BryonySeries: September 2019

Monday, September 30, 2019

Community News: Sept. 28 and Sept. 30, 2019

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

Illustration by Kathleen Rose Van Pelt for "Bryony."

On the Eve of 40 Years

I wrote this column for The Herald-News on Friday, before I attended the main 40th reunion event of Providence High School's class of 1979 gathering on Saturday.

The column published on Sunday and the sentiments are the same.

About the only point I would add is that I had not realized, and neither had anyone else I asked, just how many people from our class have passed.

A photo tribute was displayed at the welcome table, which certainly put time into perspective.

Perhaps contributed to the lack of "cliqueishness" to the event. It was truly an enjoyable night.

Looking backward and forward over four decades

Providence High School Class of '79 celebrates 40th reunion this weekend; where has the time gone?

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/09/29/looking-backward-and-forward-over-four-decades/aokgmiu/

Friday, September 27, 2019

Community News: Sept. 27, 2019

Check out the awesome things people are doing.

If you live within the Herald-News' coverage area (most of Will and Grundy counties in Illinois), and you'd like to share your organization's news or upcoming events, email the information to new@theherald-news.com.

A fun, scenic and healthy activity
Morris Hospital supports bike share program in Morris, Channahon
By Marney Simon

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/09/26/a-fun-scenic-and-healthy-activity/a4gszir/

Forest Preserve District of Will County volunteer raises and releases monarchs

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/09/26/forest-preserve-district-of-will-county-volunteer-raises-and-releases-monarchs/accbkrl/

Minooka resident to host artifacts show

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/09/25/minooka-resident-to-host-artifacts-show/ayt521s/

Library visits Bolingbrook students

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/09/23/library-visits-bolingbrook-students/awkbfyp/

Bolingbrook students create mural about the ocean

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/09/23/bolingbrook-students-create-mural-about-the-ocean/aayi478/

Tennis balls help #Romeoville students learn about music

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/09/23/tennis-balls-help-romeoville-students-learn-about-music/a5bq4pt/

Romeoville High School plays at open house

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/09/23/romeoville-high-school-plays-at-open-house/asuo8ri/

Bolingbrook classroom opens library

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/09/23/bolingbrook-classroom-opens-library/a85hb05/

NEWSLETTERS

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, Sept. 15 through Sept. 27

Today I present to you two weeks of feature stories, since I was off last Friday and did not post a blog.

This weekend is my 40th high school reunion, but I'm still hoping to sneak a bit of fiction throughout the next couple of days.

And speaking of fiction, if you like to write (and even if you're just looking for a good book to read), stop at the Joliet Public Library's downtown branch this Thursday.

Eleven members of WriteOn Joliet (including me) will be available to discuss the writing process and offer tips in specific genres in this pre-National Novel Writing Month event.

Even if you're not planning on writing a novel, or even if you don't write fiction at all, we can still help. Some of the members present are poets, others are essayist, and some are both!

But if you're simply a reader who prefers to revel in the works of others, we can help there, too, as we will have our books for sale, along with copies of WriteOn Joliet's anthologies (and information on the Nov. 15 party for our four release).

Have a great weekend readers, writers, and BryonySeries fans!

Now, here's where to find information:

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):

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:

Once Timothy Baran is done updating this page, these will listed here: https://www.bryonyseries.com/fetes-and-feasts.

Check out the progress he has made so far. Each square is hand-built. And be sure to "hover" your hand over the first square. Note: this only works (so far) with the desktop version.

But he's also made A LOT of changes to the website. So be sure to roam around a bit.

Books and Such

Information on my books (including where to buy) along with upcoming events is at www.bryonyseries.com. Again, Timothy is in the process of updating the website, so all titles may not appear. If you have any questions, email me at bryonyseries@gmail.com.

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

Working through the bucket list
Former Joliet-area senior enjoys life on the adventurous side

Indra Krause shrugged off the idea her adventurous activities are unusual for a senior.

“I like to keep busy,” she said.

https://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2019/09/15/47d2b47d79de4d909ffd211e1567803e/index.xml

An Extraordinary Life: Changing the face of disability
Former Joliet man showed the world how one should live

Alan Larson often said, “My mother didn’t not know how to raise a kid with disabilities. So she just raised a kid.”

He also said, "When your outside is not perfect, you learn to appreciate the insides of people – and yourself – a lot more.”

https://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2019/09/15/d89fbe3c4a564e2dbe76123af62b7399/index.xml

Joliet church wants a recovery home
Harmony Community Church is taking steps to make the vision a reality

“Churches, historically, have been there for their community members,” Kathleen Burke, the director of Substance Use Initiatives with Will County Executive Larry Walsh’s Office, said. “If you think about the Salvation Army or Good Will or Catholic Charities, those are all organizations that were started through churches.”

“So it’s not unusual at all for a congregation to decide to do this.

https://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2019/09/03/ea263c7266834354adebd8ab2e252cd3/index.xml

To foster recovery and save lives
Joliet church to host Alcohol and Drug Awareness Day on Sept. 28

“The system of care with behavioral health is broken,” Kathleen Burke, the director of Substance Use Initiatives with Will County Executive Larry Walsh’s Office, said.. “And my passion is about helping to put it together in a way that serves the people who need it most.”

https://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2019/09/03/4177dcec77ae4355afa17c0d77d7921b/index.xml

In honor of cheeseburgers, simple and gourmet

When I was a child, American cheese slices topped most of the cheeseburgers I ate. Although I feel Cheddar is "tops," other people like Swiss and even goat cheese on their burgers.

So in honor of the day plus one, here's a few facts about cheeseburgers, along with tips for making good ones at home.

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/09/17/in-honor-of-cheeseburgers-simple-and-gourmet/aiwwfr8/

Haunted House - or not? You decide on Sept. 25 in Joliet

Alas, the event has passed, but the presenter has a book coming out detailing her experiences. Check out the story for more information.

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/09/13/haunted-house-or-not-you-decide-on-sept-25-in-joliet/ahir6ft/

Downers Grove Library Skypes descendant of 'Dracula' author

At the end of the presentation, Stoker had a surprise for those in attendance.

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/09/19/downers-grove-library-skypes-descendant-of-dracula-author/a9hwk32/

LocalLit book spotlight: 'If Not Now, When?'
Joliet artist Tita Recometa-Brady publishes first book

As she wrote in the book's introduction, "Each letter of the alphabet inspired new drawings, new designs." The result is "the most encouraging words in the English-American language from A to Z," she wrote.

https://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2019/09/19/a8118185920b4a5e99426aabd6b2a900/index.xml

An Extraordinary Life This couple lived by their priorities
Bill and Shirley Avery were devoted to their faith, family and Plainfield

Bill and Shirley Avery took their Catholic faith so seriously, they had a Lourdes grotto built at the cemetery of their church, St. Mary Immaculate Parish in Plainfield in 2012.

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/09/16/an-extraordinary-lifethis-couple-lived-by-their-priorities/azgw7p3/

'Recovery is based in God'
Joliet man shares the way in – and the way out – of addiction

“God is the foundation for me to remain honest,” Ralph Carey said. “And honesty for me is the foundation of change.”

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/09/03/recovery-is-based-in-god/ah4a6ln/

'I brought the alcohol; I brought the drugs'
Joliet man discusses his life before recovery

“I have holes in my body from injection sites,” Joe Carey said. “I just prayed to die. I didn’t want to do this anymore.”

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/09/17/i-brought-the-alcohol-i-brought-the-drugs/apqf1eo/

'A walking miracle'
As Joliet father and son recover together, they repair their relationship

And now every night when I’m going to bed or he’s going to better, we say we love each other,” Ralph Careysaid. “I say, ‘Good night, Joe. I love you.’ And he says, ‘Good night, Dad. I love you, too.’”

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/09/16/a-walking-miracle/alz7jff/

Cork Wine Bar in Joliet adds scary fun to special drinks

With names like "Melted Witch" and "Liquefied Ghost," how can one go wrong?

https://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2019/09/25/ca49ebb65e7d4e3f9f9fa0324498f2a9/index.xml?page=1

Extolling the health benefits of drinking coffee
International Coffee Day 2019 in United States, including Joliet, is Sept. 29

What are those benefits? Read on!

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/09/25/extolling-the-health-benefits-of-drinking-coffee/agiiozq/

LocalLit book spotlight: 'Southern Shorts' by Sue Mydliak of Joliet

"Southern Shorts" by Sue Mydliak of Joliet is a book of humorous short stories about Charlese and her friends, who live in the fictional town of Dry Prong, Louisiana.

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/09/26/locallit-book-spotlight-southern-shorts-by-sue-mydliak-of-joliet/ae9dvnk/

Illustration by Matt Coundiff for "Visage."

Thursday, September 26, 2019

Community News: Sept. 26, 2019

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

Illustration by Kathleen Rose Van Pelt for "Bryony."

BryonySeries Throwback Thursday: Old Folders

Sunday, August 15, 2010

Old Folders

It’s not just birdhouses I move out of my way. Actually, today they are sitting on top of a stack of folders, another gift from another friend. This former church pastor spent a lifetime promoting the value of positive thinking. Each time he gave a presentation or led a seminar of some kind, he created a folder full of corresponding material. While cleaning out his office, he came across a stack of these folders and gave them to me. I still have three children living at home, one is in college and the other two are homeschooled, not to mention all the hard copies of notes I'm saving regarding Bryony, so I go through folders like mad. I figure I’ll just toss the information and save the folders.

However, the content in each of these packets catches my eye. The one open on my lap features a graveyard cartoon. The tombstone says, “Here lies someone who was going to be happy tomorrow.” There is also a page of stress busters, A Creed for the Discouraged, a plan for becoming more encouraging, and an entire page of suggestions for praise. I’m uplifted just sifting through them.

The kids can buy more folders. These are going downstairs in a place I will see them. When someone passes through my door in need of encouragement, assertiveness training, a self-esteem boost, or a hug, I’m going to hand them one of these folders, compliments of my friend. That way, in spirit, he continues to pass along the blessing.

Wednesday, September 25, 2019

Community News: Sept. 25, 2019

Check out the awesome things people are doing.

If you live within the Herald-News' coverage area (most of Will and Grundy counties in Illinois), and you'd like to share your organization's news or upcoming events, email the information to new@theherald-news.com.

Local students earn dean's list for spring 2019

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/09/23/local-students-earn-deans-list-for-spring-2019/a3kw0jd/

Meet the Will County Circuit Clerk's interns

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/09/02/meet-the-will-county-circuit-clerks-interns/ad4p8qd/

D. 204 in Joliet recognizes Nanophase Technologies

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/09/20/d-204-in-joliet-recognizes-nanophase-technologies/a11scv9/

Troy staff members recognized for service

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/09/20/troy-staff-members-recognized-for-service/a30w6vd/

Joliet Region Chamber of Commerce and Industry recognized

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/09/20/joliet-region-chamber-of-commerce-industry-recognized/au6h6pa/

More Troy staff recognized for service

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/09/20/troy-staff-recognized-for-service/aqzp9md/

JTHS recognizes owner of TCBY in Shorewood

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/09/20/jths-recognizes-owner-of-tcby-in-shorewood/aqkje7p/

Troy schools recognize 2019 retirees

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/09/20/troy-schools-recognize-2019-retirees/a6gxsjk/

Troy staff member recognized for milestone

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/09/20/troy-staff-member-recognized-for-milestone/ay1nneh/

NEWSLETTERS

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

Tuesday, September 24, 2019

Community News: Sept. 24, 2019

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

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

Another Side of Self-Publishing

Back in 2012, I had an audio version of Bryony professionally recorded at a studio in Joliet.

The end.

No, seriously.

The narrator and I wound up with personal emergencies, and the project faded into the background.

Over the years, the producer and I have occasionally reached out to each other with a "We should do something with this," but individual schedules never worked out at the same time to talk and plan.

That's changed.

I've now met with the producer three times in the last month and a half. He still has the files, and they sound amazing.

We are researching and educating ourselves on the audio book industry to decide the best way to distribute it.

I have self-publishing experience. He has experience in the music industry. So it's a springboard for us to learn the audio book industry and share thoughts and links.

Since we've waited this long, we're in no hurry.

But since I don't listen to audio books, we may want a couple of beta listeners before we launch.

Anyone interested?

Monday, September 23, 2019

Community News: Sept. 19 and Sept. 23, 2019

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

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

Rejuvenated

The cancellation of VampCon Chicago left several people in my family (and a few friends) with some unexpected time off.

We strove for a balanced used of the last three days. The old wedding rhyme came to mind:

Something old,

something new,

something borrowed,

something blue,

and a sixpence in her shoe.

Something old: I watched two old movies (the 1931 Dracula and the rare Hammer film The Shadow of the Cat, which I hadn't seen in 50 years). I also worked on the werewolf story, which takes place during the summer of 1961. I researched old werewolf lore. We made it up to Homewood for Divine Liturgy on Sunday, which we had not done since Pascha, and hugged old friends. I also did not go swimming (which has definitely gotten old!). We ate Saturday leftovers for Sunday lunch (see below).

Something new: We introduced Joshua and Amber to fresh culinary delights with treating some of us to Friday Night Dinner at Joliet Junior College's Thrive (Herald-News story coming this week). Joshua pointing out more than half the items on the menu, asking, "What's this? And what's this? How about that?" Amber ordered salmon and reveled in the fact one bite could produce five flavors! On Saturday, Timothy and Amber made a phenomenal dinner (cured chicken, au gratin potatoes with freshly grated Parmesan, a green salad (with broccoli, cucumbers, peppers, and two types of olives), and a layered dark chocolate cake (with homemade strawberry jelly and whipped cream). I finally spent some time (albeit very little time) with Cornell Dyer and the Flu.

Something borrowed: Rebekah lent me the money to enter a literary contest. Timothy is staying on top of our booth refund for the convention. I finished the final edits for WriteOn Joliet's third annual anthology (Rebekah will adjust the formatting today, I hope). I FINALLY had an overdue haircut (the money is always borrowed from somewhere else because I'm too cheap to budget for it).

Something blue: Since we are "moving," the kids have been looking at couches. Timothy put a deposit down on a blue one. Rebekah found a gray one (with blue tones) that she really liked. If Daniel likes it, she will hold that one with a deposit, too. Timothy, Jasmine, and I visited Ron in the nursing home, and he did not know us at all.

A sixpence in her shoe: With new financial rewards and responsibilities come new budgets and new items to buy, like computer desks. Lots of planning this weekend! Also, Daniel and Cindy brought me home a large container of turnip greens from Cracker Barrel. And Timothy bought me the dark roast of the day from Brewed Awakenings in Morris one minute before closing time. Rebekah and I walked and talked.

Because people who love you and care for you are better than money in your shoe!

Have a great Monday readers, writers, and BryonySeries fans! :)

Thursday, September 19, 2019

BryonySeries Throwback Thursday: What Keeps You from Writing?

Tuesday, September 15, 2015

What Keeps You from Writing?

Balance in your life is important.

One can't and shouldn't write all the time, even if one works as a writer and editor. Each individual must find his/her balance life and the writing life.

Nevertheless, many of us know that one person who is "working" on a book or who is "going to write a book" in that elusive someday...except that person is busy, busy, busy with so many distracting fun activities that the hard work of writing never actually gets done, except, at best, in short and occasional spurts and stops.

Are you a real writer or a pretend writer?

The first? When do you write? How often to you write? Do you write with any consistency?

The second? List the activities you do instead of writing.

Wednesday, September 18, 2019

Community News: Sept. 18, 2019

Check out the awesome things people are doing.

If you live within the Herald-News' coverage area (most of Will and Grundy counties in Illinois), and you'd like to share your organization's news or upcoming events, email the information to new@theherald-news.com.

Louis Joliet Chapter of DAR members win 2019 essay contest

https://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2019/09/13/82da1c60078c41c5adaa98dd825b956c/index.xml

Plainfield school has new outdoor classroom

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/09/18/plainfield-school-has-new-outdoor-classroom/adqwpm3/

Troy students share positive messages at school

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/09/18/troy-students-share-positive-messages-at-school/as2v3d2/

Bolingbrook students welcomed back to school

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/08/28/bolingbrook-students-welcomed-back-to-school/ai73pf8/

Local students earn dean's list for spring 2019

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/09/18/local-students-earn-deans-list-for-spring-2019/a30e40y/

2019 DAR Good Citizens honored by Louis Joliet Chapter NSDAR

https://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2019/09/13/7929ee31b230479b9af5ecff9388bbff/index.xml

VIDEO: Stories of making a difference

Audra Crowther, president of Team Make a Difference, shares inspiring stories of her clients at the
"Everyday Heroes" breakfast on Sept. 13 at the Renaissance Center in Joliet.

https://www.theherald-news.com/video/id/c205c425-16cd-4540-9392-6abd1a6b3961.html

VIDEO: Spirit Animal

Joliet artist David Kump explains the spirit animal that best represents him and why.

https://www.theherald-news.com/video/id/1f8175a3-afdc-4eba-85c7-3a37792e170b.html

NEWSLETTERS

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 facebook.com/artbymattcoundiff.

Tom Hernandez Reads at the Plainfield Public Library

Tuesday, September 17, 2019

Community News: Sept. 14 and Sept. 17, 2019

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

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

You Still Have To Do The Work

Many people have an image of writers (and I've seen some sellers of various products use thia image in their marketing pitches) that looks something like this:

You lazily wake up without an alarm, mosey to the kitchen to prepare a cup of coffee, enjoy a leisurely breakfast, and then spend the day blissfully transferring the stories living in your imagination to the computer, where (if you only had this marketing product), they sell millions of copies to adoring fans.

The End

Hahahahhahaha!

My mornings look more like this: wake before dawn (after hitting snooze a few times), stumble out of bed (to the delights of the cats because I'm FINALLY going to feed them), make coffee, stumble back upstairs, and sign onto the computer.

After posting a Bible verse, some good mornings on my social media pages, and birthday greetings, I then spend the next couple hours answering email and scheduling posts.

I then spend a couple hours working on my story budget while working out, as well as making phone calls (personal and work-related, and keeping up with email and social media.

The rest of the day is spent keeping up correspondence, keeping an eye on pages, writing and editing stories and news releases, editing pages, designing pages, and conducting interviews.

I am never finished and almost always push today's work into tomorrow...and into the weekend. I do not, as a strict rule, work on personal writing and editing projects during the week (no time), so all of that writing is kept for the weekend (or a vacation day).

The only day that MAY look like the aforementioned fantasy scene is Saturday, a truly magical time. For a few short hours, deadlines vanish. I've even had a few Saturdays where I've had NO "work" work to complete (rare), and I've spent an entire day working on a novel.

Here's what this past weekend looked like:

On Saturday, I actually did spend a few productive hours on the werewolf story before heading to New Lenox for a dentist appointment.

Afterwards, Timothy treated me to a cup of Gloria Jean's, which I enjoyed while addressing some BryonySeries related, non-writing chores with Rebekah, who was now home from work.

I scanned some photos for Monday's "An Extraordinary Life" photo list, took a break at sunset to get into the pool with Rebekah (the first time all year that happened), and then spent another couple hours scanning and processing photos.

On Sunday, I skipped church because I had to finish the "An Extraordinary Life" and design the page. Yes, I could have done it on Saturday, (or stayed up extremely late on Friday), but I felt this story needed a few hours of unbroken time and a fresh mind - so that's what I gave it.

I also ducked out to take a photo and, because I was in the area, to run over to Menards to look at fake fireplaces with Timothy and Rebekah (because they're considering buying one).

I then spent twenty minutes cleaning the house, and then two hours with Phyllis, a Joliet woman in her 90s. For the past year and a half, I've been working on her memoir. We are coming into the home stretch, and she actually cried when I read portions back to her.

After picking up my medicine at Walgreens, Timothy and I headed for Morris, where we spent a couple hours with Ron in the nursing home, a bittersweet experience.

Bitter because he's lost more weight, has pneumonia, and the dementia has firmly set in. "Sweet" because he was thrilled to see me. Enough that one nurse said she hadn't seen him look this happy in days.

Although he was extremely surprised I wasn't going to smoke with him and even more surprised that I had never smoked. Which left me wondering if he hadn't mistaken me for a former girlfriend in his younger years, which actually made ME grin. No matter, it made him happy for awhile.

Then it was back home for a quick dinner, a workout, and that was the weekend.

The point of this post is that a writer's life looks like anyone else's life: work and the rest of life.

Yes, there's those glorious moments of bliss in the craft, but many of those are planned, and the rest are elusive. Mostly, it's work, and you have to show up to do the work.

A writer writes, then rewrites, then cuts, edits, and (sometimes) goes online the next day to correct any typos that were missed in the process.

This is not counting the amount of time spent posting finding ways to connect readers with the stories, because many people don't read newspapers as keenly as they once did. This process is even more difficult with fiction.

Now, I'm glad I put that time into yesterday's An Extraordinary Life. I received some great feedback on it yesterday and not just from the man's loved ones.

But this, ultimately, is not where writers find most of their satisfaction. Because praise is fleeting.

Rather, the satisfaction comes from the hours spent in thinking about the structure and then hammering it out letter by letter, and then dismantling all that effort like a kid knocking down a stack of wooden blocks because it's not the castle he pictured, until finally you read something that makes feel good you wrote.

Or, at the very least, makes you relieved you made deadline and are able to go to the next project.

Monday, September 16, 2019

Community News: Sept. 12, Sept. 13, and Sept. 16, 2019

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

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

By My Desk

By my home computer and at my office, I have quotes and verses to keep me focused.

I have more at work than at home simply because I have more room at work to post them.

Here are the four taped by my home computer. Have a most blessed Monday!

Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him. James 1:12

We felt that we had received the sentence of death. But that was to make us rely not on ourselves but on God who raises the dead. 2 Corinthians 1:9

Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain. 1 Corinthians 15:58

When you rise in the morning, give thanks for the light, for your life, for your strength. Give thanks for your food and for the joy of living. If you see no reason to give thanks, the fault lies in yourself. Tecumseh

Friday, September 13, 2019

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

I have a meeting in just a little bit, so no great commentaries this morning - just sincere wishes that anyone reading this post today has a wonderful Friday and even better weekend, full of simple pleasures and sublime blessings.

Immediately below is where to find various information. Directly below that are this week's feature stories. Enjoy! :)

Non-bylined features:

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):

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.

Upcoming events:

Once Timothy Baran is done updating this page, these will listed here: https://www.bryonyseries.com/fetes-and-feasts.

Books and Such

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.

New Lenox mother speaks out after daughter's serious vaping-related illness
Teen’s mother wants other parents to learn from her daughter’s experience

Dr. Aaron Weiner, director of addiction services at Linden Oaks Behavioral Health in Naperville thinks it isn’t THC or nicotine alone that may be contributing to the mysterious vaping-related respiratory illnesses. It’s the toxins in the vapor aerosol, he said.

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/09/06/new-lenox-mother-speaks-out-after-daughters-serious-vaping-related-illness/am4onmz/

Giving back to those who served
Joliet Boy Scout creates memorial patio for Shorewood veterans

The project, a brick memorial paver patio honoring veterans, will be privately dedicated on 9/11, following the remembrance ceremony for the Shorewood Glen veterans.

https://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2019/09/05/98cc66a5f3784354bb5bc3413ee5f11a/index.xml

An Extraordinary Life Keeping a child's memory alive
Joliet family to dedicate Caleb's Corner on Sept. 14 in Mokena

“It’s very tricky,” Claudia Neff said. “No one wants to talk about death, let alone the death of a child. It’s very scary to talk about. We’re trying to find a way to talk about it. I think that’s very important.”

https://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2019/09/07/5f89dfb726de4b34aeb135c891886810/index.xml

Quick tips for healthier eating
Plan ahead for cost-effective, nutritious meals the entire family can enjoy

Family life seems to get busier with each passing year, and it’s hard to plan for healthy eating.

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/09/11/quick-tips-for-healthier-eating/armqkxx/

Joliet artist creates with a purpose
'I'm not here to entertain you, I'm here to make you think.'

Kump’s recent CD “Animal Spirit Soul” features “Wovoka Ghost Dance” and “My Favorite Part of a Woman."

https://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2019/09/10/c48ea97810d84753b266bc35233ac37a/index.xml

Stage or screen, this Minooka teen loves acting and singing

"I love portraying different characters and stepping out of my comfort zone to do something," Lauryn Glossett said. "In the long run, that has always been a positive experience."

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/09/10/stage-or-screen-this-minooka-teen-loves-acting-and-singing/aj0o5j0/

LocalLit book spotlight: 'Life's Wisdom Overcoming Addiction' by Ralph Carey of Joliet

Read how one local man addressed his addiction.

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/09/12/locallit-book-spotlight-lifes-wisdom-overcoming-addiction-by-ralph-carey-of-joliet/ahf448q/

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