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ABOUT US
Meet Maureen Hoggan
My life has been a patchwork of one-of-a-kind experiences and unforgettable escapades. I was a business owner for over 35 years. Selling everything from automotive accessories to wireless phones and clothing. I even working in the funeral industry for a couple of years. My appetite for excitement never waned. Allways having an open mind, ready to take on anything from creating crafts such as cake decorating, flower arranging and tole painting and embarking on many daring adventures.
During my self-employment days, I spent 12 thrilling years racing an injected alcohol dragster at speeds of 200 mph! I was eager to share my knowledge and always enjoyed helping kids, so I started a driving school for kids aged 8-17 to learn the art of drag racing in half-scale dragsters. It was a busy time of life for me raising kids and running a business along with a weekly 250-mile trip one way to drag race.
I always dreamed of Montana. The state’s beauty mesmerized me with images of agriculture and livestock as far as you could see. A place of tall mountains, prairies and wildlife. A large state with few people. When I met my husband Mike, I got the chance to live this first hand. He not only opened the door to a new life that I had longed to experience but also showed me the meaning of life and nostalgia.
I’ve never been tired of learning new things and here starting a brand-new life some people called me crazy, but I’ve always been drawn to challenges. Moving here opened my eyes to the simple joys of life. I’ve had hands on experience assisting with the capture of grizzly bears, inoculating cattle, as well as lambing out our small band of sheep during winter blizzards witnessing first-hand the miracle of life and the sadness of death.
I have learned skills like how to can fruits and vegetables, butchering our own meat, tending our garden and even doing carpentry work. Primarily what I do now is graphic arts and websites for people. This for me is not only a job but my enjoyment as well. A way to channel my creativity and keep me occupied during the cold Montana winters.
Another endeavor in the past was Home Interior’s (a decorating company) showing ways to arrange, enhance and introduce new ideas. This blog is very similar but instead of dealing with the home, here, Cindy and I will share life around us that we all can learn from.
About Me: Cindy Sterling Danner
Life has always been filled with activities that bring me joy. From my early years of enjoying simple pleasures like eating, sleeping, reading, writing, teaching, drawing, and hiking, I've found ways to embrace every moment. One of my greatest joys has always been swimming, and while I no longer have a pool, I miss the feel of water and the peace it brings.
As the years passed, I found immense fulfillment in my career as an educator. My dedication to my students’ success has led to awards and recognition at both the public-school level and the university. My tutoring business has also been a source of pride, helping students thrive and reach their full potential. But beyond career achievements, family has always been at the core of my happiness. I treasure the stories and adventures my family shares, and their visits are priceless. I can’t wait for the day when all of them venture southwest for a visit, where my husband Rex and I have retired and live.
Retirement or should I say semi-retirement, as I love to keep busy learning, sharing my passions, and gaining insight from others, ushers in an era of reflection for myself, a time to embrace the changes in life. As I often say, I’m in an epoch of embracing my gray - (though I prefer to think of it as platinum blonde! LOL). Life is always changing, filling me with a mix of happiness, nostalgia, and sometimes a touch of melancholy. I believe that sorrow and reflection are part of the human experience, shaping who we were, who we want to keep, and who we hope to become.
These days, life is filled with simple, joyous adventures. I love taking short and long walks with our two little dogs, and riding through the desert in our side-by-side is always an exhilarating escape. On quieter days, I enjoy soaking in the tub with a good book or relaxing with my thoughts.
In the early years of marriage, I mastered the art of baking pies, homemade bread, and cinnamon rolls. Now, my love for cooking has evolved, focusing on healthier choices that cater to those with Type 2 diabetes. I've also have developed a passion for Mediterranean food, experimenting with its rich flavors and abundant vegetables.
Many of my t-shirts feature special statements—my personal mantras—which I actively try to live by. Life, after all, is an adventure, and I’m committed to embracing its ups and downs. Pull up a chair, or relax on your couch, and join us as we look to inspire and see insights as other’s share their perspectives. After all, life can be a joyous journey!
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