PICTURE IT AND WRITE ~ WISDOM AND DIET

Posted on Jan 27, 2016 by John Yeo | 2 Comments

This is a latest Picture it and Write prompt from Emilia’s blog ~20th January 201https://ermiliablog.wordpress.com/2016/01/20/picture-it-write-83/

sardines

As usual the image is supplied and credited by Ermilia

WISDOM AND DIET

by John Yeo

The wise man was a scholar of wide renown, he had written many books in his short life and had a high intelligence. It was said that his last lecture before he sadly passed away, contained many secrets of how he maintained his robust health and his extraordinary brain-power. The wise man swore by the hidden properties in his diet.

“Fresh fruit and vegetables contain many micro nutrients to keep us healthy and wise. I am a firm believer in the effects of eating large quantities of oily fish to gain the benefits of the amazing properties of Omega 3 fish oils. I eat a lot of oily fish. Sardines and Mackerel cooked in many delicious ways. I can eat ten to fifteen Sardines in a single sitting. I believe that the accumulation of these oils and the micro nutrients will allow us to live longer and become more intelligent!”

Six black horses, with black plumes pulled a black carriage to the church as the wise man went to his grave, with all due pomp and circumstance. Many people attended the funeral of this man who was respected around the world for his insight and judgement.

Among the mourners along the roadside were a venerable retired couple, Jack and Lil, who had come to pay their respects. As the cortège passed them, Lil turned to Jack with a tear in her eye and asked, “How did he die?”

Jack wiped away a tear and replied “He choked on a fish bone.”

FRIDAY NIGHT

Posted on Jan 17, 2016 by John Yeo | 13 Comments

Flash Fiction for Aspiring Writers ~ Writing challenge.

https://flashfictionforaspiringwriters.wordpress.com

Hosted by Priceless Joy.

The goal is to write a story between 100-150 words (give or take 25 words) based on the provided photo.

Photo © Etol Bagam

FRIDAY NIGHT

by John Yeo

Bill entered the bar and spat on the wooden floor. A gooey green mess landed at the feet of a woman, seated at a wooden table. The heavy makeup she wore hid the hard, world-weary face. Bill, adjusted his trousers, balanced on an ample waistline. Lank, greasy black hair hung beneath a grubby hat.
“What the heck? You dirty, lousy, good for nothing!” Lucy spat right back into his bleary red-rimmed, black eyes.
Bill took a wild swing, with his right hand, a sledgehammer of a fist missed by a mile. He cursed loudly, then doubled up in pain as Lucy kicked him square in the groin.
A nasty shouting and screaming row developed. Bill wildly attempted to grab a fist full of Lucy’s long brown hair as her sharp, finger-nails gouged tracks across his already scarred face.
The bar swiftly emptied as the police arrived, to end this public dispute.
Bill’s final words to Lucy were “Where’s my dinner?” The couple walked off arm-in-arm.
“Happens every Friday night!” said the barman to the policeman.

(174 WORDS)

Flash Fiction for Aspiring Writers

PICTURE IT AND WRITE ~ NEW PERSPECTIVES

Posted on Jan 11, 2016 by John Yeo | 1 Comment

This is a latest Picture it and Write prompt from Emilia’s blog ~10th January 2016

Picture it & Write

Belle and Fleur

As usual the image is supplied and credited by Ermilia

NEW PERSPECTIVES

by John Yeo

Fleur and her sister Belle were both clever and pretty, always standing out from the rough and ready tough flowers that surrounded them in the garden. They were not really sisters however, although they were always together, always supporting each other from the outside unruliness that surrounded them. They lived in an unreal protected environment, built up over many months into a smooth comfortable fertile border.

One day they were picked out from the mass of relentless, thrusting weather-beaten flowers, and placed in an impressive vase by the lady of the house. Water was provided, plant food was drip-fed into the vase, leaving nothing for our pretty captives to strive for.

These were no ordinary flowers, and the pressure of this unreal existence began to build inside their stamens, and the energy began to boil up the water. Then one fateful day the stress cracked the vase and water gushed out from the shards of the broken vase, taking the life forces of Belle and Fleur into a new environment leaving the husks of their previous existence behind to be cleared away with the rubbish.

The lady of the house blamed the cat.

Belle and Fleur mingled with the water to be re-circulated into the environment in their new existence.

If two well balanced young people were picked to be removed from the rough and tumble of life, into a stress-free environment. The chances are they would break down the walls of the cushioned life and develop their existence with different characteristics.

MYSTERIOUS ISLAND (49)

Posted on Jan 10, 2016 by John Yeo | 2 Comments

MY FINAL RESPONSE to Monday’s Finish the Story 10/01/2016, which was a challenge that provided a photo prompt and the opening sentence to your story. The rules indicated that the story you came up with must be between 100-150 words, not including the given opening sentence.

This is a sad memorial post to the late founder of Monday’s “Finish the Story” ~ Barbara “Babs” Beacham, who is sadly missed by many writers.

The link below takes you to Part Forty-Eight

MYSTERIOUS ISLAND (48)

Image from the Net

Finish the story begins with: “Life in The Foothills has Passed Away”

Marg and Sam went their separate ways. Sam with Delphine travelled to the Brigadier’s office to wait for final instructions for the assault on the factory. Marg returned to meet Hillary to discover that her very great friend and mentor Barb, had suddenly passed away. Marg was devastated at this terrible blow, Barb had been an ongoing inspiration and guide throughout her adventures. Marg resolved to leave the organisation and disappear for a while, and was soon on the way to finalise a deal to buy a luxury yacht from a dealer based in Poole, Dorset in the UK. Marg contacted the Brigadier and informed him of her decision, he intimated that he had heard her sad news, and was expecting this, he handed her an envelope containing a very large cheque. Hillary would continue to run the detective agency, and would be in close contact with her friend and business partner. Marg planned to be transported to follow the sun, aboard her luxury yacht, sailing the seas to some very exotic islands around the world, using the considerable fortune she had accumulated during her adventures. The only ties to her late adventures, would be Angelo with Maria, his lady friend, and Bella with her husband Luigi, who would all become trusted members of her crew The brand new yacht would be officially launched and named the ‘MV Mysterious Island.’

(230 WORDS)

(To be Continued ???)

RIP BABS

WEIGHTLESSNESS

Posted on Jan 7, 2016 by John Yeo | 13 Comments

Flash Fiction for Aspiring Writers ~ Writing challenge.

https://flashfictionforaspiringwriters.wordpress.com

Hosted by Priceless Joy.

The goal is to write a story between 100-150 words (give or take 25 words) based on the provided photo.

This week’s photo prompt is provided by Pixabay.com

WEIGHTLESSNESS

by John Yeo

“Ferdinand, I have to go to Weight-Watchers this morning, I have a weigh-in. Last week I came out two pounds over my recommended body-weight. I keep telling that gruesome coordinator that I am heavy boned, and the more calcium I ingest the heavier I become. I think I will have to consider some elementary changes to decrease my bone-density. I was far heavier when I wore flesh, l needed a lot of food-intake to keep the whole apparatus alive.”

“Yes Esmeralda my dear.” Thought Ferdinand, breaking into the interminable flow of thoughts.
“Have you seen my robes? I will need to cover up if I am to leave the crypt, I am sure they are around somewhere. Last time I wore them was on Halloween night when we went out haunting together. I do resent having to go all the way to a public crypt to a Weight Watchers session. The rattle of all those dangling bones would be unbearable if we had any ears to hear with.”
“Yes Esmeralda my dear.” Ferdinand replied.

(174 WORDS)

Flash Fiction for Aspiring Writers

PICTURE IT AND WRITE ~ DANDY-LIONS IN THE JUNGLE

Posted on Jan 4, 2016 by John Yeo | 2 Comments

This is a latest Picture it and Write prompt from Emilia’s blog ~3rd January 2016

Picture it & Write

As usual the image is supplied and credited by Ermilia

DANDY-LIONS IN THE JUNGLE

by John Yeo

The tropical rainforest steamed as the heat and rain mingled to create the perfect growing conditions. The Professor and the team were on an exploratory expedition, to discover an almost mythical species of flora, that was rumoured to have extraordinary effects on the human body.

The Chief native guide who had an unpronounceable name, was commonly called Chalky by one and all, due to his habit of wearing white zig-zags all over his body. On this day he approached the Professor. to parley.

“We are getting close Boss! The plants are growing everywhere in the next wide clearing. Many spirits of our tribe guard this secret area. We will have to take care we do not tread on sacred ground.”

“Of course! We will extend every due respect to you and your ancestors Chief. Mrs Mills, who funded this trip is keen to sample the amazing effects of these wondrous flowers immediately. I am here to take some seed and samples to reproduce the effects at home in our country.”

The team crossed a broad river, over a rickety bridge, and were immediately confronted by a sea of yellow flowering plants that stretched as far as the eye could see.

“Almost like a distant relation to our own dandelions. I believe dandelions are a useful diuretic if they are taken in vast quantities of dandelion tea.” said the Professor interestedly.

The team quickly set up a camp on the edge of the clearing and began harvesting some of the roots, leaves and the yellow flowers.

Chalky, the Chief, began to instruct the Professor’s assistant in the preparation of the plants, to produce the desired effects.

Seventeen stone, Mrs Mills stepped forward, “I hope this works on me, I really need to lose weight instantly.”

The professor nodded, and reassured her that the effects had been working for centuries on these tribal people.

The tribal shaman instructed Mrs Mills to lie prone on a stone altar and the prepared fluid was administered. Instantly water started gushing from every pore and orifice in her body. The shaman stepped forward and administered an antidote to stem the flow. Almost half of Mrs Mills body fluids had gushed away in seconds, before the antidote was administered.

A very surprised Professor then exclaimed, “Call the medics forward to examine Mrs Mills at once!”

A stunned Mrs Mills had lost a great deal of her body-weight almost instantly.

THE OUTER SPACE

Posted on Jan 1, 2016 by John Yeo | 10 Comments

Flash Fiction for Aspiring Writers ~ Writing challenge.

https://flashfictionforaspiringwriters.wordpress.com

Hosted by Priceless Joy.

The goal is to write a story between 100-150 words (give or take 25 words) based on the provided photo.

This week’s photo prompt is provided by Sonya with the blog, Only 100 Words.

THE OUTER SPACE

by John Yeo

Billy and his pals were strolling home from school, when they came across this weird green structure in a back garden
“What’s that?” Billy asked. “I’ve never seen anything like that before, it looks like an upside down onion on legs!”
“Wow” exclaimed Tommy. “Funny looking thing. It’s got a lot of rust on the legs, perhaps it’s scrap iron, My Dad says scrap metal is worth a fortune these days.”
Mary, had a much richer imagination than the two boys, she took one look over the fence and said, “I’m frightened, that looks like an alien spacecraft.”
“No, whoever heard of a rusty spacecraft. They’re all shiny and new when you see them on the tele.” replied Billy.
Tommy agreed, “No Mary, this is probably an old- fashioned TV aerial, gone rusty.
Just then two men in overalls appeared.
“Clear off you lot, ”
The children ran away fast from these warlike invaders.
“OK. Sebastian, let’s get started there’s a lot of work to do on our modern art sculpture before the exhibition starts!”

(175 WORDS)

Flash Fiction for Aspiring Writers

RED UMBRELLA

Posted on Dec 26, 2015 by John Yeo | 14 Comments

Flash Fiction for Aspiring Writers ~ Writing challenge.

https://flashfictionforaspiringwriters.wordpress.com

Hosted by Priceless Joy.

The goal is to write a story between 100-150 words (give or take 25 words) based on the provided photo.

This week’s photo prompt is provided by Etol Bagam.

RED UMBRELLA

by John Yeo

“Take your umbrella Mum! Rain is forecast. Take the main road, the shortcut is dangerous, the path takes you through the enchanted woods.” cautioned Arabella.
“OK! Dear!”
‘I don’t believe in any of that,’ she thought.
Bessie was bravely enjoying her walk along the shortcut: suddenly a wolf howled, Merlin the magician appeared with a magic wand and a long white beard . The wolf was trotting along by Merlin on the other side of the fence.
“Abracadabra, you should be dead! You’ve only been been saved because you are carrying red!” The magical Merlin wickedly said.
“Oh dear me!” replied Bessie. “Boo-Hoo, I know you! You’re in my imagination!”
There was a jingle of bells on the other side behind the magical fence?
A figure in red rode by on a sled that glided over the mud.
“Merry Christmas! You are not dead because you are carrying red. Follow me and you will be free from Merlin’s mighty dread.”
The rain stopped and she shut her red umbrella. Bessie was never seen again.

(174 WORDS)

Flash Fiction for Aspiring Writers

PICTURE IT AND WRITE ~ CUT ~

Posted on Dec 21, 2015 by John Yeo | 2 Comments

This is a latest Picture it and Write prompt from Ermilia’s blog ~ 20th

December 2015

Picture it & Write

As usual the image is supplied and credited by Ermilia

CUT

by John Yeo

Roger was a parish priest, who had many secrets entrusted to him by the congregation. His parish took in the local prison and many prisoners unloaded their secrets on to his broad shoulders. One day his code of ethics was put severely to the test.
One eloquent embezzler, a lawyer who had been jailed for stealing funds from his client account, asked to speak to him. Then followed many interviews over a period of many months, as the prisoner took him into his confidence and confessed to many other unsolved crimes. Hiding behind the cloak of priestly confidentiality, the man’s claims seemed to get wilder and wilder.
Nothing much had ever come anywhere near to shocking the priest before but this man’s confession penetrated his consciousness and affected him badly.
Father Roger wrestled with his revulsion of what he was exposed to by this continuous stream of evil, and he requested a meeting with the prison governor, asking to be relieved of his position.
“Why this sudden decision?” Asked the governor anxiously.

“I am unable to reveal the real reasons, but suffice to say. I will be a changed man in the future!” the cleric replied.

The governor nodded as the sudden realisation came across to him, that this was a professional man who was clearly at the end of his tether.
The priest went on to say to the prison governor;

“Maurice, I feel as if I have been taking part in a revolting nightmare. I can’t believe some of the secrets that have been entrusted to me, even with my experience and my long period of training, I am profoundly shocked. I intend to go on a long retreat to expunge this evil from my mind. It is as if I have been playing a role in a disgusting movie. I need to take a huge pair of imaginary scissors and cut the last last few frames of this film, and tread the memories into the dust of the cutting room floor and destroy them forever.”
Then there was something of a role reversal, as the prison governor calmly said.
“Go in peace and use your scissors with care!”

VIEWPOINT

Posted on Dec 18, 2015 by John Yeo | 17 Comments

Flash Fiction for Aspiring Writers ~ Writing challenge.

https://flashfictionforaspiringwriters.wordpress.com

Hosted by Priceless Joy.

The goal is to write a story between 100-150 words (give or take 25 words) based on the provided photo.

This week’s photo prompt is provided by pixabay.com.

VIEWPOINT

by John Yeo

Officer Tom was puzzled at the disappearance of the owner of the cycle.
“Look!” said Mary Jones, “It must belong to some one. It’s been leaning up against that lamp-post for days! I think someone got off, climbed the wooden stairs, then just disappeared.”
“Hmm!” Police Constable Jones proceeded to write something in his notebook, then he asked, “Where do the stairs lead?”
“Up to the roof,!” replied Mary. “Why would anyone want to climb up to my roof?”
“Ah! I had better take a look on that roof.”
Soon an ambulance and a police car arrived. Two paramedics carried a figure on a stretcher down the stairs to the ambulance and he was taken to hospital followed by the police car.
Officer Tom then congratulated Mary.
“Madame, you have just saved the life of a peeping Tom. He had a serious fall on the rooftops a few days ago and was unable to move following a broken leg. He had some very expensive telescopes, and an amazing assortment of women’s underwear up there.

(175 WORDS),

	John Yeo on Spring Flowers
	John Yeo on Just Because
	ladyleemanila on Just Because
	notestowomen on Spring Flowers
	John Yeo on HAPPINESS

WISDOM AND DIET

Six black horses, with black plumes pulled a black carriage to the church as the wise man went to his grave, with all due pomp and circumstance. Many people attended the funeral of this man who was respected around the world for his insight and judgement.

Among the mourners along the roadside were a venerable retired couple, Jack and Lil, who had come to pay their respects. As the cortège passed them, Lil turned to Jack with a tear in her eye and asked, “How did he die?”

Jack wiped away a tear and replied “He choked on a fish bone.”

FRIDAY NIGHT

One day they were picked out from the mass of relentless, thrusting weather-beaten flowers, and placed in an impressive vase by the lady of the house. Water was provided, plant food was drip-fed into the vase, leaving nothing for our pretty captives to strive for.

The lady of the house blamed the cat.

Belle and Fleur mingled with the water to be re-circulated into the environment in their new existence.

If two well balanced young people were picked to be removed from the rough and tumble of life, into a stress-free environment. The chances are they would break down the walls of the cushioned life and develop their existence with different characteristics.

Finish the story begins with: “Life in The Foothills has Passed Away”

WEIGHTLESSNESS

DANDY-LIONS IN THE JUNGLE

The tropical rainforest steamed as the heat and rain mingled to create the perfect growing conditions. The Professor and the team were on an exploratory expedition, to discover an almost mythical species of flora, that was rumoured to have extraordinary effects on the human body.

The Chief native guide who had an unpronounceable name, was commonly called Chalky by one and all, due to his habit of wearing white zig-zags all over his body. On this day he approached the Professor. to parley.

“We are getting close Boss! The plants are growing everywhere in the next wide clearing. Many spirits of our tribe guard this secret area. We will have to take care we do not tread on sacred ground.”

“Of course! We will extend every due respect to you and your ancestors Chief. Mrs Mills, who funded this trip is keen to sample the amazing effects of these wondrous flowers immediately. I am here to take some seed and samples to reproduce the effects at home in our country.”

The team crossed a broad river, over a rickety bridge, and were immediately confronted by a sea of yellow flowering plants that stretched as far as the eye could see.

“Almost like a distant relation to our own dandelions. I believe dandelions are a useful diuretic if they are taken in vast quantities of dandelion tea.” said the Professor interestedly.

The team quickly set up a camp on the edge of the clearing and began harvesting some of the roots, leaves and the yellow flowers.

Chalky, the Chief, began to instruct the Professor’s assistant in the preparation of the plants, to produce the desired effects.

Seventeen stone, Mrs Mills stepped forward, “I hope this works on me, I really need to lose weight instantly.”

The professor nodded, and reassured her that the effects had been working for centuries on these tribal people.

A very surprised Professor then exclaimed, “Call the medics forward to examine Mrs Mills at once!”

A stunned Mrs Mills had lost a great deal of her body-weight almost instantly.

THE OUTER SPACE

RED UMBRELLA

CUT

“I am unable to reveal the real reasons, but suffice to say. I will be a changed man in the future!” the cleric replied.

The governor nodded as the sudden realisation came across to him, that this was a professional man who was clearly at the end of his tether. The priest went on to say to the prison governor;

VIEWPOINT

The governor nodded as the sudden realisation came across to him, that this was a professional man who was clearly at the end of his tether.
The priest went on to say to the prison governor;