“Though I lack the art to decipher it, no doubt the next chapter in my book of transformations is already written. I am not done with my changes.”

— Stanley Kunitz, excerpt from “The Layers” 

Sometimes smiles come in unexpected ways, including putting a spring in your step. Last month, I ordered a pair of inexpensive compression running tights plus matching long-sleeved compression top. Really. Me. Although anyone that knows me knows I only run after River, or chocolate. Ever.

If you can remember those dreadful long-line Playtex girdles from the ‘60’s, then you will know putting compression tights on is about the same Herculean task. And you’d better not perspire in the process, or you will NEVER get anything pulled on and in place.

Truly, I meant well; thinking these would feel mighty refreshing on tired legs that stand a lot of hours at an easel and tired arms that beat hammers, swirl paint brushes, and lift heavy canvases, dogs, potted plants. In other words, I was wanting to put some ‘spring’ in the not-so-springy chicken around here.

So….after wrestling these new duds on — which DOES take major wrangling, pushing, pulling and puffing, along with an act of Congress — can truly say they sure do hold everything in, mashed. Tight. There is no loose anything right now. Underarm jiggle? Gone. Drum tight. Rear end — bounce a quarter. Chest — where’d it go? Sags or drags? Iron-clad, nothing moves freely. The only problem is how to get them off.

Saluda Tailgate Market is Friday from 4:30 – 6:30 p.m. at the city parking lot off Main Street; local and fresh! Many Saluda businesses are open later on Friday evenings. Stay awhile on “Saluda Time” and enjoy the market, Main Street, dinner, and great music.

Saluda Welcome Table is every Tuesday, with dinner served from 5:30 – 7 p.m. in the fellowship hall of Saluda United Methodist Church. All welcome; donations accepted.

Saluda Community Land Trust has family swim afternoons at Twin Lakes (a conservation property of SCLT) on August 13, 20, 27 and September 3. Enjoy peaceful  “Walks in the Woods” on August 17 at Lazy Girl, a trail through the Bradley Nature Preserve. Just meet at Saluda Library’s parking lot at 2 p.m.  Donations to support SCLT are always appreciated. SCLT’s phone is 828-749-1560; (saludaclt.org)

“Top of the Grade Concerts” are second and fourth Fridays through October, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. at McCreery Park at the Ella Grace Mintz stage area. “Sound Investment” is the featured band for August 8.

There’ll be a community potluck and bingo night at Saluda Center on August 22, 6 p.m.

Saluda School starts on August 25. Be sure to save up your box tops for the collection containers at Saluda library, post office and school office.

Veterans will treated to a free breakfast at Ward’s Grill on August 28 from 8 – 10 a.m. Thank you to Judy Stroud, State Farm, and Cathy Jackson Realty for helping sponsor this event.

Mark your calendar for the annual Charlie Ward Memorial Pig Out, September 13, 5 – 7:00 p.m. in the pavilion at McCreery Park. Our beloved Charlie has been gone for six years, but his spirit remains alive and well.

If you’d like to volunteer for Meals on Wheels as a substitute delivery driver, call Donna at Saluda Center, 828-749-9245. Also she can help you with medical equipment loans or signing up for meal delivery.

Happy August Birthday to  B.J. Kent, Linda Kaye Haynes, Cindi Miller, Paul Stoney, Jen Pace, Zack Pace, Don Mintz, Caroline Tindal, Nora Ward, Samantha Ward, Reeda Ward, Natalie  Aabye, Verlie Murphy, and Peter Eisenbrown.

Thank you, dear readers for reading this column. It’s always my goal to make you feel like you’re having a porch swing visit in a small town called Saluda. If you have something of note, feel free to contact me at bbardos@gmail.com; or 828-749-1153. You may also visit my website at bonniebardos.com or find me on Facebook.