“Remember midsummer: the fragrance of box, of white roses

And of phlox. And upon a honeysuckle branch

Three snails hanging with infinite delicacy

— Clinging like tendril, flake and thread, as self-tormented

And self-delighted as any ballerina,

just as in the orchard,

Near the apple trees, in the over-grown grasses

Drunken wasps clung to over-ripe pears

Which had fallen: swollen and disfigured.

For now it is wholly autumn: in the late

Afternoon as I walked toward the ridge where the hills begin,

There is a whir, a thrashing in the bush, and a startled

pheasant, flying out and up,

Suddenly astonished me, breaking the waking dream.”

~ Delmore Schwartz, Remember Midsummer:
The Fragrance of a Box

River and I soak in our old bones every bit of good weather that we can: me painting out on the ‘front porch studio’ where easels, brushes and paint live all summer or toiling in the garden as River sprawls in pure dog delight of baking in the warmth. Of course that’s how it goes around here: I work, River snoozes. Pikachu lazes nearby enjoying the day as well – although a cat would never admit it!

It’s a reminder to find gratitude for one more day, with little friends, oil paint on clothes and hands, wind chime songs floating. Watching butterflies and hummingbirds, hearing the pond frog bellowing his thoughts frequently. Smiling as I listen to his announcements, knowing cold weather will cramp our style. He’s not worried, just keeps on enjoying his moment in the sun.

Saluda Tailgate Market is open on Fridays from 4:30-6:30 p.m. at the city parking lot off Main Street.

Saluda Welcome Table is every Tuesday; dinner is served from 5:30 -6:45 p.m. in the fellowship hall of Saluda United Methodist Church. All are welcome; donations accepted.

Saluda Singles potluck for all singles over 40 will be September 14, 5 p.m. at Saluda Center. Bring a favorite dish to share. Contact Anita O. Moore for more information at 828-749-3335.

Saluda Community Land Trust (SCLT) has “Walks in the Woods” on the first and third Sundays each month. On September 17, the hike is at Poinsett Passage. Meet at Saluda Library parking lot at 2 p.m. For information on hikes, contact Chuck Hearon at 828-817-0364 or chearon@skyrunner.net. Contact SCLT at 828-749-1560 or visit www.saludasclt.org to learn more about our local land trust.

Saluda Historic Depot is located at 32 West Main Street and will have extended hours in mid-September, Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Sunday noon to 4 p.m. Saluda Train Tales are held on the third Friday each month at 7 p.m. through October. September 15 Tales will feature Saluda natives Billy Shand, Priscilla and Millie Pearson, David Twiggs and Chuck Hearon.

The annual Charlie Ward Memorial Pig Out is September 9, 5-7 p.m. at McCreery Park. This event honors the memory of Saluda’s beloved Charlie Ward, who always had a kind word and a whistle as he swept the sidewalk in front of Thompson Store/Ward’s Grill down on Main Street.

The 5th annual Saluda Play Day is at Saluda School from 10-noon on September 16. There’ll be a range of activities with a DJ, refreshments and fun! If anyone would like to volunteer, contact Saluda City Clerk Tola Ellis at 828-749-2581. This rain-or-shine free event is made possible through Polk County Community Foundation.

Art Notes: Mark your calendars for the annual Art Trek open studio tour Sept. 30 – Oct. 1 with a gallery show of all participating artists, preview party/reception 5-7 p.m. on Sept. 29 at Upstairs Artspace, 49 S. Trade Street, Tryon. Saluda artists will be Bonnie Bardos and Doc Welty.

Saluda get well wishes go to Peggy Wolf and Anita Moore. Anita is facing more eye surgery, so please wish her well!

Happy September birthday to Wayne Thompson, Courtney Hoots, Merci Weitzen, Dale McEntire, Joni Rauschenbach, Sonya Monts, Linda Kaye Hayes, Carol Kenfield, Debbie Fisher, Leslie Jespersen, Linda Mintz, Sheila Billeter, Cary Pace, Ross Arrington, Hop Foster, Chuck Hearon, Alexia Timberlake, Jason Justus, Beth Carson, Clark Thompson, Nicholas Edwards, and Cindy Tuttle. 

Thank you, dear readers, for reading this column. You can contact me at bbardos@gmail.com, 828-749-1153, or bonniebardosart.com.