Susan Shining-Star (AKA “Shining-Star”) is a naturalist educator, author, homesteader, and the force behind Sunny Stella® World, the Sunny Stella® Series, and the GROW Anywhere System®. After years of off-grid living and using old-fashioned skills, she survived a lightning strike that left her living in the city with traumatic brain injury and aphasia. Years later, she returned to a life closer to nature through backyard homesteading, raised ducks, became an author, and added bees, rabbits, and quail to the journey. Somewhere along the way, she also built an entire educational ecosystem. Her work brings together nature-based learning, homesteading, observation, sustainability, resilience, and real-world experience. At the heart of it is a simple way of paying attention: Notice what is there. Wonder about it. Connect it to something you already know, remember, or have experienced. Move toward understanding. Her philosophy is equally simple: You can begin right where you are, with what you have, and it will be enough.
AI-assisted bio summary, reviewed and approved by Susan Shining-Star
My Journey from
survivor-to-backyard homesteader
Sunny Stella® World 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.
My small-scale property is dedicated to becoming more and more self-sufficient, embracing elements of sustainability, productivity, and natural resources.
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 curated lists of products, I share some of my favorite affiliate picks.
Flock of Quackers: A Prayer With Every Step, my debut book, later inspired the Sunny Stella® Series and broader Sunny Stella® ecosystem.
It intertwines my love for ducks with spiritual reflections from my life experiences and is one of my cherished works.
In it, 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.
To dive deeper into my philosophy and how I view life’s journey, I invite you to explore this book.
Along this path of sharing my experiences through writing, another gentle surprise emerged: Sunny Stella, a curious 11-year-old character who helps me inspire young readers with homesteading wonder and resilience.
My journey as an author and homesteader is deeply tied to my recovery. Discover how you can contribute to this journey HERE.
CONTINUE THE SUNNY STELLA® JOURNEY
If you’d like to explore nature, observation, hands-on learning, and practical ways to bring learning into everyday life, I invite you to join me.