With a firm step
by ELLIPS

Comment:
Cheryl had just finished unpacking the dishware and went to take a break by stepping out to the porch. But before she opened the sliding glass door to hear the sound of the surf, she stopped stunned. She could not believe it. The realtor had told her that the previous home owner would feed and talk to this seabird that would walk up the porch steps every late afternoon. The old man had called him 'Charlie'. Because Cheryl had not seen any bird come walking up the deck for the three days she had been her, she believed the realtor had been pulling her leg. But there, climbing up the steps, was Charlie!

It is a really odd sight to see an animal, especially a wild animal, behave like a human-like fashion. Stairs that are reserved for people to walk up upon are being used by this bird! He looks like he is just casually walking up the steps after a stroll on the beach:-)

Out from the dark forest she came
by jbsmithana

Comment:
"In mythos and literature, the dryad has been romanticized as a symbol of nature or a gentle & womanly creature. Keat's Ode to a Nightingale addresses them at "light-winged Dryad of the trees". The Dyrads fight on the side of light in The Chronicles of Narnia," spoke Professor Terminis as he walked to the front of his desk, turned and with a press of the button, turned on the overhead projector.
"This class," he turned back to the small handful of new hunters, "is a pretty lie. They are creatures of instinct. They will viciously attack any who come to close to their home trees. If several live in a closed circle, they attack like killer bees. They do send warning signals but most people don't know or understand what they are hearing. The best time to get rid of any infestation is at night...when the separate from their arboreal shelter and go out to gather nutrients."

Wow, mother nature gone mad or beastial! Great make-up and lighting. She has a deadly beauty to her - not something you want to stumble upon in the dark of night.

an untold tale
by mitalapo

Comment:
He turned his back on Blanche. He was tired of her disobedience. And Blanche? Well, she could care less at the moment. She had spotted a squirrel and took off running.

That is what tale this photo speaks to me:-) I wonder if she was forgiven when she returned. Interesting how the characters are 'adorned' in different colors...the dog is white and the man in black, but that of course is another tale:-)

Winter Scene
by mariuca

Comment:
Calvin whooped as he raced downhill on his sled. The speed was delightful. As he approached the trees he saw before him a crush of people. This is going to be better than any video game as he took hold of his sled to steer. The object will be to zip in between people. Calvin spotted Susie in the crowd and regretted that he did not bring a snowball.

My first glance at the thumbnail I thought this might be the ice skating rink at Rockerfeller Center. On full screen I was instead greeted by a playful day in the snow with the winter white decorated with people in colorful outfits. It is very scenic, but as I soon as a spotted the two trees, I instantly thought of Calvin and how he view the scene. I think why that popped into my head is because I recalled his humorous antics and also how the comic strip ended back in 95'. The very final strip had Calvin & Hobbes outside in freshly fallen snow, "It's a magical world, Hobbes, ol' buddy... Let's go exploring!" Calvin exclaims as they zoom off over the snowy hills on their sled.

Apocalypse
by Scapeshots

Comment:
Clouds wash over the sky,
much like the waves sweep
upon the rocky shore.

The only end I see here is the beauty and majesty of a day ending. Sunset, one day ends but another will always dawn. The scenery is quite lovely and the flow of water upon the rocks is serene.

The Officer and The Princess
by Lydia

Comment:
"Hello little, princess," greeted her father as he picked her up. He had been away from home on a long tour of duty. This was his first introduction to his baby daughter upon his return. She looked at her father and welcomed him home with a smile.

The title and photo speaks the above story to me. To me, this captures a very beautiful interaction between father and daughter. To me, they are greeting one another in a playful exchange. Great capture of emotion on both of their faces.

Transitions Across the Valley
by hahn23

Comment:
Up high, chill wind chimes.
Leaves rustle red, gold, and green,
as Autumn breezes in

I can feel the chill mountain air as I hear the wind blowing gently on the trees. The leaves rustle like wind chimes. And the season's colors of red and gold is pure, captivating color. Very beautiful - I could sit there and relax for a few hours...with a thermos of coffee for warmth of course:-)

Zen
by sarampo

Comment:
Line of wood posts stitch
together the lavender
silk of sky and sea.

The imagery in the photo is pure visual haiku. Love the pale purple/blue hues that flow serene from sky to sea. The wooden posts are the leading lines that stitch together the fabric of heaven and water. Very lovely!

Framed with Hope
by Pascal

Comment:
Lizbette and Franco had determined their son would get the best they could provide. They looked to the streets below from the room of the windowsill two stories above. At least, they still had enough to pay rent for the two rooms. At least, they had shelter, whereas others had none. Never giving into despair, their thoughts were always framed with hope for their son's future..

Great title that is very befitting to the scene captured. The two parents frame their son in a protective and loving huddle. Every parent who cares for their child wants them to do and be better then themselves. All three are framed by the window. I can see the dreams and hopes they have for their son even though much of what surrounds them is falling into decay.

Lean on Me
by MeMex2

Comment:
Absolutely determined that they would be the first in line for food the next time the zookeeper came in, the boys huddled together to keep watch.
"I've got your back," piped Pip.
"I've got the front," chirped Chip
"I've got the left," roared Rory
"I've got the right," barked Barney
"And I'm stuck in the middle again," muttered Morton.

Great capture of these little guys as they huddle together. The look like they are on the look-out for someone or something. You also capture some great detail in the fur coats - one can almost feel the grizzle softness of the fur.