WELCOME!
WELCOME!
Susan Shining-Star
Susan Shining-Star
Flock of Quackers
Backyard Homestead Adventures
Susan Shining-Star
Susan Shining-Star
© 2023 - 2024 Susan Shining-Star
All Rights Reserved.
New Release
New Release
Available on
Amazon
Available on
Amazon
Welcome to Sunny Stella's "Backyard Homestead Adventures."
I'm Sunny Stella, your guide on this exciting journey of stand-alone adventures. Together, we will:
Are you ready for a "Backyard Homestead Adventure?"
Coming Soon
Coming Soon
on Amazon !
on Amazon !
"Backyard Homestead Adventures Companion Workbook."
Observation skills, appreciation of nature, creativity, critical thinking, and more, ​are encouraged through a variety of adventure-related activities and discussions.
PRESS RELEASE
Disabled, Retired Senior Citizen Defies Odds to Launch Delightful ​Children's Book Series and Animated YouTube Videos
From lightning strike to literary heights: An inspiring odyssey into ​children's literature and aspiring animation.
My Books
My Books
Editorial Reviews -
Book 1 of the Sunny Stella Series:
”It is a very educational book for children in the elementary school/middle school level.” ​– Sandra Carrera, retired Special Education Teacher
"I'd love to see this in every school library and children's section of book shops." - Dai ​Sedella Lockwood, author of The Way of the Soul Catcher.
Top Reviews
Backyard Homestead Adventures
“EDUCATIONAL AND VERY FUN TO READ: What an adorable adventure! As a fully grown adult without a child in ​sight, I enjoyed every bit of this story. Told through Sunny Stella's point of view, she and her friends take us on ​several entertainingly fun and educational adventures in her very own backyard. I like to think I'm fairly ​environmentally savvy, yet I even learned a few new things. Full of wonderful advice, I will be recommending ​this to not only my parent friends, but anyone who is looking for a cute, short read. 10/10” ~ via E. Urriola
“WONDERFUL BOOK: A wonderful book full of magic, adventures, and nature. A great way to remember how to ​connect with nature if you are older or a sweet way to introduce being with nature to novice adventurers. This ​so much reminds me of the Waldorf school years with my kids.”~ via Mel G.
“ADVENTURE: Sunny Stella's backyard is fun and filled with adventures and friendship. Stella makes learning ​fun. “~ via K. Martin
“SUNNY STELLA’S BACKYARD ADVENTURES REVIEW: This book is a fictional story written for students ages 9 ​to 12 years of age. The story is about a young lady, Sunny Stella, who goes on different adventures with her ​friends. Each adventure introduces the reader to nature while venturing into the “whispering woods”. Each ​adventure also gives you a snapshot view into the whispering woods; bugs, gardens, leaves, as well as other ​adventures and the benefits of each one. The book introduces a different perspective on “nature” or “the ​creator” and “inclusion”. I feel the young reader would enjoy reading the adventures of Sunny Stella. !” via ​Sandra Carrera
Homestead Update!
April 5, 2024
After being sick for the past 2 weeks and after much prayer and reflection, I have decided that it is in both ​my and my rabbit's best interest to give them an opportunity to have more consistent human interaction ​than what I have been able to give them lately. Although I will miss them, they deserve much more than ​what I can give them at this time of my life. Although my ducks, quail, and plants all need attention, they do ​not need any where as much hands-on attention as the rabbits do. I know that I made the right decision ​though. The ducks, quail, plants are enough for me at this time in my life. Although they too, all, all need ​attention, they do not need any where as much hands-on attention as the rabbits do.
Although I will miss them, I am happy that safe, loving homes have been found. The does/females will be ​going to a couple of 4H kids, and a friend who has loved my buck/male since she first laid eyes upon him, is ​anxiously awaiting being able to add him to her menagerie.
Homestead Update!
December 5, 2023
I am thrilled to share that I'm continuing to make strides towards transforming my backyard into a haven ​for both people and wildlife - a Backyard Oasis Homestead!
The first milestone I achieved was three years ago when my property was certified as a Wildlife Habitat, a ​testament to my commitment to nurturing and preserving the natural world around me.
Two years ago, I completed the Heroes to Hives Beekeeping certificate program, and this year, I ​successfully wrapped up the Regenerative International Regenerative Agriculture certificate program. ​Both programs added valuable knowledge and skills to my repertoire.
Adding to the buzz, I'm proud to announce that I am now a Certified Pollinator Steward! Through dedicated ​coursework and the creation of a vibrant pollinator garden, I recently received my certification. ​Yesterday, my Certified Pollinator Steward pin arrived, marking another achievement in my journey to ​transform a barren piece of desert dirt into a Backyard Oasis Homestead.
I am grateful for all of the support and enthusiasm I continue to receive on this journey! Stay tuned for ​more updates as I cultivate my yard into a haven for nature and a source of inspiration for all.
Homestead Update!
August 9, 2023
Shortly after I bought this property (4.5 years ago), God revealed to me that I needed to create an “Oasis in ​the Desert.” I had no idea how this oasis was going to happen.
Creating an oasis in the desert can have various interpretations, both literal and symbolic. It can involve ​transforming arid land into a flourishing and sustainable ecosystem, providing a haven for wildlife and ​plants, and/or offering a peaceful retreat for humans.
About a year or so ago, I noticed that a small area in my backyard was damp. As time passed, the damp ​area turned into a wet area;. complete with standing water.
To determine the exact cause of the wet area, I consulted with a landscaper, a master plumber, the water ​department manager, and a geologist. Given that my water bill, water pressure, and sewer bill had not ​changed, it was clear to all that the water was not directly connected to my municipal water supply. After ​assessing the situation, the general consensus was that the source of the water was likely external to my ​property; such as an underground natural spring or natural water source beneath my property that is ​causing the water to rise to the surface.
Fast forward to the present, where I sit marveling at God's handiwork. The aforementioned "Oasis in the ​Desert" is well underway; cattails and other wetland plants are now growing in my backyard. Thus far this ​year, I have experienced a variety of living entities enjoying my little backyard oasis: i.e., dragonflies, ​lizards, horny toads, a centipede, earthworms, a variety of birds, including roadrunners and ​hummingbirds, wild rabbits, as well as at least 5 different types of butterflies, and 6 different types of ​bees. If the water in my yard was hot, I would invest in a pump. It's pretty amazing that I have cattails ​growing though.
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About the Author
About the Author
With a background deeply rooted in spirituality, ​Susan, known by many as "Shining-Star," spent ​years embracing a lifestyle like her ancestors. ​However, a life-altering injury forced her to move ​into a city far removed from the simplicity she ​once cherished. Now, after more than 20 years, ​she has evolved into a modern-day homesteader.
Follow her Facebook page, "Backyard Oasis Homestead Living," for a glimpse into her ​projects, writing, and life with her special companions - ducks, quail, and a service dog.