Tuesday – Anything Possible – Kreative Kue #58 by Keith Channing #JusJoJan

January 5, 2016January 4, 2016 ~ John W. Howell ~ 23 Comments

I guess by now you all know I love writing prompts, and Keith Channing posts a picture once a week on Mondays. You can go here and see the post http://channing.info/wp/2016/01/04/kreative-kue-58/

And here is the picture.

“Do you believe it is 2016 already?”

“I know right? It seems like it was just a couple of days ago it was 2015.”

“Erm. It was 2015 a couple of days ago. I was making a comment on how fast time goes by.”

“Oh, I get it. Hey, what is Jerry doing back there?”

“Back where?”

“In the stern. He’s pulling something out of the water.”

“Could be the bumper genius. One may have gone overboard.”

“I don’t think so. I’m going aft to check it out.”

“Take the walkie talkie with you.”

“I got it. Can you read me?”

“I’m standing next to you. Of course, I can read you. Also, you need to turn the thing on.”

“Oh yeah. Gosh. Makes me look foolish right?”

“Yeah right. Now go back there and contact me when you find out what Jerry’s doing.”

“Captain, can you read me? Over”

“Yes. I can read you. What’s going on? Over”

“Jerry has hooked some kind of tube. It looks like it might be a scientific buoy. Over.”

“Is it heavy? Over”

“Naw. It’s pretty light.”

“Bring it to the bridge. Over.”

“On my way. Over and out.”

“Hey, cap. Look at this thing.”

“I’ll be damned. I’ve read about these but never thought I would see one. I know what that is.”

“You do?”

“Yes. it’s a document carrier. It’s used in the submarine service to carry important documents. If anything happens to the sub this thing is supposed to be jettisoned and explode at a preset depth.”

“Did you say explode?”

“Come to think about it I wonder why this thing is intact. Let me take a picture of it and send it to the naval office.”

“Do I hear ticking?”

“Don’t be silly. It’s obvious something malfunctioned and the pod did not self-destruct. We need to turn this into the Navy. To be safe, we better tow it a few yards astern. Tie it off with a line and throw it overboard.”

“Aye aye.”

“Did you get it deployed?”

“Yes. Not too soon I’m thinking.”

“I got a text from the navy and they have identified the pod as a document carrier.”

“Really. Which sub was it on.”

“They are not sure and need to open it. What was that noise?”

“I think the pod just went off.”

“See if Jerry’s okay. I’ll circle back. Maybe there’s some debris.”

“Captain? Over.”

“Yes. Over.”

“Jerry’s fine. Over.”

“Good. Over and out.”

Well, the captain and crew never found any debris and all they have left is the photo. The mystery of which submarine released the document carrier may never be solved.

This post is part of JusJoJan and if you would like to play go to the rules post. http://lindaghill.com/2015/12/31/just-jot-it-january-2016-rules/

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Kreative Kue #57 by Keith Channing

December 29, 2015December 28, 2015 ~ John W. Howell ~ 20 Comments

I guess by now you all know I love writing prompts, and Keith Channing posts a picture once a week on Mondays. You can go here and see the post http://channing.info/wp/2015/12/28/kreative-kue-57/

Here is the photo and my interpretation follows.

“Silent night, Holy night, All is calm, All is bright—”

“Whoa. Look at Sam.”

“What do you mean?”

“Look at his face.”

“His face? I can’t see his face.”

“That’s what I’m talking about.”

“Please tell me. I still don’t understand.”

“His whole head is a blur.”

“I don’t see that. What’s going on?”

“I hate to tell tales, but I think old Sammy had one too many at the cocktail party.”

“Were you watching him?”

“It was hard not to. He must have gone back to the bar ten times.”

“Ten times? You counted?”

“Well I followed him so’s I could keep track.”

“And you saw him get a drink each time.”

“I sure did.”

“Did you get a drink each time as well.”

“Well yes. I didn’t want him to get suspicious.”

“Did you drink them all?”

“Yeah, so what?”

“Oh nothing. It’s just Sam doesn’t drink anything stronger than ginger ale. I think the blur the eye of the beholder.”

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt Socks

December 26, 2015December 25, 2015 ~ John W. Howell ~ 25 Comments

It is Stream of Consciousness Saturday again and this week’s prompt is “socks”. Linda Hill says we can use the prompt anyway we want. Now I have to ask you how many ways can you used the word “socks?” Well if you would like to know more about this program just visit Linda’s site http://lindaghill.com/2015/12/25/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-dec-2615/ You can pick up all the info you need there. Here is my interpretation.

“So what did you do after the guy socks you in the nose?’

“I stood there and cried like a baby.”

“what? You’ve got to be kidding me.”

“You don’t know how much that hurt.’

“I can imagine but to just stand there and cry doesn’t sound like you.”

“Oh, it was me alright.”

“How long did you stand there?”

“Not long. I wiped my tears, bloody nose and then got revenge.”

“Got revenge? How did you do that?”

“Well, this guy was wearing white socks see.”

“Yes.”

“He got blood all over them.”

“I don’t think that sounds like revenge. He could just wash them.”

“Oh, I should mention.”

“What?”

“I hit him with my ball bat.”

“What did he do?”

“He was on the ground out cold.”

“So you bled on his socks?”

“Poetic ain’t it?”

“I’m walking away now.”

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Kreative Kue # 56 by Keith Channing

December 22, 2015December 28, 2015 ~ John W. Howell ~ 23 Comments

I guess by now you all know I love writing prompts, and Keith Channing posts a picture once a week on Mondays. You can go here and see the post http://channing.info/wp/2015/12/21/kreative-kue-56/

Here is the photo and my interpretation follows.

Kreative Kue #56

“I thought the sign was self-explanatory. Driving off the road is not allowed. What makes these damned tourists think the whole world is there for their amusement? Is is not obvious that taking a car down these stairs is a dangerous thing to do. In all my years as a park ranger, I’ve never seen anything like it. Right out of nowhere that van loaded with snot nosed kids and a couple of throwbacks to cro-magnon man come barreling off the road, down the stairs, and through the men’s room and back up on the wall and the road again. I almost believe they took that sign as a challenge. As soon as I get my clipboard I will write down that license plate number and then call it into the Tanzanian state police. They can’t get far, after all, that stone wall probably tore out their oil pan, and their engine will seize up in no time.

Let me see if I have this right. A blue-colored van with South African license plates. The driver looked like some rotter from the city. His wife was on the phone which is typical. I better repeat the number until I get to the clipboard. Let’s see DMB 187 EC. DMB 187 EC. Dumb 87 EC. Yeah, I got it. I wish the park would give me a weapon. I’d a had those two on the ground in no time. Not much I can do with a ballpoint pen and a set of keys. I was lucky to escape the way they were driving. I have to say that trash can saved me. One more time on the number DUMB 78 CE. They’ll be sorry.”

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt – “Store”

December 19, 2015December 18, 2015 ~ John W. Howell ~ 27 Comments

It is Stream of Consciousness Saturday time again. This week’s prompt is “store.” The grand master has allowed us to use the word any way we like. If you would like to know more, please visit Linda Hill at http://lindaghill.com/2015/12/18/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-dec-1915/. Here is my interpretation of “store.”

“You can put a lot of store in what he says.”

“You sure. I don’t know him well at all.”

“Yes. He’s one of those guys who when he gives you his word it’s like gold.”

“That is funny cause he said the same about you.”

“He did?”

“Yeah. He said your word was a good as fool’s gold.”

“Fool’s gold. Are you sure he said fool’s gold.”

“I remember his exact comment. He said, “That Jack’s word is like fool’s gold. A flash in the pan.”‘

“Why that no good liar.”

“I thought you said his word was gold.”

“I think I gave him too much of the benefit of the doubt.”

“I suppose if your word is like fool’s gold and then if you said someone’s word was good as gold it would be the opposite.”

“You are beginning to make sense.”

“So he is a liar then.”

“Nope. His word is as good as gold, and you can put store into what he says.”

“I get it. I think I won’t trust him.”

“I think you are a smart man.”

“Which might mean you think I’m a dummy.”

“Okay, you’re a dummy.”

“Thanks. Let’s go and get some snacks and watch the game. Who’s going to win?”

“The Steelers.”

“I think I’ll take Denver.”

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Kreative Kue by Keith Channing – Prompt

December 15, 2015December 14, 2015 ~ John W. Howell ~ 26 Comments

I guess by now you all know I love writing prompts, and Keith Channing posts a picture once a week on Mondays. You can go here and see the post http://channing.info/wp/2015/12/07/kreative-kue-54/

Here is the photo and my interpretation follows.

Kreative Kue #55

“Sorry lady but I missed your comment.”

“Oh, young man my comment wasn’t for you to hear. I was talking to my friends.”

“I’m not sure I wasn’t supposed to hear. It sounded like you were commenting on my three legs.”

“My goodness, no young man. I was pointing to that building over there and wondered aloud if that’s where they stored eggs.”

“Eggs huh. Aren’t you a little old to be telling fibs?”

“I think all of us are allowed to tell lies once in a while. Especially if we avoid hurting someone’s feelings.”

“Like mine for instance?”

“Well yes.”

“You needn’t have bothered. I’m long past getting hurt feelings over my three legs.”

“Young man now that you have mentioned your three legs let me ask how you come to have three legs?”

“It is not a pretty story.”

“I think the three of us have heard most everything. If you would like to share, we would be willing to listen.”

“Well, when I was born I had four legs and lost one in the hay bailer.”

“Okay stop right there. You were right in the first place. I think it is none of our business. We have to be going.”

“You don’t want to hear about how I got into the hay bailer?”

“N-no thank you. Come on girls we need to catch the bus.”

“It’s a great story.”

“Bye now young man. Good luck to you.”

“I was on top of the machine—”

“We can’t hear you. MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM.”

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt “Clo”

December 12, 2015December 11, 2015 ~ John W. Howell ~ 33 Comments

I guess if you read the headline you are as confused as me. The Stream of Consciousness prompt this week is “Clo.” We are to use the three letters in the order you see here. Some folks wonder why writers are near the edge many times. With this kind of prompt is there any wonder. If you would like to challenge yourself to go near the edge check out Linda Hill’s site http://lindaghill.com/2015/12/11/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-dec-1215/.You will find all you need to know about going bonkers there. Now for my interpretation of Clo.

“I mean it Harry. You need to come out of the closet.”

“I don’t have anything to declare.”

“No, you dope. I mean get your butt out of my closet. I need to get dressed.”

“My, my we are certainly touchy this morning.”

“Touchy my rear. How would you like to have some idiot sleeping in your closet? You are funking up all my clothes.”

“Come on Trish. I took a bath…er…last week. Besides, you know I need a place to crash.”

“The hotel is closed Harry. You need to move on. Look at the clock. When the big and little hand are on the twelve, you need to be cloistered somewhere else.”

“You use words like you are a nun or something. You’re sure not clothed like a nun.”

“You are getting close to being clobbered Harry. Watch your mouth.”

“Okay. Let me gather my clothing and be gone.”

“Don’t forget those awful clown shoes as well.”

“You never like me as a clown did you?”

“Don’t be a clod Harry. No one likes clowns.”

“I don’t know about that. You used to laugh pretty hard when I came clomping in after the show.”

“Well, that’s when we were getting along and had a closeness in our relationship.”

“Yeah what happened?”

“You never got your head out of the clouds. You never grew up.”

“My life is cloudless now.”

“And I have closure, Harry. I have moved on.”

“I know Trish. I wish I could as well. One more night in your closet and I’m sure I can close down my feelings.”

“You only have ten minutes Harry.”

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt “to/too/two

November 21, 2015November 20, 2015 ~ John W. Howell ~ 18 Comments

It is Steam of Consciousness Saturday again. This week’s prompt is “To/Too/Two.” Since Linda Hill is away in Japan the temporary dungeon mistress HELEN ESPINOSA says we can use these in any manner we choose. (You can tell she is temporary). If you would like to be a part of this ~~madness~~ fun, go to Linda’s post and find out the cost of chiming in. (hint its free) http://lindaghill.com/2015/11/20/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-nov-2115/ Here is my interpretation.

“To what good deed does this gift belong.”

“Oh, no good deed. I just wanted to give you something since you are my friend.”

“I’m totally taken back. I don’t know what to say.”

“Don’t say anything, just open it.”

“I’m so excited.”

“Go ahead and tear the paper.”

“My goodness what have we here.”

“I hope you like it.”

“Like it? I love it.”

“It came in the color blue too. I thought you would rather have the red. Also, the guy said the red brings good luck.”

“Yes, the red is so much more distinguished. Thank you so much.”

“You’re welcome. I’m sorry they did not have two. I would have liked one as well.”

“Aw. That’s a shame. We could have been twins.”

“I’m not sure about that. I’m so much bigger than you.”

“No, I mean If we wore the same red nose people would think we were twins.”

“Well, they would assume we both had red noses alright. So Rudolf try it on.”

Stream of Consciousness Saturday- Prompt “Strange, Stranger, Strangest”

October 31, 2015October 30, 2015 ~ John W. Howell ~ 26 Comments

Stream of Consciousness Saturday time gain. This week’s prompt as dictated by the boss Linda Hill is “Strange/Stranger/Strangest.” The beautiful part is we can use one, two or all three. IT IS THE WRITER”S CHOICE. I know this doesn’t seem like a big deal to you, but to have a choice these days is a big thing.If you would like to join in go to Linda’s place and find out the rules. Here is the link: http://lindaghill.com/2015/10/30/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-oct-3115/

“Tell me that again?”

“I saw a strange stranger doing the strangest thing.”

“You just left Linda Hill’s place right?”

“Yeah, but so what. Don’t you want to know the strangest thing the strange stranger was doing?”

“I can tell you if you were at Linda Hill’s place she probably gave you a prompt where you had to work in strange, stranger, strangest. Right?”

“I have no idea what you are talking about. You are acting strange. Almost like the strangest stranger.”

“Okay, I give up. What was the strangest thing the strange stranger was doing?”

“He was sitting on the curb drinking milk,”

“This was the strangest thing the strange stranger was doing?”

“No, not exactly.”

“You’re going to drag this out aren’t you?”

“Ask me again.”

“You have given me a headache in my eye. To humor you though here goes. What strangest thing was the strange stranger doing?”

“He was milking a cow.”

“That is strange.”

“And I didn’t recognize him.”

“So he was a stranger to you.”

“Yup and he was strange. No shoes or shirt.”

“No wonder he was milking a cow.”

“Why?”

“He couldn’t get served in the diner.

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Kreative Kue #47 by Keith Channing

October 20, 2015October 19, 2015 ~ John W. Howell ~ 21 Comments

As you may know, I have become enamored by the talent of Keith Channing. He has a weekly prompt named Kreative Kue, which runs on Mondays. Here are the instructions from Keith for the prompt. “Using this photo 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 on Sunday (if you aren’t sure what the time is where I live, this link will tell you). If you post it on your blog or site, a link to this page would be appreciated.”

His advice. “Go on. You know you want to. Let your creativity and imagination soar. I shall display the entries, with links to your blog or website, next Monday.” Here is the photo.