We're Not Meant to Hide Under the Bed

My post for Feb. 16, "My Cat is a Phoenix," summarized yet another story of my calico Faith's triumph of her small cell lymphoma that should have claimed her life in 2022.

However, on February 20, I reached out to Dr. Beechler, who had provided end-of-life care and euthanasia to Frances and Midnight, to assess Faith. 

Dr. Beechler offered to come out the following morning, which she did.

You see, Faith was back to doing Faith things: eating, drinking, cuddling, sitting in my chair, looking out the window - except she was also spending more and more time hiding under my bed.

That behavior began around the holidays, when Faith started what I termed "sundowning" - retreating beneath my bed for a few hours starting around twilight.

But during her past week of life, she spent all of her time under the bed, except when performing the above-mentioned activities.

I was 50/50 on what to do.

And so was Dr. Beechler when she arrived that Saturday morning and assessed her. Faith was overall doing well, except she had now developed a heart murmur she didn't have the previous week.

So technically, Faith hit all the "quality of life" markers for a cat - except for hiding under the bed.

She was living life, but not living life, if that makes sense.

When I woke up that Saturday morning, even before I opened my eyes, I gave Faith a test she didn't know I'd given her.

As was her habit, Faith started off the night sleeping on her blanket on my bed.

By morning, she'd be sitting on top of my little cabinet near the bed, looking out the window, also her habit.

So that morning, I opened my eyes and looked at the cabinet. No Faith.

You guessed it. Faith was already hiding under the bed.

While people and animals need to slip into their comfort ones from time to time, we all know that true growth and the meaning of life is not found by hiding under the bed.

That repeated, persistent act from Faith told me her quality of life had lost that indefinable quality that made life quality for Faith, enough that she tried to find solace in retreat.

As we navigate through life, sometimes we need to find solace in retreat. But I believe we instinctively know that true life happens beyond our comfort zones. 

As uncomfortable life is beyond those comfort zones, life's elusive magic is really found there.

And as we and our loved ones journey through life, we, too, will need to discern when to fight, when to step back, when to stive for a cure, for palliative care, for hospice, for the afterlife.

None of these discernments come with easily defined markers and boxes to check.

Not for us. And apparently not for our pets either.

But on February 21, when I opened my eyes to Faith's empty spot at the window, I knew one thing for certain.

We didn't bring Faith back from the brink of death to hide under the bed.

And so, a few hours later, we let her go.

My Cat is a Phoenix

Anyone who's followed by Faith's nearly four-year cancer journey, knows this little kitty has defied the odds (and her eventual fate) more than nine lives should allow - including one dramatic turn for the better one hour before her euthansia more than two years ago.

Well, she's beat them again, at least for this moment.

Because of her longterm steriod use (anticipated to be a couple of months, not years), Faith drinks a lot but can't keep up with the fluid loss. So she was recently prescribed subcutaneous fluids twice a week at home.

Before Faith received Fluid Treatment No. 1, we had the carpet stretchers at opur house. My room and the hall had rather suddenly developed a large, long trail of  a hump that urgently needed repair due to its size, location, and hazard (large enough we kept tripping over it).

That means completely emptying my room, a many-hour task on Calkins Day, for which I took the day off work.

Well, the carpet stretchers arrived two hours early, and we were far from done. So they headed to some other jobs and came back at the end of the day. That means a panicked Faith hid somewhere all day and under my bed once they were gone.

Faith stayed there most of Saturday, and I don't think she slept much those two days.

By Saturday night, she'd lost half a pound, looked ghastly, and received her first treatment of at-home fluids.

I worked through the weekend, so she and I hung out together. She didn't eat or drink much, but she did rest her face in the water bowl.

We decided to cancel my PT for Monday, give Tiny's vaccination appointment to Faith, and do whatever we needed to do to address the issue.

That brings us to last night.

At ten o'clock, Faith suddently discovered water.

And kibbles.

And sticks of wet food (the lickable snacks, and she eats an average of ten per day as a supplement).

Well, she ate eight of them last night.

I dozed on the bed and refilled her bowl each time I heard her licking the empty bowl. Untill well past midnight, I was up and down refilling her bowl. I also gave her fresh water around four.

She's still a little dehydrated. But her veterinarian said no more subcutaneous fluids until her next scheduled one, since she's eating and drinking. She also doesn't need to be seen, hurray!

We get that Faith is on borrowed time, and her situation can change on a dime. Her four-year anniversary since diagnosis is less than two months away, and we'd be surprised if she makes that.

In the meantime...

Tiny is rescheduled for next week. I get to go to work and PT as if nothing happened. 

Faith is currently hanging out under the bed pecking and food and water.

Not bad for a Monday, right?

Story Round-Up: Features in The Herald-News, Sept. 27 through Oct. 3

 Good morning!

I have ten stories online to share with you today - and more stories will go live over the weekend, since I'm working the weekend.

So please check back at shawlocal.com/the-herald-news.

To see the stories that ran in print this week and aren't online yet, click on the e-edition option at the top of The Herald-News website.

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 this fall) - so far:

Oct. 4: FAME: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Joliet Public Library, 150 N. Ottawa St. in Joliet. This Fandom Arts and Music Expo will features local musicans, artists, authors, and events on all three levels of the library. I will be leading a panel of comic book artists, reading a couple excerpts from my books, and speaking briefly about B.L.O.C.K.S. and WriteOn Joliet. I will also have BryonySeries books, WriteOn Joliet anthologies, and books authored by my former co-leader Tom Hernandez, who died from brain cancer two years ago.

Oct. 11: Men Who Cook: 6 to 9 p.m., Joliet Junior College Weitendorf Agricultural Education Center, 17840 West Laraway Road, Joliet. Sample small portions of appetizers, side dishes, entrée and desserts at this all-you-can-eat event that benefits the Will County Children's Advocacy Center. While this is not a BryonySeries event per se, Timothy and Daniel are participating for the first time (and this is Daniel's birthday) since the event benefits a nonprofit close to our hearts and raises awareness of the second. That's because the boys will be preparing and serving something yummy from "Memories in the Kitchen: Bites and Nibbles from 'Bryony,'" which is a permanent fundraiser for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Will and Grundy Counties. The boys will also be distributing information about B.L.O.C.K.S. For tickets and more information, visit willcountycac.org/menwhocook.

Oct. 25: BryonySeries Pre-Halloween Book Party: 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., The Book Market in Crest Hill.

Nov. 8: Local Author Panels: Tips and Tricks to Getting Your Book Published: 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Downers Grove Public Library. This event is a series of panel discussions designed to help authors move forward. I will be part of the panel on book marketing, and we will have information about BryonySeries, WriteOn Joliet and B.L.O.C.K.S. This is strictly an information session. No one will be selling that day.

Nov. 22: BryonySeries "Day of Gratitude" at The Book Market: 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., The Book Market in Crest Hill.

Nov. 28: Christmas Market: 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Renaisssance Center, 214 N. Ottawa St. in Joliet. This event is part of the Joliet City Center Partnership's "Light Up the Holidays Festival and Parade."

Dec. 4: WriteOn Joliet Anthology Release party: 6 to 8 p.m., Joliet Public Library, 150 N. Ottawa St. in Joliet. Everything is free at this event unless you buy a book: free chef-created small bites, free photos with Santa, free opportunity to chat with local authors, who will also be selling their books and other products. WriteOn Joliet will also be selling its 2025 anthology, along with all other anthologies from 2017 onward, including its holiday anthology and "cheetah" anthology.

Dec. 20: BryonySeries "A Gift of Reading" Christmas Party, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., The Book Market in Crest Hill.

What is the BryonySeries?

Please read "Books of the BryonySeries: A Quick Overview"

For more information on the developing "parent brand" that is removing some of the heavy marketing lifting from me, visit bryonyseries.com/blocks.

BryonySeries books-in-progress

Bertrand the Mouse: We have plenty of Bertrand photos and ideas. Several are at the top of the list. At some point, we will assemble and release some more.

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 had surgery July 17 and that further stalled the process. But I'd love to give Sue Midlock ideas for art (she illustrates all the Cornell books), especially since she's actually eager to get drawing.

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 we release it early 2026.

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 weekly recipe here.

WRITERS

If you're a writer anywhere in the world, you're welcome to join WriteOn Joliet's Facebook page. We're based in Joliet, Illinois, but we love to meet and interact with writers outside our area, too.

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.

I also suggest this book: Little Book of Revision: A Checklist for Fiction Writers. It's exactly as it says. Each page some with one suggestion for revision. The rest of the page is blank, so you can add your own notes. All proceeds benefit WriteOn Joliet.

If you need editing or help with self-publishing, check out dmbaranunland.com.

ARTISTS

If you need an artist for a project, I offer these recommendations.

NEWSLETTERS

Sign up for The Munsonville Times by emailing us at bryonyseries@gmail.com. The newsletter still isn't official yet, so we don't have an actual link on the website - but we are working on it! 

SOCIAL MEDIA

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

Joliet social worker helping fight food insecurity among cancer patients

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/09/25/joliet-social-worker-helping-fight-food-insecurity-among-cancer-patients/

Will County schools superintendent named impact leader by American Heart Association

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/10/01/will-county-schools-superintendent-named-impact-leader-by-american-heart-association/

Downtown Joliet getting Baby’s Cheesesteak restaurant

https://www.shawlocal.com/thescene/2025/10/01/downtown-joliet-getting-cheesesteaks-restaurant/

Coffee shop one of new Shorewood business licenses issued

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/10/01/coffee-shop-one-of-new-shorewood-business-licenses-issued/

Joliet nurse practitioner ‘climbing mountains’ for prostate cancer

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/09/28/joliet-urology-nurse-practitioner-climbing-mountains-for-prostate-cancer/

Learn how to grow garlic in these classes in Will, Grundy and Kankakee counties

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/09/27/learn-how-to-grow-garlic-in-these-classes-in-will-grundy-and-kankakee-counties/

Troy Township hosting free Medicare seminar in Shorewood

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/09/29/troy-township-hosting-free-medicare-seminar-in-shorewood/

Silver Cross New Lenox wound care center earns 2 awards

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/09/27/silver-cross-new-lenox-wound-care-center-earns-2-awards/

Joliet hospital recognized for geriatric emergency care

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/09/25/joliet-hospital-recognized-for-geriatric-emergency-care/

Will County Pets of the Week: Sept. 29, 2025

Will County rescues have dogs and cats for adoption

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/09/29/will-county-pets-of-the-week-sept-29-2025/

Illustration by Matt Coundiff for "Visage"

Story Round-Up: Features in The Herald-News, Feb. 22 to Feb. 28

Good morning!

I have ten feature stories to share with you today at the bottom of this post, with more stories going live this weekend, especially since I am working through the weekend (yes, again). 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!

Event Updates

Calkins Day 2025 took place at The Book Market in Crest Hill and it was a wonderful celebration of laughter, imagination, generosity, and the release of "Recovering Ruthless," the third book in the BryonySeries Ruthless series by Ed Calkins, Steward of Tara.

The book display will remain up at The Book Market through St. Patrick's Day. And we now have some Irish-themed ribbit specials, that you can purchase at a discounted price with every book purchase.

Plus, I will be hanging out at The Book Market from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday, March 4. So "march forth" and see me!

BryonySeries books-in-progress

The Adventures of Cornell Dyer: Cornell Dyer and the House of Horreur" (because the toymaker's last name is "Horreur.") is stalled until Timothy finishes his master's degree...which is today, HURRAY!

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. 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're a writer anywhere in the world, you're welcome to join WriteOn Joliet's Facebook page. We're based in Joliet, Illinois, but we love to meet and interact with writers outside our area, too.

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.

I also suggest this book: Little Book of Revision: A Checklist for Fiction Writers. It's exactly as it says. Each page some with one suggestion for revision. The rest of the page is blank, so you can add your own notes. All proceeds benefit WriteOn Joliet.

If you need editing or help with self-publishing, check out dmbaranunland.com.

ARTISTS

If you need an artist for a project, I offer these recommendations.

NEWSLETTERS

Sign up for The Munsonville Times by emailing us at bryonyseries@gmail.com. The newsletter still isn't official yet, so we don't have an actual link on the website - but we are working on it! 

SOCIAL MEDIA

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

Midewin Prairie restoration halted due to federal funding freeze

Pause affects local jobs as payments stalled

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/02/21/midewin-prairie-restoration-halted-due-to-federal-funding-freeze/

Employees at Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie let go by Trump administration speak out

Harsha Pandaraboyina: ‘I had planned to be with the forest service for decades’

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/02/25/terminated-employees-at-midewin-national-tallgrass-prairie-speak-out-about-job-loss/

Uncertainty colors local businesses' reaction to potential trade war

Most businesses are awaiting consequences, but not all forecast doom and gloom

https://www.shawlocal.com/news/2025/02/21/uncertainty-colors-local-businesses-reaction-to-potential-trade-war/

UrgentVet opens Joliet location

New option for pets with non-life-threatening emergencies

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/02/24/urgentvet-opens-joliet-location/

Lockport venues offering Restaurant Week specials

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/news/business/2025/02/26/lockport-businesses-offer-restaurant-week-specials/

Plainfield District 202 high schoolers to get 8th class period

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/02/27/plainfield-district-202-high-schoolers-to-get-8th-class-period/

Joliet family hosting fundraiser for pediatric cancer patients

Antonio Tinajero: ‘It’s a celebration of resilience, hope and the power of community'

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/02/27/joliet-family-hosting-fundraiser-for-pediatric-cancer-patients/

University of St. Francis in Joliet names new president

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/02/24/university-of-st-francis-in-joliet-names-new-president/

Will County Pets of the Week: Feb. 24, 2025

Will County rescues have dogs and cats for adoption

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/02/24/will-county-pets-of-the-week-feb-24-2025/

5 Things to Do in Will County: A Gnome & Leprechaun Walk Into A Bar

https://www.shawlocal.com/thescene/2025/02/27/5-things-to-do-in-will-county-a-gnome-leprechaun-walk-into-a-bar/

 

Illustration by Matt Coundiff for "Visage"

Story Round-Up: Features in The Herald-News, April 29 to May 5

Good morning!

Today I have just twenty-one features and news stories to share with you today, which includes eight "Thank You, Teacher" I wrote in the background over the last few weeks.

More stories will be posted over the weekend. So be sure to check back on The Herald-News site: shawlocal.com/the-herald-news.

Last Saturday WriteOn Joliet presented its first presentation of original readings in a radio-style format at the Billie Limacher Bicentennial Park Theater. In June, we will record an audio version of that show.

And if you missed it the first time around, you may get another opportunity. I will keep you posted.

Here is a recap of my BryonySeries projects so far.

House on Top of the Hill: Third book in the BryonySeries Limbo trilogy. I now have a good working draft of the entire book. The heaviest and most difficult part of the book is done. Hurray!

Cornell Dyer and the Howls of Basketville: The next book in The Adventures of Cornell Dyer subseries. Timothy and I drafted it months ago, and I currently have five solid chapters. Sue Midlock has already sent all the interior and cover. As always, the art is amazing and perfect for the series.

You can find other titles in the series here. Timothy has not yet added our latest titles to the BryonySeries bookstore. But all titles are also on Amazon. 

Karla Joins In: The fourth book in The Girls of the BryonySeries series. Three chapters are completed and a fourth chapter is in a very rough draft.

BryonySeries reference/guide book: Welcome to Munsonville: the People, Places, and Things of the BryonySeries. I'd love to have this one ready by the end of the year. Pecking slowly at it.

A Year of Shadows and Moonlight, of Gathering Blooms in the Woods: A rather unusual, poetic novella in the second person. A fourth of it is written and edited, another third on top of that is loosely written. Rebekah is also playing around with art for the cover.

Rebekah is also slowly updating the BryonySeries YouTube and Pinterest accounts, so watch for those.

Now back to the stories. Simply click on the link of the story that looks interesting to you. Happy scrolling!

But before the stories, I have a list of additional resources and information. Please check them out, too.

Finally, if you'd like to find more kindness in your life, consider this book.

And have a great Friday!

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're a writer anywhere in the world, you're welcome to join WriteOn Joliet's Facebook page. We're based in Joliet, Illinois, but we love to meet and interact with writers outside our area, too.

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.

I also suggest this book: Little Book of Revision: A Checklist for Fiction Writers. It's exactly as it says. Each page some with one suggestion for revision. The rest of the page is blank, so you can add your own notes. All proceeds benefit WriteOn Joliet.

If you need editing or help with self-publishing, check out dmbaranunland.com.

ARTISTS

If you need an artist for a project, I offer these recommendations.

NEWSLETTERS

Sign up for The Munsonville Times by emailing us at bryonyseries@gmail.com. The newsletter still isn't official yet, so we don't have an actual link on the website - but we are working on it! 

SOCIAL MEDIA

Daily updates: I do post the briefs on Twitter during the week, so you're welcome to follow me at @Denise_Unland61.

BryonySeries stuff: I post curated content relating to the BryonySeries on Twitter at @BryonySeries and assorted related content at facebook.com/BryonySeries, youtube.com/user/BryonySeries, and themes of each book in the BryonySeries at pinterest.com/bryonyseries.

And of course, please follow the adventures of Bertrand the Mouse on Instagram at bertrand_bryonyseries.

BRYONYSERIES BOOKS

For books and more information about the series, visit bryonyseries.com.

BRYONYSERIES EVENTS

A full month of virtual events can be found at bryonyseries.com/calendar-of-events.

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

Joliet civil engineer builds her own pathway to success: Former IDOT employee starts own consulting firm

Minooka middle school students held mobile food pantry on Saturday: Lexi Guerrero: ‘It’s fun to talk with friends and help people you know need help’

Lockport teen athlete died weeks after brain cancer diagnosis. Saturday’s fundraiser aims to fight back: Connor Christian’s legacy lives on through a foundation in his name 

Romeoville university hosted Special Olympics plane pull on Saturday: ‘We love Lewis and we’re excited to be raising money for these athletes’

New Lenox Trinity Services staff member receives award: Trinity Services, Inc. is a nonprofit, nonsectarian organization that was founded in 1950 

Halfway to Halloween comes to Old Joliet Haunted Prison May 12 and May 13: Sign up for Fright Club for early access and promotions 

No one injured in car fire at #Joliet business on Sunday morning 

Joliet police officer stabbed in stomach while conducting welfare check

Joliet Township High School recognized for excellence in financial reporting: This was JTHS’ 36th year of participating in this program 

Joliet university students create paint night for Timbers of Shorewood residents: Amy Odell: ‘The USF students ran a wonderful interactive project.’

Sign up now for Joliet Kiwanis’ ‘Team Trivia’ event on May 21: Event sponsorships are available

Joliet Noon Lions recycling projects benefit sight, hearing projects: Items were sent to the Lions of Illinois Foundation

Pets of the Week: May 1, 2023: Will County rescues have dogs and cats for adoption 

THANK YOU, TEACHERS

Joliet Central special needs teacher visits and raises money for orphans in Uganda: Assistant vice principal: ‘She’s remarkable, so full of love’

Plainfield’s District 202 director of student services committed to students’ social emotional health: ‘He has really been a leader and he will continue to keep it at the forefront for all of us’ 

Associate professor at Lewis University in Romeoville is a role model for future special education teachers: Jennifer Buss: ‘My goal was just to provide more doors being opened’  

Joliet’s District 86 hires its first French bilingual English language resource specialist: Kira Cloonan: ‘Once I found out this job was available, I just had to try for it’

Lincoln-Way West social worker ‘just lifts everyone’: Chrissy Hack promotes social-emotional health wherever she can

District 86 teacher shares her Colombian culture in Joliet classroom: Teacher Jenny Cuesta Hernandez said her Sator Sanchez students love learning new songs and games

Valley View special education teacher has taught every grade in 30-year career: Jennifer Foster ‘helps to build the whole child’  

Troy ELA teacher brings language to life for her students: Jennifer Lowe: ‘I so love getting kids up on their feet and getting them to engage’

Illustration by Matt Coundiff for "Visage"

Still No Ornaments On That Little Christmas Tree - Yet

At the beginning of December, full of resolve, I brought out my little tree to decorate so I could enjoy it all month.

But I'm not very good at assembling things. And since I felt under the weather, I asked Daniel for help. He even unwound all the fairy lights Timothy bought for the tree last year and rewound them.

Well...

I've made no further progress on that little tree.

It's been a month full of obligations, tight work deadlines, a couple BryonySeries book events, a few emergencies, and plenty of COVID, for my family and now for me.

But I still have time, right? After all, we're just a couple days into the actual Christmas season. We won't even celebrate our family Christmas until January 7.

And it's not like I haven't enjoyed this little tree all month. It's still pretty, even though it's a little bare, for now.

Besides, even a little bare tree has a couple of fun stories behind it.

Yes, I'm going to share them.

In December 2019, Timothy and Joshua surprised me with a little Christmas tree with lots of blue ornaments (my favorite color) and other ornaments, of course, for my bedroom.

On Christmas Day, I stopped at the gas station near my house to buy a cup of French roast coffee and a large hot chocolate. I was planning to walk to the hospital near my home and surprise my friend Sue from high school.

Sue and I had recently reconnected. Sue had lung cancer and was in the hospital for Christmas. Before I made it to the register, Timothy walked in and asked where I was going so I told him. He offered to pay and walk with me.

I told him that was fine - and added I needed to make two trips anyway. You see, I was bringing her the hot chocolate and then heading back to my house for the tree. 

Yes, I was going to walk the Christmas tree from my townhome to the hospital and up to her room.

This is how it looked on my dresser at that time. 

So Timothy ended up carrying the tree, and I carried the drinks. She was so surprised to see the pretty little tree and texted me all day that people passing her room commented on her beautiful little tree. She kept that little tree in her room until the day of her discharge.

I was humbled God gave me the opportunity to bring some happiness to her last Christmas on earth. She died in hospice in March 2020.

Last year, Uncle Barty and Bertrand the Mouse "decorated" that little tree.

And they enjoyed opening their presents on Christmas Day.

So perhaps today, now that the COVID symptoms are easing in the household, including my COVID symptoms, perhaps today will be the day to add the ornaments to the tree.

And if not today, perhaps tomorrow.

I still have time.

Story Round-Up: Features in The Herald-News, Sept. 17 to Sept. 23

Good morning!

I have fifteen features and news stories to share with you today - and more not yet posted. So do check back on The Herald-News site: shawlocal.com/the-herald-news. 

This past spring, I also wrote an additional nineteen stories for a special "Thank You, Teachers," edition that will ran in print and online on May 5. You can check out all those stories at this link: https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/thank-you/teachers/

I also wrote a three-part series on the impact of COVID on kids, which you will at the bottom of this blog.

We recently and unexpectedly euthanize our oldest cat. She had an amazing and somewhat mysterious life. You can read details here.

Also, please send up good thoughts/prayers etc. for Rebekah. She's had a challenging couple years, health-wise (especially the last twelve months). Her latest bloodwork was all over the place, more was ordered, and she now needs to see three specialists and have a stress test (as if she weren't stressed enough already). Of course, the insurance is taking its time approving some of these tests.

Rebekah is absolutely integral to the BryonySeries, not to mention our family. She oversees its all its financial aspects, handles all book production, manages two social media accounts, and is the go-to person at events. Plus, she's a wonderful person. We need her to feel much better soon.

We pulled back WriteOn Joliet's anthology from production to add a memorial page to one of our active members who died suddenly last week. We also lost two former members this year, one of whom was an original member. All three deaths were sudden. Please send up good thoughts/prayers for their families.

One the fiction side of things, I read through the first eighteen chapters of the second book in the BryonySeries "ruthless" trilogy by Ed Calkins, Steward of Tara while Ed is working on the remaining chapters. 

Ed's feeling a bit discouraged because he wanted to release his second book by Calkins Day 2023 (Feb. 13). But as any creative person knows, good art doesn't always happen on our timetable. 

You can find Ed's first novel here.

Also, we recently released Cornell Dyer and the "Mistical" Being. It's not available in the BryonySeries bookstore yet, or on Kindle yet,  but it is available on Amazon.

We also released Cornell Dyer and the Calcium Deficient Bones. It, too, is not available in the BryonySeries bookstore yet, or on Kindle yet,  but it is available on Amazon.

Next up in the series: a Sherlock Holmes parody (the main character is Sherman Homes), which has a solid outline. Sue Midlock is already working on the cover and the interior art: Sherman Homes and the Howls of Basketville.

And we also  released Call of the Siren (the second book in the BryonySeries Limbo trilogy, with gorgeous cover art by Nancy Calkins). It, too, is not available in the BryonySeries bookstore yet, or on Kindle yet,  but it is available on Amazon.

I'm currently outlining the final book in the BryonySeries Limbo trilogy: House on Top of the Hill. 

And I'm also working on a guide book to the series called: Welcome to Munsonville: the People, Places, and Things of the BryonySeries.

And I'm also working on a novella. But I'm not sharing any details yet.

Jennifer Wainright (frontispiece artist for Lycanthropic Summer) has completed three portraits for  "Girls of the BryonySeries" series for tween girls and is currently working on a fourth. The portraits are beautiful and it shows that artist Jennifer Wainright can draw anything from werewolves to portraits! 

Rebekah has completed cover art for three of "Girls of the BryonySeries" books. They, too, are beautiful! One book in this series of eight books is completely written, a second should be ready for production this weekend, and the rest are outlined. 

We hope to release the first three books in this series at WriteOn Joliet's anthology release party in early December.

Rebekah is also working on updating the BryonySeries YouTube and Pinterest accounts, so watch for those. 

Now back to the stories. Simply click on the link of the story that looks interesting to you. Happy scrolling!

But before the stories, I have a list of additional resources and information. Please check them out, too -

Finally, if you'd like to find more kindness in your life, consider this book.

And have a great Friday!

RECIPE OF THE WEEK

Sue's Diner is a fictional restaurant in the fictional Munsonville that only exists in the BryonySeries.

Each Sunday, we post a new recipe. The recipe is either featured in one of our cookbooks or will be featured in an upcoming cookbook.

Check out the recipe here.

WRITERS

If you're a writer anywhere in the world, you're welcome to join WriteOn Joliet's Facebook page. We're based in Joliet, Illinois, but we love to meet and interact with writers outside our area, too.

If you'd like to officially join WriteOn Joliet, we have two tiers of dues. We also have a marketing arm that's getting longer every year, well, except this year. Check us out at writeonjoliet.com.

I also suggest this book: Little Book of Revision: A Checklist for Fiction Writers. It's exactly as it says. Each page some with one suggestion for revision. The rest of the page is blank, so you can add your own notes. All proceeds benefit WriteOn Joliet.

If you need support in your writing, I highly recommend this Twitter group: #5amwritersclub. I  joined it last year. Writers support each other on Twitter and meet every three weeks at 5 a.m. (4 a.m. CST - needless to say, I am often late!) on Zoom.

If you need editing or help with self-publishing, check out dmbaranunland.com.

ARTISTS

If you need an artist for a project, I offer these recommendations.

NEWSLETTERS

Sign up for The Munsonville Times by emailing us at bryonyseries@gmail.com. The newsletter still isn't official yet, so we don't have an actual link on the website - but we are working on it! 

SOCIAL MEDIA

Daily updates: I do post the briefs on Twitter during the week, so you're welcome to follow me at @Denise_Unland61.

BryonySeries stuff: I post curated content relating to the BryonySeries on Twitter at @BryonySeries and assorted related content at facebook.com/BryonySeries, youtube.com/user/BryonySeries, and themes of each book in the BryonySeries at pinterest.com/bryonyseries.

And of course, please follow the adventures of Bertrand the Mouse on Instagram at bertrand_bryonyseries.

BRYONYSERIES BOOKS

For books and more information about the series, visit bryonyseries.com.

BRYONYSERIES EVENTS

A full month of virtual events can be found at bryonyseries.com/calendar-of-events.

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

Joliet senior hoping to beat brain cancer with an electrical field: Joan Quaresima: ‘If she stops wearing it, the cancer will most likely come back’

People of all ages celebrated pride at third Joliet PrideFest: The festival included nonprofits, live music, food and a variety of activities

Pets of the Week: Sept. 19, 2022; Will County rescues have dogs and cats for adoption.

Will County may see storms, damaging winds Sunday night: Summer-like conditions are forecasted for the remainder of the week.

3 men stabbed in Bolingbrook home Saturday night: The incident is being investigated.

2 houses struck by gunfire in Joliet on Saturday: No injuries were reported.

Multi-vehicle crash with injuries in Plainfield shut down part of Ridge Road on Friday: Everyone involved in the traffic crash refused medical treatment

Hundreds celebrate Latino music and food in downtown Joliet on Saturday.: The Latino Music and Food Fest was held the day after Mexican Independence Day.

Will County students may be without school bus service later this week due to strike threat: A possible bus driver walkout at First Student leaves some school districts, parents, figuring out how to transport students

Will County school buses will continue to roll following possible strike threat: Teamsters: ‘It’s a good contract, it’s a solid contract.’

Joliet school wins prestigious national award for the 2nd time: Eisenhower Academy was named a 2022 National Blue Ribbon School.

The Doug and Dave Show brings ‘Mass Confusion’ to Plainfield church: Doug Brummell: ‘I think it’s the most fun people will ever have learning about their faith’

Will County forest preserve to host live pelican presentation and exhibit grand opening on Saturday: Guided hikes include the pelican feeding and resting areas around the preserve.

5 Things to do in Will County: quilts, car shows, marching bands: Plus, a special presentation in commemoration of the 65th anniversary of the 1957 disappearance of newspaperwoman Molly Zelko

Mystery Diner in Shorewood: Mark’s on 59 serves big flavor from small venueL Carryout wait times are short, too

Kids and COVID

COVID-19 didn’t leave kids unscathed: Aschinberg: ‘Like any negative social event, kids who are most at risk bear most of the brunt’

The pandemic was a lonely time for kids: Loss of in-school experiences, sports affected many youth on some level.

Facing the post-pandemic: ‘We know when something is off with our children’: Showing kids how to talk about feelings is a good first step toward protecting their mental health. 

Illustration by Matt Coundiff for "Visage"

Story Round-Up: Features in The Herald-News, Aug 13 to Aug. 19

Good morning!

I have twelve features and news stories to share with you today - and more not yet posted. But I'm working through the weekend, so do check back on The Herald-News site: shawlocal.com/the-herald-news. 

This past spring, I also wrote an additional nineteen stories for a special "Thank You, Teachers," edition that will ran in print and online on May 5. You can check out all those stories at this link: https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/thank-you/teachers/

I also wrote a three-part series on the impact of COVID on kids, which you will at the bottom of this blog.

On the fiction side of things, we recently released Cornell Dyer and the "Mistical" Being. It's not available in the BryonySeries bookstore yet, or on Kindle yet,  but it is available on Amazon.

We also released Cornell Dyer and the Calcium Deficient Bones. It, too, is not available in the BryonySeries bookstore yet, or on Kindle yet,  but it is available on Amazon.

And we also  released Call of the Siren (the second book in the BryonySeries Limbo trilogy, with gorgeous cover art by Nancy Calkins). It, too, is not available in the BryonySeries bookstore yet, or on Kindle yet,  but it is available on Amazon.

I'm currently outlining the final book in the BryonySeries Limbo trilogy: House on Top of the Hill. 

And I'm also working on a guide book to the series called: Welcome to Munsonville: the People, Places, and Things of the BryonySeries.

Next up in the series: a Sherlock Holmes parody (the main character is Sherman Homes), which has a solid outline. Sue Midlock is already working on the cover and the interior art: Sherman Homes and the Howls of Basketville.

Jennifer Wainright (frontispiece artist for Lycanthropic Summer) has completed two portraits for  "Girls of the BryonySeries" series for tween girls and is currently working on a third. The portraits are beautiful and it shows that artist Jennifer Wainright can draw anything from werewolves to portraits! 

Rebekah has completed cover art for two of "Girls of the BryonySeries" books. They, too, are beautiful! One book in this series of eight books is completely written, a second is nearly written, and the rest are outlined. 

Rebekah is also working on updating the BryonySeries YouTube and Pinterest accounts, so watch for those.

Now back to the stories. Simply click on the link of the story that looks interesting to you. Happy scrolling!

But before the stories, I have a list of additional resources and information. Please check them out, too -

Finally, if you'd like to find more kindness in your life, consider this book.

And have a great Friday!

RECIPE OF THE WEEK

Sue's Diner is a fictional restaurant in the fictional Munsonville that only exists in the BryonySeries.

Each Sunday, we post a new recipe. The recipe is either featured in one of our cookbooks or will be featured in an upcoming cookbook.

Check out the recipe here.

WRITERS

If you're a writer anywhere in the world, you're welcome to join WriteOn Joliet's Facebook page. We're based in Joliet, Illinois, but we love to meet and interact with writers outside our area, too.

If you'd like to officially join WriteOn Joliet, we have two tiers of dues. We also have a marketing arm that's getting longer every year, well, except this year. Check us out at writeonjoliet.com.

I also suggest this book: Little Book of Revision: A Checklist for Fiction Writers. It's exactly as it says. Each page some with one suggestion for revision. The rest of the page is blank, so you can add your own notes. All proceeds benefit WriteOn Joliet.

If you need support in your writing, I highly recommend this Twitter group: #5amwritersclub. I  joined it last year. Writers support each other on Twitter and meet every three weeks at 5 a.m. (4 a.m. CST - needless to say, I am often late!) on Zoom.

If you need editing or help with self-publishing, check out dmbaranunland.com.

ARTISTS

If you need an artist for a project, I offer these recommendations.

NEWSLETTERS

Sign up for The Munsonville Times by emailing us at bryonyseries@gmail.com. The newsletter still isn't official yet, so we don't have an actual link on the website - but we are working on it! 

SOCIAL MEDIA

Daily updates: I do post the briefs on Twitter during the week, so you're welcome to follow me at @Denise_Unland61.

BryonySeries stuff: I post curated content relating to the BryonySeries on Twitter at @BryonySeries and assorted related content at facebook.com/BryonySeries, youtube.com/user/BryonySeries, and themes of each book in the BryonySeries at pinterest.com/bryonyseries.

And of course, please follow the adventures of Bertrand the Mouse on Instagram at bertrand_bryonyseries.

BRYONYSERIES BOOKS

For books and more information about the series, visit bryonyseries.com.

BRYONYSERIES EVENTS

A full month of virtual events can be found at bryonyseries.com/calendar-of-events.

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

Dwight teen climbs Devil’s Tower to raise money for school’s emergency aid fund: Noah Kelleher: ‘We need to climb mountains for each other.’

What’s driving the cost of housing in Will County?: Patricia Venziano: ‘Nothing seems to be affordable anymore.’

Longtime Joliet photographer has exhibit at St. Joe’s in Joliet: Bob Campbell: ‘Anytime you can contribute to a good cause — that’s a good thing’

Pets of the Week: Aug. 15, 2022: Will County Rescues have dogs and cats for adoption.

Scrambling to find teachers, bus drivers in Will County: School starts this week for most districts and most districts are still hiring.

Back-to-school in Will County is looking a lot like 2019: The pandemic hasn’t gone away. But many mitigations are eased.

School administrators discuss school shortages in WillCounty: Shawn Walsh: ‘We need to get more people enthused about joining the educational field’

Romeoville cancer care center provides ‘one-stop’ oncology care: The facility is also an extension of the Ascension Illinois — Cancer Care Joliet

Kim Gordon knows #Joliet schools from both sides of the desk: Gordon: ‘I think it’s important that we retain qualified, passionate teachers who are passionate about this community’

St. Joe’s hospital in Joliet celebrates 140 years of holistic care: The Joliet hospital was rebranded as Ascension Saint Joseph – Joliet earlier this year.

Joliet third grader arrived at his 1st day of school in a fire truck: William Zaffino even got to pull the horn twice.

Plainfield man arrested for Shorewood bank robbery: The Will County State’s Attorney’s Office filed felony charges for robbery and robbery of a financial institution.

Kids and COVID

COVID-19 didn’t leave kids unscathed: Aschinberg: ‘Like any negative social event, kids who are most at risk bear most of the brunt’

The pandemic was a lonely time for kids: Loss of in-school experiences, sports affected many youth on some level.

Facing the post-pandemic: ‘We know when something is off with our children’: Showing kids how to talk about feelings is a good first step toward protecting their mental health. 

Illustration by Matt Coundiff for "Visage"