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Beyond the Tracks

In the early spring of 1973, a group of adventurous boys from Lawndale set out on a quest to explore the wonders concealed within the lush woods and along the banks of Tookany Creek. Armed with curiosity and a sense of camaraderie, they ventured into nature’s playground on a warm and sunny day. The woods, just beyond the familiar streets of Lawndale, were a sanctuary of tall trees, their branches…

[charleswiedenmann]

PHICKLEPHILLY: One Man's Journey to Find Love In Philadelphia

This is where it all began! My very first published book! Love at first swipe! One man’s story of returning to Philadelphia in search of the perfect girlfriend. Will he succeed or fail miserably in his quest to find love in this city? This is a funny and sometimes heart-wrenching tale of a man trying to navigate the pitfalls of the modern dating world in the city of Philadelphia in the…

[charleswiedenmann]

Tales of Rock: Forever Rocking: A 61-Year-Old's Endless Stage Fantasy

Age may be a number, but the love for rock music and the dream of being center stage remain timeless. At 61, a former musician and dedicated rock enthusiast finds solace, nostalgia, and a burst of energy every time a great song ignites the airwaves. The Power of Musical Memory As the opening chords of a favorite rock anthem reverberate, it’s not just a sound; it’s a portal to the past. The rush…

[charleswiedenmann]

A Ride on the Trolley in 1960s Philly

In the summer of 1967, the rhythmic clatter of the trolley echoed down Rising Sun Avenue in Lawndale, Philadelphia. With tokens in hand, a group of kids, their laughter ringing out like wind chimes, hopped aboard, eager for a joyous ride through the heart of their neighborhood. Among them was Tommy, a freckled-faced boy with a heart full of curiosity. As the trolley rumbled along, he spotted a…

[charleswiedenmann]

Breaking Free: My Journey from Vampiric Cravings to Inner Peace

In the shadows of my past, I once grappled with a vampiric bloodlust, an insatiable craving for the twin elixirs of alcohol and the transient thrill of youthful female company. It was a curse that enveloped my existence, casting a long and haunting shadow over the years. However, as dawn breaks on a new chapter, I find myself liberated from those chains, the vampiric allure fading into…

[charleswiedenmann]

Pro Wrestling: Redneck Theater - Where Sports and Entertainment Collide

In the heart of the American cultural landscape, there exists a form of entertainment that is as unique as it is captivating – professional wrestling, often referred to as “Redneck Theater.” This amalgamation of athleticism, drama, and larger-than-life personas has enthralled audiences for generations. Today, we delve into the world of pro wrestling, exploring its roots, its evolution, and what…

[charleswiedenmann]

The Secrets to Longevity: Beyond Diet and Exercise 

In the quest for a long and fulfilling life, we often focus on diet and exercise, and rightly so. A balanced diet and regular physical activity are essential for maintaining good health. However, there’s more to longevity than just what you eat and how much you move. In this blog post, we’ll explore the often-overlooked factors that contribute to a long and vibrant life: human interaction,…

[charleswiedenmann]

Out Of The Zoo

In the grand theater of life, there seem to be two distinct roles: the survivors of the wild and the inhabitants of the zoo. For much of my existence, I found myself trapped in the latter category, living a life confined within the boundaries of routine and predictability. Day in and day out, I roamed the well-trodden paths of the zoo, following the same patterns, performing the same tasks, and…

[charleswiedenmann]

LAWNDALE 2: The Terrifying Sequel You Never Saw Coming

Prepare to dive headfirst into the sordid underbelly of LAWNDALE in this jaw-dropping sequel that pulls absolutely no punches. Who knew that beneath the picturesque façade lurked a web of deceit, scandals, and sensational twists that make even the wildest reality TV shows pale in comparison? Meet the cast of characters whose lives are more tangled than a ball of yarn in the clutches of a pack…

[charleswiedenmann]

The Divine Neighbor

In the vast tapestry of beliefs and speculation about the return of Jesus Christ, what if the much-anticipated moment has already transpired, and we simply failed to recognize it? What if the embodiment of divine love and compassion walked among us, not in grandiosity, but in the gentle demeanor of Mr. Rogers from the beloved children’s program, “Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood”? It’s an intriguing…

[charleswiedenmann]

Pioneering the Digital Frontier: Margaret Hamilton, NASA's Lead Software Engineer

March is Women’s History Month! . In the celestial realm of space exploration, certain names resonate as unsung heroes who paved the way for groundbreaking achievements. Among these luminaries is Margaret Hamilton, a trailblazing figure whose contributions as NASA’s lead software engineer played a pivotal role in shaping the course of human spaceflight. Early Years and the Dawn of the Digital…

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Stay Busy, Stay Useful, Stay Needed: The Power of Purpose

In the ebb and flow of life, there are days when we ponder our place in the world, our emotions, and the question, “How do I feel today?” It’s a question that often leads to introspection and self-discovery. In this blog post, I explore the profound idea that staying busy, being useful, and remaining needed can provide a powerful sense of purpose and fulfillment in our lives. The Importance of…

[charleswiedenmann]

Saturday Morning in Lawndale in the 60s & 70s

In the quiet streets of Lawndale, the dawn of a Saturday morning in the 1960s brought a familiar and cherished ritual for the kids of the neighborhood. Long before the sun kissed the rooftops, a sense of anticipation lingered in the air as children across Lawndale stirred in their beds, eager for the animated wonders that awaited them on the television screen. The soft glow of the television set…

[charleswiedenmann]

Grace and Grit: The Extraordinary Journey of Sophie Winkleman

March is Women’s History Month! . In the vast realm of Hollywood, where tales of stardom are often told, there exists a narrative of grace, talent, and resilience that is personified by the remarkable Sophie Winkleman. Beyond the glitz and glamour, her life unfolds as a captivating story of a woman who has left an indelible mark on both stage and screen. Royal Beginnings Sophie Winkleman’s…

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Embracing the Moment: Finding Peace in a Creative Pause 

As I sit here reflecting on the past few years of my life, I can’t help but feel a sense of unease creeping in. Everything seems fine on the surface—work is going well, life is good—but there’s a nagging feeling that something is missing, that I should be doing more, creating more. It wasn’t until recently that I realized what was causing this disquiet within me. In 2020, I threw myself into the…

[charleswiedenmann]

The 1970s Symphony of Honeycomb Cereal's Record on the Box

In the groovy days of the 1970s, breakfast was not just about a bowl of cereal; it was an experience. For kids of that era, one particular cereal sparked both morning excitement and musical delight – Honeycomb. What set it apart? A tiny, groovy secret hidden on the back of the box – a playable record. A Blast from the Past Picture this: you’re sitting at the breakfast table, eagerly munching on…

[charleswiedenmann]

A Heartfelt Thank You to The Northeast Times For Sharing My Book "LAWNDALE"

You can read the Northeast Times article here: Recalling the Lawndale of the ‘60s and ‘70s As an author, there’s no greater joy than seeing your story come to life on the pages of a newspaper, and that’s exactly what happened when The Northeast Times in Philadelphia featured an article about my book, “LAWNDALE, Stories From My Youth: Growing up in Northeast Philly in the 60s and 70s.” I am…