Category Archives: memories

Uncredible Thoughts by John Marszalkowski

                                                           Uncredible Thoughts; a Book by John Marszalkowski

 

An old typewriter graces the cover of Uncredible Thoughts, an interesting read. On the paper in the typewriter depicted are the words “Essays, Spiels, and Poppycock.” That alone would draw my attention but the incongruous roll of toilet paper hints to the humor within, I began to read.

The nice thing about a collection of essays is it fits into this world’s busy pace, yet you feel accomplished as you finished something. Reading an entire essay before work and world called me was a pleasure. I was given something fresh to think about and the time allotted to the read was enough for my morning coffee. Perfect!

Among the collection is an essay titled “Thou Shall Not Covet”, this one ran parallel in my mind to the movie Christmas Story and the boys desire for a Red Rider BB gun. Dry humor and the stark reality of childhood chores smack the brain to jar loose memories from similar instances. I was left wishing all kids could struggle to earn. Could this essay be an answer to entitlement?

Everyone must have at least one skunk story. John does, and lucky for us he includes it here. This one will certainly trigger memories of a stinky situation in your life. Some days life just stinks, some days you need tomato to get rid of the stink. Better to read about John’s skunk and not endure the offense to your nose!

Twenty essays, spiels and collective poppycock make for a pleasurable read and some food for thought. There are moments of laughter and introspection. For those who avoid a morning workout at all cost, here you can get that sense of accomplishment for finishing something first thing in the morning. Now it’s your turn, read John’s book and be accomplished with me!

I found John Marszalkowski on Twitter at @JohnnyMarsz He directed me to his 2019 published book which was shipped to a local #indiebookstore because John appreciates the small book seller and the opportunity writers have in small personal service offered by a local bookstore. The book was my excuse to visit River Bend Books in Glastonbury CT. I’ve been twice now as it is the cozy, cram full bookstore with personal touches any reader would love.

You can order a copy of Uncredible Thoughts from easy links on John’s website www.thisisareal.company Your order will be a gift to John because writer’s want to be read. You might just make it in time as a gift for the season if you order now.

 

Another review of a book I’ve written: https://www.carolynstearnsstoryteller.com/focused-on-family-stories-riding-for-uncle-samuel

 

My Roots Are Showing; Collecting and Telling Historical Family Stories

July 21-24, 2016 The National Storytelling Conference will be held in Kansas City MO.  The host organization is the National Storytelling Network. www.storynet.org their twitter handle is @nsnstorycon  There will be a steady update of happenings from the National Conference where storytellers from around the country and even a few from around the world will… Continue Reading

Take Back Childhood

Can you count 10 moments in childhood that you remember as being near perfect? Here are some of mine. These memories have a new job…. #1) Lazy summer days, no agenda, just staying outside all day! #2) Ice Cream Cones – take it back tonight, go out for ice cream! #3) Swimming, the Beach or… Continue Reading

5 Tips for Memorial Day Family Stories

Memorial Day 2015  Who in your family has a story that needs to be collected before it’s too late? How did they serve our nation? Where were they sent in the service? What branch of the military were they in? My father; the late Herman F. Marshall, a member of the U.S. Army, during WWII.… Continue Reading

Journey of a Thousand Goodbyes

Journey of a Thousand Goodbyes

          My father passed away last week. He was a captive of Dementia or Alzheimer’s for several years and in passing over that journey has ended and another begun. Herman F. Marshall was born July 19, 1929 in Manchester, New Hampshire. His story is our family memory now and I’m reading the things he wrote… Continue Reading