Photography, Comfort | Ellie’s September Prompt
“Comfort” Six Words & a Photo: September Conclusion
SWPSC: “Comfort” & Freestyle Stories — September Conclusion
A blanket and a kitty’s purr.
Benny the kitty is now ten months old. We adopted him from an animal rescue when he was three months old.
He’s a nervous sort of kitty, still not liking to be held. Not sure if it’s his young age, his personality, or the rocky start at an animal shelter where he lived for two months before we adopted him.
He still only lies on my lap or with me in bed. Still nervous around my boys and my husband. On my days off, it has become our ritual to “nap” together in the afternoon. We both curl up in my bed with my favorite pink, fluffy blanket. My goal is to read, but he gets a bit impatient as he waits for me to put the book done in an attempt to inch closer.
His purr ends up lulling me to sleep for a short afternoon nap.
September “Comfort” Challenge Conclusion (led by Ellie Jacobson)
Gratitude to SWPSC creator and editor, Mary Chang Story Writer, and co-editors, Sandi Parsons & Vidya Sury, Collecting Smiles, for their ongoing efforts in handling submissions. Special shout out to Sandi for her “Soft, Warm and Fluffy” story (I agree that hiking socks just won’t do for sleeping), to Vidya for “My Second Teddy Bear” (as a teddy bear collector, my heart melted for Chatz), and to Mary for “The Three Stages of Comfort” (I wanted to jump right into the photo).
Editors’ Picks for “Comfort” Challenge
Thank you to all the contributing writers this month for sharing your Comfort stories. We selected 16 stories out of 60+ submissions for the Comfort Challenge that stood out because they embodied the feeling of comfort in ways that inspired us to laugh, smile, or even shed a tear. Each editor selected 4 stories.
For the “Comfort” category, check out the latest stories under the “Monthly Challenge” tab. For all stories in this category, check out this tab.
Editor Picks by Ellie for Comfort Challenge
Rodrigo S-C perfectly captured the feeling of love that comforts our souls with this red monochromatic photo.
Barb Dalton 🇺🇦, I don’t know how you managed to get this shot (because I know how short-lived snuggle time is with a young cat) but you did it. Both your faces show us the comfort you both give each other.
Penny Grubb brought us tranquil comfort that only the peace of water can. You can feel the quiet, the stillness of the moment.
Kim McKinney reminds us to look up in moments of stress. The skies are constant and bring comfort any day. Through the clouds or the rays of sun.
Editor Picks by Sandi for Comfort Challenge
Mia Verita submitted some beautiful sunsets, making it hard to choose just one. I finally settled on this magnificent tree sunset.
Nicole Anders delighted me with this wonderful story tree. And now I’ve added walking The Tolkien Trail onto my rapidly expanding bucket list.
Randy Runtsch provided yet another stunning bird photograph, with some delightful titbits about hummingbirds.
K. Barrett took us back to the classroom with love notes.
Editor Picks by Vidya for Comfort Challenge
Always a sucker for a love story and a natural heart, Jillian Amatt — Artistic Voyages’s photo took my breath away!
Still mushy for a heart, pockett dessert’s photo makes me want to frame it. What’s it with me and wanting to frame people’s photos? Absolutely loved it. I felt like the leaf, peacefully floating in the water. So Zen.
L Burton’s ice cream cone is just what I need now. And the way she described her favorite flavor — soulmate-ish! Comfort does come in many shapes and sizes!
Comfort is always about memories, most of the time, at least! Osan Fernando touched my heart with hers. I am looking at my own collection of pressed flowers and leaves and smiling through the tears.
Editor Picks by Mary for Comfort Challenge
I’m tempted to take a bite of Elin Melaas’ great-grandmother’s apple cake! The photo set-up with the cake slice, fork, rose, wooden board, and the handwritten recipe looks like a page from a pastry chef’s magazine. I have a sweet tooth and weakness for comforting homemade pastry — this was a stand-out. I agree with Elin — the almonds add a lovely touch.
Denise Darby’s photo made me envision walking into that spectacular sunset. I can resonate with that car ride moment she spent with her son that bonded them with comfort and joy. Car rides are great for connecting with sons.
John Dean has made me laugh with his six-word stories about toothpaste, old laundry detergent, and doggie-waste dispensers, but it was wonderful to see John invite this hummingbird into the comfort of his home. Caught the bird in mid-flight — a cool shot with the dark background and bright flowers below.
Shubha Apte invited us into her secure family home when she stumbled across this photo. It triggered some beautiful childhood memories — as old photographs do.
Editor Picks for Freestyle Stories
“Freestyle” Stories
For the “Freestyle” category, check out the latest stories under the “Freestyle” tab. For all freestyle stories, check out this tab. Mary, Sandi, Vidya, and I enjoyed reviewing all the freestyle stories. For September highlights, we each selected 1 story that resonated with us.
Here are 4 “Freestyle” stories that wowed for different reasons — out of 20+ freestyle submissions to this publication for September.
4 stories that wowed Freestyle:
Ellie’s Freestyle Picks
Anne Bonfert reminded us that it isn’t just about the trees and scenery but the play you find along the way (and a nod to Mary’s “Nature Art” challenge).
Sandi’s Freestyle Picks
I couldn’t go past Paul Gardner’s stunning photo and breathtaking words in The Anxiety of Beginnings.
Vidya’s Freestyle Picks
Judy Walker’s story stole my heart. The photo transported me to that time when my son made me a lunchbox of paper cuttings of foodie-goodies — Judy caught me at an emotional moment when I had just said goodbye to my son, who had returned to campus.
Mary’s Freestyle Pick
Hmmm, I wonder why Charlie Cole’s photo made me crave a cup of tea. I appreciate the simplicity of Charlie’s story and the set-up involved in taking this shot, or rather the magical way they assembled on their own. Something about this photo makes me think of the October Challenge, which will be brought to you by my co-editor Sandi Parsons on October 1st — stay tuned.
Note: This article officially ends the September “Comfort” Challenge, and no further submissions will be accepted.
Stay tuned for the October Six Word Photo Story Challenge!
Get those cameras clicking or dig into your photo archives! The October challenge will be published on October 1, 2022. If you’ve read this far, here’s a hint for October, which will be brought to you by Sandi Parsons — what do dust bunnies, stamps, and coffee mugs all have in common?
If you’d like to be added as a writer and submit to Six Word Photo Story Challenge, please read and follow the submission guidelines. Note: Formatting guidelines are unique to this publication — please read the formatting guidelines thoroughly.
— Village hugs, the editorial team, Ellie Jacobson, Sandi Parsons, Vidya Sury, Collecting Smiles, and Mary Chang Story Writer — Creator & Editor of SWPSC. Please follow us to stay connected to our Monthly Challenges!