“There are two ways to live: you can live as if nothing is a miracle; you can live as if everything is a miracle.”

~ Albert Einstein

The January snow and ice left me cold and snow-bound a few days.

Then, one night, in the early morning hours when all was quiet, I found myself outside, a clear night sky spangled with glimmering stars arrayed in the heavens of black velvet, and moonlight glowing softly upon the snow-covered tree branches and earth.

It was simply heartbreakingly beautiful, and the moment stayed with me. What a miracle … that feeling of serenity and winter’s natural grace in the silence of night.

A big THANK YOU goes to all Saluda folks who turned out for the first Polk County Red Cross blood drive held at Saluda’s First Baptist Church on Jan. 4. A total of 31 pints of blood were collected, which was over the goal. Extra thanks go to the church for hosting the blood drive, and to Lynn Savage for helping coordinate it, along with all the volunteers.

January birthdays: Foster Archer, Brandy Bradley, Alex Bardos, Carolyn Ashburn, Scott Kinard, Donna Bond, Greer Eargle, Wyatt Alan Pace, Irma Anderson, Paul Aaybe, Rich Rauschenbach and Phyllis Arrington. Please add your birthday to the list — I’m always trying to keep it updated, but need all the help I can get. Age not mentioned, unless you’re under 2 and don’t mind yet. I will say this month we have one birthday for a special person who turned 101! I don’t know if he would mind if I tattled on his age!

Art notes: The Saluda Center will present an art exhibit by students of Saluda School from Jan. 10-Feb. 4 during regular Saluda Center hours. The reception for the student artists is on Thursday, Jan. 20 from 6:30-7:30 p.m. at the Center, 64 Greenville Street in Saluda. All are encouraged to attend this event. For additional information, contact Anne Jameson at 749-3101.

Good food: The community potluck will be at Saluda Center, Jan. 27 at 6 p.m. Bring a favorite dish to share.

Good-bye to James Laughter, better known as “Coon Dog.” I often gave Coon Dog a lift to whatever destination he desired, as did many other Saluda folks. His tall, lanky form was recognizable wherever you might spot him.

He would often stand by the side of the road and wave .… he will be missed. Another Saluda icon has passed away.

By the time you read this, I will be down in balmy Sarasota, Fla. enjoying an artistic visit with friends. How wonderful to have generous of heart, kind people in my life who look out for me — they’re all around. How grateful I am, every day for all of you.

Luscious tropical-hued paints, canvases, clay and assorted writing ideas are already packed beforehand. Keep your fingers crossed my car makes it. Oil changed, tires checked, tank filled, Mapquest directions and road atlas handy.

Before you suggest a GPS for navigation, I had enough of the portable GPS device last year and sent it sailing to parts unknown. I wasn’t amused when in a robotic monotone voice, the irritating thing endlessly informed me I was exceeding the speed limit, or to ‘turn left’ 10 times.

I would find myself yelling at it that I KNEW to turn left in the first place. (Maybe some of us are still in the age of the dinosaurs, but I just don’t like being told what to do, perhaps!)

Thank you, dear readers in Bulletin land for reading this column. Your comments are always wanted and valued.

Keep in mind if you have something of note, feel free to e-mail me at bbardos@gmail.com; or call me at 749-1153. You may also visit my website at bonniebardos.com