In My Mother’s Closet

Mother's closet

Even as small children, our mother’s closet reminded us that in addition to being a mommy she was also a woman. Baby boomers, think back … what mysteries lurked in your mother’s closet? Did you play dress-up? What secrets did she keep? Did she have a signature scent or style? Have you had to sort through it? What would we learn from looking through your closet? Share your Mother’s Day stories forward.

War & Remembrance

US Vietnam Veterans Memorial

We were conceived after World War II, born during Korea, and came of age during Vietnam. Baby boomers, think back … did you serve? Did you resist? Were you eligible for the draft? How do you remember those who sacrificed for our country? What do you think is worth dying for? America has been involved in many wars during our lifetime. Are you worried about another? Share your Memorial Day stories forward.

Babies

Baby

Let’s look at Mother’s Day from the flip side—babies! Think back … did you want them? Did you have them? Did you try to avoid having them? Were they what you expected? What memories stand out? If you have grandbabies, how does that differ from having babies? What advice would you give to prospective parents now? Share your baby stories forward.

Science

Phytoplankton

On Earth Day this week, scientists will march on Washington (and other cities) to protest the marginalization of science by the new administration. Think back … Did you like science class? Did you do science projects or take part in science fairs? Did you “watch Mr. Wizard” or blow up the garage? What’s the role of science in your life—and the world? Share your science stories forward.

Big Fan

Baseball Opening Day: Players and Fans

On baseball’s Opening Day, players take the field—and fans take the stands to cheer them on. Baby boomers, think back … fandom isn’t limited to sports. What teams, players, musicians, artists, companies, or products have you been fanatic about? What’s the role of fandom in your life? Share your fan stories forward.

Friendship

Childhood friends on path

“Friends,” said the Chinese philosopher Mencius, “are the siblings God never gave us.” Baby boomers, think back … to friendships past and ongoing. What bonded you? Was your friendship smooth or rocky? Did it endure? How did it affect your life? Do you have a best friend now? Share your friendship stories forward.

Women’s Lib

Ms. Magazine

We came of age with second-wave feminism, or as we called it then, women’s lib. Think back … was your consciousness raised? When and by what? Did you read The Women’s Room or Ms? Did you have a “click” experience? Do you consider yourself a feminist now? Did you attend a recent women’s march? As we observe International Women’s Day (March 8), share your feminism stories forward.

Toys & Games

Back in the day, toys weren’t as sophisticated as they are now—but that didn’t stop us! Think back … what were your favorite toys, dolls, or games? How did they spark your imagination? Does a particular toy stand out in your memory? What toys have you passed on to your children or grandchildren? Share your toy stories forward.

Dance Crazes

We can almost trace our lives through popular dances. Baby boomers, think back … remember the Hokey Pokey? The Limbo? The Twist and the Frug? Line dancing and swing dancing? The Hustle? The Macarena? Which dances stand out? What role did dancing play in your life? Were you caught up in disco? Did you dance like no one was watching? Share your dance stories forward.

In Trouble

On Presidents’ Day we recall George Washington, who famously got “in trouble” for chopping down a cherry tree. Think back … to your own acts of mischief or rebellion. What prompted you? Who were you with? Who found out, and what was the punishment? How did you respond when your own children got in trouble? Share your stories of getting in trouble forward.