And did you see it, finally, just under the clouds –

A white cross streaming across the sky, its feet

Like black leaves, its wings like the stretching light of the river?

And did you feel it, in your heart, how it pertained to everything?

And have you too finally figured out what beauty is for?

And have you changed your life? Excerpt from Swan ~ Mary Oliver

Welcome to August Saluda notes and notations! Lengthening summer brings cicada songs, early morning dew on the leaf, twining morning glories in delighted surprise in fields, whispering grasses in dry wind, a change in the slant of light and sky above:&bsp; shimmers of fall months ahead.

Art Notes: Thanks to all who participated in the hot July Art Trek weekend! Despite the heat, folks were in good spirits, and those who came to my house/studio were greeted with A/C. I was pretty grateful for it myself! Pooh managed to greet every person who came in the front door despite his having been under the weather this year.

Some folks had never seen a Shar-pei, so they were educated about all the fine qualities of such a fine critter, and then got the art tour. Jim Shackelford, whom I owe an apology to for not including in the Saluda artist list for Art Trek Tryon, is absolutely a Saluda artist! Am very proud to say that Jeanne and Jim are taking his paintings to Arkansas for a museum show. Congratulations, Jim!

Also, Jim Carson has been up in Wisconsin participating in a plein air festival. Bill Jamesons January workshop with TPS has been filled Im told, a testament to his popularity. Why is it hard to even think of winter right now?

New Name: The Saluda senior center at 64 Greenville St. is now called the Saluda Center. Our very own Saluda artist Dale McEntire will have his ICC art students showing at Saluda Center through August: the reception is Thursday, August 12 from 5-6:30 p.m.

Upcoming: Saluda Community Land Trust meets the third Wednesday of the month at 3 p.m. at McCreery Park pavilion.

Mark your calendar for August 13, 7 p.m. for another delightful literary evening at the Upstairs Artspace in Tryon. Its free, open to the public, casual and fun… and gives musicians, writers of all genres, and performers a chance to get their work out there. Youll have up to 10 minutes, and the audience is always appreciative.

Reminder Note: The Saluda tailgate market with fresh local produce and other goodies is on Fridays at the city parking lot off Main Street&bsp; (follow the signs) from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.

Come to the First Annual Saluda Summer Jam at Nostalgia Courtyard August 7 starting at 4 p.m. Baked goods and appetizers from the Wildflour Bake Shop, beverages and live music provided by Green River Hair Studio, featuring Aaron Burdett&bsp; at 4 p.m. and Ben Smith at 5 p.m.

Saluda School Notes: August 23- meet your teacher night at 6 p.m. in the school auditorium;

August 25 is the first day of school!

Business Note: Marsha Jenkins has started A Womans Touch lawn and home care. Marsha, who knows how to cook my favorite quesadilla at Toshs Whistlestop cafe, is one more hard worker. Give her a call if you need work done around the house and yard: 828-545-1857. Dont forget that the Wildflour Bakeshop is open now, as is Sonya Monts new dance studio out on Ozone Drive. Keep it local, and support our local businesses and folks who need to make a living!

Keeping it Local: Speaking of keeping it local, last week I stopped in Natures Storehouse before heading into the gallery, and collared John Cash as he was getting off his bike. I wanted him to order more of an item, despite the fact I knew I could find it on the internet… and he told me about a new item that might help me even more, then gave me a bottle to try. Let me tell you folks, you dont get that kind of caring and kindness off the internet. That just made my day so much better!

Keeping in touch: Charlotte Brady has been so kind and helpful to me over the years she was right there along the hardest of times, which is the mark of a true friend. Please remember her: shes now living at Carolina Village in Hendersonville, and I bet she would love to hear from her Saluda friends. If you need her&bsp; new address, let me know.

Historic: The Historic Saluda Committee will meet on August 13 at 2 p.m. in the meeting room in Saluda Library. The steering committee consists of: Lynn Cass Chair; Cindy Tuttle Co-Chair; and Martha Ashley, Charlene Pace, Jack Coates, Greaton Sellers, and Gloria Testerman.

Marilyn Prudhomme has a refreshing gazpacho soup recipe…it was so good that I told her I wanted to lick the bowl…however managed to control myself. Shes willing to share the recipe which is a testament to her generous spirit.

Garden Notes: Even if you dont have a compost heap, you can still use up those banana peels and coffee grounds without putting them out in the trash can. Just push them down under the soil of your outside plants, potted or not…and watch those plants smile in return.

Happy August Birthdays to Robert Pace, B.J. Kent, Linda Kaye Haynes, Cindi Miller, Paul Stoney, Jen Pace, Zack Pace, Don Mintz, John Earl Rhodes, Caroline Tindal, Nora Ward, Samantha Ward, and Reeda Ward. Dont forget to send those birthdays in! No age mentioned, I promise, unless youre under 20!

Thank you for your much appreciated thoughts and continuing feedback about this column! I want you to feel like youre sitting out in the front porch swing visiting with me on a sweet summer morning. 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.&bsp; You may also visit my website at bonniebardos.com.