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evince\i-’vin(t)s\ 1: to constitute outward evidence of 2: to display clearly; reveal syn see SHOW
On the Cover: Robert Huggins. Photo by Robert Huggins.
Robert Huggins spent six years racing from one retail holiday season to the next, always planning months ahead. Today, you’re more likely to find him thoughtfully collecting pinecones along a hiking trail or crafting whimsical woodland creatures inspired by his childhood love of FernGully: The Last Rainforest This transformation didn’t happen overnight—it’s the result of a deliberate journey toward mindfulness and creativity that began in his mid-thirties.
“I decided to take charge of my mind, body, and spirit a little better,” Huggins said, describing his transition from being “on the heavier side” to embracing an active lifestyle centered around hiking, trail running, and yoga. This summer, he took a bold step, pressing pause on his retail career to reconnect with nature and explore new possibilities.
The catalyst for this change came during the Yoga Jam festival in Floyd, Virginia. Camping with close friends in a small RV, Huggins found himself surrounded
by like-minded individuals focused on spreading kindness and grounding their souls. The experience sparked a realization: it was time to align his work with his passions.
Now studying to become a certified Forest Therapist, Huggins envisions leading groups on mindful forest walks, where participants will engage all their senses in nature’s embrace. His plans don’t stop there—spring will bring yoga teacher training, with massage therapy certification on the horizon.
But perhaps most striking is how Huggins has merged his newfound love of nature with his creative heritage. Growing up with an artistically inclined mother who taught in the public school system, he developed an early appreciation for crafting.
“Making crafts for the holidays was always one of my favorite things to do,” he said. “Decorating the tree, making wreaths and bows, cooking and baking; call me Martha Stewart!”
Today, his artistic medium
From Retail to Nature’s Art
One Man’s Journey of Self-Discovery
Robert Huggins
by Paul Seiple photo by Robert Huggins
comes straight from the forest floor. Armed with a fanny pack or book bag, Huggins collects nature’s treasures during his hikes—acorns, pinecones, mushrooms, twigs, and branches. These found objects become the raw materials for his whimsical creations, particularly his signature woodland creatures that seem to have stepped straight out of a fairy tale.
“You begin to see how shapes and geometry repeat themselves in nature,” he explained, describing how acorns and pinecones transform into heads and bodies for his creatures, or become elements in decorative garlands and wreaths. Working with natural materials presents unique challenges—each piece must be carefully dried to prevent mold, and some materials prove too delicate for his hot glue assembly method. Through trial and error, he’s learned that hardy materials like holly and magnolia leaves work best for delicate features like wings, while pinecones and moss provide sturdy structural elements.
The temporary nature of his medium doesn’t bother Huggins. Instead, it seems to deepen his appreciation for the present
moment—a skill he’s honed through his practice of yoga and meditation. “I don’t feel that pressure now,” he said, comparing his current pace to the constant forward-thinking required in retail. “I can use that time to create.”
His friend Kendall introduced him to Angler’s Park six years ago, sparking his love for hiking and trail running. Now, these physical activities naturally intertwine with his creative process. “In slowing down, sometimes you get to pay more attention to what’s around you,” he added. “My brain sees these natural materials and what could be made out of them.”
While Huggins currently shares his creations through Facebook and local markets, his ambitions extend beyond crafting. At 39, he’s embracing a holistic approach to life that combines physical wellness, creative expression, and environmental connection. His journey serves as a reminder that it’s never too late to pivot toward authenticity and find joy in life’s simpler pleasures— even if that means trading retail deadlines for peaceful forest walks and crafting sessions with nature’s bounty.
December Calendar of Evince
Ongoing
Danville Science Center. ExhibitsUnder the Arctic, Go!, Water, Cresent Crossing.Various Dome Shows, Creativity Labs, Stream Into The V.O.I.D. www.dsc.smv.org.
Ruby B. Archie Public Library Programs - Don’t miss the programs offered at the Library. Adult & Tween Arts & Crafts, The Write Stuff, Computers for Beginners, Just Write, Unrequired Reading – Classics Book Club, Youth Dungeons and Dragons, Storytellers: Creative Writing 101, Murder Mystery Dinner, Hour of Code, Little Explorers Storytime, Little Learning Lab, Book Babies, Random Fandom, Maker Mondays, Code Challengers, Teen Takeover, Pop Culture Geek Out Hour, ACEC Information Sessions, 3D Printing for Adults, Get More from Google, The Loop Group, Books & Beans Social Hour, Girls Who Code, Books & Brews Social Hour, Winter Solstice Celebration, We Dig Science, LEGO Brick Engineers, Oh, Christmas Tree, Gingerbread Ornaments, Nutcracker Hot Cocoa Party. 434.799.5195.
Through January 11
PAA Exhibits. The Art of the Quilt: ex·per·i·ment and Virginia Foothills Quilters Guild. Piedmont Arts. 276.632.3221.
December 1
Santa Meet & Greet. Free photos with Santa canned food drive. Bring one canned food item per child. 1-3pm. God’s Storehouse. 434.857.8832.
December 1 (thru 29)
Live Music. Hosted by Matt Crowder. Sundays 2-6pm. 2 Witches Winery & Brewing Co. 434.549.2739.
December 3
Medicare Basics. Seminar to help make smarter choices as to the most cost effective and best Medicare health plan. Registration required. 10am-12pm. Ballou Rec. Center. 434.799.5216.
December 4
Diabetes Support Group. Learn tips and tricks to help better manage diabetes. Topics will vary. 11am-12pm. Ballou Rec Center. 434.799.5216.
December 5
VA-NC Piedmont Genealogical Society. Learn helpful tips and hear interesting stories related to genealogy topics. Ages 18+. Registration required. 2-3pm. Ruby B. Archie Public Library Auditorium. 434.799.5195. Sensory-Friendly Night. Guests with disabilities can enjoy a less crowded environment as they explore exhibitions, sensory-friendly activities and visit with Santa. 5-7pm. Danville Science Center. www.dsc.smv.org.
Christmas with the Drifters. 7:30pm. Prizery. 434.572.8339.
December 5 & 17
Legal Aid Workshop. Questions and
answers workshop. 12/5 Wills and Advance Directives, 5:30-6:30pm; 12/17 How to File for Divorce, 1-2pm. Ruby B. Archie Public Library Auditorium. 434.799.5195.
December 6
North Pole Jingle in! Holidays at the Market, Tree Lighting Ceremony. 5-7pm. Uptown Martinsville Farmers’ Market. 276.632.6401.
Christmas on the Plaza. Carolers, children’s activities, visits with Santa, hot chocolate, cookies, and more. Tree lighting. 5-8pm. Downtown Danville. Luminaria Trail Walk. Celebrate the season with a candlelit stroll along the Riverwalk while encountering various singers and groups along the way, or join along with the roving carolers. 5:30-8pm. 434.857.3384.
Christmas Movie Night. Featuring The Polar Express, festive treats, cookie decorating, and photos with Santa.6pm. Windsor Heights Community Pool.
Breakfast with Santa and MGDC Crafts, bounce house, vendors, photos with Santa and pancakes. 6-9pm. Twin Springs Elementary School.
Christmas Movie Night. The Muppets Christmas Carol, cookies, hot chocolate and Santa and Mrs. Claus. 6:30pm. Dan River Church.
Christmas in Historic Chatham 12/6-Lantern lighting, carols, Yule log, cider & cookies, 7pm, Courthouse; 12/7-Christmas parade 6pm, Main Street; 12/8-Christmas First Concert Series: Christmas Joy, 3:30pm. Emmanuel Episcopal Church.
December 7
Holiday Market at the Penn House Artisans with handmade gifts are set up in this historic house. 9am-2pm. Reidsville. 336/349.1099.
Children’s Holiday House. Crafts, stories, toys from the past and holiday cookies. Ages 4-10 years and accompanying adults. 6-8pm. Danville Museum of Fine Arts & History (DMFAH). 434.793.5644.
Santa’s Workshop. Gift wrapping service, Christmas spirited activities for the family, free kids activities - cookie decorating, letter to Santa, reindeer food, kid’s crafts, bounce house. 11am-3pm. Wilson Street. Danville Historical Society Holiday Tour - Beauty Revealed. A showcase of a delightful blend of homes, churches, and businesses, each with their own unique history and charm. 11am-5pm. Victorian Yuletide - Christmas at Avoca. Enjoy holiday decorations, music, refreshment, silent auction and Santa’s Workshop. Bring a toy donation for a family photo with Santa. 11am-5pm.
Avoca Museum & Historical Society. Altavista. It’s a Wonderful Life. Live play, telling the story of idealistic George Bailey, featuring an ensemble of local talent. 2:30pm. Smokestack Theatre Company. 434.549.5445.
A Character Christmas Parade. Movie & TV character themed floats, marching bands, dogs, horses, cars, and more. 5pm. Main Street, South Boston. Dinner for Breakfast with Santa. 5-8pm. Brosville Fire Department. Jazz Mingle & Jingle. Dress to impress, sit back and enjoy the holiday classics performed by Phase II. 6-8pm. Ballou Rec Center. 434.799.5216.
Live Music - Gabriel Van, The Americana/Jam Grass Band. 7pm. Ballad Brewing.
December 7 & 8
Christmas at the Cinema DSO Concert. Celebrate the season with the Polar Express, Frozen, A Miracle on 34th Street, Holiday Inn (White Christmas) and much more. 12/7, 7:30pm, Bonner Middle School; 12/8, 5pm, The Prizery. dsova.org.
December 7 & 14
Holiday Market. Browse from over 100 vendors selling art, crafts, baked goods, unique gifts, flowers, seasonal produce and more. 8am-2pm. Danville Community Market. 434.799.5200.
December 7 (thru 28)
Live Music. 12/7 Stomping Ground; 12/13 Skyway 61; 12/14 Gary McCullough; 12/20 The League of Ordinary Gentlemen; 12/27Gypsy Soul; 12/28 On the Margins. 7-10pm. 2 Witches Winery & Brewing Co. 434.549.2739.
December 8
Christmas at The Farm. Snuggle with & feed the alpacas, pictures with Mr. & Mrs. Claus. 1-4pm. Funky Fleece Farm, Gretna. 434.851.8103.
Riverview Rotary Serving Others for Christmas Parade. Featuring the return of the Blue & Gold Marching Machine of North Carolina A&T University. 5pm. Main Street, Danville. The Danville Symphony Orchestra Christmas Concert. 5pm. The Prizery. 434.572.8339.
December 9
Let’s Make a Scene! Reader’s Theatre Series. Join us, along with Smokestack Theatre Company, to read a role or just read along “A Christmas Story” by Philip Grecian. Ages 18+. Registration required. Ruby B. Archie Public Library. 434.799.5195.
December 11
Bark the Halls. Enjoy the annual Community Holiday Light Show as you and your pup take a walk through the beautiful light displays and end the evening with a holiday themed picture of you and your dog. 5:30-7:30pm. Ballou Park. 434.857.3384.
December 12 (thru 23)
Community Holiday Light Show. Children’s Village features pictures with Santa, hot chocolate, a train model display, and various activities for the kids. Displays created by businesses and organizations in the community. Each display designates a non-profit to
win a monetary donation if their display places in the “Best in Show” votes by the visitors to the show. Admission. 6-9pm. Ballou Park 434.857.3384. President’s Reception. 5:30-9pm. DMFAH. 434.793.5644.
A Very Krampus Christmas. Krampus crafts, games, light refreshments, and general merriment shall be had by all. Ages 18+. Registration required. 7:30pm. Ruby B. Archie Public Library Auditorium. 434.799.5195.
December 13, 14 & 15
A Very Vintage Christmas. Over 40 vendors, free admission, pet friendly, and Santa. White Barn Vintage, Hurt.
December 14
Breakfast with Santa. Breakfast, 50/50, and Santa. 8-11am. Pelham Community Center.
Community Cares Winterfest. Healthy food boxes, hygiene kits, toys, face painting, music, prizes. 11am-1pm. Changing Lives Community Center. Pet Photos with Santa. Including a free microchip clinic. 11am-2pm. Danville Area Humane Society. 434.799.0843. Enchanted Noel Charity Ball. Hors d’oeuvres, photo ops, DJ and music. 5:30-8pm. Presented by Collective Studio & Salvation Army. 525 Lynn St. RSVP 434.429.7194.
Ugly Christmas Sweater Karaoke Party Bring your favorite holiday snacks and get ready to sing. 6pm. Homeplace Vineyard. 434.432.9463.
December 14 & 21
MSAC Christmas Markets. 10am5pm. Main Street Art Collective. 434.602.2017. (See ad page 10)
December 14 (thru Mar. 15)
DMFAH Exhibit. Art as an Act of Devotion - religious and spiritual art and artifacts. 6-8pm. Danville Museum of Fine Arts & History. 434.793.5644.
December 17
The Great Christmas Bake-Off Drop off 9am. Judging 4-5pm. Tasting 5-6pm. Chatham Library. Calls from the North Pole. Danville children ages 3-10 will receive calls from 5-8pm. Registration required. 434.799.5150.
December 18
SOVAH ER Open House. Tours of the new ER, complimentary refreshments. Registration required by 12/2. 6-8pm. SOVAH Health. 434.799.2156.
Ugly Sweater Christmas Party. Live music by The Poorhous, dancing, brews, wine, and food. 7-10pm. 2 Witches Winery & Brewing Co. 434.549.2739. December 27 & 28
Triangle Cycle Moonlight Indoor MX Motocross Series. Every Friday & Saturday. Olde Dominion Agricultural Center, 434.432.8026 or Lake Sugar Tree, 434.650.1158.
December 31
New Year Celebration. Dancing to Remedy. 8pm. The American Legion Memorial Post 325.
New Year’s Eve Downtown Countdown. Ring in the New Year downtown with food trucks, beer garden, music by Rock Steady, The League of Ordinary Gentlemen and DJ Greg Ge. 9pm. (See ad page 15)
Trevor Percario is something of a prodigy. At 23, he is already an accomplished pianist and musician playing gigs in bands and as a solo act across the region. As prodigies typically do, Trevor started young. At five, he was playing music with his nine-year-old brother. On one occasion, his father was showing his older brother how to play a song on the keyboard. Trevor heard it and started playing it. It was at that point his parents thought music lessons might pay off. After a few years of lessons and their requisite recitals, Trevor’s father felt he was ready to perform live. Trevor was soon accompanying his father to live shows and attending open mic nights around Danville.
Of those open mics, Crema and Vine became an important venue. Trevor’s first gig was with a band his dad was involved in called Bob and the Regrets. Trevor was 14. Following that came Sofa Sessions, also at Crema and Vine, where artists played covers and music they’d written. The show was broadcast on the radio. Trevor was writing some of his own music by then, and this gave him an opportunity to debut his original work and to see how it landed.
While his first love was and still is piano and keyboard, Trevor also began learning to play the bass guitar during his freshman year in high school.
Drawing inspiration and influence from performers like Billy Joel,
Trevor’s musical tastes were already gravitating toward jazz, but it wasn’t until he met Dan Wolf, a professional jazz trumpet player with whom he soon began to play, that he jazz really began to take hold of him. By playing the standards of Duke Ellington and the like, he began to get a real feel for the way jazz rhythms work. Dan’s band played a lot of funk, a syncopated version of jazz with a strong rhythm. “Playing piano was one thing,” Trevor told us, “but playing bass was really fun because it’s the bass that drives the rhythm.”
With his interest in jazz and the pursuit of it truly ignited, Trevor began searching for someone who could help him level up. He found Butch Taylor in Lynchburg, a former teacher of Dave Matthews, and began taking lessons from him. After high school, Trevor went to Lynchburg College and then Liberty, where he studied for a semester under Joseph Henson.
Things really took a turn for Trevor when he transferred to Augusta University’s music program, headed by Wycliffe Gordon. Gordon is a grammy winner and has been chosen multiple times as the world’s best jazz trombonist. “That was when I learned what it was about to be a jazz musician,” Trevor told us. It was here, as Gordon brought in some of the best musicians in the industry to work with his students, that Trevor began to feel that it wasn’t enough just to be a jazz musician. He wanted to be one
of the best. But it was at precisely that point that Trevor realized how much work he needed to do. His desire to be the best became a curse. Self-doubt plagued him during this period in time, and he began to doubt he had it in him to really be great. In the months following his graduation from university, Trevor determined himself to move on from music, to get a regular job, and “just get on with life,” as he puts it.
Then, one day, while scrolling Instagram, he saw a poster of Wycliffe Gordon playing with a band at Birdland in New York City. “I’ve got to do that!” Trevor instantly thought, and the spark was reignited. Trevor shortly thereafter moved to Greensboro, North Carolina, where he would have more gigging opportunities. “I’ve played with the most jazz musicians in the last five or six months than I have my entire life,” he said proudly.
Trevor’s goal is to make a living doing what he loves most. “I don’t know exactly where that’s going to take me,” he says as he ponders the possibility of an eventual move to New York or New Orleans. “There’s nowhere like New York for jazz!” Wherever the future may take him, Trevor feels that, right now, he is precisely where he needs to be.
Trevor plays every Sunday at Crema & Vine from 10:30 to 12:30 (come see him before this great talent leaves us). To learn more about Trevor and his work, visit Trevorpercario.com.
Collage Inside
OWE Arts & Culture Performance: Trevor Percario
by Val-Rae Lindenau
photos by Cali Earp
OWE Arts & Culture exists to highlight the diverse range of talent among Danville’s creative community and to provide opportunities for that community to come together.
UNDER CONTRACT UNDER CONTRACT
This being the month of December, many will pick up the Bible and turn to the Gospels to read the Christmas Story silently, or aloud to their children. Or they will hear it read to them in church. Sometimes as an accompaniment to a group of fellow parishioners in “Biblical garb” which looks suspiciously like bathrobes. This month’s article is not about that story, but about a man literally holding up the Bible as a reminder to his fellow man.
One of the advantages of being a choir member at Danville’s First Presbyterian Church is being able to look out on the congregation, seeing members in their usual places, members sitting in a different pew (very rare, practically nonexistent), or the visiting, prospective new members.
Some weeks ago, my “congregational gaze” encompassed the presence of a book being held high This was, of course, not just any book. “What it was, was the Bible!”(paraphrasing Andy Griffith).
This Bible’s “living pedestal” was a man who appeared to be in his late 30s, who has now been
attending for the good portion of a “month of Sundays.”
The man’s arm strength is amazing, being able to raise and keep the Bible aloft from the service’s beginning all the way through to the benediction.
After the service, and being very friendly, he enjoys conversing with fellow parishioners. He carries his Bible at his side. While, of course, using his other hand for “God’s work” in the shaking of hands.
One time, I saw him with the Bible raised high in both hands over his head (sort of a “Holy calisthenic”)!
I figured this was a case of “one hand helping the other” (a paraphrase of the popular “handwashing” phrase).
All of this talk (writing) about “hands” makes me think of another phrase: “Place your left hand on the Bible and raise your right hand.” If the same hand is holding and raising the Bible, I wonder if that implies a double dose of veracity?
I haven’t thought to take note of whether the gentleman alternates arms (and of course, hands) in his raising of the Bible from one service to the next. But he never
The Bible Raised High
by Mack Williams
switches the Bible from one hand to the other during the same service (not a “switch hitter”).
I’ve also seen him, with a spiraled notebook in hand, tearing out written sheets and giving them to drivers at stoplights (like the words of the old gospel song “In the Highways”). The message which he writes on them is always spiritual and scriptural. (I started to add “spiraled,” but that might be too much alliteration).
As I mentioned before, this man’s raised Bible catches attention. but recently, he performed a variation (not the “Paganini” kind) which astonished me!
You’ve seen those businesses along the road which have a piece of “iconic sculpture” out front related to that business’s specialty, in order to catch the attention of passing prospective customers. (‘m thinking about a tire store I once saw which used a mechanically rotating tire atop a tall spire).
Well, this gentleman performed a feat of astounding dexterity that Sunday. He held the Bible high, while rotating it with the fingers of one hand.
Just like that rotating, advertising “tire on a spire,” he really got my attention that morning. It was fascinating to see how his fingers “walked” the Bible in a 360-degree circle (a lot more amazing than fingers walking through the Yellow Pages). He told me later that he could also do the same with a basketball. His moving digits that morning almost reminded me of “sleight of hand,” or “Now you see it , now you don’t.” (but there’s nothing “tricky” about “the Word.” It’s right there in plain sight, to be both seen and heard).
After the church service, and on the way out past the table where a stack of bulletins is always placed for the worshipers, I saw one of the man’s handwritten “bulletins,” torn from his spiral-bound notebook, lying next to the stack of printed church bulletins. I figured that just like the regular bulletins, it had been placed there to be taken.
I had already folded my church bulletin, putting it in my pocket to take home.
So, with his “bulletin,” I did likewise.
(Scene: Mamie and Solly eating out while recapping the year.))
Mamie: (cutting her salad): Been a heck of a year, Solly.
Solly (pouring his dressing): Mamie, I’m glad to be retired.
M: You taught in the Spring.
S: Started out teaching in person which was great.
M: Then, a friend in the Midwest passed away.
S: Went there to clean out her apartment.
M (sipping water): Her sister couldn’t come. No one else to do it.
S (using pepper shaker): Went off to that corner coffee shop to teach remotely.
M: Can’t believe our friend didn’t have Internet access in her apartment.
S: Tried various libraries asking for temporary access, Mamie. None of them opened early enough for my morning class.
M: But the coffee shop let you teach.
S: Three days per week. Good food. Terrible bandwidth.
M: Internet kept disconnecting, plus you had trouble with digital…?
S: …Math notation. All those symbols. Tricky.
M (picking up the salt): Loaded the van slam-full with donations every night, Solly.
S (shaking his head): Delivered all those donations the next day, came back for lunch, then loaded the next batch to be donated.
M: Remember furniture consignment, unconsignment, moving it closer to us, reconsignment?
S: I would’ve abandoned it, Mamie.
M: Not what our friend would have wanted.
S: She couldn’t use it anymore.
M: All about honoring her wishes, not yours.
S: Had to sell her car. Keys had been stolen.
M: Dealer wouldn’t help us. Had to get a mobile locksmith.
S: And a small estate affidavit to sell it.
M (cutting chicken): Learned about hooking up trailers, Solly.
S (reaching for the salt): Like how not to hook them up, Mamie. Can’t believe the staff at the rental place did it wrong.
M: Truck packer was a godsend. Fixed up the towing gizmo so that we could get home intact.
S: After that we had to get 4 new tires, Mamie.
M: Only delayed 6 hours.
S: Started driving, then found out we were driving into a tornado warning.
M: High winds buffeting the van. Unbelievable, Solly.
S: Shuffled stuff in-and-out of the house all year long.
M: Helped our step counts.
S: March was better once we got home.
M: Had to get taxes ready.
S: There were high points. Good catch-up dinners with friends.
M (waving her fork): Great camping trips, Solly, plus took a train to New Jersey friends.
S (waving waiter away): Our rescue dog became king of the house, Mamie.
M: Great taco Tuesdays and flying burrito Wednesdays with friends.
S: You’re exercising. A lot.
M: I’m in the best physical shape of my entire life, thanks to YMCA’s network of support.
S: Good year health-wise for me, too.
M: Have a few good friends.
S: And conversations to prove it. Can’t believe you’re discussing science articles: one at the Y on everything, one on physics by phone to New Jersey. Physics??
M: It’s about vocabulary. Know the least about physics, but I’m learning. Takes some study. You’re reading articles too, Solly. Great conversations at home.
S: Still running the book review group, stage training for us both, plus you’re in two writers’ groups and write for Evince, Mamie.
Make It a Great Year
by Linda Lemery
M (smiling): Evince readers are great.
S (smiling): And two grandkids!
M: Growing like…dandelions?
S: Getting a sinkhole fixed, too, just in time for the holidays.
M: In retrospect, being with our friends and family was the best thing about this year.
S: You say that every year.
M: I mean it every year. The people in our lives are the best things about our lives.
S: Let’s hope next year will be equally great.
M: Hoping isn’t enough. We have to make it great. No more dying, though.
S: Not up to us. People make choices. Upstairs is in charge.
M: Let’s make it harder for Upstairs to take us.
S: By exercising, eating better, reducing stress, making smarter choices?
M: Maintaining positive family, friend, and spiritual networks?
S: And humor. Don’t forget humor.
M: We’re gonna make this a great new year.
About the author: Linda Lemery llemery@ gmail.com wishes Evince readers “Happy holidays” and welcomes readers’ comments.
(A Mamie and Solly Story)
THE POET’S CORNER
Our
incomplete discourse
by Barry Koplen
photo by Barry Koplen
What? You ask as if my reply had skewed our conversation, its meaning, its focus on ordinary words, their simple, honest thoughts we’d waited so long to express. Clarity had come as an informant each of us knew yet hesitated to trust with revived affection, its stippled emotions.
About Barry’s Writing:
I spent years finding my style and improving it. That will always remain a challenge. Language must be pertinent, cohesive, and energetic in order to captivate readers. Simple sentences are just as important as longer complex
sentences. A well-functioning vocabulary is essential. So is honesty.
As for poetry, that will always be one of the most challenging of the verbal arts. Poetry writing can humble any writer; knowing that has made me measure myself as a poet by this thought: a poet is only as good as the next poem he or she writes.
Thanks to Eric Chou, an amazing Chinese author (and ‘second’ father to me), I learned the most important lesson about becoming a bona fide writer: writing has to be done every day That has been my golden rule.
Send Barry a note at barry@ evincemagazine.com
While we’re fans of sparkling wine any time of year, there’s no question that the holiday season is the time to break out the bubbly. From spirited cocktail parties to elaborate dinners with family and friends, the holiday season is about special occasions, and we love celebrating with bubbles in hand. And who can blame us? There’s just something festive about sparkling wine, not to mention that it’s a great choice for pairing with all your favorite holiday foods.
As Wine Country Magazine aptly states, “sparkling wine goes with everything from caviar and oysters to potato chips and
charcuterie.” So, suppose you are planning a meal for a family gathering or a party during the holidays. In that case, sparkling wines are a safe bet because they can complement various dishes. This is not to say that one has to offer only sparkling wines with holiday meals, it is just that their versatility may be needed when you’re uncertain about which wine to provide with which food.
Let’s start with Champagne. In the US, we often use the term Champagne to refer to any sparkling wine, which can be misleading. To be labeled Champagne, a sparkling wine must be produced in the Champagne region of
France. These champagnes, while delicious, often come with a higher price tag. Sparkling wines made in other regions of France, using the same traditional method as Champagne and often different grape varieties, are typically labeled Crémant.
As Food and Wine Magazine explains, “Crémant is a category of French sparkling wines that are produced using the same traditional method as Champagne, yet from other regions, and often leaning on grapes other than the Big Three of the world’s most famous bubbly (Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Pinot Meunier).”
Let’s not forget about Cava
May There Be Sparkle
In
Your Holiday Season
by Dave Slayton
from Spain or Prosecco from Italy and sparkling wines produced here in the good ol’ USA, not to mention good sparkling wines made here in the Old Dominion. When matching sparkling wine with food, pay attention to the sweetness level of the sparkling wine. The Brut sweetness level will go with most dishes. Use the Demi-Sec classification for deserts. May your holidays be sparkling. Cheers!
photo by Dave Slayton
Movies You Missed from 20 years ago
by Josh Lucia
Hotel Rwanda (7/10 Rating)
Released December 22, 2004 (Limited)
Streaming on Tubi, for rent/ purchase on all major platforms. Genre: Docudrama, Biography, Drama, History, War PG-13: On appeal for violence, disturbing images, brief strong language 2h 1m
Nominated for three Academy Awards, Hotel Rwanda is based on true events that took place
during the Rwandan genocide in 1994. Don Cheadle carries the film and was up for Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role portraying Paul Rusesabagina. Sophie Okonedo (Ace Ventura: When Nature Calls) plays his wife and was nominated for her supporting role. Both are well deserved and the entire cast, including Joaquin Phoenix, Nick Nolte, Hakeem Kae-Kazim, Desmond Dube, Fana Mokoena, and Antonio David Lyons is superb. The PG-13 rating perhaps allows for younger
viewers and certainly avoids glorifying violent images, but at times more intense imagery may have made more of an impact. Perchance. It is difficult not to compare this to Schindler’s List, as both stories focus on wealthy men in positions of power that use their connections to save a significant amount of would be victims of genocide. Both films also have been scrutinized for their depictions of a protagonist that some say do not deserve all the praise they have been given. Financial gain may have been motives for both men, but regardless, both shameful historical events are told through these films. Director & Writer Terry George (In the Name of the Father, Some Mother’s Son) presents a very competent film, but it certainly lacks the style and cinematic magic of Steven Spielberg and John Williams. The musical score, aside from some culturally appropriate tracks, lacks depth. At times, it feels like a cheap 90s action soundtrack. The cinematography lacks any
interesting wide shots or gritty intensity. Unfortunately, the story is not one that is well known or spoken of often here in the United States. This film at least exposes viewers to this dark part of world history. There is a documentary available online called Ghosts of Rwanda (Frontline S22.E6) that tells the story of the genocide in Rwanda much better, but it is certainly hard to watch. Hotel Rwanda is not a feel good film, but definitely an important one. If you watch movies to be moved and learn more about the world around you, this is certainly deserving of removal from your list of Movies You Missed
Also released in December 2004: In Good Company, Closer, Darkness, The Woodsman, The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou, Ocean’s Twelve, Million Dollar Baby, The Aviator, Beyond the Sea, Lemony Snicket’s A Series of Unfortunate Events (follow @ jlucia85 for these reviews and more)
