Check out this event: Book Signing-Poodlums, Boogeymen and Booglers
Current mood: busy
Category: Writing and Poetry
Hosted By: S. L. Chessor When: Saturday Jun 14, 2008 at 10:00 AM Where: North Judson Public Library 208 Keller Ave. North Judson, Indiana|15 46366 United States Description: S. L. Chessor
Within the pages of this adorable book I found my family and if you look close enough, I'm sure you'll find yours as well.
When I think of families, especially mine, I think of memories. Memories hold the key to who we are, how we grow and what we become. Not every memory is one that you look back at fondly, that's a given and how life is. But then there are those memories that will make you laugh so hard you'll cry! And hey, if you can't laugh at yourself, who CAN you laugh at? Some memories are shared only between friends and some are dreams of what we want to be, do or love. To me, families and memories go hand and hand.
So who were you? The scared younger sibling or the older much more "sophisticated and mature" one that tormented the younger about monsters in the closet or under the bed? Children will get into trouble and it's usually because curiosity killed the cat or "the dog" in the case of this book! I know it isn't just my mother that used to say this so "Eyes in the backs of our heads" will have you laughing louder than you thought you would sitting alone with this book. One of the greatest gifts we get in life is our parents and the bond created between us. As much as we don't want to hear this as teenagers growing up and finding ourselves, most of the time they were right and did know best. But, just to make yourself feel better, one of my favorite poems in the book, "Whatever!" will help you remember when you knew it all and they were just so wrong about everyone and everything.
Children are our future and the elderly our link to the past, a time where life was a much simpler place. We should honor them, help them, and do as they wish! Right? After you read these poems you'll have to wonder if they do things because they can, are still laughing inside and getting a chance to live their second childhood! What is better than that? The respect of an adult but to live your youth all over again.
Young love and dreams that happen in life that make us look back years later only to wonder "What if?" are also part of this wonderful collection. Times when we have to make important live altering decisions are in this book as well. You'll remember your own and the people that you turned to for wisdom when you couldn't decide yourself. Even though I cried, I read several of these poems more than once, "Remembering Grandma" was one of them. Loosing both of my grandmothers at an early age always affected me personally, so this helped me bring them back, if even for just a little while.
As stated in the beginning, not only happy times are written about in this book. Poems such as "Valentine's Eve" and "Blame it on someone else" discuss some of the problems facing society today. Other memorable ones are "Will anybody ever love me" , "Jane Doe" and "A Pretty Dress",
Mrs. Chessor and Mrs. Blankenship are a mother and daughter team that write from the heart. They give you their family and their memories on a silver platter. You will laugh, cry and say "That happened to YOU too?" This unique collection of poetry has something for everyone, something that will make you remember a time in your own life and something that will make you want to read it again and again. I highly recommend this book of poetry that will always have a special place on my bookshelf.
If you enjoy this collection of poetry, you might want to also read S.L. Chessor's debut book written in memory of her late father entitled "My Tongue Fell Out".
What’s in the Bag?
Current mood: frustrated
Category: Writing and Poetry
What's in the Bag?
When I come home from shopping, I'm happily greeted at my door. With loving eyes and tail wagging, Wishing the bag, she could explore. Her actions tell you what she wants And her eyes communicate, "Did you bring me anything?"She thinks, "And why were you so late?" "You know I really missed you," Words danced within her eyes. "Did you bring me something?" Then she lets out a little sigh. As I put each thing away, She prances underneath my feet. I know what she is thinking, "Is there something in there for me?" "Mom, what's in the bag?" "What did you bring for me?" "Mom, what's in the bag?" "Maybe a toy for me?" "I waited 'till you come home And I was as good as I could be." "Did you bring me something?" "Maybe a bone or just a treat?" As I open up the last bag, She starts jumping up and down. I hand her a new squeaky toy, Her eyes get big and round. A simple toy makes her happy, Her gratitude shows in her face. But the joy that she brings me, Nothing can take its place. It doesn't matter where I go, I know she waits for me. Always greeting me with loving eyes And always trying to please. Their love is unconditional, Their hearts filled with happiness. We should be thankful every day, That God gave these loving pets. So when they ask, "What's in the bag?" While looking very sweet. Show them your appreciation, It just takes a little treat.
This poem was inspired by my eight year old Border Collie, Sassy. This along with many other poems will appear in my new book, Poodlums, Boogeymen & Booglers.
Book Review and Interview
Current mood: happy
Category: Writing and Poetry
My Tongue Fell Out S.L. Chessor ISBN: 1420870165 AuthorHouse Reviewed By Wendy Paulson
Official Apex Reviews Rating:
"When he called her over, She stomped with a pout. He said, 'Did you stick your tongue out?' She said, 'No, my tongue fell out.'"
And so go many of the poetic passages in My Tongue Fell Out, the debut collection of poetry by S.L. Chessor. Dedicated to her late father, Billy Allen Jones, Chessor's collection is full of whimsical ruminations on family life, the good & the bad, the happy and the sad. All told, Chessor does a delightful job of laying bare her personal recollection of a life altogether sweet in humble retrospect.
Consider this passage from "'Yellow' Snow":
"He looked in all of the windows And didn't see a soul. So he climbed up on the hill, Then he made 'yellow' snow. His dad looked out of the window And he saw what his son did. Then he said out loud, 'What do I do with this kid?'"
And this moving recollection from "Watching 'Horror Shows' With Mom":
"I have many happy memories But this is number one. The best times of my life Were watching 'horror shows' with Mom."
Much like Stevie Wonder's "I Wish" before her, Chessor's fond recollection of such treasured memories makes you long for the long-gone innocence of your own youthful days.
Undeniably, Chessor also delves into the world of love and does an impressive job of conveying the sentimental feelings we all wish for everyday, highlighted most poignantly by this passage from "First Love, Last Love":
"New soul mates forever, Never again be undone. We will grow old together, Two hearts beat as one. You are my first love, You are my last. Souls bound forever, We have conquered the past."
Almost makes you want to pick up the phone and get back in good with your ex...right?
Of course, true reminiscence wouldn't be complete without faint twinges of regret from time to time, and Chessor tugs at the heartstrings just so in "Christmas With Jesus":
"News had come, I did not expect. My aunt that I deeply loved, On Christmas Eve was put to rest. My son said, 'Mom, you shouldn't cry, She is in Heaven this year.' 'She's spending Christmas with Jesus And she is so lucky to be there.'"
In My Tongue Fell Out, S.L. Chessor has done an excellent job of compiling the feelings and emotions that we all experience everyday and presenting them in such a way as to give us pause to reflect on just why our most treasured memories are so treasured. A highly recommended collection, Chessor's musings announce the arrival of a talent from whom much will be anticipated in the years to come.
Official Apex Reviews Interview: S.L. Chessor (My Tongue Fell Out)
AR: Thanks for joining us for this interview, S.L. We're looking forward to learning more about your book.
SC: The first thing I would like to say is THANK YOU for the lovely review. It is so hard to get any attention with a debut book. There are so many talented writers out there, many deserving attention for their efforts.
AR: In a touching tribute, you dedicated My Tongue Fell Out to your late father. What inspired you to do that?
SC: My Dad was my hero. He was man with strong family values. He worked hard to take care of us and the only thing he asked for in return is that we uphold his values. The poem, "The Texan," pretty much says it all where my dad is concerned. Even though we grew up in Illinois, Texas was in his heart and he did move back to his hometown in 1975.
I could go on and on but I won't. I'm just a daughter who idolized her father and I am trying to do my best to uphold his values and make him proud.
AR: You touch on a number of different topics & experiences in the book. How many of them actually come from your own life, and which ones?
SC: It will be easier to tell you which ones are not true. "Old Smokestack," was just fiction. It was just a ghostly tale from the dark side of my mind. There will be more of those in my next book. "The Rebel and the Yank," wasn't true but it was based on the fact that my Dad was a rebel and my Mom was a Yankee. "I Wanna Buy a BVD," was just something of a joke that come about from my husband and me joking around. "Running Late," was just my attempt to make people thinks about the way they drive. "Night Storms," just comes from my own fear of severe thunderstorms. I think I covered all that was fiction.
AR: Your depictions of the innocent idiosyncrasies of children are priceless (for example, making "Yellow Snow"). How was it so easy for you to capture them so realistically?
SC: I have a brother who did just that. He is easy to write about. There are a few poems about him in the book and will be more in the next. His sense of humor is wonderful and I can count on him to tell me stories from his perspective. By the way, he is my other hero.
AR: "Christmas With Jesus" is such a perfect example of that. Did it really happen to you?
SC: Yes. My oldest son was the inspiration.
AR: You've written for years, but My Tongue Fell Out is your first book. What was your experience like in putting it together?
SC: Very hard! The first book was a learning experience. First I had to learn the computer, which I'm still trying to understand. Then it was trying to figure out where to get my book published and hoping that I was making the right choice. I did a lot of research. Of course then I had to figure out how to put everything together. It was a long slow process. The main thing is I did get it accomplished and the next book will be easier because I have a greater understanding of how it all works.
AR: Your son, Jeremy, provided the illustrations for the book, and he did a great job of making everyone so life-like. He also co-wrote one of the poems with you. How did that arrangement materialize?
SC: The poem was called, "Work for Food," and I sent him a copy of the first draft. He didn't feel the story was complete enough and I should add more detail. We worked on it together until we were both satisfied. "Work for Food," is a true story.
Jeremy is a very talented young man. Besides the beautiful illustrations he created, he is working on his music remixes and becoming well known for his creations.
AR: What have some of the reactions been to your poetry? And your book?
SC: So far I haven't had any negative reactions or at least I haven't been told if there were any. Most people like the fact that the book is real. It could be their life. I know it will touch my readers in some way.
AR: What's next on the horizon for you?
SC: I am working on my next book, "Poodlums, Boogeymen and Booglers." It will definitely be better now that I have learned so much from writing the first book. My Mother is coauthor and very talented. I hope it will be out by the end of the year but it may be the first part of 2008.
AR: Any final thoughts you'd like to share with our readers?
SC: Yes. Don't be afraid to take on a project. Once you start it, no matter what it is or how it turns out, finish it. Everything we do in life is a learning experience. It makes us the people we are now.
AR: Thanks again, S.L., and best of continued success to you in all your endeavors!
SC: Thank you.
I would like to give a special Thank You to all my readers. Hugs to you all. S.L.
Currently
listening
:
Waking Up Laughing
By
Martina McBride
Release date: 03 April, 2007
I have to admit that over the years I have questioned who I was many times. Who's traits did I inherit? Did I get their strong traits or there weak ones? Did I choose to be the person I am now? Whatever the case may be, I finally like who I am.
Who Am I?
Very strong, self assured,
Never wavered in his word.
Worked hard, truth spoke,
Even when his heart was broke.
Who was he?
Low self-esteem, unsure of life,
Couldn't deal with daily strife.
Temper quick, lost control,
Hidden illness took its toll.
Who is she?
Very strong, self assured,
Does not waver in his word.
Worked hard, truth spoke,
Covers pain with a joke.
Who is he?
Low self-esteem, a bottle ready,
Spirit broke, drunk, unsteady.
Lost control, temper quick,
Another's life is what he'd pick.
Who was he?
Am I strong, self-assured?
Have I wavered in my word?
Hidden truths, early strife,
Finally learning to live life.
Who am I?
S. L. Chessor-2005
Currently
reading
:
Velocity
By
Dean Koontz
Release date: 24 May, 2005
busy
accomplished
frustrated
contemplative
calm
creative
happy
mischievous
