The Magic of Water

Those of us living along The River know how valuable our time on the water is for the few short months we have to enjoy it. The water heals us from a long, harsh winter. Some enjoy jumping in and immersing themselves in its cool embrace, others prefer to watch the passing ships navigate the shoals, and some just long to sit alongside its shores as if being reunited with an old friend.

My children begin dreaming of summer as soon as the first snowflake falls. And as much as we adults love The River for all its splendor, no one quite loves the water as much as a child. It calls to their souls, beckoning them to play; they answer without question. They are fascinated by the wonder of what lies beneath the surface and by the creatures that inhabit a totally different world. With a carefree splash their bodies are allowed to move in an unconstrained, weightless, wondrous motion. They don't daintily dip a toe in to test the temperature but charge ambitiously, as if under a spell that can't be broken.

The water is freeing, playful, and the best summer friend.

It's not that we lose this connection as adults so much as it just seems to change with time. It's not unique in this respect, as is the way with so many other things as we get older and perhaps less adventurous and dare I say, more boring. Although I don't jump in without hesitation as much as I should, I am still in awe of it's magic through the wonder of a child.

By Katie Ranalletta

Katie Ranalletta lives with her husband and two children in Cape Vincent where they enjoy boating, fishing and kayaking with her sister and her sister’s family.  When she is not working as a Nurse she can be found underwater, scuba diving.  She credits her father, John Freislich, for the inspiration to explore all things River related. For more of her work follow Gold Line Photography, LLC on FB and Instagram or visit GoldLinePhotographyLLC.mypixieset.com.