The Call of the Singing River

Whether cruising on Riverview Boulevard, walking on the Riverwalk or just enjoying the river breeze, the melody of the Manatee River has always sung sweetly to my heart.  I recently discovered this Indian legend which very eloquently explains why I feel that way.

Local folklore tells us there is beautiful legend that has been handed down from generation to generation, from one tribe to another for more than 200 years.  The Great River of the "mystic music" served as a natural boundary between two Indian nations, the Timucans to the North and the Calusa to the South.  The old ruling Calusa chief had a very beautiful daughter, who was his pride and joy.  Her hand was sought by many a brave warrior, but she accepted none.  On one fateful trip the tribe to the north came across the Great River to trade and visit.  It is soon evident that the Calusa Chief's fair daughter and the Timucan chief's son had fallen in love and were together for many pleasant days.  When it was time for the tribe to depart, the young warrior summed up the courage to ask the Chief for his daughter's hand.  He told the chief of his home on a beautiful lake to the north, but instead of consenting, the old chief flew into a rage and ordered the young brave to leave immediately.

As undeniable as young love often is, plans were made to run away together.  When they met again and he clasped her tightly to him, a sound filled the air.  The brave thought they had been discovered, as the sound came from everywhere - it was the most beautiful and lovely music.  The maiden reassured him for she knew her brave was mystified and to soothe his alarm, she explained about the mysterious music that came from the Great River.  He was spellbound and thought because of their great love, the river was presenting them with a good omen.  Away they ran together and for a time, the young couple was very happy.  After a while, the bride yearned for her family and more than anything else, she longed to hear again that beautiful music emanating from the Great River.  She told her husband if one has ever heard the mysterious music of the river, they are never satisfied until it is heard again.

This legend was brought to light locally through an interview with a one-armed Indian who was wounded at Braden Castle in 1855.  The legend fits the facts of the two local tribes that lived along the Manatee River and the peace truce that brought the two tribes together.  It was the union of these two young lovers that would spring the future ruling royalty.  Was it a true story?  That is for you to decide, but the music from the singing river keeps calling us back even to this day.  Listen carefully, I think you will here it too.

Source: "The Singing River" by Joe Warner (1986)

Don't let the parade pass you by ...

It’s that time of year again.  The tourist invasion has reached a near fever pitch, the restaurants are packed, the beaches are too, and the lawn chairs on the sidewalks …... wait, what was that last thing.  You heard it right.  I love introducing people to our wonderful little town in the last weeks of April when the whole town is going gaga for the parade.  In a time when our lives are so filled with facebook check-ins, tweets, blogs, tumbles and gosh knows what else, it just makes me feel good that our sweet little town still loves it’s hometown parade.  I have so many treasured memories of our parade through the years.  Walking along  from barbecue to barbecue to visit friends before the parade started. Always the same grumpy comment from some -- perfect time to commit a crime in Bradenton because every law enforcement vehicle is in the parade with their sirens blasting.  Bah Humbug! I have always loved the marching bands, but the best music comes from krewe floats.  My youngest daughter developed parade science when she figured out at a young age that if she only wore one bead and would hide her stash until the end, she got more beads.  She would look like Mr. “T” by the nights end!!!  So when you see the lawn chairs on Manatee Avenue, you will know it’s time for the parade, another of Bradenton’s treasures.

Bradenton's new Riverwalk

If you haven't discovered the newest jewel in Bradenton's crown - you have to find your way to the new Bradenton Riverwalk.  As if a quiet walk along the river taking in its beauty isn't enough, there is always something fun going on.  I just enjoyed a wonderful Friday evening: the weather was perfect, the sky gorgeous from the sunset over the River and all the while listening to the great live music.

Or looking for more, you have to make sure you make it down to see the Embracing Our Differences art installation.  It will be on display for a month and you don't want to miss it.  You have to take the time to see them all, and I just loved seeing the kids engaging with the art.

 Here are kids with their scavenger hunt - looking for the hidden pictures.  That is probably my favorite part about the Riverwalk, between the outdoor living rooms, the state-of-the-art skateboard park, the splash park and the public art ... there is something for everyone.  I think a friend of mine said it best when she said, "I have lived here for over 30 years and this is the first time I have had a sense of community."  Well said!

Magnum Opus

If you haven’t heard about all of the exciting things going on here on our riverfront in downtown Bradenton, you must be new to the area and I would encourage you to check it out and get involved.  Having just empty nested, I have been trying to push myself outside of my comfort zone and to try new things.  Currently, there is a fun community mural underway that will certainly be a new treasure for our town.  The treasure can be found as much in the process as in the final artwork.  Key to this project is Michael Parker, a very talented, dynamic artist who is leading this project.  I have been impressed at his efforts to reach out into the community to encourage people to participate.  His energy and enthusiasm are infectious.  As evidence, this “right-brained” empty nestor attended the workshop and learned all about scaling and light verses dark and actually got more charcoal on the page than her hands and face.  I think my favorite part was the mix of people who are there working on the project.  Several high school students, community volunteers and leaders, police officers, residents covering every demographic you can think of … and all learning and creating what will no doubt result in a masterpiece.  The photos here are of the exercise we did last week and we are putting our pages together to see what we were actually drawing.  Today we are learning about painting and brushwork … I can’t wait. 

Keep your eye on the building at the corner of

14^th Street

and

14^th Avenue

…

Where the sidewalks end …

 

You will never find the “River District” identified on a map, but once discovered, it will speak to your heart.  When my husband and I first moved back to the area with our young girls in tow, we drove through the neighborhood and with a tear in my eye, I knew I wanted to raise my children here.  It took us a while, but we did get here and have loved it ever since.  I previously blogged about my fond memories of Lewis Park, a short walk or bike from here, but this special area between 26^th Street W and 19^th Street W is a treasure all its own.  I have never been a big fan of the huge subdivisions, where all the homes look alike and that’s on purpose.

  I can’t imagine that there are any deed restrictions that would allow our local artist in the neighborhood who manages to sneak her treasures into any newly poured section of sidewalk or driveway.  I love to happen upon one of Nancy’s eyeballs, fish, etc. staring up at me from the walk, and this is just the beginning.  Her mosaic wall is a definite stop and get out of your car to appreciate.  To those with a keen eye, you may notice that the sidewalks don’t go all the way to the ends of the street???  That is because when they did the original dredging for Wares Creek, the dredged material was placed at the end of this neighborhood and added quite a bit of real estate.  There are so many wonderful stories and tidbits that surround the area and many of the homes found here in the River District.   There is a home in the neighborhood that the deed shows President William H. Harrison, owned the land at one time.  The streets are lined with the antique street lamps and when the weather is nice, you will always see your neighbors walking, riding their bikes or just sitting on the porch enjoying the always present River breeze through the grand daddy oaks.  All of this is set by river’s edge which makes for the most brilliant sunsets and sunrises.  When I walk at just the right time and the sky is brilliant red with the palm trees just a silhouette … I can’t help but appreciate that we really do live in paradise!!! Aren’t we lucky!!!

Tic Toc

Time keeps marching on and I am keenly aware of that fact this year.  Both of my babies have begun their countdown to leaving the nest and going off to college – just two more weeks.  Of course, I am thrilled for them to be spreading their wings and know they will find success in their path.  I just can’t stop thinking about all the precious moments from throughout the years.  In going through some of my old photos, I came across one of my most favorite Bradenton treasures that I would like to share … Lewis Park.  It’s quietly nestled in West Bradenton and was always a favorite stop after I picked them up from school and it hosted many a play dates, birthday parties and informal neighborhood gatherings.  There’s a quiet little stream that runs through the middle, but it is the beautiful oak canopy that shades you on those hot summer days.  I still love to go there and enjoy its beauty and remember  the hours of fun spent twirling on the witch’s hat … the louder they screamed, the faster it went!  Here are some photos of some of those great times.  You may recognize some of these kids, some of them are Mom’s and Dad’s themselves now … Tic Toc

Families at the park that day: Barnes, Gregory, Woodward, Smalley, Ardoin, Kocher, O'Brien, Ierulli

Circa 1900

I am so excited that on this my second blog, I have such a “treasure” to share with you.  I am in the process of listing this home located right here in West Bradenton.  This home is rich with history.  While I cannot confirm the story, it certainly makes for an interesting peek in yesteryear.  I was told by a previous owner, that this home was a country store back in the early 1900’s.  Historically, they would drive the cattle from out east to the Palma Sola where they would load them on to boats for shipping to Cuba.  As you can see, regardless of the history, this home is rich with character and charm.  Circa 1900, the home has all the great details we have come to expect from homes built by the craftsmen of their day.  You are welcomed to this home by a gracious front porch which immediately invokes a vision of sweet tea and a rocking chair.  Still preserved are the glass door knobs, mop-board trim and beautiful original pine floors.  Of course the kitchen and baths have been updated and made use of the spaces, without losing their character.  There is also a wonderful backyard that looks like an HGTV special.  I will be holding this treasure open on Sunday August 7 from 2-4, if you would like to come take a walk back into history.