How to Trigger May Memories for Writing

It's hard to get started writing sometimes. Here are seasonal memory triggers to get you started writing about your life and family stories. Your children and grandchildren will appreciate that you put these memories on paper.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. 
    
   May basket

   Memory jogs for May are abundant. The first that come to mind are May Baskets. Do you remember making them and surprising neighbors? Have you ever received May baskets? How did you feel? Were you ever involved in wrapping a May Pole for your school or did your town celebrate May Day?

2. 
    

   Spring song birds are arriving in my area. What are your favorites? Are you a bird watcher? It is interesting to watch the funny antics of the robins strutting in our street.

3. Mother’s Day is coming and what memories does that bring you or your parents? How do you celebrate that day? Do you give gifts of flowers, candy, clothes or jewels?

4. 
    
   My prom dress

   It is school prom time and a great bunch of memories surround that special time. Do you remember planning & preparation of the prom night when you were a junior and the total enjoyment when you were a senior? Add pictures if you can find them.

5. 
    

   May is also Older Americans month. This would be a good time to visit your older family members and neighbors and get them talking about what they did years ago. Their memories will trigger some of yours.

6. 
    

   Graduation time is upon us but those dreaded finals always came first. Write about your senior year as if it were a letter to your great grand children. Add what was going on around the world during your final year in high school or college. Were you a class officer, in a class play, letter in sports or music? Tell about your school’s colors and mascot. As always, add pictures if you can. Also tell what you know about your parents or grandparents education.

7. 
    

   Memorial Day finishes up this month. Do you look forward to it because the holiday signals time to play outdoors or for the time to remember your family and friends that are no longer with you, or both?

Tips & Warnings

• Try to write something, even just a few paragraphs, every day.
• Get out photographs to help your memory along.

Resources

• Our Echo site for posting family memories

[Susanh]

on 9/16/2008 I've never heard of a May Basket. Perhaps you would be willing to share your memories of those with us? 5*****

[Gardengates]

on 9/16/2008 Great ideas. And I'll revisit next May for reminders!

[vallain]

on 9/16/2008 I never went to the prom, but I guess that's a story in itself. Maybe I should write that one.