Looking back at some of my favorite writing prompts from my undergrad, I found this gem. The assignment is called Where I'm From and you can find the directions here. It's the closest I can find to what I created below. I hope you enjoy getting to know me a little better and I hope you try out this exercise because it's really fun!
I am from well-worn Harry Potter books lined up on my shelves, multiple copies whispering to one another about the adventures we have had. I am from People and Time, Cosmo and Glamour. I am from the tan two-story, the cal de sac, the fenced in yard that keeps in the sunlight and keeps out the rain. Ambiguous, wounded, bleeding ballpoint pens. I am from the Devil’s Snare, lilies, and phoenix feathers. I am from weeping willows, daisies, and seashells that hide secrets within their empty souls.
I am from endless Scrabble games and Christmas Vacation on Thanksgiving night, from Barb, Gayle, and Ellen Mae, from Ronan and King. I’m from the too much food for holidays, card games, desserts before dinner, and the always, always running late. I’m from working hard is important, always fight for your dreams, and solemnly swear to be up to no good. I’m from everything happens for a reason. Have trust and hope, faith and love for the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost. From Sundays spent with Mooney, Padfoot, and Prongs because only they can lead the way to courage, adventure, and yes, love.
I am from Ireland and England, Delevan and Arcade. From Grandma Bone’s Sugar Cookies, frosted and sprinkled to perfection for Halloween, Christmas, Easter, and any other day that warrants a sugary sweet. From Grandma King’s Mac and Cheese, warm and oozing with cheddar cheese and crunchy, crispy croutons on top, perfect for a rainy afternoon or any day for that matter.
I am from the gun shots, bullet wounds across my Grandma’s neck. The FOR SALE signs, empty houses, newspaper articles about the realtor who beat all odds and survived that almost fatal meeting. From love for this very woman who survived even after he had murder in mind, who gave me words and hope and a story to tell. I’m from storybooks, words and letters read to me in the dimness of starlight, the inspiration to succeed, have faith, and do what I love.
I am from fireplace mantles covered in snapshots, walls of images that speak of a different time. From bookshelves and oak chests spilling over with their locked journals and baby books; some filled and some half empty. From precious baby sweaters and blankets, paintings and handmade cards. I am from DVDs, status updates, blogs, and perhaps someday a real, living book.
I am from Hogwarts castle, pages, words, letters, pens and paper, and ink. From cramped hands at four in the morning, ideas brimming over with she said this, he did this; people who talk to me in the dead of night. I am from full bookshelves, a crackling fire, peanut butter frosting, and a family. Even after all this time, I am from love… always from love.
So where are you from?
xoxo
K.K.