I have been blogging now for eight years! It took me a while to find my voice, but I feel I’m in a good place with spreading the word about peaceful living on the shores of the St. Lawrence River.
A Fish Out of Water
When I first moved to northern New York State, I found myself entirely alone. I was a social person who enjoyed meeting new people, but suddenly I was in this close-knit little town. I soon learned I had trouble finding common ground within the community. After all, I have yet to find another female retired Navy officer who has lived all over the globe. After living here for a few years, I still felt like an outsider.
You see, Ogdensburg is not like the dozens of places I have lived while serving my fast-paced career in the U.S. Navy. It is a throwback to a time when people have the same neighbors for decades. People graduate from high school with the same kids they sat next to in kindergarten. Those same people become school teachers who teach their own teachers’ grandkids! Friendships are as old as the trees. And by no fault of their own, there’s not a whole lot of room for new friends.
Birth of The River Blogger
Once I understood this better, I decided to appreciate the rustic charm of this community and its residents.
I needed an intellectual outlet and starting the blog seemed like the perfect challenge. I decided to embrace being an outsider and make a study of the area’s nuances with an eye on the positive aspects of this unique and quirky community.
Instead of noticing blank stares in restaurants, I focused on the flavor of the food and skill of the server.
Instead of seeing closed doors and hearing murmurs of hushed conversations, I immersed myself in the joys of living amidst the astounding beauty of the St. Lawrence River.
While the concept of The River Blogger came from a place of deep isolation, it has given me a chance to grow and learn to love my community with an abundance of gratitude and positivity. Through the years I have learned I am not alone and I have achieved inner peace.
It was and still is my goal to share the love and kindness in my heart with anyone who can use a nod to appreciating the small blessings in our lives.
Thank you to my readers, especially those who provide me with feedback. Peace, love and respect to you all!
– Barb, the River Blogger (Btrb)
The River Blogger 
Good to see success in finding a way for your expression, impressions and new insights to life. Always a great read. All the best.
Wow. What I want to know is why you moved there and more so, why you stayed?
Well, I moved here because I love the St. Lawrence Seaway. I knew it would bring me peace. Being a Navy person, I wanted to live on the water. The ocean properties are too turbulent and expensive. The St. Lawrence offers plenty of fresh relaxing water, no dangerous current, nothing that will bite or eat you…just safe, calm water. I stayed because I do have a sense of peace here. I love New York, I love looking out of my window and seeing Canada. I love the weather…even the freezing cold winters!
Sounds like reason enough! Thanks for answering me.
Congratulations Barb. 8 years is an accomplishment.
Thank you, Bernadette! I love looking at your recipes! Also, those little spiders you have on your blog are so darn clever! 🎃🕷🎃
Maybe you would like to contribute a story and a recipe for the holiday edition?
I do not cook or bake. But I sure do love seeing your posts! I am a food voyeur!
Oh, that is too bad. I. know you would have written a beautiful post.
Congrats on 8 years of blogging! Looking forward to seeing what new write-ups you publish in the future!
Thank you, Tim! 😉
I found myself in the same boat when I moved to Topeka 30 years ago
Another great blog
Thank you
I think that you have a wonderful and positive attitude. Seeing the beauty in everyday life and ignoring its unpleasantness. Congratulations on 8th blogoversery.
Beautifully written, Barb.
Thank you, Marge! It was a hard one to write. 💕
Your doing a great job. Every blog is so interesting. Keep up the good work!
Thank you so much! 🥰
Fishy fishy
Congrats on such an epic blogging career.
Thank you! 🍁
Your welcome!
So well said Jim and I are so glad to have you and Steve as our dearest friends. We treasure all the good times we’ve shared and look forward to many more.
We are both so glad we found you! 💕 It was fate!
Congratulations on your long blogging career. How wonderful that you found your voice, and a new home.
Best wishes for the future,
Tanja
Thank you, Tanja,🪴
Loved this piece!! Where you live is beautiful and loneliness or not feeling part of a community I suspect is much more common than one thinks. I certainly have experienced it.
Congratulations on finding peace with it!!
Thank you! 💕
Beautiful story, clear and encouraging.
Thank you so much! 🌿