Saturday, November 9, 2024

Week 128 Photo Challenge: Compassion

We all thought last week's challenge was hard. This week's was even harder.  How do you photograph something like this?




We all have photos. Do they meet the challenge?  Maybe, maybe not. So it's a good thing we make up the rules! 

My plans for getting a photo were rained out (mainly because I tend to wait till the day before to figure it all out). Here's my effort for the week.  


Kate: Words of Compassion


Google came to my rescue at about 5 PM yesterday.  Thankfully I remembered where the Scrabble game was (we've not played in ages). I was vastly disappointed at the lack of "p" squares in the game. Maybe we've lost some?  Not an original idea, but I do like how the photo came out. 

You'll need to read the stories that go along with the photos to see how My Guy's and Grad Girl's photos tie into compassion.

 

My Guy: Tufted Titmouse


My Guy was out on a bike ride and came across this Tufted Titmouse sitting in the middle of the road. My Guy stopped and spoke to him. The bird just looked at him.  The bird's legs were folded under him, like he was hurt.  My Guy decided to at least get him out of the road, not only because of vehicular traffic, there was also a Red-shouldered hawk and a murder of Crows nearby.  He was clearly exposed sitting there in the middle of the road.  My Guy got a stick and put it under the bird to lift him up. He was surprised when the Titmouse perched on the stick easily.  As My Guy was moving the bird to the side of the road, the Titmouse suddenly remembered he could fly and flew into a nearby tree.  It's hard to photograph an act of compassion when your the one being compassionate.  But I think this photo works.  

Grad Girl has had a rough few weeks, this fall hasn't been easy for her on several fronts. 


Grad Girl: Compassion Kitty

So she has been very thankful for her furry companion, Queenie. When Grad Girl was sick the week before her big exam, Queenie took up watch either from the end of the couch or from her cat tree.  She was very concerned her person wasn't feeling very well. After a bad day in the lab, Queenie always greets her at the door, excited to see her.  This kitty is deathly afraid of running water, but she always keeps watch when Grad Girl showers and checks on her after the water is off to see if she survived. Queenie usually knows when Grad Girl needs extra cuddles to start her day. Note that Queenie is not the cuddliest of cats, she is the opposite of a cuddle bug. So it's quite an honor to be granted morning cuddle time. Can a cat be compassionate?  Sometimes it certainly seems this one can be.    

So did we hit the mark this week?  None of us are sure about that, but at least we took photos so can move on to a new challenge.  




We all sighed with relief when this card was drawn.  Definitely an easier subject, the challenge is going to be getting an interesting photo. 

7 comments:

MissPat said...

I think you all did a yeoman job of meeting the challenge. And kudos to your guy for taking the time to make sure the titmouse was safe.
Pat

LIttle Penguin Quilts said...

I like all of the photos, Kate! Each one fits the challenge perfectly for different reasons. Words of compassion, compassionate acts, and our emotional support animals all make a difference. Fun ideas!

Linda said...

I like all of them! I relate to the bird story, seems like they do have times they forget they can fly then suddenly take off. And yes cats seem to have a sixth sense about when you feel badly.

Barbara said...

Sweet stories to go along with these photos. My MIL used to beat the pants off me in Scrabble. I miss those games with her. Queenie sounds like our Sadie. Sadie catches mice and gives them to Smitty. She’ll also come say hi to one of us, and then sit on the lap of the other. She might not choose you for your lap, but she’ll still come say hi. She also makes sure Smitty gets the same number of treats she does before she starts eating them. So cute and funny. I’m glad grad girl has such a good companion.

Andree G. Faubert said...

Your pictures and stories are wonderful - you all did great. I do believe the animals can be compassionate. That's why we have pets. :-)

The Joyful Quilter said...

The stories are all great, but I really like the perspective used for your photo.

Jennifer said...

The stories that go with the photos are great - one giving and one receiving compassion. It’s a good reminder for us all!