Possible Kreative Kue #88 By Keith Channing

Another photo prompt from Keith Channing. In his words, he can explain. “Using this photo (below) as inspiration, write a short story, flash fiction, scene, poem; anything, really; and either put it (or a link to it) in a comment or email it to me at keithkreates@channing.fr 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 – for reasons I have yet to fathom, pingbacks don’t seem to be working.

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.”

Here is the photo.

Kreative Kue #88

The Catch by John W. Howell ©2016

“So when you set the trap didn’t you wonder that it was a little big?”

“I didn’t think about it at the time. I was worried that I would get caught in it myself.”

“How on earth did you get those trap jaws separated and set?”

“That was tricky. I had to get a tree limb and leverage the jaws open. I then jumped for my life hoping the trigger would hold.”

“Who put you up to this anyway?”

“Old Trapper John. He sold me the trap and told me I would be in National Geographic and get a reward if I caught the thing.”

“How did you get the trap into the woods. It weighs a ton.”

“Old John has a tractor, and he hauled it in for me.”

“Why didn’t you call anyone for help?”

“What? If I did that, I would have to split the reward.”

“How about now? You’ve got us all hauling this thing out of the woods. You didn’t think twice about asking for help after the trap was sprung.”

“Well I figured since there would be no reward Y’all would take pity on me and help.”

“You know we are all right here. Why tell us to our face that we are fools?”

“I didn’t mean that. I’m very grateful for the help.”

“Why no reward?”

“I didn’t trap the right thing.”

“Well, this is big and heavy enough to be the right thing. What’s the problem.”

“Take a look. What you are hauling isn’t an animal it’s a hot air balloon. The damn balloon came down right on my trap.”

“What happened to the occupants?”

“They all scattered, and that’s why I called you guys.”

“If this isn’t an animal why do you have to haul it out of the woods?”

“Cause the pilot said he would beat my butt if I didn’t.”

“Hmmm. The pilot definitely has an idea.”

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt – “ART”

Stream Of Consciousness Saturday

It is Stream of Consciousness time again. This week’s prompt is “Art.” Linda Hill says we can use the word as it is or as a name. She also say’s we don’t have to draw. That is a big load off my mind since drawing is something I don’t do. If you would like to participate here is the link. https://lindaghill.com/2016/07/29/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-july-3016/

Art by John W. Howell © 2016

“Art?”

“Yes, my man. What cam I do for you?”

“Huh? I was just wondering if this mess on canvas was art.”

“Oh, I thought you were asking me a question.”

“I don’t know you. My name’s Art.”

“Can you believe it. My name’s Art too.”

“Go on. What’s the chance of that?”

“Now what were you saying about the mess on canvas?”

“Well, I was wondering if these blobs of paint could be considered art.”

“I think we should ask the artist?”

“Do you know who did this atrocity?”

“I know the artist, yes.”

“Well, maybe we could ask if they consider this art.”

“Yes.”

“Yes, we should ask?”

“No yes. It is art.”

“How do you know?”

“I’m Art, the artist.”

“Oops. I didn’t mean this mess was a mess.”

“No? What did you mean?”

“I guess I don’t like it very much.”

“You’ve made that clear.”

“Aren’t you mad?”

“Not really. You see this canvas was on the floor of my studio. My agent came in and the next thing I knew it was on the wall here in the gallery.”

“So you didn’t paint it?”

“No, I sorta slopped it.”

“What a relief. I enjoy your other works, and this was out of synch.”

“Well, They say art is in the eye of the beholder.”

“Is this for sale?”

“Yup.”

“How much?”

“Fifty Thousand.”

“You’re kidding?”

“All the way to the bank Art.”