Did I Write This Weekend?

You bet!

"Real" work and Before the Blood work.

Saturday: Finished chapter four in Henry's story and worked on chapter five, and did a Skype interview with a former Joliet woman on book tour (currently in France). She, Mary Burns has a book signing early next week at Joliet Junior College to promote her seventh book.

Sunday: Spent the afternoon into the early evening writing good working drafts of four feature stories for The Herald-News I'm running this week. Re-read Saturday's work in Before the Blood.

Monday: Finished chapter five in Henry's story (it's a shorter chapter, about 2000 words) and outlined chapter 6. Racked it up around 1 p.m. in favor a family movie (Deadpool. Yes, family movies have evolved through the years).

I also walked quite a bit, watched two episodes of Smallville with Daniel (including a 90-minute special from the ninth season). And that's on top of working extremely late on Friday night.

Am I ready for a brisk, compressed work week? Um, I think so?

I hope so!

vintage filmstrip: MEMORIAL DAY

Chicken Salad with Crackers

John apologized to Melissa for his coldness by scheduling a large garden party where she could play gracious hostess. With delight, Melissa surveyed the picnic lunch and tasted something called sarsaparilla mead, which reminded her of the bottled root beer she had often shared with her father. While we did not list a recipe for every item served, we did include the ice Henry brought Melissa.

Chicken Salad with Crackers

Salad:

White meat of chicken, cut into small bits, the size of peas

White part of celery, chopped nearly as small

Dressing:

Yolks of hard-boiled eggs

½ teaspoon salt and mustard per egg yolk

1 tablespoon oil

1 wine glass of vinegar

Mix chicken and celery in a large bowl. Just before serving, pour over dressing and mix. Serve with bread and butter and crackers.

Crackers

1 quart flour

2 ounces butter

1 teaspoon saleratus in a wine glass of warm water

½ teaspoon salt

Milk, enough to roll out dough

Rub butter into flour, add saleratus, salt, and enough milk to mix dough. Beat 30 minutes with a pestle, cut into thin, round cakes, prick them, and set them in the oven when the other things are taken out. Bake until crisp.

Adapted from Miss Beecher’s domestic receiptbook: designed as a supplement to her Treatise on domestic economy.

From "Memories in the Kitchen: Bites and Nibbles From 'Bryony'"

All proceeds benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters of Will and Grundy Counties. www.bbbswillgrundy.org.

Order the cookbook at www.bryonyseries.com/Dalton_s_Dry_Goods.html.

1916-2016 The Struggle for Irish Freedom continues

Story Round-Up: Features in The Herald-News, May 22 through May 27

A blur of a week, tring to meet holiday deadlines and looking beyond to a short work week next week. (say those last five words very fast).

Not gonna lie, looking forward to some extended R&R and fiction-time!

In the meantime...

Check out the health, faith, and arts and entertainment calendars. Three of them can be found at the link below. http://www.theherald-news.com/lifestyle/ Gotta Do It, runs each Sunday and often stays on the home page through the week.

Feature briefs for Tuesday (health), Thursday (faith), Friday (Arts and Entertainment), and Sunday (People) are also edited (texted and photos) by the lady of this blog, but only the stories have bylines.

Another option: I do post the briefs and calendars on Twitter during the week, so you're welcome to follow me at @Denise_Unland61.

And if you do peek at these stories, to quote our editor Kate Schott, "Thank you for reading The Herald-News." :)


Shorewood HUGS seeking nominations for its Hugs & Wishes program

While the amounts appear small compared with overall need – $250 for a hug and $500 for a wish – recipients are generally “tickled pink” that someone thought they were deserving and took the time to show it, President Susan Underwood said.

http://www.theherald-news.com/2016/05/09/shorewood-hugs-seeking-nominations-for-its-hugs-wishes-program/akl5406/


An Extraordinary Life: Joliet deaconess mothered and mentored anyone needing her help

The Rev. Robin Riley, minister of women’s ministry at One Vision Worship Center in Joliet, said when she was addicted to drugs and alcohol in her youth, Pearlie drove her to a treatment facility in Michigan because she believed in Robin. Pearlie helped any hurting person, she added.

http://www.theherald-news.com/2016/04/18/joliet-deaconess-mothered-and-mentored-anyone-needing-her-help/aed4eer/


Morris woman shares her experience with rare autoimmune disorder

By Jeanne Millsap

Some people with Sjögren’s have only mild discomfort, according to the foundation, while others suffer debilitating symptoms that greatly impair their lives.

http://www.theherald-news.com/2016/05/06/morris-woman-shares-her-experience-with-rare-autoimmune-disorder/a7ejs94/

Wilmington Knights of Columbus raise money to help send a warrior to Lourdes

According to the Warriors to Lourdes website, The Knights of Columbus’ 2016 Warriors to Lourdes Pilgrimage also is the 58th Annual International Military Pilgrimage. It is a five-day retreat for wounded or disabled military personnel. This year’s retreat was May 17 to 23.

http://www.theherald-news.com/2016/05/23/wilmington-knights-of-columbus-raise-money-to-help-send-a-warrior-to-lourdes/aap8d3z/

Frankfort member of Illinois National Guard beats stress through watercolors (VIDEO EXTRA)

“I loved it right away,” Col. Mark Jackson said of the medium. “I wasn’t good at it, but I loved the idea of making colors come to life with just water.”

http://www.theherald-news.com/2016/05/23/frankfort-member-of-illinois-national-guard-beats-stress-through-watercolors/atjousi/

BryonySeries Throwback Thursday: Vampire Bats Facts

Tuesday, September 7, 2010

Vampire Bats Facts

The vampires Melissa Marchellis encounters in Bryony have much in common with vampire bats. Both flee when the victim awakens, and both contain saliva with particular properties: a numbing agent and an anticoagulant to allow the blood to freely flow. The similarities, however, end there.

Unlike the vampires in Bryony, vampire bats never attack and, when they do regurgitate a meal, it’s to share their food with a vampire bat that didn’t get one that night. Vampire bats, said Sharon Peterson, elementary school teacher, librarian, and bat expert trained by Bats Conservation International, roost in very tight colonies and display caring behavior toward each other. Adult bats, for instance, will groom other bats.

Other vampire facts Peterson shared include:

· There are three species of vampire bats: common vampire bat, hairy-legged vampire bat, and the white-winged vampire bat. All three live in Latin America ranging from Mexico to the southern areas of South America. They do not live in Europe.
· Two species of vampire bats drink mainly from the blood of birds. The other drinks the blood of mammals.
· Vampire bats can run short distances before leaping into flight.
· Vampire bats ignore the fatty areas of their victims. Instead, they settle on areas where blood vessels are close to the surface. That would be the feet in birds, on the hooves or near the tails for cows, and the fingertips for humans.
· Scientists are experimenting on ways to use the anticoagulating properties in vampire bat’s saliva as an alternative to traditional blood thinners. Unlike these medicines, the anticoagulant in bat saliva targets only clots.
· Vampire bats are very shy. They will not come near a victim that is awake.
· Vampire bats are not carnivorous. Other bats might scoop up a lizard or mouse and fly away with it, but not vampire bats.

For over ten years Sharon Peterson, along with her husband Dan Peterson and their two Egyptian fruit bats, has been giving presentations on bats. Sharon and Dan are both licensed through the USDA as Class C exhibitors. To schedule a presentation or for more information on bats in general visit http://www.incrediblebats.com/.

DeFranco Family: Heartbeat, Its A Lovebeat

Make Settings Pop With These Words

Verbs.

When world-building, writers often go too heavy on adjectives, which actually muddles the scene instead of enlivening it.

Readers, like children with short attention spans, are drawn to action.

Verbs make movement happen. 

Now that doesn't mean you forget about adjectives. They have their place. But balance their use with verbs. Open the door of your world through the actual telling of the story, rather than as an aside, which can make readers restless and pull them away from the plot.

A couple examples:

He pushed the heavy door open and peered into the shrouded room, cold as a winter morning after the fire had gone out, and stinking like bad meat and perfume. Granny Spencer's beeswax candles blinked at his intrusion. Barrels of ice stood guard like evil henchmen. Mama Prudie's best ivory damask tablecloth didn't hide the cooling board upon which the homemade coffin balanced. Sitting on a stool at the foot of the casket and resting his head against its edge was Papa Everett, cane lying beside him like a loyal hound. At the creak of the heavy door hinges, Papa Everett lifted his head, held out his hand, and smiled weakly. 

(Before the Blood, John's Story, Chapter 3: Keys to Heaven)

Outside, he picked up his ax and headed for the woods. The settlers had spent just one winter in this barren land, and they could testify to its harshness. The bare trees and short days warned of winter's approach.

Galien glanced at the naked brown hills to his left.

Come spring, they would start constructing frame houses, away from the lake's chilly blasts. Even farther away, northwest toward Jenson, was Clyde Fisher's extensive vegetable plots, harvested and stored in the cellar of the general store.

Galien had not told Adele, but he feared wintering in the three-room cottages, which, although sturdy, would require much wood to offset the brutal cold.

How much wood, he did not know.

He crunched through leaves halfway to his ankles. Orville had already felled a tree and wasn't in sight, but Galien knew the routine and began chopping the old oak into logs. 

(Before the Blood, Bryony's Story, Chapter 2: The Wages of Sin is Death)

Twilight and a misty fog had come to Lower Manhattan, transforming the already bleak landscape into gray and gloom, and trampling the early morning's hopes for a better day under the carriage wheels of those fortunate enough to ride in carriages.

The rest tied their wraps tighter and trudged by weary footsteps to the places they called home, whether that be a four-flat, three rooms above a shop, or an open fire behind a boarded-up building near the city dump. For most of them, their day's labors were rewarded by, if not a warm supper, then enough accumulated scraps to fill their bellies and count as supper.

Shopkeepers locked shops and blew out lights. Office clerks gripped their bags and hurried home to empty rooms or expanding families, neither preferable to the other. Shoe-shine boys and match girls counted too few coins in little blue hands and prayed these were sufficient spare the rods and merit crusts of dry bread and thin soup.

In their midst strode Kellen, glancing left and then right at the buildings and taking the fog with him as he left their presence. The moon rose; the crowds gradually dispersed; the buildings grew taller and shabbier. In the distance, a dog howled, but across the street, a second shrank against a sagging building with a low growl. Its ears pricked in disbelief; its fur bristled, warning of impending attack; its eyes gleamed with hate and fear.

Abruptly, Kellen stopped. There it was: 4 East 7th Street. 

(Before the Blood, Kellen's Story, Chapter 8: Just Sign on the Dotted Line)

It was a short jaunt from the alley to the  sidewalk on Delavan, where vagabonds shuffled or reposed. As they rounded the corner, Henry glanced up at the sign hanging on the front of the pub. A stern Billy goat sentinel, black spectacles perched his nose, glanced back.

The shutters on shop windows remained tightly latched. A hazy moon lit their way. Harold drank beer from a flask and pranced with a lilt in his step. Henry yawned and tripped to keep pace.

Harold deftly turned left, away from the brownstones and down a dark lane, where dogs barked, decomposing buildings treacherously leaned, and muddled voices filled the air.

With purpose in each step, Harold headed toward one large structure, a monstrous building that leered at passersby through its broken window teeth. Its sinister appearance didn't sway the wheelbarrow-pushing hoards shuffling in and out its cavernous mouth door.

Harold skipped past the jaws of death. Henry followed. Millions of stacked newspaper bundles filled the warehouse. He sneezed, coughed, and blinked against the swirling paper dust.

A firm hand collared him and dragged him outside.

"Wait here," Harold barked. "Can't have you fainting like a girl."

Henry leaned against the stone and gulped the night air, hardly pure with its stench of garbage and sewage, but cleaner than the choking grit inside. He coughed again and lit a cigarette.

(Before the Blood, Henry's Story, Chapter 2: The Gypsy)

            

Sold On S Notes

So my new phone is a Samsung something (Timothy picked it out), which has an S note feature. I used it for the first time yesterday while Daniel drove to church. On a working weekend, that drive became ninety minutes of extra fiction time.

While in theory writers should always carry something to write on, I often forget, and precious ideas are lost forever. But while listening to music I associate with Henry's section of Before the Blood, the thoughts just came, and I scribbled them down as fast as they arrived, for later transcribing.

And what thoughts came in that hour and a half? Snippets of dialogue, a place to use a quote I liked that ended up strengthening the plot, and a major alteration of a secondary character that made the ultimate sense to the story.

One of the reasons I don't use handwritten notes is that I find them harder to read than typewritten, even though I transcribe characters that resemble gibberish to eyes other than my own (I developed my own weird shorthand in college). In theory, I should be able to type notes with the AP, too. I just need to figure out how to do it.

So, a successful fiction day in spite of a busy working weekend. S note: I appreciate you!

Stewed Fruit with Cream

Stewed Fruit with Cream

One of the items Bryga packed in the picnic basket when John took Melissa for a boat ride on Lake Munson. Adapted from Miss Beecher’s domestic receiptbook: designed as a supplement to her Treatise on domestic economy.

2 or 3 peach leaves or a vanilla bean

1 quart cream or milk

Sugar

4 eggs, separated

Fruit, your choice

Boil the peach leaves or vanilla bean in the cream or milk till flavored. Strain and sweeten it, mix it with well-beaten yolks; then, while heating it up, add the whites cut to a froth. When it thickens, take it up. When cool, pour it over the fruit or preserves.

From "Memories in the Kitchen: Bites and Nibbles From 'Bryony'"

All proceeds benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters of Will and Grundy Counties. www.bbbswillgrundy.org.

Order the cookbook at www.bryonyseries.com/Dalton_s_Dry_Goods.html.

Fairy Art (2/2)

Story Round-Up: Features in The Herald-News, May 15 through May 20

It's been a contrasting week of blessings and one disappointment, of tight deadlines, offsite meetings, fellowship with friends old and news, some hellos and goodbyes, and a bit of fiction and poetry writing.

This weekend is a working weekend, even if breaking news is light. I have some extra projects for features and a three-day weekend on the horizon (a rare occurance, the three-days off, not the horizon), and the work must get done sometime. At the very least, I will make sure I get my half hour of fiction time in this Saturday and Sunday, but not sure I can do much beyond that.

In the meantime...

Check out the health, faith, and arts and entertainment calendars. Three of them can be found at the link below. http://www.theherald-news.com/lifestyle/ Gotta Do It, runs each Sunday and often stays on the home page through the week.

Feature briefs for Tuesday (health), Thursday (faith), Friday (Arts and Entertainment), and Sunday (People) are also edited (texted and photos) by the lady of this blog, but only the stories have bylines.

Another option: I do post the briefs and calendars on Twitter during the week, so you're welcome to follow me at @Denise_Unland61.

And if you do peek at these stories, to quote our editor Kate Schott, "Thank you for reading The Herald-News." :)

Third-generation stagehand at Joliet theater reflects back on 42 great years

By Jan Steele

In honor of the Rialto Square Theatre's 90th anniversary, my first Herald-News editor, now a freelance writer, shares the story of this man, whose family of stagehands goes back to the theater's beginnings.

http://www.theherald-news.com/2016/04/26/third-generation-stagehand-at-joliet-theater-reflects-back-on-42-great-years/avkju9h/


Joliet counselor inspired people through words, actions and advice

The Rev. Ray Lescher, pastor at Sacred Heart Parish in Joliet where Dick was a longtime member, said Dick was responsible, dependable, respectful of everybody, and he had a great sense of humor.

“He was everything you wanted to see in a Christian man,” Lescher said. “He walked the walk and he talked the talk. He helped a ton of kids over at Joliet Central High School. His door was always open to everybody and his heart was also open to everybody.”

http://www.theherald-news.com/2016/05/12/joliet-counselor-inspired-people-through-words-actions-and-advice/ac1i7gq/


Pets of the Week: May 16

 Click on the caption of each photo to find out about that pet, including where he or she can be adopted.

http://www.theherald-news.com/2016/05/12/pets-of-the-week-may-16/a8kc9jo/

Shorewood man with early onset Parkinson's is raising awareness, rebuilding his life (VIDEO EXTRA)

The diagnosis was news that hurt the ex-U.S. Marine’s pride.

“The biggest thing I had to overcome is my self-image. I cared a lot about how I looked,” Tom Zielinski said. “I had this persona of a big strong guy.”

http://www.theherald-news.com/2016/04/21/shorewood-man-with-early-onset-parkinsons-is-raising-awareness-rebuilding-his-life/ays4v0y/


Eastern Orthodox chapel in New Lenox practices ancient Christian faith (VIDEO EXTRA)

By Jeanne Millsap

“We are the most liturgical church in the world,” Rev Andrew Harrison, pastor, said. “We have lots of different services, and we have long services.”

http://www.theherald-news.com/2016/04/21/eastern-orthodox-chapel-in-new-lenox-practices-ancient-christian-faith/ae70mgk/

Michael Carbonaro to bring his brand of magic to Rialto in Joliet

The Rialto Square Theatre website calls Michael Carbonaro “an actor, host, magician, comedian and improv artist.” Tonight at 8 p.m., Carbonaro will merge all those identities onstage at the Joliet theater.

http://www.theherald-news.com/2016/05/18/michael-carbonaro-to-bring-his-brand-of-magic-to-rialto-in-joliet/am3cykg/

BryonySeries Throwback Thursday: Welcome to the Bryony Series Blog by Denise M. Baran-Unland

Sunday, August 1, 2010

Welcome to the Bryony Series Blog by Denise M. Baran-Unland

I love stories, and my entire life has revolved around that love.

An asthmatic childhood provided long, happy hours curled up with either a book or a pen and notebook. Doll play with my sister (and we had many dolls) consisted of layered characters and complicated storylines that occupied us for days. I composed when riding my bike. I mentally added "he said" or "she said" when people spoke to me. My fifth and sixth grade English teacher created themed, people-centered bulletin boards from magazine clippings, and I wrote short stories from those clippings. I write for a living. I write for fun.

The BryonySeries blog reflects that fun.

Whether you are curious about the Bryony book(s) or simply enjoy reading and/or writing, you will find the genesis of and the research behind the story, publication updates, writing ramblings, information on the Bryony fundraising cookbook, writing and publication experiences of other authors, bits of inspiration and links to my favorite stories.

You will also meet the real Ed Calkins, aka, the Steward of Tara. He is one of Bryony's minor characters and Ireland's first official vampire. This blog will also feature variety of guest experts, authors, readers and, perhaps, a surprise or two.

Google my byline to read published feature stories or visitwww.suburbanchicagonews.com/heraldnews.

Mostly, enjoy!

The Old New World

Three Paragraph Tip

We writers have seen those posts, the authors that write 1,000 to 3,500 words a day before breakfast, etc.

Such words haunt when we stare at a blank screen, our minds totally devoid of words and thoughts. Aimlessly clicking onto sites isn't working. Neither is coffee, a walk, music, etc. 

In those times, write three paragraphs.

Just three.

When the muse is sluggish, an entire chapter, even 500 words, is daunting. But three paragraphs is like hitting snoze on an alarm. Eventually, the body gives up and does what it's supposed to do. The mind is like that, too.

Three paragraphs of something is totally doable. And when you write them, one of two things will happen.

Creativity will spark and ideas will overflow faster than you can type them.

Or you will be three paragraphs ahead.

It's totally a win-win.

Ten Simple Daily Pleasures

People always say to count your blessings. Here's ten of mine I enjoy everyday.

1) A cup of coffee in the quiet early morning.

2) Walking for fun and exercise while listening to music and allowing my mind to roam.

3) Walking to work, either bundling up again the snow (cozy) and chill or basking in the warm sunshine (freedom). Both have merits.

4) Midnight cuddling like a baby.

5) Poor man's massages from Faith at bedtime.

6) A late morning cup of coffee while pouring over my work.

7) The inherent rhythm of a day I've arranged.

8) A cup of frozen fruit at bedtime.

9) Listening to a person discuss something (a topic, a person, an event, a cause) that excites them (and basking in the sudden realization that I get paid to do this).

10) Taking scrambled notes (be it features or fiction) and arranging and composing them in ways that elictes interest and emotion in readers.

Anointed

A former boss called me the day after she read this story in The Herald-News:

http://www.theherald-news.com/2016/04/29/weeping-icon-at-homer-glen-church-attracting-crowds/aguye94/

Long story short, we made plans to attend Divine Liturgy today, reverence the icon, and be anointed with the fragrant oil emitting from it.

Afterwards, we each received a portion of it to take home. She wanted two, one for her husband. I gave her mine. She couldn't understand how I could part with it so easily; didn't I want any? It was hard to explain that I carry it inside me always.

We visited with a friend afterwards and had a long lunch together; we probably spent six hours together. She wants to go back; she wants me to go with her. This curve in our relationship I could never have predicted in a fast forward manner. At one time, this woman literally held the decision of whether I would work another day at my job; today, we talked of God, and she marveled at how I knew the things I know.

Life is an adventure. God is good all the time.

Instrumental traditional Irish music compilation

Story Round-Up: Features in The Herald-News, May 8 through May 13

It's been a throwback week of sorts with Sarah and Lucas staying at the townhome with us, working offsite so as to spend time with Illinois family and friends and celebrate Rebekah's graduation from Joliet Junior College tonight.

Saturday we spent at Good Will and found a beautiful dress for Rebekah; Sunday we visited the significant mothers in our past at three different cemetaries. Most of the bonding this week (due to my long work hours) was back and forth conversation in the morning as I'm getting ready to leave or driving home with them Monday and Tuesday (it rained, so they picked me up) or walking home (Wednesday the sun finally came out).

On Wednesday evening at the fitness room, Sarah showd me some techniques for triceps and core, tips she learned from working with a personal trainer. Tomorrow is a huge party for family and friends (haev many birthdays and one graduation to celebrate) and then the festivities end for awhile.

Check out the health, faith, and arts and entertainment calendars. Three of them can be found at the link below. http://www.theherald-news.com/lifestyle/ Gotta Do It, runs each Sunday and often stays on the home page through the week.

Feature briefs for Tuesday (health), Thursday (faith), Friday (Arts and Entertainment), and Sunday (People) are also edited (texted and photos) by the lady of this blog, but only the stories have bylines.

Another option: I do post the briefs and calendars on Twitter during the week, so you're welcome to follow me at @Denise_Unland61.

And if you do peek at these stories, to quote our editor Kate Schott, "Thank you for reading The Herald-News." :)

Shorewood couple has served as foster parents for 30 years

“You have to be very, very patient,” Jim Poch said. “You’re not going to see change in a child in a month. It takes a lot of effort and a lot of give and take.”

http://www.theherald-news.com/2016/04/21/shorewood-couple-has-served-as-foster-parents-for-30-years/auajk9u/


An Extraordinary Life: Manhattan woman sold Avon until she was 93

Margaret Flatt gave up her driver’s license at age 92, but she continued selling Avon for another year. Customers were so loyal to her, they offered to pick up their orders at Margaret’s house.

http://www.theherald-news.com/2016/04/18/an-extraordinary-life-manhattan-woman-sold-avon-until-she-was-93/amx9iq7/

Living Water Yoga to host a charity class at Pilcher Park Nature Center in Joliet (VIDEO EXTRA)

Despite the reluctance some Christians have to participate in yoga, the philosophy of yoga doesn’t contradict the Bible, Bill Austin, yogi,  said.

http://www.theherald-news.com/2016/04/21/living-water-yoga-to-host-a-charity-class-at-pilcher-park-nature-center-in-joliet/apve4cg/

Art exhibit at Gallery Seven in Joliet is 'En-Lightening' (VIDEO EXTRA)

“En-Lightening” will feature two paintings by renowned blind artist John Bramblitt and 17 images of Dr. Rita Rogan’s Paris “Nocturnes,” the first time Rogan – a psychologist who has an interest in biofeedback and the realm of electromagnetic energy – has shown them in a group.

http://www.theherald-news.com/2016/05/03/art-exhibit-at-gallery-seven-in-joliet-is-en-lightening/a8zz4yh/

BryonySeries Throwback Thursday: Leeches 101

Tuesday, August 24, 2010

Leeches 101

During Melissa’s first day at Munsonville School, Ann Dalton compares their biology teacher, a former scientist, to H.G. Wells’ Dr. Moreau. That’s because Mr. Walczak, through his retained laboratory connections, brought all manner of interesting specimens to class, including a two-headed fish and a vampire bat.

So when Mr. Walczak collects a jar of leeches from Lake Munson, Melissa is fascinated at the close-up view at the grotesque creatures, although Jack Cooper, who grew up in a fishing boat with his father, is bored.

Perhaps Mr. Walczak’s connections included Biopharm (http://www.biopharm-leeches.com/), an international company, established in 1812 and based in South Wales, UK. His knowledge of leeches certainly suggests it.

According to the company website, Biopharm is the first leech farm of its kind. It produces, in a sterile environment, the majority of leeches used in modern medicine worldwide. Thank you, Biopharm, for sharing your interesting collection of leech facts.

· There are 650 known species of leeches.
· The largest leech discovered measured eighteen inches.
· About one fifth of leech species live in the sea where they feed on fish.
· The leech has thirty-two brains, thirty-one more than a human.
· The Hirudo Medicinalis is the leech mostly used in plastic and reconstructive surgery.
· The Hirudo leech lays its babies within a cocoon; whereas the Amazon leech carries its babies—sometimes as many as three hundred--on its stomach.
· Not all leeches are bloodsuckers. Many are predators, which eat earthworms. Ironically the nearest relatives of leeches are earthworms.
· The Hirudo leech has three jaws with one hundred teeth on each jaw, making three hundred teeth in all.
· The Amazon leech uses a different method of sucking blood. They insert a long proboscis into the victim, as opposed to biting.
· The bite of a leech is painless due to its own anesthetic.
· The Hirudo injects an anti-coagulant serum into the victim to prevent blood clotting.
· The leech will gorge itself until full, sometimes up to five times its body weight, and then just fall away from its victim.
· After the Hirudo leech drops off, the wound it leaves will bleed, on average, for ten hours.
· The first leech was used in medicine about 1000 B.C, probably in ancient India.
· Wales was once one of the major leech collecting areas of Europe. People would stand in lakes and pools and, when the leech attached to their legs, they would put them in their baskets and sell them.
· The original surgeons were barbers that used leeches to cure anything from headaches to gout. The red and white stripe traditionally seen on a barber pole began when surgeons hung their bandages on a pole outside their shops.
· Biopharm leeches have helped save the limbs of patients in twenty-nine different countries.
· By extracting the anti-clotting serum for the leech, researchers are isolating new pharmaceutical compounds for eventual treatment of heart diseases.
· The nervous system of the leech is very similar to the human nervous system and is of enormous benefit to researchers in their quest for the answers to human problems.

Ciel Phantomhive Dies DX

Nocturne

Yesterday I interviewed an artist and psychologist who paints night scenes in the dark. It opened up a discussion of the biorhythms of the hours when the rest of the world is asleep, the type of fiction I write, how such mood is evoked through color (her) and words (me), and how neither light nor dark can be fully understood without the backgrop of the other.

A line from Kellen's story in Before the Blood popped into my head:

It happened at the time of night when sleep is heaviest and nightmares darkest, when shadows of dread cloak the soul as it slumbers.

And these from Visage

Paralyzed in the shadowy twilight of lucid dreaming and full alertness, Melissa could only surrender to an engulfing, indestructible force that plunged her below the surface of her will and interminably ravaged any portion of her soul she had not yet relinquished to him.

Plaintive melodies haunted her nighttime fancies and awakened Melissa to firelight’s dancing shadows. Magnetized by the piano’s mournful call, Melissa rhythmically descended Simons Mansion’s grand staircase and followed the dirge to the music room. John, aristocratic in white tails, swayed to halting melancholic notes, chipper trills now waltzing bittersweet and then cascading into doleful tones spilling from her eyes, streaking across her cheeks, and splashing the lace collar of her rose print tea gown. Death, death, all of Melissa’s heart-felt wishes must end in death.

Melissa fell into an uneasy sleep, only to awaken at two o’clock by an inferno lighting up her room. Deafening thunder followed. Her wind-up desk clock—her insurance policy against electrical failure--mocked her as it ticked out each second.

Late. Late. Late. Late. Late. Late. Late. Late. Late. Late. Late. Late. Late. Late.

The ticking merged with the battering monsoon against the window pane until it thudded into the beating of John Simons’ undead heart. Through closed eyelids, Melissa sensed his presence as he drifted out of the mist and glided nearer, bent closer, and rammed his fangs into her neck. She screamed soundless cries, but still John drank hard and deep, tearing into her wounds for more, never minding the overflowing draught streaming down her legs until she was lying in a pool of blood. 

Thought-provoking, is it not?

Paying Tribute: How We Chose to Spend Mother's Day

The Dating Game Mothers Day episode 1972

Steward Setback Saturday: Ed Calkins Speaks Out on "Visage"

Saturday, April 27, 2013

Ed Calkins Speaks Out on "Visage."

Dear MOMI:

Wow!

I'm not finished reading Visage, and I'm already rereading it. I think you may have a hit here. What's the other feedback?

 

My wife and sister-in-law think its about the same as Bryony (They liked it, but didn't put it among the best they've read). I feel differently.

 

Like I said, I'm rereading much of the front, trying to prove or dismiss some of the theories I have that you may or may not have intended. I find this a much better book then the first. I don't want to be in left field when the "book club" (my extended family) meets.

Let me know about other feedback.

 

Yours ruthlessly,

 

Ed Calkins, Steward of Tara