Dotty the Crocodile

Well, this post is interesting.  I was in the basement looking for some old college stuff to decorate my door at school. All the teachers are decorating their doors for the college we attended in order to promote different institutions of higher learning for our students.  So, while elbow deep in a box of high school and college things, I came across a treasure!  A story that I wrote and bound together when I was 13 years old!  I guess I've been dreaming of becoming a writer longer than I was aware.  I didn't have too many grammatical mistakes (except for a few times using you're instead of your) but my story is a bit...dumb.  I can't even remember why I made this but here it is, illustrations included!

Dotty the Crocodile
written and illustrated in 1989
Jennifer Charles

Dotty is a black and white, polka-dotted crocodile.  She was very pretty.  One summer afternoon she was talking to her friend, Cindy, by the river.

Cindy said, "Dotty, I hate you.  You're so pretty and I love your polka dots!"  Dotty didn't know what to say so she just screamed, "Oh my gosh!" 

That night, Dotty was looking in her mirror and realized she didn't like her polka dots, at least not the colors.  Dotty wanted her colors to be pink and blue.  She asked her mom if she liked black and white.  Her mother said, "Dotty, why do you want to know?  Are you thinking about dying your polka dots?  What colors do you want?  Why do you not want black and white?"

Dotty was getting tired of twenty questions so she just screamed, "Oh my gosh!"  She ran into the bathroom and began looking through her dye.

She finally found pink and blue.  She started dying her white dots blue.  When she was done with blue, she put that up and got out pink.  She dyed the black part pink and put up the dye.  Now she was pink and blue.

She met Cindy by the river the next day.  Cindy almost had a cow when she saw her.  "Dotty, you look great!  I love your colors.  They're neat!"  Dotty became even prettier than before, but all she ever said was, "Oh my gosh!"

My prayer for you

Goodnight, sweetheart.
For you I pray
that tomorrow will be
another great day.

I pray that you smile
and get hugs from friends,
and laugh so much that 
it never ends.

Goodnight, darling.
This prayer for you
is that you show others
what is good and true.

I pray you show kindness
to everyone around
and show the world that
love can be found.

Goodnight, my dear.
For you I pray
that tomorrow will be
another great day.

Copyright 2014 Jennifer Charles

Monkeys at the zoo

A monkey made me laugh today when I went to the zoo.
I saw him through the window.  His family was there, too.
 
He started jumping and running like he'd been stung by a bee.
I just laughed and clapped.  It was a sight to see.

He did not like my laughing so he got a little angry.
He picked up fruit and vegetables and began to throw them at me!

It made me giggle even more to see him get so mad.
He walked right up to the window and stared at me and my dad.

I thought he would punch clean through the glass but he just turned around.
He ran after one of his monkey cousins and tackled him to the ground.

He wrestled that one for a minute or two, until he had his fill.
Then he hit another one on the head and rolled away down the hill!

He finally came to a stop and found a blanket to hold.
He wrapped it around his arms and sat.  It looked like he was cold.

The silly monkey settled down and took a little nap.
I waited and watched for one more minute to see if it was a trap.

The monkey slept and Dad and I also wanted a little rest.
The zoo is fun and watching the monkeys is always the best.

Copyright 2014 Jennifer Charles

This Little Seed

Mom said this little seed I found today
will grow up big, like me, someday.

We found a place and dug a hole
and put the seed inside to grow.

Mom said that God did the same with me
before I was born as a little baby.

We shoveled the soil and covered the seed
and gave it the water that it will need.

Mom said she has to cover and protect me
and give me water when I am thirsty.

Small leaves and a stem poked through the dirt.
The plant was now doing most of the work.

Mom said I am working hard every day,
learning new things, even while I play.

The plant soaks in the sunshine all day long
and I still give it water to keep it growing strong.

Mom said God's Word is our water and light
that helps teach us the difference between wrong and right.

The tree is starting to grow big and tall.
It seems impossible that it started so small.
 
Mom said with God all things are possible if you just believe,
even raising a child or a growing a tree from a tiny seed.

Copyright 2014 Jennifer Charles

Football Friday in the South

It's Football Friday in the South.
I can hardly wait!
The pep rally, the music, the fun, the fans
the pre-game parking lot tailgate!

Faces painted in team colors,
the students in the spirit line.
the cheerleaders, the band, the little fans - 
The team runs through the sign.

Kick-off at seven, here we go!
Our team has the ball.
Offense, defense, special teams - 
our team can do it all.

Some games are nailbiters - hard fought battles
when victory is sweet.
Our team pulled out a win tonight.
Let's do it again next week!

Football Friday in the South
the crowd stands up to cheer.
Football Friday in the South
Such a great time of the year! 

Copyright 2014 Jennifer Charles

My little town

This little town of mine is great.
It has mountains and a glistening lake.

You can hike, bike, or catch a fish.
You can really do whatever you wish!

It has stores downtown with all sorts of things -
shoes, or kayaks, or diamond rings.

The outdoor concerts in the park are neat.
The summer programs at the library are always a treat.

I love the parades in my small hometown.
We close off the street and shut everything down.

The river bridge is a landmark that is known far and wide.
Our museums have lots of history inside.

The sunrise and sunset are beautiful here.
There's wildlife, too, like eagles and deer.

Whether you stay in a hotel or a cabin or tent,
if you visit my town it is time well spent.

Copyright 2014 Jennifer Charles

Writer's block

Well, I knew it would happen.  Writer's block.  Well, sort of.  I'm just exhausted.  Today has been a long day.  School, church, a meeting, grocery shopping, then cooking for the football team dinner I have to help with tomorrow.  I'm just too tired to rhyme and I've used up my completed stories from my file, at least the file I've been able to find.  I have several stories started, but none of them are finished.  I haven't even written another chapter for my novel.  I did find some notes and some things I had written years ago that I'm going to work into The Locket (just a tentative title) but nothing I'm ready to put on here just yet.

So, I have nothing wonderfully creative for my loyal readers tonight but I had to post something to keep myself motivated about my personal challenge.  I promised myself, and you readers, that I would post a story or poem every night.  I hope tomorrow will be better and I will have the time and energy to write a little something - maybe funny, maybe motivational, who knows?  Check back tomorrow and find out!

Good night world, until tomorrow.
May your day be filled with joy, not sorrow.
May your cup overflow with goodness and love
and remember to thank the Lord above.

Well, I did manage to get a little creative. 

Copyright 2014 Jennifer Charles

The Locket Chapter 1

Tonight, I am writing a rough draft chapter of what will be a teen/young adult novel.  I wrote this a few weeks ago when I couldn't go to sleep.  It's just a teaser and will be continued at some point.  Even though I titled it Chapter 1, it may not stay that way in the final edit.  It is a work in progress so come back to read more.

     The locket was a small heart, barely the size of a thumbnail.  It was too small to hold a photo, or anything, for that matter, so it remained empty.  It wasn't a bright, shiny gold, like a new piece of jewelry from the glass case of the jeweler, but, instead, a character piece in a dull gold with tiny, floral etchings.  The edges were worn and rounded and it could use a cleaning, but somehow, that seemed like it might polish away the stories it held.
     Hazel was dainty and small, like the locket, which floated casually around her neck.  Her name sounded much older than her age of fourteen years but she wore it well.  She was proud of her name.  It had once belonged to her great-grandmother whom she had never met but of whom she had heard many tales and legends.  She doesn't yet fit into her name and it still seems a little awkward to see her turn when it is called.  Still, there is something behind her eyes and smile that makes the name fit.

All stories are the intellectual property of Jennifer Charles.
Copyright 2014

Tommy the Tornado

I wrote this story sometime around 1997.  It needs a lot of work but it's been a stressful day so in order to keep my challenge going, I'm using this one tonight.  I just can't think of anything new right now.

Tommy the Tornado comes down from the sky from a big cloud.

With his strong, circling winds, he picks up houses, trees, and cars and twirls them around.

Severe weather sirens warn people that Tommy the Tornado is nearby and they should find shelter quickly.

To escape the danger that Tommy the Tornado brings, people build houses under the ground called storm cellars.

For people who don't have storm cellars, a bathroom or room in the center of the house, is the safest place to be, with lots of blankets and bottles of water available.

After Tommy the Tornado is finished playing his dangerous game, everyone must clean up the damage he left behind.

Groups like the American Red Cross, Army National Guard, and churches help the victims who lost their homes, cars, clothing, and food.

After all the clean up is done, everyone can relax a little until Tommy the tornado returns.

All stories are the intellectual property of Jennifer Charles.

Do you know what I see?

This challenge of mine is proving to be just that...a challenge.  But I'm loving it.  I am enjoying pushing myself to come up with creative stories that I hope can be turned into books or a collection one day.  I hope you enjoy reading them.

Copyright 2014 Jennifer Charles

To moms and dads it's just a tree, but do you know what I see?

I see a skyscraper in a busy city,
towering over the square.
I've got to reach the very top
and see the view from there.

I see a giant with big arms and legs;
he looks pretty angry to me.
I climb his body and tie him up
so he doesn't hurt my family.

I see a jungle, lush and green,
with monkeys playing loudly.
I'll fit in nicely with this crowd
so I'll climb the tree...proudly.

To moms and dads it's just a tree, but do you know what I see?
I see many things that it could be to an imaginative child like me.

Laundry, dishes, and dirt

This is what I'm feeling today but almost every day.  Here's to you, moms.  Copyright 2014.

Laundry, laundry, everywhere.
Laundry, laundry, here and there.
Laundry on the floor and stairs.
Am I the only one who cares?

Dishes, dishes, piled up high.
So many to wash I just might cry.
Wash, dry, put away, repeat.
It's so hard to keep my kitchen neat.

Dirt, dirt, all on the floor.
I sweep it up, but then there's more.
The kids and dog just bring it in.
It's a battle I feel I cannot win.

I know one day there will not be
as much laundry, dishes, and dirt to see.
I will miss washing all the uniforms
and mending the pants that are worn.
I will miss the dirty cups and plates
that were left by friends who stayed over late.
I will miss the dirt clumps from the cleats
that scored a run in the game last week.

So I'll just savor the moment and all the work
and cherish the laundry, the dishes, and dirt.

The Fork Gremlin

I wrote this story in 2009, I think, because we had so many forks disappear.  No illustrations yet but I hope you enjoy this cute story, inspired by the way folk tales explained the unexplained

We have a fork gremlin.  Do you?

He comes when we're asleep, I think, and takes the forks right out of the sink!

Sometimes they are missing from the kitchen drawer and found in places they weren't before.

Sometimes he takes from the dishwasher rack and never, ever puts those back.

We started with lots and lots of forks of different sizes and different sorts.
But the fork gremlin takes a few every time and now we have less than nine!

Do you know what the fork gremlin does with his loot?

Sometimes he trades the forks for a nice tie-dyed suit.

Sometimes the fork gremlin joins up with the others,
all the fork gremlin cousins, sisters, and brothers.

This family reunion is a jolly old fest;
they even have a food flinging contest!

Forks loaded and ready, they aim and fling
peas, pumpkins, or anything!

With their stolen forks and mashed potatoes with lumps,
they see whose potatoes make the biggest "thump".

The fork gremlin winner is given a prize - a fork so big you wouldn't believe your eyes!

The fork gremlin uses the fork for combing his hair.
He also uses them to hang up his underwear!

When corn-on-the-cob gets stuck in his teeth, you better watch out.
He uses a fork to get the corn out!

Sometimes he uses a fork to scratch an itch he can't reach
or to draw patterns in the sand when he's at the beach.

Where does the fork gremlin keep all the forks?  I imagine he has many rooms.
But I'm wondering...what am I going to do with all these spoons?

Life Lessons for Teenagers

I wrote this piece several years ago (maybe 2009) for my yearbook staff students.  I used the first letter of each of their names to give them a bit of advice I wish I had been given when I was their age.    My goal was to inspire them to live their dreams but I think they encouraged me to live mine.  I told them this was a "sneak peek" at a future book I would write.  It doesn't rhyme like my other stories but I still love it.  I hope it will inspire you.

All stories are the intellectual property of Jennifer Charles.

Help...those in need...they come into your life for a reason...and all good deeds will be returned to you someday when you may need it.

Hit...everything out of the ballpark...don't just halfway swing the bat...swing with all you've got...even if you strike out, you went down trying...and there's going to be another chance to bat.

Imagine...think outside the box...remember back to childhood when all you wanted was a box...and it became a castle, a fort, a car...never stop dreaming.

Jog...around the block or neighborhood...you can learn a lot about nature and your neighbors and yourself.

Joke...and make fun of yourself so you don't ever take yourself too seriously.

Jump...into the world with your head held high and plant both feet on the ground...no matter what lies underneath or behind you.

Mend...broken hearts, broken spirits and broken friendships...it will change your life.

Notice...all the little things around you and all the people who help you achieve your goals...don't forget where you came from...thank those who noticed your talents and pushed you on your way.

Rock...to your own beat and find your life's rhythm...it will make the hard times a bit easier.

Run...or dance or play...it helps the body stay strong so the mind can stay strong.

Sing...like no one's looking...and loudly...it lifts your spirits.

Snap...and clap and stomp...it keeps you young...and can help relieve stress.

Speak...kindly and gently to everyone you come in contact with...it will make you a better person.

Sick Day

This is a poem I wrote in 2006, when 2 of my 3 children where home sick.  I added more to it in 2009, and did a little editing just a few days ago when I read it again.  This one is for the moms who feel this struggle.

All stories and poems are the intellectual property of Jennifer Charles.

Sometimes you don't know what to do.
Is it strep throat or the flu?
Will they give these germs to you?
Then you'll be home aching, too.

It's so hard to do it all -
talk to the teacher when she calls,
pick up toys and trains and balls,
wash the crayon off the wall.

When's the vomiting going to end?
I have party invitations I need to send.
Random things go through my mind
while a good night's sleep I try to find.

Homework, practice, go here, go there,
the kids scream, "I need lunch money!
I have nothing to wear!"

I feel so overwhelmed sometimes.
Bills are due and money's tight.
Collectors are calling, the cable's off,
one of the young one's has a cough.

I sink within myself but I'm as far as I can go.
I'm trapped.  I'm stressed.  I'm crying, "How'd I get here?
I don't know."

Then a little one grabs me and says, "Mom, I love you."
Suddenly, all the problems seem really small.
One hug from a child really is the best medicine of all.

The Best Day

This story was originally written many years ago when my boys were young, sometime around 2002.  I don't have any illustrations with this one and I actually finished it just a few days ago.  I'm very proud of this story and can still remember the day this happened.  I dedicate this story to my oldest son who inspires me more than he knows.

All stories are the intellectual property of Jennifer Charles.

Triston loves to play with dirt and rocks;
he stays outside all day.
The sand gets in his pants and socks
but he still loves to play.

Building roads and runways
is his favorite thing to do -
for all his cars and helicopters,
trucks and airplanes, too.

One day Triston's little brother,
some call him "The Beast",
was pretending to be a monster
and destroyed his masterpiece.

The Beast just laughed while Triston cried
and soon a fight broke out -
punches here and scratches there,
both boys began to shout.

Mommy ran to see what all the fussing was about.
She made each tell the other "I'm sorry" and both began to pout.

"Now stop this pouting," Mom said,
as she helped them to their feet.
She patted both on the head
and said, "Let's build something neat."

So all three sat in the dirt
with trucks and cars and trains.
They built special roads and highways
that could also be used by planes.

The cars and trucks drove north and south,
some drove east to west.
Uphill, downhill, round and round,
until they stopped to rest.

The boys were tired and slowing down,
the heat had been too much.
Mom said, "Let's go inside
and I'll make you boys some lunch."

They shook the sand out of their clothes
and put the cars away.
The Beast even helped clean up the mess
that they had made that day!

With hands washed and bellies full,
the boys sat down to rest.
Before nodding off, Triston said to Mom,
"This day has been the best!"

Roger the Roly Poly

This is the first children's story I can remember writing and sketching.  I sent it to a couple of publisher's who proceeded to send me "thanks but no thanks" cards.  It's not great and I may edit it later and work on it but here is your bedtime story for tonight!

Roger the Roly Poly
copyright 1998
All stories and sketches are the property of Jennifer Charles.

Out on the playground just after a big rain,
Roger the roly poly saw sunlight again.

With his many feet and hard outer shell,
he dug to the surface to see if all was well.
Then a giant hand
picked Roger up out of the sand.
Roger rolled up into a little ball.
He did not like this at all.
Then, the big hand threw Roger the roly poly up into the sky.
Roger cried, "Why did I come out of the sand?  Why?"
Roger began to feel very sick.
He said to himself, "Please put me down.  Quick!"
Then under his feet Roger felt the sand.
He was finally out of that giant hand!
Roger said, "I did not like that hand.
It picked me up out of the sand.
It threw me up and made me fall.
I did not like that hand at all.
So I will stay here in the sand
and keep away from that hand!"

I am Me, from A to Z

Formerly titled I am a Positive Child
Written and independently published 2007
all writings and illustrations are original and I own all rights

I am attentive, always aware, listening to others with caution and care.
I am blessed with the things I need - clothing and shelter and food to eat.
I am considerate, loving and sweet, thinking of others' feelings before starting to speak.
I am diligent.  I keep going strong, doing my best as I go along.

I am energetic, like I have a pair of wings.  I use my energy for positive things.
I am focused - no wandering mind.  I stay on task so I don't fall behind.
I am good-looking, attractive and neat.  I take pride in myself from my head to my feet.
I am happy and healthy, both good things to be.  I exercise and eat foods that are good for me.
I am intelligent.  I think on my own, learning new things I can use when I'm grown.
I am just, honest and true, treating others fairly the whole day through.
I am kind, nice and polite, to friends and adults, by day and by night.
I am lively, enjoying all of life's treasures - running and jumping and outdoor adventures.
I am musical.  I sing and dance.  I learn to play instruments when given the chance.
I am notable, worth more than gold.  My good deeds and character can never be sold.
I am optimistic, always looking for the best.  I stay on the bright side when I'm put to the test.
I am persistent, trying 'til the end, doing things over and over again.

I am quick, responding with speed, ready and alert when someone is in need.
I am responsible.  Others count on me.  I complete tasks timely and carefully.
I am studious.  I study and read.  I do my homework so I can succeed.

I am thankful for my family, my friends, my home, and the country I live in where I'm free to roam.

I am understanding, sympathetic and true, feeling joy when others are happy and sadness when others are blue.
I am valuable - no one can take that away.  My skills and talents will be needed in the world someday.
I am wealthy, not with things or with money, but with my friends and family and others who love me.
I am x-tra special, different and neat.  There's no one like me because I am unique.
I am young - don't want to grow up too fast. I want to play and have fun while life goes past.
I am zany.  Others laugh and smile at me.  I like telling jokes and acting silly.
Read this book in the morning's first light and have a positive attitude until day turns to night.
Read this book before going to bed to have positive dreams dancing in your head.

To order this book visit: www.jencdesigns.etsy.com or
http://bookstore.xlibris.com/Products/SKU-0037244017/I-am-a-Positive-Child.aspx