BryonySeries: April 2020

Thursday, April 30, 2020

BryonySeries Throwback Thursday: "The Portrait" - Silent Horror Film 1915

Wednesday, April 29, 2020

"So, a Funny Thing Happened on the way to The Open Mic..." Rebecca Baran

Tuesday, April 28, 2020

Fun, Inspirational, and Not By Me

In addition to writing and editing for fun and for profit, I read A LOT (I blame my asthmatic childhood, but see? Good can come from bad) and follow the blogs of my fellow indie authors.

Here are some of the blog posts I've read over the past couple of weeks, as well as a link to all four WriteOn Joliet anthologies and a plug for my WriteOn Joliet co-leader's latest book.

Happy reading!

Discover new voices with a WriteOn Joliet anthology

This adult critique group I co-lead with Tom Hernandez currently has four available. Check them out! :)

https://www.writeonjoliet.com/anthologies

The Weekly Fruit and Vegetable Report

If you're a grandparent or a grandparent-to-be, you'll love this new book by Tom Hernandez

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B086K3FJC9/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_hsch_vapi_tkin_p1_i0

"Positively Quarantined"

http://maureenblevins.blogspot.com/2020/03/positively-quarantined.html

"Positively Drawing"

http://maureenblevins.blogspot.com/2020/04/positively-drawing.html

"The Silent Treatment" by Holly Coop

https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=8479028856898515303#editor/target=post;postID=5212989981083659267

"Promoting Before Publishing" by James Pressler

http://www.writingandtheprocess.com/2020/04/i-recently-started-dialogue-with-up-and.html?fbclid=IwAR1zIe4DgSCczYf-sQNNkt14NCu_VO3Eri9LAqDbyR0WSRf0YVZdJSZGnQ0

And a series of short stories and humorous blog posts by Ken McGee: BTW, the "FAQS" post is, hands down, the best author interview I have ever read.

"Don’t Worry, Dear, It Was Only a Small Fire" by Kenneth Lee McGee

https://kennethleemcgee.com/dont-worry-dear-it-was-only-a-small-fire/

"The Typewriter Virus" by Kenneth Lee McGee

https://kennethleemcgee.com/the-typewriter-virus/

"Lots of dust in that gym," by Ken McGee

https://kennethleemcgee.com/swish-nothing-but-net/

"The Lost Treasure of Perkins MacGhee" By Kenneth Lee McGee

https://kennethleemcgee.com/the-lost-treasure-of-perkins-macghee/

"The Capture of Perkins MacGhee" By Kenneth Lee McGee

https://kennethleemcgee.com/the-capture-of-perkins-macghee/

"Lifetime Achievement Awards" by Kenneth Lee McGee

https://kennethleemcgee.com/lifetime-achievement-awards/

"Grandpa and the Lost Lonely Lions Return"

https://kennethleemcgee.com/grandpa-and-the-lost-lonely-lions-return/

"A Tale Of Two Canals – The Erie & The Root" by Kenneth Lee McGee

https://kennethleemcgee.com/a-tale-of-two-canals-the-erie-the-root/

"FAQs – The Top Ten (or eleven, whatever)"

https://kennethleemcgee.com/faqs-the-top-ten-or-eleven-whatever/

"Don’t Worry, Dear, It Was Only a Small Fire" by Kenneth Lee McGee

https://kennethleemcgee.com/dont-worry-dear-it-was-only-a-small-fire/

"To ?, or Not To ? That Is the ?" by Kenneth Lee McGee

https://kennethleemcgee.com/to-or-not-to-that-is-the/

Monday, April 27, 2020

Community News: Yes, COVID-19, But Positives, too

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

Saturday, April 25, 2020

An Irish Vampire Speaks Out about COVID-19

Dear MOMI,

The COVID-19 break out has a crazy vampire thinking he is saner than the world he lives in. The virus has been hell on the living and undead alike.

I’ve been trying to do my part. I heard the Red Cross needed blood, so I made an appointment to donate. What I didn’t expect is they were only interested in the blood inside of me, not inside my refrigerator. Such misunderstanding between the undead and its prey come in clearer light in this time.

So I made a suggestion that has not been well received. Wouldn’t it be better if COVID-19 positive vampires only bit victims with the disease? A simple tattoo would across the jugular vein could slow down the spread.

Failing in that, victim and vampire could inform each other of their COVID-19 status before the neck biting begins. If they match, the usual business may resume; if not, the two could agree to meet at the same time two weeks in the future.

Can you believe it? I’m an essential worker…and I thought I was only a paper boy. After years of being told by my bosses, that if it wasn’t for the high cost of bananas, they could get a better job done by replacing me with a stupid monkey (not just any monkey but a tupid one), I'm now essential. For the same number of years, subscribers have reminded me that they did my job better when they were in grade school; now they thank me.

How different life is now than it was a year ago in the United States.

The other day I was waiting in line at the bank, six feet away from where two men wearing masks were having a hard time expressing themselves to the baffled teller. The pair showed her their guns and demanded money. She must have taken them for angry, law-abiding citizens, as they were dressed as the government mandated, and assured the pair that their stimulus check was in the mail.

Getting nowhere, one of the men shouted at her, “We’re bank robbers! Give us the money!”

“Ah, you’re self-employed,” she concluded. “Why didn’t you say so.”

The teller just gave them a knowing nod, left the cage, and returned with a ‘Paycheck Guarantee’ application for small businesses. The men calmed down a little when the teller told them they could qualify for ten grand each, but the size of the form made them nervous.

The polite teller told them to “chill out," as she would help them through the process. I’m not familiar with today’s slang, but apparently "chill out" means smoke a joint, as the robbers lit one up and shared with the teller and everyone still waiting in line.

Finally, the police came, just as the bank robbers were endorsing their checks. The police saw the guns, noted the masks, smelled the pot, but could do nothing as the pair had not broken any laws.

But before the police could leave, the teller shouted out. “Stop those men, their checks bounced.”
Yes, the Paycheck guarantee act had run out of money. Passing bad checks might still be illegal but the police still couldn’t arrest the men.

After a long discussion while passing a joint throughout the bank, the police admitted that there was no room in the lock up to hold anyone, as people have been accusing themselves of imaginary crimes to escape their children and spouses.

“Look, just come back here in six months and we’ll straighten it all out then,” the wise cop offered. “Where did you buy the pot? Not bad.”

So everyone left stoned, broke, and six feet apart.

I hope in six months we can go back, and everything will be straighten out. Stay ruthlessly safe.

Ruthlessly yours,

Ed Calkins, Steward of Tara

Friday, April 24, 2020

Story Round-Up: Features in The Herald-News, April 18 through April 23

It's been an especially busy week - with a lot of coverage on the many COVID-19 cases and deaths at Symphony of Joliet.

For your convenience, I have grouped all those stories together.

But there's plenty of other good stories, covid-related and otherwise.

There's information and suggestions on how nursing homes could enhance communication between families and residents (and information on what they're doing right).

There's information about covid-related antibody testing.

There's a heart-rending Extraordinary Life feature about a special needs young woman who died from the virus - and an inspirational story about a young woman who has forged community and corporate sponsorships to connect food resources with the people on the streets who need food the most.

There's some great advice on how to survive these challenging times from a teen with muscular dystrophy, who enjoyed the parade of cars from family, friends, and school staff and students as they wished him a happy golden birthday.

And if you're feeling "stranded," I have a book recommendation for you.

On the non-Herald-News side of the writing and editing life: I just received the graphic for Phyllis' memoir, so another proof copy should go out to the family this weekend.

I'm editing a rather disturbing novel (disturbing in the right way) for a client about a young man who suffered a life of sexual abuse.

And I'm also traveling the world (three countries so far) by editing a travel/food book for a client.

This weekend, I plan to work some more on my two novels-in-progress this weekend (The Phoenix, which is the first in the Limbo trilogy and Lycanthropic Summer, a standalone werewolf novel), which are both part of the BryonySeries.

Timothy has great ideas for the sixth and seventh books in The Adventures of Cornell Dyer chapter books series (one is a Narnia spoof and the other is about zambies - and no, that is NOT a typo), so we MAY start on those this weekend.

That should keep me home, safe, and caffeinated, n'est-ce pas? (as John-Peter might say).

As for everyone else: Be safe, be well, be blessed.

Non-bylined features:

Search by topic (people, pets, A and E, faith, health, and food) at theherald-news.com.

Once a week, I do combine a week's worth into a single blog post.

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 join 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 BryonySeries events:

A full month of virtual events can be found at bryonyseries.com/fetes-and-feasts.

Books and Such

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

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

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.

Illustration by Matt Coundiff for "Visage."

Thursday, April 23, 2020

BryonySeries Throwback Thursday: Four-Step Recipe for a Miracle

Thursday, April 25, 2013

Four-Step Recipe for a Miracle

1) Take an impossible need,

2) Ask God to supply it.

3) Thankfully accept the gift.

4) Repeat as necessary.

Yes, we are having a good day today. :)

Wednesday, April 22, 2020

"So, a Funny Thing Happened on the way to the Open Mic..." ME!

Tuesday, April 21, 2020

Community News: Mostly Related to COVID-19

"Delivering" plenty to read this morning.

The novel coronavirus continues to be the topic that's most interesting to people, and most of these briefs I put together for The Herald-News over the last week are related to that.

So if the coronavirus doesn't interest you, read the first three and close out.

On the side projects/fiction front I'm just waiting for one graphic from Phyllis' family to complete a memoir. I should complete the first and second rounds of two books I'm editing for clients this weekend, and I made some good progress on the werewolf novel (Lycanthropic Summer) this past weekend.

I did nothing on The Phoenix, though, because that story is more complicated and requires longer periods of time to stay focused, which I did not have this past weekend.

And if you're a grandparent to grandparent-to-be, my WriteOn Joliet co-leader has released his fourth book with topics you're sure to like.

Stay well, stay safe, keep reading!

Pets of the Week: April 20

https://www.theherald-news.com/2020/04/15/pets-of-the-week-april-20/drf11dq/

CAPA now accepting 2020 scholarship applications

https://www.theherald-news.com/2020/04/15/capa-noow-accepting-2020-scholarship-applications/a61ra5r/

Neither snow nor rain keeps the Easter Bunny down in Plainfield

https://www.theherald-news.com/2020/04/17/neither-snow-nor-rain-keeps-the-easter-bunny-down-in-plainfield/a30r272/

TCC offers free mental health consultations during pandemic

https://www.theherald-news.com/2020/04/15/tcc-offers-free-mental-health-consultations-during-pandemic/a1qn6ge/

Data shows feline respiratory claims remain static, despite COVID-19 positive tiger

https://www.theherald-news.com/2020/04/15/data-shows-feline-respiratory-claims-remain-static-despite-covid-19-positive-tiger/an8a63k/

Fresh produce pop-up distribution this Saturday in Joliet

https://www.theherald-news.com/2020/04/15/fresh-produce-pop-up-distribution-this-saturday-in-joliet/aw1xjh1/

Salvation Army’s food pantry requests jump by 500%

https://www.theherald-news.com/2020/04/15/salvation-armys-food-pantry-requests-jump-by-500/a3rq688/

Cleaning product exposures up 30% in Illinois due to COVID-19 pandemic

https://www.theherald-news.com/2020/04/15/cleaning-product-exposures-up-30-in-illinois-due-to-covid-19-pandemic/apx2xgu/

COVID-19 testing at Joliet drive-thru site now by appointment only

https://www.theherald-news.com/2020/04/15/covid-19-testing-at-joliet-drive-thru-site-now-by-appointment-only/asd87z2/

Are pregnant women an at-risk population for COVID-19?

https://www.theherald-news.com/2020/04/15/are-pregnant-women-an-at-risk-population-for-covid-19/akl8t53/

COVID-19 pandemic increasing mental health concerns, Morris social worker says

https://www.theherald-news.com/2020/04/13/covid-19-pandemic-increasing-mental-health-concerns-morris-social-worker-says/aldjaib/

Joliet Township High Schools Foundation cancels golf outing

https://www.theherald-news.com/2020/04/10/e-joliet-township-high-schools-foundation-cancels-golf-outing/afjzjrk/

Plainfield 8th-grader makes face shields for local nurses

https://www.theherald-news.com/2020/04/15/plainfield-8th-grader-makes-face-shields-for-local-nurses/djlq7jh/

Drive-Thru Food Drive at Providence Catholic in New Lenox supports health care workers

https://www.theherald-news.com/2020/04/10/drive-thru-food-drive-at-providence-catholic-in-new-lenox-supports-health-care-workers/atwncm1/

'Expedition Mars' canceled due to COVID-19

https://www.theherald-news.com/2020/04/15/expedition-mars-canceled-due-to-covid-19/a8ekn9z/

New Lenox-area Snow Angels are now shopping angels

https://www.theherald-news.com/2020/04/15/new-lenox-area-snow-angels-are-now-shopping-angels/az4udxm/

Plainfield 3rd grade teacher leaves 21 students chalk messages

https://www.theherald-news.com/2020/04/15/plainfield-3rd-grade-teacher-leaves-21-student-chalk-messages/a2kv9f3/

Plainfield East HS leaders write COVID-19 letters to all 540 seniors

https://www.theherald-news.com/2020/04/15/plainfield-east-hs-leaders-write-covid-19-letters-to-all-540-seniors/a3l47zz/

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.

Monday, April 20, 2020

Making Paper Victorian Easter Hats

Last weekend, we finally published our first calendar of virtual events: bryonyseries.com/fetes-and-feasts, an entire month's worth.

Yesterday, as part of our Pascha celebration, Rebekah and I decided to make the Victorian Easter hats featured for April 19.

(BTW, we know there's a typos in the header. I haven't figured out how to access that part; Timothy has to fix it).

Rebekah completed her base done first, so she was the first to experiment with making paper roses.

She added a long ribbon in the back, which reminded me of the "Little House on the Prairie" books (we all love the series).

I added purple roses and bryony flowers and vines - the perfect hat for any reader of the BryonySeries who can't decide between "Team John" or "Team Henry."

I made the roses and the vines. But Rebekah and I worked together to create the right sense of movement without gunking up the results.

She then found a YouTube video (sorry, no link) that helped her make the pink flowers. I added the centers from one of Rebekah's rejected roses.

With the last of my tissue paper, I added an elegant gray bow - which Rebekah tied because I couldn't get it to look right. I'm thinking Rebekah is way better at paper crafts than me.

From start time to cleanup, the project took about three hours. Not bad, I think, for a couple of amateurs.

Friday, April 17, 2020

Story Round-Up: Features in The Herald-News, April 11 through April 16

This is the first year in many years I have not used vacation time for Eastern Orthodox Holy Week.

I had hoped to catch some livestream services last night but a family issue (all resolved; everyone is OK) prevented it.

And tonight I'm working (but the story is very worthy, believe me), so I'll miss the livestream again.

Now here's the benefit of the livestream: I can make these up tomorrow. How beautiful it is that God is not limited by our idea of time.

Below is information on where to find, well, information. And beyond that, are the links to my feature stories for this past week.

Be safe, be well, be blessed.

Non-bylined features:

Search by topic (people, pets, A and E, faith, health, and food) at theherald-news.com.

Once a week, I do combine a week's worth into a single blog post.

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 BryonySeries events:

A full month of virtual events can be found at 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.

Illustration by Matt Coundiff for "Visage."

Thursday, April 16, 2020

BryonySeries Throwback Thursday: How Victorians Used Leftovers: Three Recipes

It's a fair bet that you have all these items in your home or can easily acquire them.

Thursday, April 4, 2013

How Victorians Used Leftovers: Three Recipes

I can't imagine the cooking staff at Simons Mansion serving up any of these dishes, but it's totally plausible Bryony ate them as a little girl growing up in a parsonage with Mrs. Bertha Parks as housekeeper.

The following recipes are adapted from Miss Beecher’s domestic receiptbook: designed as a supplement to her Treatise on domestic economy.

Pork and Potato Balls

Take chopped ham and combine with chopped cold potatoes; mix in egg, a little salt and pepper. Shape into balls and cook in a skillet.

A Good Way to Use Cold Rice

Heat rice in milk and then add a well-beaten egg or two, a little salt, butter, and sugar. Boil it up once and then grate on nutmeg.

A Good Pudding

Line a buttered dish with slices of wheat bread, first dipped in milk. Fill the dish with sliced apple and add sugar and spice. Cover with slices of bread soaked in milk, cover, and bake on low heat for three hours.

Wednesday, April 15, 2020

"So, a Funny Thing Happened on the way to the Open Mic..." Timothy Baran

Tuesday, April 14, 2020

All About COVID-19

Like many newspaper writers and editors these days, the bulk of my writing at work lately has centered around the novel coronavirus.

Here is some information I've shared from submitted content. This includes health information and ways the community is responding to the crisis.

The only post not directly related to COVID-19 is the first one.

However, these animals still need a home, perhaps now more than ever. If you have room in your house and your heart, consider opening up both to a special dog or cat.

Pets of the Week: April 13

https://www.theherald-news.com/2020/04/10/pets-of-the-week-april-13/dwkau7p/

When do you need to be hospitalized for coronavirus?

https://www.theherald-news.com/2020/04/06/when-do-you-need-to-be-hospitalized-for-coronavirus/a93bwid/

Community blood drive in Minooka a success

https://www.theherald-news.com/2020/04/06/community-blood-drive-in-minooka-a-success/apisx0t/

Morris Hospital postpones select services

https://www.theherald-news.com/2020/04/06/morris-hospital-postpones-select-services/appb10z/

Minooka Community High School provides meals and laptops

https://www.theherald-news.com/2020/03/20/minooka-community-high-school-provides-meals-and-laptops/assy78r/

Plainfield-based Friends for Charitable Giving now accepting grant applications

https://www.theherald-news.com/2020/04/08/plainfield-based-friends-for-charitable-giving-now-accepting-grant-applications/avl1ec6/

TOPS offers tips for staying healthy while staying home

https://www.theherald-news.com/2020/04/06/tops-offers-tips-for-staying-healthy-while-staying-home/awsfuw2/

Workforce Center of Will County still providing help for job seekers

https://www.theherald-news.com/2020/04/08/workforce-center-of-will-county-still-providing-help-for-job-seekers/ah1zhvz/

Illinois Early Intervention providers will be able to provide services through live video visits
Services continue for families with infants or toddlers with disabilities or delays

https://www.theherald-news.com/2020/04/08/illinois-early-intervention-providers-will-be-able-to-provide-services-through-live-video-visits/apvg16s/

Recovered COVID-19 patients may aid in fight against virus

https://www.theherald-news.com/2020/04/10/recovered-covid-19-patients-may-aid-in-fight-against-virus/agh6622/

Past clinical experience, new facts guide medication choices for COVID-19

https://www.theherald-news.com/2020/04/10/past-clinical-experience-new-facts-guide-medication-choices-for-covid-19/ay4bl7y/

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

Monday, April 13, 2020

The Calendar is Now Up...

...and Timothy's vision for it was beyond anything I could have imagined.

Short website recap: More than ten years ago when I was writing my first book and reading how writers needed websites, I wanted something more than just five pages of basic information where readers visited once and never returned.

I wanted a site readers could use that mirrored the series. I had no idea what that would like it or how to make one.

Enter my oldest son Christopher who tried to teach himself web hosting. But a slew of health problems took that time and energy away from him so the website baton was passed down to Sarah.

Sarah had never created a website either, so she researched options and settled upon a service who shall not be named. She honed her ability to learn quickly with her creativity and created a site, using the service's templates, that had pages reflecting the first book, Bryony.

Fast forward more than half a dozen years later, and mobile views were more popular than desktop ones, and this particular service couldn't keep up. Moreover, it was clunky to use.

This resulted in the website sitting dormant for almost two years. I stopped referring people to it because it was nearly useless, and the experience was poor.

With Sarah being extremely busy at work, the website baton passed to Rebekah, who researched other services and rebuilt the site. She based a lot of it on Sarah's original work and used new templates to replicate the look and feel of the original, while adding new pages to incorporate new books, which now included Visage and Staked! to the "drop of blood" trilogy and a chapter book series and a series for children.

Finally, Timothy, who had just finished a marketing class, stepped in. At first he simply wanted to adjust a few colors. But eventually he decided the entire site needed an overhaul because the original inspiration was inadequate to truly represent the series.

He, too, took inspiration from the original vision and from Sarah and Rebekah's hard work.

Timothy has been working on this site for almost two years (I think), spending a lot of nights, weekends, and down time in airports while traveling to bring it to the point it is today (and it's still in not quite there).

It's led to the design of a new business card, original artwork for the landing page, and a calendar of events so cool, I can't believe this young man, with zero knowledge of coding, created it.

What Timothy did (and you need to log onto this calendar from the desktop to get the full experience), was to create a set of cards for each day of the month - kind of like a dance card or an invitation to something fun.

For the desktop view, (it doesn't work on the mobile view), he based his design off the old advent calendars he enjoyed as a child: You lift up a flap each day to see the picture beneath it.

At first I objected to a full calendar of dates. As an indie novelist with a tiny following and a full-time job, I could not fill a each day with an event. Furthermore, no one (not even my family) would come out to a BryonySeries event every day of the month - or even once a month.

Timothy pushed back and said the "events" did not have to be actual physical events, like book signings. They could be other things.

And he was right.

When creating the events, I tried to keep in terms of family friendly and all age. All of the events, even those based on the adult books, will have a timeless appeal, and parents and grandparents and parent figures can feel comfortable enjoying them with their children.

If you don't have children in your life, even the childish events can be a source of quick amusement.

For people who enjoy more complication in their pastimes, any of these events can be a springboard for more exploration or creativity.

Because of the three dimensional nature of the BryonySeries, I kept all five senses in mind when posting the first month's worth of events.

I also kept the range of books in mind when creating events based on them - and provided links to the books that inspired the events.

To keep events interactive for readers who like interaction, I encouraged people to email photos that I can share on the blog.

For now, all the events are virtual and all will be up for the month. That means you can check out one a day or skim the month and do ten and sign out until next month.

Rebekah and I are already eyeballing April 19. Anyone care to virtually join us?

https://www.bryonyseries.com/fetes-and-feasts

Illustration by Matt Coundiff for Memories in the Kitchen: Bites and Nibbles from "Bryony."

Sunday, April 12, 2020

A Request for An Easter Hat

So on social media this week, another member of WriteOn Joliet, Maureen Blevins, asked women to post photos of themselves wearing Easter hats - and tagged me in that post.

Of course, with the world being in the midst of a pandemic, I'm sure (not) the most burning question in everyone's mind is, "Is Denise still wearing hats?"

So here's the answer to that question.

This morning Timothy and I headed out early so I could shoot videos of a Joliet pastor who was holding a brief Easter worship from his balcony.

Because of Maureen's challenge, I decided to wear a hat. I chose my newest one, from Timothy, ironically, which he brought back from South Carolina when he went down in late February for a wedding.

It's blue (my favorite color) and has a row of plastic shells around the brim (I love water).

But as I finished dressing, I realized how much of the resurrection was displayed in my choice of clothes.

The bracelet on my right is a gift from a good friend, and I wear it every day.

The bracelet on my left (hidden) is a gift from Rebekah. It's made of blue polished stones. My grandson Lucas (whom I most likely won't see this year) loves polishing rocks, as did my maternal grandfather, so this bracelet has a lot of meaning around my wrist.

The shirt and sweater came from Good Will shopping with Sarah and Rebekah last summer.

The shoes are new - and ones Rebekah picked out for me.

The necklace cost $5 years ago when we were in the midst of some family emergency and were losing our home.

We bought it at Jewel because the color and style really jumped out at me. When the chain fell apart, Rebekah placed it for me.

The white jeans have the best story of death and resurrection.

Two years ago while finishing a phone call and a cup of coffee before leaving for a meeting, the cup shattered, spilling its contents along my right leg.

Fortunately, I was not burned. I figured that was the end of the white jeans, but I soaked them in the bathroom sink, just in case our Laundry Witch Rebekah could work her magic on them.

If you can believe it, she did.

Rebekah got all the coffee out.

So the next day, I wore them again. I was working late before taking the week off for an at-home writing retreat.

By eight o'clock at night, I was dragging and not done. Timothy talked me into take a ride for Gloria Jean's coffee.

So I went.

But Gloria Jean's was out of coffee, so we headed to Panera. But Panera was out of dark roast, so we were asked to come back in fifteen minutes.

Timothy and I walked around the mall and came back for the nice hot coffee.

He safely carried the coffee all the way down the long parking lot where we had parked.

I got in the car, and he set the coffee into the cup holders.

But as he transferred the last cup to the holder, the lid fell off and the hot coffee wound up on my left leg.

He's screaming at me to take pants off (where was security, I ask you that. Nowhere!), just as I'm realizing the coffee had spilled on me (I didn't feel it at first).

I doused myself with a water bottle, and he ran back inside the mall for ice. He was gone four days (or so it seemed).

We went back to the house where Rebekah had come home from work sick and was in bed. I took off the white pants, put on shorts, grabbed an ice pack, and headed back to the car, where Timothy was taking me to Morris Hospital to treat the burns.

Here's the best part.

When we arrived at the hospital, the burns were gone. Completely. Not even a red flush.

The nurses had to come out and look. Nothing.

So we stopped at my son's house, and I ran around the yard with the grandchildren, catching fireflies and finding the Big Dipper.

The only sad part of the story is that all the coffee places were closed by the time we left.

And as you can see, Rebekah got all the coffee stains out, even though the entire left leg (and more) was completely soaked with coffee.

Christ is risen!

Friday, April 10, 2020

Story Round-Up: Features in The Herald-News, April 4 through April 10

A blessed Holy Friday for those honoring the day today (my family will do the same next Friday).

Because today is a holy day for many, I'll keep editorializing light: just where to find story information, links to the feature stories I wrote this week, and heartfelt wishes that everyone stays safe and healthy, and has a most wonderful Easter.

Non-bylined features:

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

Or search by topic (people, pets, A and E, faith, health, and food) at theherald-news.com.

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

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

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.

Joliet health workers honored Friday night with parade and prayer vigil

https://www.theherald-news.com/2020/04/04/joliet-health-workers-honored-friday-night-with-parade-and-prayer-vigil/ax73imc/

Walmart now limiting number of customers in its stores

https://www.theherald-news.com/2020/04/04/walmart-now-limiting-number-of-customers-in-its-stores/ahwubte/

VIDEO: Joliet faith community honors health care workers, part 1

https://www.theherald-news.com/video/id/81b49050-c187-4f86-b6a5-354637fecdab.html

An Extraordinary Life Will County Sheriff’s Department IT technician had a strong faith

https://www.theherald-news.com/2020/03/30/an-extraordinary-life-will-county-sheriffs-department-it-technician-had-a-strong-faith/dbrl74w/

A tiger tested positive for COVID-19; are your cats at risk for the virus, too?

https://www.theherald-news.com/2020/04/06/a-tiger-tested-positive-for-covid-19-are-your-cats-at-risk-for-the-virus-too/ab10ina/

New, serious complication of COVID-19 reported

https://www.theherald-news.com/2020/04/05/new-serious-complication-of-covid-19-reported/anl6ae0/

'Being healthy is fun and the whole family can do this'
Register your child for the Healthy Kids Running Series in Shorewood

https://www.theherald-news.com/2020/03/02/being-healthy-is-fun-and-the-whole-family-can-do-this/d7t1zoo/

Use food to dye Easter eggs this year
Here's how to make 8 colors with ingredients from the grocery store

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/04/17/use-food-to-dye-easter-eggs-this-year/dbgiafz/

Kids make a Mickey Mouse mask for their Disney loving Dad, who's a nurse

https://www.theherald-news.com/2020/04/08/kids-make-a-mickey-mouse-mask-for-their-disney-loving-dad-whos-a-nurse/auix997/

5 Easter traditions that can harm your pets
(This story features one of my cats, Frances, who was not harmed by the writing of this story).

https://www.theherald-news.com/2020/04/08/5-easter-traditions-that-can-harm-your-pets/an72fmx/

2 Will County dog businesses feeling the pandemic's bite

https://www.theherald-news.com/2020/04/08/2-will-county-dog-businesses-feeling-the-pandemics-bite/dlm0jq6/

Illustration by Matt Coundiff for "Visage."

Thursday, April 30, 2020

Wednesday, April 27, 2016

The Portrait - silent horror film 1915

Wednesday, April 29, 2020

Tuesday, April 28, 2020

Monday, April 27, 2020

Saturday, April 25, 2020

Friday, April 24, 2020

Thursday, April 23, 2020

Thursday, April 25, 2013

Four-Step Recipe for a Miracle

Wednesday, April 22, 2020

Tuesday, April 21, 2020

Monday, April 20, 2020

Friday, April 17, 2020

Thursday, April 16, 2020

It's a fair bet that you have all these items in your home or can easily acquire them.

Thursday, April 4, 2013

I can't imagine the cooking staff at Simons Mansion serving up any of these dishes, but it's totally plausible Bryony ate them as a little girl growing up in a parsonage with Mrs. Bertha Parks as housekeeper.

Wednesday, April 15, 2020

Tuesday, April 14, 2020

Monday, April 13, 2020

Sunday, April 12, 2020

Friday, April 10, 2020