“I hope that in this year to come, you make mistakes.

Because if you are making mistakes, then you are making new things, trying new things, learning, living, pushing yourself, changing yourself, changing your world. You’re doing things you’ve never done before, and more importantly, you’re Doing Something.

So that’s my wish for you, and all of us, and my wish for myself. Make New Mistakes. Make glorious, amazing mistakes. Make mistakes nobody’s ever made before. Don’t freeze, don’t stop, don’t worry that it isn’t good enough, or it isn’t perfect, whatever it is: art, or love, or work or family or life.

Whatever it is you’re scared of doing, Do it.

Make your mistakes, next year and forever.”

~  Neil Gaiman

It’s hard to believe yet another New Year is knocking at the front door (more like pounding to be let in out of the cold)!

Around here, the old year is getting the boot in the rear — it was one of ups, downs, too much rain, and not much on calm winds and smooth sailing.

As usual, I haven’t made any long lists of resolutions. Those seem bound to fail, once the list grows longer and longer, worse than any grocery list.

I keep to the notion that a short list is better — KISS (keep it simple, stupid). Besides, I prefer simple anyway!

As usual, my goals are no-brainers.

Lose 1 pound. Save $1.

Give a compliment. Give a kindness daily.

Rub River’s soft noggin.

Do not lose temper with irritating telemarketers. Feel free to say “no thanks” to people who come to your door handing out whatever-they-believe-that-they-want-you-to-believe.

Read daily. Follow a road you’ve never been on.

Say “thank you” often. Keep chocolate, books and a fresh flower or two always.

Do not ever buy uncomfortable shoes. Do not pack away things for “tomorrow.”

Give some of your treasures to people you love. Say “I love you.”

Pay attention. Think twice before opening your mouth.

Enjoy and learn from your mistakes. Make them often, Dear Reader, and, in the process, live.

May this coming New Year be a good one for us all!

• There’s still time to honor a loved one with an engraved brick paver for Pace Park. Proceeds go toward building public restrooms at this community park to be located downtown near M.A. Pace Store; for additional information, contact Catherine Ross at 828-749-3534 or carnc@charter.net

• Saluda Community Land Trust would benefit from your donations for this New Year ahead, or your time as a volunteer for their many community projects. Make your resolution to help! Contact SCLT at 828-749-1560 or visit saludasclt.org.

• Don’t forget if you’re over 60 and need meals delivered or to borrow medical equipment, the Saluda Center’s Meals on Wheels Program can help you out. They also can use volunteers! Contact Donna at 828-749-9245.

• Saluda School resumes classes on Jan. 3. Don’t forget to save your specially-marked box tops for Saluda School.

• Saluda Sympathy goes to the family of Bob Bailey. 

• Happy December birthday to Judy Ward, Holly Wilkes, Theresa Wilkes, Perry Ellwood, Donnie Hunter, Jeff Bradley, Preston Mintz, Carolyn Morgan, Susan Casey, Jeff Jenkins, Nikki Ammerman, Cas Haskell, Mary O. Ratcliffe, Laura Fields, Lord Blanton, Beth Brand, Jim Carson and Tom DeKay. Happy seventh birthday to my River Dog! Thank you, loyal friend, for giving me another year.

Thank you for reading this column; as ever, the goal is to make you feel like you’re enjoying small town life in a friendly mountain town called Saluda. Feel free to contact me at bbardos@gmail.com, 828-749-1153 or visit bonniebardosart.com.