Steward Setback Saturday: A Chat With Ed Calkins, The Steward of Tara

Saturday, August 27, 2011

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.

BryonySeries Throwback Thursday: Launch Party

I've had a couple different people suggest we should throw a BryonySeries fundraiser and cook various dishes from the "Bryony" cookbook: Memories in the Kitchen: Bites and Nibbles from "Bryony."

While such an event is beyond the scope of my time right now, we did host one on Oct. 14, 2011 at the former Harwood Post in Joliet when we launched the brand. 

The event was a fundraiser for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Will and Grundy Counties and we raised just under $1,400, not a whole lot, but very good for a grassroots fundraiser hosted by people with zero fundraising experience.

Here is the recap post from Wednesday, October 19, 2011

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, Bryonycookbook 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.

Heralding the Great and Awesome Return of Ed Calkins, Steward of Tara to the BryonySeries Blog: Ruthless Times

In 2010, I received an email from Ed, vaguely stating he was "going through some things" and would reach out when those were resolved. In the interim, I ran old posts with the tag "Steward Setback Saturday."

On the Saturday before I left for Raleigh, I decided enough was enough. I mean, I'm all for giving a dude his space, but five years of silence?

Uh, uh.

So I called. And I'm glad I did. Ed was glad I did. Turns out, the difficult situation is not yet resolved, but he did share some of it, and I empathized with his trying circumstances. 

But.

As we talked, his voice became brighter and his interest in the entire BryonySeries project revived. He hadn't realized I was still plugging away at it. He'd forgotten to read Staked! He'd forgotten this was the novel where the fictional steward really shone. He'd forgotten that Saturday was his space on the blog and was surprised that I'd held it for him and that I'd filled his empty space with all things Irish. He was humbly stunned that we celebrate Calkins Day; when our conversation ended, I sent blog links to prove it.

But before we ended the call, Ed decided to read Staked! No, he wouldn't accept a free copy; he'd buy his own from Amazon. 

And he promised to write blog posts. In fact, Ed promised to send one by the very next Saturday.

Which he did. And has done every Saturday since then.

I now have three such "telegrams."

But...wait, I can almost hear the new reader to the series ask. You...you talk as if Ed Calkins is real.

Ah, well, he is. He really, truly is. With his own page on the BryonySeries website.

So without further ado, I bring you the return of Ed Calkins. 

My Dearest Mistress of My Immortality (MOMI):

Through my many years of delivering newspapers, I had one favorite publication, which I'm thinking of reviving: The Ruthless Times.

This was a freestanding newspaper existing from about 4050 to 3099 B.C. Even though, it wasn't very informative, as back in that day nothing really changed, it was both ruthless and amusing. In fact, in its fifty-one years of existence, I don't think it actually had a single story that could be actually counted as news. Mostly, it simply the happenings of the prior two hundred years.

Now the publisher, who was also the distributor, could hardly be blamed for this. Back then births were not quite as newsworthy as the invention of naming your children.  Also on and then it was the notion of Journalistic integrity or simply telling the truth. Since that at this time humanity with spread entirely over the globe the first addition was never completely delivered Perhaps the papers most endearing feature was it's "this day a thousand years in the future".

In an age when journalism has suffered such diminishing returns, perhaps it's time to bring this paper back. Maybe a website would like a copy.

Ruthlessly yours,

Ed Calkins, Steward of Tara

P.S.: The Ruthless Times was always a free publication, which is another reason why it went out of business.

Below, the real Ed Calkins, in a striped shirt and a kilt, laughs at an unknown joke, while "Brian Marhcellis," holding a non-white Snowbell, looks on. This fake Snowbell belonged to my grandson Lucas. With the push of a button, this grinning cat cocked its head and made growling purrs. VampFest was the 2011 launch of the BryonySeries and a fundraiser for Big Brothers Big Sisters for Will & Grundy Counties. We donated $1,400 to the nonprofit, not bad considered we didn't even have a book to sell yet due to publishing issues.

Steward Setback Saturday: Ed Calkins on VampFest

Saturday, October 15, 2011

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.

BryonySeries Throwback Thursday: VampFest is Approachin'...It's a Busy Week in Munsonville!

Monday, October 10, 2011

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.

Looking Back to 2011: VampFest Revisted

Wednesday, October 19, 2011

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, Bryonycookbook 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 atBryonySeries@gmail.com

BryonySeries Throwback Thursday: The Mission: Victorian Suits for Two Very Tall Men

Monday, September 26, 2011

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.

The Whole Package Deal

For several weeks I have been talking back and forth with George Kosack of Kosacks Black Tie Formal Wear, in Joliet, IL. He was very knowledgeable in 19th century styles and willing to help Big Brothers Big Sisters of Will and Grundy County in any way.

"Anything in the store you need, let me know," George said last month. After a local college donated many costume items and The P. Seth Magosky Museum of Victorian Life donated canes, jackets, and top hats, we were almost set, just short a few jackets and vests.

I went into Kosacks last night and was pleasantly greeted by Andy. After explaining who I was and what I needed he was all business. He quickly paired items and brought out jackets. Timothy Baran, who is playing Henry, a 19th century dandy, was very excited to see his look come together. "I could just live here," he gushed. After another look he proclaimed, " I would dress like this every day if I could, even if I have nowhere to go!"

I feel like a little kid on Christmas morning because I'm the one picking up the items today that Andy stayed and pressed last night. I urge anyone reading this to check out Kosacks Black Tie Formal Wear online to view their selections. They rent for many occasions with several styles. Last night's experience was genuinely filled with more than I could have hoped for. If you pick Kosacks, you aren't just getting a tux, you are getting a whole experience. Look for Kosacks Banner at Vampfest!

Vampfest Costume Party

Last night we all gathered at Denise's mother's house to try on costumes for Vampfest. A local college donated over 60 costumes of various styles and sizes, for both men and women, to be used for all the volunteers playing characters in Bryony. Vampfest is a fundraiser by BryonySeries for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Will and Grundy County.
The event started off loud and disorganized, which moved to semi-organized and humorous, which then ended with everyone pitching in to help our seamstress tidy up. Everyone who came at various degrees of the night were fitted into a costume, sent over to Heather for alterations, then in turn, helped the next in line get fitted. The jokes throughout the evening kept the mood light and the atmosphere fun. Please enjoy a few of the pictures from the night!

Guest Blog By Sarah Stegall