*Outside the points in the sky sparkled like magnetic stones and the smell of the wood touched my heart like some fingers, like jasmine, like certain memories.

~ Pablo Neruda, from Ode to The Smell of Wood*

Welcome to November Saluda notes and notations! A turning of seasons with blue sky days spangled with hawks soaring high, rustling crimson leaves, golden fields stretching lazily.

Simple pleasures: gathering gold, russet, scarlet leaves; finding sweet frost-kissed persimmons, watching diamond sparkles ripple over dancing lakes, Etta James singing At Last as stars twinkle on a serene night, iridescent bubbles rising to a fall moons round face, homemade vegetable soup and fresh cornbread on a chill evening, a good book enjoyed outside on a peaceful fall afternoon, a dogs warm velvet ears.

Happy notes: Catherine Ross parents from Texas enjoyed a visit to Saluda and fall leaves; Olivia Broodys daughter arrived for a long-awaited visit. We continue to remember Robert Paces family: he would be thrilled to know he has a new grandchild. Congratulations to Susan Casey and Stoney Lamar: their daughter Erin tied the knot in October.

Art Notes: Bill Ryans show at the Saluda Center continues to Nov. 7, the reception was packedPooh and I walked down the hill to see the show, and enjoyed the paintingswell to be honest, I enjoyed the paintings, and Pooh stayed outside to greet folks arriving. Bill Jameson has a landscape show at Blackbird Gallery at 365 Merrimon Avenue in Asheville. I will be having some November open-studio Saturdays from 11-2 to show paintings in progress and new sculpture pieces.

Downtown Saluda has been bustling with leaf peepers stopping by to enjoy town and fall colors; folks can enjoy our great places to eat, then stroll shops offering many treasures from fine craft, antiques, junk, jewelry, clothing and so much more, along with real estate and hair cutting services…every thing under the sun. I always tell people that we have all sorts of excellent food and great shops in Saluda, along with the best of people. A nice couple from Missouri came in the gallery while I was at work, so I told them all the area places to stop at….they remarked on how friendly everyone seems to be around these parts.

To all you writers, performers of poetry or music, and other literary-minded souls, please plan on attending the Upstairs Artspace literary evening on November 12, 7 p.m. You get up to 10 minutes to do your thing; its free, casual, fun.

Happy Birthday to Rich and Rita Igoe, Karen Johnson, Marsha Jenkins, Nancy Barnett, Dawn Pearson, Charles Pearson, Dusty Jespersen, Gwen Garren, Stoney Lamar, Jim Boyle, Tom Ellwood, Frank Beeson, Elaine Carr, and Wendy McEntire. Feel free to add your birthday to the list. This column comes out around the first of the month, and mid-month, so if youre missed the first time around, just let me know so we can get you in on the next round!

Keep in mind that Saluda Community Land Trust meets twice a month and also would love to have you volunteer. Also, the Saluda Center would be glad to have your help too; whether Meals On Wheels, or another project; and Saluda School can always use tutors and volunteers of all kinds, just inquire.

Volunteers make the world go roundhats off and big thank-yous to those who volunteer.

School notes: The Saluda Elementary School PTSO has a yard sale on Nov. 6 from 8-12, a space rental is cheap (I promise) if you are wanting to sell.

Theyre also having a coat drive and would appreciate clean coats, jackets and sweaters dropped off by November 6.

Garden notes: Its time to turn over summer gardens, add compost to the soil, clean bluebird houses; its a good time of year to plant shrubs and trees-also a prime opportunity to outline new garden designs while bare bones of an existing garden can be seen.

My reading list for cold months is going to get longer: whats on your list? Ive been working on John Sanfords latest thriller plus *Freeplay: Improvisation in Life and Art*, Elizabeth Bergs We Are All Welcome Here, and National Museum of American Art. My reading glasses collection continues to grow. Personally, I think the print is getting smaller. Especially in phone books!

Thank you for reading this column; as ever, the goal is to make you, dear reader, feel like youre enjoying a front porch visit with meyour comments are always wanted and valued. (With colder weather coming, we may have to move in and find a cozy spot in the house for hot tea instead.) 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.