The Six-Word Memoir Blog

Six-Word Caption Contest #5: Six Tips

Monday, October 15th, 2012

By Larry Smith

SMITH and Shutterfly’s Six-Word caption contest roars into Autumn. Each Monday morning we post a photo from Shutterfly on the Six-Word Memoir project and you have until Friday at 5pm EST to write a caption in exactly six words. One savvy six-word scribe will win a gift certificate for $50 for Shutterfly. Leave your six words to describe the photo you see here in the comments area below. You can submit up to 10 entries; read the official rules for more details.

Last week more than 250 you entered six-word caption that were sweet, shifty, sandy, and stuff-we-just-couldn’t-even-make-up for the photo you see in this blog post. And the winning six is: “Send more socks. Signed, Mars Rover,” by Heather S. Thanks to all for who played our new caption game.

Plus: The deadline for submitting to our new book of illustrated Six-Word-Memoirs by students of all ages is November 5. And it’s a very special one, an eBook with the folks at the TED conference.

Tags: , ,

267 responses

  1. maryjane31 says:

    We’d like to eat. Please donate.

  2. Redx3 says:

    Bluegrass for Spaghetti. Deposit in Pot.

  3. maryjane31 says:

    Singing for our supper. Assistance please.

  4. JAD says:

    Small band for a small donation.

  5. bevvie says:

    We will take requests and checks.

  6. maryjane31 says:

    We want to hear that jingle-jangle!

  7. Miss Sally says:

    Pick up the tempo, Banjo Bob!

  8. Zoe says:

    Fight, fail
    Fight, succeed
    Live purposefully.

  9. Zoezemyna says:

    Undressing our emotions
    Unraveling our thoughts

  10. zsuzsa says:

    Will play on-key for (a) change.

  11. Contemplative says:

    Donations accepted. Straining to squeak by.

  12. Kaylen B says:

    1. Bass with white and black handle
    2. Is a hola hoop an instrument

  13. Kaylen B says:

    1. Homeless need money god bless you
    2. Cling clang vibrate blow play music

  14. Kaylen B says:

    We are earning money for poor

  15. Kaylen B says:

    Earning money for poor not us

  16. Dalton says:

    Classical and country together at last

  17. Surya says:

    1.) “Freeze frame,” potential has been born

  18. Ruth B. says:

    Need money, still could but instruments?

  19. Kaylen B says:

    Have done this for hours help

  20. Emmett says:

    We “were”going to play, Fall-Fest

  21. Ruth B. says:

    Need money, still could buy instruments?

  22. Preethi S says:

    Rhythmic harmonic tune, hunger in disguise!

  23. PV Harrington says:

    We’re the three tin-pan-handlers.

  24. Alyssa says:

    Chords turn strangers into soul mates.

  25. JAD says:

    Not for us, but worthy cause.

  26. JAD says:

    Our pride plays no part, ok?

  27. Miss Sally says:

    Why won’t they look at me?!

  28. Caleigh Denmark says:

    Yes, my bass has a mustache 

    One girl two guys- someone’s promiscuous

  29. Caleigh Denmark says:

    Yes, my *base *has a mustache

  30. Caleigh Denmark says:

    We are the three musical musketeers 

  31. Caleigh Denmark says:

    Sorry guys-  couldn’t find the grammys

  32. Caleigh Denmark says:

    Squidward, spongbob, Patrick as a girl

  33. Caleigh Denmark says:

    It’s a hola hoop, not tenticals

  34. Miss Sally says:

    Wanda needs a leg. Please give.

  35. Miss Sally says:

    If this doesn’t work, we’ll hoola hoop.

  36. Miss Sally says:

    Up next, one-legged Wanda hoola hoops!

  37. Miss Sally says:

    Four is our lucky number, boys.

  38. Miss Sally says:

    It takes all kinds to jam.

  39. Miss Sally says:

    Jammin’ on the four by the door.

  40. Miss Sally says:

    Three different people, three different songs.

  41. Miss Sally says:

    Toodle, plunk, whang! Got any change?

  42. David B says:

    Band accept money but prefer cupcakes

  43. Ms. Manning says:

    Tips appreciated for great entertainment.

  44. Ms. Manning says:

    Show us your love with tips.

  45. Ms. Manning says:

    Love tips but enjoy entertaining more.

  46. Ms. Manning says:

    Tip or not, we’re enjoying ourselves.

  47. Ms. Manning says:

    We love to make others happy.

  48. Robin Slick says:

    Praying Amanda Palmer will discover them.

  49. Florence says:

    Pay up or we hula hoop.

  50. Florence says:

    Prefer money but spaghetti works too.

  51. Florence says:

    Playing for coffee, change or spaghetti.

  52. Florence says:

    We need a hula hoop dancer.

  53. Florence says:

    Join us to make it four?

  54. Karen says:

    Playing for cosmetic and pasta money

  55. Kristen says:

    if you’re paying, We’ll keep playing

  56. Staraj says:

    Quantity of money is not strained.

  57. Kisskissgirl says:

    Ménage a une, deux, trois …MUSIC!

  58. Kisskissgirl says:

    Puff the magic….oops wrong trio.

  59. NumbrOneAunt says:

    Just Once, drop us a $20!

  60. Mourningdove says:

    Bluegrass busker trio, sieve accepts tips.

  61. Kaylen B says:

    Think out of the tip box

  62. Kaylen B says:

    Cooler money and spaghetti tips

  63. JAD says:

    It’s not all about the money.

  64. mzejay says:

    Think I see that lost tune.

  65. mzejay says:

    Will play Greensleeves for green backs.

  66. Jenny Mama says:

    Bass, Banjo, Clarinet.
    We are set.

  67. Jenny Mama says:

    Tips strainer. Discs container.
    Heartfelt entertainers.

  68. Jenny Mama says:

    Strings and Wind notes.
    Music floats.

  69. Jenny Mama says:

    Do you hear what I hear?

  70. Laconic says:

    We play because you are listening.

  71. Laconic says:

    We’re rich, please take the money.

  72. BanjoDan says:

    1. Who let the banjo player in?
    2. We stop playing for money.

  73. Whelp says:

    Unplugged, the band played smaller venues

  74. Whelp says:

    Each thought it was other two

  75. Bobbee says:

    Unhandle the pan, music is free.

  76. PatnWilton says:

    Education doesn’t guarantee wealth; please donate.

  77. LadyMac says:

    Strumming, plucking, tootle-too-ing. What a trio!

  78. KennyB says:

    We found all this stuff here.

  79. LadyMac says:

    The soon-to-be famous Buffalo-Plaid Fedora Trio.

  80. goodpercy says:

    Recession Jazz causes spontaneous wealth, dig?

  81. DFitty says:

    I said bring JELLO not CELLO!!!!

  82. MeganS says:

    Hoping the band will come together

  83. MeganS says:

    We will be famous someday, someday

  84. MeganS says:

    Got band equipment at garage sale

  85. Sarika Chopra says:

    been locked out for a while

  86. Sarika Chopra says:

    we should be on level ground

  87. Sarika Chopra says:

    im gna get you banjo boy

  88. Kelley Barry says:

    Hipster music comes to your town.

  89. maryjane31 says:

    Not doing well? Sell the shoes.

  90. Miss Sally says:

    We’ve got to make a playlist!

  91. KFitty says:

    Wait. Can you hear me now?

  92. KFitty says:

    Free CD! (Tipping and Handling: $10)

  93. KFitty says:

    Accepting applications for new booking agent.

  94. petergriffin says:

    They say Rock and Roll’s dead?

  95. minutemanarch says:

    dead hipsters do not wear plaid

  96. M.A.Peel says:

    Playin’ in the Treme: Pick Us!

  97. M.A.Peel says:

    Klezmer meets bluegrass and jazz YIKES

  98. JH says:

    Will jump through hoops for gig.

  99. Whelp says:

    Thof highlight of the nudist festival

  100. Whelp says:

    The highlight of the nudist festival

  101. Liz says:

    Buckets empty. Get the hula hoops!

  102. Liz says:

    This sure beats working at Subway!

  103. Liz says:

    Why did I wear this hat?

  104. Liz says:

    Cello! My name is Inigo Montoya.

  105. jenny says:

    Like us, share us, tweet us….

  106. BanjoDan says:

    3. Long live street musicians; give money!
    4. We will stop playing for money.
    5. Tune a day keeps psychiatrists away.
    6. Need another banjo player? Call me!

  107. three-monkeys says:

    Raising funds for our X-Factor audition.

  108. three-monkeys says:

    Our playlist includes “Ice, Ice, Baby.”

  109. Joey says:

    We play for YOU, donate please.
    We have rhythm, we have moves.
    We play to move our fans.
    Playing music makes people dance away

  110. Joey says:

    Vote for us, We can play!

  111. Songwriter says:

    Music makes our differences strengthen similarities.

  112. Songwriter says:

    Our personalities- like music- make harmonies.
    Our personalities blend better than harmony

  113. LadyMac says:

    Buskers: adding culture to vacation photos.

  114. LadyMac says:

    Meet the hippest people in Fargo.

  115. LadyMac says:

    Buskers: more interesting away from home.

  116. ritoula says:

    We fiddle around, hoping for cash.

  117. three-monkeys says:

    Lady Gaga was our fourth bandmember.

  118. three-monkeys says:

    We’re here all day. You’re welcome.

  119. three-monkeys says:

    Our love triangle destroyed the band.

  120. three-monkeys says:

    Our bassist moonlights as a rapper.

  121. three-monkeys says:

    Just before Red Bulls kicked in.

  122. thisstephanie says:

    Need subway fare — Cello’s too big.

  123. PlayWithMadness says:

    Split tips proportionally by instrument size.

  124. Susan W. says:

    Women support the base, carry weight.

  125. Pattypooh says:

    you really think we like this?

  126. PlayWithMadness says:

    Two stringing along the other guy.

  127. PlayWithMadness says:

    Need money for tour bus gas.

  128. average beagle says:

    Paying student loans. Hoping for Change.

  129. Scarletnight says:

    Carry Me Smooth Deep Hot Flowing

  130. average beagle says:

    Music is great. Money is needed.

  131. Shaunyata says:

    Bringing back busking, with your help.

  132. William G. says:

    No change. No make-up. No cobra.

  133. deetales says:

    Instruments for world and pocket change.

  134. William G. says:

    Benny Goodman, eat your heart out

  135. Scarletnight says:

    Happy Toes. Tappin’ Bouncin’ Spinnin’ Grinnin’

  136. William G. says:

    Does a cello even belong here

  137. William G. says:

    reflections of a time gone by

  138. average beagle says:

    Musicians-Check. Instruments-Check. Tip Jar?????

  139. William G. says:

    Bluegrass, white sidewalk, another fun day

  140. William G. says:

    Would you please not block doorway

  141. average beagle says:

    Our pianist stole our tip jar.

  142. House of Musical Traditions says:

    Each has a Masters, beats working!

  143. House of Musical Traditions says:

    $20,We put away the banjo!

  144. deetales says:

    Micello Bama and the 1600 Serenaders.

  145. House of Musical Traditions says:

    We said Woodstock,not Soup Stock!

  146. deetales says:

    Sweet 16 smooth songs supper club.

  147. deetales says:

    Klez, lez and banjo boy sez.

  148. The Playful Spirit says:

    Nightly gig makes money for charity.

  149. Gerri says:

    Give lots. This chello is heavy.

  150. Cambrain says:

    Working our way to Carnegie Hall

  151. Gerri says:

    Give big tip and we’ll leave.

  152. The Playful Spirit says:

    Sign says: Donations Given to Charity

  153. The Playful Spirit says:

    Our parents think we’re rockstars. Sweet.

  154. The Playful Spirit says:

    First post-college job: Starving Artist.

  155. Amy says:

    Too Uncool For The Marching Band

  156. The Playful Spirit says:

    Our jobs really sucked. This doesn’t.

  157. rabbithole says:

    Match.com for musicians still has kinks.

  158. rabbithole says:

    Clarinetist is actually the “cute one”.

  159. rabbithole says:

    Human capacity for self-delusion is bottomless.

  160. trixieindixie says:

    Tip, or out comes the accordian!

  161. rabbithole says:

    Chance Comi-Con meeting makes musical history.

  162. Helen Davis says:

    Small town USA community symphony orchestra

  163. rabbithole says:

    Times aren’t bad. They’re banjo bad.

  164. rabbithole says:

    Fugitives from the Cone of Silence.

  165. rabbithole says:

    C’mon people! Plaid fedoras ain’t cheap.

  166. rabbithole says:

    Tiger Beat’s preparing a photo spread.

  167. rabbithole says:

    Those are the ones, Officer! They stole my love of music.
    (yea I know it’s not Six)

  168. rabbithole says:

    Fashion sense rivals their musical prowess.

  169. RatherBeSewing says:

    Making heady music together. Hat optional.

  170. RatherBeSewing says:

    I went to Conservatory for this?

  171. RatherBeSewing says:

    Plaid’s fading fast. Mom, send cash.

  172. RatherBeSewing says:

    Headliner’s hat helps hide receding hairline.

  173. Richard R. says:

    It had to happen: bluegrass cantatas.

  174. heem08 says:

    In no way is this Deliverance!

  175. Flora Morris Brown, Ph.D. says:

    Making money always sounds so good.

  176. Flora Morris Brown, Ph.D. says:

    Softer the money, better we play

  177. Flora Morris Brown, Ph.D. says:

    Do re mi lots more dough!

  178. KP Khalsa says:

    Three musicians, one buck, no hope!

  179. KP Khalsa says:

    A tune, a dollar, a living!

  180. mzejay says:

    We are the “show” with dinner.

  181. KP Khalsa says:

    We play,
    you listen,
    maybe donate.

  182. KP Khalsa says:

    One dollar, one tune, much hope.

  183. KP Khalsa says:

    We play on, you pay up?

  184. KP Khalsa says:

    We play, you pay, we eat.

  185. KP Khalsa says:

    Dough! Play. We are so hungry!

  186. KP Khalsa says:

    We are musical, are you generous?

  187. KP Khalsa says:

    Listen and appreciate, we’ll eat gratefully.

  188. KP Khalsa says:

    Our music, your dough, we eat.

  189. LELAM says:

    Quit our day jobs. Regretting that.

  190. LELAM says:

    “Hello, Joe? Lost my banjo case…”

  191. Helen Davis says:

    Remastering Deliverance soundtrack for urban audience

  192. Helen Davis says:

    When all else fails, play music.

  193. Helen Davis says:

    Our usual rehearsal space was closed

  194. toni says:

    Don’t out me Facebook, no tags.

  195. toni says:

    Hey! Let’s cellibrate good times, c’mon!

  196. maryjane31 says:

    Taking selections. Any request. Please donate.

  197. Leslie Hobson says:

    If you need some, take some

  198. Taisha says:

    Our next gig will be inside!

  199. kathi wright says:

    fill the pot, rhythm and clues…

  200. kathi wright says:

    music, not smiles, the universal language…

  201. Taisha says:

    The start of a master plan.

  202. Anonymous says:

    We need money for music lessons

  203. Helen Davis says:

    Acker Bilk started the same way.

  204. Helen Davis says:

    Pay up, or we’ll keep playing.

  205. favepeep says:

    Will play for the perfect caption.

  206. mourningdove says:

    Tourist tips terrible, need new notes!

  207. favepeep says:

    Steve Martin wants his banjo back!

  208. RoxxyPom says:

    Musicians? More like brilliant dumpster divers.

    They’re blocking the sidewalk…. …….. ugh! …………… MOOOOOOOOOOVE!!!

    [ideally, to be written on white piece of paper in lower right corner] Please buy our CD: IT’S BETTER!!!
    HERE is YOUR WIFE’s xmas gift!
    Wait and see what happens next…!
    We haven’t moved in days…really.
    Pick best dressed, throw in vote
    Get out of line, frugal minds!

    99 problems, solely for your entertainment.

  209. Shonam says:

    We play, you enjoy, please pay.

  210. LadyMac says:

    Actually, not a cello. A bass.

  211. naureen says:

    Our story— a quartet we were!

  212. Redx3 says:

    Hula dancer went solo, killed show.

  213. Romeo says:

    Soloist was eaten. Save banjo player!

  214. sisterpoet says:

    Trust fund babies need help too.

  215. sisterpoet says:

    Taking over Brooklyn, note by note

  216. Helen Davis says:

    Available for weddings, bar mitzvahs, funerals…

  217. DynamicDbytheC says:

    Three PhDs with a corner office.

  218. queenmab says:

    Not ready for America’s Got Talent.

  219. JAD says:

    We’re about to start something new.

  220. Angel Zapata says:

    Stick around, folks. We play Macarena.

  221. Angel Zapata says:

    We don’t need no stinkin’ drummer.

  222. Angel Zapata says:

    “We’re ‘Strainer Than Fiction’. Good night!”

  223. Karenee says:

    Peter, Paul and Mary wanna be’s.

  224. ibaci says:

    There’s an ATM around the corner.

  225. Pat says:

    Rolled pants players promote safe pots.

  226. Pat says:

    Plunk in pot if you like music.

  227. Pat says:

    The plaid hat store opening band.

  228. bevvie says:

    We were here before he came!

  229. bevvie says:

    here until the symphony calls back.

  230. bevvie says:

    Two classics and one pop plucker.

  231. bevvie says:

    helping son pay off student loans.

  232. bevvie says:

    helping son get his own place.

  233. mzejay says:

    We’re here for the extended version.

  234. mzejay says:

    Sidewalk show, music for the masses.

  235. queenmab says:

    Should have majored in something else. . . .

  236. favepeep says:

    Will play Irish wakes for beer.

  237. favepeep says:

    We’ve got strings and you don’t!

  238. scribbling_scribe says:

    All the world is a stage…

  239. scribbling_scribe says:

    Classical Bluegrass Trio do it streetwise.

  240. scribbling_scribe says:

    This sure beats the subway gig.

  241. scribbling_scribe says:

    Upright bass holds up one-legged woman.

  242. scribbling_scribe says:

    “So this banjo-player walks into a…”

  243. scribbling_scribe says:

    “You’re finger plicking good, banjo man.”

  244. scribbling_scribe says:

    Blow. Plick. Pluck. Make a buck.

  245. scribbling_scribe says:

    C sharp. B natural. Don’t fret.

  246. moabchick says:

    Waiting in line for iPhone 5.

    Hipster trio seeks identity, and tips.

    Free hula hoop with cd purchase.

    Jazz duo accosted by banjo player.

    Bluegrass banjo player seeks hipster approval.

    Keep playing, Steve Martin’s coming out.

  247. DARLENE S. says:

    Keeping music alive…and the musicians.

  248. Leigh says:

    Picture of Bela Fleck’s first band.

  249. Leigh says:

    Trio hopes bluegrassical will catch on.

  250. zoe says:

    This is what makes me happy.

  251. zoe says:

    Music soothes the soul - please listen.

  252. zoe says:

    Somewhat potentially the future One Direction

  253. zoe says:

    Why is someone taking our picture…

  254. zoe says:

    Note-to-self: Don’t walk on this street

  255. Anna C says:

    Instruments are louder than our egos.

  256. Stopbeeingnosey says:

    clarinet upright banjo and their players

  257. Rachell S. says:

    Music fills the void coffee can’t.

  258. Rachell S. says:

    We ALL have a day job somewhere.

  259. Rachell S. says:

    We ALL have a day job.

  260. Rachell S. says:

    Music fills the heart with joy.

  261. Rachell S. says:

    Talented musicians. Brave souls. Grateful audiences.

  262. Rachell S. says:

    We are from the planet Harmony.

  263. Darcy Grabenstein says:

    Pay us now & we’ll stop playing.

  264. ThielAndrew says:

    We all met two hours ago!

  265. Cammie Gemmell says:

    I simply want to mention I am just newbie to blogging and definitely enjoyed you’re web page. More than likely I’m want to bookmark your blog . You surely have beneficial posts. Thanks a bunch for sharing with us your web page.

  266. baju anak katun bambu says:

    Great awesome things here. I am very glad to peer your post. Thanks so much and i’m having a look forward to touch you. Will you please drop me a e-mail?

  267. agen judi togel says:

    Everything is very open with a clear explanation of the issues. It was truly informative. Your site is very useful. Many thanks for sharing!

Leave a Reply

The name you want displayed with your comment.

Emails are not published with comments (i.e., everyone won't see it).

Your Website. This is optional.

 
SMITH Magazine

SMITH Magazine is a home for storytelling.
We believe everyone has a story, and everyone
should have a place to tell it.
We're the creators and home of the
Six-Word Memoir® project.