Note: there will be a series over the next 5 days of questions about your mother, followed then with 5 days of your father. As you write, ideas will come to you over and above what is noted here. I would suggest you keep a slip of paper at your side and jot down single word reminders and then when the topics are complete, add to your commentary with the details you can write about using these 'reminders'. REMINDER lists are wonderful tools. You cannot cover all the bases all at one time; you will just interrupt yourself! So instead, jot down those single-word memory triggers and write in detail when you are able. (I have a REMINDER list that never seems to end, it grows with each little 'story' that comes up). Subject: MY very own RECOLLECTIONS - 25/100 1. 2. MOTHER -1 - Where did she grow up, what stories did she tell of her youth, was she married before, did she ever talk about that part of her life, did she work outside of the house before she married, what stories do you know about the time of her courtship, how long did they know each other, before they dated, and married, who are her siblings (full names and spouses if you know them) and how many children did your mother have, (and please name them, in chronological order), what did she look like, describe her, in your memory at this moment, how do you remember her looking, did she have any scars or birthmarks or extremity losses, does anyone else in the family have any birthmarks similar to hers, do you know the story about her scar? Did she have a tattoo? Using your search engine of choice, with IMAGES, try to locate a photo or two that resembles your mother's dress style (perhaps with clothes +1940 or clothes +1930 or clothes +depression) 3. When was the most difficult time in YOUR life, what was the most difficult instance, how did you survive it, what did you do to help yourself, who did you depend on for help, what would you do differently if this same situation presented itself? Remember...... Write as you speak.... Be yourself.... Write liberally...... Do not worry about technique.... It is the THOUGHT that counts - or thoughts! Write as if it might be the LAST time you can address the question... 22 23 0