Today, April 16, 2021, marks eight years I have been living in my little corner of the Concord River. It was on April 16, 2013, to be exact, my journey began. It has been one filled with radiant joy …

… and deep, profound sorrow;

a journey of frustration …

… and painful lessons learned.

When I closed on my little house and was handed the keys, I was overcome with happiness, for I felt I had finally found my paradise.

Along the way I’ve watched my river flow and birds fly.

One thing I’ve learned these past eight years is that there is a steady thread of continuity in my little corner of the river. That despite the ups-and-downs, and ins-and-outs of my life, some things remain constant.

For example, the mating pair of Mallards still sit on the retaining wall and keep watch over their domain.

The American Goldfinches molt during the month of April.

The Ruby-throated Hummingbird migration brings them to my little corner of the Concord River.

The Trout Lily emerges each Spring.

The male Northern Cardinal courts the female by feeding her sunflowers seeds.

The gardens get bigger.

The daffodils bloom each April.

Over the past eight years I have written close to 1000 posts (OMG! 😱).

I have photographed my river wearing winter’s white …

… and Autumn’s blush;

Spring’s earthy shades …

… and Summer’s bloom.

Along the way I have taken a gazillion pictures of my river and her occupants, from snakes to turtles to bats to butterflies and, of course, her ducks.

Over the past eight years I have cried and laughed, and wished and dreamed, and through it all, like the Concord River, my life moves at a steady pace towards its destination.

May the next eight years bring me harmony and joy. Blessed be :}

Mi manchi, mia amata immortale.