Ahh, don’t feel embarrassed… but you should be flogged. 
I don’t care one way or the other, it’s your show after all, and organizing this is a lot of work on your behalf, so I wouldn’t mind if you included your story for the vote (IMHO).
Okay, just uploaded my story. Phew! Had to do a bit of editing to get it down to 2000 words. But I managed. Looking forward to reading everybody’s contributions!
I think it should be included.
First of all, “springtime” is rather non-specific. I don’t think a story has to explicitly take place between March 21 and June 21 of a (northern hemisphere) year–instead, springtime could be inferred, even obliquely, by making reference to things that typically happen in spring: plants budding, animals being born, the first golf game of the year, those sorts of things. Or, springtime could be entirely metaphorical, using a re-awakening of some sort. Is there any way you could squeeze your story into the theme using these methods?
Even if not, I think it should be included anyway. We’re already working within certain limitations (the three words, the photo, the time limit, the word count); and while adding a theme is certainly challenging, we’ve also had a lot of fun with non-themed contests.
Besides–and here’s the lawyer in me coming out–in your OP, you merely “proposed” a theme. You did not “demand,” and I saw no agreement with your proposal. So there’s a loophole you may want to take advantage of. 
Alas, I was unable to finish my story this time. Too much going on this week. Oh well, hopefully next time. Can’t wait to read everyone else’s still.
Don’t have time to compete, but I’m greatly looking forward to reading your short stories.
I’ve just started the Anthology Thread at this link and I’ll be adding stories to it throughout the course of the weekend. I’d like to ask that we hold off on commentary until after the poll is established on Sunday evening. That way, the first posts in the thread will be just the stories. After the poll is up, I hope many readers will contribute their opinions.
Sweet! Keep em coming! Going to read the “April Fool” now…
Can I ask how many submissions there have been so far?
Five so far. Plenty of time for more!
Plus I find it really interesting how the same source material provides the basis for such varied stories.
Nice! I really encourage more to come in. I’m really enjoying these.
I read the first two so far, but I have to split (going to the Wings game… W00T!), but I look forward to more. And yeh! I totally agree about how the source material is used. It’s fun to look out for it, and see how the authors factored it in. So very cool.
Am I understanding the rules correctly that I could still submit a story via the email given in the OP?
Absolutely!
I couldn’t get mine finished in the allotted time. I’m still going to try to write it anyway because I think the idea is cool, but I won’t be able to submit it. Good luck to everyone who got something in though! I’ll definitely be reading and voting.
Just a quick bump for anyone who feels like writing <2,000 coherent words in the next 30 hours.
As well, I’d like to again encourage anyone who didn’t make the time limit - if you feel you have something worthwhile, you can submit it and I’ll put it in the anthology after I’ve established the poll.
Just saw this.
How short? I specialize in one sentence stories.
I suspect it would have to be at least five words long to work in the obligatory three words, photograph and theme. After that, it’s up to the voters to determine how well they think you did.
Have at it - see how it goes.
Done! My submission should be in your mailbox.
I love short fiction!
Indeed you do… (check out his 2007 winning entry, in case some weren’t aware.) Still makes me giggle.
I have submitted my entry. Am somewhat nervous, as this is the first time I’ve ever posted any of my fiction where it could be read publicly.
Just submitted my story.
Shorter than usual, and wrote it on the quick, but I think it works.
I promise I won’t laugh, unless I’m supposed to.