Friday, January 11, 2019

Story Round-Up: Features in The Herald-News, Jan. 6 through Jan. 11

So far, 2019 has been a year of new beginnings.

Also, so far, all of them are pretty exciting.

This month, I published the first installment of Before the Blood.

This week, I made some changes to the features section of The Herald-News which will start on Sunday.

Last night, I met with my WriteOn Joliet co-leader Tom Hernandez to plan out the group's year. I'm amazed at how much this group has grown (in members and scope), is still growing, and will grow in 2019. Lots of new initiatives on the horizon.

Currently, my werewolf story is "taking shape" within my mind. Some may say this doesn't count as writing, but it's part of the process for me, and I have the books to prove it.

This weekend, with Rebekah still on vacation and people out of the house (work and other adventures), I plan to use the time to tie up loose ends of projects shelved these last few months and make a plan for addressing those that need collaboration, a dusting off of my brain's shelves and making space for the new stuff.

Have a great weekend, readers, writers, and vampire fans!

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

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:


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.


Creating change with her skills
Immersive learning experience solidifies career goals for Brooke Braun of Frankfort


 "I just think everyone has the opportunity to create change with their own set of skills," Braun said. "And I'd like to live by that with my own knowledge."

https://www.theherald-news.com/2018/12/24/creating-change-with-her-skills/a1jwrbe/


Romeoville man's stress buster has health benefits

Read on to find out what happened to him.

https://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2018/12/24/7e1ac8c8d2a545b0b8a613ae1426ce66/index.xml


Diving into the feast of Epiphany
All Saints Greek Orthodox Church in Joliet hosts event at YMCA pool

 Angela Thiakos of New Lenox said, ""It's so much better to have kids see it instead of showing them a video."

https://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2019/01/09/3e04316505664d06af078618d6f675d3/index.xml?page=1


Forest Preserve District of Will County hosts atypical exhibit
'Frida Kahlo's Garden' makes stop at Four Rivers Environmental Center in Channahon

Tina Riley, facility supervisor at Four Rivers Environmental Education Center, provides insight into this exhibit.




 Artworks: Joliet Central High School changed his life
Joliet 19-year-old studying music performance, hopes to mentor youth

"I feel the true power of what music can do is influence different people of different generations. It's another way of getting to know someone." Tyrique McNeal, 19, Joliet, NIU music performance major, said.




LocalLit author spotlight: Richard Krause of Sycamore

Krause said: "My personal cache of unpublished work runs the gamut from short stories to biographical sketches, essays, political satire, and social commentary. My most ambitious work-in-progress is a 400 page novel, written as a "spoof" of the detective/mystery genre."







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



Thursday, January 10, 2019

BryonySeries Throwback Thursday: My Ambitious "Before the Blood" Homework List

Tuesday, December 3, 2013


My Ambitious "Before the Blood" Homework List

Below is the list I foolishly thought I could complete four days,

Well first of all, work bled into Thursday morning, so not until that was completed, and I had attended Divine Liturgy and gathered with family friends, did I settle down to the story, circa eleven o'clock that night.

Friday was pretty productive, although learning about the unexpected and tragic death of the mother of two former youth group members (for several my ex-husband and I ran a youth ministry connected with our church) derailed composition for part of the evening (as it should).

Saturday was quite productive until the young lady whose mother had died called to talk. By the time I hung up the phone, my muse had vanished. I simply felt wretched, so I called a friend to talk.

Sunday was church, grocery shopping, and general catch up.

Anyway, here's the list:



   *  Break down each chapter by scene

   *  Write out research needed for each chapter

   *  Find necessary research for each chapter online and save

   *  Organize research by novella files

   *  Double check all Bryony events are in chapters

   *  Double check all notes are copied into chapters

   *  Complete character questionnaires for all major/secondary characters

   *  Name all characters with descriptions

   *  Name all places

Wednesday, January 9, 2019

Community News: Jan. 9, 2019

Check out upcoming events, some good 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.












Bolingbrook school hosts 'Donuts with Dads'


Bolingbrook school provided #Thanksgiving baskets for its own

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/01/01/bolingbrook-school-provided-thanksgiving-baskets-for-its-own/aobt7vl/



RECIPES


Considering shrimp for dinner? Check out this Greek recipe






The melt-in-your mouth consistency of eggplant shines here


Chinese chicken salad offers an enticing variety of tastes 

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/01/08/chinese-chicken-salad-offers-an-enticing-variety-of-tastes/a9xmhll/



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

Community News: Jan. 4, Jan. 5, and Jan. 8 2019

Check out upcoming events 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.

EVENTS



Bolingbrook High school Students help out at party


IDNR reminds snowmobilers to focus on safety


Author and illustrator share with Bolingbrook students their creative processes

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/01/01/author-and-illustrator-share-with-bolingbrook-students-their-creative-processes/aukr51t/


HEALTH


Bilateral amputee at Joliet Junior College hopes to help those with disabilities


Joliet West students, teacher earn certification


Bolingbrook students perform yoga

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/01/01/bolingbrook-students-perform-yoga/abg5de8/


Edward Hospital in Naperville to host 'Lifestyle Under Construction' program



Edward Foundation awards $40,000 in nursing scholarships



Edward NICU holds reunion




Edward-Elmhurst Health recognizes veterans



PEOPLE


Joliet Bank and Trust donates to Joliet mission

https://www.theherald-news.com/2018/12/21/joliet-bank-trust-donates-to-joliet-mission/afxw8rj/


D-202 students in #Plainfield donate to United Way of Will County  

https://www.theherald-news.com/2018/12/21/d-202-students-donate-to-united-way-of-will-county/aap1ajd/


ISAC announces #Joliet students as Illinois State Scholars

https://www.theherald-news.com/2018/12/18/isac-announces-joliet-students-as-illinois-state-scholars/ajlnwj3/


Shorewood organizations host Winter Warmth Drive 

https://www.theherald-news.com/2018/12/18/2-shorewood-organizations-host-winter-warmth-drive/ay5tjmr/


Orland firefighters host toy drive

https://www.theherald-news.com/2018/12/18/orland-firefighters-host-toy-drive/a8esxdh/


Holiday toy drive benefits New Lenox and Manhattan families

https://www.theherald-news.com/2018/12/18/holiday-toy-drive-benefits-new-lenox-and-manhattan-families/a213sie/


Joliet students join Jr. Beta Club

https://www.theherald-news.com/2018/12/18/students-join-jr-beta-club/atwgyds/


Cathedral Area Preservation Association in Joliet donates to Cornerstone Services 

https://www.theherald-news.com/2018/12/18/cathedral-area-preservation-association-in-joliet-donates-to-cornerstone-services/a11zhnx/


Joliet students give back for the holidays 

https://www.theherald-news.com/2018/12/14/joliet-students-give-back-for-the-holidays/ap7rpql/


Frankfort students donate candy to Operation Gratitude 

https://www.theherald-news.com/2018/12/07/frankfort-students-donate-candy-to-operation-gratitude/aal873u/


100+ Women Who Care of Will County donate to Miracle League of Joliet 

https://www.theherald-news.com/2018/12/22/100-women-who-care-of-will-county-donate-to-miracle-league-of-joliet/aj269nd/


Joliet YMCA staffers give back 

https://www.theherald-news.com/2018/12/22/joliet-ymca-staffers-give-back/a19honm/


JTHS students participate in #Joliet YMCA program

https://www.theherald-news.com/2018/12/22/jths-students-participate-in-joliet-ymca-program/a5up5lj/


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

Sunday, January 6, 2019

New Book!

The first volume of the five-volume serialized BryonySeries prequel Before the Blood is now available for purchase.

A HUGE THANK YOU to WriteOn Joliet member Stephen T. Saporta for pointing out the typo in the Amazon description (the book has no back cover copy, so hence, no typos there). My editor Colleen Robbins never saw this description, FYI. The fault is all mine.

An update was sent to KDP last night, but it may take 72 hours for the update to appear.

In the meantime, you can still order the book by clicking https://www.amazon.com/dp/1949777014. In fact, I know of at least two people who will own copies of this book before I will, LOL!

The goal is to release a new volume every other month through the beginning of September.

Copy edits for the second book are nearly complete, so formatting (hopefully) can get done next weekend. Rebekah is currently vacationing out of state anyway, so we can't upload anything until she returns (she's my cover-assembler).

I've had many compliments on Sue Midlock's cover design and Christopher Gleason's frontispieces for the books, so please check those out, too.

Recipe's from Sue's Diner should resume in a week or so. For those who never tried any of the Thanksgiving recipes (all of which are good any time of the year), they are still posted and can be accessed at this link: https://www.bryonyseries.com/sue-s-diner.

Blog posts should hopefully even back out by the end of the month. I have a couple new work-related projects this month and a few days off, so my brain is feeling a little scattered right now.

Thank you for your patience and your readership. Both are appreciated more than you could ever know.







Saturday, January 5, 2019

Story Round-Up: Features in The Herald-News, Dec. 23 through Jan. 4

It's been a catch-up week and next week will be more of the same.

Quick summary of fiction stuff and then onward to features!

Before the Blood: John Simons: The review team at KDP rejected the cover because it felt my name was misspelled. That took some back and forth communication for them to realize my name was correctly spelled; they just didn't understand the script of the medievial font Sue Midlock used.As frustrating as that was, I'm thankful for the review team's keen eyes. I received an email last night asking me to resubmit. Since the name issue was the only issue last time, I'm hoping the book will be live and ready for purchase in a couple days.

Before the Blood: Kellen Wechsler: I met with my editor before 2018 ended and have all the copyedits incorporated for the first eight chapters. Hoping to get the last two done this weekend and begin the formatting process. Rebekah leaves for vacation today. I'd love to a book ready for her cover magic and uploading when she returns!

The Adventures of Cornell Dyer: Once Timothy and I schedule a planning breakfast, work can commence on the third chapter book of this series.

Bertrand the Mouse: I have about five more books in pieces or process. In the meantime, follow him on Instagram.

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

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:


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.


Mokena musician becoming 'an instrument of peace'

Multi-instrumentalist John Narcissi uses talents to bless others

Narcissi said, "There's no better way to share that music and further that goal than by bringing cheer through music."



An Extraordinary Life Owner of The Boston Store in Joliet was a man of great love

Fifty years tonight, Joliet lost the owner/operator of a major downtown business and one of the original board members of the Joliet Housing Authority.

That man was Albert Felman.

An inscription in one of his high school books said, "Sure can fly as high as heaven." "I thought it was a wonderful description of his ambition," Barbara said, "and where he wanted to go in life."



An Extraordinary Life Music always had this Joliet woman's heart 

"Music always had her heart," Mandy Dwyer said of her mother Linda Paquette said. "She knew all the songs and spoke a little bit of Latin from the music she learned. She [also] joined the St. Francis Community Chorale, so she was part of that choir, as well. She even did the madrigals five or six years ago when they had that at Bicentennial Park."



Howl-O-Days

Or do you say 'Mewy Christmas?'

It's not just people who get into the festive spirit, as these photos posted on The Herald-News Facebook group page, Joliet Connect, prove.

Dozens and dozens of photos show that dogs, cats (and even one snake) don't mind posing with Santa Claus, wearing his red and white hat or even doing their part for the holiday ambiance by lying on, in or beside the tree (instead of barking up the wrong one) and other festive decorations.

Happy scrolling!



A Channahon dog's Christmas life

When I asked members of The Herald-News Facebook group page Joliet Connect to post holiday/Christmas photos of their pets, Victoria Leign of Channahon sent this message: "Hopefully my boy can be famous lol! All my friends always crack up at his photos because he loves posing!"

Here are the photos Leigh sent of Eli, a 2-year-old cattle dog mix. He definitely isn't camera-shy!



LocalLit author spotlight: Richard Wheeler of Joliet

Richard Wheeler said: "I mostly write non-fiction, although I occasionally dabble in fiction."

https://www.theherald-news.com/2018/12/02/locallit-author-spotlight-richard-wheeler-of-joliet/ajpj195/


Serbian Orthodox church in Joliet  welcoming to all people
New pastor at Joliet Serbian Orthodox church wants to foster spiritual growth

“In my ministry I have learned a lot and do have a lot of experience with prayer,” Rev. Aleksander Bugarin said. “I would like to use my experience to help people grow spiritually, to help them see God better and to get to know Him better.”

https://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2018/12/24/8c810ae297fe4254a55e16a9661e5cf1/index.xml


There's nothing like a good book
District 86's Joliet Reads program seeks to foster literacy for all ages


 "When parents are working or extremely busy, it's often difficult for them to find the time," said Carrie Busse, ELA program coordinator at Joliet Public Schools District 86 and coordinator of the district's Joliet Reads program."We're just trying to make sure reading is in the forefront at all times."

Read on for a list of recommended titles.

https://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2018/12/24/8b9db29588124dadb49d75d33d6ce33e/index.xml


Artworks Mister Ed releases 3rd CD 
Channahon rapper donating part of latest CD to help families in need 


"This is more the style that was popular through the 90s,which is kind of referred to the golden era of hip hop," Mayer said. "It's very lyric-based, not so much like music that's become background-based. It's distinct; you pay attention to the words."

https://www.theherald-news.com/2018/12/24/artworks-mister-ed-releases-3rd-cd/agv582w/


LocalLit author spotlight: Colleen Robbins of Joliet returns

Robbins said, "I write because I have to. I have always written, even when my father forbade it and destroyed some of my stories. When I don't write enough, stories appear in my head and distract me (causing more than one crash with the wall while swimming backstroke)."

https://www.theherald-news.com/2018/12/08/locallit-author-spotlight-colleen-robbins-of-joliet-returns/awtozz7/





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

Friday, January 4, 2019

Community News: Jan. 3, 2019

Check out upcoming events 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.





Joliet church reenacted the life of Saint Juan Diego






St. Mary Nativity in #Joliet announces its November Students of the Month




St. Mary Nativity community in Joliet hosts celebration of Illinois bicentennial

https://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2019/01/01/840d1da004344a82a05226bb32d13875/index.xml


St. Mary Nativity students in Joliet collect mittens



Shorewood students pack gifts for children around the world





Joliet students perform 'Grinch' play

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/01/01/joliet-students-perform-grinch-play/aza6vua/


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.




Thursday, January 3, 2019

BryonySeries Throwback Thursday: Meet Snip

Thursday, January 30, 2014


Meet Snip


This is Snip.

Many years ago, my first features editor, Jan Larsen, gave me Snip for a Christmas present. Jan loved Siamese cats. I didn't have cats at the time, so Snip became my official newspaper cat.

Snip lives in my backpack. Whenever I had newspaper deadlines in the morning to meet (most of the time), and when the truck was late (back when I delivered newspapers), I would sit cross-legged on a work station, notes to one side, laptop in front of me, and Snip in plain view, a stern reminder of Jan's consternation in a few hours should I be late. I needed that reminder, because the combination of one o'clock in the morning and late trucks made me want to slink off to my van for a nap instead of settling into a plywood cubicle and compose.

Fast forward to the present.

During one of the first days on the new job, I suddenly noticed I was sitting on the very edge of my desk chair, my habit when I worked from home, since Faith (my calico) claimed the remaining surface. Since I'm missing my attic domain, and writing without cats scampering around is hard on the concentration, I decided to release Snip from her backpack prison for daytime hours only and give her an official presence in my office space.

   Most of the time, Snip sits on the back of my chair. However, when I'm rushed and deadlines are tight, I'm going to place her in bird's eye view (Snip will like that), to improve my focus (and fear).

Say, "Hi" to Snip.

Wednesday, January 2, 2019

Community News: Jan. 2. 2019

Check out upcoming events 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.


Gotta Do It: Dec. 30 through Jan. 6

https://www.theherald-news.com/2018/12/22/gotta-do-it-dec-30-through-jan-6/ayu90xg/


Local pet events: Dec. 31 through Jan. 7

https://www.theherald-news.com/2018/12/30/local-pet-events-dec-31-through-jan-7/adrm605/


Local health events: Jan. 2 through Jan. 8 

https://www.theherald-news.com/2018/12/31/local-health-events-jan-2-through-jan-8/ah2gimr/


Food resources in Will, Grundy counties

https://www.theherald-news.com/2018/12/20/food-resources-in-will-grundy-counties/ao86gjg/



Local arts and entertainment: Dec. 28 through Jan. 4



Pets of the Week: Dec. 31

https://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2018/12/20/ad2f469071284dbcb37225028725eda6/index.xml


Troy cheer takes 2nd at Comet Cheer Invite 

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/01/01/troy-cheer-takes-2nd-at-comet-cheer-invite/alm5kod/


And two fun stories from the news wire

Snowball fights now legal in Colorado town after boy's quest

https://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2018/12/04/f3aeb8a92a0e48f6b53672355abe0977/index.xml


City frogs sing more alluring love songs 

https://www.theherald-news.com/2018/12/11/city-frogs-sing-more-alluring-love-songs/ajbqhoc/


RECIPES


Low and slow is the way to go when making this fish dish

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/01/01/low-and-slow-is-the-way-to-go-when-making-this-fish-dish/aa3fv7q/


For foolproof poached chicken, turn to sous vide cooking 

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/01/01/for-foolproof-poached-chicken-turn-to-sous-vide-cooking/a7anfco/


Key tips on how to avoid making your tabbouleh salad soggy

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/01/01/key-tips-on-how-to-avoid-making-your-tabbouleh-salad-soggy/a99quce/


Make tomato sauce and cook spaghetti squash in one pot 

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/01/01/make-tomato-sauce-and-cook-spaghetti-squash-in-one-pot/auka52m/


Make a hearty chicken and sausage gumbo without all the work

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/01/01/make-a-hearty-chicken-and-sausage-gumbo-without-all-the-work/anvw53f/


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 





Community News: Dec. 22, Dec. 24, and Dec. 26, 2018

Check out upcoming events and the awesome things people are doing.




Joliet students recognized in November

https://www.theherald-news.com/2018/12/03/joliet-students-recognized-in-november/az8gzeh/


Firefighters visit D-202 schools in Plainfield

https://www.theherald-news.com/2018/12/07/firefighters-visit-d-202-schools/aiuklp5/


Troy Kindness Club making a difference

https://www.theherald-news.com/2018/12/14/troy-kindness-club-making-a-difference/aedh2x0/


Joliet students recognized in December

https://www.theherald-news.com/2018/12/14/joliet-students-recognized-in-december/amlvbjv/


Joliet West High School speech team named tournament champions

https://www.theherald-news.com/2018/12/14/joliet-west-high-school-speech-team-named-tournament-champions/a9ngne3/


Rotary Club of New Lenox donates to Joliet mission

https://www.theherald-news.com/2018/12/14/rotary-club-of-new-lenox-donates-to-joliet-mission/aepqrbv/


Troy scholastic bowl teams earn trophies 

https://www.theherald-news.com/2018/12/14/troy-scholastic-bowl-teams-earn-trophies/anpmfud/


Lincoln-Way Foundation approves grant requests

https://www.theherald-news.com/2018/12/14/lincoln-way-foundation-approves-grant-requests/ahe0e3u/


Troy teacher receives salute from Chicago radio station

https://www.theherald-news.com/2018/12/14/troy-teacher-receives-salute-from-chicago-radio-station/ap4502v/


Army member on Joliet calendar identified

https://www.theherald-news.com/2018/12/14/army-member-on-joliet-calendar-identified/ammx8yl/


JTHS names Students of the Month for December

https://www.theherald-news.com/2018/12/14/jths-names-students-of-the-month-for-december/atvw8j9/


Joliet West High School students 'win' in the stock market

https://www.theherald-news.com/2018/12/14/joliet-west-high-school-students-win-in-the-stock-market/aa3ef3j/


Troy speech team earns high honors at state competition

https://www.theherald-news.com/2018/12/14/troy-speech-team-earns-high-honors-at-state-competition/akz21pi/


Partnership will offer homeownership resources for those in Will County

https://www.theherald-news.com/2018/12/14/partnership-will-offer-homeownership-resources-for-those-in-will-county/a821v9w/


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

Tuesday, January 1, 2019

5 Reasons Why 'Mary Poppins Returns' Hits All The Right Notes

When I've really enjoyed a book or film, I approach its sequel (if I approach it at all) with excitement and trepidation.

"Excitement" because I'm anticipating a similar enjoyment.

"Trepidation" because sequels often, well, you know, stink.

But when I saw a trailer for Mary Poppins Returns earlier this year, I mentally, albeit cautiously, bookmarked the film for possible viewing.

When it was released, I carefully read the reviews and watched a second trailer. Last night, five of us went to see it.

First, a side note about sequels and remakes.

Audiences often approach these with unfair comparisons to the original (especially when the original is iconic), increasing the odds of poor reception. One example of a well-done sequel 1985's Return to Oz, which was outstanding on its own and retained the dark qualities of the books, while departing greatly from the 1939 movie.

My feeling is that a remake should take a fresh and original approach to the story line. Sequels should do likewise, while connecting the viewer to the original.

I feel Mary Poppins Returns did both. Here's why.

1) It kept the "feel" of the first movie and movies of its era without mimicry.

The opening tinkling. The long opening credits with full orchestral sounds. The look of Cherry Street Lane and the Banks' home twenty years later. The casting of Jane, Michael, Ellen and the admiral to look like older versions of the original actors and actresses. The story construction. The use of 2-D, hand-drawn  animation. The wolf/bank CEO. (reminiscent of the movie Pinocchio). Of not hinting at a new grimy "love" interest for Mary Poppins, but instead making the lamplighter someone who knew Bert as a child and who is infatuated with Jane. The appearance of Dick Van Dyke, now old enough to play the type of character he played in the original movie, making the audience feel they've stepped back into time and Dick stepped out of it. (If the movie just doesn't grab you, Dick's dance moves on top of the desk is worth the ticket price). 

2) The outstanding portrayal of Emily Blunt as Mary Poppins.

While some critics felt Emily was portraying Julie Andrews' version of Mary Poppins instead of Mary herself, I say, "So what?" And also possibly, "Good job!" Having read the Mary Poppins books as a child, I feel Emily did a great job of blending P.L. Travers' character with Andrews' version (which most people recognize) while not imitating it since the story has moved forward by twenty years.

And kudos for Julie Andrews for refusing a cameo role. Here's why.

3) The Easter Eggs

Not giving those away. You'll have to find them for yourself. But they are subtle and contribute to the sense the sequel is a genuine sequel.

But here's a non-object one: Karen Dotrice. Which none of us caught while watching it. And I don't want you to miss it, either.

4) Excellent story construction.

Yes, we know how the story will progress, and we know how it will end. But the way in which the viewer goes from A to B, the moment by moment unfolding of wondering what might happen in the next instance, brought a sense of wonderment and magic to the entire experience.

5) The colors.

The use of color in Mary Poppins Returns was stunning and contributed to the atmosphere that we were watching something old, something new. The big screen is the really the only way to fully appreciate it.

Mary Poppins Returns was, by far, the best film I've seen in a long time, and one of the few I'd like to experience again.

One element many critics panned is the music, so I kept expectations low. And it's true the score doesn't approach the variety and mastery of the Sherman brothers in the 1964 film.

But in several spots, you can hear subtle melodies to the original music (sorry, one of the Easter eggs).

And, if you let the new songs just be the new songs, you'll appreciate them more.

Even now, my mind keeps wondering "where the lost things go..."

Furthermore, Bertrand enjoyed it immensely, a good choice for an imaginary mouse's first movie theater experience.