By Bonnie J. Bardos  

It’s comforting to look up from this roof

And feel that, while all changes, nothing’s lost,

To recollect that in antiquity

The winter solstice fell in Capricorn

And that, in the Orion Nebula,

From swirling gas, new stars are being born.

~ Timothy Steele, excerpt from “Toward the Winter Solstice” 

Small towns, vintage houses, hometown gatherings sparkle like stars on a December night. Breakfast on Saturday morning with friends gathered at the jam-packed Ward’s Grill, perched in a red and white booth, watching the front door push open to see who’s coming in next. Much better than any television show.

These are the things to hold to heart, this month of winter, pink and lavender sunsets over silvery branches, this month of remembering. From a column several years ago: the holiday season in Saluda remains one of my favorite times, the warmth and glow of home and hearth, windows and houses softly lit, downtown shops twinkling with lights on a dark December evening.
A time to slow down, to reflect on life and blessings both great and small. While it seems hard to slow down with so many events, shopping and parties, I find myself needing to take that ‘slow’ route, to make room for places in the heart that need to be remembered: of Christmases and loved ones past, of memories and all I remain grateful for.

When I was a kid, it seemed to be the more you got the better. Now I find myself yearning to give more, wanting very little: just simple things like watching the tree lights at night, watching firelight dance, a good book to read in bed, a warm dog close by, something simmering on the stove all day, hugs from friends. Places in the heart, circles of light indeed.

 

Saluda Welcome Table resumes Jan. 5.

 

Saluda Historic Depot has a Holiday Gallery through Dec. 31, Thursday – Sunday, 12-4 p.m. Congratulations to Candy Oakes who won the handmade quilt by summer resident Toni Garcia; all proceeds from the fundraiser benefit the Depot. Donations for the Depot can be made by mailing to Saluda Historic Depot, P.O. Box 990, Saluda, NC 28773 or at  HistoricSaluda.org

 

Saluda Community Land Trust (SCLT) would love to have you volunteer or be a member. Learn more by visiting saludaclt.org or calling 828-749-1560.

Saluda School’s holiday break is Dec. 19 – Jan. 3.

 

There’ll be a community potluck and bingo night at Saluda Center on Dec. 28 at 6 p.m.
Need a special gift that helps Saluda and lasts longer than the holidays? Consider a brick paver for Pace Park with the name of your choice engraved. Proceeds go toward building public restrooms at this community park to be located beside M.A. Pace Store. For    information, contact Catherine Ross at 828-749-3534 or carnc@charter.net.

If you’re over 60 and need meals delivered or to borrow medical equipment, the Saluda Center’s Meals on Wheels Program can help you out. They also can use volunteers! Contact Donna at 828-749-9245.

 

Please remember Autumn Care residents. Many would appreciate a visit or card during the holidays. Autumn Care of Saluda is located at 501 Esseola Drive. For more information call 828-749-2261.

 

Happy December birthday to Judy Ward, Holly Wilkes, Theresa Wilkes, Perry Ellwood, Donnie Hunter, Jeff Bradley, Preston Mintz, Carolyn Morgan, Susan Casey, Jeff Jenkins, Nikki Ammerman, Cas Haskell, Mary O. Ratcliffe, Milton Thompson, Laura Fields, Lord Blanton, Beth Brand, Jim Carson and Tom DeKay.

 

Saluda Sympathy goes to the family of Charles Dellinger. Charles and Jo were my ‘weekend’ neighbors from Charlotte who watched my son grow up as I watched their grandkids grow. It’s hard to believe they’re both gone now. Jo passed away three years ago. I’ll always look at their little clapboard house named “Almost Home” beside mine and miss those two.

 

Saluda Happy Notes: Congratulations to Elizabeth Fields, daughter of Nate and Laura Fields upon her graduation from Appalachian State University!

 

Thank you, dear readers for reading this column. As ever, the goal is to make you feel like you’re enjoying a cup of hot tea in a friendly little mountain town. Feel free to contact me at bbardos@gmail.com or 749-1153. I always love hearing from you! Or visit bonniebardosart.com for more writing and art, or find me on Facebook.