The official blog of Denise M. Baran-Unland, author. Discover her books for all ages at bryonyseries.com.
Saturday, May 31, 2025
Friday, May 30, 2025
Story Round-Up: Features in The Herald-News, May 24 through May 30
Good morning!
I have thirteen news and feature stories to share with you today at the bottom of this post, as well as six Thank You, Teachers stories from our special edition on May 8.
More stories will go live this holiday weekend. So be sure to check back on The Herald-News site: shawlocal.com/the-herald-news.
Before the stories I also have a list of additional updates, resources, and information. Please check them out, too.
And if you'd like to find more kindness in your life, consider this book.
And have a great Friday!
Events (or where to find the BryonySeries)
Ye Old May Fest 2025: May 31 and June 1, Billie Limacher Bicentennial Park Theatre, 201 W. Jefferson St., Joliet. Free Bertrand Shakespeare ABCs to the first twenty-five attendees each day. Free photos with Sir Bertrand, too.
BryonySeries also has a special graduation special at The Book Market, 2365 Plainfield Road in Crest Hill. The special will run through early June.
BryonySeries books-in-progress
Bertrand the Mouse: We have plenty of Bertrand photos and ideas. Several are at the top of the list. That's all I'm saying for now.
The Adventures of Cornell Dyer: Cornell Dyer and the House of Horreur" (because the toymaker's last name is "Horreur.") is stalled until Timothy finished his master's degree, which he did. So now we just have to stop having family emergencies (they just keep coming) and carve some time for a Cornell breakfast (it's been three years since our last one, way, way too long). I'm having surgery July 17, so I'm hoping we can make that happen before then, just to get the process moving and give Sue Midlock ideas for art (she illustrates all the Cornell books).
Brainy Ann: The fifth book in The Girls of the BryonySeries is outlined and the first chapter is written, hurray! Jennifer Wainwright, who welcomed her first child into the world last year, is nearly done with the cover portrait. I let this book slide for other BryonySeries projects...and I'm still letting it (overall) slide, I'm afraid. But I'm hoping to finish the book this year, fingers crossed.
Jennifer designed the cover portraits for "Julie and the Too-Hard Homework," "Katie and the Big Fear," "Summer Sisters." and "Karla Joins In," as well as the frontispiece for "Lycanthropic Summer."
Other books: I am not writing a novel this year. But I have an idea for a BryonySeries Christmas anthology that I'd like to release in 2026.
Rebekah is also slowly (very, very slowly) updating the BryonySeries YouTube and Pinterest accounts. And she' catching up with Kindles for some of the BryonySeries books. So do watch for those.
For books and more information about the series, visit bryonyseries.com.
RECIPE OF THE WEEK
Sue's Diner is a fictional restaurant in the fictional Munsonville that only exists in the BryonySeries.
Each Wednesday, we post a new recipe. The recipe is either featured in one of our cookbooks, will be featured in an upcoming cookbook, or is just an "extra" we want to share with you.
Check out the recipe here.
WRITERS
If you'd like to officially join WriteOn Joliet, we have two tiers of dues and two ways to attend meetings. We also have a marketing arm that's getting longer every year. Check us out at writeonjoliet.com.
Daily updates: I haven't posted anything on Twitter/X (except a daily Bible verse) since September I can no longer schedule posts in advance. I'm not sure yet how to manage the account without that option. But you're welcome to follow me at @Denise_Unland61.
BryonySeries stuff: I used to curated content relating to the BryonySeries on Twitter/X at @BryonySeries and still post assorted related content at facebook.com/BryonySeries, youtube.com/user/BryonySeries, and themes of each book in the BryonySeries at pinterest.com/bryonyseries.
Again, not sure yet about the direction of the BryonySeries Twitter/X account. Still mulling that over.
And of course, please follow the adventures of Bertrand the Mouse on Instagram at bertrand_bryonyseries.
QUESTIONS
Email me at bryonyseries@gmail.com.Thank you for reading The Herald-News. And for reading this blog. And if you've read (or plan to read) any of my books. Your support is greatly appreciated.
FEATURES
‘Death is forever, freedom is not’ Vietnam veteran says at
Crest Hill Memorial Day service
PHOTOS: Crest Hill observes Memorial Day
https://www.shawlocal.com/gallery/2025/05/26/photos-crest-hill-observes-memorial-day/
Joliet Boys & Girls Club hires branch manager
Shorewood bridge to remain down to 1 lane indefinitely
Construction awaiting final land acquisition
https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/05/25/shorewood-bridge-remaining-1-lane-indefinitely/
The Patio building new restaurant in New Lenox
Site of former Silver Cross professional building
Plainfield woman hopes to break Guinness World Record on
trivia
Looks to for title as ‘Longest Marathon as a Quiz Master”
McDonald’s closing Bolingbrook CosMc’s location
Beverage-focused spinoff opened to much hype in 2023
https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/05/27/mcdonalds-closing-bolingbrook-cosmcs-location/
New Cravers in Lockport offers gyros, burgers, beef
sandwiches and more
QuikTrip opens Romeoville travel center near I-55
Family-owned pizzeria closing Shorewood location
Shorewood coffee shop under new ownership
https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/05/28/shorewood-coffee-shop-under-new-ownership/
Will County Pets of the Week: May 26, 2025
Will County rescues have dogs and cats for adoption
https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/05/26/will-county-pets-of-the-week-may-26-2025/
5 Things to Do in Will County: Joliet museum hosting rooftop
concert
THANK YOU, TEACHERS
Five Joliet District 86 couples juggle work, home lives teaching at same schools
Couple dedicated to teaching bilingual education at Plainfield school
Shorewood teacher ‘has a heart that is bigger than the school’
Joey Ancel decided in preschool to become a teacher
Plainfield ELA teacher recognized by state as one of south suburbs top educators
Jennifer Gruca personalizes literature for her students
Troy District 30-C bilingual teacher ‘is very aware of what her kids need’
Sandra Almazan also wants ‘kids recognized for their accomplishments’
St. Mary in Plainfield teacher creates ‘community of caring’
Lisa Phad makes ‘every student feels valued and motivated’
Illustration by Matt Coundiff for "Visage"
Thursday, May 29, 2025
Free Photos With Sir Bertrand (and more gifts)
Stop at the BryonySeries booth during the 2025 Ye Olde May Fest this weekend and get a free photo with Sir Bertrand in his Renaissance Faire costume!
Ye Old May Fest will fun from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. May 31 and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. June 1 at the Billie Limacher Bicentennial Park Theatre, located at 201 W. Jefferson St. in Joliet.
We will also have information for a free quest you can take during the event. When completed, return to the BryonySeries booth for a free gift.
We will also have a limited amount of copies for sale at the BryonySeries booth during May Fest and at The Book Market in Crest Hill.
And of course, you can always purchase
"Bertrand's Shakespeare ABCs" on Amazon and other online retailers.
For more Shakespeare fun, attendees may also enjoy FREE Shakespeare performances, starting Friday night and ending Sunday afternoon.
Need more information? Visit bicentennialpark.org.
Wednesday, May 28, 2025
Sue's Diner: Confetti Cookies
So after a few weeks of goose recipes and turtle recipes, we're sharing something fun today: confetti cookies!
Rebekah baked a batch for the long weekend, which are still fresh and soft now that it's Wednesday. And they are delicious!
This recipe for confetti cookies doesn't appear in BryonySeries cookbook: Memories in the Kitchen: Bites and Nibbles from "Bryony." But you can view it on the Sue's Diner page on the BryonySeries website.
But check out the recipe this week. It will be gone some time next week. A new recipe will take it's place.
If you have any questions or comments, email us at bryonyseries@gmail.com.
Here is the full diner page: bryonyseries.com/sue-s-diner. You can't really order, of course (wouldn't it be great if you could?).
For more BryonySeries recipes, check out our three cookbooks at our BryonySeries bryonyseries.com/general-store.
Tuesday, May 27, 2025
Allergic Reaction: Yes or No?
Anyone who's wandered into the unicorn patch of health issues knows diagnoses are rather murky things sometimes.
Now that I finally have an antibiotic I tolerate well and treats TWO of my conditions, said antibiotic may have bitten back.
The problem is that the symptoms resemble an extreme reaction of autoimmune hives, which are with me always. Yes, my body is allergic to itself, too.
The symptoms started forty-eight hours after I started the drug and resolved sevety-two hours after I finished it.
Of course, I finished it.
I checked in with my doctor's physician assistant forty-eight hours after I finished the drug, and she who wasn't sure if I were reacting to the drug either.
She said I'm already taking everything they would have given me anyway. But she prescribed a much stronger, very sedating antihistamine to add onto my other three plus anithistamines if I needed more symptoms relief.
I wound up not needing it. But I have it on hand if I do.
She did not feel I needed drug allergy testing at this point, which can be another conversation for another time.
Monday, May 26, 2025
Sunday, May 25, 2025
Saturday, May 24, 2025
Are You a Member of the IVA?
Don't answer that question too quickly.
The IVA is the acronym for the Irish Vampires Association and I first learned of the IVA in 2011 when Ed Calkins, Steward of Tara, and first official Irish vampire, called me one day and told me the IVA was very angry.
Shortly after this, Ed sent me an explainer of the IVA, which I should not reprint here due to the fact the IVA is a highly secret organization.
The question of whether someone is or is not a member of the IVA is addressed in Ed's Ruthless trilogy: "Ruthless," "The Fifth," and "Recovering Ruthless."
But since you should know how to answer correctly if you're ever asked, here's Ed's explanation of the IVA to the Irish Vampire Mob in "Ruthless."
First anyone can join the IVA even if they don’t think they’re a vampire, they just have to think they’re Irish, which isn’t helpful here.
Second, every IVA member is also an office holder, holding whatever office he or she thinks should belong to him or her. The budget for that office is the same as the members’ dues, which also isn’t helpful.
Third, the member must initiate him or herself and tell no one about it or that he or she is a member. If someone should say something, he is immediately expelled, which is helpful because anyone who says he is a member, isn’t.
Fourth, a member must never hurt or kill anyone he suspects might be another IVA member. The Irish Vampires Association loves whacking a vampire as much as any other vampire association, but we have so few targets since anyone could be a member.
Happy Saturday!
Friday, May 23, 2025
Story Round-Up: Features in The Herald-News, May 17 through May 23
Good morning!
I have just eight news and feature stories to share with you today at the bottom of this post, as well as six Thank You, Teachers stories from our special edition on May 8.
More stories will go live this holiday weekend, especially since I am working the holiday. So be sure to check back on The Herald-News site: shawlocal.com/the-herald-news.
Before the stories I also have a list of additional updates, resources, and information. Please check them out, too.
And if you'd like to find more kindness in your life, consider this book.
And have a great Friday!
Events (or where to find the BryonySeries in May)
Ye Old May Fest 2025: May 31 and June 1, Billie Limacher Bicentennial Park Theatre, 201 W. Jefferson St., Joliet.
BryonySeries also has a special graduation special at The Book Market, 2365 Plainfield Road in Crest Hill. The special will run through early June.
BryonySeries books-in-progress
Bertrand the Mouse: Rebekah and I recently created a very special Bertrand the Mouse book that I'm hoping to give away at a special event...and it looks great! Yes, I'm STILL being mysterious about it...for now.
The Adventures of Cornell Dyer: Cornell Dyer and the House of Horreur" (because the toymaker's last name is "Horreur.") is stalled until Timothy finished his master's degree, which he did. So now we just have to stop having family emergencies (they just keep coming) and carve some time for a Cornell breakfast (it's been three years since our last one, way, way too long).
Brainy Ann: The fifth book in The Girls of the BryonySeries is outlined and the first chapter is written, hurray! Jennifer Wainwright, who welcomed her first child into the world last year, is nearly done with the cover portrait. I let this book slide for other BryonySeries projects...and I'm still letting it slide, I'm afraid. But I'm hoping to finish the book in 2025.
Jennifer designed the cover portraits for "Julie and the Too-Hard Homework," "Katie and the Big Fear," "Summer Sisters." and "Karla Joins In," as well as the frontispiece for "Lycanthropic Summer."
Bertrand the Mouse: I have tons of Bertrand photos and books in progress. The goal is to release at least two new ones this year.
Rebekah is also slowly (very, very slowly) updating the BryonySeries YouTube and Pinterest accounts. And she' catching up with Kindles for some of the BryonySeries books. So do watch for those.
For books and more information about the series, visit bryonyseries.com.
RECIPE OF THE WEEK
Sue's Diner is a fictional restaurant in the fictional Munsonville that only exists in the BryonySeries.
Each Wednesday, we post a new recipe. The recipe is either featured in one of our cookbooks, will be featured in an upcoming cookbook, or is just an "extra" we want to share with you.
Check out the recipe here.
WRITERS
If you'd like to officially join WriteOn Joliet, we have two tiers of dues and two ways to attend meetings. We also have a marketing arm that's getting longer every year. Check us out at writeonjoliet.com.
Daily updates: I haven't posted anything on Twitter/X (except a daily Bible verse) since September I can no longer schedule posts in advance. I'm not sure yet how to manage the account without that option. But you're welcome to follow me at @Denise_Unland61.
BryonySeries stuff: I used to curated content relating to the BryonySeries on Twitter/X at @BryonySeries and still post assorted related content at facebook.com/BryonySeries, youtube.com/user/BryonySeries, and themes of each book in the BryonySeries at pinterest.com/bryonyseries.
Again, not sure yet about the direction of the BryonySeries Twitter/X account. Still mulling that over.
And of course, please follow the adventures of Bertrand the Mouse on Instagram at bertrand_bryonyseries.
QUESTIONS
Email me at bryonyseries@gmail.com.Thank you for reading The Herald-News. And for reading this blog. And if you've read (or plan to read) any of my books. Your support is greatly appreciated.
FEATURES
Romeoville brothers earn college degrees at ages 17 and 14
Joliet District 204 Foundation golf outing needs golfers
Lack of event support could affect education programs
Farmhouse Academy opens Crest Hill location with cooking,
baking classes for all ages
Home cooks learn practical culinary ‘tips and tricks’
Joliet’s Bicentennial Bluffs neighborhood holding annual
community cleanup
Raffle, lunch and bake sale part of the day
Plainfield brewery earns bronze medal at World Beer Cup
Stalled semi blocks traffic on downtown Joliet street
Will County Pets of the Week: May 19, 2025
Will County rescues have dogs and cats for adoption
https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/05/19/will-county-pets-of-the-week-may-19-2025/
5 Things to Do in Will County: Museum Campus Day
https://www.shawlocal.com/thescene/2025/05/21/5-things-to-do-in-will-county-museum-campus-day/
THANK YOU, TEACHERS
Five Joliet District 86 couples juggle work, home lives teaching at same schools
Couple dedicated to teaching bilingual education at Plainfield school
Shorewood teacher ‘has a heart that is bigger than the school’
Joey Ancel decided in preschool to become a teacher
Plainfield ELA teacher recognized by state as one of south suburbs top educators
Jennifer Gruca personalizes literature for her students
Troy District 30-C bilingual teacher ‘is very aware of what her kids need’
Sandra Almazan also wants ‘kids recognized for their accomplishments’
St. Mary in Plainfield teacher creates ‘community of caring’
Lisa Phad makes ‘every student feels valued and motivated’
Illustration by Matt Coundiff for "Visage"
Thursday, May 22, 2025
Bertrand's Shakespeare ABCs
On March 31, I shared some details on Bertrand the Mouse's photo shoot for a new book.
Well, not only is the book available, we will be giving away fifty copies of "Bertrand's Shakespeare ABCs" at the 2025 Ye Olde May Fest event at the Billie Limacher Bicentennial Park Theatre in Joliet.
But wait! There's more! (keep scrolling).
Here is the book's synopsis:
Learn the ABCs of Shakespeare with Bertrand the Mouse. Bertrand sets the stage to understanding
Shakespeare by posing in scenes that correlates with alphabetically arranged elements of the works of
William Shakespeare.
The 2025 Ye Olde May Fest event will run 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. May 31 and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. June 1 at 201 W. Jefferson St. in Joliet.
The first twenty-five attendees on each day to this family-friendly event will receive a FREE copy of "Bertrand's Shakespeare ABCs."
We will also have a limited amount of copies for sale at the BryonySeries booth during May Fest and at The Book Market in Crest Hill.
And of course, you can always purchase "Bertrand's Shakespeare ABCs" on Amazon and other online retailers.
Now please enjoy a brief sample: the letters "s" and "j"."
S is for SWORDFIGHT.
Shakespeare’s plays have many swordfights.
J is for JEWELS.
Shakespeare uses jewels in his plays to describe beauty, value, and character.
See you at Ye Olde May Fest!
(Bertrand the Mouse poses with Cindy at the 2024 Ye Olde May Fest wearing his crocheted medieval costume and sword she made just for him).
Wednesday, May 21, 2025
Sue's Diner: Bucottora
This week's recipe is for Bucottora, which is made with fresh turtle (although not as fresh as the one pictured).
When we lived in Channahon, the neighbor came to our house and asked if she could eat dinner with us.
Her reasoning?
Her grandfather, with whom she lived, had a live turtle in the garage. He was planning to cook it for dinner that night (and he did).
And she wasn't the only one who felt that way.
At one of the Rutherfords’ buffets in the young adult vampre novel "Bryony," the protragnoist Melissa, to her horror, tasted a morsel of turtle, a very unusual experience for a 1970s Midwestern teen who preferred hamburgers and pizza.
We’re not sure how the Rutherfords prepared it, but if you’re more adventurous than Melissa is, try the recipe at home.
This recipe for Bucottora does appear in the BryonySeries cookbook: Memories in the Kitchen: Bites and Nibbles from "Bryony," and you can also view it on the Sue's Diner page on the BryonySeries website.
But check out the recipe this week. It will be gone some time next week. A new recipe will take it's place.
If you have any questions or comments, email us at bryonyseries@gmail.com.
We have actually not tried this recipe, but some stores actually do carry goose.
So please let us know your thoughts if you do try it.
Here is the full diner page: bryonyseries.com/sue-s-diner. You can't really order, of course (wouldn't it be great if you could?).
For more BryonySeries recipes, check out our three cookbooks at our BryonySeries bryonyseries.com/general-store.
Tuesday, May 20, 2025
BryonySeries: Munsonville, Michigan
Anyone who's heard of the BryonySeries (and if you're on this blog, you have), may also heard of Munsonville, Michigan, and wondered where it's located and why it was even included in the series (especially the novels) in the first place.
So here is an encyclopedia-style explanation along with a reminder of the BryonySeries graduation special at The Book Market in Crest Hill.
What is Munsonville, Michigan?
Munsonville is an imaginary fishing village in the equally imaginary
Beulah County in the northern part of U.S. state of Michigan, almost to Canada.
When was it founded?
Owen Munson, a wealthy Scottish/Italian mustang runner and
mill owner, founded Munsonville in 1835 when he bought a large parcel of land (actual size undetermined) and established a Utopian community
History
Nearly two hundred years before Owen Munson visited the
area, French fur trapper and fisherman Pierre Sicard established a small
community that never thrived.
By 1875 and under Owen Munson’s leadership, Munsonville
population swelled to 150. By then Munsonville had a general store, a church, a
row of fishing cabins, and housing development on its hill.
A sickness spread through the village in late 1876 and killed 50 residents. But Munsonville continued to grow and thrive. Major industries by the end of the nineteenth century included fishing, lumbering, construction, and furniture-building.
On Christmas Day 1893, renowned pianist and composer John
Simons married Bryony Marseilles, daughter of Munsonville’s church pastor,
built a mansion in the woods for their home, and planted specially bred bryony –
a noxious weed – around and through the estate.
John Simons left the area two years later after the death of
his wife and daughter and economic progress froze, except for a surge in
tourism during the Great Depression. Only fishing remained a primary industry, until Beulah County started clamping down on quotes in the 1960s.
The village of Munsonville bought the old Simons Mansion in July
of 1975 to remodel into a museum and transform the village into a tourist spot. But
the mansion burned to the ground in December 1975, and progress stalled once more.
The Simons estate became a public park in the early 1980s and
a robust community garden by 1990.
Munsonville became renowned in 2020 when its residents were
the last to contract COVID-19.
Geography
Munsonville is bordered by the village town of Jenson, the
tourist village of Shelby, and the city of Thorton on its west, Simons Woods
and the town of Evansville on its east, a steep hill with three home-lined
streets and vast woods to its north, and Lake Munson to the south.
Climate
Munsonville, like many locales in Northern Michigan, experiences
four distinct seasons.
Spring and fall are typically mild.
Summers range from hot and humid to cool and breezy.
Winters are bitterly cold and filled with heavy snowfall, sometimes
starting as early as October.
Census
Munsonville’s population has held at 386 since the 1950s.
Religion
Munsonville has one nondenominational church and pastors that
come and go due to its ghost legend.
Current pastor is Jason Frye.
Economy
Munsonville has few businesses, and they are all located on
Main Street. Its most famous business is Sue’s Diner, which attracts diners
from all over Michigan and beyond the state’s borders.
Sue’s Diner is owned and operated by Chef Brian Marchellis, a
graduate of Joliet Junior College’s culinary artist program. Joliet Junior
College is located in Joliet, Illinois.
Employers
Most businesses are family-owned. Munsonville has few to no opportunities for employment.
Government
The village of Munsonville is led by a mayor and a village
board.
It’s governance is often irregular. Elections occasionally occur. At other times, officials volunteer for their roles and remain in them for decades. See "Mayors of Munsonville." (entry yet to be written).
Police protection is provided by the Beulah County Sheriff’s
Department.
Arts and Culture
None
Sports
None - except one fishing tournament during Munsonville's centennial celebration in October 1975.
Parks and Recreation
Simons Woods has a bike path and a nature center.
Simons Woods is ideal for berry picking.
Fishing is enjoyed year-round, by boat and from the docks.
Education
All twelve grades attend Munsonville School. Class sizes are small.
Infrastructure
Munsonville has only one paved road: Main Street.
Munsonville has no airports, bridges, major highways, public
transit systems, or railways.
The source of its water supply is unknown. Each home has a crude septic
system that was most likely installed in the 1950s, when running water became
available.
Munsonville also received access to electricity in the early
1950s.
Internet connectivity and broadband access is poor to none. Most
homes didn’t have telephones or televisions until the late 1970s to early 1980s.
Hospitals
The closest hospital is Jenson Memorial Hospital.
Munsonville has not had a doctor onsite since 2020.
Notable People
John Simons. See "History."
In popular culture
Munsonville became part of popular culture through the
phantastic book series called the BryonySeries.
Illustration of Munsonville, Michigan's aerial view by Jennifer Wainright
Monday, May 19, 2025
BryonySeries Graduation Special at The Book Market
Good Monday morning, readers! I have a bright idea for you.
Pop into The Book Market in Crest Hill and pick up a keepsake gift for your graduate with the purchase of any BryonySeries novel (or full-length book, including "Nine Months of Kindness," which is not in the BryonySeries) or any two BryonySeries children's books.
What is the keepsake gift? Read on!
The gift is a pocket-sized card that encourages each graduate to be a light in the world. The gift also features a key chain with a plastic lightbulb that changes colors when it glows. Both items are tucked into a sheer organza bag that is perfect for gift-giving.
There is no limit on purchase. The giveaway remains as long as the free gifts are available. Please see Jan Staley, owner of The Book Market, for additional keychain colors.
Happy Monday!
Sunday, May 18, 2025
Saturday, May 17, 2025
Friday, May 16, 2025
Story Round-Up: Features in The Herald-News, May 10 through May 16
Good morning!
I have sixteen news and feature stories to share with you today at the bottom of this post, as well as six Thank You, Teachers stories from our special edition on May 8.
More stories will go live this weekend. So be sure to check back on The Herald-News site: shawlocal.com/the-herald-news.
Before the stories I also have a list of additional updates, resources, and information. Please check them out, too.
And if you'd like to find more kindness in your life, consider this book.
And have a great Friday!
Events (or where to find the BryonySeries in May)
Ye Old May Fest 2025: May 31 and June 1, Billie Limacher Bicentennial Park Theatre, 201 W. Jefferson St., Joliet.
BryonySeries books-in-progress
Bertrand the Mouse: Rebekah and I recently created a very special Bertrand the Mouse book that I'm hoping to give away at a special event...and it looks great! Yes, I'm STILL being mysterious about it...for now.
The Adventures of Cornell Dyer: Cornell Dyer and the House of Horreur" (because the toymaker's last name is "Horreur.") is stalled until Timothy finished his master's degree, which he did. So now we just have to stop having family emergencies (they just keep coming) and carve some time for a Cornell breakfast (it's been three years since our last one, way, way too long).
Brainy Ann: The fifth book in The Girls of the BryonySeries is outlined and the first chapter is written, hurray! Jennifer Wainwright, who welcomed her first child into the world last year, is nearly done with the cover portrait. I let this book slide for other BryonySeries projects...and I'm still letting it slide, I'm afraid. But I'm hoping to finish the book in 2025.
Jennifer designed the cover portraits for "Julie and the Too-Hard Homework," "Katie and the Big Fear," "Summer Sisters." and "Karla Joins In," as well as the frontispiece for "Lycanthropic Summer."
Bertrand the Mouse: I have tons of Bertrand photos and books in progress. The goal is to release at least two new ones this year.
Rebekah is also slowly (very, very slowly) updating the BryonySeries YouTube and Pinterest accounts. And she' catching up with Kindles for some of the BryonySeries books. So do watch for those.
For books and more information about the series, visit bryonyseries.com.
RECIPE OF THE WEEK
Sue's Diner is a fictional restaurant in the fictional Munsonville that only exists in the BryonySeries.
Each Wednesday, we post a new recipe. The recipe is either featured in one of our cookbooks, will be featured in an upcoming cookbook, or is just an "extra" we want to share with you.
Check out the recipe here.
WRITERS
If you'd like to officially join WriteOn Joliet, we have two tiers of dues and two ways to attend meetings. We also have a marketing arm that's getting longer every year. Check us out at writeonjoliet.com.
Daily updates: I haven't posted anything on Twitter/X (except a daily Bible verse) since September I can no longer schedule posts in advance. I'm not sure yet how to manage the account without that option. But you're welcome to follow me at @Denise_Unland61.
BryonySeries stuff: I used to curated content relating to the BryonySeries on Twitter/X at @BryonySeries and still post assorted related content at facebook.com/BryonySeries, youtube.com/user/BryonySeries, and themes of each book in the BryonySeries at pinterest.com/bryonyseries.
Again, not sure yet about the direction of the BryonySeries Twitter/X account. Still mulling that over.
And of course, please follow the adventures of Bertrand the Mouse on Instagram at bertrand_bryonyseries.
QUESTIONS
Email me at bryonyseries@gmail.com.Thank you for reading The Herald-News. And for reading this blog. And if you've read (or plan to read) any of my books. Your support is greatly appreciated.
FEATURES
‘Families will lose’: Will County Head Start lays out how
federal budget cuts could impact services
Program says it needs more federal funding, not less
Joliet cafe hosts Bluegrass Burger Bash on Wednesdays
The Curator’s Cafe serves up signature food and live music
Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery Memorial Squad fundraiser
falling short: ‘People do not have the money’
Lockport High School baseball games Saturday to raise funds
for brain cancer research
The Strike Out Cancer tournament began more than 10 years
ago
New coffee shop opens in downtown Joliet
https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/05/15/new-coffee-shop-opens-in-downtown-joliet/
New construction equipment company opening in Rockdale
Las Vegas-based real estate firm acquires interest in The
Bolingbrook Promenade
Sourdough bakery opens in Plainfield
https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/05/11/sourdough-bakery-opens-in-plainfield/
Jack-in-the-Box coming to Plainfield, New Lenox
https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/05/10/jack-in-the-box-coming-to-plainfield-new-lenox/
New john greene Realtor open in Plainfield
https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/05/14/new-john-greene-realtor-open-in-plainfield/
Winning $2 million lottery ticket bought at Shorewood gas
station
The Mega Bucks tickets launched in April
New Lenox held Shop Local promotion
Lemont man flees Bolingbrook police, crashes into vehicle,
injuring mother and infant
Was wanted on domestic battery, according to police
Joliet woman charged after kicking, spitting on officers,
police say
Disturbance happened at local motel
Will County Pets of the Week: May 12, 2025
Will County rescues have dogs and cats for adoption
https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/05/12/will-county-pets-of-the-week-may-12-2025/
5 Things to Do in Will County: Community Thrift Sale
https://www.shawlocal.com/thescene/2025/05/14/5-things-to-do-in-will-county-community-thrift-sale/
THANK YOU, TEACHERS
Five Joliet District 86 couples juggle work, home lives teaching at same schools
Couple dedicated to teaching bilingual education at Plainfield school
Shorewood teacher ‘has a heart that is bigger than the school’
Joey Ancel decided in preschool to become a teacher
Plainfield ELA teacher recognized by state as one of south suburbs top educators
Jennifer Gruca personalizes literature for her students
Troy District 30-C bilingual teacher ‘is very aware of what her kids need’
Sandra Almazan also wants ‘kids recognized for their accomplishments’
St. Mary in Plainfield teacher creates ‘community of caring’
Lisa Phad makes ‘every student feels valued and motivated’
Illustration by Matt Coundiff for "Visage"