Evince Magazine January 2023

CEO / Publisher / Andrew Scott Brooks

Editorial Director / Paul Seiple editor@evincemagazine.com

Contributing Writers

Barry Koplen, Linda Lemery, Josh Lucia, Paul Seiple, Dave Slayton, Mack Williams

Art & Production Director Demont Design (Kim Demont)

Finance Manager Cindy Yeatts (1.434.709.7349)

Advertising For ad information contact a marketing consultant listed below.

Lee Vogler Director of Sales and Marketing (434.548.5335) lee@evincemagazine.com

Kim Demont Graphic Design, Marketing (434.792.0612) demontdesign@verizon.net evince\i-’vin(t)s\

On the Cover: Photo of Dennis Eaves by Laura Mae Photography

IIt takes some writers years to type “The End” to their first manuscript. Dennis Eaves has completed two novels before the age of twenty-one. He was eighteen-years old and still in high school when his first book, Zax and the Three Beasts saw the light of day. That was in 2021. A year later in November he released his second book, Zax and Dax. Being emersed in fantasy helped Eaves accomplish the feat. “For as long as I can remember, I have been enthralled with the genre of sci-fi fantasy and have created fantasy worlds and played out scenarios in my mind. Zax battling the monsters was one of these fantasy worlds,” Eave said. “By writing these books I am sharing my creativity for all to enjoy and in some way or another, maybe connect with my characters.”

The Zax series centers around a boy who spent most of his school years as an outcast. Eaves added, “But when a new student enrolled in his high school, everything he thought he knew about himself came to light; his life and his world drastically changed. Earth’s existence now lay on his shoulders.”

Eaves’s original plan was to write

a Zax trilogy. After two novels, Zax’s world grew in Eaves’s mind. “Once the trilogy is complete, I plan to write more books introducing new characters that live in the same universe as Zax, at different points in time. Some of the characters from some of the books will ultimately come together in a final book that will finish and tie off the Zax universe.”

To be a good writer, you must be an avid reader. Eaves cites Percy Jackson, The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan as his favorite book. “It was the first book I ever read completely, and I felt an immediate kinship to Percy’s character when it was revealed that he had dyslexia. Having it myself, and seeing him overcome that challenge, made me believe that I could too,” he said.

When not spending time with Zax, Eaves is a full-time, dual major student at Piedmont Community College with aspirations of receiving an Associates of Arts degree and a degree in Digital Animation and Effects Technology. He added, “I also work at Caswell Pines Golf Course and volunteer at Gunn Memorial Library, where I host an Anime Club and teach Japanese

Creativity is the First Step

The Second is Determination

by Paul Seiple photo by Laura Mae Photography

calligraphy.”

Eaves enjoys volunteering at the library because it unites people from different walks of life through common interests such as Anime and Japanese folklore. “In our Anime Club meetings, we watch movies and talk about them. It’s a great way for people who already have an interest in the subject to get together or for people who think they may have an interest and want to learn more,” Eaves said.

Eaves finds visual beauty in the art of Japanese calligraphy. “I enjoy teaching this to others as another way of sharing the Japanese culture and how different it is from our own.”

Even with a full schedule, Eaves finds time for another passion… drawing. “A lot of my drawings are based on characters from amines that I watch,” Eaves added. He also created the covers for his books. “the biggest thing I wanted to depict was the energy inside the earth. This held true for both books but for the second book, I also wanted to depict the clash of energies that was to come.”

As for the future, Eaves plans to continue writing and “sharing my

stories, the way my mind sees things, with the world. In doing so, I hope to inspire others to express their own creativity by sharing their own stories, whatever they may be.”

Dennis Eaves’s paperback books can be found online at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Walmart, Books A Million, Bookshop.org, Book Depository, and Indiebound.org. At Indibound.org, you can find local independent bookstores in your area where his books may be purchased and mailed directly to you.

In Caswell County, NC, signed copies may be purchased at the Milton Art Gallery and the Caswell Council for the Arts. Eaves can be contacted directly at authorzax@gmail.com to purchase a signed copy.

Eaves’s books are also available for purchase as a Kindle e-book, which can be viewed on any device through the Kindle app. For those with Kindle Unlimited, my books are free to read with your subscription. Audiobooks should be available in the near future.

Imagine your boss assigns you an unusual task. You have an important selection to make.

That’s why you’re led into a room and seated behind a one-way glass panel. On the other side of the glass is a six-person lineup like ones you’ve seen on detective shows.

One of six is a writer. And your job is to identify him or her.

Although you’ve asked for clues, none have been provided. Instead, you’ve been handed a sheet with a paragraph handwritten by the author. After reading it half a dozen times, you look, once again, at the people in the lineup.

Certain words in the paragraph cause you to think the writer is well educated. Other words suggest that he or she might like bright

colors. Still others remind you of stories your grandparents have told you.

Frustrated, you insist that, before you make your choice, you must be allowed to ask one question. Reluctantly, your boss agrees.

Nonetheless, you feel as if you are the one in the hot seat because your selection, if correct, will win for you a free vacation wherever you want to go.

However, if, after asking your question, you choose the wrong person, someone else will be given the opportunity.

As you take a minute or two to consider the one question you would ask, all you can think of is that you don’t want to lose.

While you’re intensely focused, there’s a knock on the door to your room. Without hesitating, you walk

The Writers’ Page Chapter One What Does a Writer Look Like?

by Barry Koplen photo by Barry Koplen

to the door and open it.

To your surprise, you see me, an author you’ve known for many years. Because you read my first book, No Gold Stars, you welcome me with a hearty handshake.

“I’m here to help you win,” I say. “Let’s get started.”

You hand me the paragraph, ask me to read it.

While I’m reading, you say, “That’s my only clue.” You sound disheartened. “I know I can ask a question, but I have no idea what question or its answer would help me.”

Trying to offer a little comfort, I ask, “Are you a writer?”

Quickly, you answer, “Only if you count thank-you notes.”

When I nod, as if considering that to be an important reply, you seem puzzled.

“Why do you ask that?”

I smile at you and your question, then say, “Long ago, you discovered you weren’t a writer. Even so, you knew how to appreciate writing that’s well done.” I point to the paper. “Don’t you agree that this is well written?”

“Yes, but why is that a clue?”

I answer his question with one of my own. “If you decided tomorrow to be a writer, how long would it take you to write a paragraph this well?”

For a moment you pause. “I’m sure I’d have to be taught. And I’d have to practice a lot. Probably, I’d need to work on my vocabulary, and…”

I stop you in mid-sentence. “So, what does that tell you about the writer you’re looking for?”

Without hesitating, you answer, “They’ve been writing for a while.”

“Just like me,” I respond.

Hearing that seems to please and relax you. We’ve turned away from the lineup as if we’re about to begin a conversation that has nothing to do with making a selection.

“Now I know why I loved No Gold Stars,” you tell me.

“Please explain,” I say.

“Because you took the time to write it so well. It makes me wonder how long you’ve been writing.”

As soon as you say that you notice my smile. Immediately, you understand.

“That’s my one question, isn’t it?”

January Calendar of Evince

Abbreviation Key

• DMFAH = Danville Museum of Fine Arts & History, 975 Main St. 434.793.5644 www.danvillemuseum.org

• DSC = Danville Science Center, 677 Craghead Street, 434.791.5160 www.dsc.smv.org

• HNT = The Historic North Theatre 629 North Main Street, 434.793.SHOW (7469)

• RBA = Ruby B. Archie Public Library, 511 Patton Street, 434.799.5195 www.readdanvilleva.org

• WC = Wednesday Club, 1002 Main Street in Danville.

Ongoing

Attic Sale Donation Drop Off:

DMFAH Tuesday-Friday 10am-5pm; Sat-12-5pm; Sun 2-5pm no clothes, no electronics furniture accepted with appointment davidc522@ comcast.net 305.766.2979.

January 3 & 24

Tree House Tuesday. Learn about ninjas and twisters, perform experiments, and make crafts in this literary STEAM program. Ages 5-12. Registration. 4:30-6:30pm. RBA.

January 4 (thru 8)

Rube Goldberg’s Alarm Clock Build an impractical yet incredible balloon popping creation. Age 8+. DSC.

January 5

Adult Arts and Crafts. Snowman Tea Light – Unwind from your day with a relaxing arts and crafts project. Ages 18+. Registration. RBA.

Mad Scientists - Circuits. Put your goggles and lab coats on and explore components of STEAM through hands-on demonstrations, experiments, and crafts. Ages 8+. Registration. 5-6pm. RBA Maker Space.

January 9

LEGO Brick Engineers. Make your own LEGO brick creation to meet this month’s creative challenge. Ages 5+. Registration. 4-5pm. RBA Maker Space.

January 9 & 28

Youth Dungeons and Dragons. Solve puzzles, defeat the monsters, and discover treasure along the way. Grades 6-12. 4-6:30pm. RGB Maker Space.

January 10

Start-Up Slam. Modeled after a poetry slam, it is a fun communityoriented event where people share a meal, share creative business ideas, make new friends, and network with both creative people and people who support creative people. 6-8pm. River District Association. 434.791.0210.

January 10 & 24

The Write Stuff Writer’s Group

Bring what you are working on to share with the group or just come to discuss your craft. Ages 18+. Registration. 5-6:30pm. RBA.

January 10 (thru 31)

Little Explorers Storytime – Songs, stories, and activities that promote language development and preliteracy skills. Ages 2-5. Registration. Tuesdays 11am-12pm. RBA.

January 11

Bookworms: Tween Book Club“Lines of Courage” by Jennifer A. Nielsen. Talk about our book of the month. Snacks provided. Grades 5-8. 4-5pm. RBA.

Tween Craft Night - Yarn Painting. Join us for a night of crafts, music, and snacks. Bring your friends and make new ones. Ages 10-17. Registration. 5-6pm. RBA. Sip & Paint “Hot Cocoa Snowman” Door Hanger. Paint an 18” snowman dressed for winter. 6-8:30pm. Golden Leaf Bistro. 434.791.3191.

January 11 (thru 15)

DIY Digital Dome Theater. Come create a functioning mini replica of our Digital Dome Theater. Age 8+. DSC.

January 12

Whodunit Book Club – From cozy mysteries to intense thrillers, we will discuss all the twists and turns and theories we have along the way. January is “Magpie Murders” by Anthony Horowitz. Ages 18+. Registration. 5:30-6:30pm. RBA. Little Learning Lab - Erupting Volcanoes. Explore, create, and learn through interactive STEAM based activities. Ages 2-7. Registration. 4-5pm. RBA. Live Music with Tate Tuck. His soulful voice, infused with a hint of Southern drawl, accompanied by intricate guitar picking beyond his years, puts a unique spin on some old standards, current favorites, and some originals too. 7-11pm. Golden Leaf Bistro. 434.791.3191.

January 12, 19 & 26

Think & Drink Trivia Night. A night of fun, great beer, good company, and trivia. 7-9pm. Ballad Brewing. 434.799.4677.

January 13

Book Babies. Music and rhymes, stories, and fingerplays in a lapsit program for babies and their caregivers. 0-24 months. Registration. 10:30-11am. RBA.

January 14

Adaptive Art Class. Special needs/ physically challenged individuals 2pm. MSAC. The Comedy Gospel Explosion Come laugh, cry, and praise your way through to your next level. Featuring comedians J Smooth and Laughing Lenny. Performances by The Williams Sisters and The Richardson Brothers Gospel Quartet. 6-9pm. HNT.

January 14 & 15

Free Weekend at the Museum Sat. 12-5pm; Sun. 2-5pm. DMFAH.

January 15, 22 & 29

Board Games at the Brewery. Big selection of games or bring your own. 12-7pm. Ballad Brewing. 434.799.4677.

January 17

Adult Arts and Crafts - Craft Stick Photo Frame. Ages 18+. Registration. 5:30-6:30pm. RBA. Teen Hobby Hour. Arts and crafts with fellow teens. Bring whatever craft you’re working on and come hang out. Ages 11-17. Registration. 5-6pm. RBA.

Connecting Caswell Breakfast: Join us for a complimentary breakfast, fellowship and opportunity to reconnect in the business community after the holidays. 8:00am. Caswell Senior Center, 649 Firetower Road, Yanceyville, NC. CaswellChamber. org/events

January 18

Mad Hatter Tea Party. Celebrate your unbirthday with the Mad Hatter, play flamingo croquet with the Queen of Hearts and craft with Alice. Ages 3-10. Registration. 5-6pm. RBA.

January 18 (thru 22)

Shocking Schematics. Come build a working circuit and better understand its functionality. Age 8+. DSC.

January 19

Puzzlers Club. Put your thinking caps on and join us to discuss and decode ciphers, riddles, and logic puzzles. Email millerm@danvilleva. gov to submit brain teasers. Ages 18+. Registration. 5:30-6:30pm. RBA.

January 20

Concerto Budapest Symphony Orchestra. One of Hungary’s leading orchestras. The musicians in this progressive and versatile

symphonic orchestra are known for their passion, energy and commitment. Its repertoire ranges from well-loved masterpieces to newly composed works of the twenty-first century. 7:30pm. GWHS. Danville Concert Association.

January 21

Classic Movie Club. Stories of love, adventure, intrigue and so much more. Viewing of “An Affair to Remember” with a discussion after the film. Ages 18+. Registration. 11am-1:30pm. RBA.

Valentine Door Hanger. 11am. MSAC.

Live Music with Mike Warren & Teddy Crihfield. 8-11pm. Golden Leaf Bistro. 434.791.3191.

January 23

Unrequired Reading – Classics Book Club. Discuss a fresh perspective on “Animal Farm” by George Orwell. Ages 18+. Registration. 6-7pm. RBA.

January 25 (thru 29)

The Snowplow. Design a snowplow to help our Ozobots clear a snow covered roadway. Age 8+. DSC.

January 27

Snow Place Like the Library

The library is turned into a winter wonderland after hours. Build your own snow fort, make your own snow and compete in our indoor snowball fight. Ages 6-12. Registration. 5-7pm. RBA.

January 30

Maker Mondays. Put your maker caps on to build, explore, tinker, and create fun hands-on projects. January is Plastic Canvas Creations. Ages 7+. Registration. 4:305:30pm. RBA.

January 31

De-Stress Night. Relaxed fun to unwind from the holidays. Enjoy coloring, candle-making, and hot beverages. Ages 18+. Registration. 5:30-6:30pm. RBA.

UPCOMING:

February 1

The Wednesday Club. Jenny Cole - Training With Love and Leadership. 3:45 pm. W.C.

February 8

The Wednesday Club. Anne Moore-Sparks - Our Growing Community and the Chamber’s Role. 3:45 pm. W.C.

February 11

Danville Storytelling Festival

Family-oriented event that acts as an “artistic social bridge”bringing communities together and celebrating how we are all connected using the rich tradition of storytelling, performances, and activism. 10am-2pm. Ballou Park Nature Center. danvillestorytelling. com.

James Anderson has a specific memory of when he first caught the acting bug. “I’ve got a picture of me playing Joseph in my kindergarten’s nativity pageant,” Anderson said. In middle grade, he performed in plays at church. “I knew by high school I wanted to study acting and try to become a professional.”

Anderson grew up in Charlotte, North Carolina. After attending the University of North Carolina School of the Arts, he moved to New York, working as an actor and teacher. Later, he relocated to Raleigh, North Carolina, and joined Burning Coal Theatre Company. Anderson moved to Danville in 2014. “I met Josh Lucia during a show for Little Theater of Danville. We met up later at the first Bridge Street Food Truck Rodeo and talked about forming a new theater group in the area,” Anderson said. That group became The Smokestack Theatre Company.

Philip Anglim’s portrayal of John Merrick in The Elephant Man shaped Anderson’s acting at a young age. “No specific effects. He used his contorted body and voice to convey the stunning role,” Anderson added. He has other standout performances that have stuck with him. “I tend to have favorite performances by an actor versus having a favorite actor.” Anderson cited Anthony Hopkins’ role in Silence of the Lambs and Madeline Kahn’s performance in What’s Up Doc? as favorites.

As far as acting, Anderson has few roles he holds as memorable.

“My favorite roles have been Benedick in Much Ado About Nothing, Jeff in Brigadoon, and Edward Teller in The Love Song of J. Robert Oppenheimer Preparing for a role can be a complex process for Anderson. “Creating a character exists on many levels—from discovering a physicality to choosing specific details of a character’s life. Finding the character’s voice is also important, as is keeping myself ‘in shape’ to be able to perform the role,” he added.

Believability is an integral part of winning over an audience. Anderson works on two things to make his roles believable.

“Foundational work like a character’s background and vocal work, memorization, etc. And then, as we begin to work the story onstage, I focus on being in that moment we are creating as that character. That’s where the magic is for me. It’s a transcendence into the reality and story that the ensemble (director, actors, designers, and technicians) is telling.”

Anderson plans to continue hone his craft in the upcoming year. “I am looking forward to working on To Kill A Mockingbird, the first show in Smokestack’s 2023 season. I am directing. And I am really looking forward to our production of Misery in October based on the book by Stephen King. It’s an absolutely thrilling stage interpretation by the screenwriter who adapted

the book for the film, William Goldman,” he said.

Anderson has a few words of encouragement for those stepping on stage for the first time. “Find some kind of theater class to attend, be around likeminded people, keep your head down and learn by studying the professionals you admire.”

Action! Inside the Method of Acting James Anderson

by Paul Seiple photo courtesy of Smokestack Theatre Co

Plant: You’ve staggered out of bed. About time.

Linda (shaking her head as if to reset it): I’ll never get used to this.

P: Get used to what?

L (yawning): To having a talking plant. You appear to be a morning plant. I’m not a morning plant, I mean, person. Come on, Plant. Let’s take a tour.

P: I like the sunrise. Seeing the drops of dew on surrounding leaves. And I do love a change of scene. Where are we going?

L: Let’s start out in the living room. There’s more of your kind in there. Okay for me to carry you?

P: How else would I get there? And what do you mean by more of my kind?

L: Well, they’re plants, but inarticulate. Normal. Green. Photosynthesizing.

P: That’s not an optimal place to put them when the heat is on.

L: Where? In the window?

P: On top of a radiator cover.

L: But the radiator’s in front of the window. The cover has a flat surface.

P: I know, but why put a significant heat source below a source of significant heat loss, meaning a window? Where else would an architect put a radiator? Along a wall? In the middle of a room?

L: I haven’t had coffee yet, and I’m discussing architecture and interior design. With a plant. But putting heat sources in the middle of a room makes sense from a family gathering and chatting perspective.

P: Like an electric firepit wired by design for interior use. Outdoor firepits are hot this year.

L: How would you know about firepits?

P: Home beauty magazine pictures.

L: From your previous owners.

P: A rapidly fading memory compared to the effervescent energy of this new space.

L: Ever-positive, Plant. You are a font of optimism. About the

Plant III

Seasonal Plant Disorder

by Linda Lemery

radiators why isn’t putting plants on radiator covers next to windows optimal placement?

P: More ever-hopeful than everpositive. The difference increases in direct proportion to the number of detailed explanations needed … As to plants, radiators get hot because they’re heaters. Heat dries out plant soil, which makes it harder to keep the soil moist and freely movable.

L: Was that crack about explanations a subtle slam, Plant? But interesting discussion. Freely movable?

P (speaking as if to a dimwit): So that roots can grow through it.

L: Oh. But if not on the radiators, where should I put the plants so that they can get some light?

P: Do I look like an architect or an interior designer?

L: Maybe this is why people install grow lights.

P: Is that something you’re going to do for me?

L: I really hadn’t considered it.

P: I’ve wondered about seasonal affective disorder. The planet’s poles are tipped the wrong way this time of year, reducing light intensity. Sometimes I’m sad. People sometimes have SAD, but what about plants? Is plant

dormancy related to human seasonal affective disorder?

L: Plants sleep through the sadness. People have to weather it. I have a treatment light for seasonal affective disorder. Never have used it, though.

P: Why do you have it if you don’t use it?

L: People frequently ask me that about all my stuff. The answer’s generally that the universe just washed it up on my shores via a thrift store or a yard sale.

P: You and I both try to be open to unexpected gifts from the universe. Could you plug in the treatment light and put me next to it? Maybe I could have a growth spurt in mid-winter.

L: Or you could get sunburned or dried out or worse.

P: Good point. Maybe we should try 15 minutes to see if there are ill-effects. And time it so I don’t burn to a crisp.

L: Interesting that in addition to talking with a plant, I’m now doing science with a plant. Should I worry more about the plant … or about my mental state?

About the author: Even when Linda Lemery’s llemery@gmail.com exploring highly improbable relationships between plant dormancy and human seasonal affective disorder, she welcomes reader comments.

Movies You Missed from 20 years ago

by Josh Lucia

Final Destination 2 (6.5/10 Rating)

Released January 31, 2003

Streaming on Hulu. For rent/purchase on all major platforms. Genre: Horror, Thriller Rated R: Strong violent/gruesome accidents, language, drug content, and some nudity 1h 30m

There are movies you watch to be moved and there are movies you watch to be entertained and enjoy the ride. This is not top-tier filmmaking, but it is definitely fun…if your idea of fun is watching the creatively gruesome ways characters can die. This sequel picks up a year after the events of the first Final Destination jumping right into the action with the main character having a premonition about a highway pileup in which her friends and other strangers will die leading to her saving them and dealing with the consequences of altering “Death’s” plan. The setup alone is worth watching as every shot lingers on various things, we all know are going to come into play soon. It’s like watching a Rube Goldberg Machine created for death. This film did for highway driving what Psycho did for

showers. Anyone who has seen this movie will forever get uneasy behind a logging truck and find themselves quickly maneuvering around them. The acting is fine and much better than many movies in this genre, the music is fun, and the effects are mostly well done. Some effects don’t hold up, but many were so impressive I remember my friends and I pausing the DVD to see where the edits were happening in certain scenes. It can be a bit gory at times, so if you are generally turned off by that or have a weak stomach, I would steer clear, pun intended. If you enjoy a thriller and don’t mind a little dismembering and blood splatter, give it a watch. This is probably the best in the series and there have been rumors of late that another is in the works. Horror fans will enjoy yet another cameo from Tony Todd, the original Candyman

Also check out: Confessions of a Dangerous Mind, Just Married, A Guy Thing, Darkness Falls, The Recruit, Lost in La Mancha (follow @jlucia85 for these reviews and more)

For many of us, winter is a time for red wines like Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, or others. But you may be a person who only enjoys white wine but doesn’t care for Chardonnay. If you have not already tried Chenin Blanc, please give it a try, as it may be a candidate for your favorite winter or year-round white wine.

Phonetically, the grape is pronounced “shen-nin blank,” and it is grown in many countries. Most Chenin Blanc is produced in South Africa, even though it is native to the Loire Valley in France. In South Africa, this wine may be called “steen.”

Winemakers can make Chenin Blanc in many styles. It can be bone-dry, off-dry, sweet, or even sparkling. If you want to get familiar with a particular brand of Chenin Blanc, do a little research or ask your wine shop cashier for help. Chenin Blanc, from the French town of Vouvray in the Loire Valley, is an excellent place to start your Chenin Blanc journey.

Kathryn Loveless, writing for Vino del Vida, describes some flavors you may find in different styles of Chenin Blanc. A sweet Chenin Blanc may offer you flavors of

pear, peach, and nectarine, as well as floral aromas of jasmine and honeysuckle. For dry Chenin Blanc, flavors of lemons, green pear, and green apple may be found. If your Chenin Blanc was aged in oak barrels, you might discover flavors of butterscotch, honeyed oats, vanilla, and bread.

Ms. Loveless goes on to say that with such a wide variety in the flavors of Chenin Blanc, the pairing options seem endless; Meats: poultry, trout, pork chops, turkey, salmon (smoked or baked), veal, Vegetables: squash, yams, cauliflower, mushrooms, carrots and potatoes, Cheese: brie (dry), goat cheeses (dry), cow’s milk cheeses (sweet), cheddar (sweet), gruyere (dry and sweet), Desserts: anything made with Christmas spices, apple pie, pear tarts, roasted peaches (dry), poached bears (sweet), baked apples (sweet), key lime pie and lemon meringue.

Chenin Blanc is a changeable chameleon in the wine world, making it an enjoyable wine to discover and enjoy.

Cheers!

A Winter’s Wine?

by Dave Slayton photo by Dave Slayton

Januarys Past

by Mack Williams

My recollection of the Januarys as a youngster in the 1950s-60s doesn’t involve any stating of New Year’s resolutions or any other “to do” list.

It’s more of a collection of impressions which have stayed with me, and which I will now mention.

I won’t “enumerate” them, though; as to assign numbers would resemble a rating system, giving one more importance than another. Instead, they mesh together like the ingredients of a pie.

I remember tossing and bouncing a Christmas present basketball in our front yard. The ball bounced higher on the bare, frozen ground than on summer’s “fuzzy” turf. My heavy coat put distance between me and the cold. Though the thick

gloves lessened the articulation of my grasp on the basketball, their inner warmth kept my fingers from becoming frozen.

As I guided my basketball in its downward bound, I saw a few jet-black “rocks” scattered about. These were the former “eyes” and “coat buttons” of several generations of snowmen I’d built and seen melt into the earth.

In a way, some of those pieces of coal once had the gift of “sight,” while those “buttons” once moved back and forth under my snowman’s “breath.”

On the front porch, my Christmas telescope revealed the “veiny” details of a few remaining dead autumn leaves in the trees beyond my neighbor’s cow pasture. Why they were still twigattached, I can’t say. The cold January air made them seem

frozen in place, beyond gravity’s reach.

One January, in my attempt to find tiny things to observe through my Christmas microscope, I shook a saltshaker on a glass slide and saw crystalline cubes through the eyepiece. These gifts of telescopes and microscopes were evidence of the national emphasis on “youthful science,” what with Sputnik, The Space Race, The Cold War, etc. Come to think of it, for several years I saw things more clearly through my binoculars, telescopes, and microscopes than through the proverbial “naked eye” (my diagnosis of myopia and fitting with glasses came later).

Looking into a present, cold, clear January sky, I’m back in all of those “first months” again, briefly.