Past Prompts

From Aladdin to The Ugly Duckling, we all know these stories. When we were young, they were read to us as bedtime stories. We may remember them in their less scary versions or in their darker, original versions by the Grimm Brothers or Hans Christian Andersen. Think back … Which fairy tale was your favorite? Was it read to you or did you read it with your children? Did you prefer the darker, the gentler, or the Disney version? Share your Favorite Fairy Tale story forward. Start Writing Read Stories

We humans instinctively try to make our homes attractive and comfortable. As Baby Boomers, throughout our lives we have “nested” in many different places, from childhood bedrooms, to dorm rooms, no-frills apartments, and upscale houses. Think back … what did you do to make a past dwelling, however humble, feel like home? How does it compare to your current house? Are the next generation’s nesting habits similar or different? Share your Feathering Our Nests stories forward. Start Writing Read Stories

There was a time when the motto of Marshall Fields Department Store in Chicago was, “Give the lady what she wants.” While that strikes us as archaic and sexist, in this era of call centers, online help, and limited in-person staff, customer service is a whole different animal. Think back … what memories of customer service do you have? How have things changed, whether it be air travel, shopping, or obtaining technical support? Share your customer service stories forward. Start Writing Read Stories

Timothy Leary told us to “turn on, tune in, drop out.” Our generation was reputed to spend the Sixties in an altered state of consciousness, but this was not true for all of us. Think back ... to your use of drugs or alcohol, to get wasted, or maybe just a little high. What did you do when you were young? How does it compare to your behavior now? 37 states have legalized marijuana as of 2022 – do you ever use it for medical or recreational purposes? Share your Drugs and Alcohol stories forward. Start Writing Read Stories

Whether you're consistently bargain conscious or of the you-get-what-you-pay-for mindset, you've probably splurged at least once. Setting aside houses and cars, be it jewelry, golf clubs, an original piece of art, heirloom bedding, or even a pair of shoes, think back … what is the most expensive thing you’ve ever bought, for yourself or for someone else? Share your Priciest Purchase stories forward. Start Writing Read Stories