I often wonder what it would be like to live by the beach, to include the water in my daily life.
Strolling along the sand as the waves tumble in and around my feet.
I had not considered,until recently, the wonders of life lived by a river.
My friend grew up in a community built along a river. A river that is central to life there. A river hosting many of her childhood activities and now holding a sweet nostalgia for her.
She craves time by the river, she loves to lose herself there, afternoons casually wandering its banks – Her Bliss
She recently invited me spend an afternoon with her, experiencing the delights of the river.
I marvelled at the rich, dense vegetation.
The contrast of the pretty flowers against the murky coloured waters.
The inescapable beauty stretching before me everywhere I looked.
An abundance of creatures finding life in and around the river.
As we paused for a coffee and I sipped on my latte I noticed this sign.
I carefully read the words and pondered their meaning.
The nurturing spirit, the teachings, the constant movement and flow.
As we began to meander the banks once more I observed the people, the creatures and the plants all drawing life from the spirit of this river.
I took a moment to consciously draw in the nurturing spirit the river provides. To begin to understand the magic of its flow and to feel the Bliss of being so close to nature in its raw untouched form.
I felt blessed to be there and wondered what it would be like to live by a river.
Do you live near a river or the beach? Would you like to?


Lovely photos.
I grew up very near the Pacific Ocean and am currently living about 45 minutes from it.I don’t visit it nearly enough. However last week my mom and I spent a wonderful afternoon at English Bay with waves lapping at our feet. Fog was rolling in, one hardy soul bravely breaststroked and dogs splashed at the shore. Heaven.
I am always impressed by those who brave the chilly waters, not for me, lapping at my feet is the way to go too.
Thanks for share the beautiful photos and really enjoy read your words.
June thank you this is a lovely place to visit.
Oh, this post is a goodie. Being near water soothes my soul. Rivers, especially if they narrow and babble, hug my difficulties.
I lived 23 years near the Gulf of Mexico in Florida and I’m in the process of a return. The water and it’s sweeping invite of a view for sunrise and sunset beckons.
Karen, your blog is like a bliss kiss.
Susan your words are so incredibly uplifting, thank you for inspiring my day 22 post
I find water calming too. I live near a river and often run on the road alongside of it. I’d love to someday have a cottage on a lake somewhere, or near the ocean. The sound of crashing waves often lulls me to sleep. I’m not sure I would get the same effect on a lake, but I do feel calmer when in the presence of water.
Michelle a cottage by a lake sounds dreamy