“Our task must be to free ourselves . . .by widening our circle of compassion to embrace all living creatures and the whole of nature and its beauty.”

~ Albert Einstein

The changes of nature tend to make me pensive, to go to the inner-self … the heart of things. Longings, yearnings, a remembering; reminders of the coming of spring even now, amid frost-kissed glass and snowflakes of the winter, that life blooms underneath the leaves, the resting earth. Winter is a reminder of the brevity of life and the constant renewal that is nature’s way: of all that is; the impermanence of things. Yet, that is the way of the natural world – the ceaseless turning of seasons, of change inherent. Not something to fear, but something to embrace.

Rays of pale winter sun stream through vintage glass windows — outside, a wind-blown snowflake spirals to the earth, a bright-red cardinal rests on a branch. I inhale the cold dry scent of afternoon, a scarlet berry in my hand, reflecting the glow of my heart and the bittersweet scent of longing. The New Year approaches, and my list of resolutions is very small, but the things I know I need to focus on are many. Long complicated lists tend to make me resist, so I just think of how to approach the changes, as not to overwhelm my intentions! It has been an eventful past year: I give heart-felt thanks to so many people out there who have helped light my path and that of others. How lucky we are to live in a place where folks care about one another. As Ram Dass says, “We’re all just walking each other home.”

Generous spirits have started the Saluda Welcome Table every Tuesday: dinner is served for anyone who’d like to come enjoy companionship and connection from 5:30-7 p.m. at the Saluda United Methodist Church fellowship hall. The meal is free; donations appreciated; all welcome.

Saluda School is on Christmas break from Dec. 23-Jan. 3.

A Saluda thank you and big hug to Walter Hoover: who volunteers many hours to our spring art festival, tailgate market, and Hometown Christmas event. We are so lucky to have many volunteers like Walter who get in there and get ‘er done! Hugs to all our volunteers.

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