I’m Back!

By: Delanee Ensley

Hey all! I’m happy to say that I am back and ready to start Peony Publishing back up. Thank you for so graciously accepting my break, I just needed some time to refresh and rejuvenate. Turns out it’s a little more difficult then one might think to run/write for a website.

During the month and a half that I was away I have adventured and accomplished things for myself that I am happy to say have changed me. I appreciate the knowledge that I have gained from putting myself out there instead of hiding away from change (my usual move).

Since getting back from Europe I have been applying to jobs in my field and working at Starbucks in a leadership position. I am happy to see where this will take me, and what new experiences and learning opportunities I will be able to grasp along the way.

At the moment I am working on a ‘I’m Back!’ part 2, companion piece, that will be out sometime this month which will discuss my European trip and will showcase some photos that I took along the way.  Thank you again to all of those who have stayed with me and my website thus far. I am working on some new articles that I am excited to share, and I hope you are excited to read them. If you have any suggestions or questions for me, as always, feel free to email them to me here! Hope you all had a great summer, and remember to Bloom Brightly!

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Re-Updates

By: Delanee Ensley

Hello all!

Peony Publishing is taking a little break. I have a lot on my plate right now with moving and going to Europe in a couple weeks. I am hopeful to resume articles in September. I love you all and remember to Bloom Brightly!

Updates

By: Delanee Ensley

Hello loyal readers! I have some fun updates to share about my life and my website!

First of all I would like to share with you some fun updates about my life. I recently graduated from the University of Iowa with a Bachelors in English and Creative Writing with an interest in Publishing, and a minor in Gender, Woman, Sexuality Studies. Currently, I am searching for a job in publishing, and I have a trip planned to Europe which I leave for in August! I am really excited to continue this next chapter of my life and to see what the future holds.

Secondly, Peony Publishing is about to go through some changes! Recently, I have found it difficult to keep up with ten articles a month, so I will instead be going down to five articles a month. I will still be keeping some cemented articles like the Monthly Mystery and This Month in History, as long as an occasional Spotlight. I am still interested in having other writers featured on my site, so if anyone wants to have their articles published please reach out to me through my email which you can find on my About Me tab.

Lastly, I want to say thank you to those of you who read my articles, it means a lot to me as a writer. If anyone has any ideas for articles or just wants to chat, again, please feel free to reach out to me, I would love to hear from you! 

Until we talk again, remember to Bloom Brightly!

Horoscope: Ice Cream

By: Delanee Ensley

With the heat breathing down our necks it can be nice to have a frozen treat once in awhile. This is the perfect opportunity to figure out which ice cream treat you should have based on your horoscope!

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Aries (March 21 – April 19)

This sign is known to be bold and ambitious, so why not a bold ambitious flavor? Rum Raisin ice cream allows Aries to try something new and bold!

Taurus (April 20 – May 20)

Taurus likes soothing and serene moments, and whats more serene then the fancy matcha ice cream flavor? This green tea flavor with soothe the senses and make you feel fancy!

Gemini (May 21 – June 20)

The Gemini is known to be playful, so whats more perfect then a childhood favorite? Cookies and Cream will remind anybody of their playful days, just be careful not to give yourself a brain freeze!

Cancer (June 21 – July 22)

Like cookie dough ice cream you really have to dig deep to find the flavor in a cancer. Cancer’s are known to be emotionally vulnerable and protective, but when you do finally see the real them, you’re best friends for life!

Leo (July 23 – August 22)

Leo is known to be a passionate and dramatic sign. Thats why Moose Tracks ice cream is great! It allows them to be funky and never have to choose just one favorite!

Virgo (August 23 – September 22)

This practical sign goes crazy for vanilla! Though some may see it as bland, the virgo sees it as the original, therefore the perfect treat.

Libra (September 23 – October 22)

Chocolate ice cream is the perfect balance of harmony, and so is the libra! Though it is known as a basic flavor, it gives a little extra something to this harmonious sign!

Scorpio (October 23 – November 21)

The scorpio sign is hard to pin down as they can be very mysterious. This is why neapolitan ice cream is perfect for this sign! Though you never know which flavor they choose, at least they have options.

Sagittarius (November 22 – December 21)

This adventurous sign is all about the ube. Ube is a type of purple yam, and is popular in other countries, but the different flavor profile does not stop this sign. Bring on the ube!

Capricorn (December 22 – January 19)

This capricorn is dedicated and ambitious which is why coffee ice cream is the perfect fit. This ice cream will keep this sign going all day long without worry of slowing down!

Aquarius (January 20 – February 18)

Aquarius love the mint chip flavoring as they are known to be revolutionary and innovative. Though mint chip isn’t necessarily either of these things, mint does help to stimulate the mind which gives the aquarius more brain power!

Pisces (February 19 – March 20)

The Pisces is known to be sensitive and empathetic, which is why the strawberry flavor of ice cream is great! It allows a great fruity flavor when they need it, and is great to share when they need to help others!

Fair Skin in the Summer

By: Delanee Ensley

As someone who lives with fair skin and burns super easy, I understand the struggle of the sun. Here are some tips and tricks for those who struggle with their fair skin!

Sunscreen: Though this might seem like an obvious one, not everyone uses the right type of sunscreen for their skin. It’s important for all of us to do our research into sunscreen, and when we do find the right one for us to apply it every hour!

Beach Hat: Who doesn’t love a beach hat? Not only are big, floppy hats making a comeback but they also protect your face from the sun! Bucket hats are also a fun solution to your sun problems for everyday use, not just beachwear. Sometimes when you can’t find shade, you have to make your own!

Limit Tanning Time: Though we all love the sun-kissed glow of an afternoon in the sun, it can be extremely harmful to your skin. No matter how much sunscreen you apply there are harmful rays that may lead to sun cancer. If you can’t give up your tanning time, maybe limit it to an hour once a week instead of multiple hours a day.

Linen Clothing: Though summer can be hot and sweaty it’s important to keep our skin covered and safe! Linen clothing is light and comfortable on your skin so it doesn’t drag you down or add extra sweat to your life!

I hope these tips and tricks help those of you with fair skin. The struggle can be real, but there are  remedies and solutions to help those of us who struggle just a bit more than the rest of the population!

Monthly Mystery: Perry County Jane Doe

By: Delanee Ensley

I’m going to start this by saying that unfortunately there is no real story here. Sometimes these mysteries don’t have a real ending, and are just about discovering who they were, and getting the story out so people don’t forget about them. This person could be a sister, daughter, possibly even a mother, and they just disappeared with no real conclusion. These stories are the most important, reuniting a family with the knowledge of someone they thought were just lost, it lets them have closure. At the end of the information I’m sharing with you all I have put tiplines below in case you know anything about who this young female is.

The information I have found comes from the FBI Missing Persons Database and The Doe Network. The Doe Network is important because it allows people to keep searching, and is always coming up with new information so that every story never has to stay a cold case.

Who: Perry County Jane Doe

When: June 20, 1979

Age: 15 – 38 years old

Race: White

Gender: Female

Identifying Features: Healed fracture to the midshaft of the 9th rib

Cause of Death: Suspected Homicide

Her skeletal remains were found on an embankment between the eastbound lanes of Route 22/322 and the Juniata River in Watts Township, Perry County, Pennsylvania. She was found with jewelry by Navajo/ Zuni that were thought to have originated from the New Mexico region. In 2008 her remains were exhumed to collect DNA. Collection was successful. She was wearing blue knit twill pants, a white blouse, and a dark blue ribbed tank top. Doe’s jacket was a black button down style with a zip on the right upper pocket, and she was wearing a white or tan bra, A cup. Her shoes were white buckle leather shoes.

Unfortunately this is about all we know until someone comes forward with information or we have DNA to match. If you know anything, say something, help this girl and her family find some peace. If you have any information, submit a tip here!

This Month in History: Sally Ride

By: Delanee Ensley

This day in history marks the first American woman in space, and her incredible journey to get there!

Sally Ride was born on May 26, 1951 in Encino, California. She excelled in tennis and even wanted to be a pro tennis player! According to Women’s History, she ranked top 20 nationally on the junior tennis circuit. After she graduated from high school she went on to attend Swarthmore College in Pennsylvania, however, she left during Sophomore year to pursue tennis, but left tennis after three months realizing that she wanted to pursue education. However, instead of going back to Swarthmore College, she got into Stanford University. Ride got her Bachelor of Science in Physics in 1973, and went on to get her masters and doctorate in 1975 and 1978.

During college Sally Ride answered a newspaper ad from NASA, one of 8,000 responders, 1,000 of whom were women, as stated by National Women’s Hall of Fame. Only 35 people were chosen, and out of those thirty-five only six were female, Sally Ride was one of them. Ride excelled as an astronaut, she has a great athletic ability from her years in tennis, and on June 18, 1983 she became the first American woman in space. On her first shuttle launch she was on the Challenger STS-7 as a flight engineer, her second, and last trip was on the STS-41G on October 5, 1984. She was scheduled to go on another mission but it was canceled due to the explosion of the Challenger, and was part of the presidential commission investigating the explosion.

After leaving NASA she went to the University of California in San Diego to become the Director of the Space Science Institute, and was also a physicist and a physics professor. She was also a co-writer of 7 children’s books with her life partner Tam O’Shaughnessy according to USC San Diego. Though Sally Ride did not discuss her personal life very much she was married to Steve Hawley from 1982 to 1987. 

Ride died on July 23, 2012 after losing a 17-month-long battle to Pancreatic Cancer, she was only 61 years old. After her death Tam O’Shaughnessy came forward about their 27 year long relationship, where they had first met when they played tennis together in their younger years. Sally Ride has been acknowledged as the first gay astronaut. In 2013 Obama gave Ride the Medal of Freedom and O’Shaughnessy accepted it in her honor.

Sally Ride broke a lot of ceilings for women everywhere, and still continues to be the first American woman to go to space, which is why we celebrate her this month!

Stay-Cation Ideas

By: Delanee Ensley

Vacations can be expensive or you might just be too busy to take one,  but there are other options out there! Below are a list of stay-cation ideas that you can either do in your town or at home without breaking the bank!

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Backyard Camping

Who says you have to travel far to enjoy the great outdoors? Camping is nice, but sometimes you just want or need to stay close to home as well. Well backyard camping is a great solution to both of these! Just grab your tent and sleeping bags and set up in the backyard. You can take the break you need without the stress of planning or the stress on your wallet!

Spa Days

For this fun adventure all you need is your favorite relaxation elements, and maybe a couple friends if you want to get a massage train going! Try looking up some fun sugar scrubs or DIY spa day bubble baths and then just lay back, relax, and let the stress seep out during your mini vacation!

Local Outdoors Spots

No matter where you live, every town or city has that memorable outdoor spot, and if you don’t know where yours is, it’s time to find it! Finding this local treasure can inspire you to visit the great outdoors more, and maybe even be the best relaxation place for you!

Scavenger Hunts

Though this type of stay-cation takes a little more time then some, it gives you and your vacation pals a change of scenery and adventure. A scavenger hunt takes some planning, so get together with your friends and decide where you would like to have the hunt, and what theme it should be. From there decide who will do what so that it can be kept a surprise. Happy hunting!

Road Trip to a Neighboring Town

It’s time to get out of your comfort zone and bubble and see what’s around you! Just because you aren’t going to a different country or state doesn’t mean you can’t see some new scenery. Look up towns near you, and see what local shops, scenery, or events they have going on, and then just make a list of a few that you want to see!

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Just because you’re not going on a big trip or vacation this year doesn’t mean you can’t spend some time with the ones you love, or just to take some personal time. There are so many options around us for us to not take advantage of them!

Pride Events In Every State

By: Delanee Ensley

Check out your states Pride events below!

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• Alabama 
  • Event: Pride Week
  • Date: June 1st – June 12th
  • Location: Birmingham
  • Extra Info: This week long Pride fest has everything from drag shows to a designer underwear auction!
• Alaska
  • Event: Pride Block Party
  • Date: June 25th
  • Location: Anchorage
  • Extra Info: This block party includes two DJs and vendors that include food and arts and crafts that are available for purchase!
• Arizona
  • Event: Phoenix Pride Awards Reception
  • Date: June 12th 
  • Location: Phoenix 
  • Extra Info: Celebrating the LGBTQ+ community with a Pride pageant show starting immediately after!
• Arkansas
  • Event: Pride Parade and Festival
  • Date: June 18th
  • Location: Fayetteville
  • Extra Info: This parade and festival has options like vendors and marches, but also 18+ events that include drag shows!
• California
  • Event: LA Pride
  • Date: June 9th -24th
  • Location: Los Angeles
  • Extra Info: LA pride includes four big events happening within the month of June from a bingo night to an after hours LGBTQ+ party at Universal Studios!
• Colorado
  • Event: PrideFest
  • Date: June 25th – 26th
  • Location: Denver
  • Extra Info: This event starts with the PrideFest parade and ends with an event that features live shows and over 250 exhibitors and 30+ food and drink vendors!
• Connecticut
  • Event: Pride in the Park
  • Date: June 11th
  • Location: Norwalk
  • Extra Info: This event includes live music and entertainment, vendors for food and drink, and even a VIP area!
• Delaware
  • Event: Pride Day at the Brandywine Zoo
  • Date: June 25th
  • Location: Wilmington
  • Extra Info: This is exactly like it sounds, so get excited for a day at the zoo!
• Florida
  • Event: Sweat for Pride
  • Date: June 25th
  • Location: Miami
  • Extra Info:  This event is all about working out and even includes an after workout cocktail with the purchase of your ticket!
• Georgia
  • Event: Can’t Cancel Pride
  • Date: June 14th
  • Location: Atlanta
  • Extra Info: This iHeartMedia event is hosted by JoJo Siwa and includes events from Katy Perry, Sam Smith, and more!
• Hawaii
  • Event: Pride Bar Crawl
  • Date: June 18th
  • Location: Honolulu
  • Extra Info: This event is just like it sounds! This bar crawl starts at 4 pm and is only $20 a ticket!
• Idaho
  • Event: Pride Festival
  • Date: June 25th
  • Location: Idaho Falls
  • Extra Info: This year will mark the 10th annual Pride Festival in Idaho Falls! There will be live music, vendors, food, and more!
• Illinois
  • Event: Chicago Pride Fest
  • Date: June 18th – 19th
  • Location: Chicago
  • Extra Info: This major event is a street festival with over 60,000 people expected to attend. There will be art vendors, food vendors, and major performers!
• Indiana
  • Event: Indy Pride Parade
  • Date: June 11th
  • Location: Indianapolis
  • Extra Info: This Pride parade and festival is back after a two year COVID hiatus! 
• Iowa
  • Event: Capitol City Pride
  • Date: June 10th – 12th
  • Location: Des Moines
  • Extra Info: This 3-day long Pride event includes performers like Todrick Hall and includes events from all over the city, including a pool party!
• Kansas
  • Event: KC Pride Fest
  • Date: June 10th -12th
  • Location: Kansas City
  • Extra Info: This festival includes a mainstage with local acts of KC and vendors that include food, art, and more!
• Kentucky
  • Event: Kentuckiana Pride Parade & Festival
  • Date: June 18th
  • Location: Louisville
  • Extra Info: This event includes vendors, live entertainment, and is estimated to have over 20,000 people attending!
• Louisiana
  • Event: PrideFest
  • Date: June 11th
  • Location: New Orleans
  • Extra Info: Though there does not seem to be a lot of information on this event, there are reports of entertainers and vendors!
• Maine
  • Event: Bangor Pride
  • Date: June 25th
  • Location: Bangor
  • Extra Info: This festival includes events like a 90s drag show and dance party, a golf tournament, and more!
• Maryland
  • Event: Baltimore Pride Block Party
  • Date: June 25th
  • Location: Baltimore
  • Extra Info: This block party is the biggest pride event in Maryland and includes over 100 vendors and includes local DJ’s and performers!
• Massachusetts
  • Event: Boston Pop-Up Pride
  • Date: June 12th
  • Location: Boston
  • Extra Info: This pop-up event is a one-time only party with vendors, music, performances, and is said to be the biggest Boston Pride event of the year!
• Michigan
  • Event: Grand Rapids Pride Festival
  • Date: June 18th
  • Location: Grand Rapids
  • Extra Info: Though there does not seem to be a lot of information about this event, there does seem to be local performers attending!
• Minnesota
  • Event: Twin Cities Pride Festival
  • Date: June 25th -26th
  • Location: Minneapolis 
  • Extra Info: This Pride festival marks the 50th annual festival and includes food courts, a beer garden, and multiple entertainment stages!
• Mississippi
  • Event: Pride Trivia at Barrelhouse
  • Date: June 13th
  • Location: Jackson
  • Extra Info: This family and pet friendly event is free and includes a happy hour, so if you love trivia, this event is perfect!
• Missouri
  • Event: Pride St. Louis
  • Date: June 25th – 26th
  • Location: St. Louis
  • Extra Info: Though there is not much information out about this event yet, you can follow their newsletter to find out more!
• Montana
  • Event: 406 Pride Parade
  • Date: June 25th
  • Location: Billings
  • Extra Info: This parade is still open to sign-ups if interested, and they will be posting a pride route soon. 406 Pride includes a whole month of Pride events!
• Nebraska
  • Event: Star City Pride
  • Date: June 17th – 18th
  • Location: Lincoln
  • Extra Info: This volunteer based pride festival includes entertainers and a parade!
• Nevada
  • Event: Las Vegas Pride OUTside Hile
  • Date: June 12th
  • Location: Las Vegas
  • Extra Info: This Las Vegas hike includes an outdoor adventure that takes place each month!
• New Hampshire
  • Event: Queen City Pride
  • Date: June 18th
  • Location: Manchester
  • Extra Info: Though there doesn’t seem to be a lot of information about this event, the website guarantees it will be a great time!
• New Jersey
  • Event: North Jersey Pride Festival
  • Date: June 12th
  • Location: Maplewood
  • Extra Info: This 10th annual Pride festival has a great line-up of performers and 100+ vendors, including a food court!
• New Mexico
  • Event: PrideFest
  • Date: June 10th – 11th
  • Location: Albuquerque 
  • Extra Info: This event has a pre-fest the day before, and then the festival the day of. This event includes entertainment and vendors!
• New York
  • Event: NYC Pride
  • Date: June 26th
  • Location: Greenwich Village
  • Extra Info:  This street festival includes vendors, and includes a crazy amount of artists and entertainers!
• North Carolina
  • Event: Out! Raleigh Pride
  • Date: June 25th
  • Location: Raleigh
  • Extra Info: Though there doesn’t seem to be a lot of information about this event, this Pride marks the 10th annual event!
• North Dakota
  • Event: Capital Pride
  • Date: June 17th – 19th
  • Location: Bismarck
  • Extra Info: This three day event includes vendors, drag shows, and yoga on the lawn!
• Ohio
  • Event: Stonewall Columbus
  • Date: June 17th -18th
  • Location: Columbus
  • Extra Info: This Pride event includes a parade and a festival with performers and vendors!
• Oklahoma
  • Event: OKC Pride Fest
  • Date: June 24th – 26th
  • Location: Oklahoma City
  • Extra Info: This event includes art, music, food, vendors, entertainers, and more!
• Oregon
  • Event: Pride Northwest
  • Date: June 18th – 19th
  • Location: Portland
  • Extra Info: Though there doesn’t seem to be a lot of information available about this event, it’s guaranteed to be a great time!
• Pennsylvania
  • Event: York County Pride
  • Date: June 11th
  • Location: York
  • Extra Info: This event includes vendors, food, and an abundant amount of entertainers!
• Rhode Island
  • Event: Rhode Island Pride
  • Date: June 18th
  • Location: Providence
  • Extra Info: Though there doesn’t seem to be a lot of information on this festival, we do know that vendor registration is sold out, so get ready for some fun!
• South Carolina
  • Event: Charleston Pride Parade
  • Date: June 25th
  • Location: Charleston 
  • Extra Info: Though pride events aren’t until October, we are getting excited for the Pride parade this month!
• South Dakota
  • Event: Sioux Falls Pride Parade
  • Date: June 18th
  • Location: Sioux Falls
  • Extra Info: This Pride parade begins at 10 am. If you want to walk or be registered in the parade, there is still time to sign up!
• Tennessee 
  • Event: Nashville Pride
  • Date: June 25th – 26th
  • Location: Nashville
  • Extra Info: Though there doesn’t seem to be a lot of information about this event, we do know that vendor space is sold out, so it should be a fun time!
• Texas
  • Event: Pride San Antonio Inc.
  • Date: June 25th
  • Location: San Antonio
  • Extra Info: This celebration includes vendors, a Pride wedding, and entertainment, and more!
• Utah
  • Event: Pride or Die
  • Date: June 18th
  • Location: Millcreek
  • Extra Info: This 80s themed pride show includes drag, burlesque, aerial performances, and more!
• Vermont
  • Event: Drag Ball
  • Date: June 11th
  • Location: Barre
  • Extra Info: The pre-show includes a donation clothes drag sale, then after the ball a dance party is to follow!
• Virginia
  • Event: Love On Tap
  • Date: June 18th
  • Location: Richmond
  • Extra Info: This year’s celebration includes drag shows, vendors, food, and even a special draft beer for the Pride festivities!
• Washington
  • Event: Pride Fest
  • Date: June 25th – 26th
  • Location: Seattle
  • Extra Info: This year’s festival includes a beer garden, multiple entertainment stages, and food vendors from multiple restaurants! 
• West Virginia
  • Event: Rainbow Run
  • Date: June 11th
  • Location: Charleston
  • Extra Info: This all ages event is a 5K run/walk, th4e run starts at 9 am with an awards ceremony starting immediately after!
• Wisconsin
  • Event: Central Wisconsin Pride
  • Date: June 17th – 19th
  • Location: Aniwa
  • Extra Info: This celebration includes camping, drag shows, entertainers, and so much more!
• Wyoming 
  • Event: Pride On The Patio
  • Date: June 18th
  • Location: Laramie
  • Extra Info: This get together is a way for the community to get together with some food, drinks, and celebration!

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Pride this year is going to be great! Check out your state and see what other kinds of events are near you by clicking the embedded links connected to the state!

Summer Clothing Fads

By: Delanee Ensley

As it starts to get warmer outside it’s time to think about what to wear! These five summer fads will have everyone thinking you just strutted right off the runway!

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Platform Sandals: This 70’s trend is making a comeback with a strong stride! Platform sandals are perfect for the warm weather, but also perfect for strutting your stuff. Most brands have gotten in on this trend, including converse!

Silk Scarves: Though this trend has been around for awhile, it’s not going anywhere anytime soon. These beauties can be used in so many different ways, including in your hair, as a belt, or just as the old fashioned neck scarf! Silk scarves can be found online, or for a blast from the past look for them at thrift stores.

Sheer: Sheer clothing has been hitting the streets more and more! This can mean a sheer top with a cute bralette underneath or even sheer pants! Lots of websites have seen this trend and have started to sell sheer!

Bucket Hats: This 90’s trend has been around for the past couple summers and is holding fast! They come in all different colors and prints and are perfect for the lake or a stroll around town. Lots of online sites sell these or you can thrift them at your local thrift store!

Bright Colors: Who doesn’t like bright colors? This trend is perfect for the summer and weekend vacations! Whether you are having a coffee at your local coffee shop or tanning at the beach, bright colors are your best friend!

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Start and finish your summer right by following these fashion fads. Between vacations, going out for the night, or spending a lazy day shopping around town these trends are perfect for the summer!