Flash memoir is a very short true story, usually under 1,000 words, that captures a single defining moment, memory, or emotion. Three great examples include "Wings" by Daisey Hernandez, "Glass Beads" by Sonya Huber, and the 6-word memoir "For sale: baby shoes, never worn" often attributed to Ernest Hemingway. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]
Examples of Flash Memoir
"Wings" by Daisey Hernandez: Published in Brevity, this short piece uses a specific vivid image to unpack a complex family dynamic and cultural background in just a few hundred words. [1]
"Glass Beads" by Sonya Huber: Featured in The Baltimore Review, this flash piece uses an ordinary object—two smooth glass marbles kept in an old jewelry box—to reflect on youth, time, and changing perspectives. [1]
"For sale: baby shoes, never worn": A classic six-word story that acts as a micro-memoir, telling a massive, heartbreaking true emotional history using only six words.
how long have you been living in Singapore? Are you originally from
Singapore as well? If you have some time, I'd love to hear your thoughts
on how Singapore has changed over the years. My parents recently told
me that they're thinking about moving back to Singapore for retirement.
Since you're currently living there, I'd be very interested in hearing
your perspective on whether Singapore is a comfortable place for
retirees, especially in terms of healthcare, daily life, and the overall
quality of life.
---- I live in Singapore for
over 70 years - I am 76 years old. Healthcare is good for the average
person as the public hospitals are better equipped and staffed compared
to the expensive private hospitals. Daily life is safe and peaceful.
Overall quality of life is good for retirees generally in the sense that
you can retire on your savings if you do save over your working years
and if you don't mind living in apartments which are affordable
generally. Each person has his or her own lifestyle and standard of
living - hence it is hard to advise you and your family personally. .
As
if in response to your query, yesterday, I spoke to a retired
84-year-old man who lives with his wife and has a maid paid by his son
who lives elsewhere. He told me $1500 is sufficient for him and his wife
with no income. He had exhausted his savings as he has no income. His
wife put $50,000 into his CPF which gives him monthly allowance to pay
for daily expenses. Maid's salary is paid by his 50-year-old son and his
house in Lentor Estate, worth $4 million had long been paid for. He was
an ex-migrant from India and was a teacher.
I send you a photo of the young ones... how they enjoy their lifestyle cycling during weekends with friends.
SINGAPORE - 2 AUG 2026: 9.19am. A group of four cyclists equipped with high performance road bikes, consistent with models like the Canyon Aeroad, training in Singapore. They wear professional cycling kits riding on Upper Thomson Road in the suburban northern area. Group cycling with friends build strong bonds of friendship and promote physical and mental wellness.
ORIGINAL
Canon R5, 90mm, 1/60 sec, f/5.6, iso 100. tv mode
------------------------
.
1. Mental health includes social connections with a group of friends, building bonds of friendship in doing activities together, promoting mental and physical fitness.
My own image inspiring this video is as follows:
2. I asked Chatgpt to create a video of the script.
Create a video. 3 young adult men and 1
young adult women riding professional high performance bicycles along
the tree-lined path of a forest in Singapore. They wear helmets,
professional cycling clothes of black tees with black shorts and
sunglasses, Bright sunny morning, blue sky, they breathe in the fresh
air of the suburban countryside. Flowers, red dragonflies and purple
flowers whizz past them as they speed round the corner. Recreational
cycling in a group builds up strong bonds of friendship and promotes
mental and physical wellness.
Today, 8 Aug 2026, Chatgpt creates a storyboard with images and text, instead of just text as in my earlier videos. (See UPDATE blog below)
3. I asked Gemini AI to create a video based on storyboard by chatgpt.
====================
1. Mental health includes social connections with a group of friends,
building bonds of friendship in doing activities together, promoting
mental and physical fitness.
My own image inspiring this video is as follows (see UPDATE blog below):
2. I asked Chatgpt to create a video of the script.
Create a video. 3 young adult men and 1
young adult women riding professional high performance bicycles along
the tree-lined path of a forest in Singapore. They wear helmets,
professional cycling clothes of black tees with black shorts and
sunglasses, Bright sunny morning, blue sky, they breathe in the fresh
air of the suburban countryside. Flowers, red dragonflies and purple
flowers whizz past them as they speed round the corner. Recreational
cycling in a group builds up strong bonds of friendship and promotes
mental and physical wellness.
Today, 8 Aug 2026, Chatgpt creates a storyboard with images and text,
instead of just text as in my earlier videos. (See UPDATE blog below).
3. I asked Gemini AI to create a video based on storyboard by chatgpt. I upload this video in www.youtube.com/@99pups to educate young viewers on activities to promote physical and mental health in Singapore.
UPDATES AT BLOG: https://2010vets.blogspot.com/2026/08/6773-photography-group-of-cyclists.html
Met this 84-year-old man with white hair and beard. Conversational.
1. Man in his 40s died from dengue fever. Funeral in his back yard area.
2. 50-year-old man died of heart attack in KL. S$50,000 expenses to bring his body back. Friend of his son who is 50.
3. A thin Indian man always ask for his garden flowers free for diety. He is generous.
4. $1,500 monthly to maintain his expenses. His savings wiped out at his age, wife 6 years younger put $50,000 in his CPF so that he draw $1500. His son paid for maid to help the aged parents. Happy man.
Create a video of the yellow-vented bulbul bird calling inside a forested area with butterflies and dragonflies near a river in Singapore. It is perched on a palm tree branch looking down at the photographer. It makes the chirping sound for several minutes early in the morning, on a bright blue sky day. After some time, it flies up and away to another tree. The young Chinese photographer lady in white blouse and black pants use an iPhone to photograph it and record its call. She is joyful to have had captured the image and sound of the bird.
2. Chatgpt created the script. 3. I asked Gemini-AI to create the video.
Lighting: Natural early morning sunlight with warm golden tones
Location: A lush tropical forest beside a gently flowing river in Singapore
Scene 1 – Dawn in the Tropical Forest (0–10 seconds)
Visual
A peaceful riverside forest awakens in Singapore. Mist rises gently above the calm water while shafts of golden sunlight filter through tall rainforest trees and palms. The sky is a brilliant blue with only a few wispy clouds.
Colorful butterflies flutter among wildflowers while red and blue dragonflies hover gracefully above the river.
The atmosphere feels fresh, calm, and full of life.
Camera
Wide cinematic drone shot
Slow forward glide following the river
Smooth transition into the forest canopy
Audio
Gentle river flowing
Soft breeze through leaves
Distant birds singing
Natural tropical ambience
Scene 2 – The Yellow-Vented Bulbul Appears (10–35 seconds)
5
Visual
A beautiful yellow-vented bulbul is perched on a palm tree branch approximately 4 metres above the ground.
The bird looks alert and healthy.
It tilts its head downward, appearing curious as it looks directly at the photographer below.
Its bright yellow vent, olive-brown back, white throat and distinctive black head markings are clearly visible.
The surrounding leaves sway gently.
Butterflies occasionally fly past the branch while dragonflies shimmer in the morning light.
Camera
Telephoto close-up
Gentle cinematic push-in
Shallow depth of field
Sharp focus on the bird's eye
Audio
The bulbul repeatedly sings its cheerful natural call.
Its chirping dominates the soundscape for several minutes while softer forest sounds remain in the background.
Scene 3 – The Photographer (35–55 seconds)
Visual
A young Chinese woman wearing a crisp white blouse, black pants and comfortable walking shoes quietly stands beneath the palm tree.
She carefully raises her iPhone and photographs the bird.
She then switches to video mode and records its beautiful morning song.
She remains perfectly still, smiling quietly so as not to disturb the wildlife.
Camera
Over-the-shoulder view showing the iPhone screen
Close-up of her gently tapping the shutter button
Cutaway to her delighted facial expression
Alternating shots between photographer and bird
Audio
Authentic iPhone camera shutter sound
Continuous natural bulbul song
Gentle flowing river
Tropical insects
Scene 4 – The Bulbul Takes Flight (55–75 seconds)
Visual
After resting for several minutes, the bulbul spreads its wings.
Tiny feathers catch the golden sunlight.
The bird launches gracefully from the palm branch.
The camera follows in slow motion as it flies across the river before landing elegantly in another tall tropical tree.
Nearby butterflies continue drifting through the sunlight.
Camera
Slow-motion takeoff
Smooth tracking shot
Wide establishing shot showing the bird disappearing into the forest canopy
Audio
Wing beats
Final cheerful chirps
Forest ambience continues naturally
Scene 5 – A Memorable Morning (75–90 seconds)
Visual
The young photographer reviews her photos and video on the iPhone.
A sharp image of the yellow-vented bulbul fills the screen while the recorded birdsong plays back clearly.
She smiles with genuine joy and quietly admires the peaceful riverside forest before continuing her nature walk.
The camera slowly rises above the trees, revealing the beautiful river winding through Singapore's lush greenery beneath a vivid blue morning sky.
Camera
Close-up of the iPhone display
Medium shot of her smiling
Slow cinematic crane shot ascending above the forest
Fade to black
Audio
Playback of the bulbul's recorded call
Gentle river
Tropical birds
Soft breeze through palm leaves
Ending Title
"Every morning in nature offers a moment worth remembering. Protect Singapore's forests, rivers, and wildlife for future generations."
-------------
3. Gemini-AI generated the video
Create video that shows the yellow-vented bulbul calling loudly while perched on the tree branch. The sounds can be heard clearly by the lady photographer.
Create a travel video of the elderly Chinese men and women in a package tour from Singapore to Malaysia seated inside a bus with bright red seats, facing the female tour guide wearing a black tee shirt and black pants. The tour guide uses a microphone to entertain the Seniors with travel stories, making them smile. The group disembarked at a seafood restaurant to have dinner in a private room. As the Seniors were eating happily, two elderly women and one elderly man were led to a space which has a birthday cake on a trolley. The female tour guide ask them to hold a knife to cut the birthday cake. The 3 Seniors use their hands to extinguish the light from the 1 big candle on the birthday cake as they make a wish. The female tour guide and her two female and one male assistant sing "Happy Birthday to you!", clap hands, smile and sing. The other Seniors eat their dinner or participate. A most joyous occasion especially for the three birthday Seniors as they smile happily.
------------- Script by chatgpt
Travel Video Prompt: Birthday Celebration on a Singapore–Malaysia Senior Package Tour
Title:A Joyful Birthday Celebration on a Malaysia Coach Tour
A modern luxury tour coach departs Singapore on a pleasant morning. The coach has bright red reclining seats and large panoramic windows.
Inside the bus, about 35 elderly Chinese men and women, mostly aged 65–85, are comfortably seated. They wear casual travel attire with sun hats and light jackets. Everyone appears relaxed and excited for the holiday.
The camera glides slowly down the aisle, capturing smiling faces and friendly conversations.
Scene 2 – Tour Guide Entertains the Group (12–30 seconds)
At the front of the coach stands a cheerful female tour guide wearing:
Black T-shirt
Black trousers
Comfortable walking shoes
She holds a bright yellow pennant flag with the text ËXPERIENCE TOURS SERVICES. She speaks through a handheld microphone.
She shares amusing travel stories about Malaysia, local food, interesting customs, and funny incidents from previous tours.
The seniors laugh warmly.
Some clap.
Others smile broadly while looking toward the guide.
Close-up shots capture genuine laughter and sparkling eyes.
The atmosphere is lively, friendly and welcoming.
Scene 3 – Scenic Journey (30–42 seconds)
Beautiful travel montage:
Expressway through green countryside
Palm plantations
Small Malaysian towns
Rivers and bridges
Coach travelling smoothly beneath blue skies
Inside the bus, seniors enjoy the scenery through the large windows while chatting with friends.
Scene 4 – Arrival at Seafood Restaurant (42–58 seconds)
The coach arrives outside a spacious Malaysian seafood restaurant.
The seniors disembark slowly with assistance where needed.
They enter a large private dining room prepared for the tour group.
Round banquet tables are filled with steaming seafood dishes, vegetables, rice, soup and tropical fruit.
Everyone begins enjoying dinner together.
Scene 5 – Birthday Surprise (58–80 seconds)
While dinner continues, the female tour guide smiles and makes an announcement through the microphone.
Two elderly Chinese women and one elderly Chinese man are invited to the front of the private room.
The other seniors applaud enthusiastically.
A beautifully decorated birthday cake arrives on a trolley.
Three large lit candles glow warmly atop the cake.
The tour guide invites the three birthday seniors to hold the ceremonial cake knife together.
Everyone smiles in anticipation.
Scene 6 – Birthday Wish (80–98 seconds)
The three birthday seniors pause quietly.
They close their eyes briefly to make a birthday wish.
Instead of blowing out the candles, they gently wave their hands together to extinguish the candle flames.
The room erupts into applause.
Warm smiles fill every face.
Scene 7 – Happy Birthday Celebration (98–112 seconds)
The female tour guide, together with two female assistants and one male assistant, enthusiastically sing:
"Happy Birthday to You!"
They clap rhythmically with joyful smiles.
Many seniors join in singing.
Some continue enjoying dinner while singing.
Others clap and record the celebration with their mobile phones.
The birthday seniors beam with happiness.
The atmosphere is filled with friendship, laughter, and shared celebration.
Scene 8 – Cake Cutting and Joy (112–125 seconds)
The three birthday seniors cut the birthday cake together. They make a wish, wave off the candle flame.
Everyone applauds once more.
Cake is served to the tables.
Close-up shots show genuine smiles, laughter, warm conversations, and happy faces throughout the room.
Final Scene – Memories of Friendship (125–140 seconds)
Golden evening light shines outside the restaurant.
The group gathers for a large commemorative photograph.
Everyone waves toward the camera.
The female tour guide stands proudly beside the birthday seniors.
"Ms Jane Loh, Thank you for remembering our birthdays!" the 3 birthday seniors said.
The camera slowly pulls back, revealing a room full of friendship, celebration, and unforgettable travel memories.
Closing Text on Screen:
"Travel is more than visiting places—it is sharing laughter, friendship, and precious moments that become lifelong memories."
Fade to black.
---------------
Gemini-AI script
Travel Video Prompt: Birthday Celebration on a Singapore–Malaysia Senior Package Tour
Title:A Joyful Birthday Celebration on a Malaysia Coach Tour
Duration:90–120 seconds Style:Photorealistic, cinematic, heartwarming, documentary-style travel film Resolution:4K UHD Aspect Ratio:16:9 Camera Style:Smooth gimbal movements, natural lighting, realistic facial expressions, warm color grading, authentic travel atmosphere.
Scene 1 – Departure from Singapore (0–12 seconds)
A modern luxury tour coachdepartsSingapore on a pleasant morning. The coach has bright red reclining seats and large panoramic windows.
Inside the bus, about 35 elderly Chinese men and women, mostly aged 65–85, are comfortably seated. They wear casual travel attire with sun hats and light jackets. Everyone appears relaxed and excited for the holiday.
The camera glides slowly down the aisle, capturing smiling faces and friendly conversations.
Scene 2 – Tour Guide Entertains the Group (12–30 seconds)
At the front of the coach stands a cheerful female tour guide wearing:
Black T-shirt
Black trousers
Comfortable walking shoes
She holds a bright yellow pennant flag with the text ËXPERIENCE TOURS SERVICES. She speaks through a handheld microphone.
She shares amusing travel stories about Malaysia, local food, interesting customs, and funny incidents fromprevioustours.
The seniors laugh warmly.
Some clap.
Others smile broadly while looking toward the guide.
Close-up shots capture genuine laughter and sparkling eyes.
The atmosphere is lively,friendlyand welcoming.
Scene 3 – Scenic Journey (30–42 seconds)
Beautiful travel montage:
Expressway through green countryside
Palm plantations
Small Malaysian towns
Rivers and bridges
Coach travelling smoothly beneath blue skies
Inside the bus, seniors enjoy the scenery through the large windows while chatting with friends.
Scene 4 – Arrival at Seafood Restaurant (42–58 seconds)
The coach arrives outside a spacious Malaysian seafood restaurant.
The seniors disembark slowly withassistancewhere needed.
They enter a large private dining room prepared for the tour group.
Round banquet tables are filled with steaming seafood dishes, vegetables, rice,soupand tropical fruit.
Everyone begins enjoying dinner together.
Scene 5 – Birthday Surprise (58–80 seconds)
While dinner continues, the female tour guide smiles and makes an announcement through the microphone.
Two elderly Chinese women and one elderly Chinese man are invited to the front of the private room.
The other seniorsapplaudenthusiastically.
A beautifully decorated birthday cake arrives on a trolley.
Three large lit candles glow warmlyatopthe cake.
The tour guide invites the three birthday seniors to hold the ceremonial cake knife together.
Everyone smiles in anticipation.
Scene 6 – Birthday Wish (80–98 seconds)
The three birthday seniors pause quietly.
They close their eyes briefly to make a birthday wish.
Instead of blowing out the candles, they gently wave their hands together to extinguish the candle flames.
The room erupts into applause.
Warm smiles fill every face.
Scene 7 – Happy Birthday Celebration (98–112 seconds)
The female tour guide, together with two female assistants and one male assistant, enthusiastically sing:
"Happy Birthday to You!"
They clap rhythmically with joyful smiles.
Many seniors join in singing.
Some continue enjoying dinner while singing.
Others clap and record the celebration with their mobile phones.
The birthday seniors beam with happiness.
The atmosphere is filled with friendship, laughter, and shared celebration.
Scene 8 – Cake Cutting and Joy (112–125 seconds)
The three birthday seniors cut the birthday cake together.
Everyone applauds once more.
Cake is servedtothe tables.
Close-up shots show genuine smiles, laughter, warm conversations, and happy faces throughout the room.
Final Scene – Memories of Friendship (125–140 seconds)
Golden eveninglightshinesoutside the restaurant.
The group gathers for a large commemorative photograph.
Everyone waves toward the camera.
The female tour guide stands proudly beside the birthday seniors. "MsJane Loh,Thankyou for remembering our birthdays!" the3 birthdayseniors said.
The cameraslowly pullsback, revealing a room full of friendship, celebration, and unforgettable travel memories.
Closing Text on Screen:
"Travel is more than visiting places—it is sharing laughter, friendship, and precious moments that become lifelong memories."
