Welcome to Hippie Heart! I’m a woman stepping into the next chapter of my life—retirement—and I couldn’t be more excited to share it with you. Years ago, I left Missouri behind and set my sights on California, drawn by a dream of one day retiring in Santa Cruz and soaking in the wonders of this incredible state. From the crashing waves of the ocean to the towering mountains, ancient redwoods, snowy peaks, and sprawling deserts, California has it all—and I wanted to be part of it. In 2017, I finally made the move, bringing along my two senior Chocolate Labs, Peyton and Eli, who were more like my babies than pets. I’d raised them from just six weeks old, and they stood by me through some of the hardest moments of my life.

Then came 2023—the toughest year I’ve ever faced—when I said goodbye to both Peyton and Eli. Losing them broke my heart, and I still feel their absence every day.

But just when I needed it most, a new light entered my life: Nanook, a 7-year-old, 90-pound husky-shepherd mix with a handsome face and the most endearing floppy ears (I call them his “broke ears”). I adopted him only months after my loss, and somehow, he turned everything around. I can’t quite explain it, but it feels like he was meant to find me—like a quiet gift from the universe or something else. Just like Peyton and Eli once did, Nanook saved me.

Now that retirement has opened the door to freedom, Nanook and I have swapped the daily hustle for a simpler, sweeter rhythm. Some days we do nothing at all, some days we ride the coast with the windows down because Nanook loves that and other times we hit the road for an adventure. Together, we’ve become explorers—wandering through California’s coastal gems like Bodega Bay and Pismo, charming little towns like Occidental and Yucca Valley, 29 Palms, Joshua Tree NP with my trusty sidekick (though he does get a bit restless on those longer drives), and this blog is where we’ll share our story. I’m new at blogging so I’m learning and sharing. You’ll find a blend of travel tales, dog-friendly discoveries, and the small joys that catch our eye—all wrapped in a laid-back, creative vibe that feels like a chat with a friend over coffee. No rush, no fuss, just real moments. So come along for the ride—Nanook and I would love to have you with us!

~Peace Out, Charlotte & Nanook