What is this?
Grand Prompts To Ask Your Grands is a journaling challenge. Each month I will post a new prompt. The prompts serve as conversation starters that forge connections between generations and inspire story-worthy journaling. Circles of family and friends hold the histories that explain the familiar routines and traditions. Stories unfold through historic eras where war, economic ups and downs, natural disasters and major events occur, shaping life’s paths. Listening and writing about the circumstances provide us with the understanding of where we came from and how to navigate where we are going.
Why?
The purpose of Grand Prompts For Your Grands is to start a conversation and share stories that bind families and friendships. Oral storytelling weaves life’s episodes. It is a ritual founded in the ancient beginnings of humans. We always told stories. The nuances, the background settings, the cadence to the dialog gives spirit to a narrative. Facts are important to define time and place, but the heart of the story comes to light when shared, questioned, laughed and cried through. Those are the stories that live through generations, providing the teller a piece of immortality and giving listeners an understanding of the past and a vision of paths ahead.
Who?
I originally designed the prompts for educators as a writing resource for their students. It gave students a specific, yet open-ended set of ideas and questions to ask their elders. As I worked on this idea, I found the Grand Prompt To Ask Your Grands prompts were compelling for everyone.
How?
I will post a prompt on my blog, Stories Served Around The Table, on the second Tuesday each month. Grands can be anyone in your people circle. I use public domain vintage photographs and personal pictures to inspire the prompts and questions. Remember, telling and hearing the story is key. Even if it is your story, sit down, zoom in, or call someone. Talk it through before putting words to paper or screen. Use a recorder or an app that types as you speak into your phone or computer.
You may respond by posting your blog link or a entering a brief excerpt in the Comments box. I will find you if you include the hashtag #grandpromptstoasaskyourgrands in your blog, Facebook, Instagram, and/or Twitter posts. All entries will be compiled and links posted on the last Thursday of the month (Throwback Thursday).
Please submit questions and suggestions. Your input is always appreciated.
Mark your calendar. The first Grand Prompt To Ask Your Grands is on Tuesday July 13th.
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“If you don’t cook with love, you have to get out of the kitchen.” Florence Messina
Stories Served 
What an awesome challenge, Antoinette! I look forward to following along.
Recently, I purchased a copy of ‘Do You Know Your Mom’s Story? 365 Question You Need to Ask Her’ by Glenna Mageau. I’ve already begun working through this with my mother and the results have been eye-opening (I thought that I knew more than I did.) So far, this has been a very positive experience for both of us. Some of the questions that we have covered so far include, “What would she change if she could go back in time?” “What is she most proud of?” “What is something that she always wanted to do or learn but didn’t?”.
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I bought the book you mentioned to ask questions of your mom. My mom passed last year but I have journaled our conversations for many years and thought I’d read it anyway. I think she’s told me her life over the years. Maybe it might generate new memories. Thanks for mentioning it.
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You gave yourself and your mom a great gift.
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OOH sounds like a great book. I will order it. Thanks for the tip.
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It’s available on Amazon. I think that you will greatly enjoy it. Although it say’s “Mom” in the title, these questions or prompts could be used with any close family member or close friend.
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I have a question about the challenge Antoinette. Does it have to be a new piece or can the link be to post that has been blogged once already?
Great challenge!
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I have a question about the challenge Antoinette. Does it have to be a new piece or can the link be to post that has been blogged once already?
Great challenge!
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Share them. Be sure to mention when and where they first appeared. Thanks a bunch.
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