Past Prompts

In our youth, Reader’s Digest had a popular feature called "Was My Face Red," where people sent in their embarrassing stories. We’ve all been embarrassed at one time or another, either by something we ourselves did or said, or by somebody else’s words or actions. Think back . . . Do you remember a time when an incident left you red-faced? Wishing the earth would open up and swallow you whole? Or when you caused embarrassment to another person? Share your embarrassment stories forward. Start Writing Read Stories

Whether they came in the mail or were purchased from the newsstand, magazines were a part of our lives. Perhaps they are still part of yours. From My Weekly Reader  to the Utne Reader, from Teen to Time,  from Mad to Mademoiselle, we learned about our culture and society from magazines. Think back … what were your favorite magazines? How did they influence you? Do you read magazines today or have you given up paper for digital versions? Share your magazines stories forward. Start Writing Read Stories

Aunts and uncles can play a special role in our lives—adults, yet without the complication of being our parents. Think back ... to a favorite or important aunt or uncle. Did they mentor you? Give you advice? Were they eccentric with extreme political views? Did you have "virtual" aunts and uncles who weren't related? What's it like to be an aunt or uncle to a favorite niece or nephew? Share your aunts and uncles stories forward. Start Writing Read Stories

Memorabilia translates as “things to be remembered,” and most of us have saved items with sentimental value such as photographs and letters. Some of us have also saved favorite concert and theater programs, and a few of us have even saved report cards, children’s baby teeth, and long outdated address and appointment books. Think back…did you or do you collect autographs, travel souvenirs, trading cards, political buttons, military medals, or collectibles related to an important person, organization, or event? Have you displayed your memorabilia in frames or is it collecting dust in storage? Share your memorabilia stories forward. Start Writing Read Stories

Recipes can be treasured and passed down from generation to generation, or they can begin in your kitchen. They can be closely guarded secrets or happily shared with anyone who asks. Some of us still have collections of favorite recipes on cards or in cookbooks. Others have tossed these in favor of Internet searches. Think back … What are some of your favorite recipes? Where did they come from and what memories do they evoke? Is there one you would share on Retrospect? Share your recipes stories forward. Start Writing Read Stories