In episode 119 of the Life Writers Vlog, I share I Remember by Joe Brainard, a fascinating book that inspires both nostalgia and creativity.
Brainard, an artist from the New York School, wrote this collection of fragmented memories, each beginning with I remember. His entries capture moments including Christmas traditions, childhood antics, and quirky experiences.
I’ve often used this concept as a writing prompt, but Brainard’s book elevates it into art. It’s also a great tool to spark your own memories or overcome writer’s block.
Try this. Write about your childhood neighborhood using I remember and see where it leads. Then, once you’ve written, share your memories with us in the comments section below.
If you want a bit more practice, watch Vlog #91, “I Remember.”
But whether you I remember or not, the only way to do this wrong is to not do it at all.
I remember a small house in Levittown, Long Island in the 1950s. I remember when Levittown was all young families with one car and a housewife. I remember a large pear tree in the back yard, proof that Levittown had been created from farmland. I remember our tiny sandbox in the back yard. I remember yellow tulips along the front walk. I remember walking a new toy, a Slinky, down the staircase. I remember watching The World of Disney on the TV installed under the staircase. I remember the boy next door, Skipper. I remember my mother’s story about how… Read more »
This is wonderful, Diane. It triggered so many memories I haven’t thought about in ages, especially the Slinky. I remember being so proud when I made it walk down the stairs. Well done. Thanks for sharing your piece with us.
I remember having a nickel to spend for an after-school snack on my walk home from school in Cincinnati, Camp Washington section. Next to my school was a White Castle hamburger place where I could get a savory hamburger with cooked onions and sprinkles of cheddar cheese. On the corner next to the White Castle was and still is a famous Cincinnati Chili Parlor (it opened 1942 my first year there, also) where I could get, for that nickel, a hot dog smothered with chili, chopped fresh onions and shredded cheddar cheese. I alternated, hamburger on day, chili hot dog… Read more »
I remember entering my father’s dental office in the early 1950s and squeezing the silver button on the side of the square glass mercury bottle. I loved watching the mercury rolling out beautifully in the perfect little silver ball. It was cold, smooth, and slippery, and I loved to play with it.
What we didn’t know then!
I remember
I can feel that warm heat from the grate and the cold air just beyond, Linda. You painted a memorable picture.
Great memory. Reminds me of Woolworths.
I remember a toxic toy for blowing plastic bubbles in the early 1950s. This thick sticky gel came in a metal squeeze tube with a printed label that flaked off in your hands after a few uses. It smelled strongly of acetone but that just increased its allure for me; it was a mysterious, dangerous smell. The substance came in two deep colors, blue and red. My favorite was the reddish purple one which reminded me of royalty. We would squeeze a gooey dab onto the end of the plastic straw (included) carefully shaping it into an ovoid lump, avoiding… Read more »
Catherine, WOW! Your memory is accurate. I remember that tube and blowing plastic bubbles also. And then, like you chewing them. Amazing we are alive writing this memory.