"Don't Cry for Me, Argentina.....la, la, la"

[RichBriere]

Lately I've been hearing from some friends who find themselves in an awkward position........they're not sure what to say.

A few words if I may. Over the past several years I have, indeed, had some strange things happen to me...job loss, a couple of divorces, massive hair loss and the arrival of gray on what was left., etc. BUT, STRANGER things have happened to MANY others. Why do I "share" mine??  Because I always have. If someone else can benefit from my mistakes, cool!  Some have misunderstood WHY I PUBLICLY say the things I do......Am I looking for pity???  Hell No!! That's life. *I* gambled and *I* lost. Nobody to blame except me.    C'mere..pull your chair closer........

A few years ago I had a funny thing happen to me WHILE we were paddling. My knees and elbows swelled up like crazy. Others noticed before I did. Lots of medical tests performed, but no answers. Bottom line:  I had knee surgery and then ignored the Doctors advice about exercising so scar tissue didn't develop. End result???  Me....IN the water on the West Branch...Cindy pulling my lard-ass to shore....eaten by a tiny rapid that I'd done a thousand times....EASILY......because I put a bit of weight on that scar-tissued knee and it talked back...quickly. Oh, excuse me, did I say a BIT of weight?? I meant to say a LOT of weight!     I put on my wet-suit recently.........I needed a small crane and the jaws of life!!!   

Lastly....I'm selling my house at Oakley Corners and moving to Austin, Texas........the music capitol of the World.  Do I feel badly about that?? You bet...but I'm not sure why. I know that I'm afraid about moving to a NEW city after living in Paradise for twenty years. I also know that I should have moved years ago.......I hesitated...waited for a miracle...Don't make the same mistake I did......ALWAYS listen to your gut!  And live in the present.......not the past. That part, by the way, is VERY easy for ME to say.....but VERY difficult to do. I've not aged well and still consider myself to be, perhaps, 35......and still a Rock Star! 

Thanks to all of you for allowing me to be a part in a Wonderful Family of Friends

Rich


   

[Sue Buchta]

I did not get a chance to know you Rich, but have read your web site and like your writings, good luck! 

It is "real hard" to step out of your "safe zone", but when you do, only good things happen!!!

I know, I had to do it twice, most recently 4 years ago and am very happy I did both times.  More so this time than last.  I figured it could not get worse, right?  Much, Much better!!!!!

Good luck and God Speed.  Be strong!

[Neisen]

Rich, too bad the local circumstances caused you to move.  Good luck in your new location, maybe someday we can say we knew you when..
I've enjoyed paddling with you over the years, and certainly learned a lot.
Again, best of luck
Neisen

[plumlily]

The people we meet in life, change us forever...you, Rich, helped me meet challenges I never thought I could overcome(such as my fear of water) and the rewards were many.  It has been a privilege to know you and I wish you well on your new adventures!  You will meet many people who will change your life and help make it a better place to live in.  Go for it, Rich with all your heart and know old friends will ALWAYS be friends on one level.  As Always, Sue aka plumlily

[PeteV]

Lately I've been hearing from some friends who find themselves in an awkward position........they're not sure what to say.




Lastly....I'm selling my house at Oakley Corners and moving to Austin, Texas........the music capitol of the World.  Do I feel badly about that?? You bet...but I'm not sure why. I know that I'm afraid about moving to a NEW city after living in Paradise for twenty years. I also know that I should have moved years ago.......I hesitated...waited for a miracle...Don't make the same mistake I did......ALWAYS listen to your gut!  And live in the present.......not the past.
  I also learned to live by your "gut instinct" Rich, and then things began to go better. Now, I assume that you have been to Austin to check it out before this big move?    Pete


   

[gjoe]

Rich,

I wish you the best in your future endevours what ever they may be. I enjoyed our day on the Chenango and really appreciate that you and Rita took my son Michael under your wings as it was his first big paddle. Something I think he will never forget!

Good luck to you Rich and please say hello from time to time!

Joe Geronimo

[RichBriere]

Many, MANY thanks to you all...........For what may be the very FIRST time ever, I don't know what to say.......