Tonight’s writing prompt is all about reliving childhood memories of eating food that came from a can!
Inspired by a line from a British cozy mystery, Mrs. Sidhu Investigates, the main character says, “Food isn’t just fuel. It’s history. It’s memory. It’s communication.”
Tonight’s prompt asks you to reflect on canned foods of your childhood. For me, it was fruit cocktail with mayo and cinnamon, Vienna sausage and potted meat sandwiches, and asparagus straight from the can with a dollop of mi-nese, as we called it in South Louisiana.
Start with a five-minute brainstorm—just jot down as many canned foods you ate as a child—no need for full sentences, just quick notes.
Then, pick one or two items from your list and write the story of enjoying, or hating, these foods. Let’s dig in!
Once you’ve written your story, please share it with us in the comments section below.
But remember always, the only way to do this wrong is to not do it at all!
Here is my First Tuesday Write-In story. Hope you enjoy it.
Etya, I am so happy I got the chance to read your story. I missed hearing so much of it last Tuesday. Again, you have taken a moment and created a story with brilliant descriptions, sensory details figures of speech. I was there with you in the waters, surrounded by stingrays. The impact of that experience on you, suggest a state of being to treasure, or perhaps, remain in.
Lovely story about a profound experience. Your descriptions are beautiful: “shadows with wings”; “living kites”; “Untethered, uncontrollable.” You’ve captured the mystery of feeling a connection with a different consciousness. There is a quiet wonder in your telling. The story of your encounter with the stingrays is also a story of healing. I love the way you draw the reader into the peace you found there.
Beautifully written Etya. I loved this line very close to your opening. “I had never felt so close to vanishing and yet so more fully aware of myself.” it says so much.
Thank you so much, Dave. I appreciate you reading my story.
Great story Etya, having experienced Stingray City I can relate to that wonderous experience. You made it magical.
Thank you, Judy.
April Write and Read story. The photos took more time than the writing!
Enjoyed your story a lot Terry. Your personification of cat behaviour is hilarious, and instructive. A masterclass on cat behaviour and temperament. Joey the Magnificent held my attention. One question for you. Were the cats named, consistent with their behaviour, or were the names assigned from you acquired them? The names so aptly suit their personality and actions.Of course your love and tolerance are evident, as is the joy they bring you.
Lorna, thank you for your kind feedback and your interest in our cats’ names. I’ve found that cats tend to name themselves, if we wait long enough, and they also accumulate names over the course of their lives. For example, Jane came to us as an adult cat who had already been through two other homes. Her name at the time was simply Jane, but we felt a cat with her lofty personality needed more, and thus she became Lady Jane, and then Lady Jane Chesterfield when she began to relax and spend time spread out on the arms of… Read more »
Thank you for your detailed, comprehensive response,Terry.
Your connection to the cats is evident, as is the joy their presence and distinctive behaviour provide. Fertile material for your creative mind. The story sounds like a great idea…..or maybe a play?
Glad I read this updated version with photos. I enjoyed your original story, and this more polished version is a fun read. This is a great description, “debauched sheepskin rug,” and your ending, having to endure leg cramps and an aching bladder, is the fate of so many cat owners.
Of course, because the last thing any cat owner wants to do is disturb a sleeping cat!
here is my Write and Read Story for April First. Edited version.
Your description of Bonnie’s passing was superb, a beautiful tribute to a faithful animal. I had a little trouble reading it, though. My computer screen temporarily became blurry, but it seems to have cleared up.
Thank you for reading my story, Dave, and for your comments. Appreciated. Strangely enough, I opened the story and it seemed blurry, also. (mind over matter?) I did a download and the type seemed clearer.
Hope its just a glitch.
Lorna, you made me cry again. What a beautiful, poignant story about a fateful animal, who not only protected your family, but obviously brought so much joy into its members’ lives. I could see Bonnie from your descriptions. Thank for sharing.
Thank you for reading my story and for your comments,Etya So happy that you could see Bonnie.I will tell you she had a tender,intense gaze,inviting you to read what was behind them.
What a bittersweet story of the last moments of a beloved dog. Your actions in this story, sitting beside Bonnie, giving her water and making sure she knew she wasn’t alone, are a tribute to your loving nature. I know she felt it and was grateful.
April First Tuesday Story – An encounter with Owlets
“Silence is not found in the absence of sound, but rather, in an intensity of focus,” this phrase says it all. Wise and profound. I loved your description of owlets. I could see these downy, fluffy creatures clearly. A beautiful story I will remember for years to come.
There is insight and wisdom in this brief gem: “Life is not meant to be experienced through the viewfinder of a camera”; and your entire last paragraph, which is a perfect ending. Your descriptions of the little owls are charming, vivid. I also love the humor of the second paragraph. You speak as one who knows, which suggests to me that you’ve either been on the giving or receiving end of that particular prank!
Such a well written moving story, David. descriptions,sensory details, and figures of speech, pull the reader in. I love the closing paragraph and the ending in particular,” experiencing life outside of the constraints of time.” That’s a goal I need to aspire to.
Really good descriptions Dave. I could envision those little balls of fluff keeping oh so quiet until mom or dad returned. They are silent tigers of the sky. We had one fly overhead so silently it was a shock to see it land in the trees. Good story
April First Tuesday Story-Stillness animal encounter
“He made a decision, hunger won out over fear. He moved to the portal and drank and drank. He was so close I could see his tiny tongue licking his beak as he got his fill. I was in awe.” What a vivid description, Judy! Loved this story. There is poignancy and truth about our relationship with the animal kingdom. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks so much Etya.
Lovely story, full of wonder and beauty. I envy you the experience.
Well written, beautiful story, Judy. The details make me feel I was there. I have never seen a hummer so close up.
What a wonderful story and once in a lifetime experience!
Food from a can
What a great opening! Short sentences. Morning, afternoon, evening. A technique worth stealing.
Raquel, your Ambrosia would be a great delight to share when we come down for the Anthology get-together in April/May, whenever. Sounds fantastic.
Oh, what a great idea, Jackie. I’d be happy to whip it up for all of us.
My only question Raquel is the size of the cans and the size of the sour cream. Big cans? How many ounces of sour cream.
Good question, Judy. This is what happens when you know a recipe only by sight – LOL.
pineapple tidbits – 16 ounces
maraschino cherries, without stems – 10-ounce jar
mandarin oranges – 11-ounce jar
If you’re off by a few ounces, it won’t matter.
sour cream – 16-ounce container (remember, full-fat)
mini marshmallows – 10.5-ounce bag
Again, if you’re off by a few ounces, it won’t matter.
When you decide to make it, let me know what you think, Judy.
-Raquel
Can’t wait to try this.
Thanks Raquel, I definitely will try it and take it to my ladies card game. I’ll let you know how it turns out.
Food from a can
It has to be grilled cheese and tomato soup with water, so it has a tang, not milk. Anything else is blasphemy. thanks for the story
I’d refer you to Bob (the dad in my story, but, unfortunately, he is no longer with us. Love this back and forth.
Love grilled cheese sandwiches and Campbells Tomatoe soup. We called them toasted cheese in Pittsburgh.
I loved your story, Linda. It made me think of cool fall evenings. I never thought of adding milk to the tomato soup instead of water. I think I’ll try that. Thank you.
When I was growing up, my family, too, made it with water. Then, I was called upon to babysit
three boys, and prepare lunch for them and their farmer dad, who was to come in for lunch at
noon. I’ll never forget the dad’s reaction; with one taste of the soup, he said, “This isn’t going
to work!” and promptly poured the soup I’d made with water down the drain.
I don’t know if my family converted after that, or if it was a gradual thing. Milk is my choice
now.
Salmon from a can, yummy
The best salmon I tasted I had in Alaska. Fresh. My Lisa won’t eat salmon. She doesn’t like fish that tastes “fishy”. As for canned fish, I love Sardines in mustard sauce with a glass of beer.
My mom made delicious salmon patties with that canned fish
Mother called them Salmon Croquettes, canned salmon mixture coated in a flour batter and fried. That was the ‘IN’ Friday food for not just Catholics, but I guess Christians in the 40s, 50s, 60s.
Salmon salad or patties, but Red Sock-eye.
I enjoyed your story, Jackie. I love salmon but have never tried it out of a can. I will try it soon. You’re so lucky your mom owned a diner. You must have some great memories and culinary skills to boot! Thank you, Jackie.
Thanks Raquel, funny as I was raising my five children and teaching full time, my mother was always there to cook dinner for me. The family would say only ‘Granny,’ as they called her, can take leftovers and with her Crazy Salt creat a European meal. She was unreal. Unfortunately, I always leaned on her and never ventured to compete. I eat very healthy, but simple. Thanks
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From: <no-reply@Lorna Deane.us>
Sounds like a happy house with many great memories.
Here’s my food from a can story
Your father-in-law’s story is true if you want it to be. I loved Chef Boy-ar-dee Ravioli. It was packed so tightly in the can. But the spaghetti-o’s were horrible.
Actually my two brothers-in-law are visiting and we were just talking about that. They did some checking and it looks like the story is true.
Loved to read how your mom opened the can. Chef Boy-Ar-Dee spaghetti was a special treat at our house.
That can opener was more like a weapon.
I can envision the one you’re talking about.
My story – You will see a can of tuna in this story somewhere.
Good story Nancy, sad how those young girls who got pregnant just seemed to disappear. I knew a 13 year old that happened to when I was in seventh grade.
When my mom made it, she called it tuna salad. The recipe looks to be the same. She sometimes added chopped celery. I’m sorry you lost your friend Marg. Society was cruel to girls back in the day, and she got all the blame.
And what a story!
Wow, Nancy. That’s an incredible story. I’m glad Marg had you in her life. You never know what someone else may be going through. Thank you for this gentle reminder always to show kindness.
Campbells soup. First draft
A story told as only you can. And, without water, it made four bowls of soup?
Only two. The soup was for us kids.
Your story brought back memories of making Campbell’s Chicken Noodle Soup as a kid. I always remembered to add a can of water to the concentrate – LOL. Great story Dave. Thank you.
A great camping story. I guess your dad learned a lesson.
A fun story, Dave! I wonder if we’ve all made that mistake.
It was more fun that dad made it. He never cooked.
My canned food story first draft
I loved your story, Kit. It made me smile as I read about how you stirred the chocolate syrup into the vanilla ice cream to make it chocolate. I have one of those nifty can/bottle openers in the kitchen drawer. I think it belongs to my mom, but I won’t tell her because she accuses me of always taking her things – LOL.
Wow, you really loved and savoured your chocolate treat. I felt like I was tasting it with you.
I loved your use of detail and incorporation of the sense of taste. And especially how you wrote about a small moment, eating a single bite and the sensations you experienced.
Your dad may have had a P38. They came with each c-ration and are still sold.