Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

“Knowing that you love the earth changes you, activates you to defend and protect and celebrate. But when you feel that the earth loves you in return, that feeling transforms the relationship from a one-way street into a sacred bond.” ~ Robin Wall Kimmerer

 

August, August, where oh where did you come from? Here you are, knocking at the door, making yourself at home in a porch rocker like you’re moving in for good. Threadbare calico skirt, a few briar scratches, and bare feet, a handwoven basket of tasseled sweet corn and summer squash, a handful of earthy muscadines—that’s August. 

Between rainy afternoons, I pick blueberries while friends are away, hurrying to beat birds and critters to the feast. What could be better than fresh-picked blueberries for breakfast? We all have the same thought! One day, I will have enough to make a small French-style galette, much easier than making a pie. The older I get, the lazier I get!

Still, every morning, I take a cup of coffee out to the front porch to greet a new day. Listening to birds, leaves dripping, breezes, and dogs barking across the way—it’s all gravy on the proverbial biscuit these days. 

The light changes, a hint of what’s coming. With all the rain, flowers sway; it’s a relief not to have to haul watering cans around. A bee works, weaving through lavender blossoms. That brings a smile—a reminder that small things are forever the sweetest. My hand brushes ginger leaves spiking up, grasp ripe cherry tomatoes for lunch. An unexpected lift to heart—a butterfly lands on my shirt, another smile. There’s much love here.  

• Saluda Community Land Trust’s next Walk in the Woods is on August 4 to Ollie’s Falls/Missing 40 at Pearson Falls Road. This is a mile loop of moderate, wooded trail that takes about 1 to 2 hours. The trail is well-blazed, kid/pet friendly, with easy water crossings. Meet at Saluda Library’s parking lot at 2 p.m. For information, contact the SCLT office at (828) 749-1560 or email info@saludaclt.org
• Saluda Art Stroll is August 10, from 4 to 6 p.m. along Main Street, featuring nine art galleries. 
• School starts back on August 12; time to slow down, pay attention, and watch for those yellow buses! 
• Saluda Train Tales at Saluda Historic Depot and Museum will be held on August 16 at 7 p.m., when Mayor Steven Little of Marion will present “Convicts Who Built The Railway.” 

Happy August Birthday to B.J. Kent, Paul Stoney, Jen Pace, Zack Pace, Don Mintz, Caroline Tindal, Nora Ward, Samantha Ward, Reeda Ward, Natalie Aabye, Verlie Murphy, Peter Eisenbrown, Coleman Bradley, Ryan Bradley, Libby Archer, Cathy Jackson, Bill Jameson, Tayloe Francisco, Troy McAfee, Patricia Carmichael, Syman Thomas, Jade Burdett, Ron Bennett, Rob Schloss, Evan McGee, and Pat White. Add your birthday to the list—no age mentioned unless you’re under 2 or over 100, that’s a promise! However, this August, I wish an extra HAPPY Birthday to certain folks who celebrate the big 9-0. You know who you are—I’ll never tell! 

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