[Directed by Claire Bloom and Cassandra de Cuir][Music performed by Peter Chapel and Patricia Chapel] [Read by Arthur Morey] Having the Time of My Life is a rich account of Peter Chapel's life, depicting the people, places, and events that he wishes to remember and acknowledge. This memoir shows how everything and everyone around him genuinely enriched his life and brings back poignantly remembered fragments of his history. Chapel comes from a big family - thirteen children, only eleven of whom grew to adulthood. Here he shares the quality of the family bonding he and his siblings experienced growing up. He includes the memories of his sickly childhood, his challenging coming-of-age years, and his fulfilling adulthood. In the first chapters, he features his mother's letter to him that recounts her personal experiences and remembrances. He tells of the loving family he had, the special occasions they celebrated, their trips between the United States and Canada, the deaths of his brother and sister, and the wonderful times they shared. With vivid detail Chapel reveals his first love, describing their acquaintance, secret dates, and the sad goodbye. He recalls his pursuit of the girl known by the name Patricia Smith and shares his discovery of her true identity: Lucille Ann Collier, whose stage name was Ann Miller - the actress, dancer, and singer. His first love was a celebrity who had her own secrets, and he shows the loving but covert poetry, music, and messages they shared through the years. At fifty-four, Chapel finally met Patricia Mergens, his future wife. He portrays the unique bond they shared and how their honest relationship came about. Chapel had some difficult years, uncomfortable moments, and heartrending times, but thanks to the strangers who became friends, the friends who made a difference, and the family who loves him, his life has been a happy one.  

Having the Time of My Life

History

Peter Chapel

Americas

Skyboat Media and Blackstone Audio

My song lyrics were a consequence of being a captive in my automobile twice a month some years ago while driving eight hours at a stretch, mostly at night. This opportunity to reminisce made me recall incidents and people who, for one reason or another, left an indelible impression on my mind.With a small cassette tape recorder by my side, I decided one day to express my thoughts, memories, and feelings. As the words formed phrases and sentences they fell into a rhythm and evolved into melodies that became my form of self-expression for about two years. I never tried, consciously, to be poetic or profound.Writing in the first person singular seemed the easiest way to go. Taking advantage of poetic license it worked well even when I, personally, had the experience only as an observer. Because I have had no musical training I depended on a friend to transcribe the songs from tape to lied sheet form and piano accompaniment.Where I used real names, the songs were intended to be a tribute to the persons. Where a fictitious name was used, it was no less a tribute.

Impressions and Reflections

Literature & Fiction

Poetry

Airleaf Publishing

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Books by Peter Chapel