by Texas Homesteader ~

When our children lived at home we always sat at the table and ate together as a family. It was an important and non-negotiable family tradition of ours. So much so that there were no distractions allowed during our meals together.

Our rule was that everyone stayed around the table until the last one was finished before anyone was allowed to leave the table. Oh, and no phones were to be brought to the table. If a phone did ring somewhere in the house, it was not answered if we were still having supper.

And even if one of their friends showed up at the front door during supper, the door was not answered. All of that could wait until after we’d spent this important family time together.

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by Texas Homesteader ~

It seems we all get caught up in the rush-rush-rush part of life.  You know the one, where this task is hurried through in order to rush to that next task which is already behind because that other task had to be done?

Maybe the ability to live slow is being pushed out of our lives and replaced with ‘busy’ to the point where all we want to do at the end of the day is plop down onto the couch & watch tv.

I hear ya – we feel it too!  But is the push to cram more & more into our days shadowing our ability to live slowly & more purposely?

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by Texas Homesteader ~

by Texas Homesteader ~

Those who know us personally often refer to RancherMan & me as newlyweds.  And I guess it’s true, I do still get a little tickle-in-my-tummy feeling just from seeing that oh-so-handsome man of mine.   We are always holding hands or touching lightly on the arm because we just wanna be that close. And you know how some folks are afraid of spending a little too MUCH time together?  Nah, that’s not us. We actually prefer to be together.

Now I realize that each personality is different and what works for some won’t work for others.  But I thought I’d share a little about how RancherMan & I stay in the newlywed phase even though we’re nearing our 20th wedding anniversary.

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by Texas Homesteader ~

Five years ago today I said “Goodbye and good RIDDANCE” to breast cancer.  It was one of the darkest and most scary times in my life.  And yet, one of my most blessed times as well.  Sound odd?  Believe me, it does to me too.  But I guess sometimes when you’re at the lowest and most fearful point in your life, things happen.

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by Texas Homesteader ~

I’m 55 years old, y’all. But here’s the thing – I’m not ashamed of my age. I love being Fifty-Five!

Wait, don’t we all want to appear younger than we are?  It’s true that many folks try to do everything they can to fight against showing their age. In a society that seems to glorify youth, I guess they just feel better about themselves if they look younger than their years.  And here’s the important thing – that’s OK!

There’s NO shame in that, y’all – do what makes you happy.

But personally, I’m not in constant pursuit of looking younger than I am.  And I’m not gonna lie – it feels pretty good! I’m very happy in my own skin – gray hair, wrinkles & all!

This photo used for mirror illustration only was taken about 4 years ago – There are many more grays now!

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