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.
Bonnie P. says
I sure will miss your posts but take your time and do what you need to!
Katy ::: Portland says
I have never posted either – sorry! I guess it’s human nature to only comment when we have a complaint, and I never had a complaint with you!
In the year and a half I’ve been reading YHL, I have painted my bathroom cabinets, framed a gold glitter cut-out of the state of Oregon, painted and decoupaged over a piece of wooden art I didn’t care for anymore, and scored a dining table and chairs (FREE on Craigslist! woo!) that I’ve painted glossy white and recovered the cushions of. These are things that I never would have done without your witty instruction and inspiration. Thank you!
(As a side, anyone who complains to you about advertising or giveaways is, whether they realize it or not, asking you to entertain and inspire us for free. I have no problem with you making money on this site. DO NOT feel bad about it. You provide us all with a valuable service and should be rewarded accordingly.)
Holy long-winded. Anyway, I hope you enjoy this break. You deserve it. Just add me to the long list of people who would LOVE to see you return to the blog – but only if you want to. All my best!
Pam Fisher says
John and Sherry,
I absolutely love DIY blogs and have visited lots of them the last several years.
Yours is the best. Yours is my absolute favorite.
You two are so organized, and methodical in all you do. It has been so helpful to all of us!! Not to mention how skilled and talented you are at all the projects you have completed.
Also you are polite. And so smart about what you say, how you react to all the million comments you have received in the last 7 years.
Not that is matters but I fully support your decision to take a break. So many of us don’t take the time to evaluate our lives, to stop and make sure we are doing what’s best for our children, our family, our marriage, our careers. And before we know it child rearing is over, our kids are grown up, our careers are stagnate and we can’t get that time back.
Good for you, John and Sherry.
Praying for you.
Pam
Cinnamon says
I have been a fan of this blog for several years. I loved your humbleness, but also your amazing craftiness and talent to fix up your homes. I got so excited for all your life changes and felt proud of you for all your awesome accomplishments. When I recently purchased my first home and got married, I scoured your archives for hints and tips on everything because I knew you had tried it and had given your opinion. And your opinion mattered to me because in my eyes you were a trusted resource. I would refer to your posts and projects to my husband by saying “the blog I read said this…” Because you were the only one! I respect your decision to take a step back and refocus on life, but you will be truly missed. Best of luck on all your future life adventures!
SusanG says
I’ve taken some time to reflect on what’s been said by others. There seems to be some kind of a thread that if folks can’t identify with you, then somehow your blog is no longer of any value.
I am probably the reader who least identifies with the Petersik life: no kids, always single, in a rural area, now of a grandparent age, working outside the home, living with three cats and no dog. Actually, there are probably only two areas where characteristics are even remotely similar: I’m in a house I’ve lived in for just a short time, and I used to live in the RVA area.
So why do I keep coming back? It’s all about inspiration. While I may not paint cabinets white, or choose the exact colors you choose for your walls (no gray for me!), you inspire me to think in ways that I would not have considered. That, I think, is all that you have ever owed us, and you have honored that well. I think you should give yourself credit for the way you have spoken to people living all kinds of lives.
Once I discovered the blog world of home – making, I followed a lot of them. But yours is at the top of my list, literally. So I’m selfish enough to want you back, but honest enough to know that your life has to be your own. I appreciate the way you have offered us glimpses into that life while maintaining a semblance of privacy for yourselves and your children and your dog.
Blessings and peace be upon you and your time of reevaluation and refreshment. If you choose to come back, I’ll be grateful for whatever you choose to share.
Olivia says
Well said, Susan!!
JK says
SusanG: Brilliantly said.
Jane says
Well done, Susan G! Thank you!
natalie says
Well said. I totally agree.
Meghan says
Well said!!
Jess Hogue says
Beautifully put, SusanG!
O says
Iv’e been reading your blog since the first house, and while my style preferences are a little different than yours, I read because I just love you guys. I love Burger and I love Clara-Speak (I have no pets and no children….so I love hearing about yours).
I hope you can do whatever you need to do to be healthy and happy. You are amazing and inspiring people.
Amy says
Miss you guys- but understand you need to take time to refocus…. take care of you! Til next time ;)
Meghan Shadrick says
Truthfully, I stumbled back on your site through Blog Lovin. I haven’t read your blog in maybe a year or more- my own life was just so busy and honestly there is only so many blogs one can keep up with! That said, I was reader from the get go, and I wanted to wish you the best!
You’ve got to do this and love it, and if you don’t you are wise enough to realize you need a break. Heck, I’m amazed at all the big bloggers who’ve been able to keep the daily posts up for so long- with social media, its just constant for you guys and its NOT a normal way to live. I wouldn’t be surprised to a see other bloggers take things down a notch as they feel the burn out (or as their families grow), and likely blogs will eventually take a different shape.
You’ll have plenty of opportunities come your way, and this blog is really just a stepping stone. I hope that you continue to do it in a way that fits into your life. Best Wishes!!
HOLLIE says
GOOD FOR YOU GUYS!!! YOU ONLY GO AROUND ONCE AND YOU DESERVE TO BE HAPPY AND ENJOY FAMILY AND LIFE!!!! WE WILL MISS YOU!!!! XOXOXOX
candace says
You do you but I hope you know that I will miss my YHL dose of inspiration very dearly! Come back to us if you are willing and able.
Maria B says
Yikes, I thought that many comments were saying “we want more” and now we are getting even less. While I understand your decision to take a break, I truly hope this isn’t the end. If it is, thank you for such a fun, funny, blog.
Liz says
I keep checking back just in case you do a random update post. :) I think it is great that you are taking a break. As I am currently pregnant, I look forward to maternity leave where I can focus on this new baby and all the changes she will bring. I want the same for every mom. Please rest, relax, and enjoy. Don’t stress about it. We love you guys! <3
Mary Beth says
You both have been a true gift to the online community for the past 7 years! Thank you for opening your home and hearts to us and for sharing so much of your life with us! Growing and changing is a good thing, and I think we all recognize that as a sign of maturity and progress for you guys. It’s also a great sign of health for you to step away to evaluate what is needed next–you are supported either way. In the same way that you care for your readers, we care for you, too! We all genuinely wish you the best and know that you will do what is right for your family.
Much love!
Karen L. says
So well said,SusanG at 9:45! Very eloquently written and so true in everything. I feel that way too, in the way these “youngsters” write, feel, and honestly present the material and their lives. So, please feel lifted-up by those who so love and care about you, Sherry and John. As I said on page 7 (sorry I just had to comment again after reading SusanG’s great comment)—you are the best!
Pat C says
Do what you need to do. Life is too short and the kiddos do grow up way too fast.
Have a nice rest and I hope to see you back here (even part time) soon!
Emily says
Just wanted to say that I think your blog is great…I love that you have always seemed honest about both your successes and failures. Your houses have been a huge inspiration to me to make my house my own. And, as a working mom of three littles, let me just say by way of encouragement that it always takes me a long time to get my groove back when I go back to work after each child, and I thankfully don’t have the whole internet watching me as I do it. After my second, we had a quiz (I was a resident at the time) during my first week, and I think I missed every single question. Hang in there…you may not get your same groove back but I know you will find a new and better groove!
Nancie says
DAY 3 – positive affirmation/letter writing campaign.
** I have decided to send you a positive note every day until you feel ready to return to blogging. Perhaps to make up for years of reading and enjoying but never commenting…
Today’s comment – I found your blog somewhere in the middle of House #2, and eventually went back and read all your archived posts. I giggled when Sherry said House #1 was her “forever” house and John said “maybe”. But I love that about you guys – you say what you are feeling in real time, and if those feelings change, well… That’s ok, because that’s what happens in real life. I hope very much that your break will be refreshing and allow you to come back with renewed enthusiasm.
Still miss you!!
Jen D. says
My first thought was similar to many of the other comments already written: “Noooooooooooooooooo!” But then I thought, “Family first.” You are my FAVORITE (non-food related) blog. I check this first all the time. When I want to go to youtube, and I type in “you” my web browser always pulls up your site first : ) But, I totally get the balance-figure-out-life-enjoy-family-decide-what-you-really-should-be-doing-and-how thing. Sometimes, taking a step back, taking time for a sabbatical, well, they’re incredibly necessary! Hoping you find clarity and peace about what to do next (while secretly keeping my fingers crossed that it means more of my favorite non-food blog). Best best BEST wishes to your sweet family!
Julie says
I’ve been reading for close to 7 years… I found you when rvablogs.com was a thing and you both did this for kicks to keep your family up to date on your first house. I’ve gone from my first apartment in the Fan and now own a 1950s ranch similar to your first one. Not only have I learned a lot of DIY skills but I’ve also changed my perspective on balance, family, gratitude, etc because of you. I also have tried to keep in mind WHY I have a house. Not only to find solace and recharge but also to have space to enjoy memories with friends and family. Enjoy your time off. Can’t wait for your return!
BB says
I have been following your blog since your first home. Back then, I was a stay-at-home parent and spent lots of time on DIY blogs getting ideas for my own home. I’m now back at work and with two busy kids, I don’t have as much time to read blogs. Nonetheless, I still read each and every one of your posts. There is something refreshing and inspirational about your blog that can’t be found elsewhere. I hope the very best for you in whatever you do.
Marianne says
You have been so generous sharing your heart and home(s) with us. Yes, your blog turned into a successful business and yes, it was partly because of your readers. But that doesn’t mean you owe us anything. Your blog is your home on the net and as with your home it is you who call the shots. If people are unhappy they should visit another blog, but not complain. It also means that if you want to call it quits, you should. Although I hope you won’t of cause …;-)
I can only say this, you have followed your heart and gut in the past 7 years. Keep doing that!
Have a nice a nice break and get some you time!
Christiane says
so sad… hopefully not goodbye, but see you soon.
Shea says
A well deserved break! Enjoy time with your family, in the real world. Embrace this time and love life. Your fans will always be here. Sending you lots of love!
yoreney says
as much as i love your blog (been following you since you got married.. wow.. ) i do think taking a break is the best decision at the moment. your blog seemed a bit too structured anyway. i loved the spontaneity of it and it truly showed that you really loved what you do (not saying you don’t anymore). at the moment your posts seemed like they’re being posted just because you have to post “something”.
heck, even if you decide to go back to corporate world and switch this blog to a casual life/house/diy craft blog i wouldn’t mind. (by “casual” i meant you don’t post everyday.) i’ve been stealing your diy craft projects quite often and your small gifts ideas for clara’s school friends/teacher is very often great. thanks! enjoy your break. hope you find your groove soon.
Trinitee says
Hey you guys, I just want to say kudos to you. It sounds like a terribly difficult, though quite possibly exciting decision, whatever you choose to do next. You’ve created something wonderful in this virtual space, a resource I’m sure I will return to once my husband and I have our own house. You’ve shared so much and I feel like I’ve learned a ton from you. Its not like we have a road map for this journey called life. No matter what, you’ve shared 7 years worth of your journey, that’s no small feat, and its something to be super proud of. No matter what you choose next, I wish you all the best.
Heather says
Good for you! Families change. Jobs change. Passions changes. goals change. Companies change. Brands change. Life brings change and change is good! As a mom of a now 3rd and 1st grader, this new chapter in my life has brought huge clarity. I am so glad that I can look back on my kids early years and say “I didn’t miss a thing” (that sounds like a lyric but I didn’t mean to quote a lyric). They are gone now 7 hours of the day (and it happened so fast!)and it helps the heart pains knowing I’ve been there every step of the way. As an outside observer something tells me whatever you do moving forward you’ll be hugely successful, have NO regrets, and you’ll have a family rich with love, happiness, adventure, tradition, memories, killer karaoke competitions and the house all your kids’ friends want to come to! And in the wise words of Taylor Swift when “The haters gonna hate, baby shake it off!” Signed, Heather Petersik Cheersquad :)
Lacey Logan says
Just wanted to leave a little note saying what an inspiration you guys are! I love the blog and wanted to say I support you! I understand you have to do what’s best for your family! I wish you the best of luck in your little break :)
Kristin F says
One point I would like to make, regarding the branding and feeling more like Young House Love: the Brand and less like John and Sherry…one thing I have always done and will always do if and when you return is call you by your names. Conversations with my husband will typically be something like this:
“So today my friends John and Sherry painted their kitchen and the new color is the perfect shade of blue”
“My friends the Petersiks put up board and batten in their hallway and I think it would look bomb-diggity in our dining room”
“Oh man John and Sherry are pregnant again, I totally called it!”
You are more than a brand to your loyal readers, you are our friends and closest confidants in all things DIY, design, and life. Take the time you need, and like any good friends, we will be here for you if and when you are ready.
Carly says
Best of luck, J+S!!
I didn’t want to leave a comment on that thread last week because I want y’all to do what y’all want to do. I’ve been reading for 4 years. You have always struggled with balance. We readers feel for you, but we can’t help you find that.
Most of all, I want you to be happy! Whatever shape that comes in, in the next months and years, I wish you all the best.
So you know: I read because I love your writing voices — So authentic and thorough. If you decide to keep going, I’ll always read because I admire that. :)
AmandaS says
I will miss your awesome blog-and you!! You have totally inspired all of my dcorating and remodeling decisions that I have made in my home. It is the first house I have owned, and I purchased it myself, so I apreciated all of your posts that walked me through decorating and improvements! Thanks so much! Enjoy your family xoxo
Sara S says
This is my first comment in 6 years of reading your blog. I just wanted to let you know that your projects have always been inspiring and I love your style of writing and personalization. I’ve been excited for all the well deserved opportunities that have come your way and have never thought they were taking away from the blog, but actually adding to it!
I hope you choose to continue everything you have done so wonderfully for the last 7 years, but understand and truly respect the time you are taking to think it all through.
Wishing only the best for you and your family…and thanks for the awesome peek into your DIY life!
Stacey says
We will miss you.
Jennifer says
It’s been three days. We miss you, come back.
Nora says
I agree with Penny. You out shine many other blogs. Not sure what the complaints were about. There’s humor, creativity and some fab info in all of the posts. And expectations need to managed because, just like ice cream flavors, not everything will appeal to everyone. Does that mean Ben & Jerry failed? NO. They offered something that made someone else happy that day. Peace out.
maria T says
I miss you guys already :-(
Lisa says
I’ve been reading your blog since it was called something else “This Young House???” Thank you for all your amazing posts and sharing your lives with me. I hope that you will continue but totally understand if it’s not your priority at the moment. Blessings to all of you!!!!
Sarah says
You know, 7 years is when most academic institutions give a sabbatical. Sounds like you have perfect timing. I’ve enjoyed every word of your blog and all of the projects and hope that you find inspiration and joy in whatever you decide to do! You have done much good in the world with what you have already given (I’m not sure I would have survived the last three years of my own home remodel if I hadn’t been able to follow your trials and successes! so Staunton has a better home in it in part because of you)!
Amber says
I’ve been a reader since before Clara was born and have always enjoyed your blog. It’s one of my daily reads, in fact I’ve still checked it daily since this post :) You are an amazing couple! Enjoy this time as a family and I know you guys will decide what’s best for you. (But I do hope you make a return to your blog.) Wishing you all the best!
Tara H. says
I just want to say, GOOD FOR YOU!! You guys share so much of your world, life, plans, etc, I’ve often wondered how exhausting that must be. I don’t know if you will even see this comments, but just to put good vibes out for you all, I think you have to pursue your passions and what makes you feel alive. I don’t think it’s worth having a blog just to appeal to the masses. You all do a great job of opening your lives to everyone, and I do hope you continue. Good luck in finding happiness and thank you for sharing all your projects, pictures, and advice.
Sarah says
We love you. Purely. Simply. We also love your blog. We will wait patiently for you to come back. I would say “we can’t wait”, but the truth is that you have needed and DESERVED this break for a long time. Your family is changing. You both are changing with it. Embrace it. Regroup. When you’re ready, we will welcome you back with open arms….but come back to us when YOU are ready, and only then:)
I know this is a tough phase for you all. There are fewer things worse than the self-realization that you don’t feel that you’re putting your all into your career. This is an experience you’re learning as you go. No right or wrong, but trial and error. We’ve all been there, and we will be your support regardless of what your ultimate decision is regarding your blog, and everything else that goes along with it.
Again, we love you. See you soon!
Ellen says
During most of this text all i felt was “Oh no, are they breaking up with us!?” so I’m just happy your not giving up! :) We love you too, and I really understand the difficulties – and never forget: even if we complain a bit and you feel like things have changed, YHL is still THE BEST blog out there. Don’t crash because you think you have to do better, and don’t give up on us (or yourself)!
Amie says
Whatever your end choice will be, I sincerely hope you save this post and all of these comments so that your kids can reflect on how immensely impactful you have been on such a diverse community of people.
I’ve loved you all for seven years now, and will continue to regardless of your decision.
Seven years. Maybe there is something to that seven year itch after all.
Dana Winsmann says
I am missing you two!
A follower in MI says
Hey John and Sherry, I have been following your blog since before Clara was born. It seems kinda weird how much I know about you guys and you don’t know me at all, nor have we ever met. Definitely have enjoyed watching your house transformations and watching your children grow. I have never commented on a post until now. Just want to say that God and family come first in life, and good for you to take a break and step back to re-evaluate. Just want to share a Bible verse with you guys. Philippians 4:6 and 7 “Be anxious for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” I have always wondered as I followed your blog if you know Jesus as your personal Savior. It is my hope for you that you do. Because knowing Jesus is knowing true peace. Best wishes to your family!
Michaelle says
Enjoy the time off with your kiddos! They are only little once and I for one think it’s awesome your taking a step back to take it all in! We will all be here when your back!
Courtney says
Miss you guys!
Kaija says
Oh well… it’s been too long already… I guess I have to go pick up Book 1 from B&N to hear your voices ;)
kerry clynes says
I would sit down with my coffee and read your blog everyday like the news paper!! I also purchased your book it sits on my coffee table and I love it!!
I have loved your blog for years…this is my first comment I have ever left!
I will miss it but respect that things change and so do priorities!
You should do it because you want to do it not because you have to!!
I hope you find that balance!!
Good luck to you all!!
Kerry
Jenny says
THANK YOU! You have been such an inspiration! Just finished making a dollhouse for my two-year-old following your detailed instructions & pictures and it looks AMAZING! My daughter loves it and I never, in a million years, could have dreamed of making it on my own were it not for you guys! Enjoy your break – changes like this are hard, but always end up being beneficial! THANK YOU SO MUCH for all your time and effort to make things easier for the rest of us!!
BeccaK says
I’ve waited a few days to post because I wasn’t quite sure what to say, but I knew I wanted to say something. I join many others in hoping this is just a hiatus, and that you will be back and loving this again in the not-too-distant future.
Even though we only met briefly at a book signing, I do feel like I know you guys (yeah, creepy and stalker-ish if said in a certain way, but it’s at least kinda true in a non-awful way!), and I will miss you! You have been the source of so many ideas and inspirations for my own home (although my rate of completion doesn’t get anywhere near where yours does!), and I just really enjoy reading your writing and hearing about your lives and projects. It is rare to find blogs that communicate in a way that is authentic, funny, entertaining, and educational, all at once, and you have managed to achieve this in each of your posts! I hope this isn’t really “the end” and that even if you choose to move on to greener pastures, you’ll still share some brief updates when the mood strikes you (I am eager to see where the yard ends up, and what you do with that KITCHEN!).
Take the time you need – we will be here and checking back (and awaiting your next book!) if/when you decide to dip a toe back in again!