- originally published February 1, 2017 -
When I moved here, I was reeling from all of the transition a bit more than I wanted to admit. When conversations with friends were suddenly made via phone or long texts sent at stoplights (rather than walking 10 feet to the next house over, letting myself in the unlocked door, and helping myself to my friend Rachel’s groceries before she even returned from class), I started falling into a daze of nostalgia with way too much time to think. But I’ve learned that the best way to get excited about living in a new city is to explore as much as possible…
It didn’t take me long to realize that there was something really special about living right next to a river. When I was a kid, I would read book after book of historical fiction goodness where characters escaped through the forest next to their little wooden house and spent hours adventuring by the nearby river, or creek, or pond. I used to pretend that I lived by a river too – but the only body of water that I could see on a daily basis was a man-made pond near our neighborhood, full of keep out signs about “electric shock” and “no fishing.”
Now that we live in a city right next to a river, I have realized the effect that this has on my mood. Sometimes, the river is peaceful, sunny, and a bit too bright to look at until sunset. Other days, I’m driving to work and the water is full of dark fog and haze. Other times, I’m running and the clouds are full of color, whispering over the water. Sometimes the water is choppy and stormy, completely mirroring my emotions. And then there’s the water at night: with city lights, the bridge, the ferris wheel. Riding bikes over the pedestrian side of the bridge after dark and seeing the whole city across the water. Sitting on the bench by the water and writing. Watching little sailboats glide across the blue on an early July morning. Seeing the water ice over in the winter. Visiting the hidden lighthouse and taking photos of rocks by the water.
Can you tell I’m obsessed?
Living by the river has reminded me to be patient, and to never give up the opportunity for a grand adventure. What is special about the place where you live? What makes your neighborhood, town, or city unique? I’ve lived in a variety of places and I can assure you, there is always something.
some river photos:
