Barbara V Evers

nuchylee/Freedigitalphotos.net As a child, I loved Christmas Eve, but not for obvious reasons.  Sure, Santa Claus' arrival lurked in the back of my mind, but Christmas never really began until my parents took us to the Christmas Eve service at church. The sanctuary of our small church basked in an atmosphere of expectation as the minister lit the last candle in the advent wreath. Beautiful glass lamps hung from the wooden-beamed ceiling, their light glowing on the aged walls.  At night, the sanctuary took on a mysterious air, the stained glass windows subdued to darkness, the world outside waiting the light of the world. On Christmas Eve, we waited for the true Light of the world, and the place became magical to me. We heard the story of Christmas interspersed with songs like The First Noel, Oh Come All Ye Faithful, and O Come, O Come, Emmanuel.  I don't know about you, but I always found the experience of the shepherds the most wonderful.  Imagi...

I love sharing publication news on my blog...whether mine or someone else's.  This year, I've clued you in on several wonderful publications, and now, just in time for Christmas I can share one more: moonShine review's Fall/Winter 2016 issue  My short story, Just Me , appears in this issue. It's a bit different from most of my other stories and essays, and I'm glad this quirky story found a home at moonShine.  Here's what the editors have to say about this issue: Imagine yourself tucked in a cabin far from the noise of everyday life. In this cozy, wood-beamed den, we gather close as fireplace logs blaze against the blizzard just beyond the paneled walls. Rapt, we listen to Uncle Larry spin a yarn of other days, about people we don’t know—wonder at the truth within these tales. Put yourself firmly within the oral tradition of storytelling for this issue of moonShine review. Turn up the volume on your auditory sense, and really hear—not just what i...

Have you been to any Christmas parties yet? I attended one last weekend, and although I didn't get the time to make nutty fingers, I hope to take them for the next party.  I shared this recipe four years ago, but the moment we flip the calendar to December, I start thinking about these cookies. Nutty fingers have been a part of Christmas as long as I can remember. When the large red cookie tin with the clipper ship on the lid appeared on the side counter, every member of my family knew what was inside. It didn't take long before someone eased over and popped open the lid.  The sound is unmistakable.  Anyone within earshot flocked to the tin,  fingers itching to sample this years' batch.  Before you knew it, you'd eaten six or seven or a dozen. Some of you may take one look at this recipe and decide to not bother because it will look like a wedding cookies recipe. That would be a BIG mistake.  If you follow the tips I list below, the nutty f...