Story Round-Up: Features in The Herald-News, Oct. 17 through Oct. 23

Good morning!

I have just eight stories online to share with you today, since I'm working ahead in preparation for my at-home writing in retreatish (can never completely retreat with a corgi in the house) next week (hurray, first one this year!)

I've also worked on three large pieces for Shaw Local's regional healthcare team, of which I'm a member - and one piece must be filed today, since that team is being paused for now. But I'll have plenty to do because I've been asked to join the affordability team!

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!

Recap for "Panic at the Plaza" and our first "Halloween Night Market" is coming next week.

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. Hopefully next week I can give our "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

Anonymous donor steps up to help Coal City siblings with rare medical condition following father’s death

Family needs medically equipped van to transport them to medical appointments and more

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/10/19/anonymous-donor-steps-up-to-help-coal-city-siblings-with-rare-disorder-after-their-father-died/

PHOTOS: Joliet teen builds his own Halloween display

https://www.shawlocal.com/gallery/2026/10/22/photos-joliet-teen-builds-his-own-halloween-display/

Drop off used eyeglasses and hearing aids at these Joliet, New Lenox locations

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/10/16/drop-off-used-eyeglasses-and-hearing-aids-at-these-joliet-new-lenox-locations/

Joliet hospice guild hosting 37th annual holiday fundraiser

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/10/18/joliet-hospice-guild-hosting-37th-annual-holiday-fundraiser/

Saint Joseph Medical Center in Joliet plans grand opening of acute inpatient rehab unit

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/10/18/saint-joseph-medical-center-in-joliet-plans-grand-opening-of-acute-inpatient-rehab-unit/

Plainfield Shorewood Chamber hosting a ribbon-cutting and a food drive for Plainfield pantry

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/10/19/plainfield-shorewood-chamber-hosting-a-ribbon-cutting-and-a-food-drive-for-plainfield-pantry/

New tire business rolls into Joliet

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/10/16/new-tire-business-rolls-into-joliet/

Will County Pets of the Week: Oct. 19, 2026

Will County rescues have dogs and cats for adoption

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/10/19/will-county-pets-of-the-week-oct-19-2026/

Illustration by Matt Coundiff for "Visage"

George Winston - Longing from his solo piano album AUTUMN

I "discovered" George Winston around 2008 when drafting "Bryony," the first book (and only book - I had thought - at the time) in the BryonySeries.

His artistry "sounded" the way I imagined some of John Simons' pieces.

And so I've enjoyed "discovering" other pieces throughv the years.

According to the YouTube page for this piece:  AUTUMN was the first of George Winston's seasonal recordings, originally released in 1980,  followed by WINTER INTO SPRING, DECEMBER, and SUMMER.

"Longing" was composed in 1975, the year I graduated from eighth grade.

Enjoy!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kMElng_-hIE

Sue's Diner: Werewolf Meatloaf

First of all, you should know that no werewolves were harmed in the making of this recipe. The ground meat you will use for this recipe is beef or turkey.

Secondly, Werewolf Meatloaf is a heartier (and healthier) way to enjoy the Halloween seasonthan relying solely on candy for your culinary enjoyment of the holiday.

This recipe for Werewolf Meatloaf doesn't appear in our fundraising cookbook Memories in the Kitchen: Bites and Nibbles from "Bryony."

However, the recipe for Werewolf Meatloaf does appear in GRRR: Twelve paw-tastic werewolf-themed recipes.

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. 

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.

By the way, 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.

All proceeds from "Memories in the Kitchen: Bites and Nibbles From 'Bryony'" benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters of Will and Grundy Counties at bbbswillgrundy.org.

Order the cookbook at bryonyseries.com.

"A Special Place"

I am happy to report that Timothy and I jumped back into "Cornell Dyer and the House of Horreur" over the weekend, and I am heavily invested in this story.

The plan (and as you kow, so many of our plans go awry) is to finish the entire draft by this weekend. 

Then I can (finally) provide Sue Midlock with plenty of illustration ideas (she's waited patiently since 2022), since Sue is our official "Cornell Dyer" illustrator.

And then, while I'm working on the writing portion from Timothy's storytelling, we're going to jump into "Cornell Dyer in the Shadow of the Mountain."

"Shadow" is the last book of The Adventures of Cornell Dyer series. But it's not the final one, if that makes sense.

Timothy's told me snippets of "Shadow" over the years, and it's the most complicated of the Cornell Dyer books, as it's a bridge into "Visage" where (for anyone who's read the books as we've released them) is where readers first meet Cornell Dyer.

I don't have a back cover summary of the story to share (yet), and I can't share too many details - except I'm impressed with the subtext, the story build, the surprises.

But the finished book will likely be longer than other Cornell stories and far darker.

So it might be too scary for eight-year-olds. But for older tweens and up, "Cornell Dyer and the House of Horreur" might be a very satisfying story - or a "Special Splace."

A very "Special Place."

"There is something in the ground. And it wants to come out."

RECAPS: Why I Share Them

Most event recaps I see these days are posts on social media.

Almost without exception, these recaps proclaim the utter and complete success of the event.

Many times, the successes are not named. When they are, they reference either huge sales or attendance or both and are marketing devices.

That's not why I recap. 

We (the BryonySeries team) don't count success that way (which is good, because that criteria rarely happens to us).

Also, most (if not all) of the people reading my recaps didn't attend the event.

Some readers might be authors or other artists.

Some might be regular readers.

Some might be new to the blog.

Some might be curious.

Some might be hoping I failed (yes, I'm sure that's true).

But in all cases, I recap to show the impact of the event and significance of the event.

Money and crowds are only one type of impact - and they are not always a sustainable or the most meaningful or enduring impact (yes, I can back this up, for a future blog post).

For authors and other artists, I hope my recaps encourage them to honor seemingly lesser successes.

For regular readers, I hope my recaps assure them BryonySeries is active and alive.

For those new to blog, I hope my recaps show we're lowkey, friendly, and approachable.

For the curious, I hope my recaps provide valuable information.

For those who hope I fail, you should know we don't fail (the way many define "failure:), even when we appear to fail.

For I truly believe every "failure" has usable elements to help cultivate the next success.

And we cultivate success by setting actionable goals (not "hopeful" goals).

For instance, we can't control sales.

But we can step outside our booth and analyze it from a potential customer's point of view.

We can create quality products and showcase them attractively.

We can mingle with attendees and other vendors with genuine kindness and regard.

Too many people want fame and fortune.

We strive to be that the suprise brightener in your day.

Happy Monday!

"Have You Never Been Mellow" Piano Cover

As I previously said, I'm now dedicating every fourth Sunday on my BryonySeries Facebook page to kindness.

Because even though the BryonySeries is a phantasmic series and many books in the series have supernatural elements, B.L.O.C.K.S. - the parent brand of the BryonySeries, delivers those books with an emphasis on these two characteristics:

A spirit of community.

And kindness.

Please enjoy this lovely piano cover to a favorite song of mine when I was thirteen years old. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dWI1C18FqT8

I remember trying to communicate its message to a loved one even at that time, while reminding myself (yes, at thirteen) that"this" was an essential part of life.

And if you're interested at finding more kindness in your life, please check out "Nine Months of Kindness."

This is Halloween - The Nightmare Before Christmas - Haunted Irish Folk Cover (Original - FULL)

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 cover is snappy, foot-tapping, and just plan fun.

I hope it makes you smile.

Enjoy!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sj3ZKJy9E9A

Story Round-Up: Features in The Herald-News, Oct. 10 through Oct. 16

Good morning!

I have just six stories online to share with you today, since I'm working ahead in preparation for my at-home writing in retreat the last week of October (hurray, first one this year!)

I've also worked on a three large pieces for Shaw Local's regional healthcare team, of which I'm a member - and one piece must be ready to go next week.

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

On the homefront, Tiny, the Best Corgi in the Whole Entire World, turns 2 today!

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

"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).

Recap for "Panic at the Plaza" coming next week.

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:.

Oct. 17: Halloween Night Market: 3 to 8 p.m.., Channahon Tractor Supply, Channahon. Family friendly event featuring local vendors (some distributing treats), Halloween decor, food trucks, and pet costume contest.

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.

The Adventures of Cornell Dyer: Cornell Dyer and the House of Horreur" (because the toymaker's last name is "Horreur.") is finally begun, although albeit very slowly. I'd like to get enough done very soon to finally give Sue Midlock (our artist for The Adventures of Cornell Dyer) some ideas for the book's cover and chapter heading illustrations.Timothy's newest idea is to spend a couple of hours early on Saturday mornings, one chapter at a time, before his weekly breakfast with Daniel. That hasn't happened yet. But...soon.

Brainy Ann: The fifth book in The Girls of the BryonySeries is ready for production. It's all in Rebekah's hands now. I hope to start "A Room for Laura" (already drafted) on Sunday. Cover is by Jennifer Wainsright.

Jennifer designed the cover portraits for "Julie and the Too-Hard Homework," "Katie and the Big Fear," "Summer Sisters." and "Karla Joins In," as well as the frontispiece for "Lycanthropic Summer."

Other books: I am not writing a novel this year. But we planned to release a BryonySeries Christmas anthology around the holidays. This will be Christmas excerpts from existing BryonySeries novels along with a few bonus chapters (I hope) only available in this anthology. Unfortunately, that won't happen this year. But that book is definitely in progress.

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

Annual Men Who Cook fundraiser benefits Will County’s advocacy center that protects rights of abused children

Event is Saturday at Joliet Junior College

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/10/13/16th-annual-men-who-cook-event-benefits-will-countys-advocacy-center-that-protects-rights-of-abused-children/

UChicago Medicine AdventHealth Bolingbrook opens cath labs

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/10/11/uchicago-medicine-adventhealth-bolingbrook-opens-cath-labs/

Joliet’s annual MLK Day of Service will be connected to Juneteenth in 2027

Winter weather has forced the cancellation of January event in recent years

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/10/14/joliets-mlk-day-of-service-will-be-connected-to-juneteenth-in-2027/

New bakeries opening in Plainfield

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/10/11/new-bakeries-opening-in-plainfield/

Romeoville corned beef sandwich shop taking ‘a brief pause’

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/10/10/romeoville-corned-beef-venue-taking-a-brief-pause/

Will County Pets of the Week: Oct. 12, 2026

Will County rescues have dogs and cats for adoption

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/10/10/will-county-pets-of-the-week-oct-12-2026/

Illustration by Matt Coundiff for "Visage"

Celebrate the Holidays with Bertrand the Mouse

 Bertrand the Mouse has a new book, just in time for Thanksgiving.

The book is called "Bertrand's Book of Gratitude" and it's currently available only on Amazon (my copies haven't arrived yet).

The synopsis (and premise) is very simple: Bertrand helps children appreciate the goodness around them by giving thanks for the blessings in his life.

But the ability to see - and appreciate - the blessings before us transcends age and time.

Of course, if you're looking for a Bertrand the Mouse book for Halloween...

...you might also want to check out "Bertrand Faces His Fear."

I will have copies of that book, along with other Bertrand the Mouse titles, at Saturday's Halloween Night Market.

And for those already purchasing stocking stuffers for the holidays...

...you might consider "Bertrand and the Christmas Surprise.

Finally, if you're curious about the entire collection, check out this post lists all the Bertrand the Mouse books currently available.

Sue's Diner: Chocolate Bat Cookies

Our featured recipe at Sue's Diner this week is for chocolate bat cookies, which are as chocolatey good as they are adorable.

They are perfect for indulging any pre-Halloween sweet tooth (and any post-Halloween, out-of-chocolate sweet teeth, too).

This recipe does not appear 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.

However, you may find the recipe on the Sue's Diner page on the BryonySeries website.where it's ready to fly into your kitchen so baking preparations may begin.

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. 

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.

By the way, 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. You can't really order, of course (wouldn't it be great if you could?).

For more BryonySeries recipes, check out our three cookbooks at our BryonySeries bryonyseries.com/general-store.

BryonySeries at "Halloween Night Market" in Channahon on Saturday

We were invited to pitch our tent and set up our wares at the Channahon Farmer's Markets' first "Halloween Night Market."

The market runs from 3 to 8 p.m. at Chanahon Tractor Supply. And Ron, if he were alive, would be so tickled that BryonySeries was FINALLY part of an event in Channahon (we did one pre-release of "Bryony" "Art in the Park" event the summer of 2011).

The list of features is so long, I'm simply copying and pasting it from the Facebook event listing.

However, the spooky photo is mine, full of mystery since we've no experience with the evnt.

But at the BryonySeries tent, you will find books (for sale), decor (not for sale), various other items (to be discussed at purchase), BryonySeries Halloween surprise boxes (teens and adults, while supplies last), discounts to Jody's Hot Dogs in Joliet (while supplies last), along with free photos with Bertrand the Mouse (who will be present in costume) and other surprises for kids.

Maybe we'll see you there!

The Original Halloween Night Market of the Southwest Suburbs.

Get ready for an evening of spooky shopping, festive fun, and family-friendly Halloween excitement! Join us for the first-ever Halloween Night Market, where the market comes alive under the glow of string lights with Halloween décor, amazing local vendors, and plenty of treats for the whole family!
Shop your favorite local vendors offering:
Pumpkins & fall décor
Fresh sourdough & baked goods
Farm-fresh produce & local favorites
Honey & specialty foods
Handmade candles & artisan gifts
Crafted beverages, dirty sodas, energy drinks, coffee & more
Delicious eats from our food truck court
Bring the kids! Many of our vendors will be handing out candy, and we'll have a special character on-site for photos!
Dress to impress! We encourage everyone to come in costume including your furry friends! Enter our Best Pet Costume contests for a chance to win prizes. Some vendors may even have special treats or giveaways for guests who arrive in costume!
Our vendors will also be decorating their booths for Halloween, and guests can vote for the Spookiest Vendor Booth of the night!
This event is spooky enough to get you in the Halloween spirit while remaining fun and welcoming for kids of all ages. Whether you're shopping, grabbing dinner, sipping a handcrafted drink, or making memories with family and friends, there's something for everyone.
Be sure to join us for our Fall Fest Market on Saturday, October 11, from 9:00 AM–2:00 PM, then come back the following week for an unforgettable Halloween Night Market!
Follow the Channahon Farmers Market Facebook page for vendor announcements, contest details, special giveaways, and all the latest market updates.
Come support local, celebrate the season, and help make our very first Halloween Night Market the talk of the town!

"Occupation is a Good Friend"

The title of today's post is a "Mandellian effect" type of quote that I've often repeated to myself or others.

At first glance, the saying appears false, especially on Mondays, when life throws far too much to do at us and occupation shows itself (at first glance) more as foe than friend.

But life thows more than "things-to-do" at us. It pelts us with everything from minor annoyances to excruciating challenges, where we navigate a labyrinth of confusion and disappointment in the the quest for solutions and relief.

In all cases, occupation really does prove its friendship.

Occupation pulls us, even if partially, out of ourselves and into the task as hand.

Occupation helps pass the time, even during the most frustrationg and uncertain of times.

Even simple tasks, such as loading the dishwasher or sorting socks, can help.

Certainly, most of us could pare down an overwhelming, cluttery stack of occupations.

But we likely also trim our social obligations, too: social media followers reduced, requests denied, people on the fringe of our life that drift away, and those we cut loose for a myriad of reasons.

When we do likewise with our to-do list, the obligations that remain really do become good friends.

These include those that stick with us in sickness or in health, cherished pastimes, new hobbies we can't wait to explore, or fresh interests we adopt for their diversion.

All can help focus on something - even if for the tiniest of partially - on something or than ourselves as navigate the waters, whether they be choppy or full-on tidal waves.

Happy Monday!

Changes - David Bowie (Joe Kenney Piano cover)

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 sharing this piece today because it fits into the theme of chapter 28 of "House on Top of the Hill" (third book in the BryonySeries Limbo trilogy) because that chapter heralds the most significant change to Munsonville, Michigan, since John Simons moved to town.

Also, with autumn comes dramatic and colorful changes.

Without change, we cannot live.

Celebrate the changes in your life today

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hJf84ZunWzw