Mid-August already, deep summer is here, vine ripe tomatoes, sun sweet rasp and black berries and other garden treats are arriving, we could however use one nice steady day of rain to keep it all growing. Those early spring flowers on the woodland floor are already showing their bright berries, reds, and various shades of blue and purple, pops of color amid the lush greens of the mosses and rich browns of the soil, it is a pretty time of year. There are 11 types of goldenrod in our area, many have begun, swaying streams of yellow, rising high over the wild grasses and blending with the Queen Anne's lace and black-eyed coneflowers to make an astounding mosaic of texture and color in swaths and pockets all around.

It is certainly worth getting around with many things to do this week and events to look forward to soon. This Wednesday, and the remaining ones in August, the Southport Memorial Library continues with Storytime at 10 a.m., read aloud, craft and snack, it is a great hour. The library would also like to thank all of you who baked, donated, and bought the sweet and savory treats and the wide array of books at the Annual Book and Bake Sale, it was a great success. On Thursday, Aug. 14, at 6:30 p.m. Shannon Parker will present an author talk focusing on her newest book, "Love and Lobsters" which has been optioned for film and is Maine Public Radio’s August pick for “All Books Considered.” While visiting the library do not miss your chance to put in a bid at the silent auction for a painting of Old Southport by artist Cecile Clifford, a native of Southport and Boothbay Harbor. Cecile's art reflects her love of the “Good Old Days” with a strong sense of place, having been born and spending her childhood on Southport with her grandparent, many of her paintings are of coastal town scenes from an era when life was slower and gentler. She has been painting fulltime since 1987, working in watercolor, plein air in woods, coastal areas, and towns. The bidding will continue through Sept. 2, proceeds will go to the Southport Memorial Library.

If you enjoy the sound of voices raised together in song, you will not want to miss “Make a Joyful Noise” on Wednesday, Aug. 20 at 6 p.m. at Southport United Methodist Church. Mary Miller will be joined by friends to present both sacred and secular choral arrangements. Performers will include: Sarah Harris, Sophia Mansfield, Betsy DeGroff, Maggie Tourtilotte, Pam Mancusso, Karol Clark, Smith Climo, Andrea Perkins and Nancy Harriman’s fiddle group. All are welcome to this free event, but a goodwill offering is appreciated; so come for the music, ice tea, lemonade, as well as finger goodies, and a sense of community.

Some members of our summer community are already leaving, Keturah has left to return to school.Sshe was the one to bring you the amazing muffins, doughnuts, cupcakes and cookies at the Southport General Store. Jonathan, baker of extraordinary cheesecake and bread will be with us for about another week, so, you have a chance to say good-by and thank you, but then he too will return to school. There will of course still be delectable items to be had from the store, stop in and see for yourself.

I dare you to keep your toes from tapping on Wednesday evening, Aug. 13 from 5:30-8:30 p.m. as the Southport Island Musicfest brings Brother Mojo to the Newagen Seaside Inn for the final concert of the summer. Bring a chair, picnic, or get food and drink there, and then settle in for some great tunes, dance if you like, or just enjoy the splendidness of live music out of doors.

The weekend holds many things. One of two to write on the calendar, if you still keep your dates that way, I do, is the Lincoln Arts Festival “Art for Art’s Sake Show” at Hodgdon Yacht Services, 100 Ebenecook Road, Boat Shed #1, Aug. 22-24. Opening Reception & Sale is Friday, 5-7 p.m. On Saturday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., there will be Arts Interaction Day Demonstrations and Hands-on Art Tutorials where you can watch some of the artists create in a variety of mediums and crafts, and hear them speak about their creative processes. Everything continues on Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Shop for birthday and holiday gifts or simply indulge yourself. For information and updates, call 207-633-3913, or email lincolnartsfestivalbbh@gmail.com

The other event of the weekend is the Southport Fireman’s Auction on Route 27. Saturday, Aug. 23, the Flea Market begins at 6 a.m. Miscellaneous items in the garden begin at  7 a.m. and the auction begins at 9 a.m. The bays have been brimming with treasures, boats are across the street, there will be something there for everyone, not to be missed, see you there.

The Fire Department will be the recipient of the donation that Angel, from Southport Island Treasures, makes to a different organization each month, her way of giving back to the community that supports her, a lovely gesture. Her shop, Thrift and Resale is open Monday – Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. and is located at 608 Hendricks Hill Road on Southport. Each month she also has a raffle for some handmade item(s), this month two hot pads and tow potholers made from Kaffe Fassett fabric, stop in for your ticket, which is free and peruse the tastefully displayed items that range from clothing, kitchenware, décor items, and treasures that evoke bits of the past.

A lot is going on, but do take the time to revel in some small wonders this week, whether in the woods, shore, at work, or play, May Peace Be With You All. Until next week.