Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

“What you do for yourself–any gesture of kindness, any gesture of gentleness, any gesture of honest and clear seeing toward yourself–will affect how you experience your world. In fact, it will transform how you experience the world.” ~ Pema Chödrön

 

May drifts with breeze-kissed gauzy skirts floating over green, carrying overflowing wicker baskets of fragrant iris and blue and white bell flowers. It’s the month of Mother’s Day (this weekend, in case you might forget). 

Mothers everywhere appreciate being remembered and pampered with a little attention of the best kind, whether blueberry pancakes, crayon drawings, or just plain thoughtfulness, including Mother Earth. 

Last Sunday, on an overcast, damp morning, I headed across the street up the hill to the historic Episcopal Church of the Transfiguration for a breakfast honoring Chip and Becky Broadfoot, who are heading to the Atlanta area soon. Of course, not one of us wants them to go, but we support them in the journey ahead.

Both have “walked the walk” instead of just talk. These two truly do work and give together as a team, embracing, serving, and loving. 

As I left Sunday, circling around to visit the memorial garden, I saw Becky outside at the swings with small kids—she’d taken them out to let off steam. You could just TELL what a good mother she is; how the laughter, love and joy lit up the gray sky, the kids happy, Becky’s face shining. 

I left smiling…and those two will bring that light to another community and leave it on here. They have truly mothered us all and made us better. Thank you, Chip. Thank you, Becky. 

 

• The second Saluda Art Stroll is May 11 from 4 to 6 p.m. 
• Our tailgate market is now located near the tennis courts at Saluda School and runs each Friday from 4 to 6 p.m. 
• The next community table is May 14 at Saluda Center from 5:30-7 p.m.; if you can, bring your own tableware to ‘go green.’ 
• Saluda Living in Place (SLIP) is having a seminar featuring Scott “Doc” Varn on May 15 at 10 a.m. at Saluda Center. This is part of SLIP’s Community Education series. Doc opened a PAPA (Plein Air  Painters of America) studio across from Green River BBQ, and is one of the hosts of a PBS series featuring PAPA’s approach to art/nature. 
• At the Historic Depot and Museum on May 16, Saluda Train Tales will have historian Tom Perry talk about the “Dinky Railroad,” a narrow-gauge track that ran from Mount Airy to Kibler Valley in Virginia. Tales start at 7 p.m.; doors open at 6:30.  
• Saluda’s 19th annual arts festival is May 18 from 10-4; live music, food, kids’ activities, and free parking shuttles, along with 100 artists, promise a fun-filled day! 
• Saluda Community Land Trust (SCLT) next “Walks in the Woods” is May 19 to the Blue Wall Preserve, a hike along the Blue Wall Passage of the Palmetto Trail. Meet at Saluda Library’s parking lot at 2 p.m. to carpool. Visit saludaclt.org or call 828-749-1560 for information. 
• Tuesday morning’s recycling location has moved from the corner of Ozone Rd. and Hwy. 176 to the city overflow parking lot off East Main Street (where the tailgate market formerly was). Hours are 7-11 a.m. each Tuesday. 
• Mountain Page Theater’s production of The Little Mermaid runs May 17-25; you can find more information or purchase tickets at www.mountainpage.theater

Happy May Birthday to Amy Copeland, Corinne Gerwe, Chris Anderson, Mark Jackson, Cary Pace, Lisa Hipp, Trevor Young, Paul Marion, Jesse Thomas, Margaret Sease, Elizabeth Baldwin, Chad Baldwin, Lynn Cass, Thelma Jones, Betsy Burdett, Melia Bradley, June Taylor, Robin Kirby, Kevin Matthews, Susan Warrick, Robin Bradley, and Stella Barnett. Add your birthday to the list! 

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