The ripples in the James River are hypnotic. They are their own rhythm. Every river lover knows that all thoughts run deeper, all troubles get lighter, and all plans come together down by the riverside. I had no idea, actually, until one day last summer when I decided to go and see for myself.
It seems kind of obvious, being that we’re called The River City, but for 15 years I totally missed out on the magic. I’d drive down Hull Street, through Old Manchester, past Plant Zero, and hit the bridge, completely unable to grasp why there were so many people leaning over the rail at all hours of the day and night. Of course I knew they were fishing, but I really didn’t get it, driving 35 mph with the windows rolled up. Now the pole and hook are among my dearest possessions.
I stand tall and confident, fishing at the river’s edge with my hand outstretched and my spirit full of hope. May the summer of 2013 be the year you read an article in Greater Richmond Grid magazine that led you to find a source of inner power. May this be so. The first step is to say, “I love my city.” At least whisper it because word—sound—power is real. Then when you get down there, find a little flower and toss it in the water as if to say, “I give thanks” because the truth is there are some quite atrocious things that happened on the same ground you’ll soon be standing on, such as the way some folks had the audac- ity to sell other folks on down the river. That’s mighty bad indeed, but when we go down there, we bring something good.
We bring our best intentions to make this place over. We pledge to go down there and make someone laugh or at least smile, even if it’s ourselves. This is the unspoken agreement of kindness everyone keeps down by the water in RVA, which I have come to know and understand and hold so dear. And now, I’m passing this on to you.
The next part involves a little faith. You have to believe in the goodness of random strangers. Go online and look for the tackle shop closest to where you live. Walk right in there and say, “I want to go fishing in the James River down by the Maury Street boat landing. I don’t know the first thing about it, but I really want to learn.” Have around $50 in your pocket to buy your pole and rig, and they’ll give you a genuine fisher- man’s blessing. Now all you do is put “Ancarrow’s Landing” in your GPS and set out in the morning. Bring your ice water, fruit, chair, bucket, and all your new stuff from the tackle shop. Then tell whoever is standing beside you that it’s your first day on the river. Watch how much help you’ll get from everybody down there because that’s what we do in RVA. I’m liv- ing proof. We show love. I hope to see you down there one day. I’m the pretty brown girl with the fedora and the smile.