In Keth’s words.
“Using this photo (below) as inspiration, write a short story, flash fiction, scene, poem; anything, really; even just a caption for the photograph. Either put it (or a link to it) in a comment or email it to me at keithchanning@gmail.com before 6pm on Sunday (if you aren’t sure what the time is where I live, this link will tell you). If you post it on your own blog or site, a link to this page would be appreciated, but please do also mention it in a comment here.
Go on. You know you want to. Let your creativity and imagination soar. I shall display the entries next time.”
The photo.
The Photo by John W. Howell © 2022
“Can you guys hold still?”
“Come on, dear, take the photo.”
“I need you all to smile.”
“George, we need to get on with the hike. These kids are getting hungry.”
“Yeah, dad. We are starving.”
“Okay, if everyone would just look this way and smile.”
“We are smiling.”
“Ralphie isn’t smiling.”
“It’s cause I need to go potty.”
“That’s enough, Ralphie. The world doesn’t need to know your private business.”
“Aw, mom.”
“Can you all take a step back? I’m having trouble getting everyone in the viewfinder.”
“There’s no room, dearest. Just do the best you can.”
“I know I’ll back up, which will solve the problem.”
“Be careful, D—. Oh my gosh, he went over the side. Quick kids, let’s go help.”
“Does this mean the photo session is over?”
“Hey, dad, you okay. Dad?”
“I’m okay. Just took a big step, is all. Everyone back in their place. I’ll be right up.”
“Mom.”
“What, junior?”
“Is it wrong to wish that Dad can’t get up here again?”
“Yes, but very tempting.”
Fiction Favorites 
Ah… so relatable. I used to drive my kids nuts trying to get the perfect picture. (I hope they didn’t wish I fell off a mountain!) Nicely done, John.
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Ha ha ha. Thanks, Staci. 😁
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Reblogged this on NEW BLOG HERE >> https:/BOOKS.ESLARN-NET.DE.
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Thank you for sharing the post, Michael.😊
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With this end you are definitely preparing a new thrilling story, right? 😉 Thanks for sharing this story, John! Enjoy your day! xx Michael
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Thank you, Michael. This is a one and done story. 😁
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Excellent take, John. That so nearly happened… a number of times!
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I can only imagine, Keith. 😁
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I hope this was written from experience, John. Good one!
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Thank you, Jill. 😊
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I’ve been on both sides of that camera, John. Well done.
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Thank you, Dan. I’m sure you have. 😁
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Ah, the capturing of a memory tends to water it down. Hope Ralphie got to the bushes in time.
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I thik he made it. Thanks, Craig.
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I am guilty of wanting those family shots! Of course, the problem with this is that I am never in them so it’s like I wasn’t on the trip!
Watch that last step… it’s a doozie!
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Yes it is a long way down. I’m like you. The phantom parent.
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Sometimes it sucks…
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True.
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Very tempting indeed! haha
I thought, “Someone really should tell her that isn’t a nude beach down there.”
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Ha ha ha. Good one, GP. 😊
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Oh, the innocence of a child! Well done, John, well done! 😂
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Thank you, Gwen. 😁
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Ralphie should take the opportunity to go potty. Only because it’ll take another 10 minutes to set up the picture again. This is why I hate posed shots during trips.
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Good advice for Ralphie. 😊
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That IS a big step. Ah, trying to get the perfect family photo can be a chore sometimes. 🙂
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Yes, indeed. Thanks, Tim.
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Oh dear. Not sure a mountaintop is the best place for posing a group photo. I can easily see how the photographer or the subject could slip off! Good one, John!
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Thank you, Debbie. It seemed like a natural.
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Lol! I think I’ve had moments like that. Great response to the prompt, John! 🙂
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Thank you, Jan. 😁
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LOL! You probably won’t be surprised by how many people do fall off things taking photos. It’s nuts!
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I can imagine. Thanks, Deborah.
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This made me smile. I was always the taking just one more shot…lol
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Ha ha ha. Yup. That’s the way.
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Ah, the joys of the overzealous family documentarian . . .
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I feel like this was written about me, John. 🙂 Loved your take on the photo.
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Ha ha ha. I think it was written about you, Lauren.
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Excellent, John! We do worry way too much about getting the perfect photo.
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True enough. Thanks, Pete.
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Lol, the little one needing to go potty reminded me of The Apple Dumpling Gang 🙂 Did you ever see that movie? So good!
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Never have. I guess I need to search it out.
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Ha ha ha. What a typical family vacation. We had fun with the “just back up a little” at the Grand Canyon. Great story, John.
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😁
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Haha!! A photo scene that happens way too often.
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Yes indeed
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Can’t blame them for thinking it, LOL
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🤣
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[…] The Photo by John W. Howell © 2022 […]
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