Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt “Still”

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Stream of Consciousness Saturday time again. This week the dungeon master Linda has come up with the prompt “Still.” In her usual magnanimous spirit we poor souls can do whatever we want with the word. (except that Dan) If you would like to join in or learn more go to Linda’s site and all answers will be revealed. (Well, except that, that, and that.) http://lindaghill.com/2015/10/16/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-oct-1715/ here is my interpretation.
Still by John W. Howell© 2015
“So when is that thing going to be ready?”
“What do you mean by ready?”
“You know. When do we get to drink something?”
“I’m still working out a few bugs.”
“Please don’t tell me your still has bugs. Yuck.”
“Yeah right. As if you would be fussy. No, it is just an expression for kinks.”
“Kinks? In what.”
“Man, you know the buttons to push don’t you. The tubes are copper, and there are a couple of places where the liquid can’t flow because the tube got bent.”
“How could that happen?”
“And still he tortures me.”
“Who’re you talking to?”
“Those thousands of people reading this blog.”
“Thou─ Ha ha ha. Hold still you may be exaggerating.”
“Okay, the three or four. You are still getting on my nerves.”
“I don’t mean to. When do you think the still will be ready to push out some juice?”
“You coming back for some?”
“I would like to if you will still have me.”
“Oh, no problem. The still will be operational in six years. Will you still be coming back?”
“You’re a jerk you know that?”
“Gee I don’t mean to be.”
“You still are. See ya.”

Tuesday – Anything possible Kreative Kue #46 by Keith Channing

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.

Kreative Kue #46

Le Roc by John W. Howell © 2015

“Well, mom I guess you’ll just have to get used to the fact.”

“My boy I just can’t stand the idea of you having a family before you figure out what you want to do with your life.”

“It’s a little late for that Mom. We already have a child.”

“I know son, but it seems you are not giving yourself or the child a break.’

“What are you saying mother. Give up the child?”

“She said you didn’t need to be involved.”

“I am involved. That’s our child she is holding.”

“Hush. Keep your voice down she’ll hear you.”

“She is standing outside and it’s raining. I don’t think she will hear me.”

“I think you ought to walk away. Look at you. You don’t even have a car. You have that damned motorcycle. That is not a proper conveyance for a baby let alone its mother.”

“Don’t you have any feelings for the baby? She’s your grandchild.”

“How do you know she’s my grandchild? Did you do a paternity test?”

“No of course not. She and I have been exclusive.”

“Seems to me any woman who would engage in sex before marriage is the type to have many partners.”

“Okay, mom. That’s it. I’m through talking. I’m going out to join my family. You can do what you want. This baby is ours and we’re going to be fine. Give my best to dad. Tell him thanks for driving you here.”

“Your father feels the same as I.”

“Yeah, I got the hint with him waiting in the car.”

“Please say you’ll think it over.”

“I’m going outside to wait with my family for the rain to stop and then we’re going home.”

“Goodbye, son.”

“Bye mother.”

 

 

 

 

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt “Expect/Unexpected”

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Stream of Consciousness Saturday again. This week’s prompt is “Expect/Unexpected.” Linda Hill lets us use the words any way we want. If you would like to learn more visit Linda’s site at http://lindaghill.com/2015/10/02/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-oct-315/ Here is my interpretation.

Expect/Unexpected by John W. Howell © 2015

“Whaddayou expect? You scared me.”

“Your reaction was entirely unexpected.”

“Well, I would have expected you to be less of a fright.”

“I did not expect you to react that way.”

“My unexpected reaction was as a result of not expecting you to come out of nowhere.”

“I expected you would be frightened, but your response was unexpected.”

“Would you expect me not to defend myself?”

“No. I would expect you to defend yourself, but this red paint was unexpected.”

“I suspect I threw the first thing in my hand in reaction to your unexpected arrival.”

“I expect you to help me clean it off.”

“I didn’t expect you to jump me so you can clean it yourself.”

“Now that reaction is unexpected.”

“Wait. What are we talking about here? I expect you to apologise.”

“For what?”

“For making me waste a whole can of red paint. My arm hurts as well. I expect I’ve sprained something.”

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt “EAT”

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It is Stream of Consciousness Saturday time again. Linda Hill has assigned the word “eat” as the prompt. She also says we can add letters to it to make a different word but admonishes us not to cheat. If you would like to learn more, go to Linda’s site. http://lindaghill.com/2015/09/25/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-sept-2615/ Here is my interpretation.

Eat by John W. Howell © 2015

“So this Stream of conscious thing.”

“Yeah, what about it?”

“You get a prompt each week.’

“Yup. On Friday, Linda Hill sends it out.”

“what is this week’s prompt.”

“Eat.”

“Excuse me?”

“Eat. We can add letters to it, though.”

“What d’you mean?”

“Like Eaten. Also, maybe Eaton the place.”

“How about Meat?”

“Hmm, that sounds like cheating.”

“Cheating?”

“Linda says no cheating.”

“Well, cheating has eat in it.”

“Never thought of that. Okay meat is good.”

“Treat is another.”

“Let’s stop now.”

“Sweat, teat, heat, great, peat, feat─”

“Enough. I think this one is done.”

“You admit defeat?”

“One more and I’ll find a stick.”

“ Stick? What for?”

“To give you a beating. That’s what for.”

“Not neat my friend.”

“That’s it. Start running.”

Stream of Consciousness Saturday

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It is Stream of Consciousness Saturday and the prompt for this week is “Route/Root.” Linda has kindly consented to let us use them either together or separately. If you would like to join in on the fun, visit Linda’s site for more information.  http://lindaghill.com/2015/09/18/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-sept-1915/

Route/Root by John W. Howell ©2015

“So tell me again why you don’t stop for directions.”

“Man, it’s like this is the biggest deal. Okay I don’t stop for directions because every time I do whoever I always ask says, ‘I don’t live around here.’”

“Right now we are in the middle of nowhere, nd I think the Route 37 turn off is way back the other way.”

“I don’t understand why this GPS system is on the fritz. That’s the root cause for our frustration right now.”

“The GPS has nothing to do with my frustration.”

“What does then?”

“That you are so stubborn you won’t stop and ask for directions.”

“Okay I will stop and ask as soon as we see someone.”

“Look there. It’s a guy on a tractor. He must live around here. Stop and ask him.”

“Okay. I’ll pull over here and wave him down. Hey mister. Yeah you. Can you help us?”

“Sure enough son. What’s the problem?”

“My  wife and I seem to be lost and wonder if you know where the Route 37 turn off is located?”

“Hmm Route 37 turn off you say?”

“Yes the Route 37 turn off.”

“I can’t rightly say I know where that is.”

“Well I think it might be a couple of miles down that road back the way we came.”

“Okay. If that’s what you believe I would go back and pick it up.”

“I guess I would like to be sure before I go all the way back.”

“Wish I could help but I don’t live around here.”

“You’re on a tractor and you don’t live around here?”

“Nope. I just work the fields during planting season. I actually live on Miami Beach.”

“Figures.”

“I can give you good directions to the best espresso stand in all of South Florida though.”

“Yeah I’ll bet you can.”

“You take I 94 South out of Minneapolis till you get to Illinois─”

“Yeah, thanks. Bye now.”

 

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt “Temp”

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Stream of Consciousness Saturday time again. This week’s prompt is “temp” and Nurse Linda says we can use it anyway we want. If you would like to join in go to Linda Hill’s site and find out how. http://lindaghill.com/2015/09/11/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-sept-1215/

Temp by John W. Howell © 2015

“So where do I put my things?”

“Excuse me but are you sure you have the right place?”

“Yeah. I’m the temp for Sally Sacrose.”

“Oh, I’m sorry I didn’t know Sally was not in today.”

“Yeah, seems she is sick or something.”

“Sick? I just saw her yesterday was fine.”

“Well she‘s not fine today. I got a call that I was to fill in for the rest of the week.”

“I can’t believe it. I wonder why she didn’t call me?”

“You her boss?”

“No. I’m her friend.”

“Oh. Figures.”

“What do you mean figures?”

“You are all bent cause she didn’t call you.”

“It is strange.”

“Maybe she can’t.”

“Can’t what?”

“Call. Maybe she is hurt.”

“Oh my gosh. I better call her.”

“So where do I put my things?”

“In the break room is a cubby. You can put your stuff in there. Excuse me the phone is ringing.”

“Fine. I’ll go find it myself.”

“Oh my gosh Sally are you okay? I was so worried. You didn’t call me. Yes the temp is here. You’re kidding. No I can’t believe it. Are you sure you’re okay? Maybe you should go to the hospital. You sure? Okay I’ll let the boss know. Call me later okay? Good. Bye now.”

“How’s Sally?”

“Not that you would care she’s fine no thanks to you.”

“Aw come on. I just tapped her is all.”

“You hit her. Why?”

“I needed the work. It was the only way I could find a temp position. I had to make sure there was an opening.”

“So you hit Sally to take her out?”

“Well it was better than trying to give her the flu.”

“I can’t believe this. I’m going to the boss and report you.”

“Sure you are. Won’t do any good.”

“What do you mean won’t do any good.”

“The boss works for my dad. My dad will tell him to ignore it.”

“We’ll see.”

“Nice knowing you. Good luck on your next job.”

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt “Light”

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It is Stream of Consciousness Saturday and this week’s prompt is “Light.” Linda Hill says we can do whatever we want with it. (Hmm causes one to wonder a bit) If you would like to participate, visit Linda and find out the rules. (Almost none) Here is the link. http://lindaghill.com/2015/09/04/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-sept-515/

Light by John W. Howell © 2015

“Get that light out of my face.”

“Tell me what you are doing here and maybe I will.”

“I was looking for a glass of water.”

“A glass of water? Here in the family room?”

“Well, I got turned around.”

“I guess so. It would be logical to get a glass of water in the kitchen.”

“Duh. I know that. I just got turned around is all. Get that light outa my face.”

“Not so fast. I still have to wonder how you got into the family room?”

“Okay, okay it’s no big deal. I came in through the window over there.”

“That’s what I thought. So you broke in.”

“No, I didn’t break in. The stupid window was open. I more or less fell in.”

“Fell in?”

“Yeah I was leaning against the house and the next thing I know I’m lying on the floor inside.”

“You don’t think entering someone else’s house is a problem?”

“Someone else’s? This is my house.”

“And who am I then?”

“Damned if I know.”

“Well, if you don’t know I’m not telling. See ya.”

“You’re a burglar. Hey not so fast.”

“What?”

“That’s my flashlight isn’t it?”

“Yup. Bye now.”

“You are taking my only light.”

“Tough break.”

“Yeah, tough. See ya.”

 

 

Tuesday – Anything Possible

Keith Channing has a prompt each week he calls Kreative Kue. He posts a picture and has these instructions. “ 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.”  Here is the link to his post    http://channing.info/wp/2015/08/10/kreative-kue-37/

Here is this week’s photo and my interpretation below it.

A prompt 37

The Autograph by John W. Howell © 2015

“For heaven’s sake can’t you see I’m on holiday?”

“Yes, sir but you see my wife here just absolutely adores your work.”

“She does?  Hello, I’m Reggie. What’s your name?”

“My name is Helen Mr. Trueforth.”

“Oh please call me Reggie.”

“Oh, I can’t do that.”

“Why not?”

“You are the Prime Minister and a star and it wouldn’t be right.”

“Star? Well, I like the sound of that. Don’t you men?”

“Mr. Trueforth?”

“Yes, son what is it?”

“About that autograph?”

“Oh yes, it would be my pleasure. What do you have for me to sign?”

“A petition sir.”

“Oh, I would be delighted. I even have a new pen. Here you are. What is the petition against or for?”

“Your removal sir.”

“Oh. Well, I certainly wish you luck. Come on men let’s go play volleyball.”

 

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt “Enthuse”

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It is “Steam of Consciousness Saturday time again. This week’s prompt is “enthuse.” It can be used with a prefix or suffix. I was trying to think of a prefix but could not come up with one so I’ll go with the original and suffixes. If you would like to join in go to Linda Hill’s site and learn more. Here is the link http://lindaghill.com/2015/08/07/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-august-815/ Here is my interpretation of the prompt.

Enthuse by John W. Howell © 2015

“All right team we are going to practice our enthusiasm today.”

“Oh goody, I just love to enthuse before lunch.”

“Who said that?”

“I did.”

“So what’s wrong with enthusiasm? We all need it sometimes.”

“Oh, nothing is wrong with enthusiasm. I just don’t think it is something you can just gin up at will. You either are enthused, or you’re not. You can’t make it up.”

“Nonsense. Enthusiasm is like any other emotion. You can practice being enthusiastic and before you know it you are enthused.”

“I’m sorry I just don’t believe its right.”

“ENTHUSE.”

“Wait. You scared me.”

“Do it.”

“Yay.”

“Bigger. Put your heart into it.”

“Yay?”

“Come on you wimp. Push it.”

“Yay!”

“Better. One more time with gusto.”

“YAY!!”

“Now you are talking. You sound enthusiastic. How do you feel?”

“Enthused sir.”

“Now that’s what I’m talking about now. Carry on enthusiastically.”

“Yes, sir. May I be excused?”

“Excused? What for may I ask?”

“I want to prevent enthuse in my pants, sir.”

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Photo Prompt

Keith Channing is a talented writer who has a regular feature named Kreative Kue and he has published his 36th. I find these prompts to be uniquely challenging and decided to join in this week. The idea is to take a picture Keith has published and write anything you want about it. I decided to write a flash fiction story about the photo. I hope you like it and if you want to check out Keith’s site go here http://channing.info/wp/2015/08/03/kreative-kue-36/

A prompt picture

The Orange by John W. Howell © 2015

“Hello, Sergio. Yeah, we are almost to the border. No, it’s just the three of us. Me, Jorge and my sister. I know we should get off the phone. Will you have the truck on the other side right? Good, see you then. Goodbye.”

“Who are you talking to?”

“It’s our pickup man. He will meet us when we get across the river.”

“Do you trust him?”

“Well, let me put it this way. I have only paid him half, and he needs the money. Marie, not so fast.”

“I am anxious to get to the other side. I can’t wait to start our new life.”

“Jorge what are you doing?”

“Picking an orange. What’s the big deal?”

“We are not supposed to make any kind of trail. Don’t pick more.”

“Sure. Who died and made you boss?”

“I’ve planned this crossing for over a year. I don’t need any screw ups. Do not drop those orange peels either.”

“Oh yeah? What should I do with ’em then?”

“I could tell you, but I’m a gentleman.”

“HALT USTEDES TRES NO SE MUEVEN.”

“Oh my God it’s the border patrol.”

“What did they say?”

“HALT YOU THREE DON’T MOVE. I think they mean it.”

“Ponte de rodillas rápida.”

“Hey, no pushing. What are they saying?”

“Get down on your knees quick. I would do what they say.”

“How in the hell did they know we were here? I’ll bet it’s that phone call of yours.”

“Sorry Jorge they are saying orange. You picked the only alarm orange in the country.

“Does this mean we will not get to cross into Mexico?”

“That’s what it looks like Marie.”