Introducing Myself

My Journey

I spent my childhood in a small town in Wisconsin, where, at five years old, my father died in a plane crash.  This essentially set off a familial bomb where heartache ruled, and I was kind of on my own.  So, at 21, I moved to California and grew up.

I learned adulting.  I played with the stars.  I was struck by love at first sight. I married in the magical Hollywood Hills.  I bore and raised my amazing daughters.  I lived on a street named Moonlight Lane.  I nursed my dying husband and kissed him goodbye.  I struggled.  I thrived.  I loved every moment, even the hard ones.  California is a magical place and will always be home in my heart and soul. 

Then a year ago at age 70, I retired.  I sold my San Diego County home and moved to San Tan Valley, AZ.  All in two weeks!  I think my head is still spinning.  This past year has been chock-full of self-discovery as I acclimate to my new surroundings.  While I am still looking for that elusive "purpose" thing, I hope to share successes and stumbles here.

What you can find here ... 

Home Decor:  You don’t have to demo a home to make it your own. Work with what you have. Tear‑downs aren’t always better — they often create more waste in an already messy world. Buy what you love to complement the good bones you already have. Shop HomeGoods, Goodwill, home improvement stores, hobby shops, vintage markets, museum and garden stores, and local boutiques.  

70+ Fashion: I lean toward classic styling, but let’s be honest — a flashy trend can still catch my eye. When I retired, I lost thirty pounds and suddenly needed clothes that actually fit. Living far from big retail centers, I learned to embrace off‑price stores, Costco, and even Walmart. You can find brand‑name labels nearly everywhere now, and style truly has no zip code.

Cooking for One:  Food is fundamental, so why not make it delicious? Cooking for one can feel like a brutal shift — full of small victories and occasional flops — but it’s also a chance to rediscover what you love. I’ll share simple, satisfying meals that make solo dining feel less like a dilemma and more like a quiet pleasure.

Inspiration:  I draw ideas from bloggers, online magazines, Pinterest, movies, streaming shows, and nature. Creativity is everywhere — sometimes in a beautifully styled room, sometimes in a line of dialogue, sometimes in the way the desert light hits a cactus at 5 p.m.

Here's to golden hours and new beginnings ...

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