This Week’s Pen Your Past Prompt
What’s a smell that instantly takes you back?
It might be a holiday meal, the perfume of someone you loved, the grass on a ball field, or even something quirky like school glue or baby shampoo. Scents have a way of catching us off guard and stirring up the most vivid memories.
Why This Matters
Our sense of smell is closely tied to memory and emotion. A single whiff can bring back a flood of feelings — comfort, longing, laughter, even heartache. Writing about those moments helps us capture stories we might not even realize we’ve been carrying.
If You’re Not Sure Where to Begin…
Try one of these memory sparks:
✨ You don’t have to write a book to tell your story.Just start with “I’ll never forget the smell of…” and see where it takes you.
My Life, One Story at a Time
I never wore it myself, but I loved it so much that I actually considered naming my son after it if he’d been a girl. Funny enough, a long-lost cousin had a daughter exactly five years later, and without knowing any of this, she used the name! Life is so strange sometimes.
Out of my 50 years, I’d guess I’ve bought that perfume as a Christmas gift for my mom at least 25 times. It’s one of those scents that will always say “home” to me.
✍🏼 Share Your Prompted Story
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📖 Keep the Stories Going
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🧭 Go Explore More
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Until Next Time
The smallest details — even a scent — can hold a lifetime of memory. Notice them, write them, and pass them on.
With Love,
Kari 💚
