Back to the Basics with Laura

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About Me

Finding a New Path:

A Journey into Blogging, Farm Life, and Creativity

As I approach retirement, I find myself at a crossroads—one filled with excitement, uncertainty, and endless possibilities. After years of working in education, wearing many hats and juggling a variety of responsibilities, I’m ready to embrace a new chapter that allows me to stay home, do what I love, and still contribute financially in some way. It’s both thrilling and a little scary, but I’ve always believed that the best things in life come from stepping out in faith and trying something new.

From home-cooked meals to DIY projects and homesteading stories and lessons learned along the way, this space is about embracing the simple joys of life. Whether you’re looking for a great recipe, a new crafting idea, or just some inspiration from someone navigating life’s transitions, I hope you’ll join me on this journey.

🌟Pinterest Inspired

Inspired by Pinterest (yes, I fully admit I’m a Pinterest junkie), I decided to try my hand at blogging. What started as casual pinning turned into hours of discovering recipes, crafting ideas, homesteading tips, and heartfelt stories from people who, like me, are navigating life’s ever-changing seasons. I realized I didn’t just want to be a reader and a pinner—I wanted to be a creator, a storyteller. I’ll be writing about this blogging journey along the way: the ups, the downs, the tech mishaps, and the small victories.

This blog is a space where I’ll share my passions—recipes and cooking tips straight from my kitchen, creative crafting ideas that bring joy and a sense of accomplishment, and reflections on life’s many twists and turns on the homestead. Some posts may be full of step-by-step instructions; others might be simple stories from a quiet day on the farm. My path is anything but typical, and I’ve gathered some amazing stories throughout my journey—stories that deserve to be told, not just remembered in passing.

Let’s Me Clarify

Let me be clear: I’m not an expert on any of these topics. I don’t have a fancy culinary degree, a background in instructional design. My expertise is from actually real life experiences growing up on a farm, and now having a small farm and homestead. I’m just someone who loves sharing what I’ve learned through living, failing, succeeding, and laughing through it all. As they say, “write it down”—and that’s exactly what I plan to do. This blog is my way of writing it all down, not just for myself, but for those who may find comfort, inspiration, or simply a good recipe here.

At the heart of it all is my family. I’m blessed to be a wife to the most amazing, supportive husband who has walked with me through thick and thin. I’m also a proud mother to a wonderful daughter who inspires me with her strength and kindness, and I’m a grandparent to two precious little ones who bring more joy to my life than words can describe. Family has always been my foundation—the reason I get up every morning and give it my all. And now, as I settle into life on our small farm, I look forward to sharing the beauty, challenges, and quiet joys of rural living.

Farm life, for me, is a return to simplicity—a slower pace where I can hear the birds in the morning, plant a seed and watch it grow, and find contentment in the everyday. Whether I’m baking bread in my cozy kitchen, crocheting while watching TV, or chasing chickens back into the pasture there’s a rhythm to this life that grounds me. And I want to share that rhythm with you.

From home-cooked meals that feed the soul to DIY projects that bring out the creative spirit, to personal stories about homesteading, gardening, and growing into this next phase of life—this space is for embracing the simple joys. Whether you’re looking for a great casserole recipe, a new crafting project to try on the weekend, or just some honest reflections from someone who’s navigating new chapters in life and rediscovering what matters, I hope you’ll find something here that speaks to you.

Dedicate This Blog

I also want to take a moment to dedicate this blog. Over the years, I’ve realized that I’ve unknowingly kept many of my parents’ stories, lessons, and values to myself. In a way, I think I was holding onto them so tightly that I forgot how powerful it can be to share them. So, this blog is my way of honoring their legacy. I want to dedicate it to the next generation—Rhea, Kira, Jeremy, Destiny, Dale, Jessica, Erika, and my sweet grandchildren. May you all be blessed as I have been. May you laugh, cry, and learn from these stories and continue to cherish the memories of a time gone by.

And before we go any further, let me clarify something important: “Reefer” is my last name. I know it may raise some eyebrows or lead to a few giggles, but this blog has nothing to do with cannabis—no cooking with it, growing it, or using it. Just good old-fashioned family life, country living, and creativity straight from the heart. ❤️

🥂Cheers!

So here’s to new beginnings. Here’s to creativity, storytelling, and making the most of every moment we’re given. Whether you’re newly retired, raising kids, building a homestead, or simply looking for a bit of inspiration, I hope you’ll feel right at home here.

Welcome to my blog—pull up a chair, pour yourself a cup of coffee, and let’s enjoy this journey together.

Here’s to new beginnings, creativity, and making the most of every moment—welcome to my blog!