'When we set off with our backpacks hanging from our shoulders and our hiking boots unwashed from the last trail ... we never know how it will all pan out. But something deep inside calls us to adventure and to brave the unknown... There is a bit of wilderness within all of us...'
From hiking through the crisp mountain valleys of the Lake District to wild swimming in waterfalls beloved by poets of old to silent meditations at sunrise, discovering wildflowers, and enjoying waterside adventures, Wild Riverbanks is a collection of personal essays, memoirs, and poetry, inspired by the rivers that I have frequented throughout the years, from my childhood to the present day.
This book is my gift to all those who carry a love of rivers, nature, and Mother Earth in their hearts and bones. It was also written for those of you who long to dip your toes into fresh waters, to feel the tall greying grass slip through your fingers and the gentle morning sun upon your skin, but are unnaturally estranged…
The 6 x 9 inch first edition with gold printed blue hardcover and photographic dust jacket, featuring a pesonal note from the author, is now available to purchase from all good online retailers. See below for more information and retailer links, and some lovely reviews. You can also view the new Wild Riverbanks photography galleries that features images linked to the chapters of the books.
— Wild Riverbanks
'Wild iris is growing close to the water's edge upon a small island ringed by layers of rock. It's trio of traingular bird-like beauties nestled among several bunches of long, narrow, green leaves. Iris is an exotic addition to the riversbanks. It complments the white oxeye daisies and the buttercups and adds contrast to the purple-loosestrife and casually hanging violet-hued tufted vetch. It would look out of place, were it not for a single purple orchid with its inflorescence of magenta flowers...'
'All things that we desire to flourish require Love and devotion... from flowers to gardens, to our minds and bodies... and, most, notably our hearts.'
'I am useful here. I am useful in this solitude; on this chair, on this bench, on this wooden trunk wrapped in ivy on the riverbank, and on this little patch of grass, and this little acre of sand, and by this tree, and on these smooth brown rocks.'
'There is a higher intelligence and consciousness that animates the trees and wildflowers and waters; a divine creator force that flows... The starlight that glistens on the water's surface is the same cosmic light in our bones and that birthed our souls. Waters give life to our bodies; we are not separate but one. Be in nature - take a moment to appreciate the sacredness of the natural world and rediscover your own.'
This first edition 6 x 9 inch hardback book featuring a beautiful photographic dust jacket is available from several online book retailers.
ISBN: 9781399907415 to order from your local bookshop.
"Well, what can I say, except, "Thank you!"... Thank you for writing the most beautiful book. So beautiful that the ending of the book filled me with so much emotion that I found myself actually crying... But the ending of the book was also a beginning of opening my heart and senses again, and made me realize how much I have made myself 'shut down' after losing Bonnie... frightened to let my deep heart and very deep senses be open again. Well, just like your beautiful wildflowers striving to survive extreme conditions, the sunshine has filtered through and my petals are once again feeling the warmth from the rays. Thank you!"
~ Helen McIntyre
"I loved this book. Through Atalina's beautiful descriptions of her river walks and adventures, I felt I was on these walks with her. A book that takes your senses on a hike or a meander along the beautiful River Tees is well worth reading. Well done Atalina Wright!"
~ Ruth
~ Karla Sanders, Artist
— Wild Riverbanks