I’m not a big fan of cold weather or anything to do with wintertime, although, I do like to see snow about once a year.
So far, I haven’t been lucky enough to see any snow.
Correction, we had a few snow flurries earlier this morning.
Once we get my requested amount of snow, I’ll be ready for winter to be over and will wishing for warmer weather.
Wishing for warm weather got me to thinking about the river. It’s one my favorite places to go for solitude. It’s where I like to go when my mind is so full of shit that I can’t think straight or when my emotions are running amok.
There’s a bridge that crosses the river where I go. I have to park on the side of the road and get out and either walk out onto the bridge to see the river or go down one of many narrow paths that lead directly to the river.
The bridge is probably not the safest place to be since the cars that cross over try to see how fast they can go sometimes. Although, I have many times sat on the concrete sides of the bridge watching the river instead of opting to venture down onto the banks.
To get to the river itself, I must walk down a worn, narrow path that is just wide enough for a person to walk through. With the trees, bushes and weeds grown up and hanging over the path, it is necessary to turn sideways at certain points so I don’t get smacked with limbs. The path then takes a turn to the left and within about 3 feet it opens into a small circular spot of dirt, that is only big enough for about 3 or 4 people, then it makes its way around an old tree that hangs precariously out over the water. The trunk of the tree is covered in sumac and some other wild vines that snake their way up over the branches to dangle freely. Beside the tree, to the left, are some of the bigger roots of the tree. They edge along the ground and have made a seat for myself many times. To the right of the tree, the bank has been eroded more so here so there is not much growth of plants. The bank here rises 6 feet or more above the water.
(This is the same river I go to but a different place in the county. Where I go looks very similar to this)
Once I reach this destination, the world of the river surrounds me. The bridge that crosses the river is to the left of this spot and visible. With the water cascading over rocks that are just under the bridge, the bugs making their voices heard and the trees and bushes rustling their leaves in the wind, the noise from the bridge is almost nonexistent.
It takes me to a different place. It takes my worries and washes them downstream to another bend in the river. Waiting for me to come collect them when I am ready.
I often notice the differences on the river with each visit. There seems to always be some type of change. Whether it’s the banks that have a slightly different shape, or maybe the water is muddier than usual, the water level might be lower or higher, there might even be a fallen tree floating downstream that could no longer keep it’s grip on the bank.
(Same with this picture. Same river, different area)
These are only some of the changes. I don’t notice all changes, I can’t. Some I can’t see. They may take place far beneath the water where no one can bear witness. But they are still there.
The changes I see in the river remind me of changes that have taken place or changes that I want or need to make within myself. It brings things into perspective for me sometimes. Then sometimes I just want to go watch it do it’s thing and not take anything away from it or leave anything there. I just want to enjoy it.
WATER--It is associated with the qualities of emotion and intuition.

(Maybe this is why I'm so drawn to the water???)