Past Prompts

T.S. Eliot tells us, “The naming of cats is a difficult matter.” This is true for all of the pets in our lives. From beloved dogs and cats to birds, hamsters, and lowly goldfish, we have all bestowed names on our pets. Think back … to the pet names popular at different stages of your life. Do names like Spot, Puff, Lassie, Rover, Lady, King, and Princess ring a bell? How did you decide what to name your pet? If you have never had a pet to name, tell us why not. Share your naming pets stories forward. Start Writing Read Stories

Initially, recycling was a novelty, and many considered it a fringe activity. Now we recycle glass, paper, plastic, and metal without a thought, and even save food scraps for compost. Think back … when did you first start recycling? Were you skeptical or enthusiastic about it? Has your attitude changed, and if so, how? Does recycling really make a difference? Share your Recycling stories forward. Start Writing Read Stories

Woody Allen, Bill Cosby, J.K. Rowling … just a few of the many artists who have said or done offensive or objectionable things. Does this mean we should boycott their art? Think back … were there artists that you or your family avoided in your childhood? Are there now? Or can you enjoy the art even if you hate the artist? Share your separating the art from the artist stories forward. Start Writing Read Stories

The golden age of radio, which started before we were born, lasted through the 1950s until television became the medium of choice. But even after that, radio shows hosted by our favorite DJs and playing our favorite music pervaded our lives and may still play a role. From tabletop to transistor, from pop music to podcast, think back ... to the physical radios or devices you listened to, your favorite stations, or a special time when radio provided the soundtrack to your life. Share your Remembering Radios stories forward. Start Writing Read Stories

In the Fifties, it was much more common for a mother to stay at home with her children than to work outside the home. More recently, the pandemic has given new meaning to the concept of stay-at-home parent. With children doing most of their schooling virtually since March, 2020, many parents have had to step back from their jobs or try to juggle their children’s needs while working from home. Think back … were you raised by a stay-at-home parent? Were you ever one? In honor of Mother’s Day, share your stay-at-home parent stories forward. Start Writing Read Stories