PHOTOGRAPHY | STATUES | VIDYA’S FEBRUARY 2024 PROMPT

“Statues” Six Words & a Photo: February Conclusion

SWPSC: “Statues” & Freestyle Stories — February Conclusion

I love you all! Thank you!

I wanted to come up with something snappy or, at the very least, cheesy for the six-word story, but you have no idea how full my heart is with this month’s stories. I am so overwhelmed by the amazing submissions! All I can say is thank you for taking me on a world trip from the comfort of my keyboard.

About the photo — that’s downtown Riverside. That day, after holding MLK Jr’s hand, my son and I headed to the UCR/California Museum of Photography. Right outside the building was this sculpture spelling LOVE. I looked up and felt happy to be there with my son and a little bit sad at the thought of having less than a week before I left for home.

We had fun taking turns clicking photos, and I drove him nuts getting the whole of me and the LOVE in the frame because each time, he’d cut some part of the statue. Hilariously, though, it was only when we were looking out of the balcony of the Art Museum that he told me he hadn't noticed the statue said LOVE. He thought I just wanted a pic with the locks.

It never occurred to me to put that drink down somewhere. Also, I am fascinated that no matter what the weather, people in the US seem to enjoy their cold drinks or even water with ice cubes!

I saved this photo for this post as a fitting conclusion for the month of love. And I love you all!

February “Statues” Challenge Conclusion led by me, Vidya Sury

Gratitude to Mary Chang Story Writer, creator, and owner, and my co-editor, Sandi Parsons, for their ongoing efforts in handling submissions. And for their fantastic photos this month. AND for the love in our editors’ group. Special shout out to Sandi Parsons for her stunning photo with that lion, and to Mary Chang Story Writer for that bird in Vancouver. Gorgeous photos that made me fall in love with Sandi and Mary all over again!

Editors’ Picks for “Statues” Challenge

Thank you to all the contributing writers this month for sharing your “Statues” stories. I am so excited that I got to see so many fabulous entries. Completely mind-blown! I am especially excited to see several Seward Johnson statues as I got to explore the Garden of Sculptures created by him in New Jersey. Thank you so much!

We selected stories out of about 120 submissions for the “Statues” Challenge that stood out for various reasons. Each editor selected 6 stories. And argued over them. As in “mine, mine, mine!” I had so much fun doing it. But the beauty is — we had enough for the three of us and more — thank you, writers, for that.

For the “Statues” category, check out the latest stories under the “Monthly Challenge” tab. For all stories in this category, check out this tab.

Editor Picks by Vidya for “Statues” Challenge

Loved L Burton’s photo of the man and boy fishing. What a wonderful scene. She mentions that the artist has “tried to lift the human spirit through sculpture.” Certainly lifted mine!

I am such a sucker for Marilyn Monroe and missed seeing her statue in New Jersey as it had been moved/loaned to California. But Erika Burkhalter brought me joy with her photo. And now I regret missing that trip to Palm Springs!

I have a thing for totem poles and loved Randy Runtsch’s photo! His backstory was fun. I hope to visit Vancouver someday and meet Mary and maybe get to see those totems for myself! Note from Mary: Ah, I see Vidya snuck this one in. I also picked one of Randy’s stories, and Vidya knew this BEFORE she picked this one. We typically don’t pick more than one story per writer for each Challenge — but I guess I’ll let her get away with it this time — I know she had a rough night. I’m watching you, Vidya!

Dennett’s photo of the tailor — wow! When I took the “Hop on, Hop off” tour in New York, I missed this statue. I did see a huge one of a needle and thread. Love the story behind this statue! What a great way to honor someone.

Krasi Shapkarova’s photo of Milyo Ludia and the story is so wonderful! What wouldn’t we give for someone who never interrupts you, never talks over you, and simply listens?

Genka Shapkarova’s photo and story of the silent musicians are beautiful! She says it perfectly: Music changes me. It surprises me. Every time I listen, it breaks something in me, and I already know that I’m not the same. I feel exactly that way!

I’d love to see Diane Lyons’ Uncle Edgar, but the joy of being a kid made me just as happy. Who wouldn’t want to walk on the edge there and scare the heck out of anyone watching? Ha!

Special mention: Julia A. Keirns — for dazzling us with her fantastic and prolific submissions! Lady Liberty definitely deserves to rest!

Note from Mary: Sigh, I know — Vidya picked 8 stories, not just 6. But we all know Vidya has a tough time being brief, right?

Editor Picks by Sandi for “Statues” Challenge

A quick shout out to my two co-editors who make editing this publication FUN! Vidya’s humour always shines through … and she made several racy comments about statues throughout this challenge. But this one, featuring the Big Moose, made me laugh the hardest.

If you haven’t read the story behind Mary’s The Lady on the Bench, you need to click the link below. The details of how this statue was made are simply fascinating.

Sandi’s Statue picks

How I managed to snaffle a love story for one of my picks, is beyond me. (Although to be fair Vidya did already go over her quota!) Rodrigo S-C’s got a fabulous back story to go with this stunning photo. Do check it out!

This gnome DOES have a cheeky grin, Penny Grubb! I feel he has a direct link to the lack of fish in the nearby pond.

Kim McKinney was having a fabulous time on holidays, posting statue picks all over Facebook. Fortunately, she chose to share this fabulous picture with the Six Word Photo Story Challenge family, too!

This submission from Linda Acaster is a whimsical delight! Now I have a new place I want to visit.

Beth Riungu made a clever pun and a thought-provoking post.

There’s always got to be a least one dog pick, right? Here it is! Ali Hall captured a perfect ‘good girl’ sit. Be warned, if you’ve ever had a dog ‘for life’ you’re going to need tissues.

Editor Picks by Mary for “Statues” Challenge

A shout-out to my co-editors Sandi and Vidya because this publication would not thrive without them. They keep me on my toes, and like Sandi said, they make editing this publication FUN!

Sandi Parsons, I love your humor and this glorious statue on the water. It makes me want to jump in and go for a swim — although, is that a crocodile in the water? Yikes!

Vidya Sury, Collecting Smiles, you know how to catch my attention! Gorgeous, golden man with chiseled abs and big feet. We know what we say about men with big feet, right? Yep, big shoes.

Now onto my six “Statue” picks!

Charlie Cole, you are a master at writing a provocative six-worder that goes beautifully with your photo. This one has a haunting effect and resembles a ghost more than a statue. Well done.

Randy Runtsch, I loved learning about Okinawa and its people and the key to staying happy and healthy. I wish I could stick to that 80% rule!

Jessica Morgan, not all statues are larger than life. Sometimes, they’re the little ones that pop out at you — like how this one did for you! Peace.

Belcairn, a heartfelt six-worder to go along with your piece. You’re right; not everyone remembers the hard work that fishermen go through. I imagine when people stop to look and read about these statues while looking out at the sea — they get teary-eyed.

Laura Lind, another tear-jerker. I’m going to cry now.

Christina Daniels, wow — you’re right — the shadow being part of the statue makes Medusa unique, and I guess the shadow can only be captured at certain times of the day. The effect adds to Medusa’s beauty, terror, and mystery. Your story was a fave among all three of us:)

NOTE from Sandi: this was also one of my top picks, but Mary snaffled it first — what an amazing piece of art!

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. Sandi, Mary, and I enjoyed reviewing all the freestyle stories. For February highlights, we each selected three stories that resonated with us.

Here are nine “Freestyle” stories that wowed for different reasons — out of 55 freestyle submissions to this publication this February.

Nine stories that wowed Freestyle:

Vidya’s Freestyle Picks

Gauri Sirur’s brain freeze/lateral thinking had me laughing so much! Look at that face!

Curious & Hungry by Carly Dela Cruz taught me an interesting new word via the Japanese concept of “omotenashi.” How sweet those chairs look! Truly, it is the little things. The sight of that makes me so happy! Note from Mary: Oh, I liked this story and concept too!

Mary Chang Story Writer’s photo of the capsized boat made me so sad! What a gorgeous photo. I wonder if anyone will claim the boat. Note from Mary: The boat stayed there for at least three months before the City removed it, and I have no idea where it is now. I miss seeing it there.

Sandi’s Freestyle Picks

If you’re singing the praises of libraries, this librarian is going to pick your story every time. Thanks, Paul Gardner! On a more serious note, libraries are much more than just books. They have the power to change lives.

Wow! Just wow! Great shot, Mystical Aries.

Ian Hanson your photos are always stunning. It was so hard to pick just one, but of all of them, I think this was my favourite from February.

Mary’s Freestyle Picks

Mark Krauss, a great story about conquering insomnia by using those “sleepless hours” to seize the day and do something that invigorates you!

P T Adams, this is a spectacular angle of how you took this doll-head shot. I agree — it does make me wonder how this mysterious doll-head got up the pole. Scary.

JoAnn Ryan, the moment I saw your photo, I said, “Oh, I love this!” It’s a beautiful portrayal of “nature art,” — which is one of my favorite things to create whenever I’m outdoors. Someone took the time and care to make this and obviously enjoyed the process. The “cool filter” is super cool, too. I don’t know what kind of magic you applied to make this photo pop out to me — but it makes me happy. We could all use a little more “happy” in our lives — thank you!

Note: This article officially ends the February “Statues” Challenge, and no further submissions will be accepted.

Stay tuned for the March 2024 Six Word Photo Story Challenge!

Get those cameras clicking, or dig into your photo archives! The March 2024 challenge will be published on March 2, 2024, led by Mary Chang Story Writer. If you’ve read this far — here’s a hint for March: it’s a matter of perspective.

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, Vidya Sury, Collecting Smiles, Sandi Parsons, and Mary Chang Story Writer. Please follow us to stay connected to our Monthly Challenges!