Any common desolation

can be enough to make you look up

at the yellowed leaves of the apple tree, the few

that survived the rains and frost, shot

with late afternoon sun. They glow a deep

orange-gold against a blue so sheer, a single bird

would rip it like silk.

~ Ellen Bass

Thanksgiving week is upon us, although Christmas descended at big box stores in July. Despite yearly whining and groaning about Christmas in summer, it’s important, maybe more than ever, to find gratitude. Surely this is the week to find it amid the noise and haste. My list remains much the same: a dishwasher and washing machine that still work, a reluctant refrigerator that still hums (albeit off-key), an electric blanket that still turns on, an old truck that roars to life on a chilly morning, and a hot shower now and then.

Piles of books and the scent of a new book from the library in my hands. A little taste of real whipped cream on hot chocolate. I’m grateful for scarlet fall leaves gathered along walks by the woods, placed in the kitchen window, a gift of stained glass in afternoon sun. A flock of robins talking and hopping on a friend’s green lawn—just sharing that moment with another soul. I’m grateful to really ‘see’ these things, and not miss them, to be a part of that moment in time, aware.

I’m grateful silly River Dog still runs to the front door every morning, ready to take on the world. How the scent of fresh morning coffee never fails to brighten the day. All is well if you have those simple things one more time.

After another funeral last week, I’m reminded how grateful I am for the gift of friendship amid the fleeting days we often take for granted. Grateful for hugs, good dogs, and a perfect frost-kissed rose lifting to the sun.

Learn more about Saluda Community Land Trust (SCLT) by visiting saludaclt.org or calling 828-749-1560. Before the end of the year, you can become a founding member of SCLT by contributing $1,000 or more. For a limited time, SCLT has matching funds for contributions of $500+. Checks should be made out to Polk County Community Foundation and directed to the SCLT endowment fund. That’s a gift that just keeps on giving!

Mark your calendar for the Saluda Holiday Tailgate Market on Nov. 26, 2-4 p.m. at the tailgate market lot. Support your Saluda small businesses by shopping in town on Saturday, Nov. 26. 

Visit the Holiday Gallery for special gifts at Saluda Historic Depot, 32 W. Main St., through December, Thursday-Sunday, 12-4 p.m.

The annual Polk County Toy Run is Nov. 26 starting from Saluda Fire Department, 64 Greenville St. Register from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. The motorcycle parade begins at 2 p.m.

Community potluck and bingo will be held Nov. 28 at 6 p.m.

Saluda School will be closed Nov. 23-25. Don’t forget to save box tops for the school. You can take them to the school’s office or Saluda library.

Mark those calendars for our annual Saluda Hometown Christmas on Dec. 9, 6-8 p.m., with an ecumenical service at 8:15 p.m. at Saluda Presbyterian Church on Carolina Street.

December 10 will be the Children’s Workshop at Saluda Fire Department, 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m. for children over 5. If you’d like to sign up to help, call Laura Fields at 749-4521.

Happy Birthday to Rich and Rita Igoe, Karen Johnson, Nancy Barnett, Dawn Pearson, Charles Pearson, Dusty Jespersen, Gwen Garren, Stoney Lamar, Jim Boyle, Tom Ellwood, Wendy McEntire, Aaron Burdett, Donna Potruski, and Jane Thompson. Please add your birthday to the list. It’s a promise that no ages will be mentioned unless you’re under 2 or over 100!

Thank you, dear readers, for reading this column. I am thankful for you. Please feel free to contact me at bbardos@gmail.com or 749-1153. You may also visit bonniebardosart.com for more writing and art, or find me on Facebook.