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One discovers the light in darkness, that is what darkness is for; but everything in our lives depends on how we bear the light.

~ James Baldwin

 

It’s true that I appreciate driving around in a sparkling-clean car about as much as anyone…although a flock of birds can dive-bomb one overnight if it’s just been washed. If it’s dirty, they won’t bother. In fact, my robin friends noticed how clean the white Prius was one evening as they nested above it, and left me a purple-splatter paint job the morning after I’d run it through the extra-soak self-wash. 

 

I’ve noticed that there seems to be a car wash sprouting up on every corner if a drugstore chain isn’t already there or another gray fast-food shoebox. (Like we really need more). 

 

For many years, there was a forgotten spot with lush-green willow trees and azaleas in a nearby tow;  a respite from strip malls and pavement. I’d rubberneck at what was growing in there every time I drove by. It just was sort of a peaceful spot that I liked knowing was there. 

 

Things change, and bulldozers came, the woods and willows became a barren sea of red mud, then a car wash business emerged; two others within a mile or less of it. Not too far off, a “For Sale” sign is planted beside an apple orchard; I have a feeling the bulldozers are heading that way soon. 

 

Peaceful apple orchards over hills, blossoms, and bees working in the trees…these are the spring rituals of our mountains. Somehow another car wash, another drug store or a sardine subdivision just doesn’t bring what those things bring to our hearts. 

 

• Saluda Winter Market is at Saluda Center, 64 Greenville Street, on 2nd and 4th Saturdays from 9-1 through April. 

 

• The 18th annual Saluda Arts Festival is scheduled for May 20. For information, visit saluda.com. Artist applications due by March 1; volunteers and sponsors are needed! 

 

• Saluda Center potluck and bingo night is February 27, 6 p.m. 

 

• If you enjoy singing, spring rehearsals have started with Mountain Song and will be each Monday from 6:30-7 at Saluda Center, 64 Greenville Street. Visit mountainsong.info for information or to enroll. 

 

• Saluda School is planning a 100th Anniversary celebration in April, and students along with Principal Tobre Mostel are creating a ‘wish list’ of items needed for the Century Walk to honor the occasion. The Century Walk consists of games and toys representing each century the school has been in existence—toys and games needed include such things as a Slinky, Play-Doh, Barbie dolls, Silly Putty,  comics, Monopoly, etc. (will be returned). The walk will feature stories provided by former students and local residents (share yours!). The Science Fair will be held in conjunction with the walk. For information, contact tmostel@polkschools.org or 828-894-1040.  

 

• Happy February Birthday to: Wylie Rauschenbach, Wesley Pace, Ginny Jones, Pam Thompson, Catherine Raymond, Eva McCray, Ellen Rogers, Margaret Miller, Paul London, Ward Sandahl, Bill Klippel, Dwight Smith, Ingrid Sandahl, Fred Baisden, Duane Bateman, Ragan Thompson, Laura Williams, Susan McMasters, Mark Gardner, Cappy Rearick, Linda Seagroves,  Irmy Chmielewski, Brian Lilburn, and Edie Campbell.  

 

Feel free to contact me at bbardos@gmail.com, (828) 817-6765, P.O. Box 331, Saluda, NC 28773, Facebook, or visit bonniebardos.com