More about me

It’s most likely a happy accident that you found your way to my little corner of the blogging world. I’m so glad you’re here.

I started blogging back in 2006, mostly as a way to process life and ideas—and, quite frankly, to keep from going a little bit crazy bumping around in my own headspace. It’s one of the places where I write and watch for the ways God is gently at work in my ordinary days.

At nineteen, I married my high school sweetheart while he was still in college. Together, we built our life through twenty years of military service, nineteen moves, and the blessing of eight children—three of whom we had to let go far too soon, and five who continue to fill our lives with joy, purpose, and the very best stories.

I’ve spent the better part of the last 41 years as a stay-at-home mom, occasional homeschool teacher, and now Gramma (aka Ma-ma) to a growing number of grand-littles. Recently, we also said goodbye to my beloved mother, who lived with us in her final years. We were her primary caregivers. She passed in February 2024, and the transition into this new season is very much a work-in-progress.

I am, and have always been, a homemaker. That has been my full-time role, and I couldn’t be happier or more grateful.

Over time, this blog has quietly evolved into a place not only to reflect, but also to connect with women who, like me, are moving into a season of quieter days and unexpected questions, even in the midst of long-held plans - where the urgent has faded, and the important rises gently to the surface.

My husband and I are now on the cusp of retirement—he from a long and faithful career, and me from the beautiful, invisible work of raising a family, keeping a home, and holding things together behind the scenes. But here’s the question I keep asking:

What does retirement look like for a homemaker?

The answer, I’m discovering, is not about doing less—but about releasing the pressure to do more. It’s about simple stewardship, quiet abundance, and learning to rest in rhythms I used to rush through.

I know I may be writing to a small circle of women here—women who have been generously provided for by husbands who have worked hard and given freely. Not because life has always been easy, but because together you’ve built a life where needs are met and margin exists. And now, in this quieter season, you’re not looking for more to accumulate—you’re looking for more to offer. You long to live with wisdom, purpose, and quiet intention.

If any of that resonates with you, you’ll feel right at home here. I’ll be writing about this season of life—what it looks like to live simply, give generously, and enjoy the good work still in front of us.

And yes, that includes the kitchen.

Favorite Recipes is our ever-growing collection of tried-and-true meals, family classics, and a few honorable flops along the way.

I enjoy cooking, growing herbs, walking in nature, watching birds, reading good books, beach days, euchre, music, chocolate, meaningful chats, and early mornings when the stars are still bright in the sky. We’ve recently discovered the unexpected joy of glamping, too.

All of these are second only to time spent with my husband—my best friend—and our growing family.

If you find a little connection to any of that, I hope you’ll visit often. It’s not exactly a chat over coffee in real life, but it might be the next best thing.

(And for the record, I confess I’m a bit of a coffee snob. Not the expensive kind, just… not a Folgers or Maxwell House kind of girl. And if there’s no creamer? Don’t bother.

Update: The coffee era is evolving.)

If I were a state, my flower would be the sunflower, and the dragonfly would be my insect. They hold special meaning for me because of their beautiful symbolism.

More than anything, I hope you find a warm welcome here.

With love,

Susan

(aka Sam)