Photography | Site or Sight | Sandi’s October Prompt
“Site or Sight” Six Words & a Photo: October Conclusion
SWPSC: “Site or Sight” & Freestyle Stories — October Conclusion
I’m off to see some sights!
Five months ago, on a whim, I purchased tickets to attend the last Australian KISS concert in Sydney on October 7th. Even though I live in Perth, I justified the expense because I could stay with my favorite son and combine it with a holiday.
Together, we planned a full-on itinerary. So when I had to think up a challenge for October, Site or Sight seemed like a great fit.
I flew to Sydney, and the next day, Jarryn and I ventured on a glow worm hike in the Blue Mountains. As we traveled back to Jarryn’s house, my stomach started to cramp.
Most people associate Cystic Fibrosis with the lungs. But CF is a multi-organ disease, and the digestive system is its second favorite target after the lungs. At that moment, CF had my bowel firmly in its sights, and it did a hit-and-run strike. Without any further warning, my bowel perforated, and I went septic.
By the time the ambulance arrived, I was simultaneously lucid enough to give my complicated medical history, along with its extensive cocktail of medications, while also talking of feathered flying monkeys.
So, instead of seeing the sights and watching my favorite Men in Makeup play one last time, I had emergency surgery, and my souvenir is a zipper scar down the middle of my stomach.
But I am still alive, still breathing, and at the end of the day, that’s what matters most.
October “Site or Sight” Challenge Conclusion led by me, Sandi Parsons
Gratitude to Mary Chang Story Writer, creator, and owner, and my co-editor Vidya Sury, Collecting Smiles, for their ongoing efforts in handling submissions. Together, they held the fort while your submissions rolled in, and I tried to recover.
Special shout out to Vidya Sury, Collecting Smiles, for her delightful Golden Barrel Cactus story. Her six-worder Mother-in-law’s cushion; don’t sit! gave me a much-needed giggle. And I can think of a (former) mother-in-law I’d be happy to invite to take a seat.
And to Mary Chang Story Writer, for Playing not Posing. Despite being a candid shot, there’s something striking about this photo — all the elements have combined together to make it a sight worth seeing.
Editors’ Picks for “Site or Sight” Challenge
Thank you to all the contributing writers this month for sharing your “Site or Sight” stories. We selected stories from about 80+ submissions for the “Site or Sight” Challenge. Each editor selected six stories.
Editor Picks by Sandi for “Site or Sight” Challenge
I can’t believe how the SWPSC family stepped up to the challenge and made it your own! Of course, your stunning entries made it ever so tough to pick just six. (Here’s hoping Mary and Vidya will pick some of the other submissions I wanted to highlight.)
Thank you to those people who embraced the extra challenge and included “cite” in their story. Therefore, I need to start my picks with Aaron Paulson, who used Site, Sight, and Cite with an impressively small word count!
Jason Edmunds wasn’t just brave enough to be the swinging ski lift photographer — he was also brave enough to write about it.
In The Lorraine Motel in Memory, Paul Gardner not only has an unusual perspective on the challenge, but he also asks some hard questions. This is not a piece to be taken lightly. Instead, it should be approached with great care and thought.
Sometimes, unintentional magic happens when you snap a photo. That’s what happened to Penny Grubb with Magic Should be Understated, Not Headlined.
A. Grace asked an interesting question in A Guard Tower Fades from Focus. Are the guards who died on duty still guarding the prison? My immediate thought was, “Yes, of course.” Followed by, “How sad would it be to spend your afterlife like that?”
I’m bookending my picks with another Site, Sight and Cite. Shereen Bingham has woven a story that melds together perfectly at the end!
Editor Picks by Vidya for “Site or Sight” Challenge
I was away from 22 September to 25 October and on the move. But I did check my email and was stunned by all the gorgeous photos and stories that flowed in for Sandi’s gorgeous challenge! Special hugs and thanks to Mary Chang Story Writer, for her generosity and for covering for me. I was shocked at the news of Sandi Parsons having to be rushed to hospital, and I am so, so glad she’s recovering.
Mary is one of the most inspiring people I have met, and I love her dearly. Her story “The Last Leg Was Hell” is a testament to her determination and willpower. And Sandi’s story “Garbage Truck Grumbles and Rejects my “Rubbish” Menu” made me laugh out loud. Sandi’s humor is legendary in my eyes.
Other stories that wowed — I had the toughest time picking six. My browser crashed thrice from all the open tabs. But here we go!
Reading Christina Daniels’ stories was a treat. And they caused a little travel envy in me, even though I travel a lot. I loved her story about seeing the Taj Mahal for the first time. That is pretty much how I felt, too — to see that beautiful monument in the mist. I don’t know if she meant it — but I thought her title was a clever play on Wah, Taj! — the line for an advertisement in India for a popular tea brand.
Michael Elliott’s photo capturing sunlight through the trees enchanted me. I started my photography in black and white and felt nostalgic. Beautiful sight!
Rodrigo S-C’s photo is deceptively simple. And I almost dismissed it. But I admire his work and read his story. So glad I did. As always, it was mesmerizing prose that had me staring at the photo and all its implications. Well done, Rodrigo. To use your own words, write on!
Jake FM’s photo and story about burial sites are pretty mind-blowing. I love photos like these — they give us a sense of the magnificent world we live in.
Marcus’ photo of Singapore is just lovely. I am glad their air quality is improving!
Francine Fallara’s photo of tender moments is so charming. I love large sculptures, and this one is just so sweet, with the entwined arms forming a heart. Love hearts! Her story is a wonderful read.
And please, may I wrap up with one more story from Mary Chang Story Writer — my breath caught in my throat at this photo. How precious!
Editor Picks by Mary for “Site or Sight” Challenge
I’m so relieved and happy that Sandi is recovering from her emergency surgery. It sucks that she missed the KISS concert, but I’m delighted she made it home safely. Vidya had a great vacation visiting her son in the US and traveling around the States.
If you’re wondering why it was such a busy October for me, it’s because I was running the pub on my own for most of the month. I missed my co-editors dearly — especially our regular banter. I did the best I could to clap or highlight all the submissions — there was minimal time to comment on stories in between my day job and life stuff — apologies — but I got through the month!
Kudos to Sandi —This story was self-published by Sandi, but I wanted to give it a shout-out because it’s such a cool cave experience!
And Vidya — your story gave me a good case of the giggles and captures your fun-loving personality. I also loved your Golden Barrel Cactus story — owch!
Now, onto my six picks
Evie Hill, if possible, I would walk into your van, slip under the blanket, and look out at the vibrant view. You brought this photo to life —and took me on a journey to experience camping in New Zealand. I could almost smell the fresh air. A beautiful campsite indeed.
Anne Bonfert, speaking of camping, I could imagine the two young girls cuddling up to Anne as she tried to comfort them during the night as the wind howled. What a vivid story you created with your words, and your photo represents a “window of nature.”
Wendy Snyder, your six words captured the photograph beautifully in a sad and heroic way. The back story brought tears to my eyes. The way the sunlight hits the memorial — -wow.
Krasi Shapkarova, I love how you took this brilliant photo at night — it encapsulates the beauty and setting of the grand theatre.
Rover Dave, crazy — buffalo stampeding over this cliff to die? It’s both horrific and clever. A grisly site. Read Rover Dave’s story to find out why the buffalo jumped over the cliff.
Kent Burkhardsmeier, wow, your photo is vivid, vibrant, and well-textured. — you swept me away. I would love to visit this sacred place one day.
Okay, I couldn’t stick to six stories (shhh, don’t tell Sandi and Vidya!) — so here’s number seven. Alan Garnsworthy, you wrote the ideal six words to describe the fantastic setting — and nailed it! I love a good 6-worder with no backstory.
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. Vidya, Mary, and I enjoyed reviewing all the freestyle stories. For October highlights, we each selected one story that resonated with us.
Here are three “Freestyle” stories that wowed us for different reasons — out of 30+ freestyle submissions to this publication this October.
Three stories that wowed Freestyle:
Sandi’s Freestyle Pick
Oh, how I want one of these aliens for my front yard!! B.R. Shenoy also provided the PERFECT caption!
Vidya’s Freestyle Pick
Daphsam had me at coffee. Chocolate does not hurt either!
Mary’s Freestyle Pick
Miguel Feuggin, what a dazzling photo of lightning striking — and developed on film. Well done. Welcome to the pub, Miguel!
Note: This article officially ends the October “Site or Sight” Challenge, and no further submissions will be accepted.
Stay tuned for the November Six Word Photo Story Challenge!
Get those cameras clicking, or dig into your photo archives! The November Challenge will be published on November 1, 2023, led by Vidya Sury, Collecting Smiles. If you’ve read this far — here’s a hint for November — it is something everyone wants, seeks, and loves — and often finds they already have it!
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, Sandi Parsons, Vidya Sury, Collecting Smiles, and Mary Chang Story Writer. Please follow us to stay connected to our Monthly Challenges!
