An oak tree stands deeply rooted on the back of some property in Red River County, Texas. Two of its drooping limbs serve as a reminder that living through seasons year after year can bring exterior imperfections but the circles within its trunk reveal its age and some might say its wisdom.

Nearby forest service professionals recommended keeping the ailing branches connected to the tree. Cutting and removing the limbs could cause disease.

According to local officials, this old arbor is more than 350 years old and offers more than just beauty and shade to its current human companions but an invitation for space, for wondering, for connection.

When Tatman’s husband Pete died in March 2020, the timing was right and her long-time dream of establishing a connection with land “out in the country” became reality. It gave new purpose, some clarity and new companionship as she connected with nature and worked with her family as, together, they stepped into something both familiar and unfamiliar all at the same time.

It was time to get back to some of her roots and see a vision fulfilled.

Tatman says she has dreamed of offering a place for others to get away from life’s busyness for years. Some of that dream began to manifest in 2010 when she and her husband downside to a home in Richardson. The home has a gazebo in the backyard and overlooks a creek. While it provided and still provides her space for contemplation, life at that time didn’t quite align as the right opening for her dream of inviting others to enjoy the space. Tatman sort of laughs as she admits that a lot of folks were wanting to become farmers during the pandemic, but her son and daughter-in-law had been cultivating the desire and knowledge of growing produce for several years.

She and her children purchased 10 acres of land shortly after her husband’s death naming it after him - Pete’s Paradise. Located about two and half hours northeast of Dallas between Paris and Mount Pleasant, the property includes two houses - one where her son and daughter-in-law live and another smaller, more recently completed home - Sunshine Cottage.

Throughout the past three years, Tatman, with the help of her children, has spent time furnishing the cottage with cozy pieces. Fittingly, she painted both the inside and outside of the home yellow with a few pops of turquoise throughout - a color symbolizing wisdom, self-actualization and unlocking creative energies. The three-bedroom house comfortably sleeps seven (for those willing to share a bed), and there’s a large sunroom in the back of the house with a futon for those seeking extra light.

So far Sunshine Cottage has served as a place for family gathering, holidays and a personal retreat space for Tatman and family. Part of Pete’s Paradise also includes a small organic farm managed by Denver and Marla where, depending on the season, they grow and harvest local produce including lettuce, cauliflower, broccoli, greens, beets, peas, tomatoes, peppers, okra, kolorabi, squash and melons.

The chickens now live on the neighbor’s property and they’re cared for by them as well. The birds were a lot to manage. The current setup is sort of the best of both worlds - the Tatmans can still enjoy the eggs without the hassle of too much tending. During growing season, Denver and Marla bring produce into town (Richardson) on Thursdays for pickup from 4 to 7 p.m. In August 2022, Arva’s son had a heart attack and five bypass surgeries. The farm has been a great place to recover but some of the growing slowed as he made room to heal his body.

Going forward, Denver and Marla plan to get back to growing more, and Arva plans to open up Sunshine Cottage for others to enjoy a day or overnight personal retreat.

Questions for reflection:

• The 253-year-old oak tree on Arva’s property has drooping limbs, but the forest industry recommended not removing them. Removing the ailing branches could cause the tree to die. What part of you feels droopy? What would it be like to thank the droopy parts for being part of you? How do they keep you alive?

• Is there a dream the Divine has given you but it doesn’t seem like its been able to come into being yet? If so, name it, and thank God for that dream. Begin to wonder how that dreams wants you to tend to it.

May Holy Love bless your time of wondering. Amen.

To learn more about Sunshine Cottage, you can listen to our podcast interview with Arva by joining Retreat House’s online platform Circle. Email Lil for access and to learn more.

Arva Tatman is a trained spiritual director and longtime friend and covenant partner of Retreat House Spirituality Center. She is also the proprietor of Sunshine Cottage, an overnight retreat space in Red River County, Texas. To inquire about spending time at the cottage and/or on the land, email Arva or contact her via phone at 214.395.4826. Follow Pete’s Paradise on Instagram.

This article was written by Emily Turner Watson. She is a trained spiritual director, writer, and partner of Retreat House Spirituality Center. Send her a note!