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Gardening, Simple Living, and Creative Homesteading

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Stone Pathway

Gardening, Simple Living, and Creative Homesteading

The First Half of Life

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It’s hard to believe, but after 35 years of marriage, we’re embarking on a new chapter of our journey. For the past few decades, life has been a beautiful whirlwind—raising kids, building careers, and chasing the busyness that often comes with living in today’s world. Now, with our children grown and independent, we’re rediscovering what it means to live life together in a new way.

Raising two kids has been the greatest joy (and challenge) of our lives. We watched them grow from babies to toddlers to teenagers with dreams and ambitions all their own. We’ve seen them leave the nest and start lives of their own, each carving their unique path. And through it all, we’ve found that the most important thing was the foundation we built together—not just as parents, but as a team. Every laugh, every tear, every victory, and every setback has helped shape the relationship we share today.

And now, as we step into this new season, we’re realizing just how much we’ve learned over the years—not just about each other, but about ourselves. The first 35 years were about building a life together, raising a family, and keeping things moving. But as the years have gone by, we’ve found ourselves slowing down a bit, leaning into the quieter moments, and rediscovering hobbies and dreams that had been set aside in the chaos of life.

For me, it’s been the simple joy of my coffee on the porch—just sitting there, breathing in the air, and watching the world unfold around us. Robert has rediscovered his love for fishing, and his obsession with casting lines into the water is as strong as ever. These little pleasures—sitting on the porch with a steaming mug, or fishing on the lake—are helping us reconnect with the things we love and the things we dreamed about long ago.

We’ve also realized how much we enjoy spending time together—whether it’s working on homesteading projects, dreaming up new ideas for the future, or simply enjoying each other’s company on the weekends. We’re no longer just co-managers of a busy life. We’re partners in this exciting next chapter, sharing hobbies, exploring new ventures, and leaning into a slower, more meaningful way of living.

This next 35 years is about making new memories together. It’s about finding new ways to enjoy the life we’ve built and creating fresh dreams for the years ahead. It’s not about slowing down to a stop; it’s about discovering a new rhythm that feels more authentic, more connected, and more true to the simple life we’ve always wanted.

As we step into this next chapter, we’re excited to see where it takes us. We’ve spent the last 35 years preparing for this moment—learning what works and what doesn’t, making mistakes, and savoring the wins. Now, it’s time to rediscover the life we’ve always wanted and create the next 35 years with purpose, adventure, and love.

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Hello Everyone!

My name is Dene - Welcome to my page! I'm a writer, nature lover, and advocate for simple living. From my quiet corner of southeast Oklahoma, I share stories, reflections, and practical tips for living a more intentional, grounded life. When I'm not writing, you'll find me gardening, birdwatching, or sipping coffee on the porch. Feel free to take a look around—whether you're here for inspiration, practical advice, or just a quiet moment, I'm glad you stopped by.

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