Could Use Your Help!

Does the swimming hole or river/stream have a name?

That woman is actually looking at her phone while wading in such a beautiful spot? Really? Nothing comes to mind at the moment but the title ought to speak to the irony of that!

How about, "Mom, put down your phone!" You know the kids hear if often from their Mom at the dinner table.

Bernie, yes, it's actually called either Ashland or Lithia Creek! I guess they couldn't decide which? The park consists of 93-acres near our downtown plaza & was designed by John McLaren, of SF's Golden Gate Park fame. The 'Lithia' part comes from the fact that the stream water used to contain large amounts of 'lithium oxide', which Ashland was famous for back in the day. There are several designated spots for swimming & wading for the kids, like this one near a bridge, my vantage point.

David, that IS the irony of it, taking your kid to the park to enjoy some time together & commune with nature, when all the mom did was keep her eyes on her phone, not the little guy. Oy! And, yes, I can't seem to put my finger on the 'perfect' title. Any ideas?

"It only takes a second to drown"

Brooks, the funny thing to me is, that kid looks like he's giving some thought to lobbing a rock at the lady ... heh heh. Maybe "The Mischief Maker" ... ??

Certainly, a logical thought, Edward, for most of us!

Funny, Lois. Subconsciously, the thought might've occurred to the little boy, aiming it her way...and with good reason. Poor kid. I would've jumped in to skim a few rocks with him myself if I thought it would've been cool to do so.

I used to be a lifeguard. These situations just make me cringe. I see it all the time at the beach, pools - parents yaking away while the kid falls in the deep end or a deep pool.

A Missed Opportunity

Edward, it is cringe worthy & dangerously so re the life-threatening part. Luckily, this area of the creek has a lot of activity, including a nearby playground. And, thankfully, there are always those of us keeping an eye out, even when the parent is not! You're right, it only takes a moment...and those rocks are awfully slippery. I should know, I've fallen there, myself.

Good one, Sharon! So true.

I use to live near a creek in Grants Pass, Oregon on a ranch called Winona Road Ranch. We made our own swim hole In that crik. It was so much fun to build the dam and find crawdads and play in it too and the water was colder than a well-diggers...well, you know. Completely shaded too other than the speckled light that came through the leaves of the trees. Great memories of fishing with homemade rods and trying to escape my older brother while he pretended to be a shark. No worries about drownin'. We all smam like fishes (now I'm talking all country-like) That creek was called "Jump Off Joe Creek". Hey, it's in Oregon and in the country what can I say. Use your memories about the place to come up with a title.

As a rule, I don't have a problem coming up with appropriate titles, but, being that I'm not a texter or tweeter, I can only relate to the kid's point of view! Hmm, 'Points of View' or 'Streams of Consciousness' could work?
Fond memories of my prior swimming hole experiences probably wouldn't serve well as a caption for this capture, Jani. But, great story re your 'Jump Off Joe Creek'! Certainly have relate-able stories re such places I've loved down south in Louisiana or Texas where my granddad enjoyed taking us as kids. But, seeing this is a more 'modern day' scenario, I'm looking for an up-to-date sort of title that says it all. Hoping it will happen.

Well, the lady is doing something on a phone. I just noticed that. How about "Turn The Phone Off, Lady!" Didn't have those back in the day. I kid, but it is kind of sad, really. Technology can be great, but can turn our head from what is really important too. Like making memories. I heard that in China they have texting lanes for pedestrians. Say it isn't true: http://www.theguardian.com/world/shortcuts/2014/sep/15/china-mobile-phone-lane-distracted-walking-pedestrians

"Domestic Shore Leave"

"Watch me, Mom"!

Lol, Jani! Yep, the whole idea behind the reason for the capture is mom's disregard for her son, as in being otherwise occupied after she took him to the park to play. I mean, skip the texting & skip some stones, why not!? Appreciate your comments, though. Say that ain't so, China, really?!

Brian, good to hear your take, too. Thanks!

Patricia, that's a thought. I remember always wanting my mom to watch me. We so need her undivided attention as kids, yes!

"Modern-day Quality Time"

'Again, wait one more minute boy !!!'

The seeker

Indifference

'GET OFF THE PHONE !!!!!!!!! "

plenty 'modern', heard throughout the world,daily,a zillion times.................this is so 'now' !!

They're Only Little for a Little While

Squandered Moment

Cat's in the Cradle

Two Worlds

Worlds Apart

Together Yet Apart

Making Modern Memories

"Present, Yet Absent".

Streaming

"A Time Frgotten"

"Ankle Deep"

I don't have time to read all previous posts. I am offering help not asking for an argument or terms corrections. What the heck????????????????

I was thinking more in terms of the NOUN, "disconnect", as opposed to the adjective, "disconnected".

For example, consider the sentence, "A great disconnect exists between modern humans and their once natural environment."

Disconnect here is a noun, and this is the sense that I was going for.

The photograph, thus, symbolizes this great disconnect.

The irony is that both the child and the adult are IN the natural environment, even as the adult enforces her disconnect from it with her mobile phone.

Notice the phenomenon in other situations, like, in an eating establishment, where a whole family sits at a table, together, yet separated, because each is engaged in his or her own electronic device. Or, how about the person walking their dog, chattering away on the mobile phone? Or the trim, seemingly fit young woman walking in the park for exercise, while blathering away emotively, loudly on the phone.

Very annoying.

I will certainly let you know when I've made a decision, Karen! There will be a change in the image title above, if & when. Thanks for checking in. Yep, lots of workable ideas. None to add? Btw, which would you choose, since you think there's enough already?

Thanks for the back-up, Vanessa!

Well, L, it only takes a sec to scan the posts before you. It's good to see what I & others are sayin', just sayin'. You did take time to read my reply after your initial post, so that means you had time to also check other's replies/ideas/info, if you wanted. As thread host, I read & reply to everyone's comments. No one is left out & there is no need to get bent out of shape, even if your suggestion wasn't on target, positive or helpful. Here it is again: "Anything is better than "swimming hole" which really lends a vibe that doesn't match these characters at all. "Down at the river" would even be better even close to being 'on were the one".
First of all, huh? Secondly, it isn't a 'river', it's a creek, which is stated several times before. Thirdly, that area of the creek IS actually called a 'swimming hole'. And, finally, since you weren't there, you don't know if it 'lends a vibe' to match the 'characters' or not. I think it does. There are many ways to go here, which is the reason for the thread. People were asked to post a title that captured the image best, literal or non. Seeing that I was sorta stuck re coming up with something I really liked, I asked for input, hoping to find the right words, not an argument. But, I think you've done this before in my threads. Oy.

On that note, wishing you all a beautiful autumn day! Still open to the possibilities.

Robert, right on. I got what you meant, certainly. Annoying, for sure. There's an image that's goes 'round my fb newsfeed, from time to time, showing a group of students sitting on a museum bench surrounded by the great masterpieces, probably in the Louvre or something. And, everyone is focused on their phones, as in texting; no one is looking at the amazing pieces of art, which is a-mazing to see. Sad, but such is life, as some know, it in 2015!
Like you, I see this same scene at the restaurant...or the park, in this instance. Irony, for sure, especially when it's the adult addicted to the device & not the kid! Say it ain't so...please.
We must've been typing & entering at the same time! Good to hear from you.

Robert, you have a brilliant future in politics X-D.

Brook I offered what I thought was help and again you go on to be critical of it. I don't have a few minutes. Take it for what it is. I won't argue with you and most certainly will by pass any future posts by you :) as its just negative commentary in return

L, I try to cover all bases...and be fair & honest. Alas, logic & diplomacy simply doesn't work with everyone. Best of luck with that...and you are most certainly welcome to withdraw from the thread and/or not respond further. Works for me.

Just joined the discussion. How about the opening phrase from Dickens' A Tale of Two Cities, "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times ... "

Is the focus supposed to be on a mother and child?

Is the focus on the water or wading?

Is it a "Wading Creek"

If it is in fact a wading creek....why not let the buyer choose what the focus is about? It could be 2 unrelated people enjoying wading in a creek....just thinking....
Roberta

Great take, Patricia. Certainly, true re. Hmm, will think more on that. Thanks so much.

Roberta, the focus is on both, the mom & son in the creek/stream two-gether, but each doing their own thing rather than interacting as one would hope they would. That's why 'Stream of Consciousness' came up a few times. It applies to both the activity & place-time-person. Could be one or the other, though, if it struck the right chord.

+Who made it a mother and son? When I look at it....and study it...I see a boy and a woman....a boy skipping rocks....and a woman so delighted to have her feet in the cool water...even if she does have messages from work that have to be taken care of. Both are receiving joy from the water...the cool, refreshing water. One is carefree and one is responsible to work and yet; both are enjoying a moment of refreshment.

Just saying, I don't think I would buy something with a negative title....but I am unique....always see the positive!

Fun playing here!
Roberta

A nice ray of hope, Roberta. Thanks for sharing your perspective :)

I totally agree Roberta!! I was thinking the same thing but I am always the accused of being different so I was keeping my opinion quiet this time!

"Who made it a mother and son?"

Actually, the photog did in the first line of the photo's description...

Agree, anyone can see anything they want to see in an image by itself...my first thought was that these might be two totally unrelated individuals...

but...from reading the image caption, this image is clearly meant as a negative commentary.



How 'bout: "Tatted Tweeter Touts Modern Family Values"

Hey, Roberta! Good to hear from you again. Just a thought, not everything in life needs a positive 'spin'. Per this particular thread, I'm just looking for an honest take or reaction that resonates with both the image & me. Folks answering my call for help are posting their thoughts as to what 'they' see in the picture. Doesn't necessarily translate to 'negative', although some will see it as a commentary on modern life...and not in a good way.

You might [also] consider this pic as 'different' in the respect that it's usually the kids texting/tweeting, on their computers 24/7 or plopped on the couch eating junk food while watching the boob tube like zombies...and, here, the reverse is true, mom's texting, oblivious to the child who is enjoying nature, fresh air & skipping stones, for a change Like someone said earlier, that in itself is dangerous, the adult/mom not supervising the boy/son. Accidents happen in split secs...and there were two little ones in her care!

So, being there, talking to the people & taking the photo[s] means I'd probably know if it was mother & child. But, you could still look at it as 'child & adult guardian', instead, if you want, either way is workable. Plus, your title suggestion or idea doesn't have to make mention of that at all.

It's true that some of us will see the image in a less than positive light. Since I'm also not a big proponent of all the latest gadgetry, believing that we have become a much more self-absorbed & less community-family oriented society, as a whole, affects my take, as well. Being a generally positive person doesn't mean that every image I share here needs to also relate that message. Well-rounded is a good thing.

Jayme, different is good, yes. Don't be afraid to add your own take or join the 'discussion', any discussion, for that matter. No need to be shy about being 'different', if that's how you think of yourself. Different from who or what, though, lol. We are ALL different & unique individuals!

ok...

You've (OP) changed the image description significantly since my last post, making the commentary decidedly less negative...including removing the whole conversation comparing the depiction to a form of animal neglect...

For those who took the time to read your original image description...that affects the conversation and places (some) previous posts out of context...

Here's another title suggestion more in line with your new, more neutral, image description:

Can Neglect Disappear Mid-stream?

Let's get back on track, everyone! Workable title ideas, okay. Thanks much-o!

hmmm, I see you castigated someone else for not reading through this lengthy thread in its entirety before posting, so it would follow that your own description of your image was highly relevant to any forthcoming title suggestions.

If an artist is going to take the time to provide commentary on their own work, they should a) stand by it and b) consider it relevant to a grab for title suggestions - can't exactly title an image Rainbows and Sunshine when you're talking neglect.

And, yeah, no, um, eh, say, er...its not the same sentiment.

btw - the last title suggestion was sarcasm....sorry if it went over your head...lol...btw

Changing the context of a discussion mid-stream without explanation is poor posting hosting....

eta: once again the OP has edited his/her posts to render responses out of context - the previous post, for example, was originally a 15-20 line rant that is now (at this particular moment) a 2 line zip-a-dee-doo-da...playing games...bad form...at some point don't you get banned for that?

Thanks for the 'great job hosting' comment. As most know, I do enjoy hosting contests & some threads and supporting other members. Always a treat when folks offer their positive feedback re.

Thanks once again for your insightful response.

Does not change the fact that you substantially altered your description mid-thread, in a way that substantively changed the context of the thread topic, and for some inane reason, refuse to own up to it.

Only way forums like this can remain productive is to call out bad form when it occurs. Maybe you won't do it again...

eta: continue to love the way OP makes posts and then edits them over and over after people have responded to them...more bad form...another long rant deleted from your previous post...maybe you should wait to post until you know what you want to say....

Al-right-y, then, lightly stepping o'er a few 'weedy patches' there to get back on topic. Thanks, again, everyone, for all your creative input, thus far. Am open to more [fitting] title ideas & suggestions, which may or may not groove with my take on things, both seen and/or unseen, via my capture. Always good to have further food for thought. Thanks, too, for the kind words re my hosting. Appreciate your kindness.

Have a wonderful day/evening! Beautiful in these parts, around 80, breezy, partly sunny...perfect autumn weather.

Brooks----regardless of the 'story'---my first impression was that is a beautiful scene----and looked like fun. You work is always amazing!

Nava, dear, always nice to hear from you. A breath of fresh air. And, you're right, the 'story', whatever it my be or how each individual sees it, may have no bearing re whether one enjoys the picture or not.

So, yes...if you see a beautiful scene, wonderful; if you see a commentary about lack of communication in today's world, great; if you see a boy communing with nature and mom [or 'supervising' adult, lol] otherwise occupied, cool; if you see any or all of that, or something more, and can come up with a fitting & fabulous title, REALLY cool! Share away.

Thanks for stopping by, my friend, and for the 'amazing' comment. Appreciate your encouraging words. Have a good day. I'm going outside to enjoy this gorgeous fall weather, myself, camera-in-hand!

Brooks, when I look at the image I 'see' a mother who just took some pics of her son and is turning around to view them out of the sun's glare. As for a title...Making Memories, or The Memory Maker (cell phone).

On a side note...I think the supermoon had a negative effect on some people. Seems like the trolls and naysayers have come out of hiding and injected themselves in numerous posts. It's one thing to disagree but to keep egging it on is uncalled for, JMO.

So true re the supermoon & trolls injecting themselves, Sharon! Lol. Noticed they were alive & well in other threads, too, so wasn't taking it personally. One thing to disagree, like you say, and another to go on ad nauseum. I figure if you can't deal with an ogre or two here, forgetaboutit.

You make a LOT of sense...and thanks for that! Love your idea re 'mom' maybe taking her own photos of the child & then simply checking them out on her phone. Appreciate your title suggestions, too, double meaning & all. Insightful & perceptive.

Have a great day/evening/weekend...and thanks, again!

Just a quickie to say hubby came up with an idea for a title himself this morning...'Nature Calls'! Don't know if it will be 'the one', but it's a contender.

Lol, had to talk him [John] out of verbally decking a certain person on my behalf. But, like I told him, got my big girl britches on...and if I can't fight [or ignore!] a simple 'troll battle' here, I'm toast in the real world. Appreciate your sweet offers of help, though, everyone. Really!

Have a fantastic weekend! Hopin' & prayin' for RAIN; we need it.

Many THANKS for all your fabulous ideas re a title change for my image, everyone...well, almost everyone! Lol. We did acquire a negative Joe along the way, unfortunately; can't be helped. I've never heard of, or from, him before, nor seen him in any of my contests or discussion threads. Yet, he returned several times & changed-up his comments to became more rude & insulting. Disagreements=fine; lies & distortions=not so much.

Tried to [simply] ignore and/or blame it on the super moon, if only! Heard that we weren't the only thread experiencing this sort of thing, so thought to address it. Surprised there was no 'cease & desist', but, so it goes. Small potatoes...and one bad one, happily, did not spoil the whole darn thread!

On that note, I really appreciate & applaud your creative, insightful, witty and, sometimes, humorous take[s] re what you saw and/or experienced via the photograph. Whether it was a positive or negative slant, or something in-between, t'was a lot of FUN while it lasted! And, I've got a whole lotta great ideas to choose from, including my husband John's recent 'Nature Calls'...or his newest version 'When Nature Calls'!

Alas, the time has come to close our little discussion. Over & out. Enjoy your day!