Open Mic Night 2023: Cynthia Martis

Sue's Diner: Spiced Hot Chocolate

Snow, cold temperatures, and the holiday season is upon us - and for some of us, the first two are happening today.

So this week's recipe is perfect for all three. Furthermore, this recipe even serves up a touch of nostalgia since it's more than one hundred and fifty years old.

The weeks' recipe for Spiced Hot Chocolate is adapted from Miss Beecher’s domestic receiptbook: designed as a supplement to her Treatise on domestic economy,

This recipe is also 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.

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

Melissa, as Bryony, had a close relationship with the housemaid’s little daughter, Anna, much to John’s chagrin. They shared spiced hot chocolate at bedtime, and Melissa looked the other way when Anna sneaked candied orange peels.

You can try the recipe for Spiced Hot Chocolate 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.

Count the Wins or Count the Losses?

So is this cup half empty or half full?

As I've previously written and certainly more than once, our family has experienced an unrelenting slew of challenges and emergencies since the second half of 2021, enough that we often struggle to keep up with them and the rest of life.

I think that 2024, for many in my family, has just blurred past in discomfort and actual pain. It's hard to believe 2025 is on the horizon.

One day in October, while in the midst of several of these events, Rebekah and I waded through some very neglected BryonySeries paperwork. With the end of the year in sight - and having no idea what else might befall us, given the history - we had to address it.

As we backtracked through the entire year and recorded our successes, we finally paused and looked at each other, asking, "How?"

How did we have such a good "book" year when everything else (including us) was falling apart? 

On Saturday I received an award from the community for my features writing with my fiction works being acknowledged as well.  I was one of ten people being honored that evening, so the ceremony was several hours long.

I was also on Day Ten of some of the worst and absolutely unrelenting back pain that I've ever experienced. And it definitely showed in my eyes in the "selfie" Timothy took of us at the end of the event.

But when I'm passed this challenge as well (as I'm sure I shall be - because I'm not at the time of this writing), I'll remember the event more than the pain.

So our really horrible year wasn't completely horrible. We just can't feel those facts yet.

Obviously, no one is going to feel elation when going through health emergencies and grief.

And yet - blessings are often interwoven among the thorns. And when the storm passes, it's nice to see the rainbows.

So is this cup half empty of half full?

Should I be sad I only have half a cup left to drink?

Or should I be happy because I have drunk deeply of really good coffee - and I still have half left to enjoy?

'But I Didn't Die'

A few weeks ago, WriteOn Joliet charter member Duanne Walton shared a piece he'd written that most people around the table felt was very relatable.

In that piece, Duanne shared a series of hard times that had befallen him over the years and ended each anecdote with the refrain, "But I didn't die."

Since mid-2021, our families have experienced an seemingly unending, unbroken line of challenges that have included numerous health emergencies and deaths.

The latest for me, was a back injury along with the almost simultaneous death of our black cat Midnight.

After ten blurry days of some really horrible pain on top of a very full work and life schedule, I remembered Duanne's piece one night and shouted at the mirror, "But I didn't die!"

Some Tylenol is finally mitigating some of the back pain (from PAIN to pain), and I'm figuring out how to squeeze another doctor's appointment into this week without using a sick day (I have two others already and this week is very, very full).

And I'm repeating, "But I didn't die," quite a bit.

Maybe Duanne's refrain will help you, too, if you're experiencing some tough times. And if not, tuck the thought away somewhere for when those tough times show up.

Thank you, Duanne, for sharing such a great piece - and great insight.

Happy Monday!

O Holy Night · Peder B. Helland

Santa, Beeman, and More!

"Costumed characters" are often part of community celebrations - and no Christmas party is complete without Santa Claus.

And as we wrapped up WriteOn Joliet's 8th Annual Anthology Release Party on Dec. 5 at the Joliet Public Library, Santa and Beeman took a photo for posterity, with Daniel (who "manned" the anthologies near the party entrance) gave his solid approval.

Now who is Santa and Beeman? (Yes, keep scrolling).

Beeman, of course, is WriteOn Joliet charter member Duanne Walton, who played the "bumbling" newbie superhero in a skit  called "Bomb Threats and Bee Stings," written by WriteOn Joliet member Steve Cordin (left of Duanne), who played Ultra Bomber.

"Bomb Threats and Bee Stings" was one of the original pieces in "Fragments of Time," a WriteOn Joliet radio theater-style performance held twice in April at the Billie Limacher Bicentennial Park Theater in Joliet.

And now Santa...

Santa is really Ed Calkins, Steward of Tara: man, myth, newspaper carrier, BryonySeries character, and author of three books, as well as "Meta Ed" in the radio play, where Ed played himself in all these roles, along with other roles.

Here is Ed giving a stunning delivery of WriteOn Joliet member Mauverneen Blevins' "Time Piece."

And finally...

I make sure to take my annual-ish photo with Santa before we all headed out the door for the night.

Have a super Saturday!

St. Nicholas Feast Day Hymn

Tonight: WriteOn Joliet's 8th Anthology Release Party

If you live in the Will County area, consider popping into WriteOn Joliet's 8th Anthology Release Party tonight.

The open house-style event is from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Joliet Public Library, 3395 Black Road in Joliet, and will include FREE chef-created heavy appetizers and photos with Santa, along with one-stop checkout, courtesy of Jan Staley, owner of The Book Market in Crest Hill.

Read this post for ten reasons why you should attend.

Read this post for tonight's menu (and this post for more food photos).

Read this post for the purple music roses at the BryonySeries table - and how you can take one home.

The BryonySeries tables will also have some free giveaways - and Cindy has prepared "mystery boxes" for BryonySeries, which she can explain when you stop by our tables.

But wait - there's more!

And to find out what "more" is, you'll have to to attend the event.

Happy Thursday!

More Photos of the Free Appetizers at WriteOn Joliet's 8th Annual Anthology Release Party on Thursday

The show, as they say, must go on - and Timothy's been hard at work (after his regular work hours), prepping food for WriteOn Joliet's 8th Annual Anthology Release Party - despite losing Midnight on Monday.

The event is from 6 to 8 p.m. Dec. 5 at the Joliet Public Library, 3395 Black Road in Joliet.

The party includes FREE chef-created heavy appetizers and photos with Santa, along with a wide variety of locally authored books and one-stop checkout, courtesy of Jan Staley, owner of The Book Market in Crest Hill.

This post has ten reasons why you should attend.

And this post has the menu Timothy created for this year's party.

Below are a few more photos of some of the desserts. This is by no means all of the food (most will be prepared on Thursday)

For more information about WriteOn Joliet, visit writeonjoliet.com. 

We look forward to meeting you!

Midnight Crossed the Rainbow Bridge Yesterday

After receiving a "stay of euthanasia" twice, Midnight declined Saturday afternoon and kept going.

I contacted Dr. Beechler on Monday morning, and she only had one open time - and that was in thirty minutes.

In a very surreal, quick pivoting hour, the four of us jumped off work to send Midnight onto her final journey and then jumped back onto work an hour later.

The passage was slightly less smooth than we'd hoped, but in exchange Midnight received nearly three more weeks of life, where she saw the Christmas tree one more time (Timothy put it up early because she loves the lights), frolicked outside in the unseasonably warm weather (maybe God arranged that just for her), frolicked outside in the snow (maybe God arranged that, too, because Midnight also loved snow), ate a huge variety of wet cat food to tempt a capricious appetite (a wider variety in her last three weeks than her other eighteen years total), and reveled in many snuggles and pettings.

Midnight started her life in a horrible way with being dumped with her siblings in a carrier. But my oldest son Christopher just happened to stumbled upon that carrier and brought the kittens to his home.

Christopher found homes for all the kittens except Midnight, who was little and scared and skittish and full of ear mites and tapeworms (yes, tapeworms). So when she was sixteen weeks, he asked us to take her.

When we arrived at his Elwood home, she bolted, much the same way she bolted yesterday when she saw Dr. Beechler. But Christopher pulled her out from hiding and gave her to me. To help Midnight feel secure, I curled up in his recliner and just tightly held her. The sun was warm, and I was overtired from the route (I was always overtired in those days; we had so many short nights and long days) that we both nodded off.

I told the kids not to get attached, that we were proving hospice care. It took months to to get rid of the tapeworms, just long enough for Midnight to dash outside at one o'clock in the morning at nine months of age when the mercury registered eighteen below zero and get pregnant with the kittens Ron would later name Faith, Hope, and Charity.

But none of the kittens had worms, and by the time of their birth, neither did Midnight. And in due time, we sent all four for a mass spaying and neutering.

So Midnight had a rough start to her life, but that's not how she lived the rest of it. Sure, times got a little rocky during our homeless period after Ron got the dementia and lost his job (which led to the eventual loss of our home and years of juggling and scrambling).

But somehow we all managed to survive, and we met some wonderful people along the way that we'd never have met otherwise. And that includes Dr. Beechler yesterday.

For, again, Midnight had a rough start to her life, but she didn't go out that way.

Instead, she went out on soft blankets, held with reassuring hands, and surrounded by four people who loved her.

Menu for WriteOn Joliet's 8th Annual Anthology Release Party on Dec. 5

Good morning!

WriteOn Joliet will host its 8th Annual Anthology Release Party from 6 to 8 p.m. Dec. 5 at the Joliet Public Library, 3395 Black Road in Joliet.

The event is free to attend and open to the public. 

The chef-created heavy appetizers, coffee and water (we might have hot chocolate, too) and photos with Santa are also free. 

In fact, we have ten great reasons why you should attend.

But today's blog is all about the food. Here's what Chef Tim has planned for you on Thursday.

Tomato Jam Bites

Crunchy crostini, garlic herb cream cheese, bright tomato jam with fresh thyme

Mini Taco Cups

Seasoned ground turkey, fresh red onion, roasted corn, fresh cilantro, hand-shredded cheese

Deviled Eggs

Devilled eggs topped with crispy bacon and fresh herbs

Meat, Cheese, Cracker Plate

Summer sausage, Cheese (Swiss, Cheddar, Colby Jack), and three types of crackers (butter, flaky, pita).

Marbled Dark Chocolate Mint Fudge

A childhood favorite with a grownup, celebratory flair (pictured below)

Spiced Pumpkin Pie Squares 

Each square topped with an optional dollop of hand-whipped cream.

Freshly Baked Pumpkin Bread

Just like Grandma makes

S'mores Shooters

Dark chocolate espresso ganache, fluffy marshmallow, toasted graham cracker crumble 

Freshly Baked Chocolate Chip Cookies To Go

Individually wrapped for your convenience. Enjoy with a a hot-off-the-press anthology.

This pre-Calkins Day 2020 video Timothy created for the virtual event gives you an idea of his culinary skills.

Happy Monday!

For more information, visit writeonjoliet.com. 

Carol Of The Bells - Christmas Songs | Piano Cover + Sheet Music

Deck The Halls/As I Went Out Upon The Ice (Medley)

Story Round-Up: Features in The Herald-News, Nov. 23 to Nov. 29

Good morning!

Today we're hanging out at the North Pole Christmas Market from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Renaissance Center, 214 N. Ottawa St., Joliet. The Christmas Market is part of the Joliet City Center Partnership's "Light Up the Holidays Festival and Parade." And we are participating in THREE unique ways this year.

ONE AND TWO: I am reading two Christmas stories and raffling ten copies of "Bertrand the Christmas Surprise" books at 11 a.m. Details are here.

THREE: We are giving away twenty swag bags to the first twenty people at the BryonySeries booth. Each bag has a retails value of $30 to $35. No purchase is necessary. The swags bags are gifts.

But we do have crocheted mice for adoption and purple music roses are "thank yous" for select purchases. Those details are here.

I also have thirteen stories to share with you today at the bottom of this post with more stories going live over the weekend.

And I have five stories that were part of The Herald-News' second "Thank You, Veterans" edition.

So be sure to check back on The Herald-News site: shawlocal.com/the-herald-news.

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

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

And have a great Friday!

Event Updates

The BryonySeries Christmas Display is now up at The Book Market in Crest Hill. Along with eleven curated BryonySeries books for you to browse and buy, the display features Ribbit-Ribbits from Cindy and free purple music roses with select purchases while supplies last.

WriteOn Joliet 8th Annual Anthology Release Party: 6 to 8 p.m. Dec. 5, Joliet Public Library, 3395 Black Road, Joliet. FREE chef-created heavy appetizers and desserts and FREE photos with Santa. Chance to meet WriteOn Joliet authors and browse many varieties of locally written genres. One-stop checkout.

Plus, the ByronySeries will appear at The Book Market in Crest Hill from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 17.

BryonySeries books-in-progress

House on Top of the Hill: Third book in the BryonySeries Limbo trilogy, and the book is now live on Amazon. Print copies should arrive on Sunday and be available for sale at WriteOn Joliet's anthology release party on Dec. 5.

The Adventures of Cornell Dyer: Timothy and Daniel are super busy with school on top of work (and plenty of work-related traveling). But Sue Midlock is already hard at work with the cover for the next book that involves a toymaker: "Cornell Dyer and the House of Horreur" (because the toymaker's last name is "Horreur."). Timothy and I have tentatively agreed to a "Cornell" breakfast when he's off school and work during the holidays. Here's hoping! (we are looooong over due).

I also outlined a "bonus" book that is intended for distribution at Bicentennial's "Ye Olde Mayfest" event in 2025. Here is a recap of the 2024 event.

Brainy Ann: The fifth book in The Girls of the BryonySeries is outlined and the first chapter is written, hurray! Jennifer Wainwright, who welcomed her first child into the world in April, is nearly done with the cover portrait. I let this book slide for other BryonySeries projects. But I'll return to this book in early 2025.

Jennifer designed the cover portraits for "Julie and the Too-Hard Homework," "Katie and the Big Fear," "Summer Sisters." and "Karla Joins In," as well as the frontispiece for "Lycanthropic Summer."

Rebekah is also slowly (very, very slowly) updating the BryonySeries YouTube and Pinterest accounts. And she' catching up with Kindles for some of the BryonySeries books. So do watch for those.

And finally...

I am working on the hard edits for Ed Calkins, Steward of Tara's third book in his Ruthless trilogy: "Recovering Ruthless."

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

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

RECIPE OF THE WEEK

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

Each Wednesday, we post a new recipe. The recipe is either featured in one of our cookbooks, will be featured in an upcoming cookbook, or is just an "extra" we want to share with you.

Check out the recipe here.

WRITERS

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

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

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

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

ARTISTS

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

NEWSLETTERS

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

SOCIAL MEDIA

Daily updates: I haven't posted anything on Twitter/X (except a daily Bible verse) since September I can no longer schedule posts in advance. I'm not sure yet how to manage the account without that option. But you're welcome to follow me at @Denise_Unland61.

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

Again, not sure yet about the direction of the BryonySeries Twitter/X account. Still mulling that over.

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

QUESTIONS

Email me at bryonyseries@gmail.com.

Thank you for reading The Herald-News. And for reading this blog. And if you've read (or plan to read) any of my books. Your support is greatly appreciated.

FEATURES

Be a Herald Angel: Help Will County United Way meet high community need

Sarah Oprzedek, United Way of Will County: ‘One hundred percent of those dollars go right back into the community’

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2024/11/19/be-a-herald-angel-help-will-county-united-way-meet-high-community-need/

Here’s how to shop local in Plainfield on Small Business Saturday

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2024/11/26/heres-how-to-shop-local-in-plainfield-on-small-business-saturday/

Silver Cross Hospital names 2 new vice presidents

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2024/11/28/silver-cross-hospital-names-2-new-vice-presidents/

2 Bolingbrook men arrested in New Lenox on vehicle theft, drug charges

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2024/11/22/2-bolingbrook-men-arrested-in-new-lenox-on-vehicle-theft-drug-charges/

Man in custody after barricading himself inside Plainfield Township home

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2024/11/22/police-at-scene-in-plainfield-township-of-man-barricaded-in-house/

Plainfield Township man charged with battery after barricading himself inside house

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2024/11/23/plainfield-township-man-charged-with-battery-after-barricading-himself-inside-house/

Joliet police ID alleged thief of reindeer decorations from Slammers Stadium

The decorations are valued at $45,000

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2024/11/23/joliet-police-id-thief-of-reindeer-decorations-from-slammers-stadium/

Joliet diocese tells visiting priest to leave church, diocese; relic tour canceled

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2024/11/24/joliet-diocese-tells-visiting-priest-to-leave-church-diocese-relic-tour-canceled/

Downtown Plainfield gets Roman-style pizzeria

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2024/11/20/downtown-plainfield-gets-roman-style-pizzeria/

Lockport’s Nik & Ivy Brewing offers club memberships

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2024/11/19/lockport-brewery-founder-club-memberships-open/

Chicken-N-Spice in Shorewood now offers new menu item

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2024/11/19/chicken-n-spice-in-shorewood-offers-bone-in-chicken/

Will County Pets of the Week: Nov. 25, 2024

Will County rescues have dogs and cats for adoption

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2024/11/25/will-county-pets-of-the-week-nov-25-2024/

5 Things to Do in Will County: Light Up The Holidays Festival & Parade

By 5 Things to Do in Joliet and Will County

https://www.shawlocal.com/thescene/2024/11/27/5-things-to-do-in-will-county-light-up-the-holidays-festival-parade/

THANK YOU, VETERANS

 Michael Collins of Plainfield proud of service to country, community

Collins said he always tried to ‘make the right decisions’

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/thank-you/veterans/2024/11/09/michael-collins-of-plainfield-proud-of-service-to-country-community/

Service is paramount to New Lenox physician and veteran

Dr. Joseph Hindo, Silver Cross: ‘Everyone should try to be of service to others.’

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/thank-you/veterans/2024/11/09/service-is-paramount-to-new-lenox-internist-and-veteran/

Joliet veteran ‘can’t do enough for veterans’

Dan Miller can’t imagine not serving in some way

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/thank-you/veterans/2024/11/09/joliet-veteran-cant-do-enough-for-veterans/

Cancer leads Joliet Army veteran to service twice over

Skip Hoechbauer: ‘I love helping veterans and making them feel they’re not forgotten’

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/thank-you/veterans/2024/11/09/cancer-leads-joliet-army-veteran-to-service-twice-over/

New Lenox veteran gives back through craftsmanship

Regina Lattuca, vice president of K9s for Veterans: ‘He really wants to help his fellow veterans.’

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/thank-you/veterans/2024/11/09/new-lenox-veteran-gives-back-through-craftsmanship/

Illustration by Matt Coundiff for "Visage"

Gratitude | Brandon Lake | Piano Cover by James Wong

Sue's Diner: Thanksgiving Salad Dressing

 Each week for the last couple of weeks, I've featured one selected recipe from the Thanksgiving menu that's 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.

All of these recipes are referenced in the novel Bryony. The complete menu is found in the cookbook.

Here is the explanation from the cookbook:

For the Marchellis’ first Thanksgiving in Munsonville, Melissa’s little brother Brian shows off the depth of his newly acquired culinary skills, under the direction of his mentor, Steve Barnes, the village maintenance man.

This week, I'm featuring a really delicious salad dressing attributed to Steve in the novel and sumitted by Janet Cooney for the cookbook.

Now, you won't be able to receive a print copy before Thanksgiving (unless you live near me, and you arrange for pickup), but you can download a Kindle version now.

You can try also try the salad dressing recipe on the Sue's Diner page on the BryonySeries website. Proceeds from the Kindle version also benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters of Will and Grundy Counties.

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

For troubleshooting questions, 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.

The FIT Foundation Donated 30 WriteOn Joliet Holiday Anthologies. Here's How You Can Get One

In 2023, Angie Aegerter donated thirty 2022 WriteOn Joliet anthologies to The Timbers of Shorewood's book club.

Angie is the founder of the FIT Foundation in Crest Hill, a meal prep company. And she approached me this summer, asking if I had any additional upcoming donation opportunities.

Well, it just so happens that WriteOn Joliet created its first holiday anthology this fall. So Angie offered to sponsor thirty copies, as a Christmas gift for the community.

The anthology has ninety-three pages of locally written poems, short stories, and essays that are perfect for the holiday season.

WriteOn Joliet Holiday Anthology Contributors: Denise M. Baran-­Unland, Mauverneen Blevins, Ed Calkins, Pat Camalliere, Holly Coop, Steven James Cordin, Tom Hernandez, Cean Magosky, Sue Midlock, Colleen H. Robbins, Jennifer Russ, Stephen Saporta, and Duanne Walton.

Here are two ways you can get a free copy (while supplies last) of "Write Where We Are: Holiday Edition: Stories, poems, and essays for the holiday season."

Ten copies will be at the counter of The Book Market in Crest Hill sometime in early December to be given away however the owner Janet Staley decides. Could be just free, could be free with purchase. 

The other twenty copies will go inside the mini bookbags that Jasmine made for my birthday this year. We will distribute these bags from the BryonySeries table at Friday's North Pole Christmas Market in Joliet.

This is the same event where I will be reading Christmas stories and giving away ten free copies of "Bertrand and the Christmas Surprise."

But these swag bags will have a few "extras," too.

Nineteen of those bags will include a copy of the BryonySeries holiday edition of "Visage," which is out of print and not available for purchase.

This holiday edition has a unique cover, slightly different editing, an introduction by moi (the only time I've written one for any of my books), and some fun appendixes (for instance, it's the only place you'll see me dressed as a kangaroo).

The other six bags will include a copy of "Cornell Dyer and the Flu," a parody of Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol," which is geared towards children age eight (depending on reading level and parental guidance) through adult.

The swag bags will also contain one of more "mystery quotes," which are suitable for slipping into greeting cards, your purse or wallet, or any place someone might find a spark of imagination or inspiration.

But wait! That's not all!

The swag bags will also contain a "sweet treat" in BryonySeries colors, some special offers, and information about upcoming (and local) holiday events.

Now, depending on the book combinations, this BryonySeries swag bag (bag and contents) has a retail value of thirty to thirty-five dollars. And these are FREE to the first twenty-five North Pole Christmas Market attendees that stop at our table.

And don't forget, the BryonySeries table will also have FREE purple music roses with select book purchases, as well as crocheted mice for adoption with select book purchases, all while supplies last.

WriteOn Joliet will also have copies of both its holiday anthology and the 2024 edition of its "regular" anthology for sale at its 8th annual anthology release party on Dec. 5 at the Black Road branch of the Joliet Public Library.

Here are ten reasons why you should attend WriteOn Joliet's 8th Annual Anthology Release Party.

Does hearing the word FREE put you into the holiday spirit? It should - and not just because of "free."

"Free" is possible because of big-hearted people in the community who just want to be a blessing.

The anthologies are free because Angie Aegerter has (TWICE) donated copies for people's reading pleasure. Angie runs a small business, not a large corporation. And if you follow her business on Facebook, you will see the other ways she blesses the community all year round.

The "swag" is free because Jasmine made it herself and then gifted it to me.

The purple music roses are free (with select purchases) because Jan Stack, the youth services clerk at the Joliet Public Library, made them and gifted them to me.

The adoptable crocheted mice (with select purchases) are free because Cindy made the mice. An every one is hoping for loving home this holiday season.

The chef-created heavy appetizers at WriteOn Joliet's anthology release party are free because Timothy buys all the ingredients and makes all the food as his way of elevating the celebratory spirit as we connect local writers with local readers.

The photos with Santa at the release party are free because Santa is loving and giving.

And the rest if free because we at the BryonySeries want you to start the holiday season with a smile.

Many of us (including us) have struggled this past year (past few years for us) and might be coming in to the season feeling not quite so merry and bright.

And every now and again, it's nice to band together and bring a little of joy and generosity to our little portion of the world.

Happy Wednesday!

Editor's note: This post was updated to correct the amount of books going to each location.

Win a Bertrand The Mouse Christmas Book

Good morning!

I will be giving away TEN "Bertrand the Christmas Surprise" books on Friday in the North Pole Christmas Market at Joliet's annual "Light Up the Holidays" event, which is held every year in several downtown locations the day after Thanksgiving.

For the first time, the North Pole Christmas Market will feature a story time event, and I was asked to select and read the Christmas stories.

I chose two, which I will read at 11 a.m., before the drawing.

Both books are beloved Christmas books from my childhood.

And both books reference mice, so Bertrand (of course) is thrilled. 

Yes, Bertrand will join me for story time since he exists in order to bring the joys of reading to children.

The books are softcover and will easily slide into a standard Christmas stocking, if you can hold off reading them for that long.

So I'm thankful for the opportunity to be a positive part of a holiday kickoff event.

What fills you with thankfulness today?

On Eagle`s Wings -Michael Joncas-PianoArr.Trician- PianoCoversPPIA【ピアノカバー】

A Celtic Thanksgiving

Story Round-Up: Features in The Herald-News, Nov. 16 to Nov. 22

Good morning!

I have thirteen stories to share with you today at the bottom of this post with more stories going live over the weekend, especially since I'm working this weekend.

And I have five stories that were part of The Herald-News' second "Thank You, Veterans" edition.

So be sure to check back on The Herald-News site: shawlocal.com/the-herald-news.

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

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

And have a great Friday!

Event Updates

The BryonySeries Christmas Display is now up at The Book Market in Crest Hill. Along with eleven curated BryonySeries books for you to browse and buy, the display features Ribbit-Ribbits from Cindy and free purple music roses with select purchases while supplies last.

We are also participating in three more events (so far) in November and December.

North Pole Christmas Market: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Renaissance Center, 214 N. Ottawa St., Joliet. The Christmas Market is part of the Joliet City Center Partnership's "Light Up the Holidays Festival and Parade." And we are participating in THREE unique ways this year. More details to come later.

WriteOn Joliet 8th Annual Anthology Release Party: 6 to 8 p.m. Dec. 5, Joliet Public Library, 3395 Black Road, Joliet. FREE chef-created heavy appetizers and desserts and FREE photos with Santa. Chance to meet WriteOn Joliet authors and browse many varieties of locally written genres. One-stop checkout.

Plus, the ByronySeries will appear at The Book Market in Crest Hill from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 17.

BryonySeries books-in-progress

House on Top of the Hill: Third book in the BryonySeries Limbo trilogy, and the book is now live on Amazon. Print copies should arrive on Sunday and be available for sale at WriteOn Joliet's anthology release party on Dec. 5.

The Adventures of Cornell Dyer: Timothy and Daniel are super busy with school on top of work (and plenty of work-related traveling). But Sue Midlock is already hard at work with the cover for the next book that involves a toymaker: "Cornell Dyer and the House of Horreur" (because the toymaker's last name is "Horreur."). Timothy and I have tentatively agreed to a "Cornell" breakfast when he's off school and work during the holidays. Here's hoping! (we are looooong over due).

I also outlined a "bonus" book that is intended for distribution at Bicentennial's "Ye Olde Mayfest" event in 2025. Here is a recap of the 2024 event.

Brainy Ann: The fifth book in The Girls of the BryonySeries is outlined and the first chapter is written, hurray! Jennifer Wainwright, who welcomed her first child into the world in April, is nearly done with the cover portrait. I let this book slide for other BryonySeries projects. But I'll return to it in early 2025.

Jennifer designed the cover portraits for "Julie and the Too-Hard Homework," "Katie and the Big Fear," "Summer Sisters." and "Karla Joins In," as well as the frontispiece for "Lycanthropic Summer."

Rebekah is also slowly (very, very slowly) updating the BryonySeries YouTube and Pinterest accounts. And she' catching up with Kindles for some of the BryonySeries books. So do watch for those.

And finally...

I am working on the hard edits for Ed Calkins, Steward of Tara's third book in his Ruthless trilogy: "Recovering Ruthless."

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

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

RECIPE OF THE WEEK

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

Each Wednesday, we post a new recipe. The recipe is either featured in one of our cookbooks, will be featured in an upcoming cookbook, or is just an "extra" we want to share with you.

Check out the recipe here.

WRITERS

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

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

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

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

ARTISTS

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

NEWSLETTERS

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

SOCIAL MEDIA

Daily updates: I haven't posted anything on Twitter/X (except a daily Bible verse) since September I can no longer schedule posts in advance. I'm not sure yet how to manage the account without that option. But you're welcome to follow me at @Denise_Unland61.

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

Again, not sure yet about the direction of the BryonySeries Twitter/X account. Still mulling that over.

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

QUESTIONS

Email me at bryonyseries@gmail.com.

Thank you for reading The Herald-News. And for reading this blog. And if you've read (or plan to read) any of my books. Your support is greatly appreciated.

FEATURES

Be a Herald Angel: Help Will County United Way meet high community need

Sarah Oprzedek, United Way of Will County: ‘One hundred percent of those dollars go right back into the community’

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2024/11/19/be-a-herald-angel-help-will-county-united-way-meet-high-community-need/

Joliet Area YMCA breaks ground on Shorewood facility

New center envisioned as serving residents from all over region

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2024/11/21/joliet-area-ymca-breaks-ground-on-shorewood-facility/

Joliet Rotary hosting ‘Merry Merry Margarita’ fundraiser

Ticket deadline is Dec. 1.

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2024/11/16/joliet-rotary-hosting-merry-merry-margarita-fundraiser/

Joliet food bank donates meat waste to Lockport wildlife ranch

The Northern Illinois Food Bank tries to make sure ‘nothing goes to waste’

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2024/11/14/joliet-food-bank-donates-meat-waste-to-lockport-wildlife-ranch/

Silver Cross New Lenox earns 20th ‘A’ for patient safety

Silver Cross was recognized for ‘tireless efforts to put patients first’

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2024/11/21/silver-cross-new-lenox-earns-20th-a-for-patient-safety/

Crest Hill meal prep company looking for donations for first responders Thanksgiving meals

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2024/11/20/crest-hill-meal-prep-company-looking-for-donations-for-first-responders-thanksgiving-meals/

Downtown Plainfield gets Roman-style pizzeria

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2024/11/20/downtown-plainfield-gets-roman-style-pizzeria/

Lockport’s Nik & Ivy Brewing offers club memberships

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2024/11/19/lockport-brewery-founder-club-memberships-open/

Chicken-N-Spice in Shorewood now offers new menu item

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2024/11/19/chicken-n-spice-in-shorewood-offers-bone-in-chicken/

Register now for Breakfast with Santa at Joliet’s University of St. Francis

Registration deadline is Nov. 25

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2024/11/15/register-now-for-breakfast-with-santa-at-joliets-university-of-st-francis/

Will County waives pet adoption fees for veterans and active service members in November

Appointments must be made in advance to meet adoptable pets

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2024/11/18/will-county-waives-pet-adoption-fees-for-veterans-and-active-service-members-in-november/

Will County Pets of the Week: Nov. 18, 2024

Will County rescues have dogs and cats for adoption

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2024/11/18/will-county-pets-of-the-week-nov-18-2024/

 5 Things to Do in Will County: Christmas Crossroads and Plainfield Casino Night

https://www.shawlocal.com/thescene/2024/11/21/5-things-to-do-in-will-county/

THANK YOU, VETERANS

 Michael Collins of Plainfield proud of service to country, community

Collins said he always tried to ‘make the right decisions’

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/thank-you/veterans/2024/11/09/michael-collins-of-plainfield-proud-of-service-to-country-community/

Service is paramount to New Lenox physician and veteran

Dr. Joseph Hindo, Silver Cross: ‘Everyone should try to be of service to others.’

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/thank-you/veterans/2024/11/09/service-is-paramount-to-new-lenox-internist-and-veteran/

Joliet veteran ‘can’t do enough for veterans’

Dan Miller can’t imagine not serving in some way

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/thank-you/veterans/2024/11/09/joliet-veteran-cant-do-enough-for-veterans/

Cancer leads Joliet Army veteran to service twice over

Skip Hoechbauer: ‘I love helping veterans and making them feel they’re not forgotten’

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/thank-you/veterans/2024/11/09/cancer-leads-joliet-army-veteran-to-service-twice-over/

New Lenox veteran gives back through craftsmanship

Regina Lattuca, vice president of K9s for Veterans: ‘He really wants to help his fellow veterans.’

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/thank-you/veterans/2024/11/09/new-lenox-veteran-gives-back-through-craftsmanship/

Illustration by Matt Coundiff for "Visage"