From My Heart to Yours: A Re-introduction

Hello and welcome! Whether you’ve just joined me or you’ve been here from the beginning, I thought it might be time to (re)introduce myself and share a little more about the heart behind Life at Bella Terra.

I’m Mary Crozier, and I write from a historic home in Phoenix that’s full of creaky charm, evolving projects, and a lot of love. I believe in the art of hospitality, the comfort of traditions, and the beauty of the everyday—whether that’s decorating for the holidays, hosting a gathering, or savoring a quiet morning with a cup of coffee.

The Reason I Started Writing

But what you may not know is that this blog began during a time of deep personal change. I started writing Life at Bella Terra just a few months after both of my parents passed away. In the quiet that followed, I realized I would never again have time with them—and I found myself wishing I had known them as Ed and Julie, not just as Mom and Dad.

That realization—that life is fleeting and we only get so many chances to truly know one another—prompted me to start writing. I wanted to create a space where my children might someday understand who I was in my own words. This blog is my voice. It’s a place where I hope to preserve stories, share beauty, and offer meaning. And one day, I hope it will help my children understand me more fully—not just as Mom, but as Mary.

My Past

I was born and raised in Connecticut, the middle of five children. My parents, were the kind of people who made the most with what they had—Dad could build anything Mom dreamed up, and Mom had a gift for turning a sow’s ear into a silk purse. Out of necessity and love, they made something special from very little, and those values have shaped me ever since.

My love for renovating homes started in high school, when my parents bought a run-down 1771 Colonial and magically turned it a point of pride. With limited resources and a lot of creativity, they gave us a warm and loving childhood.

In my mid-to late 30s, I met my husband Scott after my first husband sadly passed away. God believes in second chances. We joke that it was my first blind date and his last. Together we became “late-in-life” parents, blessed with three children when I was 39, 41, and 45. At the time, I was a corporate professional, juggling meetings and motherhood. But by the time baby #3 arrived, I traded in my briefcase for a passion project—finishing the restoration our 1910 Mission-style home and property in Phoenix.

We call it Bella Terra which means beautiful land. Finding 2 acres so close to the center of the Phoenix is a rarity—and it’s the heart and inspiration behind so much of what I share here.

Today, our three children have completed their educations and are each pursuing their own passions (which, gratefully, translates into financial independence!). Our oldest lives in Chicago, #2 in Austin, and our youngest is still nearby in the Phoenix area. Though the nest is quieter now, Bella Terra remains the hub of our family—for holidays, visits, and all the meaningful moments in between.

My Mission

At its core, Life at Bella Terra exists to bring a bit of beauty and calm into a world that too often feels chaotic or unkind. I believe deeply that we each carry the responsibility to share hope and love—not hate and division. Imagine if we all led with kindness, offered acceptance, and truly supported one another. I want you to leave here feeling inspired, hopeful and contemplating your next creative move, or to laugh when I blunder a DIY project (which happens frequently).

On the blog, you’ll find a variety of topics and photos illustrating:

• Our renovation story and ongoing house projects
• Seasonal and holiday decorating
• Reflections on family, home, and the beauty in everyday living
• Exciting happenings in the kitchen
• Furniture rescue that blends old and new
• Growing and harvesting from the garden/orchard
• Tablescapes and entertaining ideas and tips
• Tales from the cabin
• And of course, adventures with Finn (our dog), Donovan (our cat) and the chickens
  

Ideally, I like to post twice a week with the first being on Tuesday/Wednesday and each Saturday with my weekly chat called Saturday Meanderings.

What you Won’t Find at Life at Bella Terra

Here is what you won’t find: anything that interrupts your experience. While many wonderful bloggers support their work with ads, I’ve chosen to keep Life at Bella Terra free from pop-ups, flashing banners, or autoplay videos. Maybe it’s because I’m older, or maybe it’s because I value the serenity of a well-told story—but I simply don’t enjoy those distractions, and I wouldn’t impose them on you either.

When I share something—a product, a bargain, a place, or an experience—it’s because I genuinely love it. If it’s something I haven’t personally tried, I’ll always disclose that. If you click on a link to an item, I may receive a small stipend. Most of the time, I don’t. But either way, consider it my way of doing the research and sharing what I’ve found and love with a trusted friend.

A Few Unexpected Gifts from Blogging

When I started Life at Bella Terra, I had no idea the journey it would take me on. Along the way, there have been some truly unexpected (and lovely) surprises:

– I’ve made life-long friendships with talented, creative women I never would’ve met otherwise.
– Blogging has pushed me far outside my comfort zone, like hosting workshops and classes.
– It’s forced me to engage with technology I didn’t grow up with and definitely didn’t learn instinctively. (Still learning, every day.)
– It’s sharpened my eye for detail—helping me notice the small, beautiful things that might have otherwise passed me by.

Just for Fun: A Few Things You Might Not Know About Me

• I took up painting after my second child went off to college. Even though I love doing it, I fail to make time to do so. Hopefully that will change this summer.

• I’m 69, but honestly, most days I feel like I’m in my 20s. 
• The Wizard of Oz is my all-time favorite movie (there’s no place like home!).
• I cry every time I hear “Silent Night.” Every time.
• I make a mean homemade Rum Raisin ice cream—but pistachio runs a close second.
• In college, I was the very first water girl for the University of Hawaii football team and earned a varsity letter… in football!
• I qualified and received a license to drive a forklift (prior to doing clean-up after Hurricane Katrina)
• Being a cheerleader in high school, I can still raise my voice if I have to.
• At least five days a week I try to move my body—Pilates, weight training, walking, stretching, or something to stay strong and grateful for my health.

• I’m always up for a good book, a home project, a heart-to-heart, or a new adventure—so if any of this resonates with you, I hope you’ll stick around.

With Gratitude

And if you’ve been with me for a while—thank you. Your presence, comments, and kind notes mean more than you know. If there is any topic you would like me to tackle, give me a shout.

Whether you are new or have been faithfully following me for years, I’m honored to share this slice of my life with you. There’s so much more to come, and I’m so glad you’re here. Also, I am excited about welcoming many new subscribers! If you are new to Life at Bella Terra, please share how you heard about me in the comments below and let me know what you think.