Past Prompts

For most of our time on this planet, we have gone barefoot. Shoes evolved as utilitarian protection for our feet, but now they’re fashion statements, links to how we identify ourselves, and even status symbols. Did you wear penny loafers, with or without the pennies? Ever splurge on Air Jordans or Chuck Taylors? Maybe you're on a first name basis with Manolo or revel in revealing the red sole of a Louboutin? From clogs to Crocs, from sneakers to stilettos, think back ... about the memorable shoes in your life and the role they played. Tell us about a special pair, or entertain us with vignettes featuring some of your favorites. Share your shoes stories forward. Start Writing Read Stories

In the previous prompt we asked you to write about a rite of passage that marked a significant transition in your own life. Now we'd like you to think about the final rite of passage for a loved one, a friend, or an acquaintance. Think back . . . what type of ceremony was held, if any, for the person who died? Were you involved in the planning, one of the mourners, or even just a casual observer? What kind of final farewell do you want to have when your time is up? Share your final farewell stories forward. Start Writing Read Stories

All cultures celebrate rites of passage marking coming of age and other significant life transitions…walkabouts and vision quests come to mind. Here in the U.S., we baby boomers have experienced a wealth of our own cultural ceremonies and celebrations — bar or bat mitzvahs, quinceañeras, Sweet Sixteens, graduations, weddings, baby showers, birthdays, and retirement parties. Some rites of passage may be acknowledged more privately, like coming out and transitioning. Think back and pick one of your own rites of passage…did the experience bring about a noticeable shift in your way of looking at life? Was it what you expected, better, worse, or just different? How did it affect the rest of your life? Share your rites of passage stories forward. Start Writing Read Stories

Besides keeping ourselves physically fit, people of a certain age are now encouraged to exercise our brains to keep them healthy. While they might not eliminate all those dreaded senior moments, brain games such as crossword puzzles and Sudoku are supposed to help stave off cognitive decline. Think back … Do you remember the previous generation exercising their brains? If so, how? What brain games are you playing to stay sharp? Or do you knit or dance instead? Share your brain games stories forward. Start Writing Read Stories

Come late summer, many of us spend more time in the garden, especially this year. Think back ... Did your family have a garden when you were growing up? Flowers, vegetables, or both? Do you have a garden now? Have you grown your own food? How do you cope with critters and weeds? Do you visit public gardens or parks? How do you feel in the garden? Share your garden stories forward. Start Writing Read Stories