Little Free Libraries
Have you ever come across a Little Free Library in your neighborhood or anywhere else? There are over 100,000 of these miniature lending libraries around the globe where anyone can take or leave a book. But in the early pandemic, some people replaced books with canned goods, toilet paper, cleaning supplies and yarn and needles…
Electric Cars
According to a recent article in The Times, battery-powered cars are having a breakthrough moment and will enter the mainstream this year. The article continues:Their arrival represents the biggest upheaval in the auto industry since Henry Ford introduced the Model T in 1908 and could have far-reaching consequences for factory workers, businesses and the environment.…
Inside Vs. Outside
What do you think this image is saying? How does it relate to or comment on society or current events? Can you relate to it personally? What is your opinion of its message?Tell us in the comments, then read the related essay to learn more.Want more Picture Prompts? Find them all in this column.Students 13…
Creative Juices
Are you a creative person? Where do your ideas come from? How do you express your creativity? Do you have creative friends or family members? What creative works of art or pop culture spur your imagination? And if you don’t consider yourself creative, maybe you just need to expand your definition of what creativity is.…
Constructive Criticism
A study published online last month found that most people are reluctant to share constructive criticism even if it would ultimately be useful to the other person. The same study found that most people would genuinely like to hear that type of feedback.How well do you receive constructive criticism? Do you find it useful or…
Yellow Creatures
Use your imagination to write the opening of a short story or poem inspired by this photo — or, tell us about a memory from your own life that this image makes you think of.Post it in the comments, then read the related article to learn more. Want more Picture Prompts? Find them all in…
Fortuitous Finds
A recent Times article explains that “New York City curbs are awash in furniture left behind by people who are moving, who died, or who are simply fickle.”In fact, the article continues, “if you know where to look, and how to get the stuff home, it’s possible to furnish an entire apartment with someone else’s…
Rites of Spring
Spring has sprung across the Northern Hemisphere. If, where you live, flowers are blooming, birds are making nests and the weather is getting warmer, what does that mean for you? What do you like about this season? Tell us using details as specific as possible. How do you mark or celebrate the season, whether through…
Life at Sea
A recent Times article spotlighted “cult cruisers,” the term given to people (many of them retirees) who book back-to-back sailings, essentially living their lives on cruise ships and spending as little time as possible on land.Have you ever been on a cruise vacation with your family? How do you feel about this seafaring lifestyle? Would…
Heated Conversation
Use your imagination to write the opening of a short story or poem inspired by this illustration — or, tell us about a memory from your own life that this image makes you think of.Tell us in the comments, then read the related article to learn more.Want more Picture Prompts? Find them all in this…
