Lilypond — Vidya Sury ©

“Summer” Six Words & a Photo: July-August Conclusion

SWPSC: “Summer,” Bios & Freestyle Stories —July-August Conclusion

Childhood fantasies at lilyponds imagining fairytales

My childhood summers were all about outdoor play — no, not sports, as you probably imagine but aimless wandering around, soaking up the sun, sometimes hanging out with a neighbor in the backyard. Some vacations were spent traveling to visit relatives in South India. I loved those who had fields in their backyard with random lilyponds.

One of my aunts, who lived in our hometown, took us to the temple pond nearby where cousins swam out to the deep end to pluck lotuses for us. I remember how we ate the seeds from the lotus’s thalamus — delicious. The flowers were offered to the deity.

After a heavy lunch, wherever we were, the adults usually enjoyed a long siesta to relax, talking, while the children wandered around.

Even today, when I see a lilypond near my place — and there are plenty — I feel happy. I love how they flourish even in summer!

Gratitude to my dearest co-editors Mary Chang Story Writer and Sandi Parsons. We’re all having a rough summer this year.

I’ve been traveling, putting out fires, enjoying the little moments, celebrating them, even. Currently, I am down with the flu, which came with a side of severe coughing. It’s 110 degrees where I am right now, and I am looking forward to going home next week.

We haven’t had a great many submissions for the “Summer Challenge” but the ones we got were fantastic.

I am so guilty of not publishing anything after announcing the prompt, so I’ll live vicariously through yours!

Mary is still recovering from her gruesome accident — let’s wish her a speedy recovery. Although it’s good she’s getting the downtime.

Message from Mary

I’m still recovering from my wrist injuries from my cycling accident in June. It has been a challenging process, and I wish I was fully healed, but it will take more time, patience, perseverance and physiotherapy to get there.

It is difficult and painful for my wrists to type on a keyboard, so I have been using Voice Memo to type this and my amazing co-editors are helping me post this.

Thank you, everyone for your summer stories and I hope you enjoyed the challenge!

But Mary Chang Story Writer — good lord! Definitely not the summer she expected! And yet she managed to send in a story! Give her lots of love, y’all!

[embed]Two Broken Wrists, Still Standing Strong July — August Six Word Photo Story Challenge “Summer”medium.com

Sandi Parsons brings a fashion-conscious Sloth who’s well up to the challenge!

[embed]Sloth Mode: Summer Edition July — August Six Word Photo Story Challenge “Summer”medium.com

Editors’ Picks for “Summer” Challenge

Thank you to all the contributing writers this month for sharing your stories. We selected 12 submissions for the “Summer” Challenge that stood out for various reasons. Each editor selected 6 stories.

For the “Summer” 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 “Summer” Challenge

I found Jeannie.Chambers’ photo of the boat so tranquil! Must be the water it was half standing on.

[embed]We’re Gonna Need a Bigger Boat July-August Six Word Photo Story “Summer”medium.com

Belcairn’s photo is picture postcard perfect! Those colorful houses — so lovely!

[embed]The Midges Bide Their Time July-August Six Word Photo Story Challenge: “Summer”medium.com

Lauri Novak always takes delightful photos and this one of her pretty glass is fabulous!

[embed]Cheers to Summer July — August Six Word Photo Story Challenge “Summer”medium.com

Penny Grubb, as always, brings knowledge heavy stories that are fascinating. Behold the summer timing test!

[embed]Summer Timing Test For Climate Change Summer Six Word Photo Story Challenge: “Summer”medium.com

Allisonn Church’s photo sparked some jealousy for me. That hammock is divine. Lucky her — to have a summer tradition like that!

[embed]A Summer Tradition of Tranquility and Adventure July-August Six Word Photo Story Challenge: “Summer”medium.com

Iban Van der Zeyp’s dusty ride in a quad was a hilarious read! And I love the action photo!

[embed]Harrowing Is Dusty Business July-August Six Word Photo Story Challenge: “Summer”medium.com

RhaeOfEnlightenment’s ferris wheel is supercute! And so cheerful.

[embed]The Littlest Ferris Wheel July-August Six Word Photo Story Challenge: “Summer”medium.com

Editor Picks by Sandi for “Summer” Challenge

Victoria Pont snapped a glorious “summer storm” shot of Lady Liberty.

[embed]Summer: Adventure on The Hudson July-August Six Word Photo Story Challenge: “Summer”medium.com

I’d rather enjoy Carmen Micsa, MA in English, podcaster’s snap thatn join her on a early morning run!

[embed]Early Morning Run to Beat the Heat July-August Six Word Photo Story Challenge: “Summer”medium.com

Vinitha Dileep captured a fabulous summer shine on the water.

[embed]The Lake Kept Going July-August Six Word Photo Story Challenge: “Summer”medium.com

Can’t you just smell those soapy bubbles through Moon & Deep’s snap?

[embed]The Fragrance of Summer July-August Six Word Photo Story Challenge: “Summer”medium.com

Farra khan snapped a blissful beach scene.

[embed]A Cool Place for a Hot Mind July-August Six Word Photo Story Challenge: “Summer”medium.com

There’s just something about summer fruit that tastes so magical. Great picture, Audriveesa!

[embed]They Arrived in Baskets July-August Six Word Photo Story Challenge: “Summer”medium.com

“About Me & Six” Writer Bios

A reminder that we’re always open for submissions for the About Me & Six bios. I encourage our readers to check their bios and say hello to your SWPSC community! To read all the “About Me & Six” bios, please go to the About tab and scroll down to view them. Please read the rules if you’d like to submit an “About Me & Six” bio**. Here is a [sample bio](https://medium.com/six-word-photo-story-challenge/my-bio-mary-chang-story-writer-7300dbd20180?sk=e066532c42c994df68c1f673cf578eed) **to follow.

Editor Picks for Freestyle Stories

“Freestyle” Stories

Sandi and I enjoyed reviewing all the freestyle stories. For highlights, we each selected 1 story that resonated with us. Here are 2 “Freestyle” stories that wowed for different reasons — out of the **submissions to this publication for the Challenge.**

Two stories that wowed Freestyle:

Sandi’s Freestyle Pick

Tall tree photos can be both simple and exquisite. I love this snap by Shaloo Walia

[embed]The Forest Remembers Six Word Photo Story Challenge: “Freestyle”medium.com

Vidya’s Freestyle Pick

Dazzled by Peter Mammitzsch’s gorgeous fountain rainbow shot!

[embed]The rainbow in the city Six-Word-Photo-Story-Challenge: Freestylemedium.com

Note: This article officially ends the July-August “Summer” Challenge, and no further submissions will be accepted.

Stay tuned for the Next Six Word Photo Story Challenge!

— Village hugs, the editorial team, Mary Chang Story Writer, Vidya Sury, Collecting Smiles and Sandi Parsons. Please follow us to stay connected to our Monthly Challenges!