I’ve made some new friends during the course of writing Bryony, but never fully realized the level some of those friendships have reached until a couple of weeks ago, when a rather unusual “get well” card arrived in the mail for me.
The words contained therein are irrelevant. What mattered to me was the love behind the gift. A few months ago, my fifteen year old son Daniel remarked that Bryony has brought the family together, since everyone appears to have enjoyed and are united for it. Those ties, it appears, are not limited to blood (yes, pun intended).
I’m humbled that, by going about my business in my bumbling way, I’ve brightened someone’s life enough that someone wanted to brighten it back. Whatever you’re called to do, please do it with all your might and to the best of your abilities. It just might be the vehicle for connecting with another human being.
Denise M. Baran-Unland
The official blog of Denise M. Baran-Unland, author. Discover her books for all ages at bryonyseries.com.
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Saturday, October 30, 2010
Denise Unland's Alternative Geneology Part 6
By Ed Calkins, the Steward of Tara
This chapter of Denise's ancestors has the chance meeting of two people who never knew they were related. To understand this meeting, one must partake in a little Irish history. We must go to the seventh century where a young Bishop, who REALLY didn't like snakes, waited in a vestibule from the Vatican for permission for his proposed trip back to the island that enslaved him years before. Finally the answer came to Patrick, still in the vestibule but now twenty years older, that he could go. (These things take time.) Many of you know this story. In a few years, not only was Patrick’s mission accomplished, (killing all the snakes), but the Irish people converted as well.
Not long afterwards, the Vatican wished they had stayed pagan. You see, even though the church grew, abbeys were formed, and priests were consecrated, swelling the number of followers under its power, two traits of the Irish clergy began to emerge. First, the Irish took to writing in Latin with passion and a brogue. Very quickly papers on church doctrine flowed southeast at alarming rates, making monasteries around the world wondering if the printing press had been invented early. But more damaging, the Irish tended to make things up.
Of course, Rome had dealt with heresies before, but the stuff coming from the Irish had a certain charm, making theologians wish they had come up with it themselves. Besides that, they couldn't match the volume of myths and superstitions enough to call them out, such as the doctrine of "White Martyrdom", (a concept that sounds suspiciously like Leo the Comic's situation.)
The idea went like this. Since Ireland was outside of the Roman Empire during the 300 years of Christian persecutions, other nationalities had an unfair advantage of going to heaven. Surely God wanted more Irishmen up there with him. So, as a spiritual 'affirmative action program' aimed at an ethically diverse heaven; the 'White Martyrdom' program recognized that it’s hard to die for one’s faith if no one will kill you. Instead, one could abandon civilization, go off to some wilderness, practice the common religious extremities, and enjoy a full martyrdom state without the blood or death. Sensing the bargain, Irish everywhere began searching for harsh, uninhabitable places and building communities there. I should state here that it is completely untrue that New York and Chicago were founded this way.
This chapter of Denise's ancestors has the chance meeting of two people who never knew they were related. To understand this meeting, one must partake in a little Irish history. We must go to the seventh century where a young Bishop, who REALLY didn't like snakes, waited in a vestibule from the Vatican for permission for his proposed trip back to the island that enslaved him years before. Finally the answer came to Patrick, still in the vestibule but now twenty years older, that he could go. (These things take time.) Many of you know this story. In a few years, not only was Patrick’s mission accomplished, (killing all the snakes), but the Irish people converted as well.
Not long afterwards, the Vatican wished they had stayed pagan. You see, even though the church grew, abbeys were formed, and priests were consecrated, swelling the number of followers under its power, two traits of the Irish clergy began to emerge. First, the Irish took to writing in Latin with passion and a brogue. Very quickly papers on church doctrine flowed southeast at alarming rates, making monasteries around the world wondering if the printing press had been invented early. But more damaging, the Irish tended to make things up.
Of course, Rome had dealt with heresies before, but the stuff coming from the Irish had a certain charm, making theologians wish they had come up with it themselves. Besides that, they couldn't match the volume of myths and superstitions enough to call them out, such as the doctrine of "White Martyrdom", (a concept that sounds suspiciously like Leo the Comic's situation.)
The idea went like this. Since Ireland was outside of the Roman Empire during the 300 years of Christian persecutions, other nationalities had an unfair advantage of going to heaven. Surely God wanted more Irishmen up there with him. So, as a spiritual 'affirmative action program' aimed at an ethically diverse heaven; the 'White Martyrdom' program recognized that it’s hard to die for one’s faith if no one will kill you. Instead, one could abandon civilization, go off to some wilderness, practice the common religious extremities, and enjoy a full martyrdom state without the blood or death. Sensing the bargain, Irish everywhere began searching for harsh, uninhabitable places and building communities there. I should state here that it is completely untrue that New York and Chicago were founded this way.
Friday, October 29, 2010
Carmilla
Now that cold weather is returning, curl up this weekend with a cozy gothic novella, one of my very favorite vampire stories, Carmilla.
The story is told by the adolescent Laura, who lives with her widower father in a castle in a remote forest. Injured in a carriage accident outside their home is a young girl, Carmilla, about Laura's age. The family cares for Carmilla during her recovery. The recognition is instaneous for the girls. Both claimed to have dreamed of the other during their respective childhoods.
Soon, the girls become romantically close friends, despite Carmilla's extreme languor, unstable moods, and habit for rising late in the day. Eventually, Laura dreams of a mysterious cat biting her chest, but leaving her room in the form of a womon. Laura's health soon suffers.
One day, a shipment of family heirloom portraits is delivered to the castle. The subject of one of those portraits, Mircalla, Countess Karnstein, identically resembles Carmilla. You can guess the rest.
Joseph Sheridan Le Fanu first published Carmilla 1872, twenty-five years before Bram Stoker's Dracula. Some scholars feel Carmilla heavily influeced Stoker's novel. Read it and see for yourself. Carmilla is available for free on my online sites.
The story is told by the adolescent Laura, who lives with her widower father in a castle in a remote forest. Injured in a carriage accident outside their home is a young girl, Carmilla, about Laura's age. The family cares for Carmilla during her recovery. The recognition is instaneous for the girls. Both claimed to have dreamed of the other during their respective childhoods.
Soon, the girls become romantically close friends, despite Carmilla's extreme languor, unstable moods, and habit for rising late in the day. Eventually, Laura dreams of a mysterious cat biting her chest, but leaving her room in the form of a womon. Laura's health soon suffers.
One day, a shipment of family heirloom portraits is delivered to the castle. The subject of one of those portraits, Mircalla, Countess Karnstein, identically resembles Carmilla. You can guess the rest.
Joseph Sheridan Le Fanu first published Carmilla 1872, twenty-five years before Bram Stoker's Dracula. Some scholars feel Carmilla heavily influeced Stoker's novel. Read it and see for yourself. Carmilla is available for free on my online sites.
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Proper Knife Skills
Although it's not mentioned in Bryony, Steve Barnes would have shown Brian Marchellis proper knife skills before they made their first meal. This would include:
* How to properly hold a knife so Brian doesn't cut himself.
* An exhortation to keep his knife sharp with a sharpening stone. Accidents occur more frequently with a dull knife.
* How often to sharpen? Very frequently, depending upon usage. Certain foods, such as citrus, dull the knife fast. So, if you're cutting oranges and lemons, don't set the knife on the counter and let the acid eat away at it. Wipe it off immediately.
* Showing Brian the stone has two sides: a coarse side and fine side.
* By the way, the coarse side sharpens and the fine side finishes.
* How to sharpen a knife: Hold knife at a twenty degree angle and run both sides of the knife over the coarse side, back and forth.
* Repeat the process on the fine side.
* After you sharpen the knife, run both sides of the blade over "the steel" to tone the knife.
* Wipe off the knife, stone, and "steel" to remove metal particles.
* The knife is now ready for use.
By Timothy M. Baran
* How to properly hold a knife so Brian doesn't cut himself.
* An exhortation to keep his knife sharp with a sharpening stone. Accidents occur more frequently with a dull knife.
* How often to sharpen? Very frequently, depending upon usage. Certain foods, such as citrus, dull the knife fast. So, if you're cutting oranges and lemons, don't set the knife on the counter and let the acid eat away at it. Wipe it off immediately.
* Showing Brian the stone has two sides: a coarse side and fine side.
* By the way, the coarse side sharpens and the fine side finishes.
* How to sharpen a knife: Hold knife at a twenty degree angle and run both sides of the knife over the coarse side, back and forth.
* Repeat the process on the fine side.
* After you sharpen the knife, run both sides of the blade over "the steel" to tone the knife.
* Wipe off the knife, stone, and "steel" to remove metal particles.
* The knife is now ready for use.
By Timothy M. Baran
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Snowbell
One of my favorite childhood novels--the title escapes me--was about a girl who raised a white Persian stray that her siblings called a "ghost cat."
The story opens when the girl--I think her name was Gloria--stands outside a house rumored to be haunted and waits for the ghost of Miss Nancy Rose. This was a woman who was accidentally shot dead while carrying a bunch of lilacs and running outside to meet her lover. I don't even remember who shot her, but her ghost was supposed to appear around dusk.
Anyway, Gloria is half-hoping, half-not hoping to meet this ghost, either to prove or dispel the legend. Of course, no ghost appears, but as Gloria turns to leave, this white Persian cat emerges from the lilac bushes. In stunned disbelief, Gloria takes the cat home, wondering if it's a real cat of the ghost of Miss Nancy Rose.
This was the inspiration behind Brian's cat, Snowbell. The cat's exact role in Bryony is nearly as mysterious as her sudden appearance at the Marchellis' back door. To the people who have previewed Bryony, Snowbell has represented different things and all of them are different from my intention for the cat.
As I've moved through the editing process, I've considered strengthening my point of view regarding Snowbell, then discarded the idea. Hearing everyone else's take makes Snowbell a satisfying, shadowing character. I like her that way.
Denise M. Baran-Unland
The story opens when the girl--I think her name was Gloria--stands outside a house rumored to be haunted and waits for the ghost of Miss Nancy Rose. This was a woman who was accidentally shot dead while carrying a bunch of lilacs and running outside to meet her lover. I don't even remember who shot her, but her ghost was supposed to appear around dusk.
Anyway, Gloria is half-hoping, half-not hoping to meet this ghost, either to prove or dispel the legend. Of course, no ghost appears, but as Gloria turns to leave, this white Persian cat emerges from the lilac bushes. In stunned disbelief, Gloria takes the cat home, wondering if it's a real cat of the ghost of Miss Nancy Rose.
This was the inspiration behind Brian's cat, Snowbell. The cat's exact role in Bryony is nearly as mysterious as her sudden appearance at the Marchellis' back door. To the people who have previewed Bryony, Snowbell has represented different things and all of them are different from my intention for the cat.
As I've moved through the editing process, I've considered strengthening my point of view regarding Snowbell, then discarded the idea. Hearing everyone else's take makes Snowbell a satisfying, shadowing character. I like her that way.
Denise M. Baran-Unland
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
If You Think the Flu is Bad...
...try battling the bubonic plague, as did one of the vampires claimed to have done in Bryony.
According to en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bubonic_plague, symptoms first occured two to five days after exposure and included:
* Chills
* General ill feeling (malaise)
* High fever
* Muscle pain
* Severe headache
* Seizures
* Smooth, painful lymph gland swelling called a bubo. These may be found in the groin, but may occur in the armpits or neck, most often at the site of the initial infection (bite or scratch). Pain may occur in the area before the swelling appears
* Heavy breathing
* Continuous blood vomiting
* Urination of blood
* Aching limbs
* Coughing
* Extreme pain. The pain is usually caused by the decaying or decomposing of the skin while the victim is still alive
* Extreme tiredness
* Gastrointestinal problems
* Lenticulae (black dots scattered throughout the body)
* Delirium
* Coma
Chicken soup, which helped Melissa when she was sick, won't fix this one. Which is worse, the bite of an infected rodent or the same from a vampire?
Denise M. Baran-Unland
According to en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bubonic_plague, symptoms first occured two to five days after exposure and included:
* Chills
* General ill feeling (malaise)
* High fever
* Muscle pain
* Severe headache
* Seizures
* Smooth, painful lymph gland swelling called a bubo. These may be found in the groin, but may occur in the armpits or neck, most often at the site of the initial infection (bite or scratch). Pain may occur in the area before the swelling appears
* Heavy breathing
* Continuous blood vomiting
* Urination of blood
* Aching limbs
* Coughing
* Extreme pain. The pain is usually caused by the decaying or decomposing of the skin while the victim is still alive
* Extreme tiredness
* Gastrointestinal problems
* Lenticulae (black dots scattered throughout the body)
* Delirium
* Coma
Chicken soup, which helped Melissa when she was sick, won't fix this one. Which is worse, the bite of an infected rodent or the same from a vampire?
Denise M. Baran-Unland
Monday, October 25, 2010
Getting There...
WHEW! What a crazy month!
Trying to work, homeschool, and run a household full of people and cats when ill and undergoing medical testing is difficult enough (more lab work this past weekend and PET scan today), but trying to make time for Bryony’s third round of edits was nearly impossible. I picked off the minor fixes first, then slowly began re-working the prologue and first four chapters. I felt overwhelmed. How would I get it done?
Then I was hospitalized for a few days. My twenty year old son Timothy hung out there with me. He had packed his college materials and both our laptops. I was stunned. No reason for him to slack off, but did he really think I felt like working?
On the other hand, I felt no sicker than I had at home, and I couldn’t use lack of time for an excuse. I had no deadlines to meet from the hospital. The going was slow, but I finished up those chapters.
There is only one component that my editor wants reworked, and I honestly didn’t know how to change anything without seriously compromising the character she likes (The reason why I saved this bit for last). Thankfully, had an idea for it this weekend, which I hope my editor likes. Hopefully, though, once I’m past this point, Bryony will be very close to publication.
I can’t wait!!!
Denise M. Baran-Unland
Trying to work, homeschool, and run a household full of people and cats when ill and undergoing medical testing is difficult enough (more lab work this past weekend and PET scan today), but trying to make time for Bryony’s third round of edits was nearly impossible. I picked off the minor fixes first, then slowly began re-working the prologue and first four chapters. I felt overwhelmed. How would I get it done?
Then I was hospitalized for a few days. My twenty year old son Timothy hung out there with me. He had packed his college materials and both our laptops. I was stunned. No reason for him to slack off, but did he really think I felt like working?
On the other hand, I felt no sicker than I had at home, and I couldn’t use lack of time for an excuse. I had no deadlines to meet from the hospital. The going was slow, but I finished up those chapters.
There is only one component that my editor wants reworked, and I honestly didn’t know how to change anything without seriously compromising the character she likes (The reason why I saved this bit for last). Thankfully, had an idea for it this weekend, which I hope my editor likes. Hopefully, though, once I’m past this point, Bryony will be very close to publication.
I can’t wait!!!
Denise M. Baran-Unland
Sunday, October 24, 2010
Blessings
Just when it seems circumstances can’t get much worse, they do! Yet, in the midst of the crisis, I’m amazed at the blessings that continue to fill my day. In the past twenty-four hours:
* My fifteen year old son wrote me a note that asked if I could PLEASE walk to the library with him because he enjoyed my company.
* That same son did an extra batch of dishes without complaining because I was busy.
* My oldest son, out of work with a family to support, bought us some groceries.
* Another son and his girl friend cleaned out the garage and blew all the leaves off the driveway.
* I miscalculated my funds and had to borrow twelve dollars from my seventeen year old daughter to buy medicine. Then Rebekah bought a cowtail to split with me.
* My mother did some research and made some phone calls on health insurance because I was too busy and overwhelmed to get it all done.
* Faith, the cat who dislikes cuddling, always lets me share my desk chair with her by day and jumps into bed with me by night.
* I get to be a fan of my own book because my oldest daughter completely oversees the Bryony Facebook page, administers the website, and contributes some of the blogs.
* The bank called and said the miscalculation was its error, after all. I had thirty-four dollars coming back to me. YEAH!
* I lay on the bed and watched Midnight, the sick, little, stray kitten we adopted, interact with my twenty-year-old son, Timothy. He whistles, and she coos back. He makes kissing noises, and Midnight jumps up on his lap to head-butt him. He pets her, and she runs her head along the back of his hand.
Denise M. Baran-Unland
* My fifteen year old son wrote me a note that asked if I could PLEASE walk to the library with him because he enjoyed my company.
* That same son did an extra batch of dishes without complaining because I was busy.
* My oldest son, out of work with a family to support, bought us some groceries.
* Another son and his girl friend cleaned out the garage and blew all the leaves off the driveway.
* I miscalculated my funds and had to borrow twelve dollars from my seventeen year old daughter to buy medicine. Then Rebekah bought a cowtail to split with me.
* My mother did some research and made some phone calls on health insurance because I was too busy and overwhelmed to get it all done.
* Faith, the cat who dislikes cuddling, always lets me share my desk chair with her by day and jumps into bed with me by night.
* I get to be a fan of my own book because my oldest daughter completely oversees the Bryony Facebook page, administers the website, and contributes some of the blogs.
* The bank called and said the miscalculation was its error, after all. I had thirty-four dollars coming back to me. YEAH!
* I lay on the bed and watched Midnight, the sick, little, stray kitten we adopted, interact with my twenty-year-old son, Timothy. He whistles, and she coos back. He makes kissing noises, and Midnight jumps up on his lap to head-butt him. He pets her, and she runs her head along the back of his hand.
Denise M. Baran-Unland
Saturday, October 23, 2010
Sticks and Stones Will Break My Bones
In Bryony, ruthless dictator Ed Calkins, the Steward of Tara, has a weapon that rivals nuclear or biological warfare. It is cheap and accessible to everyone, but it has, Calkins claims, the amazing power to subdue your enemy. Can you guess what it is?
Friday, October 22, 2010
Miss Hinch by Henry Sydnor Harrison
A shrewd, female investigative reporter helps police search for murderess known for her chameleon-like disguises while a lame clergyman and an elderly woman play a cat and mouse charade.
The tension mounts as each begins to leak the other’s true identity. Which is which?
Download the story from manybooks.net.
manybooks.net/titles/harrisonhother09Miss_Hinch.html
The tension mounts as each begins to leak the other’s true identity. Which is which?
Download the story from manybooks.net.
manybooks.net/titles/harrisonhother09Miss_Hinch.html
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Breaking Bread
Last week I baked. It was one of those spur of the moment decisions. Armed with my 3 year old and spoon, we whipped up some magic. We created our very own recipe, Apple-Banana-Nut Bread. I made small loaves and as the house started smelling delicious, our mouths watered to taste the finished product. After I deduced it worthy enough to share, we did just that.
Lucas decorated just some plain, brown, lunch sacks and I selected the best loaves. Then the fun began. We took one to each friend he had met in the neighborhood. At each house we stayed longer than to drop a sack and we traded baking ideas and stories. At our final house, and coincidently at the end of the day, our neighbors welcomed us inside. As they oodled over the treat, the father said, "Wonderful, we finally break bread together! Here, have a beer."
Symbolically, the "breaking of bread" can mean several thing depending on which context is used. The most understood definition meaning: sharing a common meal together. I believe the father meant that we are comfortable enough neighbors now to share with each other what we have, without being asked upon. Never less, it always amazes me how the simple acts involving food can bring people together.
If you are interested in this recipe, look for it in Bryony's cookbook, 2011. I am donating original recipes to the cookbook, which is not-for-profit. I urge you to do the same. Proceeds are going towards, Big Brothers, Big Sisters, of Will and Grundy County, IL.
Sarah Stegall
Lucas decorated just some plain, brown, lunch sacks and I selected the best loaves. Then the fun began. We took one to each friend he had met in the neighborhood. At each house we stayed longer than to drop a sack and we traded baking ideas and stories. At our final house, and coincidently at the end of the day, our neighbors welcomed us inside. As they oodled over the treat, the father said, "Wonderful, we finally break bread together! Here, have a beer."
Symbolically, the "breaking of bread" can mean several thing depending on which context is used. The most understood definition meaning: sharing a common meal together. I believe the father meant that we are comfortable enough neighbors now to share with each other what we have, without being asked upon. Never less, it always amazes me how the simple acts involving food can bring people together.
If you are interested in this recipe, look for it in Bryony's cookbook, 2011. I am donating original recipes to the cookbook, which is not-for-profit. I urge you to do the same. Proceeds are going towards, Big Brothers, Big Sisters, of Will and Grundy County, IL.
Sarah Stegall
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Scooter, Part Two
Last month, in Scooter, Part One, I mentioned how Brian’s dog in Bryony came to be named after our dog. Scooter’s importance in Bryony is based on Brian’s attachment to the dog; the details of Scooter’s personality are not presented. Our Scooter, however, was full of personality. For instance he
* liked to sit under my computer table and fly out in a white fury at anyone who dared bother me.
* perched on my lap when I napped in the recliner with the same reaction to interruptions.
* joined us everyday for family prayer by sitting in our midst and remaining very quiet.
* was the most enthusiastic member of the Friday night youth group we held at our house. Each Friday (how does a dog know when it is Friday?) he would repeatedly bark to be let out, only to run off the building where we hosted the youth group.
* had to jump with all four paws and a bark whenever any of the kids argued.
* ran the youth group’s twice-annual bike hike, eight miles total. He’s have trouble walking the next day, but Scooter wasn’t about to be left behind.
* Scooter’s howling would disrupt the youth group’s Vesper’s service, if he wasn’t allowed to come outside and participate.
* lways tried to sneak into the bedroom (where he wasn’t allowed), if he thought my husband was out of the room.
* jumped into the air and licked my chin when I’d say, “Scooter, do you want to go for a walk?”
* knew that the best seat in the house at dinner was under Daniel’s chair. Daniel is an extremely picky eater, so much of his dinner would literally go to the dog.
Dumb animals? NAH!
Denise M. Baran-Unland
* liked to sit under my computer table and fly out in a white fury at anyone who dared bother me.
* perched on my lap when I napped in the recliner with the same reaction to interruptions.
* joined us everyday for family prayer by sitting in our midst and remaining very quiet.
* was the most enthusiastic member of the Friday night youth group we held at our house. Each Friday (how does a dog know when it is Friday?) he would repeatedly bark to be let out, only to run off the building where we hosted the youth group.
* had to jump with all four paws and a bark whenever any of the kids argued.
* ran the youth group’s twice-annual bike hike, eight miles total. He’s have trouble walking the next day, but Scooter wasn’t about to be left behind.
* Scooter’s howling would disrupt the youth group’s Vesper’s service, if he wasn’t allowed to come outside and participate.
* lways tried to sneak into the bedroom (where he wasn’t allowed), if he thought my husband was out of the room.
* jumped into the air and licked my chin when I’d say, “Scooter, do you want to go for a walk?”
* knew that the best seat in the house at dinner was under Daniel’s chair. Daniel is an extremely picky eater, so much of his dinner would literally go to the dog.
Dumb animals? NAH!
Denise M. Baran-Unland
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
The Language of Fans
At one ball, Melissa attempts to wave away an obnoxious vampire with her fan, worried that she used the wrong signal, for he ignores her rebuffs.
In the Victorian age, a fan was a customary, feminine accessory at a ball. Not only did women use it to revive themselves following a brisk dance, they positioned it in certain ways to convey messages, especially to men.
Nanalulu’s Linen Closet (http://www.nanaluluslinensandhandkerchiefs.com/), which offers exquisite linens, handerchiefs, home décor and gifts, posted this “Language of Victorian Fans” on its website.
If a young lady held her fan to her lips, it begged a kiss
Carrying in right hand in front of face meant, "Follow me."
Carrying in left hand meant desiring an aquaintance
Dropping it meant friendship only.
Drawing it across her eyes meant an apology.
The fan placed near the heart signaled, "You have won my love."
Did she hide the eyes behind an open fan ~ I love you.
Opening and closing the fan several times ~ You are cruel .
Drawing through her hand ~ I hate you.
Drawing across the eyes ~ I am sorry.
Letting the fan rest on the left cheek signaled, "No."
Letting the fan rest on the right cheek signaled, "Yes."
Fan opened wide meant, "Wait for me."
Fanning slowly meant, "I am married."
Fanning quickly meant, "I am engaged."
Twirling the fan in left hand ~ "I wish to get rid of you."
Twirling in right hand ~ "I love another."
Drawing across the forehead ~ "You are being watched."
Denise M. Baran-Unland
In the Victorian age, a fan was a customary, feminine accessory at a ball. Not only did women use it to revive themselves following a brisk dance, they positioned it in certain ways to convey messages, especially to men.
Nanalulu’s Linen Closet (http://www.nanaluluslinensandhandkerchiefs.com/), which offers exquisite linens, handerchiefs, home décor and gifts, posted this “Language of Victorian Fans” on its website.
If a young lady held her fan to her lips, it begged a kiss
Carrying in right hand in front of face meant, "Follow me."
Carrying in left hand meant desiring an aquaintance
Dropping it meant friendship only.
Drawing it across her eyes meant an apology.
The fan placed near the heart signaled, "You have won my love."
Did she hide the eyes behind an open fan ~ I love you.
Opening and closing the fan several times ~ You are cruel .
Drawing through her hand ~ I hate you.
Drawing across the eyes ~ I am sorry.
Letting the fan rest on the left cheek signaled, "No."
Letting the fan rest on the right cheek signaled, "Yes."
Fan opened wide meant, "Wait for me."
Fanning slowly meant, "I am married."
Fanning quickly meant, "I am engaged."
Twirling the fan in left hand ~ "I wish to get rid of you."
Twirling in right hand ~ "I love another."
Drawing across the forehead ~ "You are being watched."
Denise M. Baran-Unland
Monday, October 18, 2010
Six Questions with Bryony Fan Wayne David Blankenship
Wayne David Blankenship is an avid fan and reader of the Bryony Facebook page. He is following the posts and waiting patiently for Bryony’s release date. So Bryony’s web administrator Sarah Stegall sent Wayne a few questions about his interest in Bryony, books, and vampires.
Sarah: “What is the first thing you would do if you wrote a famous book?”
Wayne: “The first thing I would do is help family and friends in need with the earnings from the book. I would also start a savings account for my family, and make sure to spend the money wisely, and make it last.”
Sarah: “What is your favorite thing about the Victorian Era?”
Wayne: “I would definitely say my favorite thing about the Victorian era was its long period of peace, the prosperity of the British people, and all of the innovations that were born out of the era.”
Sarah: “Why is it important to still pick up a book when technology is everywhere?”
Wayne: “I think technology is good for quick answers to questions, socializing, and catching up on the news. However, nothing beats reading books when it comes to diving deep into a subject, immersing oneself into a magical world, or following comical characters hitchhiking through the universe.”
Sarah: “Vampires: Real or myth?”
Wayne: “Are vampires real.....although vampiric entities have been recorded in many cultures and although speculation of their presence has been around since seeming the beginning of time, I believe they are mythical creatures.”
Sarah: “Why do you find the Bryony Facebook posts interesting?”
Wayne: “They leave me wanting more, wanting to hear more of the story, and definitely point to a vampire story that is original, not just "another teenage vampire movie."
Sarah: “What is something you'd like to see on the Bryony blog?”
Wayne: “I would enjoy seeing more snippets from the book, and people's opinions thereof. I would like to know how many people, other than myself, are interested in the book.”
http://www.bryonyseries.com/
Sarah: “What is the first thing you would do if you wrote a famous book?”
Wayne: “The first thing I would do is help family and friends in need with the earnings from the book. I would also start a savings account for my family, and make sure to spend the money wisely, and make it last.”
Sarah: “What is your favorite thing about the Victorian Era?”
Wayne: “I would definitely say my favorite thing about the Victorian era was its long period of peace, the prosperity of the British people, and all of the innovations that were born out of the era.”
Sarah: “Why is it important to still pick up a book when technology is everywhere?”
Wayne: “I think technology is good for quick answers to questions, socializing, and catching up on the news. However, nothing beats reading books when it comes to diving deep into a subject, immersing oneself into a magical world, or following comical characters hitchhiking through the universe.”
Sarah: “Vampires: Real or myth?”
Wayne: “Are vampires real.....although vampiric entities have been recorded in many cultures and although speculation of their presence has been around since seeming the beginning of time, I believe they are mythical creatures.”
Sarah: “Why do you find the Bryony Facebook posts interesting?”
Wayne: “They leave me wanting more, wanting to hear more of the story, and definitely point to a vampire story that is original, not just "another teenage vampire movie."
Sarah: “What is something you'd like to see on the Bryony blog?”
Wayne: “I would enjoy seeing more snippets from the book, and people's opinions thereof. I would like to know how many people, other than myself, are interested in the book.”
http://www.bryonyseries.com/
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Sarah Stegall Saves the Day!
While it’s frustrating and demoralizing to walk through a crisis, I’m in awe of how (oh, it’s such a cliché, but so true) such times can bring out good things. I’ve especially seen it with the blogs Sarah Stegall has (and is) posting in my absence.
Writing is my occupation AND hobby, but it is not the way Sarah would choose to spend her free or working time. So, I was nothing short of amazed when she picked up my slack with very well-written, informative, and interesting posts, all of which echo the themes in Bryony.
If you haven’t read any of them yet, here are a few of her selections: My DNA Told Me To Like It, Monsters, Witch Cats, Ghosts,…….Vampires? Only a Dream? The Almost Vampire Expert, Cardiac Arrest, Hijacked, and Coffee Anyone?
Sarah has an easy, conversational type of writing-style that makes me feel she is sitting across from me chatting away. Read and see if you agree.
Denise M. Baran-Unland
http://www.bryonyseries.com/
Writing is my occupation AND hobby, but it is not the way Sarah would choose to spend her free or working time. So, I was nothing short of amazed when she picked up my slack with very well-written, informative, and interesting posts, all of which echo the themes in Bryony.
If you haven’t read any of them yet, here are a few of her selections: My DNA Told Me To Like It, Monsters, Witch Cats, Ghosts,…….Vampires? Only a Dream? The Almost Vampire Expert, Cardiac Arrest, Hijacked, and Coffee Anyone?
Sarah has an easy, conversational type of writing-style that makes me feel she is sitting across from me chatting away. Read and see if you agree.
Denise M. Baran-Unland
http://www.bryonyseries.com/
Saturday, October 16, 2010
How the Real Ed Calkins Became a Fictional Vampire
It was timing, actually.
Two years ago, Ed Calkins and I worked in the same distribution center. He was a supervisor, and I was a newspaper carrier. Ed was always planning something to make working a seven-day job in the middle of the night more lighthearted. One of those “things” was his annual Ed Calkins day parade in honor of his birthday.
The parade was a simple one. Ed would ride a palette jack and toss candy to the carriers. Each year Ed had the parade, I missed it by coming too late to see it (It’s a VERY short parade).
One year, Ed kept pestering me about starting a newsletter for his imaginary kingdom. He had assumed the persona of a “ruthless dictator” dubbed as the “Steward of Tara” and demanded some “media” coverage. So, after missing yet another parade, I presented him with a big red bow and a choice of birthday presents: a monthly one-page newsletter or a bit role as a vampire in Bryony. Ed laughed and said, “Immortality, of course.” Thus, I began rewriting parts of the novel to make room for his character.
Ed’s character grows in plot importance in the three books that currently comprise the Bryony Series, but the fictional Ed Calkins resembles the real Ed Calkins in many ways except one: as a vampire, he is free to fully live the stories he weaves.
Denise M. Baran-Unland
Friday, October 15, 2010
Another Famous Tolstoy
Many people have heard of Leo Tolstoy (War and Peace), but not everyone knows that his cousin, Alexis Tolstoy, wrote vampires stories. I can’t find any of them online and his book, Vampires: Stories of the Supernatural, is out of print, but it is for sale on various sites that sell used books.
That book contains three stories: The Vampire, Family of a Vourdalak (dramatized by Boris Karloff in the movie, Black Sabbath, 1963), The Reunion After Three Hundred Years, and Amena. No favorites for me here; all four are exceptionally well-written.
The novella Vampire (1841) opens with young man, Runevsky, attending a ball. One guest comments about the number oupyrs (vampires) present at the event and points them out to Runevsky. Of course, Runevsky falls in love with the granddaughter, Dasha, of one of the purported vampires and begins to court her. Strange things happen to him when he visits the family. When they tell fortunes by reading random passages from books, Dasha reads the chilling, “And the grandmother will suck her granddaughter’s blood.” Then Runevsky spends the night in a room that contains an old-fashioned portrait of a deceased relative, who naturally resembles Dasha. Known as the first modern Russian vampire story, The Vampire also weaves elements of Greek mythology and contains interesting dream states.
The short story Family of a Vourdalak is the story of a Russian patriarch that leaves home to fight a band of bandits. He tells his family if returns after sunset on a particular day not to let him inside, for he will be a vourdalak (vampire). Since he arrives immediately at sunset, the family is uncertain what to do and allow him entrance. Wrong decision.
In The Reunion After Three Hundred Years, a duchess, after a carriage accident, becomes the guest at a macabre reunion of guests. Amena is set during the Christian persecutions. A man, destined to be martyred for his faith with his companions, is sidetracked by a seductively mysterious woman.
I first read this book at my local library, so perhaps yours has it, too. Definitely worth the price if you buy.
Denise M. Baran-Unland
That book contains three stories: The Vampire, Family of a Vourdalak (dramatized by Boris Karloff in the movie, Black Sabbath, 1963), The Reunion After Three Hundred Years, and Amena. No favorites for me here; all four are exceptionally well-written.
The novella Vampire (1841) opens with young man, Runevsky, attending a ball. One guest comments about the number oupyrs (vampires) present at the event and points them out to Runevsky. Of course, Runevsky falls in love with the granddaughter, Dasha, of one of the purported vampires and begins to court her. Strange things happen to him when he visits the family. When they tell fortunes by reading random passages from books, Dasha reads the chilling, “And the grandmother will suck her granddaughter’s blood.” Then Runevsky spends the night in a room that contains an old-fashioned portrait of a deceased relative, who naturally resembles Dasha. Known as the first modern Russian vampire story, The Vampire also weaves elements of Greek mythology and contains interesting dream states.
The short story Family of a Vourdalak is the story of a Russian patriarch that leaves home to fight a band of bandits. He tells his family if returns after sunset on a particular day not to let him inside, for he will be a vourdalak (vampire). Since he arrives immediately at sunset, the family is uncertain what to do and allow him entrance. Wrong decision.
In The Reunion After Three Hundred Years, a duchess, after a carriage accident, becomes the guest at a macabre reunion of guests. Amena is set during the Christian persecutions. A man, destined to be martyred for his faith with his companions, is sidetracked by a seductively mysterious woman.
I first read this book at my local library, so perhaps yours has it, too. Definitely worth the price if you buy.
Denise M. Baran-Unland
Thursday, October 14, 2010
A Real Pain in the Neck
In the "gothicy" vampire stories I've read (sorry, not familiar with urban vampire tales), the victim is generally not conscious when the vampire does its biting. In Bryony, however, Melissa is awake and alert for the deed, so I wanted to accurately describe the experience.
Now, I've never been bitten by a vampire (not that I remember, anyway), but I've had two fine needle aspiration thyroid biopsies over the years. My neck was titled upward and held immobile. One stinging needle delivered the anesthetic; a second jabbed in and around the area searching for cells. I could feel strange sensations from my neck to my toes.
In Bryony, Melissa learns that different vampires, like the technicians that biopsied me, have different biting "styles," ranging from mild to violent. The man who conducted my first biopsy politely jabbed me seven different times, then I waited while he ran the speciman to pathology. During my second biopsy several years later, that technician rammed that needle all around the lobe, ran it to pathology, and called it good.
Before the month is up, I'll be having surgery to remove, at the very least, the left lobe of my thyroid gland. I'm wondering if a vampire attack might be more pleasant. I'll let you know.
Denise Unland
Now, I've never been bitten by a vampire (not that I remember, anyway), but I've had two fine needle aspiration thyroid biopsies over the years. My neck was titled upward and held immobile. One stinging needle delivered the anesthetic; a second jabbed in and around the area searching for cells. I could feel strange sensations from my neck to my toes.
In Bryony, Melissa learns that different vampires, like the technicians that biopsied me, have different biting "styles," ranging from mild to violent. The man who conducted my first biopsy politely jabbed me seven different times, then I waited while he ran the speciman to pathology. During my second biopsy several years later, that technician rammed that needle all around the lobe, ran it to pathology, and called it good.
Before the month is up, I'll be having surgery to remove, at the very least, the left lobe of my thyroid gland. I'm wondering if a vampire attack might be more pleasant. I'll let you know.
Denise Unland
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
My DNA Told Me To Like It.
I read an article online today about a woman, JJ Virgin, who is a nutritionist on freaky eaters. Her response to a question involving genetics claimed my attention. From science or news, liking french fries compared to apples, genetics are playing a larger role in how we look at ourselves. The theory that we are predisposed into having a disease, being overweight, or liking certain flavors is downright scary. We walk around thinking that we are individuals, only to discover that our parents, grand parents, great-grand parents, and so on have played a larger role than we had once imagined.
So if we are inheriting more than just silver candlesticks these days, do we have any control over what genetic testing says we're prone to? I believe so. Ever see studies on identical twins? One lives in a different environment/climate and makes positive health choices, while the other is making poor health choices. In just a few years the differences are noticeable, twenty years and you wouldn't even know they were related. We can help ourselves by prevention.
The theory about genetics wasn't as well understood in 1975 as it is today. Other than the discovery method to isolate and analyze DNA fragments, known as the "Southern blot analysis," most discoveries have been made in the last couple decades. As far as Bryony goes, does that mean Melissa was meant to make a deal with a vampire and it was passed through some literacy genes? It sure gives me something to think about.
So if we are inheriting more than just silver candlesticks these days, do we have any control over what genetic testing says we're prone to? I believe so. Ever see studies on identical twins? One lives in a different environment/climate and makes positive health choices, while the other is making poor health choices. In just a few years the differences are noticeable, twenty years and you wouldn't even know they were related. We can help ourselves by prevention.
The theory about genetics wasn't as well understood in 1975 as it is today. Other than the discovery method to isolate and analyze DNA fragments, known as the "Southern blot analysis," most discoveries have been made in the last couple decades. As far as Bryony goes, does that mean Melissa was meant to make a deal with a vampire and it was passed through some literacy genes? It sure gives me something to think about.
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Monsters, Witch Cats, Ghosts,............Vampires?
My 3 year old considers himself to be very knowledgeable on all things spooky. He thinks it would be so very cool to have a monster living under his bed, a nooth grush on his tooth brush, Lord Licorice as a buddy, and he stares at spiders after he's killed them to see if they really have eight legs. He has a vivid imagination and keeps me very busy.
With living in a neighborhood now instead of off a dark country road, he's taken in the flood of Halloween decorations that have been popping up at every house. Halloween happens to be my favorite holiday and I think it's wearing off on my son. He happily announces the latest neighbor to hang spiders and purple lights over snacks.
Yesterday I took him to Walmart to oodle all the decorations and costumes. I had promised him he could pick out one decoration (we have a strict budget and I have lots of Halloween related items) to join the festivities. After playing with an enormous rat, a styroform skull, and some dangly spiders and skeletons, I was sure he was going to select the window stickers. He loves stickers and they had witch cats (an absolute favorite). Instead, he picked out an outdoor ghost. It moves up and down by motion sensors and wails like a sick banshee. I hate it. He LOVES it!
The shelf below had basically the same thing in Count Dracula theme. "What's him?," he asks. "The count, he's a vampire," I replied. "Ohhhhhh, like in Damma's (grandma's) book!" So we talk vampire. He tells me it's a monster that tries to drink blood. Not any blood, neck blood! Swell, another monster he knows about.
Today the ghost hangs from the window. Today also marks the most times I've heard, "I want to drink your blood," followed by neck grabbing and sloppy fake bites. Let the scary fun commence!
With living in a neighborhood now instead of off a dark country road, he's taken in the flood of Halloween decorations that have been popping up at every house. Halloween happens to be my favorite holiday and I think it's wearing off on my son. He happily announces the latest neighbor to hang spiders and purple lights over snacks.
Yesterday I took him to Walmart to oodle all the decorations and costumes. I had promised him he could pick out one decoration (we have a strict budget and I have lots of Halloween related items) to join the festivities. After playing with an enormous rat, a styroform skull, and some dangly spiders and skeletons, I was sure he was going to select the window stickers. He loves stickers and they had witch cats (an absolute favorite). Instead, he picked out an outdoor ghost. It moves up and down by motion sensors and wails like a sick banshee. I hate it. He LOVES it!
The shelf below had basically the same thing in Count Dracula theme. "What's him?," he asks. "The count, he's a vampire," I replied. "Ohhhhhh, like in Damma's (grandma's) book!" So we talk vampire. He tells me it's a monster that tries to drink blood. Not any blood, neck blood! Swell, another monster he knows about.
Today the ghost hangs from the window. Today also marks the most times I've heard, "I want to drink your blood," followed by neck grabbing and sloppy fake bites. Let the scary fun commence!
Monday, October 11, 2010
Only a Dream?
According to http://www.wikipedia.com/, a dream is a succession of emotions, images, or sounds that the mind experiences during sleep. The content and purpose of dreams are not fully understood, though they have been a topic of interest and speculation throughout recorded history.
Just about everybody dreams. Most of us can recall dreams from different periods of our lives. Some of us even remember a dream from last night. Dreaming happens different for everyone, though science recognizes it usually occurs during the sleep stage of Rapid Eye Movement, or REM.
I believe, for myself, that when I dream it's my subconsciousness working out things my awake self didn't or couldn't deal with. You might disagree. I've learned that dream interpretation has an enormous berth. Recently, I noticed my daily stress has been rolling into my sleep.
I had a very disturbing dream just last night. The progression of the dream made no sense, yet my dream self knew exactly what I should be doing at all points of the dream. Only it wasn't a dream. It was more like a waking nightmare. I'm not really keen with sharing the details so I'll just give you the dynamics. Someone was dying, I couldn't stop it, and right before the dream should end, the face of the dying person was replaced with someone I'd give my life for. Even worse, the details of this dream really stood out.
All day today I've had this dream in the back of my mind. When I broke it down it was almost humorous! The beads of sweat I so clearly remember, turned out to be some drool. The password for the computer in my dream turned out to be the last thing I was thinking of last night. I also believe I gave my blanket a very awesome back rub. I realize my stresses were just amplified.
Other aspects I've come across are: I normally don't remember dreams and the ones that stand out are the ones that happen right before I awake. Sure I've had a few where I wake up in a sweat in the middle of the night, but those are ones where I don't remember much and I eventually nod back off over a book.
This post is quite relevant to Bryony, because Melissa relives a life that isn't hers during the nights. She is faced with lucid dreams or wild hallucinations. Melissa is unsure whose version of events she's dreaming of or if they are even dreams because they seem so real. Denise's manuscript is full of clues that lead the readers into making their own assumptions as to what happens. If you dream tonight, ask yourself in the morning, "Is it only a dream?"
Just about everybody dreams. Most of us can recall dreams from different periods of our lives. Some of us even remember a dream from last night. Dreaming happens different for everyone, though science recognizes it usually occurs during the sleep stage of Rapid Eye Movement, or REM.
I believe, for myself, that when I dream it's my subconsciousness working out things my awake self didn't or couldn't deal with. You might disagree. I've learned that dream interpretation has an enormous berth. Recently, I noticed my daily stress has been rolling into my sleep.
I had a very disturbing dream just last night. The progression of the dream made no sense, yet my dream self knew exactly what I should be doing at all points of the dream. Only it wasn't a dream. It was more like a waking nightmare. I'm not really keen with sharing the details so I'll just give you the dynamics. Someone was dying, I couldn't stop it, and right before the dream should end, the face of the dying person was replaced with someone I'd give my life for. Even worse, the details of this dream really stood out.
All day today I've had this dream in the back of my mind. When I broke it down it was almost humorous! The beads of sweat I so clearly remember, turned out to be some drool. The password for the computer in my dream turned out to be the last thing I was thinking of last night. I also believe I gave my blanket a very awesome back rub. I realize my stresses were just amplified.
Other aspects I've come across are: I normally don't remember dreams and the ones that stand out are the ones that happen right before I awake. Sure I've had a few where I wake up in a sweat in the middle of the night, but those are ones where I don't remember much and I eventually nod back off over a book.
This post is quite relevant to Bryony, because Melissa relives a life that isn't hers during the nights. She is faced with lucid dreams or wild hallucinations. Melissa is unsure whose version of events she's dreaming of or if they are even dreams because they seem so real. Denise's manuscript is full of clues that lead the readers into making their own assumptions as to what happens. If you dream tonight, ask yourself in the morning, "Is it only a dream?"
Sunday, October 10, 2010
The Almost Vampire Expert
In my role of playing host, I've noticed that Denise has a rhythm to her blog. She incorporates the things in her life important to her and the events directly related to Bryony. Usually that entitles a weekly guest blogger. Keeping in mind I have no experience, I went out and found a guest blogger. Amber Gayhardt is a 20 year old student, fan of creative writing, and lover of vampire lore. She knows all things vampire and I consider her the expert. Amber is a reader of the Bryony Facebook page, following the edits, and waiting patiently for her copy.
So Amber, how excited are you for "Bryony," being another novel indulging vampires?
"Truthfully, actually really, really, excited! I just love anything with vampire mythology!"
Do you think the vampire craze inhabiting this younger generation is a fad?
"I'd definitely say so. I felt Vampires were rather unpopular until the Twilight books showed up. When the movies are all released, I feel the craze will end. The original individuals who read and loved the books will keep going back forever to read them. So in theory, I think the vampire hype will die off."
Do you feel that Bryony, with its Victorian history and time travel aspects will give it a competitive edge over other vampire stories?
"Oh, absolutely! The Victorian Age is very famous and very celebrated, especially in other countries. I believe vampire mythology sprung out of that era too. Denise, having included the two time periods, has just worked it in for all the Science Fiction fans out there. A little something for everyone, 'It'll be a damn good read!'"
What are your opinions towards re-introducing some classical piano to today's youth through Bryony?
"I myself, appreciate classical music and find it very mellowing. Between the technology advancements and society, I feel like we're much more violent. I think it's quite brilliant incorporating classical piano in a book relevant to teens. Maybe if they learned to enjoy some other sounds, they could mellow themselves out too."
Finally, Amber, how do you feel about Bryony being filled with original art and not just a book with any picture as a cover?
"The art is an excellent idea! I see to many things photo shopped or thefts from an original. There is a generous lack of new and interesting ideas."
Thank You, Amber, for obliging me and my stumbling interview. I thoroughly enjoyed writing up your contribution for the blog.
So Amber, how excited are you for "Bryony," being another novel indulging vampires?
"Truthfully, actually really, really, excited! I just love anything with vampire mythology!"
Do you think the vampire craze inhabiting this younger generation is a fad?
"I'd definitely say so. I felt Vampires were rather unpopular until the Twilight books showed up. When the movies are all released, I feel the craze will end. The original individuals who read and loved the books will keep going back forever to read them. So in theory, I think the vampire hype will die off."
Do you feel that Bryony, with its Victorian history and time travel aspects will give it a competitive edge over other vampire stories?
"Oh, absolutely! The Victorian Age is very famous and very celebrated, especially in other countries. I believe vampire mythology sprung out of that era too. Denise, having included the two time periods, has just worked it in for all the Science Fiction fans out there. A little something for everyone, 'It'll be a damn good read!'"
What are your opinions towards re-introducing some classical piano to today's youth through Bryony?
"I myself, appreciate classical music and find it very mellowing. Between the technology advancements and society, I feel like we're much more violent. I think it's quite brilliant incorporating classical piano in a book relevant to teens. Maybe if they learned to enjoy some other sounds, they could mellow themselves out too."
Finally, Amber, how do you feel about Bryony being filled with original art and not just a book with any picture as a cover?
"The art is an excellent idea! I see to many things photo shopped or thefts from an original. There is a generous lack of new and interesting ideas."
Thank You, Amber, for obliging me and my stumbling interview. I thoroughly enjoyed writing up your contribution for the blog.
Saturday, October 9, 2010
Gone Caretaking
Ed Calkins is busy with his stewardly caretaking duties at Tara and (hopefully) will return next week.
Friday, October 8, 2010
Cardiac Arrest
Pete Masters doesn't burglar people for the the items he collects. No, Masters was in it for the thrill alone. An ex-convict, he loves the adrenaline rush from being where he isn't supposed to be.
One night, after cleverly slipping his picking tools inside some flowers to get past security, he's presented with a situation he hasn't yet experienced. He picks a door just before the elevator lands on that floor. He gains entry right before the elevator lands on that floor. As Masters is moving around in the dark apartment, the light turns on.
What happens next in "Cardiac Arrest" by Tim Myers? Read for yourself at http://www.mysterynet.com/twist/. An unusual ending and not what I expected.
One night, after cleverly slipping his picking tools inside some flowers to get past security, he's presented with a situation he hasn't yet experienced. He picks a door just before the elevator lands on that floor. He gains entry right before the elevator lands on that floor. As Masters is moving around in the dark apartment, the light turns on.
What happens next in "Cardiac Arrest" by Tim Myers? Read for yourself at http://www.mysterynet.com/twist/. An unusual ending and not what I expected.
Thursday, October 7, 2010
Hijacked!
Denise M. Baran-Unland is currently having some tests run. While she is out of commission, I'll be hijacking her blog and doing my best to keep it running smoothly. This is proving rather difficult already. Some people sit down and their minds are a whirl of information that needs to be put on paper. However, I usually have a lot to say, not write. Of course, I am not the professional writer either.
Since the time I knew about the novel, Bryony, which hasn't been long at all, I've immersed myself in Denise's project. I've read the manuscript, played administrator to the Facebook page, created the website, tagged some blogs, and yet, I still can't tell you too much more than what I knew 6 months ago. I find myself having inner battles when I confront the Bryony Facebook Page, never knowing what information I'm privy to share. For me, I want to share it all! I don't want to post tidbits and links, I want the book, displayed in all its glory, as a profile picture! I want discussions and fans to analyze the characters so creatively thought up!
I'm beginning to realize how much patience I really don't have. Rest assured I won't divulge any secrets until I'm allowed. Until release I will keep my lips sealed and my fingers busy in the hopes of entertainment for you. Until tomorrow, Sarah C Stegall
Since the time I knew about the novel, Bryony, which hasn't been long at all, I've immersed myself in Denise's project. I've read the manuscript, played administrator to the Facebook page, created the website, tagged some blogs, and yet, I still can't tell you too much more than what I knew 6 months ago. I find myself having inner battles when I confront the Bryony Facebook Page, never knowing what information I'm privy to share. For me, I want to share it all! I don't want to post tidbits and links, I want the book, displayed in all its glory, as a profile picture! I want discussions and fans to analyze the characters so creatively thought up!
I'm beginning to realize how much patience I really don't have. Rest assured I won't divulge any secrets until I'm allowed. Until release I will keep my lips sealed and my fingers busy in the hopes of entertainment for you. Until tomorrow, Sarah C Stegall
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Coffee Anyone?
We sip, we slurp, we rely on its warmth and pick me up, we drink coffee socially, but, does anyone know when it became a permanent fixture in our lifestyles? According to www.wikipedia.com, coffee has been traced to the thirteenth century, although its origins are still unclear. The first credible history of drinking coffee showed up in the fifteenth century. Www.coffeecakes.com states coffee came to America in the seventeen hundreds by way of the British and by the nineteen hundreds American were consuming one half of all coffee produced in the world. Guess that's what happens when you tax and dump tea.
Coffee at that time was prepared similar to Ethiopian styles. Green beans were roasted over a stove, ground in a pestle and mortar, and boiled on a stove until done. The ceremonies that go about serving it were different, yet the adoption method of preparation was general.
James Mason patented the first coffee Percolator in 1865. Years later, the first electric Percolator in 1910 came about, and then the drip coffee maker in 1960. The drip coffee maker was a huge breakthrough, it didn't re-circulate the grounds like the prior methods leading to an improved taste. House wives favored these new inventions as they led to increased ease of preparation on their part.
The term "Cuppa Joe," refers back to World War I when no G.I. Joe was without his cup of coffee. The soldiers had a dehydrated version in their rations or assembled in halls around a large Percolator. Coffee houses were the place to be after the war. The soldiers were so used to having their coffee that it became accustomed socially to gather and drink. When they needed a meal with the drink, soda fountains and lunch counters sprang into existence.
So as I sit here with my beverage, a steaming mug filled with coffee that has my senses alert, I rapidly type out the posting for today hoping to share with you the rather large contribution coffee has made to Bryony. Without this beverage that has kept me running and up at all hours typing, the much anticipated novel (so my family claims) might not have ever made it to editing. As you sip, slurp, and savor your "Cuppa Joe,"think what coffee has added to your day.
Coffee at that time was prepared similar to Ethiopian styles. Green beans were roasted over a stove, ground in a pestle and mortar, and boiled on a stove until done. The ceremonies that go about serving it were different, yet the adoption method of preparation was general.
James Mason patented the first coffee Percolator in 1865. Years later, the first electric Percolator in 1910 came about, and then the drip coffee maker in 1960. The drip coffee maker was a huge breakthrough, it didn't re-circulate the grounds like the prior methods leading to an improved taste. House wives favored these new inventions as they led to increased ease of preparation on their part.
The term "Cuppa Joe," refers back to World War I when no G.I. Joe was without his cup of coffee. The soldiers had a dehydrated version in their rations or assembled in halls around a large Percolator. Coffee houses were the place to be after the war. The soldiers were so used to having their coffee that it became accustomed socially to gather and drink. When they needed a meal with the drink, soda fountains and lunch counters sprang into existence.
So as I sit here with my beverage, a steaming mug filled with coffee that has my senses alert, I rapidly type out the posting for today hoping to share with you the rather large contribution coffee has made to Bryony. Without this beverage that has kept me running and up at all hours typing, the much anticipated novel (so my family claims) might not have ever made it to editing. As you sip, slurp, and savor your "Cuppa Joe,"think what coffee has added to your day.
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Living the Foppish Life
Here is the final piece of a four-part interview on foppery and dandyism. Sir Frederick Chook, a romantic, transcendentalistic, overly brainful fop, the author of FrillyShirt (http://www.frillyshirt.org/) and inventor of leopoard oil, talks about his favorite dandies, influences, and creative expression.
11) Any dandies worth emulating and why?
"I've introduced a feature to FrillyShirt recently, called the Public's Peacocks - accounting the lives and lessons of clotheshorses who took up the cause of the poor and downtrodden, in practical politics or otherwise. There's quite a lot of them to work with, surprisingly enough! But, even leaving politics aside, there are many fine foppish sorts who lived beautiful, inspiring lives. Oscar Wilde stands out, as he always does - for all his caustic wit and regrettable legal decisions, he was the most kind and tender man, and he wrote the most marvellous essays on the spiritual life.
12) Anyone else?
"For a more quiet, practical sort of fop, I greatly admire the American Transcendentalists. Henry David Thoreau, in particular, was one who lived, worked, created and dressed all according to his own ideal - designing his own suits for country walking and for his scientific pursuits. By way of an example local to my hometown, I'd point to the Patersons - a whole family of artists, designers and philanthropists, who not only brought Aestheticism to Melbourne, but who did much to lay the foundation for Australian art as it exists today. A marvellous clan, the subject of my own continuing research and writing - and not once have I seen any of them looking less than stunning.
13) "When did your love for the nineteenth century begin?
"I suppose it was around when I began my history degree. I was a vehement radical in those days, utterly dedicated to improving the common lot by political action. Gradually, I discovered my love for history in general, the wonderfully bizarre nineteenth century in particular. At the same time, I was introduced to some wonderful artists and writers - the Romantics, the Post-Impressionists... Joseph Beuys was a big one, too - whose work celebrated the art of life. Studying under the philosopher Freya Mathews, and by her being introduced to Kant and Schelling and to Taoist thought, was the next big step - redefined my concept of the self in nature, of morality, and all that jazz.
14) What does creative expression mean for the fop?
"That the same skills which help us live beautifully can help us live well, That understanding and celebrating who we are can help us understand and celebrate the world around us. Painting, prose, weaving, dance - all means by which we comprehend what cannot be expressed more simply. I mustn't waffle on too long, but essentially, to live artistically is to grapple with Life's Big Questions, to go beyond pure reason and pure science, to seek the truth in your every pursuit."
11) Any dandies worth emulating and why?
"I've introduced a feature to FrillyShirt recently, called the Public's Peacocks - accounting the lives and lessons of clotheshorses who took up the cause of the poor and downtrodden, in practical politics or otherwise. There's quite a lot of them to work with, surprisingly enough! But, even leaving politics aside, there are many fine foppish sorts who lived beautiful, inspiring lives. Oscar Wilde stands out, as he always does - for all his caustic wit and regrettable legal decisions, he was the most kind and tender man, and he wrote the most marvellous essays on the spiritual life.
12) Anyone else?
"For a more quiet, practical sort of fop, I greatly admire the American Transcendentalists. Henry David Thoreau, in particular, was one who lived, worked, created and dressed all according to his own ideal - designing his own suits for country walking and for his scientific pursuits. By way of an example local to my hometown, I'd point to the Patersons - a whole family of artists, designers and philanthropists, who not only brought Aestheticism to Melbourne, but who did much to lay the foundation for Australian art as it exists today. A marvellous clan, the subject of my own continuing research and writing - and not once have I seen any of them looking less than stunning.
13) "When did your love for the nineteenth century begin?
"I suppose it was around when I began my history degree. I was a vehement radical in those days, utterly dedicated to improving the common lot by political action. Gradually, I discovered my love for history in general, the wonderfully bizarre nineteenth century in particular. At the same time, I was introduced to some wonderful artists and writers - the Romantics, the Post-Impressionists... Joseph Beuys was a big one, too - whose work celebrated the art of life. Studying under the philosopher Freya Mathews, and by her being introduced to Kant and Schelling and to Taoist thought, was the next big step - redefined my concept of the self in nature, of morality, and all that jazz.
14) What does creative expression mean for the fop?
"That the same skills which help us live beautifully can help us live well, That understanding and celebrating who we are can help us understand and celebrate the world around us. Painting, prose, weaving, dance - all means by which we comprehend what cannot be expressed more simply. I mustn't waffle on too long, but essentially, to live artistically is to grapple with Life's Big Questions, to go beyond pure reason and pure science, to seek the truth in your every pursuit."
Monday, October 4, 2010
Mixing It Up
When I first started writing the blog, I asked me web administrator, Sarah Stegall, for ideas. I had never written a blog and, until I wrote a novel, never felt any leanings to do so.
“People want to know about you and the book,” Sarah had said. “They want to know about the author, what Bryony is about, how you wrote it, the research that went into it, and where you got your ideas, stuff like that.”
I was relieved Sarah did not feel the whole point of the blog was to sell the book. I’m not a fan of using social media and blogs as solely marketing tools. I’m uneasy when someone wants to “friend” me in order to sell me a product.
Of course, I want to sell books, but not because I see Bryony as a huge money-making venture. Fiction writing falls outside my normal business hours (whatever those are). It’s born from a pure desire to create a story that entertains me and entertains my readers. It’s twenty-six years after Bryony’s conception, and I’m not tired of the story yet.
However, because there would be no Bryony without its author (me!), this blog is a mish mash Bryony-related topics, including the research that went into it, Victorian themes, hints and references to incidents and people in the story, as well as a glimpse into my writing style, my personality, and interests.
My reporter hat comes out here, too. I like to share other people’s stories and voices, so the blog will contain guest postings from time to time. These may be from real people, real with people with nom de plumes, fictional characters, or people who are part real and part fictional, such as Ed Calkins, the Steward of Tara, who posts on Saturdays.
This is why blog postings about the habits of vampires and a commentary on last Sunday’s sermon can all be part of the BryonySeries blog. Don’t like a particular post? Scroll down or come back tomorrow for someting different.
“People want to know about you and the book,” Sarah had said. “They want to know about the author, what Bryony is about, how you wrote it, the research that went into it, and where you got your ideas, stuff like that.”
I was relieved Sarah did not feel the whole point of the blog was to sell the book. I’m not a fan of using social media and blogs as solely marketing tools. I’m uneasy when someone wants to “friend” me in order to sell me a product.
Of course, I want to sell books, but not because I see Bryony as a huge money-making venture. Fiction writing falls outside my normal business hours (whatever those are). It’s born from a pure desire to create a story that entertains me and entertains my readers. It’s twenty-six years after Bryony’s conception, and I’m not tired of the story yet.
However, because there would be no Bryony without its author (me!), this blog is a mish mash Bryony-related topics, including the research that went into it, Victorian themes, hints and references to incidents and people in the story, as well as a glimpse into my writing style, my personality, and interests.
My reporter hat comes out here, too. I like to share other people’s stories and voices, so the blog will contain guest postings from time to time. These may be from real people, real with people with nom de plumes, fictional characters, or people who are part real and part fictional, such as Ed Calkins, the Steward of Tara, who posts on Saturdays.
This is why blog postings about the habits of vampires and a commentary on last Sunday’s sermon can all be part of the BryonySeries blog. Don’t like a particular post? Scroll down or come back tomorrow for someting different.
Sunday, October 3, 2010
Over My Head
I’m going out into the deep water where the fish are.
Last week, Fr. Joseph read the gospel about when Simon and his partners had fished all night and caught nothing. Jesus instructs them to cast their nets into the deep waters, and Simon, after a weak protest, complies. Of course, they caught so much fish their nets nearly broke.
Fr. Joseph said that we often try to do things our way with little or no results. However, the fish we really want to catch are out in the deep water, where it’s scary and bottomless. It’s a place we don’t usually choose to go.
For the umpteenth time in my life, I’m experiencing a complicated medical issue. The answer—again—is not a quick and easy one. The testing, diagnosis and ultimate management lies in waters I don’t want to tread. Yet, as the Ten Avenue North song Timothy keeps playing for me says, “This is where the healing begins.”
That sermon and song focuses my attention on the one who is calling me to the deep water. I close my eyes and take a shaky plunge, but I take it, confident that in that seeminly bottomless gulf of despair, I will find abundant healing.
Last week, Fr. Joseph read the gospel about when Simon and his partners had fished all night and caught nothing. Jesus instructs them to cast their nets into the deep waters, and Simon, after a weak protest, complies. Of course, they caught so much fish their nets nearly broke.
Fr. Joseph said that we often try to do things our way with little or no results. However, the fish we really want to catch are out in the deep water, where it’s scary and bottomless. It’s a place we don’t usually choose to go.
For the umpteenth time in my life, I’m experiencing a complicated medical issue. The answer—again—is not a quick and easy one. The testing, diagnosis and ultimate management lies in waters I don’t want to tread. Yet, as the Ten Avenue North song Timothy keeps playing for me says, “This is where the healing begins.”
That sermon and song focuses my attention on the one who is calling me to the deep water. I close my eyes and take a shaky plunge, but I take it, confident that in that seeminly bottomless gulf of despair, I will find abundant healing.
Saturday, October 2, 2010
Denise Unland's Alternate Geneology, Part 5
By Ed Calkins, the Steward of Tara.
Then came the day at the coliseum when Leo was to be fed to the lions. In the stands, a man known only as The Donald, who once controlled all the coliseum betting in the Roman empire and had just sold half his business to the Roman government.
The Donald loved to gamble, but hated to leave things to chance, and had good reason to be confident that no matter how many Christians the lions ate, he would make money. What he didn't count on was the worst relapse in history.
Modern 12 step programs that tell you; 'every slip has a start'. For Leo it was small wager he placed while being dragged to his trial. "Five on the Lions" he called. But though the shouting the bookie herd ' five on Leo' and so the bet was booked.
Now, after six years of no red meat, no salt, only healthy rabbits food, Leo saw the hungry lions and saw only red meat. The carnage that occurred broke the bookies, angered animal activists, and devastated Leo’s low calorie, low sodium diet. Lions ran in terror as Leo tore limbs to gorge on the red meat. Donald wasn't concerned about the bets on Leo because of the spread. If a better took the lions, he had to spot sixteen Christians.
Donald knew the lions were never fed more then ten. After ten Christians, the lions wouldn't be hungry. How would it look to the coliseum goers if the lions wouldn't eat their daily Christians? On the others side, a better on Christians had to spot two lions. Surely Leo would stop eating after one. The Donald had no idea what it’s like eating lettuce for six years. In a public display of morbid gluttony, Leo didn't stop eating till the last lion in Greece was consumed.
After this, Donald was still smiling. You see, he had sold half his bookie operations to the Roman Government. Now they would find out which half that got! (Collection, Donald/ Payouts, Rome) Some say that this debt caused the fall of Rome. For his additional offence of animal cruelty, Leo was banished for the Roman Empire and so his story ends in the Latin Chronicles without a word of where he went.
Consider where Leo could have gone after banishment. Would he have gone to southern Africa? After eating as many lions, I would think that Leo would avoid that temptation, don't you? Is not it more likely that he would have gone as far from lions as he could get...as in north....as in north but not within the Roman Empire. I think you get my point.
For more informatoin on Ed Calkins, the Steward of Tara, visit www.bryonyseries.com
Then came the day at the coliseum when Leo was to be fed to the lions. In the stands, a man known only as The Donald, who once controlled all the coliseum betting in the Roman empire and had just sold half his business to the Roman government.
The Donald loved to gamble, but hated to leave things to chance, and had good reason to be confident that no matter how many Christians the lions ate, he would make money. What he didn't count on was the worst relapse in history.
Modern 12 step programs that tell you; 'every slip has a start'. For Leo it was small wager he placed while being dragged to his trial. "Five on the Lions" he called. But though the shouting the bookie herd ' five on Leo' and so the bet was booked.
Now, after six years of no red meat, no salt, only healthy rabbits food, Leo saw the hungry lions and saw only red meat. The carnage that occurred broke the bookies, angered animal activists, and devastated Leo’s low calorie, low sodium diet. Lions ran in terror as Leo tore limbs to gorge on the red meat. Donald wasn't concerned about the bets on Leo because of the spread. If a better took the lions, he had to spot sixteen Christians.
Donald knew the lions were never fed more then ten. After ten Christians, the lions wouldn't be hungry. How would it look to the coliseum goers if the lions wouldn't eat their daily Christians? On the others side, a better on Christians had to spot two lions. Surely Leo would stop eating after one. The Donald had no idea what it’s like eating lettuce for six years. In a public display of morbid gluttony, Leo didn't stop eating till the last lion in Greece was consumed.
After this, Donald was still smiling. You see, he had sold half his bookie operations to the Roman Government. Now they would find out which half that got! (Collection, Donald/ Payouts, Rome) Some say that this debt caused the fall of Rome. For his additional offence of animal cruelty, Leo was banished for the Roman Empire and so his story ends in the Latin Chronicles without a word of where he went.
Consider where Leo could have gone after banishment. Would he have gone to southern Africa? After eating as many lions, I would think that Leo would avoid that temptation, don't you? Is not it more likely that he would have gone as far from lions as he could get...as in north....as in north but not within the Roman Empire. I think you get my point.
For more informatoin on Ed Calkins, the Steward of Tara, visit www.bryonyseries.com
Friday, October 1, 2010
Mrs. Amworth
Another E.F. Benson story.
A jovial, middle-aged woman enjoys entertaining, thrills at a good ghost story, and drains the blood of a neighbor boy, all before she dies. Then she suffers an fatal accident, but her vampiric activities continue.
Read it online.
A jovial, middle-aged woman enjoys entertaining, thrills at a good ghost story, and drains the blood of a neighbor boy, all before she dies. Then she suffers an fatal accident, but her vampiric activities continue.
Read it online.
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