I need a little help.

So here's the part about online dating that I find difficult. I never really know what to say in the initial message to a guy. I want to say something clever and cute, but I can never seem to think of anything. So it's usually pretty generic, something like Hey, how are you? Did you have a great weekend or have any big plans for the weekend (depending on the day of the week). Then I might say what I did or what my plans are and then I will say to have a great day, talk to you soon. I know it's not the greatest plan in the world, but I also don't want to write a novel, what if he never writes back, then I would have wasted my time. But I also don't want to write a canned message that I send to everyone.

Any thoughts on clever and/or unique ways to send a message to a potential date?