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My Journey from survivor to backyard homesteader
Explore Backyard Homesteading isn’t just a website; it’s a
Personal Journey of Transformation
From navigating the hustle of urban life to embracing the tranquility of homesteading, my path has been transformative.
Whether you’re here to learn ways to live closer to nature, dive into tales of personal growth, gain sustainable living insights, reflect on spiritual moments, or to explore ideas about nature and spirit ~ it’s all about community and shared stories. If any of this speaks to you, I’m glad you’re here. Let’s walk this path together, one step at a time, living a life that’s connected, thoughtful, and in harmony with the earth.
Hey there, I’m Susan, known as “Shining-Star,”
a survivor to backyard homesteader.
On my 0.16-acre desert city lot, I’m creating a Backyard Oasis Homestead ~ a sanctuary where simplicity meets sustainability in a spiritual dance. It’s about living simply, divinely, and eco-friendly, blending spirituality with practical homesteading.
It hasn’t always been this way, though. For years, I lived like my ancestors did. Then, one day, quite unexpectedly, I was struck by lightning. This life-altering event marked a dramatic shift that propelled me into a new phase of existence. I had to move into a group home and attend adult daycare six hours a day, five days a week. I had to leave behind the natural simplicity I once knew ~ a peaceful, rural life of tranquility ~ and adapt to the whirlwind of city living.
Fast forward almost twenty years ~ I returned to my roots, back to where it all began, embracing and co-existing with nature, but with a twist. I once again live independently, thanks to the help and support of my mobility service dog, friends, and a team of personal caregivers.
Survivor to Backyard Homesteader
I am a survivor to backyard homesteader, bringing back old-fashioned skills to thrive in today’s world. Using these time-honored techniques, I’m transforming my small plot of land into a divinely inspired, eco-friendly homestead ~ a place where I, and others, can connect with nature.
To me, a homestead marries the principles of sustainability, productivity, and spirituality. It’s not just about surviving; it’s about thriving. It’s not just about growing food; it’s about growing souls ~ all while staying on a budget.
Inspired? Explore my books and homesteading picks!
One of my cherished works, “Flock of Quackers: A Prayer With Every Step,” intertwines my love for ducks with spiritual reflections from my life experiences. I aim to show that, no matter your age or disability, you can live a life filled with intention, productivity, and spiritual richness ~ with the right support ~ even if you only have a small space to work with. I invite you to explore this book to dive deeper into my philosophy and how I view life’s journey.
Along this path of sharing my experiences through writing, another gentle surprise emerged: Sunny Stella, a curious 11-year-old character born from a simple doodle, who now helps me inspire young readers with homesteading wonder and resilience.
Living intentionally and mindfully of our environmental impact is at the core of what I do. I aim to inspire others to create their own sanctuary ~ a place that not only nurtures the body but also the soul ~ a sanctuary where your soul can breathe. Through my work, I share how to live a life of self-sufficiency while honoring the Creator and our planet.
My small-scale property is dedicated to becoming more and more self-sufficient, embracing elements of sustainability, productivity, and natural resources.
As we walk this path, we’ll learn, grow, and nurture the Earth with every step. Together, we’ll explore how to make each backyard, no matter how small, a place of growth, reflection, and peace.
My journey as an author and homesteader is deeply tied to my recovery. Discover how you can contribute to this journey here.
Join My Backyard Homesteading Adventure
If you’re intrigued by the idea of living richly with less, or curious about how a survivor to backyard homesteader views life, I invite you to join my community.
Follow me on X/Twitter
“Food is medicine. Look around you and see what grows abundantly in your area and then try to find as many ways to use it as you can. About 40 yrs ago I discovered how prolific zucchini grew and had a binder of recipes to use it. Challenge yourself to do the same with other
Observing the quiet moments in winter teaches children how to slow down and notice ~ an important skill for self-awareness and mindfulness.
Post Inspiration came from this week’s Sunny Stella story on Medium. → Read the full story → Link in feed.
#SunnyStella
