BryonySeries: October 2018

Wednesday, October 31, 2018

Never Too Old...

...for the fun of dressing up in a Halloween costume and walking the chilly streets at twilight to the refrains of "Trick or treat!"

As a kid, I always wanted to dress up as a witch, but my mother picked more "fun costumes:" cowgirl, drum majorette, wash woman, etc.

So now, I have a purple and black witch hat and cloak. And I wear it every year to take the grandkids trick or treating.

Can't wait for tonight!

(And neither can Bertrand, whom I holding in his vampire costume from last year. This year, he is going as Superman, his pick, not mine).

Tuesday, October 30, 2018

Community News: Oct. 30, 2018

Check out upcoming events and the awesome things people are doing.

Local health events: Oct. 30 through Nov. 6

https://www.theherald-news.com/2018/10/29/local-health-events-oct-30-through-nov-6/a6prr4z/

Rehabilitation Services now called Shirley Ryan AbilityLab at Silver Cross

https://www.theherald-news.com/2018/10/29/rehabilitation-services-now-called-shirley-ryan-abilitylab-at-silver-cross/a39r318/

Silver Cross 1st in Will County to Launch Mobile Integrated Health Program

https://www.theherald-news.com/2018/10/29/silver-cross-1st-in-will-county-to-launch-mobile-integrated-health-program/adtmd80/

Joliet medical center first Illinois Hospital to use novel endoscopic therapy

https://www.theherald-news.com/2018/10/29/joliet-medical-center-first-illinois-hospital-to-use-novel-endoscopic-therapy/advumc2/

Morris Hospital nets national recognition for pain management

https://www.theherald-news.com/2018/10/29/morris-hospital-nets-national-recognition-for-pain-management/abvhjyt/

Morris Hospital receives three awards at ISHMPR conference

https://www.theherald-news.com/2018/10/29/morris-hospital-receives-three-awards-at-ishmpr-conference/au56i5w/

Morris Hospital patient transportation achieves national recognition

https://www.theherald-news.com/2018/10/29/morris-hospital-patient-transportation-achieves-national-recognition/aaxhpi/

Morris Hospital announces $60 million master facility plan

https://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2018/10/29/98e4b81287064f9f84bf1daa06fb3f82/index.xml?page=1

IDOT working with ISP, local police to step up patrols this Halloween

https://www.theherald-news.com/2018/10/29/idot-working-with-isp-local-police-to-step-up-patrols-this-halloween/a6pdhq6/

Joliet hospital hosts Vascular Access Training Symposium

https://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2018/10/08/710852c4d9eb4cd7b59951f44e618652/index.xml

Sign up for the Will County Go Guide

http://www.theherald-news.com/newsletter/will-county-go-guide/#//

Sign up for the LocalLit Short Story Newsletter

http://www.theherald-news.com/newsletter/locallit/

Sign up for The Munsonville Times

https://www.bryonyseries.com/munsonville-times

Illustration by Matt Coundiff for "Visage." Follow him at www.facebook.com/artbymattcoundiff

Snowbell by Denise M. Baran-Unland, Part 2

Monday, October 29, 2018

Community News: Oct. 27 and Oct. 29, 2018

Check out upcoming events and the awesome things people are doing.

Gotta Do It: Oct. 28 through Nov. 4

https://www.theherald-news.com/2018/10/24/gotta-do-it-oct-28-through-nov-4/aac01jw/

Local pet events: Oct. 29 through Nov. 5

https://www.theherald-news.com/2018/10/28/local-pet-events-oct-29-through-nov-5/ajoc04w/

Pets of the Week: Oct. 29

Click on caption to read the description.

https://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2018/10/22/d9b13d201e204be98e7f451933847870/index.xml

Celebrate National Bison Day on Nov. 3

https://www.theherald-news.com/2018/10/29/celebrate-national-bison-day-on-nov-3/aao4kkr/

Illustration by Kathleen Rose Van Pelt for "Bryony."

Snowbell by Denise M. Baran-Unland, Part 1

Sunday, October 28, 2018

Sue's Diner: Peas, 19th Century Style

Peas.

Unless one is adding a sauce or using them as an ingredient in a larger dish, one doesn't think in terms of elaborate preparation.

Not so with the Victorians.

In fact, the recipe I'm sharing tonight (the one reputedly used at John and Bryony Simons' wedding reception), calls for the use of a certain ingredient if the peas are "old."

This site has a nice explanation of that ingredient: https://www.cooksinfo.com/saleratus.

For our 19th century peas recipe, visit https://www.bryonyseries.com/sue-s-diner.

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

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

Order the cookbook at www.bryonyseries.com.

Saturday, October 27, 2018

The Novels Are Written: Now What?

Earlier this year, I set, and met, some goals for writing and self-editing the fifth novel of the BryonySeries trilogy Before the Blood.

Although I'll certainly be busy with making the changes and getting each book ready for its 2019 release (where a couple of people can't wait to read them), the burning question now is: How am I filling that writing time until Colleen Robbins returns the manuscripts?

Catching up on neglected projects at home and work, that's what!

For instance, this I'm working straight through most of this weekend in order to spend part of Tuesday at Loyola and leave a little early on Wednesday to go trick or treating with grandkids.

Last weekend, I put together the albums of the four BryonySeries artists, tentatively scheduled a year's worth of signings for WriteOn Joliet members at a local bookstore and then visited that said bookstore to meet with the owner to handle some final details of a unique partnership that's happening in 2019 (details later, it's not launched yet).

Also last weekend, I put together a new Bertrand the Mouse Book and finished the copy editing of Cornell Dyer and the Necklace of Forgetfulness. A new proof has been ordered. Bertrand is stalled because the ISBN site is down for maintenance. I'll be calling on Monday.

And I caught up on correspondence with my grandkids! :)

This weekend and last weekend, I worked on some light editing on a novel for another WriteOn Joliet member. Ten chapters down, forty more to go!

(And I still need to practice my piece for this Thursday's open mic at the Book and Bean Cafe in Joliet. The topic is "fear." We have about twenty local authors reading. Hope to see you there!)

Next weekend, I'll be hanging out the bookstore, getting stuff reading for the launch. And giving Ed Calkins a call. True, he sent a telegram last week, but he's altogether too quiet. Time to shake him up.

Plus, I'll be attending the monthly meeting of the WriteOn Joliet Gothic Book Club between 12:30 and 2 p.m. at the Book and Bean Cafe in Joliet. Come join us! :)

By then I'm guessing Colleen might be ready with the edits. And in between those, I have more projects waiting. These are:

Five Bertrand books waiting to be assembled (photos are all done, except for one book and those are half done).

Getting the next two Adventures of Cornell Dyer books written: Cornell Dyer and the Eerie Lake and Cornell Dyer: In the Shadow of the Mountain.

Finally, finally, finally starting my standalone werewolf novel (and I am sooooooooooo tempted to start that now!).

Plus, I'm planning to spend 2019 catching up on reading books by WriteOn Joliet authors.

And now, back to work!

Friday, October 26, 2018

Community News: Oct. 26, 2018

Check out upcoming events and the awesome things people are doing.

Local arts and entertainment Oct. 26 through Nov. 2

https://www.theherald-news.com/2018/10/24/local-arts-and-entertainment-oct-26-through-nov-2/aw3hdjh/

Joliet church to host concert and missionary visit

https://www.theherald-news.com/2018/10/26/joliet-church-to-host-concert-and-missionary-visit/agxgmdd/

Joliet theater seeking teen and adult playwrights

https://www.theherald-news.com/2018/10/26/joliet-theater-seeking-teen-and-adult-playwrights/a4hd3y9/

Don’t trash Halloween pumpkins

https://www.theherald-news.com/2018/10/26/dont-trash-halloween-pumpkins/aiyfmxm/

AroundTown: Glenwood Manor subdivision in Joliet

https://www.theherald-news.com/2018/10/25/around-town-glenwood-manor-subdivision/auqby0d/

Sign up for the Will County Go Guide

http://www.theherald-news.com/newsletter/will-county-go-guide/#//

Sign up for the LocalLit Short Story Newsletter

http://www.theherald-news.com/newsletter/locallit/

Sign up for The Munsonville Times

https://www.bryonyseries.com/munsonville-times

Illustration by Kathleen Rose Van Pelt for "Bryony."

Story Round-Up: Features in The Herald-News, Oct. 21 through Oct. 26

Videos.

A lot of videos.

That's what makes this weekly story roundup different from its brothers and sisters.

Well, that and a collection of vampire-themed recipes.

I took most of the videos on Oct. 12 when I served as "principal for the day" at Hufford Junior High School in Joliet. Read the descriptions as you might with any of the stories and click on the ones that appeal to you.

Tomorrow is a working Saturday because Tuesday is reserved for doctor's appointments. However, last Saturday was so productive in tackling miscellaneous projects, I'm fine with it.

Eventually, Colleen Robbins will be meeting with me to discuss her editorial notes on Before the Blood. And I don't want any lingering projects to distract me from tackling those final edits.

And because there is plenty here to read, watch, and make (because you gotta try at least one recipe), I'll stop right here.

Hope your Friday is merry and not scary, readers, writers and vampire fans! :)

Art of the BryonySeries

Finally, an exhibit of BryonySeries-related art by four of the artists who created book covers and interior illustrations for books in the BryonySeries art is currently on display at the Book and Bean Cafe in Joliet through the month of October.

To round out the week of the artist's exhibit photos, I'm including a link to a baker's dozen worth of photos that don't fall under one particular theme but really highlight the culture of the cafe, all due to Tammy Duckworth.

Tammy, the cafe's owner, is also an artist. She hosts art classes at the cafe and displays, two months at a time, the artwork of local artists, partly because she "doesn't like bare walls."

To view these photos, visit https://www.facebook.com/pg/BryonySeries/photos/?tab=album&album_id=2481951171845166

For more information on the book and Bean Cafe, visit https://www.facebook.com/BookAndBeanCafe/.

And now, here's where to find me on social media and links to this weeks's feature stories.

Non-bylined features:

Monday through Saturday I assembled my non-bylined works - brief posts and calendar listings - into one convenient file and posting them on Facebook in the evening, so readers can easily choose the ones they want to read.

One can also find those event listings, the Gotta Do It calendar, as well as the pets, health, faith, and arts and entertainment calendars, under the sections tab on the left hand side of http://www.theherald-news.com/. Click on "features" and the topics drop down. Gotta Do It runs under "people."

Community news? Again, under the sections tab, under features, and by topic. Updates are posted on these days in print and web (and some only on web on other days as I have the time): Monday (pets), Tuesday (health), Thursday (faith), Friday (arts and entertainment), and Sunday (people).

Social media:

Daily updates: I do post the briefs and calendars on Twitter during the week, so you're welcome to follow me at @Denise_Unland61.

BryonySeries stuff: I post curated content relating to the BryonySeries at @BryonySeries. And assorted related content at www.facebook.com/BryonySeries. And of course, please follow the adventures of Bertrand the Mouse on Instagram at bertrand_bryonyseries.

If you're a writer anywhere in the world, you're welcome to jon WriteOn Joliet's Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/groups/writeonminooka/?ref=bookmarks. We're based in Joliet, Illinois, but we love to meet and interact with writers outside our area, too.

Upcoming events:

These are listed here: https://www.bryonyseries.com/fetes-and-feasts

Books and Such

Information on my books (including where to buy) along with upcoming events is at www.bryonyseries.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.

Meetings, parachute drops, literacy How I spent my morning as 'principal' at Hufford Junior High School in Joliet

I attended Catholic schools and I home-schooled my kids.

So when Larry Crawford, truancy specialist at Joliet Public Schools District 86, sent me an invitation to participate in the district’s “Principal for a Day” program on Oct. 12, I definitely wanted to do it.

https://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2018/10/20/63152889f7b64173a8ca99c2d6f2c15a/index.xml

Gone Not Forgotten: Joliet woman pays tribute to special German shepherd

"He went everywhere with me," Tammy Pyzek said. "He was such an easy dog for me. He just wanted to go and needed stuff to do."

https://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2018/10/21/06664921e5374840a120c1bb8f178b45/index.xml

Whisking It Up: Make elegant chocolate truffles

Joliet Junior College chef instructor Andy Chlebana will demonstrate in 'Whisking It Up'

Check out this step-by-step photo guide and then watch the video at www.theherald-news.com/video.

https://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2018/10/22/51cdd5f020284effba5be3ef7a46c104/index.xml

VIDEO: Whisking it Up with JJC: Dark Chocolate Truffles

Joliet Junior College chef instructor Andy Chlebana shows how to make chocolate truffles.

https://www.theherald-news.com/video/id/198435ff-2890-44e9-a30e-890546dbaca2.html

Once again, they're talking turkey
Methodist churches in Channahon, Minooka and Morris are hosting their annual turkey suppers

One church started hosting these suppers in the 1920s. Another church is hosting its 51st supper. Why are they so popular?

https://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2018/10/23/22f6b51ac2864ad9a539c336cbb3409a/index.xml

'Vampire' tomato soup has a nice 'bite'
Pair with monster-shaped sandwiches

https://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2018/10/25/33d9213d353c47eb9b2bb37ef8b88244/index.xml

A Halloween salad so nutritious, it's scary

Complete with "eyes" and "fingers."

https://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2018/10/25/81c56f3be87446faa0f4bb7209492b80/index.xml

Vampire milk shakes is a scrumptious meld of chocolate, vanilla and strawberry

For the serious sweet tooth.

https://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2018/10/25/9901471281f34849bb3a8391195967f9/index.xml

'Vampire' meatballs are served in a tangy red sauce

Perfect for dinner, a party appetizer, or a late night "bite."

https://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2018/10/25/f140e67f588a4e439e3a1f23f6eee276/index.xml

Cherry, brandy sauce on a dark chocolate and cherry cake is sure to please

Chocolate decadence for the grownups.

https://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2018/10/25/eee86ac42d7145fcaf1a4e520a5e943a/index.xml

Combine a variety of red beverages to make a 'vampire's kiss' drink for adults

Because why should kids have all the fun?

https://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2018/10/25/e06e9784808b4ee9a9bb3e44245fa9d0/index.xml

Chocolate bat cookies are fun and easy to make

Bake some today!

https://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2018/10/25/cdcf53905b9446f2b2f8f129007e7efc/index.xml

Artworks: Channahon woman swaps 'girly' look for "ghouly' one

For the other 364 days of the year, Allison Goldtrap of Channahon is a quiet veterinary technology student at Joliet Junior College and vet tech assistant at Lockport Animal Hospital.

https://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2018/10/23/2330a4d4d08d49f9a449f858647a2a12/index.xml

LocalLit author spotlight: Kevin Trusty of Joliet is back

Trusty said: "I work as a digital content manager so I'm writing all day, every day. But I especially love the art of storytelling. It feels natural to me, almost like it's what I should be doing."

https://www.theherald-news.com/2018/10/25/locallit-author-spotlight-kevin-trusty-of-joliet-is-back/ar8zkn3/

"PRINCIPAL FOR A DAY" VIDEOS

VIDEO: Principal for a Day: Kyle Sartain

Hufford Junior High School principal Kyle Sartain gives the one reason why he likes junior high school.

https://www.theherald-news.com/video/id/55bbaa52-3bd8-4ea5-8a06-1db6c04a4212.html

VIDEO: Principal for a Day: Shavon Pittman

Hufford Junior High School assistant principal Shavon Pittman explains a key role teachers at her school play.

https://www.theherald-news.com/video/id/5250230b-029e-4328-bf1e-19dc1810297b.html

VIDEO: Principal for a Day: Theresa R. Rouse and U.S. Congressman Bill Foster, D-Naperville

Theresa R. Rouse recaps the day, U.S. Congressman Bill Foster, D-Naperville points to the one factor that makes a school successful.

https://www.theherald-news.com/video/id/08f8f5b8-beb2-45e9-97c5-4900f7a07b65.html

VIDEO: Principal for a Day: Larry Crawford

Larry Crawford, truancy specialist for Joliet Public Schools District 86, delivers the invocation before the lunch during the district's "Principal for a Day" program.

https://www.theherald-news.com/video/id/1f19011e-db9a-4748-a3a2-40cdeeeaca1d.html

VIDEO: Principal for a Day: Singing with the Preschoolers 1

Joliet Public Schools District 86 join the preschool students at Marycrest school in a song.

https://www.theherald-news.com/video/id/159645bb-6a34-4eeb-a1cc-ad77571f28ba.html

VIDEO: Principal for a Day: Singing with the Preschoolers 2

Preschool students at Marycrest School lead Joliet Public School District 86's guest principals in a song about friendship.

https://www.theherald-news.com/video/id/a826987f-ffda-4c70-9bbf-543584f1d2cb.html

VIDEO: Principal for a Day: Carmen Carter

Carmen Carter of Carter Realty Group describes the type of leadership she witnessed as Principal for a Day at Joliet Public Schools District 86.

https://www.theherald-news.com/video/id/93f22c49-7cd8-4ff8-ad1c-1c0a9dac76e6.html

VIDEO: Principal for a Day: Leslie Newbon

Leslie Newbon of Silver Cross Hospital why she thought "organized" during her time as Principal for a Day at Joliet Public Schools District 86.

https://www.theherald-news.com/video/id/4551d37f-c7b4-41de-bd9d-931e39440b82.html

VIDEO: Principal for Day: Tycee Bell

Tycee Bell of Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana, who graduated from Eisenhower Academy, shares her experience at returning to the school as Principal for a Day

https://www.theherald-news.com/video/id/b217331d-5bb1-4309-bac5-1f54fbe8b8f1.html

VIDEO: Principal for a Day: ReShawn Howard

ReShawn Howard, Will County Executive Office, recaps her experiences as a Principal for a Day at Joliet Public Schools District 86.

https://www.theherald-news.com/video/id/b113055b-a374-4a0a-9142-b29b1fd94223.html

VIDEO: Principal for a Day: L. Marie Asad

L. Marie Asad, BlueCross BlueShield of Illinois, shares the top question students asked about her when she served as Principal for a Day at Joliet Public Schools District 86.

https://www.theherald-news.com/video/id/36de14ae-6eb5-4606-9966-fd97bdc23268.html

VIDEO: Principal for a Day: Sidney Sklar

Sidney Sklar, University of St. Francis, tells why enjoyed reading to children when he served as Principal for a Day at Joliet Public Schools District 86.

https://www.theherald-news.com/video/id/ca18f3ce-eb83-43c2-89fa-4a632da0f7e8.html

VIDEO: Principal for a Day: Taryn Fears

Taryn Fears, Greater Joliet Area YMCA, describes what she saw at the Thompson Center hen she served as Principal for a Day at Joliet Public Schools District 86.

https://www.theherald-news.com/video/id/3e2b0aba-990e-45bb-b81a-7348d1d53e8b.html

Illustration by Matt Coundiff for "Visage." Follow him at www.facebook.com/artbymattcoundiff

Thursday, October 25, 2018

Community News: Oct. 25, 2018

Check out upcoming events and the awesome things people are doing.

Local faith events Oct. 25 through Nov. 1

https://www.theherald-news.com/2018/10/24/local-faith-events-oct-25-through-nov-1/axa8ub6/

Parish Mission with Rev. Cedric Pisegna at Joliet Church

https://www.theherald-news.com/2018/10/24/parish-mission-with-rev-cedric-pisegna-at-joliet-church/ary4vjt/

Joliet hospice guild to host 31st fashion show

https://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2018/10/17/452dcc6614694ffd90d4b0100025fd66/index.xml

VIDEO: Principal for a Day: Kyle Sartain

Hufford Junior High School principal Kyle Sartain gives the one reason why he likes junior high school.

https://www.theherald-news.com/video/id/55bbaa52-3bd8-4ea5-8a06-1db6c04a4212.html

VIDEO: Principal for a Day: Shavon Pittman

Hufford Junior High School assistant principal Shavon Pittman explains a key role teachers at her school play.

https://www.theherald-news.com/video/id/5250230b-029e-4328-bf1e-19dc1810297b.html

VIDEO: Principal for a Day: Theresa R. Rouse and U.S. Congressman Bill Foster, D-Naperville

Theresa R. Rouse recaps the day, U.S. Congressman Bill Foster, D-Naperville points to the one factor that makes a school successful.

https://www.theherald-news.com/video/id/08f8f5b8-beb2-45e9-97c5-4900f7a07b65.html

VIDEO: Principal for a Day: Larry Crawford

Larry Crawford, truancy specialist for Joliet Public Schools District 86, delivers the invocation before the lunch during the district's "Principal for a Day" program.

https://www.theherald-news.com/video/id/1f19011e-db9a-4748-a3a2-40cdeeeaca1d.html

VIDEO: Principal for a Day: Singing with the Preschoolers 1

Joliet Public Schools District 86 join the preschool students at Marycrest school in a song.

https://www.theherald-news.com/video/id/159645bb-6a34-4eeb-a1cc-ad77571f28ba.html

VIDEO: Principal for a Day: Singing with the Preschoolers 2

Preschool students at Marycrest School lead Joliet Public School District 86's guest principals in a song about friendship.

https://www.theherald-news.com/video/id/a826987f-ffda-4c70-9bbf-543584f1d2cb.html

VIDEO: Principal for a Day: Carmen Carter

Carmen Carter of Carter Realty Group describes the type of leadership she witnessed as Principal for a Day at Joliet Public Schools District 86.

https://www.theherald-news.com/video/id/93f22c49-7cd8-4ff8-ad1c-1c0a9dac76e6.html

VIDEO: Principal for a Day: Leslie Newbon

Leslie Newbon of Silver Cross Hospital why she thought "organized" during her time as Principal for a Day at Joliet Public Schools District 86.

https://www.theherald-news.com/video/id/4551d37f-c7b4-41de-bd9d-931e39440b82.html

VIDEO: Principal for Day: Tycee Bell

Tycee Bell of Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana, who graduated from Eisenhower Academy, shares her experience at returning to the school as Principal for a Day

https://www.theherald-news.com/video/id/b217331d-5bb1-4309-bac5-1f54fbe8b8f1.html

VIDEO: Principal for a Day: ReShawn Howard

ReShawn Howard, Will County Executive Office, recaps her experiences as a Principal for a Day at Joliet Public Schools District 86.

https://www.theherald-news.com/video/id/b113055b-a374-4a0a-9142-b29b1fd94223.html

VIDEO: Principal for a Day: L. Marie Asad

L. Marie Asad, BlueCross BlueShield of Illinois, shares the top question students asked about her when she served as Principal for a Day at Joliet Public Schools District 86.

Sign up for the Will County Go Guide

Illustration by Christopher Gleason for "Staked!" Follow him at www.artworkbytopher.com

Art of the BryonySeries: Sue Midlock

This week, I'm sharing photos from exhibit's installation on Sept. 3. All four artists are taking commissions.

Today's featured artist is Sue (Sue Mydliak) Midlock. Sue created the cover and interior art for Cornell Dyer and the Missing Tombstone, the upcoming Cornell Dyer and the Necklace of Forgetfulness, and the covers for the upcoming, five-volume novel Before the Blood, which is a prequel to the BryonySeries trilogy.

Sue Midlock is a local author, illustrator, and photographer. She writes and illustrates her own books and creates book covers and illustrations for other authors. Sue has also exhibited her work at various galleries in Illinois.

Contact her at suemydliak@yahoo.com.

To view photos of Sue's exhibit, visit https://www.facebook.com/BryonySeries/

To view more photos of Sue's work, visit fineartamerica.com/profiles/sue-midlock.html.

To view the Cornell Dyer book cover, visit www.bryonyseries.com.

Photo of Sue Midlock by Timothy Baran

Wednesday, October 24, 2018

Community News: Oct. 24, 2018

Check out resources for feeding the hungry, recipes, and a video demonstration of making chocolate truffles.

Roundup of food resources in Will and Grundy counties

https://www.theherald-news.com/2018/10/17/roundup-of-food-resources-in-will-and-grundy-counties/af2w2s2/

Go ahead, please cook the daylights out of your broccoli

https://www.theherald-news.com/2018/10/23/go-ahead-please-cook-the-daylights-out-of-your-broccoli/afg936h/

This foolproof French toast recipe guarantees crisp slices

https://www.theherald-news.com/2018/10/23/this-foolproof-french-toast-recipe-guarantees-crisp-slices/a9a9oek/

Pickled Pepper Pull-Apart Beef

https://www.theherald-news.com/2018/10/23/pickled-pepper-pull-apart-beef/ap64w7i/

Pair a roasted salmon with a spiced-up honey-lime glaze

https://www.theherald-news.com/2018/10/23/pair-a-roasted-salmon-with-a-spiced-up-honey-lime-glaze/atu323f/

Forget the mess: This shepherd's pie uses only one skillet

https://www.theherald-news.com/2018/10/23/forget-the-mess-this-shepherds-pie-uses-only-one-skillet/aty81wl/

Discover the secret ingredient for creating a great chili

https://www.theherald-news.com/2018/10/23/discover-the-secret-ingredient-for-creating-a-great-chili/aw7iit2/

Vintage hot chocolate recipe

https://www.bryonyseries.com/sue-s-diner

VIDEO: Whisking it Up with JJC: Dark Chocolate Truffles

Joliet Junior College chef instructor Andy Chlebana shows how to make chocolate truffles.

https://www.theherald-news.com/video/id/198435ff-2890-44e9-a30e-890546dbaca2.html

Sign up for the Will County Go Guide

Illustration by Matt Coundiff for "Visage." Follow him at www.facebook.com/artbymattcoundiff

Art of the BryonySeries: Topher Gleason

This week, I'm sharing photos from exhibit's installation on Sept. 3. All four artists are taking commissions.

Today's featured artist is Topher (Christopher) Gleason. Topher created the book cover and interior illustrations for Staked!, the cover for the holiday edition of Visage, the cover for the short story Snowbell, and is in the process of creating frontispieces for all five volumes of the upcoming novel Before the Blood, which is the prequel to the BryonySeries trilogy.

Topher Gleason enjoys painting and writing. Topher’s art is normally reserved for family and a few close friends, but after the suggestions of those close to Topher, he has decided to share his work. Gleason is currently working on two novels. Topher uses watercolor and ink as his medium.

Contact him at Topher@artworkbytopher.com.

To view photos of Topher's exhibit, visit his album at https://www.facebook.com/BryonySeries/.

To view more photos of Topher's work, visit www.artworkbytopher.com.

To see the covers Topher designed for Staked! the holiday edition of Visage, and Snowbell, visit https://www.bryonyseries.com.

Photo of Topher Gleason (left) by Timothy Baran

Tuesday, October 23, 2018

Community News: Oct. 23, 2018

Check out upcoming events and the awesome things people are doing.

Local health events: Oct. 23 through Oct. 30

https://www.theherald-news.com/2018/10/22/local-health-events-oct-23-through-oct-30/adu14mm/

Residents, staff at Sunny Hill Nursing Home of Will County host own Alzheimer’s walk

https://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2018/10/22/ef43fa1ae6bc4dc7bdb936f1bd104d99/index.xml?page=1

Joliet area women run for ALS research

https://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2018/10/22/4759beecbe3d499985aa11fdea8a193f/index.xml

Fire safety education and awareness

State fire marshal provides tips for staying safe at home and away from home

https://www.theherald-news.com/2018/10/22/fire-safety-education-and-awareness/aooxo1m/

People with mental illness should not be stigmatized

https://www.theherald-news.com/2018/10/22/people-with-mental-illness-should-not-be-stigmatized/ad53v2j/

Sign up for the Will County Go Guide

Illustration by Matt Coundiff for "Memories in the Kitchen: Bites and Nibbles from "Bryony." Follow him at www.facebook.com/artbymattcoundiff

Art of the BryonySeries: Terri Ellinger

An exhibit of BryonySeries-related art by four of the artists who created book covers and interior illustrations for books in the BryonySeries art is currently on display at the Book and Bean Cafe in Joliet through the month of October.

This week, I'm sharing photos from exhibit's installation on Sept. 3. All four artists are taking commissions.

Today's featured artist is Terri Ellinger. Terri created pen and ink illustrations for Bertrand and the Lucky Clover, Bertrand and the Christmas Surprise, and Bertrand's First Book of Numbers.

Terri Ellinger has a degree in creative arts from the University of St. Francis in Joliet. She specializes in watercolor, gouache, pencil, colored pencil, mixed media and ink. She enjoys doing custom portraits of people, places and pets. She recently self-published several books and created her own covers. Terri has also displayed her work at galleries and festival s in the Chicago area.

Contact her at terrie123@comcast.net.

To view photos of Terri's exhibit, visit her albumn at https://www.facebook.com/BryonySeries/.

To view more photos of Terri's work, visit www.terriellingerfineart.com.

Photo of Terri Ellinger by Timothy Baran

Monday, October 22, 2018

Community News: Oct. 20 and Oct. 22, 2018

Check out upcoming events and the awesome things people are doing.

Gotta Do It: Oct. 21 through Oct. 28

https://www.theherald-news.com/2018/10/17/gotta-do-it-oct-21-through-oct-28/ahtswpa/

Local pet events: Oct. 22 through Oct. 29

https://www.theherald-news.com/2018/10/17/local-pet-events-oct-22-through-oct-29/a22elbn/

Pets of Week: Oct. 22

Read the caption of each photo to find out about that pet, including where he or she can be adopted.

https://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2018/10/17/cfdfaa6097504ed7b492c707e7d0c20f/index.xml

Illustration by Matt Coundiff for "Visage." Follow him at www.facebook.com/artbymattcoundiff

Art of the BryonySeries: Matt Coundiff

This week, I'm sharing photos from exhibit's installation on Sept. 3. All four artists are taking commissions.

Today's featured artist is Matt Coundiff. He created the book cover and interior art for the official edition of Visage and the interior art for the BryonySeries cookbook, Memories in the Kitchen: Bites and Nibbles from "Bryony."

Matt Coundiff is a freelance illustrator and artist and will tackle any art-related project. His favorite mediums are colored pencil and marker, although he has experimented with watercolors and acrylics.

Contact Matt at matt.coundiff@gmail.com.

To view photos of Matt's exhibit, visit his album at https://www.facebook.com/BryonySeries/.

To view more photos of Matt's work, visit https://www.facebook.com/artbymattcoundiff/.

To see the cover Matt designed for Visage, visit https://www.bryonyseries.com.

Photo of Matt Coundiff by Timothy Baran

Sunday, October 21, 2018

Sue's Diner: Spiced Chocolate

Melissa, as Bryony, had a close relationship with the housemaid’s little daughter, Anna, much to John’s chagrin. They especially enjoyed sharing cups of spiced hot chocolate at bedtime.

For the recipe, visit the Sue's Diner page at https://www.bryonyseries.com/sue-s-diner.

We enjoyed it three ways: plain and with scoops of either vanilla or chocolate ice cream. We liked them all equally well!

Saturday, October 20, 2018

Ed Calkins (Finally) Checks In

Dear MOMI,

It’s important, I think, that I check in from time to time even though I have nothing new that’s ready to be said. That epic limerick I promised has gotten so weird I’m not sure I can finish it, but I will continue to try.

Instead I hope to clarify claims I’ve made in the past less naysayers have at me, as my ability to respond in damning verse has been compromised by malicious muses.

A while ago, I made the claim that Con Don Won had fought the most one-sided battle in history owning to that fact that there was only one side and still he lost nearly every man under his command, a slight he tried rectify when he ordered the survivors executed. However a historian not interested in body counts and less careful of getting the facts might point to Caligula’s conquest of English.

As legend has it, Caligula promised to defeat the England, marched from Rome to the shores of the English Sea, and then ordered his men to strip naked before cutting down the reeds at its beaches to "prove his victory."

I feel guilty about that legend from time to time. Caligula was actually a more rational ruthless dictator then history remembers. The Latin limerick made an example out of Caligula and my ghost writers had great fun at his expense. It didn’t keep Rome out of England one hundred years later, but hey, who really cares about England.

The Emperors that followed all got the message as did everyone that read the Denise’s book of how ruthless Ed Calkins can be (Editor's note: Gotta write that book one day) even if you haven’t wronged him. But Ireland is just one island west of his target and I had to draw a hard line.

Later, the theory that Caligula’s troops refused in mass to board the transports better explained the order to cut down reeds naked. This was punishment in the form of humiliation that typified Caligula’s reign, but it lacked the staying power of a limerick.

Another thing I should explain, though I thought if obvious at the time I wrote it, is the connection between the suffering of sea sickness and the need for newspapers. You might recall that in my story of Genoa Good (later known as Noah) I pointed out the natural choke point for genealogy and claimed to have read the route list for every known survivor of the great flood.

There are three reasons why sea sickness craves newspapers. The first has nothing to do with content. Nothing absorbs vomit quite as well. Secondly, if your suffering sea sickness you find yourself pouring over the weather section seeking hope. And if you find none there, the obituary columns might inspire.

Hopeful, my next post will be shorter of time and longer of content, humor, and wisdom.

Ruthlessly yours,

You Know Who

(Ed Calkins, Steward of Tara, in case you really did not know)