It's So Pretty!

My two oldest sons called back-to-back late on Mother's Day evening to wish me a Happy Mother's Day. 

That worked out wonderfully as I'd had a very long, very intense working Sunday (I only sent my own mother a Happy Mother's Day text).

I let Joshua know that Leila had a gift coming but it would not arrive until Tuesday (it actually arrived on Wednesday).

Then he said I had one coming, too (also on Tuesday), from Canada of all places.

Well, it did show up in the mail on Tuesday and it was from New York.

But it's not important if the gift came from Canada or New York when it comes from the heart, right?

Anyway, I opened it and cried out, "It's so pretty!" 

As Joshua said, the necklace has the blue as well as the vintage look I like so much.

Scroll through the photos and see.

Especially since the box had a message of its own.

Sue's Diner: Lemon Drop Cakes

This week's recipe for lemon drop cakes is referenced in the BryonySeries novel Bryony, where these lemon drop cakes appeared on the buffet table at the Harrington ball.

John placed a glass of punch into Melissa’s hand and piled her plate with slices of cold beef, several tiny biscuits, miniature lemon and coconut cakes, and a mound of plum preserves.

We adapted our recipe from Miss Beecher’s domestic receiptbook: designed as a supplement to her Treatise on domestic economy, which is a real nineteenth century cookbook, for use in the modern kitchen.

This recipe also appears in the BryonySeries cookbook Memories in the Kitchen: Bites and Nibbles from "Bryony," which is a permanent fundraiser for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Will and Grundy Counties.

You can try the recipe for lemon drop cakes on the Sue's Diner page on the BryonySeries website. 

But try the recipe this week. It will be gone some time next week. A new recipe will take it's place.

If you have any troubleshooting questions or comments, email us at bryonyseries@gmail.com. 

By the way, Sue's Diner is only real in the BryonySeries world. But didn't Timothy do a great job making the page look like a real menu at a vintage diner?

Here is the full diner page: bryonyseries.com/sue-s-diner. You can't really order, of course (wouldn't it be great if you could?).

For more BryonySeries recipes, check out our three cookbooks at our BryonySeries bryonyseries.com/general-store.

Ye Olde May Fest

Today's blog is "sponsored" by the Billie Limacher Bicentennial Park Theatre in Joliet, who wrote the promo for this event far more eloquently than I could.

So I'm bringing it here to you today (with slight modifications) for your reading today and (hopefully) attending pleasure this weekend.

As a happy attendee and vendor at the last two "Shakespeare & Art In The Park" events, Rebekah and I were invited to take part in the planning committee this year.

Yes, we participated among our jobs, all the illnesses this year, and while working on WriteOn Joliet's radio play this year of this greatly expanded event. And we were honored to help!

We are very excited for this weekend and not just because we were a small part of making it happen, and will be overseeing TWO tents (BryonySeries and WriteOn Joliet) in the "Merry Merchant Row."

We are excited because it looks amazing, and we can wait for the magic and fun to unfold.

Perhaps we will see you there!

And now, for the details...

ADMISSION

FREE to Fest and Shows!

Here ye, here ye! Let it be known far and wide "Ye Olde May Fest" beckons thee for revelry, feasting and discovery to fill even an ol' Bard with glee. (Rumor has it his "Merry Wives of Windsor" will be in town for the special occasion!)

All ages, peasants and nobles shall rub elbows at this grand event where mirth awaits at every turn. Best of all, entry to the pageantry shall not cost you even a pence.

Come clad in Renaissance attire, as we gather for the royal parade each day. Who, amidst our noble throng, shall be hailed as the fairest? Whose valor and virtue shall earn the knighthood's accolade? Come forth, fair citizens!

Come one, come all to experience the magic of the (new) "Ye Olde May Fest!"

Event sponsored by STRANGE & UNUSUAL GALLERY (downtown Joliet)

SATURDAY, MAY 18

11 a.m.  Fest opens!

Maypole, Merry Merchant Row, Kids' Crafting Kingdom, Stockade, Community Mural, Scavenger Hunt, Air Brush Tattoo Artist, D&D game guru, Royal Throne Photo Op, Food & Spirits.

11 a.m. Alchemist (pavilion)

11:30 a.m. Maypole Dancing (by fountain)

Noon Flutist Sir Joey (pavilion)

Noon MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR (bandshell, hill seating)

2:30 p.m. Maypole Dancing

3 p.m. Royal Parade & Coronation of Guests (pavilion)

SPECIAL ANNONCEMENT: JOLIET'S 1st POET LAUREATE!

3:30 p.m.  Flutist Sir Joey (pavilion)

5 p.m. Flutist Sir Joey (pavilion)

6 p.m. Royal Parade & Coronation of Guests (pavilion)

7 p.m.  MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR (bandshell, hill seating)

10 p.m. Fest bids all a good night!

SUNDAY. MAY 19

11:00a Fest opens!

Archery (courtesy of Bow Doc), Ax Throwing, Green Screen Wizardry, Maypole, Merry Merchant Row, Kids' Crafting Kingdom, Stockade, Community Mural, Scavenger Hunt, Air Brush Tattoo Artist, D&D game guru, Royal Throne Photo Op, Food & Spirits.

11 a.m. Eric of Campbell & his cigar box guitar (pavilion)

11 a.m. Green Screen Wizardry by Joliet Public Library (lobby)

11:30 a.m. El Mago Magical Wizard (pavilion)

Noon: Royal Parade & Coronation of Guests (pavilion) followed by

Maypole Dancing (by fountain)

12:30 p.m. Medievalist Xander Sobecki & His Suit of Armor (pavilion)

1 p.m. El Mago Magical Wizard

1:30 p.m. Eric of Campbell on his cigar box guitar (pavilion)

2 p.m. MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR (bandshell, hill seating)

3 p.m. Medievalist Xander Sobecki & His Suit of Armor (pavilion)

4:30 p.m. Eric of Campbell (R. Metz) on his cigar box guitar (pavilion)

5 p.m. Fest bids farewell 'til next year!

ABOUT

"Shakespeare & Art In The Park" from previous years has gone through a renaissance the whole family will enjoy! So, what's new? More activities for more ages! We've broaden the appeal to even non-Shakespeare fans . . .yet.

The outdoor grounds will take on the look of an outdoor medieval fair featuring a large Maypole, parade of royalty, kids' make-n-take crafting kingdom, stockade (next to the kids' area, of course!) alchemist, archery, ax throwing, magician, Medievalist and his suit of armor, green screen magic with a castle and dragon, community mural project (add your touch!), live music, merchants, food and refreshments.

The featured live Shakespearian play will still hold court, of course!

Moved to the large bandshell stage, patrons may enjoy lawn seating on the lush hill. Hence, the ol' "Shakespeare & Art In The Park" has been newly knighted "Ye Olde May Fest" in 2024.

MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR

May 18 (Saturday) 3 and 7 p.m.

May 19 (Sunday) 2 p.m.

Bring blankets and chairs for hill seating by the bandshell for one of Shakespeare's favorite comedies! Falstaff decides to fix his financial woe by seducing the wives of two wealthy merchants. The wives find he sent them identical letters and take revenge by playing tricks on Falstaff when he comes calling.

FREE PARKING

South of the Jefferson Street bridge (immediate right before crossing) and off the Cass Street bridge (immediate left after crossing).

INCLEMENT WEATHER

The play will be moved indoors to the theatre.

CONTACT

bipark@joliet.gov

815-724-3761

INFORMATION

bicentennialpark.org

"That's Part of the Mother's Day Magic"

Timothy presented these flowers to me on Saturday night, in advance of Mother's Day and in the middle of an extremely busy working weekend.

They're lovely down to the vase. I asked him where he bought these and he refused to divulge, saying, "That's part of the Mother's Day magic."

Scroll down for a few personalized closeups that make this gift extra special (as if the gift weren't enough).

For instance, blue is my favorite color. And I love flowers Timothy included a blue vase with floral designs and blue flowers.

Roses are my favorite flower. And purple roses is a motif in the BryonySeries.

Gorgeous, right?

Happy Monday!

Yann Tiersen-Mother's Journey (long version)

Well, This Makes Me Want to Read it

I currently have no lack of books I want to read (the immediate ones are stacked by my bed) and writing projects I'm tackling.

In addition to my own projects, I have the second edits for a client ready for my attention. And Ed Calkins, Steward of Tara, has sent me more than a dozen chapters to edit for his third book in his Ruthless trilogy.

Ed's first book is "Ruthless," his second is "The Fifth," and he is also the author of "Denise Unland's Irish Genealogy."

Well, on Wednesday, Ed sent me this telegram:

Dear Goddess,

Please delete chapter 13, or banish it into the lowest levels of literary Hell. 

Of course, this made me want to read it right away. Who wouldn't, right?

But I couldn't. Because I was at work.

I was finally able to open it on Thursday night, while riding as a passenger enroute to a meeting.

It was a brilliant chapter in so many ways, really.

The chapter included an exchange of letters from two characters I created that were so remarkably in character that I felt as if I were reading someone's private mail.

Can't wait to talk with Ed and find out why he wants this chapter banished.

Because there's no way this chapter should get deleted.

Edited, modified, rearranged, cut up into other chapters, maybe.

But not deleted.

It's that good.

Ed Calkins is seen in a kilt on the stage of the Billie Limacher Bicentennial Park Theatre in Joliet during a rehearsal for WriteOn Joliet's "Fragments of Time" radio-style performance of original works.

Story Round-Up: Features in The Herald-News, May 4 to May 10

Good morning!

I have just nine news and features stories to share with you this week. But more stories will post over the weekend, especially since I am working through the weekend. So be sure to check back on The Herald-News site: shawlocal.com/the-herald-news.

Next week, I hope to share some post-event thoughts about "Fragments of Time," WriteOn Joliet's second annual radio-style performance, which was held last weekend at the Billie Limacher Bicetennial Park Theatre.

The WriteOn Joliet Radio Players had a wonderful recap dinner last. We talked about what went well, where we can improve next year, and ways to present our first two show (or parts of the show) at other venues until then; lots of ideas poured out.

I also hope to share my thoughts about the Joliet Public Library's first Local Author Fair in more than a decade, which was held April 27.

The Herald-News published its "Thank You, First Responders" last Thursday, where most of the publication was dedicated to stories about first responders in our community. I was very honored to be part of this project and have seven stories to share.

Finally, here is an update on my BryonySeries book projects:

House on Top of the Hill: Third book in the BryonySeries Limbo trilogy. I now have a good working draft of the entire book and seven chapters (and three-fourths of an eighth) and a prologue that are ready for final edits. I hope to complete eight this weekend...but I doubt it since I am working this weekend. We are estimating a late 2024 release date for this book.

The Adventures of Cornell Dyer: Timothy said the next book will be slightly dark ("slightly" because it's for kids, too) and will involve an old toy store. We are also working on the last book in the series (but it's not the final book, if that makes sense). Timothy is actually writing that one. In order to make progress on any of this, Timothy and I need to schedule a "Cornell breakfast." But Timothy and Daniel are very busy with work and school right now. We've scheduled and broke several Cornell breakfasts in 2023 and 2024. Our last one was July 2022. So we are LONG overdue.

Brainy Ann: The fifth book in The Girls of the BryonySeries is outlined and ready for some serious writing in 2024. The first chapter is written, hurray! Jennifer Wainwright, who welcomed her first child into the world in April, has already started working on the cover portrait. The fifth book is called "Brainy Ann."

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.

Congratulations, Jennifer, on the new addition to your family!

A Year of Shadows and Moonlight, of Gathering Blooms in the Woods: A rather unusual, poetic novelette in the second person is completed and just needs final copyediting. Rebekah is still experimenting with cover art for this and made good progress this past weekend. We are estimating a mid-2024 release date.

Rebekah is also 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.

And finally

Ed Calkins, Steward of Tara, has sent me more than a dozen chapters to edit for his third book in his Ruthless trilogy. His first book is "Ruthless," his second is "The Fifth," and he is also the author of "Denise Unland's Irish Genealogy."

Now back to The Herald-News stories 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 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.

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

JJC’s Jerry Lewis left ‘indelible mark’ on Joliet music legacy: Jazz musician Shawn Maxwell: ‘He was one of the nicest caring human beings in the world’

Joliet Electric Motors still hiring and expanding after 90years: Company praised for helping veterans, heroin relief group

Go ‘out to the ballgame’ in Lockport and support cancer research: The annual Strike Out Cancer event is Saturday

Joliet Rialto’s Theatre marking 98th birthday with special campaign: Steve Randich, Rialto Foundation: ‘A way for people to show their appreciation to the theater’

JJC Foundation awards $1 million-plus in donor-funded scholarships: The scholarships were spread out across 790 awards

President of University of St. Francis in Joliet announces retirement: University of St. Francis Board of Trustees will search nationally for next president

Silver Cross Hospital in New Lenox earns 19th straight ‘A’ for safety from Leapfrog Group: Letter grades are updated each spring and fall

Pets of the Week: May 6, 2024: Will County rescues have dogs and cats for adoption

Local Scene: Joliet’s farmers market opens Saturday" Here are 5 things to do this weekend

THANK YOU, FIRST RESPONDERS

Joliet Dr. Adnan Hussain stresses ‘care’ for patients and providers

Morris Hospital’s Dr. Sean Atchison cares about people

Joliet EMS coordinator Leslie Livett keeps humanity inpatient care: Livett: ‘We do great things for the community’

ER team at Silver Cross New Lenox puts patients first in often chaotic environment: Jill Pateros, Silver Cross: ‘Their dedication to patientcare is just incredible’

Morris Hospital ER nurse cares about patient outcomes: Vanessa Read: ‘It’s the best feeling to know you’re part of saving someone’s life’

Illustration by Matt Coundiff for "Visage"

"Barges" Scout Campfire Song

Sue's Diner: Fruit Fritters

 This week's recipe, fruit fritters, is authentically Victorian complete with a hint of vagueness in its preparation.

This fruit fritters recipe is featured in the BryonySeries cookbook: Memories in the Kitchen: Bites and Nibbles from "Bryony," which is a permanent fundraiser for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Will and Grundy Counties.

It's also adapted from Miss Beecher’s domestic receiptbook: designed as a supplement to her Treatise on domestic economy.

This recipe is referenced in the BryonySeries novel Bryony. Here is the explanation from the cookbook:

The Munsonville Times was so impressed by the spread John Simons served for his wedding to Miss Bryony Marseilles that the newspaper listed each item. 

You can try the fruit fritters recipe on the Sue's Diner page on the BryonySeries website. 

But try the recipe this week. It will be gone some time next week. A new recipe will take it's place.

If you have any troubleshooting questions or comments, email us at bryonyseries@gmail.com. 

By the way, Sue's Diner is only real in the BryonySeries world. But didn't Timothy do a great job making the page look like a real menu at a vintage diner?

Here is the full diner page: bryonyseries.com/sue-s-diner. You can't really order, of course (wouldn't it be great if you could?).

For more BryonySeries recipes, check out our three cookbooks at our BryonySeries bryonyseries.com/general-store.

Leo Buscaglia on Risks

Graduation, Easter, Birthdays

This weekend was a whirlwind weekend of cooking traditional Easter food, attending Timothy and Daniel's graduation from the University of St. Francis in Joliet, and hosting an Easter picnic and multi-birthday celebration.

Here are thirteen photos that encapsulate this packed family weekend

In the Eastern Orthodox Church, the first week after Easter is called Bright Week. So today is Bright Monday. Even if today is gray, I pray the day shines brightly in your hearts and spirits.

Happy Monday!

Christ is Risen - English/Slovanic

Loveland 2022 Graduation - Irish Blessing

Story Round-Up: Features in The Herald-News, April 27 to May 3

Good morning!

The Herald-News published its "Thank You, First Responders" on Thursday, where most of the publication was dedicated to stories about first responders in our community. I was very honored to be part of this project and have seven stories to share.

In addition, I have just six news and features stories to share with you this week. But more stories will post over the weekend. So be sure to check back on The Herald-News site: shawlocal.com/the-herald-news.

Next week, I hope to share some post-event thoughts about "Fragments of Time," WriteOn Joliet's second annual radio-style performance, which was held last weekend at the Billie Limacher Bicetennial Park Theatre.

I also hope to share my thoughts about the Joliet Public Library's first Local Author Fair in more than a decade, which was held April 27.

In the meantime, it's a busy next few days. This is our family's Holy Week and Easter, Timothy and Daniel are graduating withs their bachelor's degrees on Saturday (and I have family who came into town for the occasion), and a huge Easter/multiple birthday family picnic on Sunday.

Finally, here is an update on my BryonySeries book projects:

House on Top of the Hill: Third book in the BryonySeries Limbo trilogy. I now have a good working draft of the entire book and seven chapters (and three-fourths of an eighth) and a prologue that are ready for final edits. I hope to complete eight this weekend...but we shall see, since this weekend is sooooo full already. We are estimating a late 2024 release date for this book.

The Adventures of Cornell Dyer: Timothy said the next book will be slightly dark ("slightly" because it's for kids, too) and will involve an old toy store. We are also working on the last book in the series (but it's not the final book, if that makes sense). Timothy is actually writing that one. In order to make progress on any of this, Timothy and I need to schedule a "Cornell breakfast." But Timothy and Daniel are very busy with work and school right now. We've scheduled and broke several Cornell breakfasts in 2023 and 2024. Our last one was July 2022. So we are LONG overdue.

Brainy Ann: The fifth book in The Girls of the BryonySeries is outlined and ready for some serious writing in 2024. The first chapter is written, hurray! Jennifer Wainwright, who welcomed her first child into the world earlier this month, has already started working on the cover portrait. The fifth book is called "Brainy Ann."

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.

Congratulations, Jennifer, on the new addition to your family!

A Year of Shadows and Moonlight, of Gathering Blooms in the Woods: A rather unusual, poetic novelette in the second person is completed and just needs final copyediting. Rebekah is still experimenting with cover art for this and made good progress this past weekend. We are estimating a mid-2024 release date.

Rebekah is also 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.

Now back to The Herald-News stories 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 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.

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

High school students ‘form connections’ by volunteering at Joliet Spanish Community Center

Dramatization on explorer Louis Jolliet coming to Joliet Public Library: The play is intended for adults

Joliet Township H.S. Foundation to hold benefit golf outing: Event will be held at Inwood Golf Course in Joliet

Lori Bergman honored at CASA of River Valley benefit auction in Bolingbrook: The benefit auction raised more than $200,000 for CASA of River Valley

Pets of the Week: April 29, 2024: Will County rescues have dogs and cats for adoption

Local Scene: Spring Book Sale at Joliet Public Library: Here are 5 things to do this weekend

THANK YOU, FIRST RESPONDERS

Joliet Dr. Adnan Hussain stresses ‘care’ for patients and providers

Morris Hospital’s Dr. Sean Atchison cares about people

Joliet EMS coordinator Leslie Livett keeps humanity inpatient care: Livett: ‘We do great things for the community’

ER team at Silver Cross New Lenox puts patients first in often chaotic environment: Jill Pateros, Silver Cross: ‘Their dedication to patientcare is just incredible’

Morris Hospital ER nurse cares about patient outcomes: Vanessa Read: ‘It’s the best feeling to know you’re part of saving someone’s life’

Illustration by Matt Coundiff for "Visage"

Lovely Notecards from Barbara Eberhard

I've told my daughter that when I retire, I want to be like Lockport artist Barbara Eberhard.

Not only is Barbara a very talented photographer, artist, and storyteller in her own right, she supports just about every art-related event in the Will County area and beyond. Some day, I hope to immerse myself in local art events the way she does.

Barbara attends (and often brings a few friends) to WriteOn Joliet's annual anthology release party, a good many of WriteOn Joliet's mic nights, and nearly every book signing I myself have held.

Last year, Barbara even saw WriteOn Joliet's radio play TWICE. 

Twice, Barbara has invited me to tell a story at her monthly storytelling event at Nik & Ivy's in Lockport. (and I had to take the day off work to make sure I'd get there on time!)

On Saturday, Barbara came out to the Joliet Public Library's Local Author Fair, bought three Bertrand the Mouse books for a gift and then gifted me with a lovely set of her original notecards.

Maybe you could like some of your own. Her email is on the bookmark in the photo.

For more information about Barbara Eberhard. visit barbaraeberhard.com and storiesrus.fun.

Sue's Diner: Best Rice Griddle Cakes

This week's recipe is for Best Griddle Cakes, which is adapted from Miss Beecher’s domestic receiptbook: designed as a supplement to her Treatise on domestic economy.

 The recipe also appears in the BryonySeries cookbook Memories in the Kitchen: Bites and Nibbles from "Bryony."

These are, indeed, some delicious griddle cakes. But are they really "the best?" Try them and see.

The cookbook is available on Amazon and is a permanent fundraiser for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Will and Grundy Counties.

This recipe is also referenced in the Bryony, the first book in the young adult "drop of blood" vampire trilogy. 

Here's what the cookbook said:

As much as Melissa enjoyed playing Bryony, she found some of Munsonville’s Victorian foods difficult to stomach, especially when they appeared on her breakfast tray. Here are the recipes for Melissa’s initial breakfasts at Simons Mansion.

Try this recipe on the Sue's Diner page on the BryonySeries website. 

But try the recipe this week. It will be gone some time next week. A new recipe will take it's place. 

If you have any troubleshooting questions or comments, email us at bryonyseries@gmail.com. 

By the way, Sue's Diner is only real in the BryonySeries world. But didn't Timothy do a great job making the page look like a real menu at a vintage diner?

Here is the full diner page: bryonyseries.com/sue-s-diner. You can't really order, of course (wouldn't it be great if you could?).

For more BryonySeries recipes, check out our three cookbooks at our BryonySeries bryonyseries.com/general-store.

Thankful to the Joliet Public Library

On Saturday, five WriteOn Joliet authors were part of the Joliet Public Library's first author fair in eleven years.

The Joliet Public Library and WriteOn Joliet has undergone many changes during that time. But as a member of WriteOn Joliet, I'm still very thankful for the group's continuing partnership with the library.

The library provides meeting space and lets the community know we are available to serve local writers.

And WriteOn "seeded" the the library's local author collection approximately five years ago with donations of our anthologies and individual books by our authors.

We created a collaborative display in 2019 that remained in the lobby of the downtown branch through Star Wars Day.

We held a performance of last year's radio theatre performance at the library's downtown branch in September. (Photo by David Kump)

We host our annual anthology release party at the library and invite the community to celebrate with us.

The great thing about partnerships is that they often turn the impossible into possible.

Would you agree?