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.
Abigail says
You guys have been such an INCREDIBLE inspiration and I have followed this blog faithfully for the last 6 years!
It has evolved and changed (as most things do!) over time but I think you guys have done a great job balancing your family commitments with what is essentially your full-time job….it can’t have always been easy!
What you are doing is really brave – it takes courage to step away from something you really love to figure out whether it’s still what you want/need to be doing…especially as it’s been your baby from day one, and you both have nurtured and grown and loved it for so long.
I hope the break rejuvenates you both and I really hope this is a ‘see you soon’ and not a ‘goodbye’ scenario.
This blog is such a delight, such a gift to so many that it would be really tough luck if you guys decided you couldn’t do it anymore but in the end, family is everything and you have to do what feels right for you.
Aroha nui from New Zealand
xoxo
Tami H says
I wasn’t going to reply, because what could I really add? But I realized that if you read these then I so want encouragement to drown out the rest :) I love following your blog! Your family is so sweet and your DIY range is so helpful and inspiring. Thank you for that! Know that, yes, you will be missed. But this is your LIFE, and you always have to be able to look one another in the eye and say, “This is the best decision for us.” Our culture feels entitled to others doing *our* best. How many House Hunters have ya hollering either, “No! They chose the wrong one!” or, “Yes! They chose the right one!” like with me? So I say this takes great courage. May you, I hope, come back inspired and refreshed and at a pace that suits YOU well. We shall all adjust just fine :)
Linda says
Never second guess yourself! A lot is going on in your little family! A lot of personal growth with your family growing and moving etc. I have not read your blog from the start. A young girl at work referred me to your blog which you did wonderfully! I write a blog too, and I know if you want to do a great job it takes a long time to write nicely! Don’t be so hard on yourself, you did a Great Job! These babies are small only so long! Take a deep breath, enjoy your babies and each other. Be true to yourself, things will all work out. Good luck, rest up!
crazee4books says
You must do what is best for yourselves and your family … first, foremost and always!!! Your blog has been a blast to follow and your family (and yourselves) a joy to be with since I began my visits three years ago. But nothing is forever and times, situations and lives change. I appreciate what you’ve given us and am thankful. The only people you must ultimately consider when making decisions is yourselves. Thank you for sharing over the years. Be well. Take care. Wishing you happiness and peace. Judy
wendy says
We love you, we thank you, and we most definitely understand.
ps – the above photo of that beautifully painted heart-shaped rock would look so great framed and hanging in Clara’s room. So pretty.
Wendy says
I am new-ish to your blog – only started reading it when I saw and fell in love with your book…so I am utterly surprised to hear that you think that you’ve been doing your job poorly! Whaaah? Your blog is my absolute favorite thing to check in on after the kids are in bed and it’s finally me-time.
I cannot really compare the “feel” of the blog from now to early days, but I have always loved and admired your posts and transparency. I feel like I know you guys and wish you lived next door!
Your blog has been a wonderful blessing for me and I am hoping it has been wonderful for your family too – you get to do neat stuff, share it with the world and make money too? How freakin’ cool is that?!?
I hope that you enjoy your SHORT break. Come back energized and inspired – and please, please make the blog something that works for YOU and your family! Too many chicken-heads out there – can’t listen to all of them!
Love to you and your beautiful family!!!!!
Jen says
First, THANK YOU for all of your hard work – for sharing not only your knowledge and skills but also your lives with us. I have enjoyed your insight and humor for many years, and your magical DIY powers made our recent switch from being habitual urban renters to rural homeowners in a new state a much less frustrating/hair-ripping-out/tear-inducing experience than it could have been. Speaking of our family’s drastic move, change, and really thinking hard about what is best for you and your family, is never easy. I wish you the best of luck with your time away and figuring out what is best for YOU. Thank you again for all that you have given to the interwebs/us. You guys are awesome.
Natalie says
I’ve been following you guys’ blog almost since it first began. I was newly engaged and was thrilled to stumble upon a “DIY and decor blog” that made my dreams about our future fixer-upper home seem like they had real possibilities. After 6 years of apartment renting, my husband and I finally purchased our first home, just 2 weeks ago. I have already begun sifting through your archives for all of your incredibly useful tips, which I’m sure I will continue using for years to come. But as I look back, what I’ve loved most about you both is your authenticity and your pure kindness. I almost (ALMOST) like it when people say harsh things to you, just because it gives everyone the opportunity to see His light shining through your words. You have been such an inspiration to me, not just for your outstanding DIY projects but for the Christ-like examples you have been, year after year. Thank you so much for sharing your lives with us for the past 7 years. You guys are awesome and I miss you already! <3
Marisa Cheung says
First off I am a LONG time reader for literally five or more years that has never commented.
1. You guys are the highlight of my day when I go to work and check your newest post. You guys are the best thing on the internet and I absolutely love you even though we are complete strangers.
2. I think it is AWESOME that you have had success with your blog including all of the opportunities that you have had. You guys are successful because you are good at what you do.
3. I think it is a good idea for you to take a break from the blog because I can’t even IMAGINE how exhausting it must be do be so open/transparent/in the limelight that you are with such a massive amount of people all the time. YOU DESERVE A BREAK!
In conclusion this post made me bawl but that’s because you guys are so good at including people in your lives and making them care about you. I want you to be successful. I want you to have a healthy family life that can be as fulfilling and wonderful as you deserve. Thank you for all your hard work- YHL will be something I will tell my own kids about someday-you guys make a difference and I just wanted to tell you-THANK YOU!
Jerri C. TN says
You will be missed, but we’ll be waiting for y’all when you return. I commend you for taking a break before it turned to resentment. We all still love you. There is another blog out there that I just can’t bring myself to read anymore because it is only the Brand & really good people seem to only treat it as business; even becoming a little snooty at times. Not you guys!!! See you soon.
Jen says
Follow the words of the great Peter Clemenza, “Keep writing the blog, leave off the comment section” (that is what he said, isn’t it?)
The reason you over explain, get defensive, let things go to your head is you are trying to please everyone but yourselves. Write YOUR blog.
PFFFT – People want you to have higher end furniture. It is not you. Colored walls? Do these people know it’s YOUR house? Why would you not do it in your style when you live there?
I personally enjoyed the time when you showed other’s homes that were styles not like yours. I miss those posts.
Take a break – clear your head and come back and OWN IT!
Terresa says
Aaack– too funny:)
Mimu says
I’ve started following your blog since before Clara was born. I’m from Argentina and enjoyed every post ever since. I cheered every new project, every change and cried at my office desk when I read Clara’s birth story.
You deserve a break, and we will all be here when you get back, whatever you decide to do. It’s been an amazing ride and this is the first time I leave a comment but didn’t want to miss the chance to say THANK YOU for sharing so much with with world. You rock and let me know if you want to travel and decide to come to Buenos Aires, I’ll be more than happy to be your host :)
Annie says
John and Sherry, I’ve been reading your blog for a long time, back when it was called something else, back when you were in your first house. I probably came across it for the first time via your cute DIY backyard wedding post. I have been reading your blog every day ever since, mainly because I so admire your chutzpah. You have created a niche for yourselves that didn’t exist before. You created your own job with your own energies and talents. You figured out how to do something that started off as just for fun and morphed it into an actual money-making career, which is so totally admirable. I remember reading in some post or other that Sherry grew up with Montessori education, and as a fellow Montessori-educated kid, I can see how that education philosophy helped give you the incredible self-confidence and stick-to-itiveness that has been necessary to write YHL for seven(!) years. I love that you two work together, and while I’m sure it’s at times stressful to always be together, I envy your simpatico relationship. (How I’d love for my husband and I to work together as successfully as you two have!) I look back and see all the creativity and energy that you both have expended in the name of the common goal of so generously sharing your remodeling and life experiences with your readers and I see that it’s really truly a gift you’ve given all of us. Writing in April that you were going to be spending more time with your little ones and each other, and a little less time with the blog, seemed extremely reasonable. So all of this is just to say that, whatever comes next, I know it will be wonderful for you and your family, and most of all, thank you for sharing your lives all these years!
Tc says
Like many folks who are blessed with a multitude of talents, you are feeling spent because everything you do, you end up doing well with, and with a touch of humor, humility, simplicity, style, and genuineness that we all appreciate and have grown to love. Whether it’s parenting, fashion, or home renovations and organizations, I have enjoyed all that you have shared. But just because you are good at a billion things, does not mean you have to do a billion things! What do you love? What inspires you and gives you joy? I think the two of you will be GREAT at whatever project you undertake, and so don’t define your goals by your successes since the two of you are uber talented, and seem to be even greater as a team.
Marta says
Here what I was thinking.
https://music.yahoo.com/video/shake-off-185633268.html
Enjoy your time off and always do what’s best for you and your family.
Marta
sarah k says
Sniff. You guys are the best. Seriously, I have always thought you struck just exactly the right note. I don’t understand why people would feel let down by you–that’s such a strange feature of the internet. As if people are paying you to read their blog, rather than that you are creating the content you want to and people can read it if they choose!
Anyway, lately it has seemed just as good to me, and I really respected (and still do) your decision to step back a little after your sweet little guy was born. Whatever you decide, best of luck to you and your family. Thanks for being honest, and personally, I hope you come back and write just whatever the heck you want. :) I’m sure I’ll still be reading.
Katie says
Oh man, this post creates so many feelings for me too! Totally understand that you guys may need some time to figure out what’s best for you and you family, but I have to say selfishly I hope you guys decide to continue the blog. I have been reading you for the past couple of years and while every post may not hit home for me, so many of them do! I love your projects and all the info. I10 am Is seriously the best part of my day, and I sneak my reads at work religiously. I’ve read and learned, used some of what you’ve learned to buy choose tools and guide me on projects in my own house. As far as your side projects, I love reading about that too! It really creates a lot of variety and I love that! Do what you guys want to do, but please do not worry about the haters. You guys have grown and changed so much over the years and I think it is for the best. This is your life that y have graciously let the public in on, and their negative comments about how you divide your time is just crazy to me! And for th record, I love your giveaways and enter almost all of them. Best of luck to you in your decision!
naima says
I have been reading your blog as my daily morning cure and swoon at every entry.. felt sad when chezlarsson called it quit but feeling so much worse now.. Anyways do what you do best and let me know if you’re ever find yourself in Malaysia I’ll be glad to show you guys around :)
Love
Sandra says
I have been loving your blog for years but never left a comment… hope you guys know that you are loved and an immense source of inspiration for many. Hope you return whenever you are ready. You will be extremely missed until then.
lynn says
you have nothing to apologize for. you let us into your home, your family and your life — more than anyone would do. For goodness sake you just had a second child and you need time to be a family– not bloggers and certainly not a brand. I wish you the best, don’t feel guilt–just let yourself feel joy.
Kate says
I’ve been a reader and a fan from the beginning, and I couldn’t be more proud of you guys. I know this hasn’t been a cakewalk. It’s so easy for us to forget that this is your job, and this is your life. I love that you seek input and that you seem to really pay attention and respect the feedback you receive, but ultimately this whole thing needs to be about what you guys want and need. You have to do what is right and good for your family. I hope you enjoy every minute with Clara, Teddy and Burger and that you feel confident in whatever decision/direction you come to. If/when you come back, I’ll be here!
braelin says
Sherry and John-
A sincere thank you from me to you. This may be a bit dramatic, but your blog has been truly life changing. Over the years (long time reader here…) you have helped me understand how I can live in a space that feels great to me, on a budget. I am not someone who ever thought I could truly love my space, since prior to reading your blog I was consumed with a ‘keep up with the Jones’ mentality about my style. You have inspired me to find my true fit and embrace that for what it is. In turn, this has helped me be not only comfortable- but really happy- in my space. The impact of feeling great about my personal space/home has been tremendous in so many facets of my life. I certainly am hopeful that you’ll return to us with your love of design, DIY, and family fun in a way that is uniquely you! THANK YOU for what you’ve contributed over the years to the blogosphere.
KathyL says
Wow, Braelin, Thank you for putting into words how I feel too. I’m not afraid of tools any more. I’m not afraid of picking the wrong paint. All because of these two people who I feel I know! I’ve thanked them before for sharing their lives, and it is life changing!! Braelin, you and John and Sherry and those cutie kids have a great day!! Kathy L.
lindsey says
Just as Braelin said, “you have helped me understand how I can live in a space that feels great to me, on a budget.”
I began reading your blog right after moving to a high cost-of-living city, and we thought our dumpy rental house might be all we could ever afford.
I patched, painted, and decorated the heck outta that house for three years, and when a little bungalow nearby went on the market, I knew we could make it home. You gave me (and my husband!) the confidence to tackle projects… big projects, small projects, expensive projects, cheap projects. It’s nowhere near done, but it’s home. It’s my dream! Thank you for helping make it come true =)
Another Ruth says
Gosh, I just found you a few months ago so I have no ‘old YHL’ to compare with. I want to say I loved your voice, the humor and warmth shone through. I loved the care with which you posted instructions, and advice, and showed your process. Yours is the second blog this week (that I follow) which is taking a break (the other is Val Easton at Plant Talk), so I’m sad. My Feedly page won’t be the same. I hope that you’ll show up again here, and/or as contributors elsewhere (Val thinks the future is more of a collective, and wouldn’t that make blog life better…many hands make light work). You are treasures. Be well.
Joy says
I came late to YHL family. I think I vaguely remember reading you two back in the very beginning, but I think I over dosed on blog reading and it landed in the cull pile for years. My life has really changed and now I find myself living vicariously through your home DIY posts. We rent, so there is very little we can actually do, but somehow reading about your adventures gives me that ‘fix’. I love how it’s all intermixed, the biz side, the family side, the DIY. I completely understand the need to take a break. I used to be a for-income blogger and I let it all go about three years ago. Now my blog is just whatever I want it to be. Don’t feel that you ‘owe’ anyone anything. I hope that somehow YHL will live on in whatever form you dream up, because now I can’t imagine not having it to turn to each week!
Christina says
I remember when I discovered your blog. It was about five years ago and I was searching the internet for something for my wedding which was rapidly approaching and your backyard wedding popped up (side note: I wish Pinterest had been around for wedding planning). I was so charmed by your wedding and wished I had found it as inspiration earlier. Then I spent hours looking at all your other posts. I fell in love and in a weird way looked up to you.
When the wedding planning passed and I was settling in to my new marriage I began visiting the blog daily. And I have for all these years and I’ve learned so much from. I have enjoyed watching Clara grow up and welcome a new baby. I have continuously been impressed with the beautiful transformations in each house. I have been in awe that you balance everything seemingly without effort.
However, I have noticed that I have less excitement visiting the blog. That it was just routine. To be fair this could be a result of my new busy-ness with a new job and grad school. But I think the blog became routine for you too and is no longer exciting and fun.
I’m sad you are taking a break because in a weird way, you feel like friends now after years of graciously inviting us into your homes. But I’m happy too. I hope you are able to find what you are looking for. And maybe, when the time is right we will be reunited here.
I send my warmest and best wishes to you, John, Sherry, Clara, and Teddy.
Katie says
I will miss you guys so much!! I hope that you rediscover the passion that inspired you to start this blog in the first place. I really hope that it brings you back to writing for us. But perhaps a break is a good thing… Absence make the heart grow fonder!! xoxo
Christina Black says
I was telling my husband how upset I am my favorite blog is on an indefinite hiatus. His reply “I remember how upset I was when Miami Vice went off air…” #facepalm
corinne a. says
I never even notice a “shift!” I DID, however, think to myself I don’t know how you’re staying sane with this blog, all the side projects, and just having had another baby. I had my 3rd son via c-section six months ago and it took me 2 months just to feel like a real human again. I think a break is very wise and you will be missed!
Liane says
You will be sorely missed in my daily blog reading routine, but I completely understand. You guys are awesome and wonderful- take all the time you need and I’ll be here with open arms when you return!!
And I can’t WAIT to see all the crazy cool stuff you’re sure to do during your time away. ;)
Kate says
I’m taking a short break from cutting in with my short handled 2? angled brush. I learned this trick from y’all, and it’s a total game changer. Thank you so much for all you’ve taught me over the years. Have a nice break. I miss you already!
Romy says
I love your blog and I want to thank you for all the ideas and inspiration you have given and shared with us over the past couple of years (What would I have done without your cloth diapering advice?!). Thank you, thank, thank you. We love you. Take as much time as you need. You deserve it. You’ve earned it.
Julie says
I’ll miss reading your posts, but totally understand wanting to take a break. Relax, spend time with those adorable kids of yours and come back when you’re ready. We’ll be here waiting.
Jayne Brown says
I have followed your blog since your wedding. I am not surprised at this post in fact I have been expecting for awhile now.. I thought you might have done this well before Teddy was born. Good Luck
Jayne Australia
Bonnie says
John and Sherry, you’ve both been going at an incredible pace. A new book, a new home, a new baby…it’s no wonder you need a break.
Take one…as long as you need. Just be sure you come back. :-)
Karen says
Hey guys! Love your blog, love reading you, and you always have so much to offer! I’m a fan. But you should do what’s right for you and your family. If you keep blogging, I’ll keep reading. Thanks for all you do.
Kristen S says
I read this post yesterday and like many others, it brought tears to my eyes. I came back today with the knowledge there wouldn’t be a new post but reading this blog has become a daily habit for me, a part of my day where I take some time when I get home to just relax and read. I love your blog. While I live in a tiny apartment, your work ethic inspires me daily to make little and sometimes bigger changes in my apartment, office, and life.
I truly hope that your break will be fulfilling and rejuvenating. Please know that I will be eagerly awaiting your return (along with many others who already stated this). You will be missed but I hope that you come back and write about whatever you want to share with us- I always love all of your posts, pics, stories, and snippets.
You are wonderful, generous people and I thank you for taking a risk, blogging about your lives, and sharing your life with us readers.
Katie says
I will miss your cheer and integrity. I never noticed any deterioration in content. Best wishes on your next chapter.
NicholeP says
As many other readers have stated, you are one of the only blogs I follow. I love that you are down to earth and understand that not everyone can run out to the nearest Pottery Barn etc to furnish their entire house. Nor can we all hire a handyman/contractor every time we need a project completed. Thank you for making your blog entertaining and realistic. Enjoy your well deserved break and don’t let the jealous haters get you down. I hope to hear more from you soon even if it is to just update your readers every now and again. Thank you!
Kaytie says
Don’t stay away too long! I miss you already!
Jill NN says
I’ve been reading your lives for years. I used to be excited for 10am when I knew there was a new post. I’ve quit that boring job and no longer watch the clock for a post, but knew that there was one waiting when I nursed my son in the middle of the night. Thank you for entertaining me for years during these times. I hope you recharge and find your passion again.
Jesse K says
You have to love what you’re doing and taking a break will only help you see more clearly. Have fun on your break and do what’s best for your family :)
Nancie says
so…. its been a whole day…….. are you ready to come back yet? I already miss you.
Maybe I will post a positive thought for you every day until you are ready to come back – sort of like a letter-writing campaign. Because you guys are my favorite bloggers by a mile.
I think the people who posted negative comments last week are the squeaky wheels – the loud minority. The reason you get so many website hits every day is because most of us love your blog — in whatever shape it takes — and just don’t bother leaving comments that we love it. Instead, we show our love by clicking on it and enjoying it every day.
I’ll be waiting for you guys and will gladly start reading again after your break.
Cathy says
Your writing consistently makes me laugh, your ideas inspire my home decor and your family life and accomplishments are real and relatable. When you were coming to Toronto two years ago for your book tour, I was due that coming weekend with my son. My friend and I had a serious chat about making the four-hour trip (don’t worry, we didn’t)! That’s how much we all love what you offer. I check in daily on your blog, and will miss your posts incredibly. That said, everyone needs a break from their work and good on you for recognizing the need for that change.
Amanda says
Just wanted to be comment #3,333! You guys are a big inspiration to me and my husband as we tackle fixing up our first house. Luckily you have loads of archives and have pointed me to other great resources. Absolutely, go take some time for yourselves. I’m going to be rereading your book until it’s time to preorder your new one in the meantime.
Gail says
I have enjoyed my daily visits with the Petersiks and hope you’ll be back, refreshed and energized. I would be very sad not to hear from you again! You are wonderful writers and have always made me feel like I was sitting across the kitchen table from you with a cup of coffee. We love you out here and will try to be patient while we wait for your return! Thanks so much for letting us feel like part of the family. My very best wishes to all of you.
Carter says
John and Sherry,
I am so happy for you that you will have a chance to breath and take a bit of a break for as long as you’d like. I have loved your blog and feel like we’re friends! I actually get teased by my friends for how much I refer to things you’ve written :) I’ll really miss “checking in” every day! With that said, I think I realized what it is you truly do when I read your “day in the life” post during the blogiversary one year. HOLY MOLY, how the heck did you do it all?! At that point, I not only loved the content of your writing, but I had the utmost respect for you both and what it is you actually DO. It’s not just doing a quick project and writing a post – your jobs were literally all-consuming. I was so glad for you when you took your trip to Hawaii because I can imagine getting away from a blog essentially about your life would be incredibly difficult.
I’m not sure if you’re reading comments now or won’t see this due to your break, but I hope you know that your projects and your writing have inspired me and so many people. Your positivity is infectious and I think it’s what brought people back to see what you were up to. I hope you find a balance that feels good to you because you certainly deserve it for being so much to all of us readers!
Becca says
Aw, I am so sad to read this, but completely understand. Life is short and it feels so much shorter when there’s a new baby :) My daughter is a week or two older than Teddy, so I’ve been enjoying them growing up “together” – I hope you guys find clarity after your break and come back with renewed joy!
Lynette says
Yeah…I’m another one…long time reader that has never commented. I have followed since the early days. I even stopped purchasing the big company’s magazine (and wrote them why) when you had to change your name because it was too close for comfort for them. I appreciate everything you have given, including your humor and light-hearted approach and what I have learned from you. Thanks for sharing your incredible talent and your lives. Best wishes with whatever you decide to do next!
Amy says
I feel like I am signing a going away card for my favorite employees leaving the company! I found you guys just a year ago. I look forward to reading the archives while you are taking a well deserved break. I’m excited to discover more amazing projects and ideas. Thank you so much for the work you have put into this, the courage it takes to step away, and for helping to make our lives so much more beautiful!
Beth says
I´m so sad with this! you are so inspiring! Good luck, guys!