[Ally Castillo]

General Discussion Thread 07.03.2025​

Rise and shine, GrayViners! Image Credit: Aphiwat chuangchoem/Pexels

Rise and shine! Ally here, ready to give you a warm “good morning!” this Thursday. So before the day gets too loud, let’s take a minute. Breathe. Sip something warm. Maybe crack a window and let the sunlight in. As we all chew on our morning toast, here's something to ponder: Would you rather sit in your childhood kitchen while your mom (or dad!) made your favorite after-school snack or go back to a neighborhood block party? Tell me your picks and why in the comments! Speaking of something to think about, remember our letter sender, "Just Want My Coffee Back"? Well, they received a juicy reply to their post—check it out here!

If you have something else you'd like to share—whether it’s a cool fact you just learned, a funny story, or something that’s been bothering you—feel free to comment them down, too! This General Discussion Thread is created just for you, so feel free to engage with your fellow members!

Now, what's on YOUR mind today?

 

[KathyV]

Would love to sit in the kitchen after dinner with my Mom,. We wouldn't put the food away right away. Some other times if there was just a little bit of something left over like corn or mashed potatoes she would say " there isn't enough for another meal, we should just eat them." It was just a ploy to spend more time together and talk. Miss those times..

 

[Marilea]

I’d love to sit in the kitchen with my talkative mom or my quiet, serious dad! I was an only child. I miss them still, 25+ years later.

 

[Cindy k]

I would choose to sit in my childhood kitchen with my mom. Mom was a typical mother of the sixties. she never worked outside the house. She loved being a mom to me and my sisters. She very much loved caring for her home, which was always pristine. She had friends from childhood that she maintained for her entire life. She was always home and when I have a skinned knee or any other issue even my friends came to her for help. It has been many years since she passed, but I miss her everyday.

 

[Hazeleyes]

I would choose a block party. I miss all the fun and excitement from them with games, music and tastings so any different foods prepared by the neighbors.
Our snack used to be a piece of fruit so that is why I choose block party

 

[Gayle B.]

I would choose the kitchen. After school mom sometimes gave us cookies and milk. When times were better, she would let us choose what cookies she would make. I wish we had more of those good times but it was what it was. Thinking about those better moments gives my heart great feelings. It’s nice to have this op to share them. Thanks.

 

[Gibb]

I would love to sit and talk to my parents. I was 19 when my mother passed and 30 when my dad passed. I miss them so much

 

[TriciaR]

Would love to sit in the kitchen after dinner with my Mom,. We wouldn't put the food away right away. Some other times if there was just a little bit of something left over like corn or mashed potatoes she would say " there isn't enough for another meal, we should just eat them." It was just a ploy to spend more time together and talk. Miss those times..

That’s such a beautiful memory @KathyV — thank you for sharing it. I love how your mom created those extra little moments with you, even over just a spoonful of leftovers. It says so much about how special your bond was. Those quiet, after-dinner chats really do stay with us, don’t they? What snack or dish always reminds you of her?

 

[TriciaR]

I’d love to sit in the kitchen with my talkative mom or my quiet, serious dad! I was an only child. I miss them still, 25+ years later.

That’s such a touching response — thank you for sharing it @Marilea . Whether it was quiet moments with your dad or lively chats with your mom, it sounds like your kitchen was full of love in its own way. Being an only child must have made those times even more special. Amazing how memories like that stay close to our hearts, even decades later. Is there a particular food or scent that still brings them back to you?

 

[TriciaR]

I would choose to sit in my childhood kitchen with my mom. Mom was a typical mother of the sixties. she never worked outside the house. She loved being a mom to me and my sisters. She very much loved caring for her home, which was always pristine. She had friends from childhood that she maintained for her entire life. She was always home and when I have a skinned knee or any other issue even my friends came to her for help. It has been many years since she passed, but I miss her everyday.

What a beautiful tribute to your mom — thank you so much for sharing that @Cindy k . She sounds like the heart of your home, always there with love, comfort, and care not just for you and your sisters, but even your friends. Those kinds of moms leave an unforgettable imprint. No wonder you’d choose to be back in that kitchen with her. Is there a particular snack or moment you especially associate with those times?

 

[TriciaR]

I would choose a block party. I miss all the fun and excitement from them with games, music and tastings so any different foods prepared by the neighbors.
Our snack used to be a piece of fruit so that is why I choose block party

That sounds like such a fun choice @Hazeleyes — nothing like the buzz of a good old-fashioned block party! Games, music, and all those delicious neighbor-made dishes… it must’ve been such a lively and joyful time. Love that little detail about your after-school snack being fruit — no wonder the party food won out! Do you remember a dish from those parties that really stood out?

 

[TriciaR]

I would choose the kitchen. After school mom sometimes gave us cookies and milk. When times were better, she would let us choose what cookies she would make. I wish we had more of those good times but it was what it was. Thinking about those better moments gives my heart great feelings. It’s nice to have this op to share them. Thanks.

Thank you so much for sharing that @Gayle B. — what a heartfelt memory. Those after-school cookie moments with your mom sound like real treasures, especially when you got to help choose the kind she’d bake. I really appreciate your honesty too… even if times weren’t always easy, it’s lovely how those small, good moments still shine so brightly in your heart. I’m so glad this gave you a chance to reflect on them.

 

[TriciaR]

I would love to sit and talk to my parents. I was 19 when my mother passed and 30 when my dad passed. I miss them so much

Thank you for sharing that @Gibb — it truly touches the heart. Losing both your parents so young must have been incredibly hard. I can only imagine how much you’d treasure just one more chat with them. It’s beautiful that you carry that longing and love with you still. Are there particular moments or things you often find yourself remembering most about them?

 

[NBSEE]

kitchen all the way

 

[Hazeleyes]

That sounds like such a fun choice @Hazeleyes — nothing like the buzz of a good old-fashioned block party! Games, music, and all those delicious neighbor-made dishes… it must’ve been such a lively and joyful time. Love that little detail about your after-school snack being fruit — no wonder the party food won out! Do you remember a dish from those parties that really stood out?

One of the neighbors always made cream puffs. Nice creamy filling and the puff just melted in your mouth.

 

[TriciaR]

One of the neighbors always made cream puffs. Nice creamy filling and the puff just melted in your mouth.

Cream puffs at the block party? Now that sounds like a neighborhood worth remembering! I can just imagine how good those must've been, especially with that melt-in-your-mouth puff and creamy filling.