This post was 3,000 words long. They all felt overly complicated and heavy and weird. I clicked delete. Then I just typed what we’re really feeling, complete with things we’ve never said out loud and even a few things we’ve never fully admitted to ourselves before.
The truth is that we love you guys. Like for real. Even for the tough love. We know you say it because you care (or hopefully you did at some point), and we want you to know we care right back. We want to do a good job. We want to do this with joy and excitement. We want to inspire you. We know this is an incredible way to have made a living and we are full of gratitude for the experience to have shared the last seven years of our lives with you guys online.
We would NEVER be here without you, and not a day goes by that we don’t know that. It’s why we asked for your feedback last week and read every last comment. We appreciate the honesty and the passion you guys have on the topic of making this blog great. And we agree with a lot of what was being said. We have been feeling off for a while – like we have lost our rhythm and we’re somehow missing the mark for ourselves and for you guys. We too miss the good old days when we did this for the love and were full of such obvious joy and spontaneity. This felt like a place we all hung out and it just doesn’t have that vibe anymore.
Over the years many amazing opportunities popped up for us. Things we never dreamed of doing in a million years, and things we’re incredibly grateful to have had the chance to experience. A book deal, curating paint picks with Benjamin Moore, a line sold at Target, a showhouse, etc. But in hindsight those things also made this feel a lot more like a business than a personal blog to many of you, and to us as well. We have actually ramped those down behind the scenes in an attempt to get back to our roots (we no longer do the BM color collection, the second book is mostly written, our products at Target have completed their run, and we finished the showhouse) but we never really made a big announcement about that – so it’s completely understandable that some of you might think we’ve moved on to those greener pastures and left the blog in the dust, so to speak. The reality is that our site propels the success of any outside project like a product or book, so we could never turn our backs on the blog and expect those items to continue to sell as well.
Not only have we felt this shift from “John and Sherry” to “Young House Love: The Brand”, but the blogosphere as a whole has become increasingly sponsored/corporate lately. We can see from the outside prospective as a reader, or even a fellow blogger, that it’s hard to read a blog post without suspecting some ulterior motive or money-making system behind it. Last week a few of you mentioned that we might need to keep giveaways around because they pay us well, which surprised us since they’re never something we accept payment for (we like to pass free things along to you as a thank you for reading).
Along with the whole business/brand thing that’s going on, and the side gigs that felt like they muddied the water for some of you, there are certainly other things we wish we had handled differently in hindsight. Just to name a few, there’s: being too defensive, over-explaining, letting things get in our heads and change our lighthearted approach, and the internal struggle between being transparent and oversharing personal details like a vacant new house without an alarm system (looking back we wish we’d handled our third house announcement differently). We know many of you felt insulted that we didn’t share more freely about that house, and we truly apologize.
Anyway, back to that whole “we’re sexy stumbling and you know it” thing. It’s endlessly frustrating to do a job that you love poorly, especially when it’s a blog baby that you’ve birthed yourself and nurtured for seven years. And especially when it’s such an amazing job that we once felt so inspired and joyful to wake up and do each day. What’s wrong with us? We know this is a dream job. We acknowledge it’s a once in a lifetime opportunity. We know most people who have built something like this would be more inspired than ever. It’s not that we lost the gratitude, I think it’s that we feel like we’ve fallen out of our groove. We feel like we’re letting you guys down repeatedly. It got to the point that every time we pressed “publish” we braced ourselves.
So in an attempt to stop stumbling around and feeling like we just can’t get it back, we’re taking a break. We don’t know exactly how long we’ll be stepping away, but our guess would be at least a month. We will certainly be exploring other options for supporting our family (something we mentioned we were considering back in April). We had that fiery blog-spark back when we had day jobs and did this as a hobby, so we think it could be a good change. We’ll also be taking a break on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook, but the blog will stay public so you guys can access the archives whenever you’d like.
Our internal struggle and the state of this blog is entirely of our making, and we completely own that. Please don’t get mad at anyone for being honest with their feedback last week or accuse them of sending us packing. We have been struggling with that “something is off” feeling for a while now, and after way too much denial and “we’ll turn it around” pep talks, we finally asked for your feedback because we truly wanted to hear what you were thinking. It was cathartic and helpful for us. It has allowed us to very clearly see that if we have any respect for this blog and our love of it, and for you guys and what you’d like to see, we need to take a break if we ever want any hope of getting back to that fun/real/spontaneous place it used to be when this was something we did for the love instead of the high stakes game of supporting a family.
In summary: we love you, we thank you, and we hope you understand.
Christy R says
I am going to miss you guys. There has been a shift lately in the handful of blogs I read. You are the 3rd of the small bunch (under 10) to take a step back in some way. Do whatcha gotta do. If and when you come back, I will be back with daily enthusiasm.
As your posts started to veer to the more technical, I started to wonder how much you were still enjoying blogging about your projects. Don’t get me wrong, the are informative and incredibly useful (I used John’s instructions to build my own deck!). Not many people out there give such awesome instructions that you don’t have to reference a second source, but you guys do. But as someone who has written instruction manuals, I know that it can be draining and harder to see the spark for why you do what you do.
I hope you guys come back, but fully respect why you are taking a break (ha, I just picture Ross saying, “but we were on a break!”). You have been such an inspiration. And I hope we meet again sans blue trim!
Rebecca says
I have one word to say: BLOGIVERSARY!!!!!!!!
Cry:(
Brier says
You can dooooo it!
Here’s hoping the break gives you the perspective you are hoping to find! And also just a friendly reminder: you also were just ‘thrown’ a NEW BABY CURVE BALL–many of us know that struggle to find a “new normal” after a(nother) little one enters the family. Don’t beat yourselves up. This is a great space and I, for one, am confident you’ll find your joy/groove again. Take your break and don’t you dare feel guilty.
You guys do an awesome thing here. Looking forward to ‘seeing’ you whenever you’re back. xo
Emily says
Wow! What the heck am I going to read at 10 a.m. now? I am sad for me but glad for you in having the strength and honesty to make this choice, which I’m sure was not easy. I guess I see where folks are coming from saying that the vibe here has changed, but I just loved reading wherever you had because of the humor and life you injected into your posts. Your projects inspired me to take on ones of my own. I truly hope you will post again. Enjoy this time of reflection and be open to what the universe is sending you :). Xoxo from Pittsburgh, PA
Marsha S says
Enjoy your break and find your balance. It is so hard in this crazy world of social media to know what is appropriate to share and what is too much. I have enjoyed reading your blog over the last couple of years (you are my first and only blog)…my 10am productivity will be going up :) My husband will not miss my ‘guess what YHL did today’ projects that were constantly being added to our house list…LOL!! Prayers and blessings for your family!!
Erica says
So be it. I always looked forward to your blog posts, but will also move on to greener pastures. Thanks for the past and good luck with future endevours. Ta ta!
Sarah says
Like some other commenters, I too was surprised at the comments the other day. I didn’t feel like anything was “off”. I was enjoying all the laudry room updates and was anxiously awaiting what you would do next.
Family definitely comes first but I can’t help but feel heartbroken. I hope you get everything sorted out and we all really hope you return!
Much love to the Petersiks! You guys are awesome!
AJ says
I didn’t comment on last weeks feedback/giveaway post, because every thing I could have said had already been stated, repeatedly. John and Sherry – THIS is the most genuine post I’ve read here in years, and it’s such a breath of fresh air when you acknowledge mistakes, flaws, and the overwhelming obligations on your blog. You are lucky this is your job, and this is the first time it’s felt that you’re thankful for that. Beautiful post. Enjoy your break, take a breather, and I hope you come back bigger and better.
Jenny S. says
Noooooooo!
You’ll be genuinely missed. I still love you (in a non-creepy stranger way).
Lori says
Hi Petersiks:
I’ve been reading your blog for about a year…as a 58 year old empty nester who has spent 30 years fixing up houses for ourselves and others I find your writing to be encouraging, approachable and believable (the lack of sponsors matters!).
I guess the one thing that I would add to the conversation is that this struggle you’re feeling is what makes the blog one that I want to read. Your level of commitment and self-awareness makes YHL read with integrity, and ‘guarding the flame’ is a big part of what must be done to keep an idea, business or concept on track.
That being said, you’ve had a lot of changes in your lives recently–a whirlwind of wonderful personal changes (baby, house, big girl daughter), professional opportunities (book, design house, hospital project), and plain old transition (travel for book tour, new house). But those things bring a level of stress that has
a cumulative effect. We have become foster parents in the last couple of years and even though we’ve been working together as parents for 30 years this has been a new and happily stressful time for us. As a mom of kids your age I can’t help but say that giving yourselves the time (as much as you can afford!) to let these changes settle in while ‘guarding the flame’ of your excellent work product would be a healthy approach in the long run. I know this isn’t new advice, but having the perspective of looking back at critical times of stress in our own lives makes me want to say…be nice to yourselves; we’re lucky to have been able to watch your ride!
Megan says
well said Lori. Good luck with your fostering.
Emilie says
I’ll miss your posts but I’m happy to know that you’re taking care of yourselves and your family and addressing your needs. I hope to see you back here when you’re ready!
Kaitlin says
John & Sherry,
I’ve been reading your blog longer than I can remember, and I’ve always loved and have been in awe. I still am! You guys are fantastic and an inspiration. And it’s good to know you’re human like the rest of us. Blogging is exhausting sometimes – lots of pressure even when you aren’t famous and making a living from it. Take a break. Recharge. Follow your heart. And the best of luck to you! If you come back, that’ll be great. If not, I’ll miss you, but will understand. Who knows where blogs will go in the future, anyway. Cheers!
Lilly says
Thank you for the thoughtful post today! Enjoy your break and time with your family–and I’ll be reading when you return! Best wishes!
Kelly says
I wish I had commented on the last post as I was feeling a little differently than others. After all you gave a heads-up that posts were going to be fewer. You have so much going on – a book, chubby babies to be nursed (oh, those wrists!), Clara questions to be answered! But what I was actually thinking when seeing all the detailed posts about the laundry room (QUITE well done John!) was that you guys have catapulted yourselves into a new level of DIY and that perhaps your original readers haven’t followed you there. But that opens you up to whole different audience of DIYers (This Old House!) looking for more detailed, serious info. Take a good break – you deserve it! Enjoy those sweet moments with your kids and family and then see what’s next for you lovely Petersiks!
Katie says
Beautiful post. What a hard decision this must have been for you both. I hope you will find the same joy, fulfillment and inspiration you have given to so many of us just around the corner.
Sarah W says
Hi Sherry and John,
I haven’t commented on a post for a while, but I just wanted to say that I think you’re doing the right thing taking a break. Goodness knows how tough it is to be creative and ‘on it’ every day, and you’ve been doing amazingly well keeping going for so long without a break! As a composer and musician I’ve often had times where I just cannot do it any more, and taking a step back at those times has been the best and most healthy thing to do.
I recently read a quote by a fellow musician (which can be sideways applied to anything creative, like what you both do with your house!). He said that when you feel overwhelmed by what you do, go back to your roots. Take time to remember why you love what you do, and take time to recreate that initial passion.
For you, it could be found in the teeny tiniest of silly DIY projects like just painting a cupboard or finding an amazing vase you forgot about. Just don’t feel like you have to file the project away to blog about later. Forget that. Just be yourselves, without the blog for a while.
Guys, we love you! Go, take your time, focus your energy on your beautiful family, and discover projects that truly inspire you to do what you love. If and when you decide to come back and let us in again on your adventures, we’ll be here for you, cheering you on.
Sarah x
Donna says
Wow….I don’t think I have read anything that classy on a blog before. You were the first blog I ever followed. You not only inspired with DYI/decor but by the way you lived your public lives and the career choices you made. Congrats on been true to yourselves. Even in your absence, I know you will continue to inspire. If you choose not to come back to the blog…..please pop back with an update. I am excited to hear what you guys do next. Thanks for the joy! Wishing only the best for you.
Britt says
My productivity at work is going to SKYROCKET this month! In all seriousness, I will miss you VERY much. It sounds weird to say (type?) but heck, this is about feelings. Your blog has changed my life (seriously). I grew up in a beige house with wood tone trim and NEVER even took time to think about having spaces reflect me, as strange as that sounds. You guys opened my eyes to the power of decorating and what it does to a space (I know i’m late to the party on that). I have been slowly picking up art that means something to me, painting colors that don’t assault your face, and buying furniture that I can re-purpose to fit “me”. YOU GUYS gave me that power, YOU GUYS showed me how easy it can be, you have inspired me for YEARS and I can’t thank you enough. I hope you guys can reevaluate and refocus and do what makes your heart sing! See ya on the flip side!
Roxanne says
This is my first comment after many, many years of reading your blog. I just want you to know that I admire how little corporate/sponsorship material I see here compared to many of the other blogs I read. I don’t usually read the comments so I don’t know what was said, but I have often been very aware of how different your blog is compared to others. Even as big as you are, your personalities and warmth show through – and I never feel like you’re selling anything. I hope you get the inspiration you need to continue, and I will miss my daily dose of YHL while you’re away!
Amy D says
My thoughts (as a long time lurker and reader) – I don’t think you guys need to defend any of your decisions. It always makes me sad when you have to clarify “This may not work for your family, but it does for ours.” Of course it’s not going to work with everyone. My bedroom is painted dark purple and it’s my most favorite thing in my house, but I know it’s not everyone’s cup of tea but I don’t care! I love it and that’s all that matters. :) It’s your house, your life, your family. You know what’s best for you. I love your blog no matter what, and you’ve inspired me to do (or WANT to do, rather, since I’m not very handy) to do a lot of things in my house and yard. I love your detailed, step by step posts, your quick updates, pretty much anything! That being said – I completely understand the need to take a break from the internet to regroup. You do what you have to do for YOU. Not for us. We’re merely observers. You’ve been so generous to allow us to see into your home and your life. Don’t plan your lives around us. While I will miss your posts this next month, I fully support whatever you need to do! Take care, have fun with your family, regroup, and hope to see you back soon. Hugs & best wishes!
Crystal says
Thank you for the heart felt post. I, like millions of others will miss you so much while you take a breather but will be waiting for you when/if you come back. Reading through last weeks comments was hard for me and I can only imagine what it felt like to you but I hope you realize that if you weren’t truly loved and cared about you wouldn’t have gotten any comments. Hope you find what your looking for.
Chrissy says
I am very sad to see you go but also know that family comes first. I started reading this blog by accident while on maternity leave from work with my first child, a little girl. I instantly connected to you through your story of Clara’s birth, which was a very similar situation to my own. You bought your second home about the time my family was moving into it’s first. Our lives have followed similar pathsand I love to use you guys for inspiration, both for my home and life. My little boy was born about a year ago and your son followed a little while later. Just another place where I relate you you on a level that I never expected to from a blog…
I wish you all the best and that you make a decision that is right for your family. I give you guys mad props for putting it all out there as long as you have, people can be cruel and judgemental. Stay true to you.
Love and admiration,C
Sylvia says
I had known about your blog previously, but only began following you daily for the past year or so (when you moved into your current house). I must go back and read some of your earlier posts, because if they were better than your latest ones, they must be terrific! Your projects have all been so interesting and given me ideas and inspiration. I do wish you well and hope you acquire a new zeal to resume your blog soon.
Emily F says
I will miss you guys and I REALLY hope that you decide to keep the blog going. You feel like friends.. and I’ll miss our time we get to hang out! Honestly, I’ve been worried that this would happen for a while – not because of anything you are doing wrong, but because you’ve been at it for sooo long… doing sooo many projects… dealing with sooo many opinions. But I love the site. I love anything that you write – not everything pertains to me, but it’s your blog. Your life. And I love that you share yourselves with us. I hope you find what you are looking for. And I hope that it involves sharing a little bit of your lives with us! :) Enjoy your time off!
LaineyR says
Of course you will be sorely missed, but you deserve a break SO MUCH. You say you are grateful to your readers, but you are the ones who have given us amazingly high quality, wonderfully inspiring and fantastically well written blog posts nearly every day for seven years. You have always gone above and beyond for your readers and the amount of hours you must have put in is incredible. So I for one am very grateful to you for the amount of love and care that has gone into every one of your posts and I wish you luck with whatever decision you come to. Enjoy your rest, enjoy spending more time with Clara and Teddy, enjoy being able to do stuff around the house without having to think of the blog angle! Enjoy your privacy and personal space and don’t feel that you owe us any more than you have already given us. I hope we hear from you again, but this is a fresh new start and it can be whatever you want it to be. Big hugs!
Brittany M says
I am sad. I truly enjoyed every post. But again, this is your life and you need to be happy with it. I hope you come back and in the meantime I hope you are successful at whatever endeavors you undertake.
Good Luck Petersik Family!
<3 Brittany
Megan says
Enjoy your sabbatical and best wishes that you find what you are looking for – a spark, a new job, a new career, the perfect paint color, some great memories with your family and/or all of the above. Careers are hard beasts to manage and feedback, even when welcomed is hard.
Thank you for sharing so much with us and being true to yourselves. While I selfishly hope you return to blogging and sharing, I know you’ll find success in whatever you choose to do. Good luck and have fun! Thanks for keeping the site up and running so we can read archives – I know that isn’t free for you.
Dede says
Sad face! Reading your blog is part of my daily routine and I will miss seeing all of your great ideas and glimpses into your life for a while. Completely understand the need to take a break and regroup. Writing blog posts and coming up with creative ideas every day/week is hard work!! It takes serious brain power to write things creatively that keep people wanting to come back and read. Get some rest and enjoy your family.. Your blog is worth the wait, and we will be here whenever you decide to come back :)
Shelby says
Best of luck Petersiks! You will be missed and I certainly hope you find your way back. Your blog has been my favorite for quite some time now, and got be into reading blogs in general.
It’s understandable that something that once was exciting and a “dream job” at first may shift over time, there’s nothing wrong with that. We all change and our desires/needs change and although it would be sad for many of us to see you leave permanently, if you decide to, you should only feel happy for a new adventure that will hopefully get you back in your groove somewhere else. You guys are awesome and will surely do well no matter what you decide to put your minds to. <3
Jen says
Your blog. Your life. Thanks for taking us along for the ride…
Hope to see you back at it, but in the meantime, enjoy your family and friends…
Amber says
I am heart broken reading this post. I agree that the blog hasn’t felt the same in awhile (lacking in fun crafts, and easy upgrades) but I still loved checking in on you guys daily. I love your personalities and that was the main reason why I read the blog. I hope you guys return soon.
Sara says
I thought long and hard about commenting on Thursday’s post but didn’t, but I feel I need to comment today. I just want to say thank you. Thank you so much for listening to and acknowledging the readers who gave constructive criticism. You have a ton of fans who will tell you that you’re the best ever and everything you’ve ever done or will do is amazing, and I’m sure that is a good feeling for you guys. But those long time readers who’ve given you polite, honest feedback are a real asset whether it feels that way or not. This, by far, feels like the most genuine post you’ve written in a very long time. So thanks for being honest with us, too. I think your decision to take a break is the best way to handle things at this point (not that you asked me, lol) and I hope that you are able to spend time together as a family and recharge. Thanks again for listening to those comments that might have been hard to read and for doing what’s best for your family.
Katie says
Growing always requires awkward moments and times when we don’t know what to do. I commend you for listening to your inner voice; knowing that something needs to shift and being brave enough to let go of security and give yourself time to figure it out. That takes a lot of courage and grace.
Of course I hope the blog comes back but I’ll support you in whatever it is you need to do. I hope this next month gives you some new clarity and zest for whatever you choose to do. Not only is your blog an inspiration, your choice to take a break is an inspiration too.
Wishing you and your family the very best!
Eva says
Love you guys, love this site. Hope you guys find whatever’s been missing! Can’t wait to see you back here soon!
Alicia says
I never thought I’d be so sad over a blog break! I hope this break does you guys some good and you come back soon :)
Laurie says
I too will miss my daily read here however I admire your decision to put you and your family first. That is one thing that always came across in your blog – that it is all about family. I’m sure that whatever you choose to do next will be consistent with that. Best wishes!
Summer says
Oh man. :( I’m really going to miss you guys! All 5 of you! I feel like a part of the family or at least a close friend when I read your blog. I have learned so much from y’all and I appreciate all the time you have spent to make this blog. I hope that you get your spark back soon so we can continue on with this thing! I wish you guys the best! Until next time.
Josie says
Feelings indeed! I hope your time off is refreshing and helps you guys figure out proceed. I’ve been reading for about 6 years and it’s weird how I (and your readership in general) feel like I know you! And I’ve also gained so much confidence in DIYing stuff. We’re getting ready to move to a little dream home in the country and it’s in great shape, but does need a lot of work to make it ours. I feel like your blog has given me what I need to feel ready to tackle things on my own and I definitely feel like I’ve learned my style having been exposed to so many things through your blog! Also, blogging is such a weird career. I feel like you guys have handled so much so gracefully! But there’s no “How To Live On the Internets” book to give you guidelines on how to handle everything. Maybe the blog-blahs you’re feeling are just growing pains? I’ll be doing a little happy dance in front of my computer if, after your sabbatical, you come back full of bloggy inspiration. But if you don’t I would totally understand that, too. Blessings to your sweet family!
Deanna says
Enjoy your break! You deserve it! I love your blog, and even if you only posted once a week, I would still love your blog. I hope that you come back from your break with a refreshed outlook on your blog, and if you decide to move on to other things, I fully support you in that, no matter how much I might miss your blog. Family comes first, and if the blog doesn’t quite support that anymore, then it’s time to move on to other options!
p.s. I’ve never seen you as YHL: The Brand, I’ve always seen you as John & Sherry. :)
Lori says
Good on you guys for taking a step back and focusing on what really matters. I will miss you all in the meantime but will be here waiting when you make your return.
Liza says
I miss you guys already! <3
Ashley says
All the feels. This makes me incredibly sad for myself that you won’t be in my life for the next month (or however long it is. No rush!) but also happy for you all that you are doing this for yourself and figuring out why it isn’t working for you. I’ve been there and I’m likely still struggling with some sort of burnout with my own profession(not getting the satisfaction and recognition I crave), volunteering, and even my beloved hobbies. I’m not as fortunate to be able to completely step back and remove myself from everything to really be able to pinpoint what’s going on, so I hope you can find this time beneficial and get down to the root of things.
I think I’m with a lot of others who I see saying they have still been very happy and inspired with your presence on the blog and all the other amazing things you accomplish. You guys are still so so so great at what you do. You are loved by many who feel like you are part of their everyday. However, don’t feel like you are in anyway letting us down by stepping away, we are still the lucky ones who you let into your lives so candidly.
Take care and in the words of Richard Marx. Wherever you go. Whatever you do. I will be right here waiting for you. Whatever it takes. Or how my heart breaks. I will be right here waiting for you. :)
Melanie says
Pack those bags up and take a week(or two) to Rosemary. You will be missed! But as my bosses have always told me in business, you have to do what is right for your family. Good luck in your pursuits!
Nicole Y. says
I totally agree with everyone here! I’m totally surprised by this, especially all the comments from last week. Honestly, I didn’t even know they were there until you mentioned it yesterday. I never felt like you guys were off. It’s always been the highlight of my morning to see what the Petersiks are up to! Obviously limiting the number of posts a week will restrict you to share just big projects and updates. I’ve been so inspired by you guys as I’ve been following you for the past 5-6 years and almost every convo I have about remodeling houses starts with a “Well, Young House Love…” or “John and Sherry…” Someone said it very well that you guys are my guaranteed product reviewers. If you say it’s good, I’m ready to buy it! I’m sad for the break, but totally understand that you guys need to step away to rejuvenate. Please come back soon and you are most welcome whenever you do!!!
cc says
Hmm. This is a toughie. Any creative job that starts to lean too corporate always should be re-evaluated as far as I’m concerned!
I am reminded of the time JK Rowling, mid-series and with all her Harry Potter success, took a big chunk of extra time on that 5th book. She didn’t want to run a good thing off the rails. She was also trying to raise a family in the middle of it. She drew some fire for it, but she did come back, great as before and with her head still on straight, and I hope you will too!
Kudos for knowing when you need to regroup– I think that shows strong character. It’s also a sign you realize that you have something great that deserves real respect and thought. You two seem like the sort who would find the answers you are looking for when you can get quiet and listen for them; I’m sure that’s how this post came to be. I won’t lie and say that I wouldn’t miss your blog, because I do look forward to it in my day, but more importantly, I hope you find what you need. We all want to feel like things are more right than wrong, and there are plenty of people who ought to call time-out and never do. (Are you making a list of them in your head? They are out there…)
Best of luck!
Natalie says
Y’all are absolutely precious, and I hope that the break is refreshing and restorative for your whole family. That truly is the most important thing. We all feel that sense of going through the motions at times, even with things we once loved and treated with passion, which is why we rest. In whatever form that needs to take for you guys, we trust and look forward to your comeback…however that looks or whenever it is. You’ve given us plenty of content to revisit, so enjoy it and know we’re praying for your family. Much love!
Heather {A Fire Pole in the Dining Room} says
So I’ll admit that I missed most (all) of the discussion. Can I blame it on coming back from a 2 week vacation? (Because I am.) Regardless, I think you’re making the right choice to do what you think is necessary, in this case a break. You have to stay true to yourself. I started reading (and keep reading) this blog because I LOVE your personalities and your writing style. Honestly, my style is wildly different from yours. But I found your blogging inspirational and your humor to be right on track with mine. Take your break, enjoy your family, work on your house on whatever schedule you want – I’ll be one of many waiting when you come back.
Kathi says
Thank you so much for the years of design, laughs, occasional tears, inspiration and honesty. You’ve helped, inspired, taught all of us things, and gave some of us the gumption to get up and things to our own home (I now have perfectly centered-looking windows in my bedroom and painted kitchen cabinets that are standing up very well, all thanks to your great advice!). And you did all of it with love, honesty, kindness and a wonderful sense of humour.
I hope you find your spark again – be it here, in an off-line, private endeavour or wherever your hearts take you. Much love, support and thanks sent your way.
Anne says
It seems that this blog just ran its course. I only started reading it recently, but I found myself much more interested in the older posts. They were more earnest and authentic. John and Sherry aren’t novices with a very limited budget anymore, and there is only so much you can do to a house that translates to good reading. They also aren’t professional designers who can showcase many styles and a multitude of new projects. The drawn-out laundry room extravaganza is the epitome of this problem. I think they are a darling family who will find further success elsewhere, but I’d be shocked if this blog returns beyond a very occasional update. They should be proud of what they accomplished with it, and satisfied with their decision to discontinue it.
Michelle says
So very sad. I will continue to check daily for an update, just because it would be out of the norm for me not to do that. YHL will remain in my favorites as it always has.
I will send my hugs and love all the way from Nebraska while wishing you luck in finding whatever your hearts are truly looking for.
Best of wishes!