BryonySeries Throwback Thursday: Found: The 1975 Home Inspection for Simons Mansion

Thursday, September 22, 2011

Found: The 1975 Home Inspection for Simons Mansion

My father, who is designing a couple of Munsonville "surprises" for Vamp Fest, showed me the file yesterday. Here's what happened:

In the fall of 1975, shortly after Melissa Marchellis and her family moved into the servant's cottage on John Simons' estate, the Village of Munsonville contracted with Transaction Home Inspections to inspect the mansion, assess its damage, and offer suggestions for repair and updating.

As I turned the pages, the story sprang to life before my eyes: the actual signature of Joe Roberts, the restoration's project manager; written and visual documentation of the gas lighting, boiler heat, rudimentary wiring, fixtures used; and vivid descriptions of all structures, including the stables. It even referred to damage on the outdoor columns.

Also included in this report were some amazing discoveries: original photographs hidden beneath floorboards, a section on the roof where lightening had struck, and recent fireplace activity (although the house had been vacant for 82 years).

Now, one might suppose such a valuable treasure should be safely secured for future generations, but it will actually be a companion piece to a very cool silent auction item: a gift certificate toward an actual home inspection by Transaction Home Inspections, my father's company.

I guess the art of fiction writing runs deeply in my family. ;)

Arghhh!!! It's Monday morning.

And a crazy Monday it is.

Deadlines, deadlines, deadlines: three stories and one press release, plus a fundraising story. I love fundraising stories, but the "why" is for another post.

In between, I've answered questions about Vamp Fest (the October 14 "Bryony" themed fundraiser for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Will and Grundy Counties--www.bbbs

VampFest Revisted

Today, my son Christopher and I presented the proceeds of VampFest to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Will and Grundy Counties. I haven't yet received VampFest photos from Stephen Tuplin, director of Bryony media, as he left town soon after the event to tour with a local Christian music group, but he promised he would edit the video and send photos soon.

Highlights of the evening included the serving up of "bites and nibbles" from the upcoming Bryony cookbook:

   ·         Fried “O’Brien-style” potatoes

·         Mini corn dogs

·         Black Avocado Dip with Homemade Tortilla Chips

·         Corn Dip With Homemade Tortilla Chips

·         Cucumber and Tomato Salad

·         Marinated Onions, Mushrooms, and Peppers

·         Chicken Salad

·         Shepherd’s Pie

·         Stuffed Mini Peppers

·         Pork Tenderloins with Cabbage and Kraut

·         Vegetarian Chili

·         Pear Mascarpone French Toast

·         Toffee-Apple French Toast

·         Sweet Potato Pudding

Many characters from the book--in period dress--served and interacted with the guests.

Teen classic rock band, Street Worthy, represented the 1970s.

Romantic pianist/composer James Onohan symbolized the Victorian era by playing, for the first time, original songs from the brand-new Bryony CD, The Best-Loved Compositions of John Simons.

Alas, red tape meant we had no books to sell, but we raffled off one of two proof copies we received for $100, which we also donated to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Will and Grundy Counties. We hope to have copies of both the novel and the cookbook available SOON!

For those who missed the festivities (or are loath to see them end), Bryony will be at the HS Healing and Wellness Center's first Pumpkin Fest from 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. this Saturday, Oct. 22. The day features tarot readings, face painting, live music by James Onohan, pumpkin decorating, and storytelling. The center is located at 3117 W. Jefferson Street in Joliet. For more information call 815-741-4386.

The following week, I will be at the same Healing and Wellness Center from 4 to 5 p.m. reading Halloween stories.

Mostly, I'd like to thank everyone who contributed into the success of VampFest:

The Bryony Team: Dulcinea Hawksworth, director of marketing and event host/ coordinator; Tommy Connolly, media researcher and developer and emcee; Sarah Stegall, web administrator and silent auction co-coordinator; James Onohan, Bryony's pianist and composer; Virginia Schonbachler, silent auction and raffle co-coordinator; Stephen James Tuplin of Echo White Fox and Josh Siegers of JKS Productions for photography and videography; Heather Frelichowski of Crafty Moms Inc for costume design, Harwood Post and especially Mary Hischier, for supplying food, venue, and general guidance.

Vendors: Matt Coundiff of A Thin Line Tattoo, Vanna Fleetwood of Dimensions Barber and Salon, Sandy Costa of Foo Tribe Jewelry,  HS Healing and Wellness Center, Bryony cookbook contest winner  Kathryn Russ Dunlap and Rufio products, Andrea Rodriguez of Sugar Mama, Inc., and Valerie’s Heavenly Scents.

Volunteers: Christopher Baran, Daniel Baran, Rebekah Baran, Timothy Baran, Karen Bonarek, Rachel Bonarek, Rose Bonerk, Amber Cable,, Becky Colwell, Noah Curl, Donna Krofta, Justin Ongenae, Carolyn Sallade, Bryony cookbook contest winner Nola Sawyer, Rachel Schall

An especial thank you to Ed Calkins, Cal Graphics, Inc., Dawn Aulet, Fast Printing of Joliet, J and M Printing, John Heinz, and Street Worthy; the members of the Heavenly Sinners Writer’s Guild for their enthusiastic support and to Tommy Connolly and Virginia Schonbachler for supplying, out of pocket, all the last minute and much needed items; and also to Kosack’s Formalwear, Joliet Junior College theatre department, the P. Seth Magosky Museum of Victorian Life for supplying costumes, all of our silent auction donors, and those the generous supporters of the event.

If you'd like to be added to Bryony's virtual mailing list for updates, please contact me at BryonySeries@gmail.com

  

This and That

Yes, a VampFest update is coming soon--tomorrow, I promise--but it's been a little crazy and somewhat fun since the time I nodded off about two o'clock Saturday morning after VampFest, so without further ado, here's a quick recap of the author's life since the pre-book launch and fundraiser:

   *  Came home to an electrical issue that became an electrical problem by morning. Praise God an electrician lives next door and quickly fixed the problem.

   *  Two of my teens had warehouse work that afternoon, which was not done on Friday, because of the fundraiser. So they went in one direction with their stepfather, and I burned up the keyboard with stories due by Monday morning.

   *  Sunday morning we took a pass on church because we had to clean the warehouse. This is usually a several hour project that takes the majority of a Sunday afternoon, but because of an event, had to be done in the morning. Missing Divine Liturgy and its accompanying sacraments is always hugely disappointing to me; the fact I caught up on filing and bills while Rebekah ran around the house with her obligations only made me feel marginally better.

   *  Packed bags for sleepover and work the next morning. As usual, when I'm trying to transfer my village for the day, I forget stuff.

   *  Spent several hours cleaning, then over to my mother's house to clean up and change clothes for Big Finale, the annual chef-created, all-dessert fundraiser for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Will and Grundy Counties. Although I had written about the Big Finale in the past, because of church obligations and financial constraints, had never attended one. This year, however, Timothy was representing Joliet Junior College with a deep-fried, taffy apple cheesecake he created; his submission won Best Dessert. Unfortunately, we missed that part, since Sarah and I had to leave early for Bryony marketing meeting. Congratulations, Timothy and Joliet Junior College!

   *  After the meeting, I returned to my mother's, where Sarah and her four year old son Lucas were staying while they were in town, for a girls night in, the first time I had spent the night under one roof with both daughters in nine years. The girls watched the Chicago Bears game with my mother while Lucas shared popcorn with me. He counted out his kernels in English and Japanese; I caught up on mail and pretended to work while really scrolling through my News Feed on Facebook. I stayed up past midnight chatting to a friend on the phone; my daughters sat up watching Sixteen and Pregnant on Sarah's laptop.

   *  A couple of hours later, Rebekah's phone alarm blared Korean pop music, and I was awake. I stumbled down the stairs through a dark house to put on coffee, check mail, and get to work. Since I'm technically handicapped (I'm not disabled; just clueless when it comes to technology), and lost when it comes to simple laptop tasks, such as adjusting my volume control, "You got mail!" boomed through the quiet house, but Sarah and Lucas, sleeping above in the loft, did not stir.

   *  I put the finishing touches on a couple of stories, enjoyed breakfast with my father, and then realized I only had the cell phone and email of my first interview. I called Ron, who sent Daniel up to the attic for my appointment book. Ron could read every phone number clearly except for the home number I needed, but he guessed it was an eight. I figured if that was wrong, "three" would probably do it, but that was incorrect, too. "Nine" wasn't much help, so I called the gentleman in question's cell phone, left a message, and did the same via email. I sent the pet picture for Tuesday's story, and my cell phone rang. It was he, and the elusive number was "five!"

   * I quickly followed up that interview with my second, checked mail, and took a brief nap, then devoured an eclectic lunch with the girls and Lucas. When I came home, the cats were highly ecstatic to see me. That could only mean one thing.

   "Daniel," I called over the radio where he was folding Joshua's clothes in the laundry room. "Did you feed the cats at noon?"

   "No," Daniel said, "calmly shaking his head and folding a T-shirt. "We're out of cat food."

   Be it ever so humble....

Ed Calkins on VampFest

Ed Calkins, the Steward of Tara, made an appearance--in a kilt--last night at VampFest, and it was fortunate for all that he was there.

Several times during the evening, whenever "Bryony" was mentioned, Ed was at hand to quickly interject how the story is really about him, although that fact may not be completely obvious at first glance.

"I'm not sure even the author is aware of it," Ed said.

Ed graciously posed for several photographs before the pictorial backdrop of a window inside Simons Mansion overlooking the vast estate. Although he originally planned to distribute limericks and samples of his "Bryony" game, Ed apolgized for having neither.

"I keep modifying the game," Ed said. "I'm having a hard time finishing it."

He thoroughly enjoyed the food, mingling with the guests, and swaying to the music, although none of the entertainment was Irish-themed. The Steward did, however, express great displeasure at yet another delay in "Bryony's" road to publication, since he had hoped to sign many copies that night.

"I'm telling you, the IVA is very displeased," Ed said.

I assured Ed we were doing everything humanly and subhumanly possible to get "Bryony" into readers' hands as quickly as possible. I certainly would never wish to raise the ire of the Irish Vampire Association.

VampFest is Approachin'...It's a Busy Week in Munsonville!

LOTS of interviews scheduled early this weeek, so I can loosen my deadline schedule a bit as the week progresses. Still, I have one I didn't finish over the weekend and two other stories to edit.

A galley of the the official "Bryony" cookbook, "Memories in the Kitchen: Bites and Nibbles from 'Bryony,'" was sitting inside my inbox this morning with a lovely note from Serena Diosa, author of the "Tinkey's Goldfish" series.

Serena did all the formatting for both "Bryony" and the cookbook. Since she did such a lovely job with the novel, I can't wait to peek at the cookbook.

We're still hoping to have "Bryony" for VampFest. Proof copies arrived Thursday, but there's an issue with the ISBN number, so it's back on the phone with Bowker this morning. Please pray for a speedy resolution.

I have two radio interviews this week, and two newspaper stories will be published this week, thanks to freelance writer Jeanne Millsap. Jeannne and I had lunch last week, bemoaning the fact that our busy schedules don't seem to allow more than one lunch together a year.

I'm blessed that a such a good friend handled my first interview (I hope I didn't botch it too much) and that she was sooo excited to hear about "Bryony" and the story behind the book.

Tonight, we're having a pre-VampFest costume party at my mother's house. Since she no longer has a house full of kids (and cats), she had graciously consented to the the keeper of the clothes until all our volunteers are properly garbed.

Sarah, Bryony's web administrator, who just flew in to help with the silent auction and final details, couldn't wait until tonight to select her costume and emailed me a photo of her dressed in her vamp outfit of choice. If she has a moment, I'll have her post a picture.

Heather Frelichowski, owner of Crafty Moms, Inc. and official "Bryony" seamstress, will be there, too, making temporary adjustments to costumes (they belong to a local college theatre) and (hoping with fingers crossed) fitting my daughter Rebekah (our Melissa for the night) and me with our ball dresses.

Rebekah wanted to wear the first dress Melissa found herself when she went back in time: yellow, trimmed in lace and pearls. Mine is deep purple with flecks of glitter. We can't wait!!!

Oh yes, and there's still a few last minute silent auctions to pick up.

Cold or Allergies? Dulcinea Might Have Been Right.

Before dawn on Saturday, my publicist, Dulcinea Hawksworth, called me for an impromptu VampFest meeting. I had woken up congested, which, because I have asthma, food and seaonal allergies, and chronic hives, I attributed to something suspicious in the pizza I had eaten the previous night.

"Sounds like you've got a cold," Dulcinea said.

Forgetting also I have major throat and soft palate itching at a cold's onset, too, I insisted, "No, it's allergies."

I grew more tired as the day lengthened, and I muddled through just half of the work I had reserved for my Saturday. Far too soon, I weakly waved the white flag, showered, and went to bed, confident that an "early to bed" would mean an extra-early rising, which should be plenty of time to complete the tasks I had forsaken.

I awakened nine hours later to a sore throat and general body aches. I chastised my weakness as I fed the cats and made the coffee, and I find myself doing the same psyche-kicking this morning.

As usual, I have a full week planned, but less than a fraction of energy to accomplish it, although I'm cheering inside that my first deadline of the day has been successfully met. Well, it's early.

Today on the list: a church anniversary story to complete and follow-up phone calls for stories regarding a local sound artist, student ambassadors, parent coaching, and concussion treatment.

But first, I will pack up my "Bryony" displays, costume, makeup, and jewelry, then head over to the P. Seth Magosky Museum of Victorian Life in Joliet, where we shot the "Bryony" trailer and music video.

A digression: We are releasing the trailer on Wednesday, hurray!

At the mansion, a photographer from the Morris Herald will be taking a few pictures for an October 11 "Bryony" story. Then it's off to the warehouse, along with Rebekah and my backpack, for cleaning and writing.

Hoping the coffee kicks in soon!

The Mission: Victorian Suits for Two Very Tall Men

6'5" and 6'10" to be exact.

Today, the theatre department of a local college lent me all its Victorian clothing for any VampFest worker that still needs a costume. We stacked gorgeous dresses in a wide variety of hues and fabrics and a fair amount of non-period tuxedos (just in case)into the back of the van, but saw nothing that would fit our John Simons and Kellen Weschler.

In August, the Joliet Drama Guild performed, "Jeckyll & Hyde," so I had contacted the guild president, who put us in touch with its costume director, who is steering us to one of the actors. I messaging him tonight, hoping he can steer me in the direction of the perfect suits and top hats.

In the meantime, if anyone out there just happens to be sitting on Goliath-sized, Victorian menswear, please contact me at BryonySeries@gmail.com.

Found: The 1975 Home Inspection for Simons Mansion

My father, who is designing a couple of Munsonville "surprises" for Vamp Fest, showed me the file yesterday. Here's what happened:

In the fall of 1975, shortly after Melissa Marchellis and her familiy moved into the servant's cottage on John Simons' estate, the Village of Munsonville contracted with Transaction Home Inspections to inspect the mansion, assess its damage, and offer suggestions for repair and updating.

As I turned the pages, the story sprang to life before my eyes: the actual signature of Joe Roberts, the restoration's project manager; written and visual documentation of the gas lighting, boiler heat, rudimentary wiring, fixtures used; and vivid descriptions of all structures, including the stables. It even referred to damage on the outdoor columns.

Also included in this report were some amazing discoveries: original photographs hidden beneath floorboards, a section on the roof where lightening had struck, and recent fireplace activity (although the house had been vacant for 82 years).

Now, one might suppose such a valuable treasure should be safely secured for future generations, but it will actually be a companion piece to a very cool silent auction item: a gift certificate toward an actual home inspection by Transaction Home Inspections, my father's company.

I guess the art of fiction writing runs deeply in my family. ;)

James Onohan Sent Four New Bryony Songs Last Night!

Those joined the first four he previously sent. Just two to go before we have all the material for the upcoming "Bryony" CD, "The Best-Loved Compositions of John Simons." We just may have a CD for October 14th's "Vamp Fest."

I can't wait!!!

Listening to the music transported me back into 1890's fictional Munsonville, and I remember all over again the fun I had in writing this story, a fun that's been multiplied by the layers of creativity accompanying it: the art, the music, the clothing, the cookbook, and even the candles.

Ooops! That's a surprise. More on candles later.

Yet, even as I'm soaking up hauntingly melodic piano notes, I'm writing. When James sends a "Bryony" piece, he shares his emotions as he played it, which he wants me to match with a scene in the story to compose the perfect title. I then send the title back to him, along with an explanation of where in the novel his music fits and why I named it such.

so far, James has been happy with each title, which makes me happy, too. I can't even begin to express how humbled and honored I feel to name this beautiful music, which will set the emotional tone before the hearer listens to the first piano note. It is truly a gift beyond words.

The Prizes Are Rolling In....

….thanks to Sarah Stegall, Bryony’s web administrator, who has made the bulk of the calls, as well as all the generous individuals, businesses, and organizations that have donated or are donating, all so Big Brothers Big Sisters of Will and Grundy Counties (www.bbbswillgrundy.org) can reap the benefit.

Here are some of the items that will be featured at the silent auction and raffle.

• A variety of car care packages, including oil changes, tire rotations, and detailing
• A 3-month family membership to the Greater Joliet Area YMCA, any location
• Books and CDs by local authors, bands, and musical artists
• Original artwork
• A 1-year child’s membership to the Children's Museum in Oak Lawn
• Pet-related items, including a free evaluation and therapeutic massage for a dog or cat
• Health-related gift certificates, including those for weight loss programs, fitness centers, and chiropractic services
• Restaurant gift cards
• Passes to local shows
• 20 gold passes to CPX Sports
• Several photography packages
• Celebrity memorabilia
• Baby and child-themed decorations, including specialty designed clothing and accessories
• Custom jewelry
• Hair salon gift certificates

Finally, we do have a couple of prizes that are unique to this Bryony-themed fundraiser, but we’re not ready to announce them yet!

However, if you have a product or service you'd like to donate to the "Vamp Fest: travel Through Time With 'Bryony'" fundraiser, please contact us at BryonySeries@gmail.com

Remember, Vamp Fest is Oct. 14 at Harwood Post, 705 S. Larkin Avenue, Joliet.

So, what's up with "Bryony?"

Hopefully, a book by October 14!!!

That's the date of "Vamp Fest: Travel Through Time With 'Bryony,'" a Bryony-themed fundraiser for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Will and Grundy Counties.

The event runs from 6 to 11 p.m. at Harwood Post, 705 S. Larkin Avenue, Joliet and includes "bites and nibbles" from our cookbook (also a fundraiser for Big Brothers Big Sisters), Bryony-themed vendors, a silent auction, 50/50 raffle, characters from the book, and live music representing the late 1890's and the 1970's, the time "zones" in "Bryony."

In the meantime, "Bryony" has been busy, busy, busy.

This past Saturday, Saturday, "Bryony" participated in the Three Rivers Arts Council's (TRAC) open house, as part of Minooka's annual Summerfest. Then on Sunday, I checked out two Bryony-themed pieces my architect-turned-home-inspector father is creating for Vamp Fest.

One is a large, fish-shaped sign welcoming people to the fictitious Munsonville (where Bryony's action takes place), and the other is a lighted "window" that overlooks the Simons estate (home of Bryony's lead vampire/pianist/composer).

"Bryony" has another pre-release event before Vamp Fest. That will be from 1 to 4 p.m. September 11 at the P. Seth Magosky Museum of Victorian Life, 206 N. Broadway Street, Joliet, the filming site of the soon-to-be-released "Bryony" book trailer and music video.

Not all the details of that afternoon are finalized, but it will include musem tours and music by James Onohan, Bryony's pianist and composer (www.jamesonohan.com). We hope to see you there!

If you haven't yet become a fan on Facebook, check us out at www.facebook.com/BryonySeries. There you will find updates, photos, and quirky posts, all related to "Bryony."

A Chat With Ed Calkins, The Steward of Tara

It had been some time since I had updated our Irish vampire about "Bryony," so yesterday at the warehouse, while Daniel and Rebekah counted out my inserts, I gave him a quick call.

The Steward was having a less than upbeat day. The previous day, he'd quit one of his jobs, and that happened immediately after his truck had been towed. Of course, Ed had no money to release his vehicle or to get home, which left him in a bit of a predicament.

Yet, what was uppermost in his mind was the future of his immortality, so this I was eager to share. He immediately began talking about pre-orders; he will need at least twenty books, but promised to email the exact amount.

Ed can't wait until October 14th's Vamp Fest, since the best part of the book's release, for him, will be signing books and letting people know where to find him between the pages, the best and most important parts of the story, according to him.

However, while I'm feverishly searching for a kilt (Ed outgrew his and gave it away), he has more pressing issues on his mind.

Like composing a limerick for the scoundrils that towed away his truck.

Oh, yes, it's Monday!

Deadlines, deadlines, deadlines: three stories and a press release, one interview completed, and two more scheduled for this afternoon. Frantically playing mad catch-up from all our medical skirmishes last week (I'll spare the gory details). Suffice to say, nobody died, so it's all good!

Amongst the work-related duties, I've answered questions about Vamp Fest (the October 14, Bryony-themed fundraiser for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Will and Grundy Counties--www.bbbswillgrundy.org) and responded to the generous individuals that pledged donations for the silent auction.

As I pen this, I'm sipping coffee that my fifteen year old son Daniel just brought me, while Faith, my calico, nibbles my arm, nudges my shoulder, and scrutinizes my typing. Too bad she doesn't check for typos!

On the down side, my oldest son's cat has developed a spraying problem (Alas, we caught him in the act), and Rebekah, seventeen, slipped off a ladder while moving items to the playhouse loft. An ice pack, a few hugs, and plenty of sincere, "Aw's," and she bounced right back.

But then Sarah Stegall, Bryony web administrator and cookbook coordinator, called me with exciting news. Because we're supplying our own art and cover, the cost to print the cookbook is far less than we had anticipated. Hurray!

I'm also trying to adapt to the new desktop (mine spontaneously retired last week, hours before my oldest son--and computer adminstrator--left town for a week. Yes, he bought and installed a new one first. Oh, colic was so worth it!) and worrying about whether or not my new laptop, which was accidentally dropped last week, will survive its tumble.

On the plus side, I won a bet with Rebekah about who could get a mountain of work done first (she lost), so she treated me to ice cream last night. Nothing beats a chocolate-dipped, vanilla ice cream, waffle cone and silly conversation with your kids.

We've recently discovered, "The Key of Awesome," so in-between crunches and slurps, we quoted from some of our favorite videos. Today, I'm yawning over my keyboard, but still chuckling at the Owl City and "Back to the Future" impersonations.

Troubles and challenges, those will come. I'm surrounded with God, family, friends, cats, and interesting work. Oh yeah, and the sun is pouring through my attic window.

Enjoy the day!

We Launch October 14!

"Vamp Fest: Travel Through Time With 'Bryony,'" a fundraiser for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Will and Grundy Counties, will be from 6 to 11 p.m. at Harwood Post, 705 S. Larkin Avenue, Joliet.

The 1970's/Victorian theme evening will include appetizers based on recipes from our official cookbook, "Memories in the Kitchen: Nibbles and Bites from 'Bryony,'" Bryony-related product (more on this as we get closer to the date), live music from both eras, a silent auction, 50/50 raffle, Bryony-themed vendors, and appearances by "Bryony" characters.

Over the next few weeks, we will share more details, as well as introduce the newest members of the "Bryony" team. We hope to see you there!