The widowhood journey is a challenging path. I became a widow suddenly and unexpectedly when I was 54. I started dating Dale, my late husband at 15, so I hardly knew life before him. 

It was hard to get up and move, much less move forward, but I was determined to find myself and create a new life. 

What helped me most was being in nature and talking to someone who’s been here. 

My Living Large in Widowhood Retreats can provide both. 

I offer the opportunity to visit the very rural Ozark Mountains and spend a relaxing weekend (Friday afternoon/evening – Sunday talking with me around a campfire (weather permitting), communing over meals, walking a country road, creating art, and journaling. 

These are not counseling sessions, I am NOT a counselor, we’re just two people talking about our shared experience of losing our partners and trying to find our way. 

Or, if you just want a weekend in nature on your own, you can choose to come and plan your own activities. 

Sleeping accommodations: You will be staying in The Belle Creative Studio (pictured), which includes a very comfortable full-sized futon bed, and a private bath. The studio has a microwave, small refrigerator, and coffee maker (I have filters. You provide your own coffee). 

• Option 1 Retreat: Accommodations only. A Friday afternoon/evening – Sunday at 1 p.m. on your own in the woods. You provide your own food and drinks. You will receive a written resource of what helped others most on this journey, as well as a list of websites and books that may help move you forward. $250 for the entire weekend.  
• Option 2 Retreat: Accommodation, planned activities that include sitting by the fire (weather permitting), communing over provided meals (Friday night supper, Saturday brunch and supper, and Sunday brunch before you leave by 1 p.m.), journaling, walking, talking, and art projects. You will receive a written resource of what helped me and others on this journey, as well as a list of websites and books that may help move you forward. I will also provide a writing journal, art materials, and a special gift. Cost: $350 for the entire weekend. 
• Option 3 Retreat: Instead of arriving on Friday afternoon, come on Thursday night. After brunch on Friday, you will tour the beauty of the Ozark Mountain region in which I live. I will take you to the Bull Shoals Lake Visitor’s Center, we’ll hit a few antique/junk shops and eat supper out (we both pay for our own meals). The weekend includes accommodation, planned activities such as sitting by the fire (weather permitting), communing over provided meals (Friday brunch, Saturday brunch and supper, and Sunday brunch before you leave by 1 p.m.), journaling, walking, talking, and art projects. You will receive a written resource of what helped others most on this journey, as well as a list of websites and books that may help move your forward. I will also provide a writing journal, art materials, and a special gift. Cost $450 

Please note:  My property is located about 1.5 hours southeast of Branson, Mo. I live in a very rural area, nearly two miles off the blacktop. These are the Ozark Mountains, so the terrain is very rocky and uneven. There is of course, running water and electricity (LOL), but this is a no-frills, rustic back-to-nature experience with simple, home-cooked meals. Cell phone service is spotty if you don’t subscribe to AT&T and there is no internet without an AT&T hotspot in the studio (there is also no television in the studio). Wildlife abounds and I also have very, very friendly dogs that call this home. 

Weekends are limited to one widow. Two people may come together, but there is only one futon. It will be the second person’s responsibility to bring a twin air mattress or make other sleeping arrangements. The same rates apply for a second person, and they also must be a widow and fill out the booking application. 

Due to the ongoing Covid pandemic, proof of vaccinations and boosters for each person is currently required prior to arrival.  

I suggest you drive in, but if you fly, fly into the Springfield, MO airport, which is two hours from My Little House. Car rentals are available at the airport. 

Please contact me for a booking application for the retreat, so you can begin planning your next step in moving forward! 

If you need a payment plan, please contact me.