Monday, November 30, 2015

Holiday Weekend in a Few Words and Snapshots

Wednesday night: Went shopping with Daniel for stuff to make poor boys and for kettle chips without sunflower oil. Rebekah made a couple of pumpkin pies. Yes, this is our traditional Thanksgiving Dinner, and we love it. Don't laugh.

Thursday: Holiday editor. After email and social media, we attended Divine Liturgy in Homewood to give thanks. Besides our 82-year-old pastor and us, two other people showed up. Breakfast in Mokena (boys' idea) at a place I don't remember. Back home to work. Timothy put up the tree and decorated. A lovely couple of hours with Timothy that night at St. Joe's to visit my ex-brother-in-law. The room was filled with family. After liturgy, this was truly the best part of the day. Dinner and a movie.

Friday: Two of my grandsons Ronnie and Caleb spent the day. While I finished social media for The Herald-News and the Morris Herald News, Rebekah and Daniel read to the boys. Then we made pirohi filling, did science experiments, colored, and had lunch. Caleb, Rebekah, and I took a nap (Caleb in theory, Rebekah and I in actuality), while Ronnie and Daniel hung out. Then we made pirohi and settled down to an episode of The Flying House. Caleb fell asleep.

Because of the custody situation, not sure how their mom feels about posting pictures, but here is one of the pirohi:


Saturday: Spent most of the day working on Before the Blood, but while on the quest for authentic candy canes for St. Nicholas Day, which we found, Rebekah and I saw this on a bench outside of Walgreens. Totally made our day.


Sunday: Most of the day was spent working on Tuesday's health pages and working with Sarah to finally complete the templates for a project begun two years ago for Joliet Area Community Hospice.

But during lunch in the small hall after liturgy, my good friend Eli, who's in his 80s, looked over the spread another member had hosted in memory of her son's birthday and asked, "What? No poppyseed?" We are hosting the St. Nicholas banquet next week, so I asked if he was bringing it then?

It's a standing conversation between us. My grandmother used to make the most delectable poppyseed coffeecake, but she died shortly after my seventh birthday and took the recipe with her. Once Eli learned this, he occasionally brings the most amazing iced poppyseed potica to share at church.

Eli then put his arm around me and whispered, "No, but I have some in the car for you." Here's what was left as of last night. Love this man! :)

 
 
 

Sunday, November 29, 2015

Not Your Typical Dinner Fare

So none of these recipes are in the BryonySeries fundraising cookbook, but they ARE authentically Victorian, France, to be exact, 1870.

http://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2013/jan/17/how-to-cook-horsemeat-three-thrifty-recipes

And yes, horsemeat is part of the plot in Before the Blood.

For more interesting 19th century cuisine and to support a wonderful organization that helps kids, order our official cookbook: "Memories in the Kitchen: Bites and Nibbles From 'Bryony.'"


All proceeds benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters of Will and Grundy Counties. www.bbbswillgrundy.org.




Friday, November 27, 2015

Story Round-Up: Features in The Herald-News, Nov. 22 through Nov. 27

A race against the clock. Two grandsons will be here shortly for a day of fun and pirohi and mess-making.

You can check out the health, faith, and arts and entertainment calendars. Three of them can be found at the link below. http://www.theherald-news.com/lifestyle/ Gotta Do It, runs each Sunday and often stays on the home page through the week.

Feature briefs for Tuesday (health), Thursday (faith), Friday (A & E), and Sunday (People) are also edited (texted and photos) by moi, but only the stories have bylines.

Chefy's in Joliet finds a new home at Fritiz's Pour House (VIDEO EXTRA)

This place has cheese sticks as large as sandwiches. Planning to try some. Their burgers and poor boys sound good, too.

http://www.theherald-news.com/2015/11/18/chefys-in-joliet-finds-new-home-at-fritzs-pour-house/a9iw47a/


An Extraordinary Life: Dedicated businessman also a passionate artist

Dick Anselmino ran a compassionate grocery store, but he also built a second home stamped with his creativity from timbers to decor.

http://www.theherald-news.com/2015/11/20/an-extraordinary-life-dedicated-businessman-passionate-artist/a3dgpij/


New Lenox and Morris health specialist discourage overeating on Thansgiving Day
By Jeanne Millsap

Even one day of binge-eating can have consequences, something to think about before you reach for that second turkey sandwich today. ;)

http://www.theherald-news.com/2015/11/18/new-lenox-and-morris-health-specialists-discourage-overeating-on-thanksgiving-day/aq906qa/


Staff at Will Grundy Medical Clinic help Joliet woman find peace.

Abandoned on a sidewalk as a baby and living among half-truths, Jackie Mays found healing from compassionate staff that believed in her goodness.

http://www.theherald-news.com/2015/11/25/staff-at-will-grundy-medical-clinic-help-joliet-woman-find-peace/acnt0dn/


Joliet artist recreates people, places, pets

Skip the Black Friday crowds today and give a gift of memory.

http://www.theherald-news.com/2015/11/20/joliet-artist-recreates-people-places-pets/as3orsn/

Wednesday, November 25, 2015

One Way to Write Dissimilar Voices Among Similar Characters

This past weekend, I returned to some skipped-over scenes in Before the Blood, those that  feature the Munsvonille Society for the Humanities, which meets Thursday evenings in the parsonage parolor.

In a previous chapter, I had already established the men that attend by name and expertise. But because the scenes are sporadic (although very essential to building the plot), I needed to differentiate between these men in such a way that the reader can envision them, especially since three of them are simultaneously introduced at the meetings.

While the scenes are by no means perfect, this is how I tackled it:

1) In my notes, I kept the expertise of each man narrow, but elaborated in a few lines - very distinct to each expertise - on how each expertise might influence the character's viewpoints on a range of topics.

2) In each scene, I reintroduce each character by his full name at the first reference.

3) I use beats, gestures, and actions to call attention to physical attributes, to remind the reader the physical apearance of each man, and to quicken the scene.

4) I carefully crafted the spoken reactions to the discussion topics by referring to the men's expertise and viewpoints already established in my notes. This way each man responds in ways that are true to him, while using his dialogue to build tension, reveal pertinent information, show personality and intent, and move the plot forward.

Thoughts?




Tuesday, November 24, 2015

Desperately Need New Home For Two Cats

I received the following email from a co-worker. Having been in this desperate situation with our cats, I totally get this. If you can help - or know someone who can - please message me at bryonyseries@gmail.com.
 
If anything, they sure are cute! (and missing their owner...)
 
 
Hi fellow co-workers,

I have a situation that I want to run by everyone: My mother-in -law has Alzheimer's and will be going into assisted living this weekend. We have placed all of her very loved animals with the exception of her two cats, who are brothers. One is a Maine coon. They are 13 years old and have been together since they were born. They are EXTREMELY gentle with an unbreakable bond. Unfortunately we are having a hard time placing them with any shelter/animal rescue group because of their age. SAD because they are full of love and life and very healthy! They are lap cats, love their bellies rubbed and get along VERY well with other animals, including dogs and children...They would be great companions for anyone, even an elder with their gentle way- no trouble at all.

If you know of anyone that would be willing to provide them with Love and shelter that is all we are asking for, Joe and I would even be willing to provide a monthly sum of money for food and liter.

I know you are wondering why we don't take them, we would love to but our INN is full, with 5 of our own cats and two strays that we are currently taking care of.

If you know of anyone that would be willing to open their heart to these two or have suggestions, please let me know.
 
 

Monday, November 23, 2015

Happy Monday

Busy week ahead!

Since cramming a five-day-ish work week into three with early Thanksgiving deadlines is impossible, I've spread it out over the last few weekends, trying to get ahead. Still, as I glance at my schedule, an amazing amount of work still needs to be done. Strapping on the super powers!

The goal?

To concentrate on breaking news and projects without looming deadlines on Thursday, as I am the editor responsible for both newspapers on that day. The trade-off is that I get to spend Friday making piriohi with Rebekah and two of my grandchildren, while Timothy and Daniel put up the tree and decorate, and then enjoy a much-needed three-day weekend, which includes Before the Blood, of course.

I am so stoked! Watch out Munsonville, here I come!

Rebekah and I finished our St. Nicholas shopping on Saturday, well, except for regular-sized, regular-flavored (peppermint) candy canes, which seem to have dispppeared from shelves in favor of chocolate mint,  cinnamon, fruit-flavored, etc., blech!

Now that the kids are older and stretched across miles, we draw names of the adults and then names of the kids. We spend only $20 on the adults and $10 on the kids, and we do fill the stockings and not with useless junk, either. In fact, one year, Sarah had me and needed and extra stocking. We're that good!

Our family has recovered financially enough to once again host the St. Nicholas banquet at our church. Now that the congregation consists of a handful of elderly people plus clergy, no one is expecting St. Nicholas (Just about every man in the parish, as well as my sons, have filled that role over the years).

But I feel everyone needs a bit of surprise joy and magic in their lives. I received a donation of three boxes of lovely golden ornaments and, true to our form, am importing a St. Nicholas. Meaning, no one in our parish has ever met the man who is portraying the good bishop and distributing these lovely ornaments. Just in case a few do bring their grandchildren, we have extra ornaments, as well as gold coins...and candy canes, if can score any real ones.

Sorry for the scattered post, but that's the arrangment on my thoughts this morning. Time to put them to rights and get on it.

Happy Monday!

Sunday, November 22, 2015

Darlene’s Hot Chocolate

In my section of the world, today is BRRRRRRRRRRRR...

Just the day to curl up in a chair with a book, blanket, and kitten, sipping the hot chocolate I've prepared for my family for over three deceades. In fact, it's exactly the way Melissa's mother makes it.


It’s hard to concentrate on homework when mourning the loss of one’s father, grandmother, friend, and even her dog. Melissa didn’t think a steaming mug of hot chocolate in her favorite purple mug could make a difference, but it did. Cuddling and talking with her mother, helped, too.

 Darlene’s Hot Chocolate
By Denise M. Baran-Unland

¼ cup cocoa
½ cup sugar
1/3 cup water
2 cups milk
1 teaspoon vanilla
Vanilla ice cream (optional)

Combine cocoa and sugar; add water and stir. Heat until mixture simmers. Add milk, stir again, and heat until sugar/cocoa mixture is dissolved. Remove from heat, add vanilla, stir, and serve. Good topped with ice cream. Yield: 4 servings.


 From "Memories in the Kitchen: Bites and Nibbles From 'Bryony'"

All proceeds benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters of Will and Grundy Counties. www.bbbswillgrundy.org.


Friday, November 20, 2015

Story Round-Up: Features in The Herald-News, Nov. 15 through Nov. 20


Endorphins still flowing from last night's annual WriteOn Open Mic night, which is good because I am sooo tired (and I'm teaching tonight, which always kicks the muse into high gear).  Cliched, I know, but a good time really was had by all.

This morning's burning question: Is Denise still making time each morning for an hour spent writing fictiion? And the answer is...sort of.

Sometimes it's an hour, and sometimes it's more like thirty or fourty-five minutes, depending how much email is waiting for me at 4:30 in the morning. (Ugh, right?). But the important thing, I'm consistently making time, and I'm consistently making progress.

Okay, now the "real" stories.

You can check out the health, faith, and arts and entertainment calendars. Three of them can be found at the link below. http://www.theherald-news.com/lifestyle/ Gotta Do It, runs each Sunday and often stays on the home page through the week.

Feature briefs for Tuesday (health), Thursday (faith), Friday (A & E), and Sunday (People) are also edited (texted and photos) by moi, but only the stories have bylines.

Or, basically, as my WriteOn cohort Tom Hernandez said last night when he introduced me, I write abotu 90 percent of the entire features section, which I love, so it's all good.


Will County Historical Research and Recovery Association members preserve local history

Read about the fun and higher purpose involved in metal detecting - and the joy beyond measure when detectors reunite owners with lost items. One of these stories where I wish I had a video - and hoping to add one later.

http://www.theherald-news.com/2015/11/12/will-county-historical-research-and-recovery-association-members-preserve-local-history/arwac1m/


An Extraordinary Life: Morris resident was a prolific accompanist for many Joliet-area musicians (VIDEO EXTRA)

Hettie Wysocki was all about music. She met her husband when she accompanied two local vocalists when they performed at his restaurant. The videos show those two singers rehearsing for her memorial service. Poignant, indeed.

http://www.theherald-news.com/2015/11/12/an-extraordinary-life-morris-resident-was-a-prolific-accompanist-for-many-joliet-area-musicians/awybvnd/


Pets of the Week

Is your next furry companion listed here? Check it out and see.

http://www.theherald-news.com/2015/11/12/pets-of-the-week/agby91u/


Crest Hill centarians and Morris doctor share tips for reaching that 100th birthday
By Jeanne Millsap

The centennial mark seems to be the new 50. Why is that? What does like look like at that age? And how can you attain that milestone, too?

http://www.theherald-news.com/2015/11/12/crest-hill-centenarians-and-morris-doctor-share-tips-for-reaching-that-100th-birthday/anexqik/


Joliet church teaches retreat participants how to paint icons  (VIDEO EXTRA)

A personally fulfilling story for me - icons are part of my Eastern Orthodox faith tradition. I took one of my sons with me to the retreat and blessed us both.

http://www.theherald-news.com/2015/11/17/joliet-church-teaches-retreat-participants-how-to-paint-icons/a44gdv5/


Joliet rhythm and blues artist to play concert in England

Willie Newsome set aside his commercial success in the mid 1970s when he didn't reach the stardom he wanted. But what Newsome didn't know is that he's got some diehard fans around the world and quite the Northern Soul following in the UK. Search for his name online, and see what pops up. It's very cool.

This month, Newsome will receive the lauds he deserved. No video yet, but truly hoping to get one this weekend. Stay tuned.

http://www.theherald-news.com/2015/11/19/joliet-rhythm-and-blues-artist-to-play-concert-in-england/acmxtsm/


Thursday, November 19, 2015

BryonySeries Throwback Thursday: Guest Post by Thomas Meisinger: What Matters in Life


Sunday, October 12, 2014

Guest Post by Thomas Meisinger: What Matters in Life


What Matters in Life
By Thomas Meisinger
Originally published Saturday, October 10, 2014

Me: Do you ever feel like you're THIS close to having everything you've ever wanted?
Friend: No, I don't think it's possible.

I had this conversation with a mentor a week ago. Then I listened to this Christian author/speaker during one of my midnight siestas at my parent's house. Until 2 AM I stared at my childhood bedroom closet full of toys, clothes, and board games and thought about what really matters. As I spend this vacation reconnecting with my dad’s family and celebrating my Grandma Meisinger's 90th birthday, I've learned what matters most is....to not disclose now if I want you to keep reading.

When I was twenty-three I was offered a job with better pay, better hours, and more responsibility. It was definitive advancement for my career. It was also in Fayetteville, Arkansas, home to U of A (Go Razorbacks!) and nothing else. In addition, the workplace gave off a Boy’s Club frat vibe. Why would I want to live in a place I would eventually hate once the extra money disappeared? Why would I spend fifty hours a week in a room of people I didn't trust? So I didn't.

So if money didn’t matter, what did? I didn’t have much of a social life in Joplin. I spent most of my evenings watching cable TV, writing, and drinking alone at bars. I had a few friends, but knew they contributed more to the relationship than I ever could. It destroyed my confidence and made me depressed. It wasn’t good for my health, faith, or mind. After much hesitation I turned to God and knew it was only going to get worse if I kept to myself. I vowed to move to St. Louis within six months.  Thirty-three days later I had multiple job offers and was looking at apartments.

I moved to St. Louis to have a social life and be closer to family. I was done feeling sorry for myself all the time. But before that could happen I needed to reconnect with my family and that didn’t happen right away. Instead, I attended almost daily happy hours and didn’t notice a change. I had an older co-worker tell me I couldn’t live on deadlines and expect things to happen. But that was also the same guy who once drunkenly told me advice was overrated.

I began taking better care of myself and lost thirty pounds in a year. Now I’m working out more than ever. Drinking helps me forget I’m “losing the game” when I don’t want to play at all. I don’t even want to be around people who want to play the game and I learned that from my last relationship. It didn’t bother me when it was over because the following day I woke up and knew I was THIS close.

I was THIS close to waking up before dawn to focus on my health at the gym. I was THIS close to daily counseling with a Christian friend sharing his view from one step ahead. I was THIS close to having a job where I start every day off by making sure everyone hears “Good morning!” I was THIS close to talking to family every day. I was THIS close to becoming an active member in my church. I was THIS close to learning there are no blueprints for a relationship. I was THIS close to actually listening to my coworker when they said, “You’re a smart, funny, good-looking guy! You have no reason to be shy!” I was THIS close to having all the confidence back and then some.

It's the confidence in knowing what matters most is those sitting around you. Asking my friend if he had ever had that feeling didn’t refer to owning a fancy house, having a powerful job, or traveling across the world. I was asking him if he knew what he wanted. I was asking him if it was time to put it back in the box.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Thomas Meisinger was born, raised and educated in Chicago's southwest suburbs. He began performing stand-up comedy in 2009 while in college. You may have seen him at The Comedy Shrine, Edge Comedy Club, and other establishments he doesn't like enough to give free publicity. If he spent as much time filling out job applications as he did writing jokes during his last semester, he would probably have a better paying job. Currently residing utterly alone in Missouri, he has since shifted his focus to writing.

He spent a year working on his first novel, The World Is Shallow; That's Why I Never Learned How to Swim, which is currently available on all major eBook retail sites. The humorous fictional autobiography has received rave reviews from family, friends, and stray cats wandering his apartment. Meisinger’s favorite hobby is people-watching at coffee shops but let's face it, he really just has a staring problem.

He currently writes five blogs: Penguins are Pretentious (www.penguinsarepretentious.blogspot.com) is a collection of Meisinger’s ideas, opinions and experiences. Bacon, Eggs, and Whiskey (www.baconeggsandwhiskey.blogspot.com) is life from a bachelor’s point of view. Spiritual Vitamin (www.spiritualvitamin.blogspot.com) contains Christian-themed reflections. Dear Grandma Margie (www.deargrandmamargie.blogspot.com) is a series of fictional letters Meisinger wrote to his real grandmother. The St Louis Laugh Report at stlouislaughreport.blogspot.com is open only to invited readers, as is Bacon, Eggs and Whiskey and Dear Grandma Margie.

If you must, "Like" Meisinger's Facebook Fan Page, follow him on Twitter at #TomMeisinger., or check out his website at www.funnythomas.com.

Tuesday, November 17, 2015

Using Scenes to Describe New Characters


Since its inception, Munsonville has been an "everyone welcome here" village. 

In the ten chapters that comprise the first part of "Bryony's Story," the village and the characters grow and develop while the plot lengthens through that development like a sneaky thread of mold.

Chapter seven, currently in progress, introduces three pivotal characters and shows the change in current ones. Instead of relying on description, I allow the reader to meet them through observation and the opinions of others, like this:


After services, as Bryony filed into the narthex with the chatter of the villagers bumping around her like molecules, she heard Mrs. Fisher's voice rise above the rest: "Twins, you say?"

            "Yes, Maybelle, Scandinavian, 'ccording to Teddy, and very, very reclusive."

            "Reclusive? Oh, my, what a thought! I just don't see how anyone in or near this village could possibly be reclusive, not when we have..."

            "The boys won't speak, and the father snaps if anyone approaches them. He talks only to Owen and only when necessary."

            "Oh, them! James didn't say they were twins, but he did insist that their fishing skills were unlike anything he's ever seen or heard. Why just last night, when we were sitting down to one of Clyde's excellent dinners of..."

            "Happy Easter, Bryony," Luther said, falling into step with her as Leo socked him on the shoulder and walked past, grinning. "That's a pretty bonnet. Is it new?"

            "Yes."

            Twins?

            "...although, Sally, I once read that Scandinavians are quite naturally the most superior fishermen in the world. Do you know what Uncle Clyde once told us? The Pacific Northwest attracted so many fishermen from Denmark, Finland, Norway, and, yes, even Sweden that it was nicknamed Little Scandinavia. Why, do you know what James said..."

            Mrs. Fisher, who looked larger every time Bryony saw her, and Mrs. Bass, pretty as always, even though she was growing stout, too, walked outside, right behind Mr. Parks and Mr. Bass (who were discussing the latest fishing lures), taking the intriguing story with them.

            Twins? Real twins like The Prince and the Pauper, not simply a close resemblance, like eleven-year-old Leo and ten-year-old Luther with their matching brown trousers and suspenders and hair plastered in place?

            Bryony touched the brim, happy someone, even if it was only Luther,  noticed it. "Mrs. Parks sewed it for me, and Mrs. Pike made the flowers."

            The door opened, and Mrs. Hasset stepped inside. She wore a fitted coat that reached her boot tops.

            "Luther, let's go." She gestured with a gloved hand to the waiting carriage.

            The sheen of the coat's gray fabric and matching buttons reflected the natural light. Bryony stared, mesmerized at such lovliness, only half-hearing Luther say, "We're having Easter dinner at Mayor Pike's house."

            Reluctantly, Bryony turned her gaze away from the beautiful Mrs. Hasset. With a look of apology, Luther added, "I...I  wish you a pleasant day with Mr. and Mrs. Parks."

            "Thank you."

            "Where is your Uncle Orville?" An agitated Mrs. Parks was tying her bonnet strings and prodding Bryony to the door with her elbow. "I've looked all over for him?"

            "I think he's outside with Mr. Bass."

            "Those men and fishing! And on the Lord's Day of Days, too." Mrs. Parks held out her hand. "Come, Bryony."

            They walked in silence to the Parks' until Bryony asked, "Uncle Orville, who are 'the twins'?'"

            "Arvid Borgstrom's lads."

            "Who's that?"

            "New fisherman in town. Durned fine one, too."

            "Orville! Such language!"

            But Mrs. Parks' outburst couldn't dampen Bryony's curiosity. "Are the boys fishermen, too?"

            "Bryony, don't be so inquisitive. Orville, are you certain Mr. Griffith doesn't wish us to bring dinner?"

            "For the sixtieth time, Bertha, Ida is helpin' at the mayer's partee; Harv is goin' to Fisher Farm with Owen; and Gus jest wants to forgit about holidaze and celebratin.'"

            "He's not the same since Pearl's passing. I'm worried sick about him."

            "Gus is a growed man. Just let 'im be. And yes, Bryony, the boys fish, too."

            "Are they good fishermen, like Mr. Borgstrom?"

            "Dey git along."

            They had reached the Parks' small balloon-frame home, its maize-colored exterior, bright blue door and window sashes, and whitewashed trim a cheery beacon against the cold. Mason Woodrow's rockers, Mrs. Parks' broom, and a napping Puss were missing from the porch, but Bryony knew Mr. Parks would replace the items once the Arctic air departed, and Puss would reclaim her chair once he did.

            The trio headed to the back, as proper, per Mrs. Parks. Only company entered by way of the front. Bryony didn't mind. Extra walking no longer exhausted her, thanks to the magical power of meat.
           
            "I've never seen the Borgstrums. Where do they live?"

            "In yore parents' old cottage near the lake."

            "Orville!"

            "Bertha, tame yore feathers. The truth ain't gonna make Bryony brake like glasss."

            Mrs. Parks stomped up the steps. "When you're done chit-chatting, I need her assistance with meal preparation."

            WHAM went the back door. Mr. Parks, grinning, started for the barn, where Old Drew paced restlessly, hungry for Easter dinner. Bryony shadowed him.

            "Why is she mad, Uncle Orville?"
           
            "She ain't mad. She's jest protectin' you, like a Fisher Farm hen hoverin' round her chicks." He stopped and gently turned her to the house. "Now git in dere and help."

            Although the day grew sunnier and brighter, a lingering chill hung in the air, enough that Mrs. Parks interrupted dinner to walk through the house, shutting windows and griping.

            "So much for enjoying a spring breeze on Easter Sunday," Mrs. Parks said as she tucked her napkin back into her collar.

            "You'll soon be  complain' 'bout the heat," Mr. Parks liberally helped himself to more fish. "Now this is tasty. New receipt?"

            "Yes." Mrs. Parks still looked glum. "Soaked in vinegar."

            Mr. Parks looked long and hard at her. "Afore long, you'll be beatin' rugs and sweepin dust out the door."

            "Maybe." But she didn't sound convinced.

            Bryony spied the twins a week later, enroute to Mr. Drake's store. They had docked and were hanging fish, an amazing amount of fish, from rope attached to poles, much as Mrs. Parks hung laundry outside. The boys appeared identical: nearly fully grown and lanky, with a shock of blond hair falling over their foreheads. They worked in coordinated, rhythmic moves and spoke to each other in a language Bryony couldn't comprehend.

            "What would Mrs. Parks have today, Bryony?" Mr. Drake asked as the door clanged behind her.

            "Mace and cinnamon. She's frying crullers."

            Mr. Drake nodded to Addison. "The usual amount, boy."

            Addison slid off his stool to measure and package. Bryony drifted to the window and only half-heard Mr. Drake talking to Mrs. Betts as he added up her purchases.

            "Congratulations, Phoebe."

            "Fer what?"

            Two men had joined the teens. One was Mr. Munson and the other looked like the boys, except he was older, and his face twisted in a snarl.
           
            "The engagement of your son Paul to Ida Griffith."

            "They ain't engaged!"

            Somewhere a door banged, and a bell jangled.

            "Your order is ready, Bryony."

            She wondered from where they had come and why they had picked Munsonville to live and fish.

            "What has caught your eye?" a voice behind her said.

            It was Mr. Drake. Bryony pointed to the fishermen and looked back at Mr. Drake. His smile had fled.

            "Yes. The Borgstrums. Bryony, you must not delay Mrs. Parks' crullers."

            Bryony trailed Mr. Drake back to the counter where Addison handed her the paper sack. He had written the cost on the side eight dollars: four dollars for an ounce of powered cinnamon bark and four dollars for half an ounce of mace.

            "Thank you," Bryony said and moved toward the door, wondering all the way to The Munsonville Times office why Mr. Drake didn't like them. Thoughtfully, she pushed open the door.

            "Good day, Miss Bryony."

            At the sound Leo's voice rising over the clickety-clickety-clack of the typewriters, Luther, who was setting wood type on the cast iron press, glanced up. Beyond him, dark splotches marred the board walls.

            Mr. and Mrs. Hasset, as well as Lillian, looking very much like Mrs. Hasset with her hair put up, sat at the desks, studying shorthand squiggles while their fingers zoomed over the keys. The atmosphere, taut like piano wire, crackled with energy and smelled of ink and oil.

            "One copy of The Munsonville Times?"

            "Yes, please, Leo."

            He pointed to the stack on the counter. "That will be six cents."

            Bryony removed six pennies from her pinafore pocket, gave them to Leo, and then took a paper. He carefully counted the coins and added them to the register. Luther had resumed working, but he stole an occasional peep at Bryony.

            "It has the next installment of 'The Vicar's Ghost.' Mrs. Parks will like that."

            Bryony giggled. "If Mr. Parks doesn't find out first."

            The door burst open. Mr. Borgstrom stalked in, slapped six cents on the counter, snatched a newspaper, and stormed out.

            "That was rude," Bryony said.

            Leo shrugged. "Some folks don't have much to say."

            Bryony dawdled on the way back to the parsonage, contemplating the Borgstroms, the dozens of strung-up fish, the confident capability of the twins, and the impolite way Mr. Borgstrom had bought newspaper. She disagreed with Leo. Mr. Borgstrom did have much to say. He simply hadn't said it with words.

            "Heavens, child, what happened?" Mrs. Parks asked when Bryony trooped into the kitchen at long last.

            Bryony set The Munsonville Times on the table. "Other customers."

            Mrs. Parks tore open the spice package and quickly began measuring. "If I don't hurry, I won't see the paper until tomorrow."

            "What's the rush? You always read first."

            "Your father invited company to dinner." With loud exasperated sighs, Mrs. Parks crumbled butter and sugar together.

            "Who?"

            "Children should be seen and not heard. Bryony, please knead so I can peek at the news."

            Bryony rinsed her hands and hurried to help, not at all surprised Mrs. Parks had yielded to temptation. Mrs. Parks was already at the table hunched over the newspaper, reading spectacles on, face cupped in her hands.

            "Leo said the next installment of 'The Victor's Ghost' is out," Bryony remarked as she rolled and pushed the dough.

            Mrs. Parks didn't answer.

Monday, November 16, 2015

It Adds Up

A busy working weekend, but when the action slowed on Saturday night, I spent some time with Before the Blood.

When I finally closed up shop and went to bed, I took stock (all cliches intended) of the tiny progress I thought I'd made. Turns out I'd done better than I thought.

So in addition to the 1500 to 2000 words I'd written (and having manipulated the whole of the 3500 or so that currently comprise that chapter, yes I know it's not about the word count, just making a point here), I'd also researched:

* Printing presses of the 19th century, including the differences between wood and lead type, the oils used in the settings, fonts, and how the presses operated.

* How to string-up and salt large amounts of cod near the dock.

* Various Scandinavaian phrases (even texted one to a friend, just because. He ddin't comment).

* The varying opinions of public education in the 19th century, including some in-depth reading on Horace Mann

* Crullers: the spices used to flavor them in the 19th century and their vost, and if one could serve them for dessert (The answer is yes).

For those of us that write (or pretend that we do), there really is no substitute for, um, actually putting in some time. But don't waste odd bits of time. They really do add up.


Sunday, November 15, 2015

Just a Quick "Hi"

A busy on-call weekend, even without (so far) any breaking news: interviews, videos, writing, editing, etc.

And since I'm trying to get something else done before zipping off to another interview, I thought I'd pause a moment and wave.

(WAVE).

Have a great day! :)


Saturday, November 14, 2015

"Ode," by Arthur O'Shaughnessy


"Ode," by Arthur O'Shaughnessy

We are the music makers,
  And we are the dreamers of dreams,
Wandering by lone sea-breakers,
  And sitting by desolate streams;—
World-losers and world-forsakers,     
  On whom the pale moon gleams:
Yet we are the movers and shakers
  Of the world for ever, it seems.

With wonderful deathless ditties
We build up the world's great cities,     
And out of a fabulous story
We fashion an empire's glory:
One man with a dream, at pleasure,
  Shall go forth and conquer a crown;
And three with a new song's measure     
  Can trample a kingdom down.

We, in the ages lying
  In the buried past of the earth,
Built Nineveh with our sighing,
  And Babel itself in our mirth;     
And o'erthrew them with prophesying
  To the old of the new world's worth;
For each age is a dream that is dying,
  Or one that is coming to birth.

A breath of our inspiration     
Is the life of each generation;
A wondrous thing of our dreaming
Unearthly, impossible seeming—
The soldier, the king, and the peasant
  Are working together in one,     
Till our dream shall become their present,
  And their work in the world be done.

They had no vision amazing
Of the goodly house they are raising;
They had no divine foreshowing     
Of the land to which they are going:
But on one man's soul it hath broken,
  A light that doth not depart;
And his look, or a word he hath spoken,
  Wrought flame in another man's heart.     

And therefore to-day is thrilling
With a past day's late fulfilling;
And the multitudes are enlisted
In the faith that their fathers resisted,
And, scorning the dream of to-morrow,     
  Are bringing to pass, as they may,
In the world, for its joy or its sorrow,
  The dream that was scorned yesterday.

But we, with our dreaming and singing,
  Ceaseless and sorrowless we!     
The glory about us clinging
  Of the glorious futures we see,
Our souls with high music ringing:
  O men! it must ever be
That we dwell, in our dreaming and singing,     
  A little apart from ye.

For we are afar with the dawning
  And the suns that are not yet high,
And out of the infinite morning
  Intrepid you hear us cry—    
How, spite of your human scorning,
  Once more God's future draws nigh,
And already goes forth the warning
  That ye of the past must die.

Great hail! we cry to the comers     
  From the dazzling unknown shore;
Bring us hither your sun and your summers;
  And renew our world as of yore;
You shall teach us your song's new numbers,
  And things that we dreamed not before:     
Yea, in spite of a dreamer who slumbers,
  And a singer who sings no more.



Friday, November 13, 2015

Story Round-Up: Features in The Herald-News, Nov. 8 through Nov. 13

No fluff and frills this morning. Bad couple of nights for sleeping and slammed today and this weekend.

So here we go. And in case you were wondering, i ahve spent a quiet hour-ish every morning looking at Before the Blood. And amongst the weekend work items, i plan to do the same, at the very least.


You can check out the health, faith, and arts and entertainment calendars. Three of them can be found at the link below. http://www.theherald-news.com/lifestyle/ Gotta Do It, runs each Sunday and often stays on the home page through the week.

Feature briefs for Tuesday (health), Thursday (faith), Friday (A&E), and Sunday (People) are also edited (texted and photos) by moi, but only the stories have bylines.

And now, the stories!


Joliet teen is a champion at world Shotokan karate tournmant (VIDEO EXTRA)

Abby Ford is not only talented, she is remarkable in character and goals.

http://www.theherald-news.com/2015/11/05/joliet-teen-is-a-champion-at-world-shotokan-karate-tournament/aqpky6q/


An Extraordinary Life: For former Joliet pastor, people were his focus (VIDEO EXTRA)

He chose music over ministry and used both to bless others.

http://www.theherald-news.com/2015/11/06/an-extraordinary-life-for-former-joliet-pastor-people-were-his-focus/adnebi/


Pets of the Week
http://www.theherald-news.com/2015/11/06/pets-of-the-week/aawz66m/


Joliet pediatrician calls sleep deprivation in teens "epidemic"
By Jeanne Millsap

The CDC is also worried. The solution, both feel, is in the hands of schools, not parents and kids.

http://www.theherald-news.com/2015/11/06/joliet-pediatrician-calls-sleep-deprivation-in-teens-epidemic/a8the98/


Gospel musical about making choices to be held at Bolingbrook High School

Life isn't always easy, and the problems people face aren't always easy. This productions hopes to show people the outcomes of decisions made without God at the head.

http://www.theherald-news.com/2015/11/11/gospel-musical-about-making-choices-to-be-held-at-bolingbrook-high-school/aw1n5y6/


Dozens of Ingress players meet in Nov. 7 in Joliet (VIDEO EXTRA)

Staring at your cell phone is a must for this game, but so is real-time interaction.

http://www.theherald-news.com/2015/11/11/dozens-of-ingress-players-meet-on-nov-7-in-joliet/a4p3juc/

Thursday, November 12, 2015

BryonySeries Throwback Thursday: One Weekend, Three Book Signings


Monday, December 19, 2011

One Weekend, Three Book Signings

On Friday, I dropped Rebekah and Daniel off at the warehouse to clean and await the arrival of inserts, while I had lunch with the "real" Julie Drake.

Julie is one Melissa's (Bryony's main character) Munsonville friends, but is also the name of a very nice local woman whom I met by phone quite by accident while working on a story. This is what happened.

One of the features I write for the Herald News is called An Extraordinary Life. These are memorial pieces on recently deceased, local people who lived interesting an/or inspiring lives. While interviewing one woman about her mother, the woman asked if I would also call her sister. I did and requested the phone number and name, which was "Julie Drake." Of course, I told her about Bryony. 

We've kept in touch via email and phone over the last two years it took to bring Bryony to print, so it was wonderful to finally meet this very nice lady in person, who treated me to lunch, brought me a box of Fannie May pixies, and entertained me with verbal snapshots of her family while I signed books. We're hoping to release Visage late next year, so Julie's already suggesting we have a standard, traditional, pre-Christmas date. She's on!

On Saturday, I heard interesting speakers at the HS Healing and Wellness Center's second paranormal cafe and sold a few books. One man who bought a copy of Bryony is part of a large vampire role-laying community and, through his independent film studio, created a three-minute film based on his character for next month's international convention of this vampire community. He sent me the unreleased trailer last night. His work shows promise! I will definitely share that trailer once he officially uploads it onto YouTube.

Sunday at Aunt Nina's Sweets N Treats in Crest Hill was much slower, but I made some nice connections, so it really was a good day. One woman from the local writer's guild was soooo happy to finally have Bryony, she kept hugging it. The venue itself was particulary interesting. It's a 7500 square foot candy store with every type of candy you can buy, along with a full bakery, party room, and some of the best coffee you can buy.

Both places will have copies of Bryony for purchase. You may check them out atwww.hshealingandwellnesscenter.com and www.auntninas.net/Home.

And, of course, Bryony is available on the website: www.bryonyseries.com.

Tuesday, November 10, 2015

Making Good Passes

One great piece of self-editing advice I learned when preparing Bryony for submission was making multiple passes at the manuscript, each with a different focus.

So one pass would focus on character development, another would strengthen plot weaknesses, another would tighten dialogue, another would highlight setting, and so forth

For me, doing so kept my focus and drew out flaws, duds, clunky wording, etc.

Try it and see.

Monday, November 9, 2015

Two Weeks Later, Where is the Resolve?

For the most part, still here.

Didn't play with Before the Blood on Friday except a little reading over on Friday night and practicing for WriteOn Joliet's third annual open mic night on Nov. 19, but spent a fair (less than I wanted, more than I had hoped) time on Saturday. But I was consistent every morning before that.

Sunday mornings are harder, but I'm late on the Saturday end of things, and I'm okay with it. After church, most of the time was spent working, but when you're the entire features section of a newspaper during the holidays, that's reality.

One more week, and I'll have raeched the magic "twenty-one days to make a habit" mark.

So this morning, it's either a long blog or the manuscript. Guess which one wins?


Sunday, November 8, 2015

Centuries-Old Recipe for Snipe


In Bryony, Kellen tells Melissa that he became powerful by preying only on the rich and influential. Sounds like a good plan, right? I mean, somebody has to play victim to a vampire, so why not be choosy?

So in Before the Blood, one victim Kellen pursues in the 18th century is the Squire of Levonshire. While attending the squire's Michaelmas party, Kellen encounters one maiden - with red hair, what else? - who complains the snipe is dry.

Not sure what recipe the squire's cooks used, but it probably wasn't this one.


Recipe for a “surfuit” of snipes, from The Cookbook of Unknown Ladies

A Surfuit of Snipes

Take a fillit of veal. Cut it small with a pd of sewit, half a pd of good fat bacon, some thyme & pepper, a little shred lemon. Let these be minc’d extraordinary small, & made in forc’d meat wth an egg. Put a layer at ye bottom of yr dish & cut yr snipes in halves & lay a thin rashure of bacon on them, every one. After you have place’d ym handsomly in yr dish, strow a good deal of crumbs of bread & shred parsley & a very little pepper over all. Put some forc’d meat on ye edge of yr dish, & yr forc’d meat yt is left put as a lid over ym. Bake it an hour at least. When it coms out, cut a whole in ye top & pour in some very good greavy. So serve it up for first course.


And for more information on The Cookbook of Unknown Ladies:

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2363961/Cookbook-Unknown-Ladies-dating-1690-reveals-gluttonous-recipes-cow-heel-veal-kidney-florentine.html

Friday, November 6, 2015

Story Round-Up: Features in The Herald-News, Nov. 1 through Nov. 6

Quick and to the point:it's a busy day to day.

You can check out the health, faith, and arts and entertainment calendars. Three of them can be found at the link below. http://www.theherald-news.com/lifestyle/ Gotta Do It, runs each Sunday and often stays on the home page through the week.

Feature briefs for Tuesday (health), Thursday (faith), Friday (A&E), and Sunday (People) are also edited (texted and photos) by moi, but only the stories have bylines.

Speaking of which...here ya go!


Former Joliet woman writes book of essays about her hometown

Includes short excerpts that mention significant places. And it's not all pretty and nostaligic.

http://www.theherald-news.com/2015/10/27/former-joliet-woman-writes-book-of-essays-about-her-hometown/aqguctg/


An Extraordinary Life: Lockport area woman taught hundreds of students and led many choirs

While Lillian Caneva was certainly all about music, she taught an additional subject at Providence High School in New Lenox when the need arose.

http://www.theherald-news.com/2015/10/28/lockport-area-woman-taught-hundreds-of-students-and-led-many-choirs/au0mo4f/


Pets of the Week

http://www.theherald-news.com/2015/10/29/pets-of-the-week/au2w9k4/


Joliet hospital offers new procedure to help control severe asthma
By Jeanne Millsap

THIS is exciting and something I would see should my asthma ever again flare-up to great proportions. (Sidebar for me: eight years without any symptoms this past October, for which I am extremely thankful).

http://www.theherald-news.com/2015/11/02/joliet-hospital-offers-new-procedure-to-help-control-severe-asthma/a9zfuvd/


Joliet family man with chronic kidney disease seeking live donor

If you can help, please so. This man's only concern is to keep living so he can provide for his family.

http://www.theherald-news.com/2015/10/30/joliet-family-man-with-chronic-kidney-disease-seeking-live-donor/alfxha2/


Black Catholic experience celebrated at Sacred Heart in Joliet

Protestants don't have the corner market on revivals and this story explains why.

http://www.theherald-news.com/2015/11/04/the-black-catholic-experience-celebrated-at-sacred-heart-in-joliet/awui202/


Former Joliet resident has painted more than 71 years.

Sally Schoch has three key focuses to her work - and she definitely doesn't view the world in black and white.

http://www.theherald-news.com/2015/11/04/artist-former-joliet-resident-has-painted-more-than-71-years/ayk6bxd/

Thursday, November 5, 2015

BryonySeries Throwback Thursday: Leeches 101


Tuesday, August 24, 2010

Leeches 101

During Melissa’s first day at Munsonville School, Ann Dalton compares their biology teacher, a former scientist, to H.G. Wells’ Dr. Moreau. That’s because Mr. Walczak, through his retained laboratory connections, brought all manner of interesting specimens to class, including a two-headed fish and a vampire bat.

So when Mr. Walczak collects a jar of leeches from Lake Munson, Melissa is fascinated at the close-up view at the grotesque creatures, although Jack Cooper, who grew up in a fishing boat with his father, is bored.

Perhaps Mr. Walczak’s connections included Biopharm (http://www.biopharm-leeches.com/), an international company, established in 1812 and based in South Wales, UK. His knowledge of leeches certainly suggests it.

According to the company website, Biopharm is the first leech farm of its kind. It produces, in a sterile environment, the majority of leeches used in modern medicine worldwide. Thank you, Biopharm, for sharing your interesting collection of leech facts.

· There are 650 known species of leeches.
· The largest leech discovered measured eighteen inches.
· About one fifth of leech species live in the sea where they feed on fish.
· The leech has thirty-two brains, thirty-one more than a human.
· The Hirudo Medicinalis is the leech mostly used in plastic and reconstructive surgery.
· The Hirudo leech lays its babies within a cocoon; whereas the Amazon leech carries its babies—sometimes as many as three hundred--on its stomach.
· Not all leeches are bloodsuckers. Many are predators, which eat earthworms. Ironically the nearest relatives of leeches are earthworms.
· The Hirudo leech has three jaws with one hundred teeth on each jaw, making three hundred teeth in all.
· The Amazon leech uses a different method of sucking blood. They insert a long proboscis into the victim, as opposed to biting.
· The bite of a leech is painless due to its own anesthetic.
· The Hirudo injects an anti-coagulant serum into the victim to prevent blood clotting.
· The leech will gorge itself until full, sometimes up to five times its body weight, and then just fall away from its victim.
· After the Hirudo leech drops off, the wound it leaves will bleed, on average, for ten hours.
· The first leech was used in medicine about 1000 B.C, probably in ancient India.
· Wales was once one of the major leech collecting areas of Europe. People would stand in lakes and pools and, when the leech attached to their legs, they would put them in their baskets and sell them.
· The original surgeons were barbers that used leeches to cure anything from headaches to gout. The red and white stripe traditionally seen on a barber pole began when surgeons hung their bandages on a pole outside their shops.
· Biopharm leeches have helped save the limbs of patients in twenty-nine different countries.
· By extracting the anti-clotting serum for the leech, researchers are isolating new pharmaceutical compounds for eventual treatment of heart diseases.
· The nervous system of the leech is very similar to the human nervous system and is of enormous benefit to researchers in their quest for the answers to human problems.

Tuesday, November 3, 2015

Dem Bones

Anyone remember this song?

The toe bone connected to the heel bone,
The heel bone connected to the foot bone,
The foot bone connected to the leg bone,
The leg bone connected to the knee bone,
The knee bone connected to the thigh bone,
The thigh bone connected to the back bone,
The back bone connected to the neck bone,
The neck bone connected to the head bone,

What does this have to do with writing?

Well, about a week or so ago, a friend complimented me on the structure of my stories. At first glance, that sounds a little dry, but it's actually tremendously positive. It means all parts are well-done to present a cohesive story that is effortless and enjoyable to read.

Isn't that what we writers want?

Ah, but to get to "effortless" takes plenty of work. Characters must be three-dimensional and "sound" different from each other. Plot must be tightly woven, with no loose ends or sagging spots. Dialogue must be smooth. Back story must be effectively sprinkled amongst the story. Chapters need purpose and containment, and yet somehow flow into the subsequent ones and push the story forward.

A great read is like a beautiful house.

We walk through and admire its elegance, rarely stopping to think of artchitects, blueprints, electrical contractors, concrete, faux paus, color schemes, etc. You know. The boring stuff.

Well, not boring to interior designers. And that's what you are to your book: the architect, the contractor, the  builder, the interior designer.

So that's it. Just some random thoughts of mine to get you thinking. As for me, I've got 30 minutes to spend on Before the Blood before I switch to work. Gonna take it.

Monday, November 2, 2015

A Quick Stop This Fine Monday Morning

On a weekend with an extra hour and included Halloween, I thought Saturday spilling into Sunday would be steeped in fiction.

Life, of course, tossed other items my way, not bad, just different.

Some family things arose last week that needed addressing on Saturday. Patched in and around the addressing was bits of writing. Trick-or-treating with the youngest three young adults that are my children, along with three of my grandchildren, most of us (including me) in costume was tremendous fun, especially since the steady rain had slowed to occasional drizzles. (We were armed with umbrellas, just in case).

Sorry, no photos to post, being sensitive to the wishes of the children's mothers.

Early Sunday morning, Timothy flew to Texas. Since he has the decent automobile, we passed on church. On Friday evening, our associate pastor had offered to pick me up for church, but since I'd made other plans for Sunday, I politely declined.

I worked about four hours on Sunday, some in the morning, some in the evening, so today dawned full, but not in a panicky way.

But among the weekend's activities, I somehow manages to sneak in a fair amount of progress in Before the Blood. And my resolve to spend an hour each morning working on it is, well, working.

Okay, except for last Friday morning, which I dedicated to catching up on Story Round-Up. But I was heading into the weekend, so I was good with it.

The benefits of that extra hour are immense. I'm five hours further into the novel by Friday night. I stay connected with the story so I'm not reintroducing myself when I'm finally able to immerse myself in it. This means my muse is less sleepy, more poised for production.

Most of all, I'm not resentful come Monday morning that another weekend has flown past.

Thus said, I've gotta to run. I completed my fiction-hour before I began today's blog, and work is hollering my name...