BryonySeries: B.L.O.C.K.S.

Because even though the BryonySeries is a phantasmic series and many books in the series have supernatural elements, B.L.O.C.K.S. - the parent brand of the BryonySeries, delivers those books with an emphasis on these two characteristics:

A spirit of community.

And kindness.

Please enjoy this piano gentle, relaxing piano piece by Chris Collins, simply called "kindness."

Monday, July 6, 2026

Photo Recap: BryonySeries at Bicentennial Park's Independence Celebration on July 3, 2026

For the fourth year in a row, the BryonySeries B.L.O.C.K.S. team organized and ran free children's games with free prizes at the Billie Limacher Bicentennial Park Theatre's annual Independence Celebration on July 3.

During these past four years, the team has seen the event grow from a one-tent idea with a spinning wheel for a BryonySeries book giveaway and Bozo buckets to several tents with eight games and free prizes, branded merchandise, and a coloring and sticker station.

As I previously said, our part of the celebration was really wonderful way to celebrate the 250th anniversary of our country.

Because two very important things happened on July 3.

Entire families played games together.

And we saw a level of excitement for books and reading than we've never experienced at any event we've hosted in the fifteen years we've hosted events.

Meaning, we gave away 273 books – and could’ve given away the full 300 (the goal) if lightning didn’t cut the event short. Families were still approaching the tent as we were breaking down.

Please enjoy scrolling through the photos Timothy took during the setup.

Unfortunately, we were too busy once the event kicked off to take any more photos. We had just five volunteers -including one recently retired park employee who worked the event with us this year and did all the tent decorating.

In fact, one woman colored a picture just for her.

We are very thankful for the opportunity to bless the community in this way.

Saturday, July 4, 2026

Happy 250th, United States of America!

So because the 250tyh birthday of the United States landed on a Saturday, I'd asked Ed Calkins, Stewarf of Tara to write a special blog for today.

That's because Saturdays in the BryonySeries world are dedicated to Ed and all things Irish.

However, the storms knocked out Ed's power anbd he couldn't send the blog.

That left me with the very rare occasion of having no blog ready to publish - and readers having to wait for Ed's words for another week at least.

For once, I'm short on words, since I'm still tired (physically and mentally) from hustling in the heat yesterday, despite frequent breaks into air-conditioned cars and building and staying very hydrated (the BryonySeries B.L.O.C.K.S. team ran all the games at the Joliet Eve of Independence: America 250 Fireworks and Celebration at the Billie Limacher Bicentennial Park and Theatre in Joliet.

So although I won't post a full recap on last night's very successful event (I know everyone says their events are successful. But this one really was), I will say this.

Last night was amazing, a really wonderful way to celebrate the 250th anniversary of our country.

Because two very important things happened last night.

Entire families played games together.

And we saw a level of excitement for books and reading than we've never experienced at any event we've hosted in the fifteen years we've hosted events.

I don't have all the numbers yet.

But I believe you (and I) will be very, very surprised.

And those two very important things are, I believe, a very good way to celebrate American independence.

Happy 250th, United States of America!

Thursday, July 2, 2026

PHOTOS: Final Food Truck Friday

Members of the BryonySeries B.L.O.C.K.S. team will be provided a changing array of kids games every Friday in June at the Carter Realty Group's Food Truck Fridays in Joliet.

The first event took place June 5, where we engaged kids with good old-fashioned backyard games under the tent (Carter Realty Group provided some of the games) and across the grassy field.

We also provided a coloring station (with stickers) for winding down.

June 12 was a "special" night. We will set up "tentless" closer to 4 p.m. and then left 6-ish since I had a previous "Grandma" committment for that night.

But we had plenty of giant bubble fun and Timothy engaged the kids with simple ball games in the field.

Rebekah and I missed Food Truck Fridays on June 19 due to my diverticulitis. We only had Timothy, Daniel, and Cindy working the event, and they entertained an average of twenty kids at one time! So no one thought of taking pictures.

Here are the photos the final event on June 26.

Finally, here are ten reasons to pop by our tent Friday at the Billie Limacher Bicentennial Park in Joliet, especially if you have kids of any age.

Tuesday, June 23, 2026

BryonySeries at Bicentennial Park's Independence Celebration on July 3, 2026

Come celebrate Independence Day with us!

BryonySeries powered by B.L.O.C.K.S. returns to the Billie Limacher Bicentennial Park Theatre on July 3 as part of the park's celebration.

Joliet Eve of Independence: America 250 Fireworks and Celebration will take place from 6 to 10 p.m. July 3 at 201 W. Jefferson St. in Joliet.

Here are TEN ways you can have fun at our tent.

1. Spin for a free BryonySeries children's book (while supplies last).

2. Play five other carnival-style games with free prizes (while prizes last).

3. Take home a free hand-dyed and stenciled BryonySeries shirt (must be present to find out how) OR buy one.

4. Take home a free BryonySeries baseball cap (must be present to find out how) OR buy one.

5. Take home a free BryonySeries beverage container (must be present to find out how) OR buy one.

6. Teens and adults: Take this book home for free! (one book per family) while supplies last!

7. Teens and adults: Take this book home for free! (one book per family) while supplies last!

8. Adopt a patriotic Bertrand the Mouse friend (while friends last).

9. Get your photo taken with Bertrand the Mouse.

10. Wind down with our coloring and sticker station.

The Bicentennial Park's Independence Celebration will also include live entertainment, food trucks, and fireworks over the water.

For more information, visit bryonyseries.com, writeonjoliet.com, and joliet.gov.

Tuesday, June 16, 2026

More Food Truck Friday Fun: Bring the Kids!

Members of the BryonySeries B.L.O.C.K.S. team will be providing a changing array of kids games every Friday in June at the Carter Realty Group's Food Truck Fridays.

The last two Food Truck Fridays will take place 4 to 8 p.m. June 19, and June 26 in the Carter Realty Group parking lot, located at 1214 Essington Road in Joliet.

The first event took place June 5, where we engaged kids with good old-fashioned backyard games under the tent (Carter Realty Group provided some of the games) and across the grassy field.

We also provided a coloring station (with stickers) for winding down.

June 12 was a "special" night. We will set up "tentless" closer to 4 p.m. and then left 6-ish since I had a previous "Grandma" committment for that night.

But we had plenty of giant bubble fun and Timothy engaged the kids with simple ball games in the field.

We also left bottles of bubbles at the Carter Realty Group tables for kids to enjoy and added a special guessing game to keep the kids enaged.

On June 19 and June 26, we will set up games sometime between 5:30 and 6 p.m. and stay until close.

Kids can also get their picture taken on their parents' or guardians' cell phones with Bertrand the Mouse.

Finally, we'll also be selling all titles of the BryonySeries that night, either for people to take home and read or for B.L.O.C.K.S.' two large events this year: hosting children's games at the July 3 Independence Day celebration at Bicentennial Park in Joliet or the WriteOn Joliet tent in downtown Joliet for Kidz Fest on Aug. 1.

Food Truck Fridays features a food trucks, music, and other local venders.

If you're hungry, like music and shopping, and/or have kids who need some entertaining, stop out.

Tuesday, June 9, 2026

Kids Fun at Food Truck Fridays in June

Members of the BryonySeries B.L.O.C.K.S. team will be providing a changing array of kids games every Friday in June at the Carter Realty Group's Food Truck Fridays.

Food Truck Fridays will take place from 4 to 8 p.m. June 12, June 19, and June 26 in the Carter Realty Group parking lot, located at 1214 Essington Road in Joliet.

The first event took place June 5, where we engaged kids with good old-fashioned backyard games under the tent (Carter Realty Group provided some of the games) and across the grassy field.

We also provided a coloring station (with stickers) for winding down.

June 12 is a "special" night. We will set up "tentless" closer to 4 p.m. and then leave 6-ish since I have a previous "Grandma" committment for that night.

But we have two special kids activities planned and will leave a few more activities behind to keep the kids occupied and having fun.

But June 19 and June 26, we work until 5 p.m. So we will set up games sometime between 5:30 and 6 p.m. and stay until close.

Kids can also get their picture taken on their parents' or guardians' cell phones with Bertrand the Mouse.

Food Truck Fridays features a food trucks, music, and other local venders.

If you're hungry, like music and shopping, and/or have kids who need some entertaining, stop out.

And before you praise us for any of our efforts, please know we left richer than when we arrived since one young artist named Chase provided us with original art he created under our tent.

Tuesday, June 2, 2026

B.L.O.C.K.S. Kids Games at Food Truck Fridays in June

Join members of the B.L.O.C.K.S. team every Friday in June at the Carter Realty Group's Food Truck Fridays, where we were asked to provide children's games for two hours of the four-hour event.

Food Truck Fridays will take place from 4 to 8 p.m. June 5, June 12, June 19, and June 26 in the Carter Realty Group parking lot, located at 1214 Essington Road in Joliet.

We work until 5 p.m. so we will set up games sometime between 5:30 and 6 p.m. and stay until close.

The only exception is June 12, where we will set up closer to 4 p.m. and then leave 6-ish since I have a previous "Grandma" committment for that night.

We will engage kids with good old-fashioned backyard games, a coloring station for winding down, and maybe a few surprises we haven't devised yet.

Kids can also get their picture taken on their parents' or guardians' cell phones with Bertrand the Mouse (who will not be hanging around any food, despite the photo below).

We will also be selling all titles of the BryonySeries that night, either for people to take home and read or for B.L.O.C.K.S.' two large events this year: hosting children's games at the July 3 Independence Day celebration at Bicentennial Park in Joliet or the WriteOn Joliet tent in downtown Joliet for Kidz Fest on Aug. 1.

Food Truck Fridays will also feature a food trucks, music, and other local venders.

If you're hungry, like music and shopping, and/or have kids who need some entertaining, stop out.

Thursday, May 7, 2026

WriteOn Joliet at The Timbers of Shorewood 2026 Part 2

On January 17, The Timbers of Shorewood retirement community held its fourth "Meet the Authors" event for the members of WriteOn Joliet who contributed to its 2024 and 2025 anthologies.

Amy Odell, activities director, created light bulb ornaments for each participant.

For details about the event, our sponsors, and some really nice photos, read "Seniors meet local authors at ‘WriteOn Joliet’ annual event at Timbers of Shorewood."

Please enjoy the second part of the video.

Thursday, April 30, 2026

WriteOn Joliet at The Timbers of Shorewood 2026 Part 1

On January 17, The Timbers of Shorewood retirement community held its fourth "Meet the Authors" event for the members of WriteOn Joliet who contributed to its 2024 and 2025 anthologies.

Amy Odell, activities director, created their light bulb ornaments for each participant.

For details about the event, our sponsors, and some really nice photos, read "Seniors meet local authors at ‘WriteOn Joliet’ annual event at Timbers of Shorewood."

And then watch part one of the event:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pabKhtEB5d0&t=562s

Tuesday, April 21, 2026

"Shades of Noir" and Roc City Bar & Grill

On April 18, eight members of WriteOn Joliet will present “Shades of Noir." an original radio theater production, at 2 and 7 p.m. at the Billie Limacher Bicentennial Park Theatre in Joliet.

"Shades of Noir" authors and performers were Denise M. Baran-Unland, Mauverneen Blevins, Ed Calkins, Steve Cordin, Cean Magosky, Jenny Russ, and Duanne Walton.

Director was Jake Thomas.

Production assistant was Rebekah Baran.

And for the second year in a row, we ordered food for cast, crew, and helpers between performances from Rock City Bar & Grill in Rockdale.

Except this year, mere hours before the park was to print our playbill, Roc City's owner Tommy offered to generously discount the food.

The cost was then reduced to zero thanks to contributions from B.L.O.C.K.S. and Paula Sanzenbacher of Garden Keepers in Chicago.

Tommy's one request when he personally delivered the food was to meet the cast and crew and take photos with us.

But Tommy brought more than food...

...he brought swag for all!!!

Seriously, cast, crew, everybody received a bag of swag!

I promised Tommy that I'd blog about his generosity and add photos of happy people enjoying his food.

The blog was no problem.

The problem with photos was that I was overseeing everything and making sure people headed to the green room for food.

By the time I was able to get my own food and take photos, well, most of the food was gone.

And it was seriously A LOT of food.

You are seeing all that remained of four pizzas and three boxes of beef pockets.

And that's on top of the fruit tray Jenny brought, the brownies Mauverneen baked, and the cookies and minature cupcakes Rebekah served.

Next year, we'll just need more food!

Keep scrolling for our other sponsors.

Cast supplies provided by Edward and Nancy Calkins.

Cast T-shirt sponsors are Coops Bowsmith and Holly Coop Books.

Mauverneen Blevins created all the marketing materials.

In addition, the first ten attendees at each performance received a FREE 2025 WriteOn Joliet anthology, courtesy of the BryonySeries creative group B.L.O.C.K.S.

The first thirteen attendees at the BryonySeries before the 2 p.m.performance and the first twelve attendees at the BryonySeries table before the 7 p.m. performance received a FREE booklet called "Angel or Demon" (source material for one of the show's pieces), courtesy of The Raven's House, who sold selling select noir pieces at the BryonySeries table.

See the middle noir piece in the graphic?

I now own it.

Had to buy it before doors opened for the first show before someone else did!

And don't you think...

...it worked well with my dress?

Monday, April 20, 2026

A Small Move of the Needle

Good morning!

Last December (as you may recalls), the BryonySeries B.L.O.C.K.S. team organized two holiday children's book drives.

We had a donation box at The Book Market in Crest Hill (spearheaded by Rebekah) to collect BryonySeries children's books (Bertrand the Mouse series, The Adventures of Cornell Dyer series, and Girls of the BryonySeries series) for Santa Services, as we've done in the past.

But we also decided to collect BryonySeries books and other children's books for the Will County Children's Advocacy Center after learning they had a need for them throughout the year.

We finally have the results of our efforts.

We sent fifty Bertrand the Mouse to Santa Services for since Santa loves to give books away at his appearances for low-income families.

A few patrons at The Book Market bought BryonySeries and other children's books for the Will County Children's Advocacy Center. And Jan Staley, the store's owner, donated some, too.

And then Cindy piggybacked and expanded the book drive for the center at her work place, which provided most of the books we wound up donating.

So earlier in April, we brought nearly 250 books (230 from Cindy's workplace) to the Will County Children's Advocacy Center.

We waited this long because the donations at Cindy's workplace kept coming even after the holidays.

Of course, Cindy removed any book appeared damaged before donating them.

Cindy also received donations toward BryonySeries books for events B.L.O.C.K.S. will host or participate in during the year.

As you might recall, Timothy and Daniel participated in the Will County Children's Advocacy Center "Men Who Cook" fundraiser on October 11, 2025.

We remember the date because it was Daniel's thirtieth birthday.

And Daniel worked the event on this milestone birthday with a migraine.

The children's book drive (and other donation events we've hosted) was a lot of work, and we know we're not moving the needle of meeting the need in the world by very much.

We certainly don't have the time and resources of major corporations that can really make an impactful difference.

But we also believe small blessings can, when added up and in due time, yield big results.

Years ago I read it's always better to light one candle than curse the darkness.

So we try not to let our lamp go out at night.

Have a most blessed day!