What's So Funny?
Russell Gayer, author speaker
The Rebus Puzzle
One of my favorite game shows as a kid was Concentration. Contestants had to match squares to reveal a hidden rebus puzzle (pictogram), then solve the puzzle to win the game. According to some historians, pictograms were the earliest form of written communication. Then the Egyptians came along and got all uppity with their hieroglyphics.
What were some of your favorite game shows?
If you’re new to Friday Flash Fiction, our hostess, who played Shirley Tadpole in short-running TV series, Sea Runt, is Gertrude Ederle” Wisoff-Fields. If you’d like to participate in this exercise in madness, head over to her blog for step-by-step instructions. To view the FFF Hollywood Squares Authors Block click here.
“Since it’s raining,” teacher said, “we’ll have recess indoors today.”
“Awwrg,” groaned little Johnny. “They don’t call ’em bored games for nothing.”
Teacher shrugged. “Those who prefer, can do arts and crafts.”
“Oh, boy!” Shelley grabbed a purple crayon and began drawing wine glasses.
Johnny selected a brown crayon and created a pictogram of a boy with cloud behind him, an ampersand, and a “Ha, ha” speech ballon.
“What’s that supposed to be?” asked Shelley.
Johnny flashed a mischievous grin. “Didn’t you hear the teacher say we could do farts and laughs?”
23 Comments on “The Rebus Puzzle”
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What's So Funny? 
Nothing like some good old boyhood humor. I never had a boyhood, but the humor is never lost on me! hehehe
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Thanks, Violet. A little crude, adolescent humor never hurt anyone.
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Wine glasses? I worry about Shelly
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Me too. And she’s always doing art shows at wineries. Not a coincidence.
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hahah, nice play on the arts and crafts phrase, which many folks share in Johnny’s perspective.
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I used to love to watch The Hollywood Squares and Match Game. Snark and smart humour are my go to, it would appear.
As for your boyish “charm”, let’s just say Johnny is right on the money. However, Shelley’s drawing of wine is rather disconcerting. She might grow “up” into Gertrude Ederle!
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I loved Hollywood Squares, especially when Paul Lynde and Jonathan Winters was on. I think Shelley mastered in drawing wine glasses at Walls Walls Bing Bang art school. You have to admit she draws an excellent Merlot.
BTW – Gertrude Ederle was a famous swimmer.
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Oh yes! They were the best!
Right. That must be where it all took place.
BTW – Guess what? The purple one has mentioned her 😉
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Dear Alex Trachec,
There’s a Little Johnny in every crowd, isn’t there?
I used to love indoor recesses. More time to draw wine glasses with purple crayons. And with today’s crayons there are so many different shades of purple. Life is good.
You saw Sea Runt? One of my finest works. What shade of purple would you like my autograph in?
Shalom,
Gertrude Ederle W(T)F
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LOL 😀 😀 😀
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Glad it brought you smiles
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johnny was showing maturity beyond his ears. was his last name carlson?
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Well, I don’t know about maturity, but he certainly has a sense of humor.
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If there is one thing that seems a given throughout history–even the Sumerians are rumoured to have used them–it has to be fart jokes. Shelly reminds me of a purple lady who painted wine glasses…
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Yes, fart jokes have a long smelly history.
Shelley got an early start drawing wine glasses and mastered it by the time she got into her sixties. These days, the wine glasses are always empty before the painting is finished. 🙂
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Hey. Everyone has to have a hobby. Right? Of course right! L’chaim!
Shalom,
Gertie
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Gave me a chuckle! Thanks 😀
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I’m glad. Thanks for reading and leaving a comment.
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I think Johnny will always hear what he wants to hear.
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You’re right about that, Sandra.
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Fun story Russell. Good thing Shelley is so good natured, but she can give as good as she gets so…there’s that.
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Got that right, Dawn! 😉
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Kids will be kids, and the teacher specified what to draw! I’m glad to see someone having fun during indoor recess. Urgh. Boooorrring!
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