Story Round-Up: Features in The Herald-News, Nov. 7 through Nov. 13

Good morning!

I have nine stories online to share with you today, as well eight "Than You, Veteran" stories.

More stories will likely go live over the weekend. So please check back at shawlocal.com/the-herald-news.

Bertrand the Mouse has a new book, just in time for Thanksgiving. Check it out!

Finally, if you'd like to find more kindness in your life, consider this book.

And have a great Friday!

Calendar

The BryonySeries calendar offers links to games, crafts, music, activities, science experiments, and  recipes that pick up themes to one or more of our books.

To participate, visit bryonyseries.com/ourcalendar.

Events (or where to find the BryonySeries) - so far:.

Dec. 5 and Dec. 6: Festival of Gnomes: 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Billie Limacher Bicentennial Park and Theatre, 201 W. Jefferson St. Joliet. Gnome ribbits (and more), BryonySeries books (and more), crocheted mice for adoption, and WriteOn Joliet holiday bags for sale.

Dec. 13: TBA: Stay tuned!

Dec. 20: WriteOn Joliet Holiday Readings: 3 to 5 p.m., Black Dog Vinyl Cafe, 16108 Rte 59, Plainfield. Select members of WriteOn Joliet will share original stories, essays, and poems to encourage your holiday spirit.

In addition, please check out our books by popping into The Book Market in Crest Hill (if you live in the area) or bookshop.org or Amazon if you don't. 

Also, many titles are available at the Joliet Public Library and the Downers Grove Public Library.

Please note: Bookshop and the libraries do not carry all of our books.

What is the BryonySeries?

Please read "Books of the BryonySeries: A Quick Overview"

For more information on the developing "parent brand" that is removing some of the heavy marketing lifting from me, visit bryonyseries.com/blocks.

BryonySeries books-in-progress

Bertrand the Mouse: We have plenty of Bertrand photos and ideas. Several are at the top of the list. At some point, we will assemble and release some more.

"Brainy Ann" - the fifth book in the BryonySeries "Girls of the BryonySeries" subseries" - is finally on the production line. This basically means Rebekah will start formatting the book when she has time (likely not any time soon). I have be

The Adventures of Cornell Dyer: Cornell Dyer and the House of Horreur" (because the toymaker's last name is "Horreur.") is finally begun, and we are about two-thirds of the way through the first draft. But we need to complete the draft before I can give "Cornell" illustrator Sue Midlock some ideas for the book's cover and chapter heading illustrations.

Other books: We also have a prologue/first chapter sampler of all the BryonySeries novels and an novel excerpt (so far) that's only available at certain events and another sampler called "Angel or Demon" that is also only available at select events.

Rebekah (with my help) is also slowly (very, very slowly) updating the BryonySeries YouTube and Pinterest accounts. And she' catching up with Kindles for some of the BryonySeries books. So do watch for those.

For books and more information about the series, visit bryonyseries.com.

RECIPE OF THE WEEK

Sue's Diner is a fictional restaurant in the fictional Munsonville that only exists in the BryonySeries.

Each Wednesday, we post a new recipe. The recipe is either featured in one of our cookbooks, will be featured in an upcoming cookbook, or is just an "extra" we want to share with you.

Check out the weekly recipe here.

WRITERS

If you're a writer anywhere in the world, you're welcome to join WriteOn Joliet's Facebook page. We're based in Joliet, Illinois, but we love to meet and interact with writers outside our area, too.

If you'd like to officially join WriteOn Joliet, we have two tiers of dues and two ways to attend meetings. We also have a marketing arm that's getting longer every year. Check us out at writeonjoliet.com.

I also suggest this book: Little Book of Revision: A Checklist for Fiction Writers. It's exactly as it says. Each page some with one suggestion for revision. The rest of the page is blank, so you can add your own notes. All proceeds benefit WriteOn Joliet.

If you need editing or help with self-publishing, check out dmbaranunland.com.

ARTISTS

If you need an artist for a project, I offer these recommendations.

NEWSLETTERS

Sign up for The Munsonville Times by emailing us at bryonyseries@gmail.com. The newsletter still isn't official yet, so we don't have an actual link on the website - but we are working on it! 

SOCIAL MEDIA

Daily updates: I haven't posted anything on Twitter/X (except a daily Bible verse) since September I can no longer schedule posts in advance. I'm not sure yet how to manage the account without that option. But you're welcome to follow me at @Denise_Unland61.

BryonySeries stuff: I'm gradually reviving BryonySeries on Twitter/X at x.com/BryonySeries and still post assorted related content at facebook.com/BryonySeries, youtube.com/user/BryonySeries, and themes of each book in the BryonySeries at pinterest.com/bryonyseries.

And of course, please follow the adventures of Bertrand the Mouse on Instagram at bertrand_bryonyseries.

QUESTIONS

Email me at bryonyseries@gmail.com.

Thank you for reading The Herald-News. And for reading this blog. And if you've read (or plan to read) any of my books. Your support is greatly appreciated.

FEATURES

Lockport’s Farmhouse Eatery will host grand opening on Friday

Opening in former site of Lock & Mule downtown

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/11/11/lockports-farmhouse-eatery-will-host-grand-opening-on-friday/

Plainfield Shorewood Chamber honoring nearly 30 local nonprofits

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/11/11/plainfield-shorewood-chamber-honoring-nearly-30-local-nonprofits/

Romeoville reviews plans for new shopping center

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/11/11/romeoville-reviews-plans-for-new-shopping-center/

7 Brew Romeoville hosting ‘pay-what-you-want’ fundraiser to benefit local youth

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/11/12/7-brew-romeoville-hosting-pay-what-you-want-fundraiser-to-benefit-local-youth/

University of Notre Dame professor to speak at Joliet Catholic Academy

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/11/07/university-of-notre-dame-professor-to-speak-at-joliet-catholic-academy/

New bookstore opens in Minooka

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/11/07/new-bookstore-opens-in-minooka/

Village of Shorewood issues 4 new business licenses

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/11/08/village-of-shorewood-issues-4-new-business-licenses/

Joliet hospital earns awards in 3 categories from Healthgrades

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/11/08/joliet-hospital-earns-awards-in-3-categories-from-healthgrades/

Will County Pets of the Week: Nov. 9, 2026

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/11/09/will-county-pets-of-the-week-nov-9-2026/

THANK YOU, VETERANS

Journalist who chronicled veterans’ stories remembered

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/thank-you/veterans/2026/11/07/journalist-who-chronicled-veterans-stories-remembered/

Aaron Tolliver is ‘passionate’ about serving people

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/thank-you/veterans/2026/11/07/aaron-tolliver-is-passionate-about-serving-people/

Nurse Karli Lizana uses military experience as educator at Silver Cross

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/thank-you/veterans/2026/11/07/nurse-karli-lizana-uses-military-experience-as-educator-at-silver-cross/

Plainfield veteran forms foundation to assist other Will County nonprofits

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/thank-you/veterans/2026/11/07/plainfield-veteran-forms-foundation-to-assist-other-will-county-nonprofits/

Will County Vietnam veteran keeps lifelong photography skills in service

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/thank-you/veterans/2026/11/07/will-county-vietnam-veteran-keeps-lifelong-photography-skills-in-service/

Joliet veteran using military medical experience to grow in her healthcare career

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/thank-you/veterans/2026/11/07/joliet-veteran-using-military-medical-experience-to-grow-in-her-healthcare-career/

Joliet Marine veteran uses woodworking to help other veterans

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/thank-you/veterans/2026/11/07/joliet-marine-veteran-uses-woodworking-to-help-other-veterans/

Army veteran serving Shorewood as police officer and helping kids

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/thank-you/veterans/2026/11/07/army-veteran-serving-shorewood-as-police-officer-and-helping-kids/

Illustration by Matt Coundiff for "Visage"

Piano Cover: Piano Tribute to Our Veterans

Why am I sharing this brief clip today, the day after Veterans Day?

 Because honoring veterans should not be limited to one day.

The piano artist wrote this as his description:

Thank You, Veterans! 🇺🇸 In the quiet of an empty auditorium prior to my concert in Newcastle, Wyoming, I wanted to offer this piano tribute to all who have served. Traveling across the country on my concert tour, meeting new folks in state after state, town after town, from all walks of life — but ALL Americans — I'm reminded anew of just how much we owe to our Veterans. America would not be America without you. Thank you for your service and sacrifice, on Veterans Day, and every day!

Enjoy!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fmTjvzGi_Z4

Sue's Diner: Thanksgiving Salad Dressing

For the next few weeks, we're featuring one selected recipe from the Thanksgiving menu from the BryonySeries cookbook: Memories in the Kitchen: Bites and Nibbles from "Bryony," which is a permanent fundraiser for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Will and Grundy Counties.

All of these recipes are referenced in the novel Bryony. The complete menu is found in the cookbook.

Here is the explanation from the cookbook:

For the Marchellis’ first Thanksgiving in Munsonville, Melissa’s little brother Brian shows off the depth of his newly acquired culinary skills, under the direction of his mentor, Steve Barnes, the village maintenance man.

This week, I'm featuring a really delicious salad dressing attributed to Steve in the novel and submitted by Janet Cooney for the cookbook.

You can try the Thanksgiving Salad Dressing on the Sue's Diner page on the BryonySeries website. 

But try the recipe this week. It will be gone some time next week. A new recipe will take it's place.

If you have any troubleshooting questions or comments, email us at bryonyseries@gmail.com. 

If would you like all the recipes for Thanksgiving dinner tomorrow, the cookbook is available immediately on Kindle from Amazon, at WriteOn Joliet's Anthology Release Party on November 12 (whle supplies last), or at The Book Market in Crest Hill (also while supplies last).

Finally, Sue's Diner is only real in the BryonySeries world. But didn't Timothy do a great job making the page look like a real menu at a vintage diner?

Here is the full diner page: bryonyseries.com/sue-s-diner.

For more BryonySeries recipes, check out our three cookbooks at our bryonyseries.com/merchandise.

PS: Did you catch Original Bertrand's photo bomb in the photo?

Get Your Christmas Turtles (And More) On Thursday

Gifts! Gifts! Gifts!

Because THIS THURSDAY  Nov. 12 is WriteOn Joliet's 10th Anthology Release Party.

The party is from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Joliet Public Library, 3395 Black Road in Joliet.

Here are ten reasons why you should attend.

Here is the menu for Chef Tim's Fantastic Free Food!

And (finally) when you stop at the BryonySeries tables at the party, be sure to ask about the following:

1. Christmas turtles.

Cindy surprised me by crocheting three Christmas turtles (each is different) for my birthday, with the stipulation that we would give them away at the anthology release party.

Yes, that's correct. She gave me three birthday gifts she didn't want me to keep.

And each one is eager to come home with you.

Talk to Cindy on how you can make that happen.

2. Our handmade Christmas mice...

...including some that come with their own handmade stockings.

Each stocking and mouse is different and may not quite resemble the photos here.

You may not under any circumstances buy a mouse.

You can only adopt one (while mice last). Ask us how!

Because every crocheted mouse should have a home for the holidays, right?

3. Our mystery boxes.

All of these items are courtesy of Cindy from Ribbit-Ribbits, her gift to you with select BryonySeries book purchases (and she will decide what those purchases are. Rebekah might, too. I don't decide those pesky money things. I'm only the worker of literary magic).

But, generally, you may receive one free box with the purchase of two children's books or one young adult or adult book).

None of these items are for sale (unless Cindy - or Rebekah - deems otherwise).

But you might be able to take some of them home (while supplies last).

Don't want any books? Buy them anyway! 

We donate books to people who can't afford them!

So be sure to stop at the BryonySeries tables at WriteOn Joliet's 10th Annual Anthology Release Party tonight, because...

...you just might take home one of three Christmas turtles!

(Did I say that already?)

Menu for WriteOn Joliet's 10th Annual Anthology Release Party on Nov. 12

Good morning!

WriteOn Joliet will host its 10th Annual Anthology Release Party from 6 to 8 p.m. THIS THURSDAY Nov. 12 at the Joliet Public Library, 3395 Black Road in Joliet.

The event is free to attend and open to the public. 

The chef-created heavy appetizers, coffee and water (we might have hot chocolate, too), and photos with Santa are also free. 

In fact, we have ten great reasons why you should attend.

But today's blog is all about the food. And despite the teaser photo, Bertrand will be allowed nowhere near the kitchen when Chef Tim is preparing anthology food. (Bertrand is only allowed to cook for family when adults are able to help him).

Here's what Chef Tim has planned for you on Thursday.

And to get an idea of the delicacies being prepared for you, check out food photos from WriteOn Joliet's 2025 Anthology Release Party.

Hope to see you there (with an appetite)!

Caramelized Onion and Sausage Dip

 

Cheese and Sausage Cups

 

Chicken Ceasar Salad

 

Marinated Vegetable Salad

 

Macerated Fruit with Vanilla

 

Pumpkin Spiced Diplomat Cream and Toffee

 

Spoonable Chocolate Ganache with Strawberry Sugar

 

Whipped Cookies and Cream

Piano Cover: Johann Pachelbel Canon Piano (George Winston)

Anyone new to the BryonySeries blog might wonder why I post piano music on Sundays and how that fits into the BryonySeries world.

That's because one character - John Simons - was a nineteenth century world-renowned pianist and composer before he died and became a vampire.

I listened to George Winston's verson of Pachelbel's "Canon" hundreds, probably thousands of times, when editing "Bryony," because this version just "felt" like a piece Bryony might hear inside Simons Mansion.

And at the time, we couldn't actually "hear" the piano composition of "Bryony," since our version wasn't composed (and yet, we recognized it when we heard it for the first time).

This piano cover of Winston's version is a nice full circle linking the first novel I wrote ("Bryony") to the last one so far ("House on Top of the Hill"), which provides a very full circle reading experience.

Enjoy!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rr0Ce7fLs1Q

Autumn in the Shire | Tin Whistle & Lute | Medieval Folk Tavern Original Music

Since the beginning of this blog on August 1, 2010, Saturdays are days to celebrate BryonySeries author and Irish vampire character Ed Calkins, Steward of Tara, and all things Irish (as he imagines them).

This piece is mood-evoking and relaxing at the same time.

I hope it makes you smile.

Enjoy!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8IKTIeKDofs

Story Round-Up: Features in The Herald-News, Oct. 31 through Nov. 6

 Good morning!

I have seven stories online to share with you today. More stories will likely go live over the weekend. So please check back at shawlocal.com/the-herald-news.

Bertrand the Mouse has a new book, just in time for Thanksgiving. Check it out!

Remember to "Save the Date" for WriteOn Joliet's 10th Annual Anthology Release Party(Nov. 12 will be here before you know it!)

Finally, if you'd like to find more kindness in your life, consider this book.

And have a great Friday!

Calendar

The BryonySeries calendar offers links to games, crafts, music, activities, science experiments, and  recipes that pick up themes to one or more of our books.

To participate, visit bryonyseries.com/ourcalendar.

Events (or where to find the BryonySeries) - so far:.

Nov. 12: WriteOn Joliet Annual Anthology Release Party: 6 to 8 p.m., Joliet Public Library, 3395 Black Road, Joliet. Anthologies as well as books by individual WriteOn Joliet authors for sale. Free chef-created refreshments and visits from Santa.

In addition, please check out our books by popping into The Book Market in Crest Hill (if you live in the area) or bookshop.org or Amazon if you don't. 

Also, many titles are available at the Joliet Public Library and the Downers Grove Public Library.

Please note: Bookshop and the libraries do not carry all of our books.

What is the BryonySeries?

Please read "Books of the BryonySeries: A Quick Overview"

For more information on the developing "parent brand" that is removing some of the heavy marketing lifting from me, visit bryonyseries.com/blocks.

BryonySeries books-in-progress

Bertrand the Mouse: We have plenty of Bertrand photos and ideas. Several are at the top of the list. At some point, we will assemble and release some more.

"Brainy Ann" - the fifth book in the BryonySeries "Girls of the BryonySeries" subseries" - is finally on the production line. This basically means Rebekah will start formatting the book when she has time (likely not any time soon).

The Adventures of Cornell Dyer: Cornell Dyer and the House of Horreur" (because the toymaker's last name is "Horreur.") is finally begun, and we are about two-thirds of the way through the first draft. But we need to complete the draft before I can give "Cornell" illustrator Sue Midlock some ideas for the book's cover and chapter heading illustrations.

Other books: We also have a prologue/first chapter sampler of all the BryonySeries novels and an novel excerpt (so far) that's only available at certain events and another sampler called "Angel or Demon" that is also only available at select events.

Rebekah (with my help) is also slowly (very, very slowly) updating the BryonySeries YouTube and Pinterest accounts. And she' catching up with Kindles for some of the BryonySeries books. So do watch for those.

For books and more information about the series, visit bryonyseries.com.

RECIPE OF THE WEEK

Sue's Diner is a fictional restaurant in the fictional Munsonville that only exists in the BryonySeries.

Each Wednesday, we post a new recipe. The recipe is either featured in one of our cookbooks, will be featured in an upcoming cookbook, or is just an "extra" we want to share with you.

Check out the weekly recipe here.

WRITERS

If you're a writer anywhere in the world, you're welcome to join WriteOn Joliet's Facebook page. We're based in Joliet, Illinois, but we love to meet and interact with writers outside our area, too.

If you'd like to officially join WriteOn Joliet, we have two tiers of dues and two ways to attend meetings. We also have a marketing arm that's getting longer every year. Check us out at writeonjoliet.com.

I also suggest this book: Little Book of Revision: A Checklist for Fiction Writers. It's exactly as it says. Each page some with one suggestion for revision. The rest of the page is blank, so you can add your own notes. All proceeds benefit WriteOn Joliet.

If you need editing or help with self-publishing, check out dmbaranunland.com.

ARTISTS

If you need an artist for a project, I offer these recommendations.

NEWSLETTERS

Sign up for The Munsonville Times by emailing us at bryonyseries@gmail.com. The newsletter still isn't official yet, so we don't have an actual link on the website - but we are working on it! 

SOCIAL MEDIA

Daily updates: I haven't posted anything on Twitter/X (except a daily Bible verse) since September I can no longer schedule posts in advance. I'm not sure yet how to manage the account without that option. But you're welcome to follow me at @Denise_Unland61.

BryonySeries stuff: I'm gradually reviving BryonySeries on Twitter/X at x.com/BryonySeries and still post assorted related content at facebook.com/BryonySeries, youtube.com/user/BryonySeries, and themes of each book in the BryonySeries at pinterest.com/bryonyseries.

And of course, please follow the adventures of Bertrand the Mouse on Instagram at bertrand_bryonyseries.

QUESTIONS

Email me at bryonyseries@gmail.com.

Thank you for reading The Herald-News. And for reading this blog. And if you've read (or plan to read) any of my books. Your support is greatly appreciated.

FEATURES

Will County voters cite need for ‘a big change’ as county clerk sees ‘good, steady’ turnout

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/11/03/will-county-voters-cite-need-for-a-big-change-as-county-clerk-sees-good-steady-turnout/

Arkas Restaurant Group honors Will County nonprofits for community philanthropy

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/10/31/arkas-restaurant-group-honors-will-county-nonprofits-for-the-3rd-year-in-a-row/

Craft beer shop and taproom in Lockport closing after 6 years

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/11/05/craft-beer-shop-and-taproom-in-lockport-closing-after-6-years/

Pets die in Sunday-morning house fire in unincorporated Plainfield Township

No persons injured

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/11/01/pets-die-in-sunday-morning-house-fire-in-unincorporated-plainfield-township/

Vehicle flips over in crash Saturday in Joliet

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/11/02/vehicle-flips-over-in-crash-saturday-in-joliet/

Person hospitalized with serious injuries after hit-and-run on I-80 in Mokena

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/11/01/person-hospitalized-with-serious-injuries-after-hit-and-run-on-i-80-in-mokena/

Will County Pets of the Week: Nov. 2, 2026

Will County rescues have dogs and cats for adoption

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/11/02/will-county-pets-of-the-week-nov-2-2026/

Illustration by Matt Coundiff for "Visage"

About The BryonySeries: "Kellen" Sightings

In "Bryony," 1970s teen protagonist Melissa Marchellis borrows a guidebook from the library about supernatural creatures, where she learns about vampires' shapeshifting abilities.

One particular vampire, Kellen Wechsler, who was a poor seventeenth century farmer, is "seen" in all these photos, although Melissa wouldn't have realized it until later in that particular BryonySeries book.

Sarah sent me four of these six photos featuring Kellen - and we have built quite a collection through the years.

Do you see him?

Sue's Diner: Roasted Root Vegetable Medley

This week's recipe for Roasted Root Vegetable Medley is part of the Thanksgiving menu that's featured in the BryonySeries cookbook: Memories in the Kitchen: Bites and Nibbles from "Bryony," which is a permanent fundraiser for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Will and Grundy Counties.

All of those recipes are referenced in the novel Bryony. The menu includes Steve’s Roast Turkey, Stuffing, and Dressing; Roasted Root Vegetable Medley; Traditional Cornbread; Biscuits, Homemade Salad Dressing; Darlene's Trifle; Darlene's Pumpkin Roll; and Sausage Gravy (to top the leftover biscuits for Friday's breakfast). 

Here is the explanation from the cookbook:

For the Marchellis’ first Thanksgiving in Munsonville, Melissa’s little brother Brian shows off the depth of his newly acquired culinary skills, under the direction of his mentor, Steve Barnes, the village maintenance man.

You can try the Roasted Root Vegetable Medley on the Sue's Diner page on the BryonySeries website. 

But try the recipe this week. It will be gone some time next week. A new recipe will take it's place.

If you have any troubleshooting questions or comments, email us at bryonyseries@gmail.com. 

If would you like all the recipes for Thanksgiving dinner tomorrow, the cookbook is available immediately on Kindle from Amazon. 

Finally, Sue's Diner is only real in the BryonySeries world. But didn't Timothy do a great job making the page look like a real menu at a vintage diner?

Here is the full diner page: bryonyseries.com/sue-s-diner.

For more BryonySeries recipes, check out our three cookbooks at our bryonyseries.com/merchandise.

PS: Did you catch Original Bertrand's photo bomb in the photo?

Trick or Treat: Give Me Something Good To Read

Through the years, I've read many posts about people who give books instead of candy on Halloween for trick or treat, and it was an idea I wanted to try for a long time.

We couldn't do it in Channahon because our house was located in a very low-traffic area.

We couldn't do it in the years after we lost our house, because no one really tricked or treated in any of the multifamily housing communities where we lived.

Now that we're back in an actual neighborhood, we decided to do it this year.

Sort of.

Because also through the years, I've read how trick or treating in many places has given way to trunk and treat and other events in the days leading up to Halloween.

Being new to the neighborhood, we didn't know what to expect in that regard.

But we set up our BryonySeries books besides the candy and waited.

Well, in those three hours, we had five trick or treaters: four in one group and one later. 

Four of the five were twelve years old, and one was around age five.

One child didn't want a book (that was fine). So potentionally four kids browsed through a book while munching their candy that night.

To pass the time, Cindy showed Rebekah how to crochet a mouse. The goal was to teach a beginner how to crochet a mouse in less than two hours. Yes, we had a solid reason for it (more on that later).

And of course...

Uncle Barty and Bertrand were waiting in their bat glove costumes to bring bookish cheer to any child that happened to find his or her way to our porch.

Staycation

My original plan for last week was to take a writing-ish retreat, since my last at-home writing retreat was two years ago.

I say "ish," because I now have a corgi who needs significant amounts of attention (which is never "signifcant" enough for him).

Also, Rebekah was off that week, too, and we decided to plan a few fun activities.

We planned enough that the "retreat" part of the week pretty much vanished.

But we had so much fun that we forgot to take photos of most of it.

So what did we do?

Saturday: We attended an in door garage sale at Critical Grind Board Game Cafe in Shorewood, because Rebekah likes to shop bargains (and she found them!).

Sunday: We popped into the farewell party for Critical Grind, where Bertrand begged to get into the photo booth.

Monday: We focused on "life" and "BryonySeries" catching up on the most critical items that needed attention.

Tuesday: We relaxed - until we ran into a WriteOn Joliet anthology issue and spent a good deal of time on the phone and figuring out next steps.

Wednesday: We stopped into the Joliet office of my gastroenterologist to drop off paperwork only to find the office was closed that day. We also dropped off a blanket Rebekah had made for a rescue dog (who loved it!), and then finally checked out the BookBar in Mokena for the very first time (great coffee, wonderful atmosphere, loved the giant pretzel).

Thursday: We shopped two bagfuls of bargains at Big Frog's closing sale (which had supplied T-shirts for B.L.O.C.K.S. and WriteOn Joliet) and watched a movie.

Friday: We had coffee with Cornell Dyer illustrator, paranormal romance writer and WriteOn Joliet member Sue Midlock and started a second movie...until Tiny swallowed a piece of string and we headed to the doggie ER. As of Monday morning, the movie is still unwatched.

And miracle of miracles, I actually did some prelimary work on "A Room for Laura," the sixth book in the eight-book Girls of the BryonySeries subseries.

I worked Saturday and Sunday since it was my scheduled weekend to work.

Among all these activities, Rebekah and I battled some chronic health issues, too.

But none, thank God (I'm really thanking God) impacted to a serious degree our ability to move through the week with some enjoyment.

And on this second day of November in a month were gratitude and thankfulness should reign, I am very, very, very grateful and thankful for that.

Piano Cover: "If I Could Turn Back Time"

Anyone new to the BryonySeries blog might wonder why I post piano music on Sundays and how that fits into the BryonySeries world.

That's because one character - John Simons - was a nineteenth century world-renowned pianist and composer before he died and became a vampire.

I'm sure you can guess why I'm posting this piece today.

Enjoy!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SBuHohkW94o

Vampire Ducks and Irish Vampires

WriteOn Joliet's Recapper Jenny placed this vampire duck at my place before I arrived WriteOn Joliet's last (as in previous, not final) in-person meeting.

I didn't even notice the duck at first - or that it was a vampire. But when I did, I missed the fangs and assumed it was a penguin, especially since it didn't quack like a duck or anything at all.

I also missed that it was for me and that I somehow actually now had a regular "place" at the table. 

I just ususally headed to that very spot with the outlet (Rebekah needs both outlet and a way to communicate discreetly during meetings), and I need to a visual sweep of the room and the door. So here we are.

But just as how I missed that this duck wasn't a penguin and was, in fact, a vampire. it's just as easy to not realize (at first) that longtime newspaper carrier and BryonySeries author Edward Calkins is in fact an Irish vampire, at least in the BryonySeries.

In fact, Ed Calkins is known as Ed Calkins, Steward of Tara. And as he will tell anyone new at the meetings, he is "more of a character than an author" and that he "only exists in my imagination."

All of which aren't true. 

Just as ducks can't be vampires.

Until they are.

So now that it's Halloween, Ed wants you know to five things about him:

Here are the five:

• Ed is the one and only Ed Calkins, Steward of Tara.
• Ed is very ruthless. He’ll hurt your feelings without a second thought. (Try not to be afraid).
• Newspaper delivery is important. On time. Every morning.
• Ed has many wives all over the place. But he can only sleep with the one that is his lover because of the pink machete rule (true story, ask him about that. Better yet, ask his primary wife Nancy).
• Ed is a time-traveling, dyslexic, psychotic, Irish vampire. (You might have guessed that already).

He also wants you to know how answer two questions.

One: "Are you a member of the IVA?"

Two: "Will you marry me?"

Because if Ed Calkins asks you to marry him, he might not ask again!