Interior Designs

May 5, 2014May 5, 2014 / Steve Lakey / 9 Comments

I had the idea of getting out, from one of those old war movies. The one with all those great escapes in. I’ve been watching those builders taking scrap metal out at 4pm every day. Back at 6pm. I knew that would give me all the time I needed.

There’s some loose planks on the back of the truck that leave enough room for me and the stuff. I’ve done this run a few times so I know the routine. They always call at the pub on the retail park, to have a meal and a pint. Then drop the scrap at the tip, before going back.

The thing is, when you’ve been ‘inside’ for as long as we have, you need something to brighten the place up. ‘Homely Bargain Bins’ is our shop of choice. They have some tasteful home decor, in the latest styles, and at reasonable prices. Especially when you know the security guards.

I’ve just taken a photo of the van with my new smartphone. It’s a five finger discount, of course.

It’s time to get back aboard. Don’t worry, I’ve got three hundred honest lads who’ll give me an alibi. If you’re wondering why we need a lot of stuff? Because we live in a big house!

This is my contribution to Sunday Photo Fiction, May 04 2014, Hosted by Al Forbes. For more details, click the logo.

To view the other stories in this challenge, click the blue frog!

Keeping it Real?

May 1, 2014 / Steve Lakey / 3 Comments

Photo: Mannequin Head by Peter Griffin

Our connection to the outside world is governed by our senses. The human brain can process as much as 400 billion bits of information a second, but we are consciously aware of only about 2,000 bits a second. This means we filter out most of our ‘reality’.

The data we’re left with, is what our brain considers to be important. The information it thinks we need to thrive and survive. But our brain takes shortcuts based on generalisations. What was once important to us stays there unless new connections render the old ones obsolete.

Over time, we establish thought patterns and beliefs that determine how we expect ‘reality’ to behave. Anything confirming that view is allowed through, but conflicting information is generally disregarded. Constant conditioning.

But we don’t have to keep the same modes of thinking. It’s possible to consciously reset some of our filters.

For instance, if you tend to look on the negative side of things, you can make a deliberate practice of not worrying about things beyond your control. Stuff happens! Your challenge is to make your situation better, whatever your starting point.

Try and look for solutions rather than being stuck with your problems. Find a few things to be grateful for each day. Sometimes this can be tough, but if you’re reading this post, you’re probably more affluent than most people in the world.

For a few minutes, you can ‘live in the now’, focusing on your senses and nothing else. It can give you a chance to choose a better version of your own reality. Why not give it a try?

Spirit Hunt

April 29, 2014April 29, 2014 / Steve Lakey / 8 Comments

Photo: Halloween by George Hodan

Welcome to “Spirit Hunt – When the Night Demons Visit”. We review last night’s Investigation at the Amphitheatre.

Cameras focused on clairvoyant Dan T. Inferno, who felt the building had seen ‘Wild Times’.

The team reacted nervously, as they heard a guttural growl, which Dan believed to be the spirit of a terrible Demon. The producer later admitted that his stomach was ‘off’ and may have been the source of the rogue noise.

At 3.02am, all the team’s electrical equipment simultaneously ‘died’. Paranormal activity or overloaded power grid?

A candle lit vigil continues, with the crew repeatedly chanting, “Toga! Toga!”, after consuming several bottles of chianti.

This is my contribution to 100 Word Challenge for Grown Ups, Week #131. This weeks prompt is …when the night demons visit… For more details, visit Julia’s Place.

Stuck in a Rut?

April 27, 2014 / Steve Lakey / 10 Comments

People say that I should have moved that pile of mechanical wreckage away from the ‘For Sale’ sign. That it ‘sends out the wrong message’.

To be honest, there was a time when I didn’t know if I’d rather sell the farm, or have the bank take it off me. I’d had it with farming, despite that being all I’d ever known.

That pile of rust was my father’s pride and joy. The first plough he was able to buy from new. When the time came, he handed it down to me. But then our contracts kept reducing in value, year on year. We’d have been better off taking European subsidies to not grow certain crops. You couldn’t make it up!

But now I’ve found a better way. I’ve got myself an even bigger government grant to start a Living Farm Museum. Some of it will show how some farms have gone to the wall. Other parts will form a working enterprise, selling straight to the public. No expensive middlemen taking their cut.

I’m sure Dad would have been proud.

This is my contribution to Sunday Photo Fiction, 27 April 2014, hosted by Al Forbes. If you’d like to know more, click the logo.

If you’d like to read the other stories, click the blue frog!

Someone… Under the Radar

April 26, 2014April 26, 2014 / Steve Lakey / 21 Comments

Photo: Copyright Björn Brudberg

You’ll probably recognise the legendary axeman, sitting on my right. We have an intimate atmosphere here at the Under the Radar Club. The sort of place where legends can take a break from those sterile arena tours, and play up close and personal to a few lucky punters.

I’m honoured to have sat close to the biggest names in Rock. Well, almost.

To be honest, we’ve all seen the cream of the crop, on TV at least. But their tickets cost a fortune! So here, we’re nurturing the lookalike Tribute acts. Giving them their first break.

Tonight, it’s David Filmore!

This is my contribution to Friday Fictioneers, 100 Word Photo Challenge, hosted by Rochelle Wisoff-Fields.

To view the other stories, please click the logo.