Dead Mouse and New Book Cover Art

Living here in Mineral Point has been interesting what with The Red Rooster and Gray Dog cafes and people who actually write Haiku and/or Renku and tales of vampires jumping out of trees and up from under a boat dock on the only lake in the county.

But this picture says it all. From the middle or late 1800's I would think?

And can you find the mouse in the picture? Not a computer one. A dead, real one?

Maybe these are early vampires? Not too many of us like to dangle dead mice at the camera. Perhaps that mouse was breakfast?

Anyway, Liffey Rivers will figure Mineral Point out when she moves here after her latest adventures in The Alaskan Sun. (February)

Here is a sneak preview of the cover art by Cian Flynn,Sligo,Ireland.

Brenna Briggs is the author of the Liffey Rivers Irish Dancer Mysteries

Can Solo Dresses Cause Epileptic Siezures?

I do not pretend to have anything close to what fashionable people might call "good taste." However, I do have a few internal alarm systems. One concern I have is:"How far can solo dresses go with geometrical designs and neon colors before the adjudicators, who must sit still and watch dresses like the above flash by hour after hour at Irish dance competitions--feiseanna, develop some serious Post Traumatic Bling Disorders? Or epileptic seizures?"

The following is research I lifted about the correlation between seizures and too many geometric-like shapes:

"Most patients experiencing subjective symptoms describe visual phenomena as the initial ictal manifestation. These are usually reported as bright, multicolored, or occasionally manifesting dark rings, spots, or simple geometric forms, which are continuous or flashing. These are usually, but not necessarily, in the periphery of the visual field, crossing to the opposite side while rotating or moving slowly. Ictal amaurosis, blindness or severe blurring of vision, limited to one hemifield, quadrant, or involving the entire visual field, may follow..."

So perhaps the Irish dancing community ought to think about the health risks the judges they employ at their competitions face? Maybe the adjudicators should be able to get some kind of insurance coverage along with their feis fees if they develop a seizure condition after a feis? Worker's Comp?

Brenna Briggs is the author of THE LIFFEY RIVERS IRISH DANCER MYSTERIES.

Are There Vampires In Mineral Point?

I have now lived in Mineral Point since September 17th.
I have to admit that it never entered my mind that there might be vampires here. Haiku authors,yes. Vampires, no.

However, my daughter, Rebecca, who has returned to the States after 8 years from Ireland en route to either NYC or LA, has decided there is more going on here than meets the eye. In fact, she no longer sneaks outside at night for a cigarette because she is afraid of seeing a vampire. So in a way, I am glad that Mineral Point has this built-in 'NO SMOKING' warning due to possible confrontation with a vampire ambiance.

Anyway. Here is the scoop. Rebecca was researching 'ghosts in Wisconsin' for some reason and came across these link:

http://www.hecklerspray.com/awesome-or-off-putting-the-mineral-point-vampire/201158546.php

So I am seriously considering having my Irish Dancer-Girl Detective heroine, Liffey Rivers, meet up with one of the local creatures of the night here in a future mystery.

In the meantime, I am glad this has curbed Rebecca's bad habit.

To further validate the vampire connection here. My husband was told by an usher in the oldest local church this past Sunday that the beautiful, very old refurbished church organ was a result of a generous cash donation to honor the great-great grandfather of....are you ready for this: VINCENT PRICE,

who played the very same church organ many, many years ago.

So. I think that pretty much lends credibility to the vampire thing here. Just tie up the loose ends and there you have it: Vampires in Mineral Point!

I will report more evidence as I dig it up. Or dug ups surface.

Brenna Briggs
On location in Mineral Point, Wisconsin

p.s. The 5th Liffey Rivers book; THE ALASKAN SUN is coming very, very soon. I promise.