Vampires:The Delectable Art of Enchantment

Coca Cola Commercial - I'd Like to Teach the World to Sing (In Perfect H...

"Once Upon a Time" Birthday Presents

No, it's not my birthday, but it was last summer, and good presents can often take some time to make, as in these two Once Upon a Time pieces BryonySeries web administrator emeritus Sarah Stegall and made and brought to me this evening, all the way from North Carolina. :)

Fans of the show will get it. Nonfans can just admire Sarah's creative handiwork. As one can guess, Rumple and Belle is my favorite couple.

Potion bottle and journal:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Missing Ed Calkins:(

The Steward of Tara has been silent far too long. I'm concerned he might be experiencing trouble overseas. I even sent him a telegram last week, but still he has not responded.

I'm nearly at the point of calling him, but I'll give it a few more days, just in case he's been busy writing limericks and being ruthless.

I surely hope he's not been staked...

Visage Book Tralier

So YouTube Responded...

...and said it will only talk to the official email on the account.

Except we sent the email from the official email on the account. We're going to try one more thing, but I'm thinking we may have to delete the account and begin anew.

In the words of Brian in Visage when Melissa shared the happy news that he was to become an uncle: "Joy."

In the meantime, if you'd like to view the Visage trailer, fan our BryonySeries Facebook page at www.Facebook.com/BryonySeries.

The "Visage" Trailer is Complete, but YouTube Locked Me Out of My Account

Please be patient while we resolve technical difficulties.

In the meantime, the trailer is posted on the BryonySeries Facebook page at www.facebook.com/BryonySeries. You will have to scroll back several posts, though.

In the meatime, check out the piano keys Dragon Alexander of Blackwood X Productions acquired for the project.

 

In a Funk

Too much up in the air tonight for clear blogging.

Just when I have to purchase a new health plan--because mine is being discontinued due to the new changes--there's this:

http://www.robertfeder.com/2013/11/11/sun-times-plans-to-jettison-joliet/

I'm sure I'll have a clearer head in the morning, after the funeral I will be first attending.

'Night all.

Life Lesson

"He has made us competent as ministers of a new covenant--not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life." 2 Corinthians 3:6

Just when I thought I got it, I received an opportunity to "get it," just in time for the Nativity Fast that begins November 15.

Time to clean house, make ye old soul a fitting abode for the Holy Spirit.

Danse Macabre 2010

"Children of the Corn Intro as C.S. Lewis Might Have Written It," by Timothy Baran and Story Round Up

Children of the Corn Intro as C.S. Lewis Might Have Written It by Timothy Baran

 

It all starts with two people and a long drive in a car, the kind of drive that everybody looks forward to, not an unpleasant drive to work or to the doctor's office. This drive had no obligations behind it. It was the kind drive where one leaves all their worries behind, and only excitement is in front of them. They were trying to save a marriage. Now you might think, isn’t that an obligation? But really, no more than putting your shoes on in the morning. 

Now this story also starts with a boy ,but, unfortunately, like a bad scrape on the knee when you’re playing at the playground, this boy gets run over by the car. He dies. Now this boy was a rather interesting boy with an interesting item in his bag. Now I won’t mention this item because it’s kind of horrible and rather unpleasant, and you parents probably wouldn't approve.

The man and his wife decide to stop in the town down the road to tell the police, those good loyal people who uphold our law, about the boy. Now a rather strange situation unfolds here. A town is always a bit of a busy place with people going about their lives; children going to school, mail being delivered, and candy shops selling tasty candy, not nasty candy, but good, nice candy. (You must remind me to tell you the story of my wonderful adventure in an exciting and slightly magical chocolate factory.)

If an empty town sounds bad, imagine if this was a scary empty town filled with all sorts of wicked things. For instance a town filled with mean, devil worshipping children who kill you with their dirty farm tools. It’s not as if they were killing with good, clean farm tools. No these children didn’t like to clean up after themselves, and it shows. Doesn’t that just sound awful? I mean really, what their mothers would say?

Subdivision takes tradition to the streets

For nearly fifty years, one Joliet neighborhood has offered an annual holiday parade, complete with representatives of the police and fire departments, as well as the local Legion Riders.

http://heraldnews.suntimes.com/lifestyles/23472693-423/joliet-subdivision-takes-tradition-to-the-streets.html


Birth days special to this animal rescuer

Meet a man that rescues pregnant pups from and fundraises for various groups, photographs pets, and is studying to become a veterinary technician

http://heraldnews.suntimes.com/lifestyles/23477586-423/birth-days-special-to-this-animal-rescuer.html


Mokena man helps Joliet WWII vet to a special day

Two men a generation apart in age met by chance at a coffee shop and became good friends, giving the younger man the opportunity to give the elder the memory of a lifetime.

http://heraldnews.suntimes.com/lifestyles/23181337-423/mokena-man-helps-joliet-wwii-vet-to-a-special-day.html


Painting the town red

Joliet is getting its first Santa run, a non-competitve, family-friendly event that will benefit programs for local high school students.

http://heraldnews.suntimes.com/lifestyles/23577052-423/painting-the-town-red.html

Irish Werewolves

Irish werewolves, like Irish vampires, are not like regular werewolves. Read on:

http://www.gdfalksen.com/post/66055779645

"I'm Still Alive" S1E1

The "Visage" Trailer is Nearly Complete

Every scene is filmed, and I saw a preview of the credits today. Looking good!

A different creative team produced this trailer, and, of course, Visage, is a very different book from Bryony. So expect a different sort of trailer. Think "scene" and "emblematic."

What stays the same is quality and James Onohan, the official musical voice of BryonySeries. If you haven't yet heard his all-original piano music, "The Best-Loved Compositions of John Simons," you're missing a real treat. Download the CD at www.jamesonohan.com.

BryonySeries Facebook fans will get the first glimpse,s o if you're not a fan, now's a good time: www.facebook.com/BryonySeries

Finally! Progress on the Prequel and a Surprise Photo

Although I conceived the idea for Bryony in early 1985, I never began work in semi-earnest until the fall of 2007 and serious composing never commenced until January 2009. Being my first novel and my first serious attempt at fiction since junior high school, I was all over the place with it--no direction at all--and having glorious fun!

By the time I got to Visage that summer, I had a good idea of the whole novel writing thing and the process was much smoother. By Staked!, I was feeling like a pro, an amateur pro albeit, but a pro nevertheless. I wrote two-thirds of the book by Christmas, received my first round of editorial notes for Bryony from the publisher, and completed rounds one and two before I returned to Staked!, which I finished on Memorial Day. I couldn't wait to tackle Before the Blood.

And there I stumbled. 

For those of you familiar with the BryonySeries, each book is thirty chapters long, not counting its prologue and epilogue. Double that for Before the Blood (well, still just one prologue and epilogue). I found myself once again over my head, and work has limped along since then. 

Then I realized I didn't need better discipline. I needed an new writing plan. I now have one, and Before the Blood is finally an official work in progress. I've made some decent headway on it these past few weekends, and I can't wait to return to it.

Here's what I'm doing. I'm expanding the outline I created for Before the Blood several years ago and adding more detail to it on each pass so that I become more and more comfortable with the overall story, its nuances, plot pacing, etc. My goal each weekend is to make one complete read through, but the book is too long for it, even with staunch dedication and focus, but  I am making two sweeps twice a month, probably the best I can do right now with work, family life, church life, having a life, and other writing projects in various states of not done.

With each pass, I add to my homework lists: one general, one character, and one research. I'm also compiling a timeline to keep events in order. Because of Before the Blood's complexity, I'm also considering publishing a couple of companion pieces--A Who's Who Guide to Munsonville and a Timeline of Events--which the reader may wish to consult.

On the other hand, photography for Cornell Dyer and the Missing Tombstone and Bertrand and the Lucky Clover got stalled, but we have plans to shoot in earnest this weekend. Here's a rough one from Bertrand:

 

Talking Kitty: No Pets Allowed

A Field Guide to Irish Fairies

Bookmark this link. It will make a handy reference for BryonySeries books to come.

http://www.irelandseye.com/animation/intro.html

"A Gipsy Prophecy," by Bram Stoker and Story Round Up

WriteOn Joliet's Tom Hernandez read this at last week's "Witches Night Out" fundraiser, and his presentation so "wowed" me, I've included a link to the text.

http://bramstoker.org/txt/stories/03guest/05prophecy.txt

Short list of stories this week, as I have quite a number of pieces in various modes of "not quite done." That's okay; Bram Stoker will more than compensate for it.


An Extraordinary Life: Bolingbrook man carved out quite a niche

Life begins at forty? How about ninety plus for a man who's created a legacy that will be appreciated for generations to come.

http://heraldnews.suntimes.com/news/23351848-418/an-extraordinary-life-bolingbrook-man-carved-out-quite-a-niche.html


Meet Bosley, one resilient retriever

He can do more with three legs than many can do with four.

http://napervillesun.suntimes.com/news/petstory-JHN-10292013:article


Event at theatre a holiday memorial to loved ones

Complete with a unique, glass blown ornament in my favorite shade of blue

http://heraldnews.suntimes.com/lifestyles/23452316-423/event-at-theatre-a-holiday-memorial-to-loved-ones.html

The Goodies: "Frankenfido"

I Spoke at Plainfield South High School Yesterday and Received This Feedback Last Night

Reposting with permission. See below:

Denise,

It was so GREAT having you come into today for career week.  Your presentation was awesome.  I loved how open and honest you were with the kids and how many different options of career paths you discussed with them.  Amy Brown, the first classroom you spoke in each period, said both her classes wanted to talk about your presentation for the rest of the period after you left.

We would love to have you come in again. 

Thanks for taking time out to speak to our young people.  The need to hear these important life messages from other people besides the ones inside of the school.

You were really great, THANK YOU!

Kristi A. Boe

Counselor:  ORL-SKOR

 

 

So WHAT did I share? Well, considering that out of the four junior and senior English classes I visited, less than ten students enjoyed writing, talking up the benefits of freelance writing as the lifelong means to happiness and prosperity (definitely not prosperity) wasn't gonna wow them.

 

Talking about why I write, however, did. My path from high school student to writer was not a smooth, prosaic one. I didn't follow the established education to career path, so I neither encouraged nor discouraged the students to do the same.

 

I did, however, talk to them about what excited THEM and then encouraged them to go out and pursue it, but I didn't drudge up the well-worn saccharine "follow your dream" speech either.

 

Instead, I peppered my story with examples of what my children and I wanted to do with our lives, along with the unusual paths we traveled to get there.

 

I didn't need a PowerPoint. Heck, I didn't even need a podium. I did, however, bring plenty of writing samples.

 

And I definitely had their attention when I held up a health column sporting the photo of a male doctor of Asian descent and said, "I am he."

 

And I was, when I ghost wrote his column for him. ;)

 

 

James Onohan: "Midnight Enchantment"

A Cat's Steampunk Alphabet

I Met the Most Amazing Man on Saturday: This is Why I'll Never Be (Money) Rich

So before you start reading anything more into this post than what it means, let me further say that I had coffee with two very nice men on Saturday morning, an interview for a feature story.

Yes, I tend to prefer telephone interviews, but one man was over eighty, and the other man was someone I'd interviewed many times for various stories and had never met in person.

Hence, the coffee meeting.

Near the end of the interview, I asked the elder gentleman how he ended up in Joliet, as he originally lived in another state. Well, that's where the story grew interesting.

What really could have been a two sentence answer evolved into a thirty minute expounding of the man's early years as one thought of his bumped into another thought and led to yet another.

Perhaps more efficient reporter types would have re-directed the conversation and quickly, but politely, concluded the meeting, but it seemed to me this man just wanted to talk about this portion of his life and tell this particular story.

Yes, I had a tight schedule for the day. Surprised?

And yet, that's not how I treat the people I interview. I earn my crust of bread by telling other people's stories. The key word here is "people." I respect their sharing, often deep sharing, of significant events in their lives to me and how those events make them feel. They laugh; they cry.

So I reciprocate by respecting their occasional need to talk.

When this man finished, I again thanked him for his time, as I rose, slid on my coat, and then extended my hand. The man, too, stood and firmly returned the greeting.

And then he said, "I like you. You're different from other people."

I wish I could remember more than soundbites. But as I sank, opened-mouthed, back in my chair, the man continued, eyes locked onto mine, for another five minutes or so in this vein:

   *  "I can tell you're deep, but you don't always let people see that, only when they should."

   *  "Women like to talk, but men sometimes have things to say, too. You listen to them. That's a highly unusual quality in a woman. Did you know that?"

   *  "You're a joyful person. Not too many people have joy in their lives. There's not much that upsets you."

   *  "You're all about love, and, love, is always victorious in the end."

I supposed if I didn't spend time with people, I could churn out more stories and make more money.

But then again, my stories wouldn't resonate with the humanness that makes people relate to them.

So, I'll continue on as a struggling freelancer.

Wondering, though, if this gentleman might not like to have coffee again.

What Irish Authors Does Ed Calkins Read?

It just might be one of the twenty listed on this site. Which ones have you read?

http://www.onlinecollegesanduniversities.net/blog/2011/20-essential-irish-authors/

Story Round Up Catchup

My last Story Round Up before major "well woes," homelessness, and the like was September 6. Below are links to stories that have run since. Browse, click on what catches your attention, and, hopefully, be informed and/or inspired!


Caring for caregivers: Leeza Gibbons walk set for Sept. 21

http://heraldnews.suntimes.com/lifestyles/22244917-423/caring-for-caregivers-leeza-gibbons-walk-set-for-sept-21.html


Channahon woman was said to be state's first female schoolbus driver

http://heraldnews.suntimes.com/lifestyles/22383896-423/channahon-woman-was-said-to-be-states-first-female-school-bus-driver.html


Nose work benefits dogs in many ways

http://heraldnews.suntimes.com/lifestyles/22403446-423/nose-work-benefits-dogs-in-many-ways-trainer-says.html


Stay involved with your special needs child's IEP

http://heraldnews.suntimes.com/news/22545896-418/expert-stay-involved-with-your-special-needs-childs-iep.html


Passion planted: Young Scientist program inspires Joliet teen

http://heraldnews.suntimes.com/lifestyles/22340021-423/passion-planted-young-scientist-program-inspires-joliet-teen.html


Joliet YMCA celebrates fitness fanatic's 90th birthday

http://heraldnews.suntimes.com/lifestyles/22539978-423/joliet-ymca-celebrates-fitness-fanatics-90th-birthday.html


Mom loved Shorewood and helping others

http://heraldnews.suntimes.com/lifestyles/22541307-423/an-extraordinary-life-mom-loved-shorewood-and-helping-others.ht


Horse-drawn caring: Channahon woman runs equine program

http://heraldnews.suntimes.com/lifestyles/22555901-423/horse-drawn-caring-channahon-woman-runs-equine-therapy-program.html


History and headstones mix in Plainfield

http://heraldnews.suntimes.com/lifestyles/22654008-423/history-and-headstones-mix-in-plainfield.html


Lockport man rides to raise scholarship funds

http://heraldnews.suntimes.com/lifestyles/22652074-423/lockport-man-rides-to-raise-scholarship-funds.html


Mooseheart memories prove poetic for Sir Jim of Joliet

http://heraldnews.suntimes.com/lifestyles/22652309-423/mooseheart-memories-prove-poetic-for-sir-jim-of-joliet.html


Funeral home owner was artist by nature

http://heraldnews.suntimes.com/news/22690862-418/an-extraordinary-life-funeral-home-owner-was-an-artist-by-nature.html


Pet blessing

http://heraldnews.suntimes.com/lifestyles/22745593-423/pet-blessing-event-set-for-oct-5.html


JJC hosts farm to fork market fundraiser dinner

http://heraldnews.suntimes.com/lifestyles/22691575-423/jjc-hosts-farm-to-fork-market-fundraiser-dinner.html


Where hope meets action

http://heraldnews.suntimes.com/lifestyles/22755010-423/where-hope-meets-action.html


Making darkness dwindle

http://heraldnews.suntimes.com/lifestyles/22825220-423/making-darkness-dwindle-comedy-night-to-benefit-watts-of-love.html


Joliet library performance sets stage for young music students

http://heraldnews.suntimes.com/lifestyles/22826737-423/joliet-library-performance-sets-stage-foryoung-music-students.html


Coat drive goal: provide warm fuzzy feeling

http://heraldnews.suntimes.com/lifestyles/22653001-423/coat-drive-goal-provide-warm-fuzzy-feeling.html


Stacy Peterson's former pastor to speak at Take Back the Night event

http://heraldnews.suntimes.com/news/22826598-418/stacy-petersons-former-pastor-to-speak-at-take-back-the-night-event.html


Philanthropist from Joliet had many sides

http://heraldnews.suntimes.com/news/22839057-418/an-extraordinary-life-philanthropist-from-joliet-had-many-sides.html


Sock hop benefits Will County Humane Society

http://heraldnews.suntimes.com/lifestyles/22747021-423/sock-hop-benefits-will-county-humane-society.html


New kid on the bike

http://heraldnews.suntimes.com/lifestyles/22546006-423/new-kid-on-the-bike-elwood-woman-rolling-along-at-89.html


Curtain call for Rialto: rescuer Mavrich to be honored

http://heraldnews.suntimes.com/lifestyles/22935442-423/curtain-call-for-rialto-rescuer-mavrich-to-be-honored.html


Fundraiser set for Manhattan teen battling cancer

http://heraldnews.suntimes.com/lifestyles/22960107-423/fundraiser-set-for-manhattan-teen-fighting-cancer.html


A baby rescue and a reunion, 38 years later

http://heraldnews.suntimes.com/lifestyles/22754526-423/a-baby-rescue-and-a-reunion-38-years-later.html


Medical center to honor volunteer mother of 10

http://heraldnews.suntimes.com/news/22968891-418/an-extraordinary-life-medical-center-to-honor-volunteer-mother-of-10.html


Joliet doctor: rescuing cats gives purpose to my life

http://heraldnews.suntimes.com/lifestyles/22968200-423/joliet-doctor-rescuing-cats-gives-purpose-to-my-life.html


Plainfield student an ambassador for Fuel Up to Play 60

http://heraldnews.suntimes.com/lifestyles/22545905-423/plainfield-student-an-ambassador-for-fuel-up-to-play-60.html


Joliet duo hope to help others cope with death

http://heraldnews.suntimes.com/lifestyles/22754786-423/joliet-duo-hope-to-help-others-cope-with-death.html


Author comes back for visit

http://heraldnews.suntimes.com/lifestyles/23069905-423/author-comes-back-for-visit.html


Tablescapes charity is served: Big Brothers Big Sisters benefits

http://heraldnews.suntimes.com/lifestyles/23090396-423/tablescapes-charity-is-served-big-brothers-big-sisters-benefits.html


Stellar athlete firefighter was humble family man

http://heraldnews.suntimes.com/lifestyles/23082048-423/an-extraordinary-life-stellar-athlete-firefighter-was-humble-family-man.html


Coal City man sees nature as picture perfect

http://heraldnews.suntimes.com/lifestyles/23095368-423/coal-city-man-sees-nature-as-picture-perfect.html


Ministry through media: Homer Glen woman produces CD, videos

http://heraldnews.suntimes.com/lifestyles/23199190-423/ministry-through-media-homer-glen-woman-produces-cd-videos.html


Joliet man was in tune with music, family

http://heraldnews.suntimes.com/lifestyles/23228278-423/an-extraordinary-life-joliet-man-was-in-tune-with-music-family.html


Animals rescuers' goal: make a difference

http://heraldnews.suntimes.com/lifestyles/23225125-423/animal-rescuers-goal-make-a-difference.html


Plainfield YMCA shows off new wellness center

http://heraldnews.suntimes.com/news/23228676-418/plainfield-ymca-shows-off-new-wellness-center.html


Musical presentation a cultural lesson for Plainfield students

http://heraldnews.suntimes.com/lifestyles/23225219-423/musical-presentation-a-cultural-lesson-for-plainfield-students.html


Hitting the wall with works of art

http://heraldnews.suntimes.com/lifestyles/23191981-423/hitting-the-wall-with-works-of-art.html