I mentioned yesterday my journal prompting book and how much I love doing them. So, when I read today’s prompt, I decided I’d write the answer as a post instead of just filling out the book. So, here was today’s prompt:
Write about an unusually vivid memory from long ago
It was a warm, sunny day, during a summer long passed. I can’t recall how old I was; I was young enough to still play using pure imagination. I can’t even recall the specific day, but there were many like it. I was on summer vacation, visiting my family in Florida.
At the time, they lived on a parcel of land we called the farm. We called it that because of the chickens, pigs, guineas, and horses that were there. My Dad and stepmom lived on one piece of the property, and my paternal grandparents lived on the adjacent piece.
This particular day was like many other days. My cousin, Julie, and I were both there, playing outside. One of our favorite things to do was recreate the cooking shows we used to love watching—specifically, Julia Child and Jeff Smith (The Frugal Gourmet).
The driveways of both properties were made of sand. So, Julie and I would gather pots and pans, go out to the driveway, and with some water from the hose, would make our creations. We would spend what felt like hours playing in the sand, making all kinds of dishes to try.
In reality, they were all just mud pies, but to us, they were crème brûlée, soups of all kinds, and yes, even pies. We would mimic the accents of whoever we were portraying, to the best of our abilities. My cousin was like my sister back then.
Those days are long gone. The farm is no more. My grandparents have been gone for a long time. My Dad and stepmom sold the land and moved into the house they always wanted. My cousin started a new life. But the memories of playing in the sand with my cousin will always remain.
Looking back at memories of long ago can be both fun and sad. The innocence of childhood I remember fades with every passing year, but I still remember how free it felt to be a kid. I remember the power of imagination, and I long to tap into that again.
Strolling down memory lane can help us realize how far we’ve come and how much further we have to go on the road of the human experience. There are highs and lows, just as there were back then. No matter what was going on, though, I always had my imagination to make sense of things.
It’s funny how adulthood can rob you of certain things. But imagination, it only takes the right spark to rekindle the fire. Suppose I could only find that spark. Maybe it’s still there, waiting for me to find it. All I can do is keep trying.
What’s a memory from your past that you cherish? When you think about it, is it vivid in your mind, or is it like a faded photograph? I’d love to hear your story.
—Daniel