I’ve been living in my little corner of the Concord River for ten years.

Back in March, 2013, I bought my house and began my journey as River Lady. A lot has happened since I signed the closing documents and accepted the keys.

But what of the ten years before my journey on the Concord River began?

Twenty years ago I ran the Disney World 10th Anniversary Marathon. It was a very, very, very cool experience.

I ran as part of the American Stroke Association’s program to raise money for stroke research. Since my father had died from a stroke, the program was near to my heart. I’ll never forget the feeling of satisfaction when I crossed the finish line. I’ll also never forget the pain!

In the ten years that followed I ran a second marathon, moved five times, got married then divorced then remarried then divorced (all to the same man — yeah, I know), went through bankruptcy, foreclosure, fell and ruptured a cervical disc, adopted two dogs, and made a s#@tload of stupid mistakes, remarrying the same man not included.

Living through those ten years was like being strapped to a roller coaster designed by Hades.

Yup, that decade was one for the books.

The past decade has brought with it a few more surprises, some good, some not so good. More stupid mistakes and some smart decisions, although I’m pleased to write I’m no longer strapped into Hades’ death-defying spirals. The ride I’m on now has gentle swoops and turns, thanks to my medication. Ahhhhh.

So, let me ask, what do I do now?

Seriously, I need to know.

I figure I might have ten good years left in me, give or take a year or two, and I have no clue what to do with myself.

Buying a new house isn’t an option, partly because I can’t afford to buy anything and partly because I don’t want to leave my corner of paradise. However, I must say that as more people move into my area with their speed boats and chain saws, my little corner is getting crowded. But I’m here for the time being.

So, again I ask: What do I do now?

Have I mentioned that over the past five months I have fallen more than three dozen times?

Yup.

Some of the falls were due to my left leg deciding it no longer wanted to work. Sometimes my left foot wouldn’t make it over the riser of a step and sometimes my left leg would give out as I was walking.

Gravity and I are not friends.

Other falls happened because the Earth shifted. I’m not kidding; it’s like living on a boat. One second I’m standing and then boom, I’m kissing the floor.

A few falls occurred because of snow and ice. Gotta love old man winter.

Remember Rocky? The Italian Stallion? If you don’t, I must ask: Have you been living under a rock?

Anyway, Rocky said in the Movie Rocky Balboa: “It’s not about how hard you hit. It’s about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward.“

Soooooo, every time I fall I pick myself up and shuffle forward.

But I’m still asking “What do I do now?”

Blessed be :}

Mi manchi, mia amata immortale.