BryonySeries

Tuesday, March 19, 2019

More Productive Than I Thought

Saturday was so restful, I didn't realize how much creative work I accomplished until I reviewed my weekend list and checked off the boxes.

The third installment of Before the Blood is copyedited and ready for reformatting.

A special "cheetah" anthology for WriteOn Joliet is also ready for reformatting and upload.

A very short story called The Witches Spell is in the hands of my WriteOn Joliet collaborator, who liked it and is taking the concept from there.

Three to five-minute selection for WriteOn Joliet's next open mic on April 1 is selected.

A brand new Bertrand book (Bertrand Spends the Night) is uploaded, ordered, and (fingers crossed) available for purchase on Saturday.

Timothy is still reading Cornell Dyer and the Eerie Lake. But then, he did frame all that artwork. ;)

I'll expound on the cheetah anthology and the collaborative project for another post, closer to May, which is when WriteOnJoliet will host a special event.

I also walked nearly 20 miles between Saturday and Sunday. :)

But it felt good to start Monday mentally recharged.

Monday, March 18, 2019

Community News: March 15 and March 18, 2019

Pets of the Week: March 17

Descriptions of each pet are in the captions.

https://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2019/03/11/0e9ebe73151e42078e582b15f45f000a/index.xml

Local arts and entertainment: March 18 through March 2

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/03/11/local-arts-and-entertainment-march-18-through-march-25/abr2ntl/

Local faith events: March 18 through March 25

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/03/11/local-faith-events-march-18-through-march-25/a44ur4q/

Local food events: March 18 through March 25

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/03/11/local-food-events-march-18-through-march-25/ai7jdnu/

Local health events: March 19 through March 26

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/03/11/local-health-events-march-19-through-march-26/afja916/

Gotta Do It: March 18 through March 25

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/03/11/gotta-do-it-march-18-through-march-25/atvuuxm/

Local pet events: March 18 through March 25

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/03/11/local-pet-events-march-18-through-march-25/ayj1agc/

NEWSLETTERS

Sign up for the Will County Go Guide

http://www.theherald-news.com/newsletter/will-county-go-guide/#//

Sign up for the LocalLit Short Story Newsletter

http://www.theherald-news.com/newsletter/locallit/

Sign up for The Munsonville Times

https://www.bryonyseries.com/munsonville-times

Illustration by Christopher Gleason for "Staked!" Follow him at www.artworkbytopher.com.

The Artwork is Framed

At Christmas, BryonySeries artist Christopher Gleason surprised me with the original pieces of all five frontispieces he created for Before the blood.

This past weekend, Timothy framed them all. Timothy also framed the "aerial view" of Munsonville's Main Street an artist known only to me "Jenny" created.

Timothy also framed a painting and note Bertrand "created" as my birthday present last year (with the help of Cindy, Daniel's girl friend). Since then, Cindy's son Justin has become a Bertrand fan and finally got to meet Bertrand in his real crocheted person last night.

Here are the framed pieces. Have a great Monday, readers, writers, and vampire fans! :)

He had vowed to play or die; he just might get the latter.

Flying overhead was a feminine creature of perfect proportions, dressed in skeins of red hair.

She was the lake, and the lake was she. From deep beyond deep, it called to her from depths.

Although your father commissioned these oils for your parlor, I poured my very spirit into their creation

She wanted his best, not the beast. But so did he. Hence, the beast. She could not escape it. And neither could he.

The aerial view of Munsonville

By Bertrand and Cindy

Saturday, March 16, 2019

The Goblin Market - A Lonely Thing (Official Music Video)

Friday, March 15, 2019

Story Round-Up: Features in The Herald-News, March 10 through March 15

Proof copy for the third installment of Before the Blood arrived last night!

Two typos found in chapter one with more I'm sure to weed out before the weekend is done.

Last night, I stopped into the Book and Bean Cafe in Joliet for a reception for the two featured artists, both members of WriteOn Joliet. If you live in the area and have a chance to stop, please do!

The owner is cheery, the is coffee terrific, and the art (photography, mostly) is phenomenal.

Have a wonderful Friday, readers, writers, and vampire fans!

Non-bylined features:

Monday through Saturday I assembled my non-bylined works - brief posts and calendar listings - into one convenient file and posting them on Facebook in the evening, so readers can easily choose the ones they want to read.

One can also find those event listings, the Gotta Do It calendar, as well as the pets, health, faith, and arts and entertainment calendars, under the sections tab on the left hand side of http://www.theherald-news.com/. Click on "features" and the topics drop down. Gotta Do It runs under "people."

Community news? Again, under the sections tab, under features, and by topic. Updates are posted on these days in print and web (and some only on web on other days as I have the time): Monday (pets), Tuesday (health), Thursday (faith), Friday (arts and entertainment), and Sunday (people).

Social media:

Daily updates: I do post the briefs and calendars 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 at @BryonySeries. And assorted related content at www.facebook.com/BryonySeries. And of course, please follow the adventures of Bertrand the Mouse on Instagram at bertrand_bryonyseries.

If you're a writer anywhere in the world, you're welcome to jon WriteOn Joliet's Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/groups/writeonminooka/?ref=bookmarks. We're based in Joliet, Illinois, but we love to meet and interact with writers outside our area, too.

Upcoming events:

These are listed here: https://www.bryonyseries.com/fetes-and-feasts.

Books and Such

Information on my books (including where to buy) along with upcoming events is at www.bryonyseries.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.

These boots were made for Woodie

Joliet Junior College students creating prosthetic paws for a dog who's missing two

During the meetings with Woodie and the Grelcks, Christina Bunde discussed with them their goals for Woodie's future and their expectations from the prosthesis. Once Bunde had that information, she began experimenting with designs and materials.

https://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2019/03/07/3f0ae2687c1243fe9b3c8835b7b33f9f/index.xml

Plainfield doctor cared for the very poor
Dr. Imran Qureshi performed medical relief in Bangladesh

Qureshi said: "The Rohingya people, for all the losses that they’ve endured and deaths that they’ve suffered, are incredibly resilient people. It’s inspiring to see their strength, given what they’ve gone through, and its quite humbling. And, as I’ve mentioned before, this grounds us in our own reality. as well. It makes us incredibly thankful for what we have back home."

https://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2019/03/05/b2efb9e165544055a356e9e657cb95e0/index.xml

Joliet Junior College chef achieves his lifetime dream
Timothy Bucci is now a certified master chef

Bucci said, "I felt the judges were all very supportive. They want you to do well. They want you to pass. But you have to take the information they're giving you and adopt it the next day. If you take something personally, it isn't going to end up well for you."

https://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2019/03/12/2c7ca8a338e54ce6976d0c2620671874/index.xml

Bacon and Cheddar Irish soda bread? You bet!

Bacon, cheddar cheese and green onion add a hearty taste to traditional soda bread.

https://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2019/03/13/9f8e66ac84d34592b1e857021c69ce84/index.xml

Adding Guinness makes Irish soda bread even more Irish

This makes a dense loaf, similar to pumpernickel, but moister and sweeter.

This fine arts festival, which takes place at Lincoln-Way East High School, will include 900 pieces of student art, kindergarten through grade 12; performances by school choirs, youth strings and jazz combos; and art demonstrations and workshops.

https://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2019/03/12/6b8f346579aa4632a8b612a164920378/index.xml

Artworks: From dog hair to paper filigree
Lemont fiber artist will demonstrate the ancient art of quilling

"I thought, 'What can't you buy at K-Mart? Well, you can't buy dog hair spun into yarn at K-mart,'" Betty Burian Kirk said.

https://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2019/03/12/62c5738120a347a3abae15ea6db486e9/index.xml

LocalLit book spotlight: The Heart's Bone' by Jennifer Russ

Not many authors can tackle such an edgy topic and do it well.

https://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2019/03/12/63ca53eb0c6d4270bcff1d7dafde748e/index.xml

Illustration by Matt Coundiff for "Visage." Follow him at www.facebook.com/artbymattcoundiff

Thursday, March 14, 2019

Community News: March 14, 2019

It's mostly about food today!

If you live within the Herald-News' coverage area (most of Will and Grundy counties in Illinois), and you'd like to share your organization's news or upcoming events, email the information to new@theherald-news.com.

Around Towns Bolingbrook Golf Club

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/03/13/around-towns-bolingbrook-golf-club/aa4ffyq/

Plainfield church to host annual 'wild game' dinner

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/03/13/plainfield-church-to-host-annual-wild-game-dinner/ac8nql8/

RECIPES

Bacon and Cheddar Irish soda bread? You bet!

Bacon, cheddar cheese and green onion add a hearty taste to traditional soda bread.

https://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2019/03/13/9f8e66ac84d34592b1e857021c69ce84/index.xml

Adding Guinness makes Irish soda bread even more Irish

This makes a dense loaf, similar to pumpernickel, but moister and sweeter.

https://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2019/03/13/2a9f1d61cf8341969bbbce32eb71ac0e/index.xml

Make traditional Irish soda bread with or without raisins

We made our favorite recipe (without) and then changed it up.

https://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2019/03/13/cb0c02ad89c34ce088b0bb9dfcdaf81a/index.xml

The key to making your raw kale tender is a little massage

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/03/12/the-key-to-making-your-raw-kale-tender-is-a-little-massage/aczls89/

A full-flavored chicken dish with sweet and nutty garlic

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/03/12/a-full-flavored-chicken-dish-with-sweet-and-nutty-garlic/aimvq0q/

How to highlight the earthy flavor of Brussels sprouts

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/03/12/how-to-highlight-the-earthy-flavor-of-brussels-sprouts/ab12k5x/

A pasta dish that brings out the earthy flavor of mushrooms

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/03/12/a-pasta-dish-that-brings-out-the-earthy-flavor-of-mushrooms/a4cc2x1/

Pair earthy, hearty mushrooms with equally hearty farro

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/03/12/pair-earthy-hearty-mushrooms-with-equally-hearty-farro/ab0zrf6/

NEWSLETTERS

Sign up for the Will County Go Guide

http://www.theherald-news.com/newsletter/will-county-go-guide/#//

Sign up for the LocalLit Short Story Newsletter

http://www.theherald-news.com/newsletter/locallit/

Sign up for The Munsonville Times

https://www.bryonyseries.com/munsonville-times

Illustration by Matt Coundiff for "Memories in the Kitchen: Bites and Nibbles from "Bryony." Follow him at www.facebook.com/artbymattcoundiff .

BryonySeries Throwback Thursday: Surprise Gift

Monday, March 5, 2018

Surprise Gift

Recently, Diana Estell, one of the members of WriteOn Joliet surprised me with this lovely gift that, I believe, anyone who lives vintage and Victorian will appreciate, including a beautiful bracelet with a blue (my favorite color) stone that's 1873, two years before Bryony was born.

Diana, thank you! I shall treasure these forever. <3 p="">

Here's what I found inside:

Wednesday, March 13, 2019

Open Mic Night 2018 2: Tom Hernandez

Tuesday, March 12, 2019

Community News: March 12, 2019

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/01/22/joliet-students-recognized-for-the-virtue-wisdom/a9uqv0v/

Joliet students recognized for the virtue 'love'

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/03/11/joliet-students-recognized-for-the-virtue-love/a80rgvb/

Now is the time to test smoke detector batteries

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/03/11/now-is-the-time-to-test-smoke-detector-batteries/alzu8sc/

Edward-Elmhurst Health first in Chicago area to offer molecular breast imaging

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/03/11/edward-elmhurst-health-first-in-chicago-area-to-offer-molecular-breast-imaging/asc5qie/

Edward-Elmhurst names Denise Chamberlain chief financial officer

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/03/11/edward-elmhurst-names-denise-chamberlain-chief-financial-officer/a8jx34f/

Edward-Elmhurst Health names winners of its Driven Idea Lab

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/03/11/edward-elmhurst-health-names-winners-of-its-driven-idea-lab/a9n8d4m/

Plainfield nurse donates kidney to doctor’s wife

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/03/11/plainfield-nurse-donates-kidney-to-doctors-wife/ale1uhh/

Plainfield man donates in wife's memory

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/03/11/plainfield-man-donates-in-wifes-memory/arzgvcj/

NEWSLETTERS

Sign up for the Will County Go Guide

http://www.theherald-news.com/newsletter/will-county-go-guide/#//

Sign up for the LocalLit Short Story Newsletter

http://www.theherald-news.com/newsletter/locallit/

Sign up for The Munsonville Times

https://www.bryonyseries.com/munsonville-times

Illustration by Matt Coundiff for "Visage." Follow him at www.facebook.com/artbymattcoundiff

Candle Sale for a Good Cause

A few months ago when Rebekah was assessing our BryonySeries candle stock (what we had left, sizes, scents, etc), she noticed some of the candles needed fresh labels.

So we reached out to Valerie Burkholder, owner of Valerie's Heavenly Scents, who had made the candles for us, and learned she was recently diagnosed with an aggressive form of lung cancer.

Although Valerie has kept us generously supplied with candles, we are actively trying to sell them all so she can have the money now, when she she most needs it.

The candles are homemade, soy, and come in a variety of sizes and five BryonySeries scents: bryony (a patchouli-like scent), purple rose, Sue's Diner (vanilla pudding), Lake Munson (ocean breeze), and Simons Woods (pine).

The candles burn very cleanly and retain the scent to the end.

The candles and I (along with my books) will be at The Book Market from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on March 23. The Book Market is located at 2365 Plainfield Road in Crest Hill.

If you only have money for either a book or a candle, I strongly suggest buying the candle. We will have specials for combos and multiple orders.

If you live out of the area or cannot attend the event and wish to buy a candle, message us at bryonyseries@gmail.com and we will ship candles to you.

Most of all, please send up prayers/good thoughts and wishes for Valerie.

Thank you. :)

Monday, March 11, 2019

Community News: March 11, 2019

Illustration by Christopher Gleason for "Staked!" Follow him at www.artworkbytopher.com.

When Creativity Fills the House

What a wonderful weekend on so many levels!

First, I had only about four hours of work carryover into Sunday, the first time in a very long time, and I actually took all of Saturday off. The last couple days were not only restful, they were creative, for me, and for others, too.

I finished the WriteOn Joliet cheetah anthology (more on this later) last night and sent it to Rebekah to give it a fresh look. After we receive the cover art, we can upload it.

We spent a good 90 minutes on the phone with KDP with a wonderful representative who fixed almost all of our issues. A HUGE THANK to Daniel's girl friend Cindy for getting curious about my box of still unpacked books and reading through all the Bertrand ones. She's the one who found the printing errors.

I finished Cornell Dyer and the Eerie Lake and sent it to Timothy to read. So far, he said, it reads like the story he envisioned.

I wrote, and shot, Bertrand Spends the Night. If all goes well, I will have copies available at the March 23 book signing at The Book Market in Crest Hill.

Jasmine showed Rebekah and Cindy over a two-day period how to make gum roses for cakes, etc.

And while I finally unpacked, and put away, my box of books, Jasmine and Rebekah baked four different kinds of Irish soda bread (and some cookies) for my Herald-News food page on Thursday.

A few quick photos below:

Sunday, March 10, 2019

Community News: March 9, 2018

Check out the awesome things people are doing.

If you live within the Herald-News' coverage area (most of Will and Grundy counties in Illinois), and you'd like to share your organization's news or upcoming events, email the information to new@theherald-news.com.

VIDEO: A $10,000 winner at Great Chefs

https://www.theherald-news.com/video/id/4a450098-84b3-41e9-a56d-4fcd8e293208.html

Joliet woman decorates for St. Patrick's Day

https://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2019/03/08/569dbc3ff64a414c95e2fefb44594377/index.xml

Troy30-C Mathletes place 2nd at Joliet West math competition

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/03/07/troy30-c-mathletes-place-2nd-at-joliet-west-math-competition/abgmm46/

Troy students graduate from D.A.R.E. program

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/03/07/troy-students-graduate-from-d-a-r-e-program/awycbiz/

Troy 30-C students recognized for Hawk Scholarships

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/03/07/troy-30-c-students-recognized-for-hawk-scholarships/aihjaxq/

Troy Middle School science club learns about solar energy

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/03/07/troy-middle-school-science-club-learns-about-solar-energy/a7qmqut/

D. 202 Board of Education to honor educators in Plainfield

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/03/07/d-202-board-of-education-to-honor-educators-in-plainfield/aun48kw/

YMCA Teen Achievers receives $10,000 grant from Midland States Bank

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/03/08/ymca-teen-achievers-receives-10-000-grant-from-midland-states-bank/a9l34fc/

D. 202 special ed. administrator moving to Plainfield South HS

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/03/08/d-202-special-ed-administrator-moving-to-plainfield-south-hs/aprnv2g/

Lockport Township High School drafting and design students advance to state

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/03/08/lockport-township-high-school-drafting-and-design-students-advance-to-state/aiprbl9/

Author visits Troy School

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/03/08/author-visits-troy-school/ar1giiw/

New Lenox Fire Foundation receives donation from COUNTRY Financial

https://www.theheraldnews.com/articles/2019/03/08/618bac54fcfc47078e3504e70e1da3dd/index.xml

NEWSLETTERS

Sign up for the Will County Go Guide

http://www.theherald-news.com/newsletter/will-county-go-guide/#//

Sign up for the LocalLit Short Story Newsletter

http://www.theherald-news.com/newsletter/locallit/

Sign up for The Munsonville Times

https://www.bryonyseries.com/munsonville-times

Illustration by Matt Coundiff for "Memories in the Kitchen: Bites and Nibbles from "Bryony." Follow him at www.facebook.com/artbymattcoundiff

Saturday, March 9, 2019

Steward Setback Saturday: Ed Calkins on Asian Carp and Neanderthals

Ed Calkins on Asian Carp and Neanderthals

Dear MOMI (Mistress of My Immortality)

I've been a little reoccupied lately on the problem of Asian Carp. Every time I think of some plan to handle it, I get distracted.

Now, if you're assuming that the problem I'm working on is about invasive species, I might point out the hypocrisy inherent on humans calling that out. Talk to whales, and they'll tell you that the oceans were fine before mankind invented ships. I'm sure birds, although I've not verbal conformation, feel the same way about planes and skies.

Nowhere however, is the hypocrisy of invasive species more apparent than to Neanderthals. I'm speaking of the great undocumented migration of Homo Sapiens from Africa into Europe. As you may recall, (I'm not suggesting you're old enough to remember this so you have to take my word for it), before this time, all of humanity (I exclude Neanderthals, which my be a prejudice.) lived on tropical lake front property around the area that is the Sahara desert today. This lake in the tongue of ancient caveman was called 'Uga Buga Wuga' which means "a really nice place to live." (I'll write later on what it will be called).

You know the bit about every 20 thousand years the earth's tilt and Uga Buga Wuga' dried out, causing waves of impoverished Homo Sapiens to brave the Neanderthal border patrols and cross into "Neatherland" without legal right to do so? The problem got so bad the really big leader of Neatherland called his senators together to demand that a giant wall be invented first, then built. As you know, despite this ingenious preemptive attempt to keep Neatherland great, humans continued to pour into Europe without even an attempt to assimilate into Neatherland culture.

Archaeological evidence shows that humans stayed, Neanderthals didn't, and no wall was ever invited or built. Reasons why may be politically divisive and so I will not lend my name to the debate. Let it not be said, however, that these primates did nothing, for on the borders they posted signs presumed to discourage illegal immigration.

As to theories on what drove Neanderthals into extinction, they have that political problem as well so I can pretend that I don't know (as do you (because I told you)), that it was the Ug-Lee syndrome.

Oh yes, I was talking about the fish. See what I mean.

Okay.

Remember, the twenty thousands years land grab for lake front property around the Sahara is going to be a giant lake again in a mere ten thousand years. I mean to own that lake by buying all the land around it and making it the best place in the world to fish, but also the safest.

Using selective spawning, I'd hoped to evolve a fish that grows very big, taste like lobster or steak, and then bites a sinker, grips its mouth tightly around it, and doesn't let go until its safely in the net. Sounds great, right?

The problem is the Asian Carp has that beat for fishermen. It grows big, tastes good (although not quite like surf and turf) and jumps right in the boat as you pass. How am I suppose to beat that? I'd have to breed a fish that cooks itself!

There's another matter of which I find some discomfort in mentioning; a financial matter. Despite my contempt for such uninteresting considerations, I find myself in need of funds. Well known are the Saudis for valuing their oil wells, but who would have thought they'd value so highly all the land that encircles them?

No, MOMI, I'm not asking you directly for money, you're a writer; you don't have two pennies to rub together. I'm asking you to solicit investors. I'll need one hundred of them at 50 mil a piece. Just tell them that if they give Ed Calkins fifty million dollars, he'll make them rich.

Later on how beer came to Ireland and the Irish came to (back) to Africa.

Also why I haven't read Staked!.

Yet

Ruthlessly yours,

Ed Calkins, Steward of Tara

Friday, March 8, 2019

Community News: March 7 and March 8, 2018

Check out five recipes and the awesome things people are doing! :)

If you live within the Herald-News' coverage area (most of Will and Grundy counties in Illinois), and you'd like to share your organization's news or upcoming events, email the information to new@theherald-news.com.

'Hoops for D86' fundraiser benefits Joliet students

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/03/07/hoops-for-d86-fundraiser-benefits-joliet-students/afz5c7r/

Local residents participate in various creative works

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/03/08/local-residents-participate-in-various-creative-works/aw078it/

Skip the commercially made corned beef and do it at home

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/03/05/skip-the-commercially-made-corned-beef-and-do-it-at-home/an2iygu/

Irish brown soda bread that's hearty and easy to make

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/03/05/irish-brown-soda-bread-thats-hearty-and-easy-to-make/awbn0k2/

Think a hermit is always a rock-hard cookie? Think again

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/03/05/think-a-hermit-is-always-a-rock-hard-cookie-think-again/a88a0j7/

Take ham and cheese to the next level by making a slider

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/03/05/take-ham-and-cheese-to-the-next-level-by-making-a-slider/ay9sri8/

Skip delivery tonight and make pizza at home - in a skillet

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/03/05/skip-delivery-tonight-and-make-pizza-at-home-in-a-skillet/a7v13du/

NEWSLETTERS

Sign up for the Will County Go Guide

http://www.theherald-news.com/newsletter/will-county-go-guide/#//

Sign up for the LocalLit Short Story Newsletter

http://www.theherald-news.com/newsletter/locallit/

Sign up for The Munsonville Times

https://www.bryonyseries.com/munsonville-times

Illustration by Christopher Gleason for "Staked!" Follow him at www.artworkbytopher.com.

Story Round-Up: Features in The Herald-News, March 3 through March 9

I capped a week of people being sick at my house with ramming a toe into a door jam yesterday morning in my hurry to leave the room.

But despite working from home so I could keep it elevated and iced, the toe started too look like someone smarter than me should look at it. So once deadlines were met, it was off to quick care! No breaks, hurray, but elevations and ice continue.

I still haven't cracked open the box of books that came last weekend or held an official copy of the first two Before the Blood books in my hands. But I'm hopeful for this weekend.

Of course, I still have to get past today. A bout of insomnia last night plus a very long day today equals a slow and steady approach for Denise.

Now, here's where to find information and after that, the stories.

Non-bylined features:

Social media:

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

Upcoming events:

These are listed here: https://www.bryonyseries.com/fetes-and-feasts.

Books and Such

Information on my books (including where to buy) along with upcoming events is at www.bryonyseries.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.

Memories of living in Marycrest in Joliet
Minooka resident commemorates letting go of the family homestead

Jean Tyrell said: "When going through our house, we came across items that generated other recollections. We had a lot to say and talk about and I wanted to capture it."

https://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2019/03/02/0b0bc89913224aea966d12cef7a6e4e5/index.xml

An Extraordinary Life: Joliet woman served family and friends

Rev. Larry V. Tyler, pastor of Second Baptist Church in Joliet said this about Willie Mae Thompson-Stokes: “She sacrificed herself to help others; that’s what stood out to me about her. She had great sensitivity to the needs of others.”

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/03/01/joliet-woman-served-family-and-friends/aq2eqnk/

Jewish missionary to speak at Lockport church

"It intrigues me because he's become a Christian out of a Jewish background and a Jewish home," John Billow, associate pastor at High Road Bible Church, said. "And he has a real heart for Jewish students."

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/03/05/jewish-missionary-to-speak-at-lockport-church/a2v5bmx/

Center for Disability Services in Joliet held annual Great Chefs tasting

In the theme of “Carnaval," more than 20 southwest Chicagoland chefs, restauranteurs and caterers provided food samples for attendees to enjoy. All proceeds benefit CDS's programs.

Check out this photo list!

https://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2019/03/05/445c83761f4142f48cab1a16857b7a74/index.xml

Waste not, want not? Maybe not.
Tips for cutting back on needless food waste and knowing when to toss

It's not worth a bout of food poisoning to eat food that is potentially unsafe or spoiled. And don't rely on the "sniff test."

https://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2019/03/05/b10e69f6e2c7431183510066091cb81e/index.xml

No skiing due to snow? It's true

Snowstorm strands Joliet Ski Club to the lodge during week-long trip

Craig Lichtenwalter of New Lenox, a member since 1992, recalled a snowstorm during a ski trip to Montana, but nothing like the club experienced at Mammoth Mountain.

"It felt like Groundhog Day," Lichtenwalter said. "You'd wake up and it'd be the same thing: lots of snow and not being able to ski. We just stayed around the hotel rooms. There wasn't much to do.

https://www.theheraldnews.com/lists/2019/02/27/43b7560f18ad4393a8ebd520fb657061/index.xml?page=1

Elwood native living his dream as a full-time artist

"I don't know that I have a specific goal other than to take people away from reality for a few moments a day and let their minds wander and keep their imaginations alive because so much is fed to us these days.

https://www.theheraldnews.com/lists/2019/03/05/a5ec8068aa3c4a2c95263c4dfb827be1/index.xml?page=1

LocalLit author spotlight: Ken McGee of Plainfield

McGee said: "After listening to the works of more skillful authors, I realized I needed to learn the craft. I learned how to create worlds and spaces for my characters. I learned how to have my characters act and react to each other which gave them more dimension."

https://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2019/02/28/e3c09585af824b94b8389e2279a48213/index.xml

Illustration by Matt Coundiff for "Visage." Follow him at www.facebook.com/artbymattcoundiff