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.
Elizabeth I. says
I have been reading your blog since 2007/2008 (prior to meeting my husband or having children and two states ago). Your posts have helped me to discover new products, do some home improvement and persuade my husband to try new things too. I miss reading your updates each morning! I hope you are getting the clarity you need.
Christina says
Man this stinks…. I have checked every day since the announcement and while the page loads I have a small bit of hope that a happy new post will show saying you all were just pulling our leg. I agree of course with everything that everyone has said and I’m sure this is going to get lost in the haystack but I just wanted you all to know that I look forward to this blog EVERYDAY. You two are a breath of fresh air and no matter how hard I look I cant find another blog that even somewhat compares. My blog heart has a piece missing!! ;) I think it was unfair and unrealistic for readers to expect the same from you after Teddy was born. You all are going through a lot right now and just like in life the blog was growing and changing with you (and I loved it the same as before). I hope that you two decide to come back soon!! We are ALL missing our Petersik friends!!
D. Parker says
I agree! I am so sad you are gone. I don’t require a post everyday. I just love seeing what y’all accomplish. I LOVE the laundry room and am excited to see what you do to the dining room with those corner cabinets. Enjoy your break but don’t give up on your dream because of some jerks.
Aleah L. says
Christina said exactly what I was feeling. I check every single day. I really do hope you guys come back. :)
Liz O says
I check every day too hoping for something… anything! LOL #crazymuch
I hope they are enjoying their time away with the kids. Given the chance I’d jump off this “ship” and spend my days at home too.
Nothing wrong with a little realigning and soul searching :)
Berglind Ásgeirsdóttir says
I need a “like” button.. :)
Shelly says
I’ve been checking too! No other blog has the awesome talent and sense of humor you two do. Maybe one or the other but still not as good. Like so many people, I feel like I know you and you’re my friends. I support your decision with the break 100% so you can be with your family but know that you are missed and loved…by a lot of people. :)
Jenna says
Me too!
Taylor C says
I’m really glad you guys are taking a break to slow down and refocus. I think you deserve it :)
Great news – I’ve finally figured out who I think John looks like (besides himself of course)! For years, I couldn’t think of who it was. Jason Wade, the lead singer of Lifehouse. You guys are definite dopplegangers.
Suzanne says
I have been reading your blog for a long time, first house, pre Clara. And I very much miss you guys! I am so hoping that you do decide to keep blogging at least sometimes even if you decide it is best to move away from it being a full time endeavor. I have learned SO MUCH from you two. We bought our first house in 2007 and I have turned to your blog so many times for ideas and inspiration and nitty gritty details on “how tos.” I am one of those who echo the sentiment that I will go back and search for old posts as I start a new project and I recall that you two did something similar. Although a little older than you guys, I’ve really enjoyed your posts about your kiddos and appreciated the posts about baby products since we had our first last year. Anyway, miss you both!! Suzanne
Stephanie @ Whole Health Dork says
Take as much time as you need. You seriously deserve a break and then some. You need to find that passion and I hope you find it, even if it’s not for this (which is okay!).
NicoleMC says
I think you guys are doing the right thing. I’ve followed your work since your first house. It has always been enjoyable reading your blog, but I miss the old days a little too. I wish your family the best with whatever future plans you decide on. You certainly deserve a break at the very least. :)
Jamie D says
Just popping in at 10am to say hello and love you guys! So happy to see you are approving comments! That is all.
Oh wait, the other day I spray painted a small cardboard box to turn it into a cheap napkin holder for tailgating (why not?) and it ended up with some drips because I did not follow the $herdog tried and true multiple thin coat method. However, it looks drippy and artsy and I’m embracing it! I think you all would do the exact same thing :)
Alison says
I hope you are enjoying your time off. Checking in and keeping the stats up! Nice seeing no haters here, all nice comments!
Jessica says
Yes I totally support your break BUT I am so lost, this was my go to 10am site at work… here I am now bored out of my mind I don’t even have another site like this that I like… buh humbug, can’t wait for your return.
Jenna says
I miss you guys!
I’m so glad you are taking a much needed break and well-deserved step back but just wanted to let you know that you are missed!
Much love to you all!
megan says
I confess I have checked back several times since you posted this. I hope you are finding joy and rest in your break. Know that you are missed!
kim says
No worries Petersiks. Taking a break from being endlessly creative, hardworking, hilarious, inspiring and good parents to 2 littles…um, yah, I’d say you’ve earned that.
Thanks for all the inspiration over the years, I for one have much more courage to tackle my projects because I watched and learned from you two. I believe that YHL is needed in the blog world so I hope that your break feeds the inspiration to come back and continue to inspire us, give us a giggle and perhaps in some small way, make us better versions of ourselves. Rock on John and Sherry!
Laura says
I still keep checking in each day, hoping you’ll put up a surprise post! We miss you and love everything you’ve shared with us. Just know how much we appreciate you, and hope you’ll be back soon! You are an inspiration.
LLB Design says
I love your blog and all of the directions that it has gone. It has evolved just as the two of you have as designers!! New opportunities are always presented and our lives roll along with them. Don’t give it up for too long…ok?
Allyson says
Ok guys, so it’s been a week. I’m going through Petersik withdrawals. While I sincerely hope y’all are getting the break you need to feel both recharged and inspired, can you come back now please?? Miss you guys!
Nina says
Guys, I miss you… already.
Lots of love from Germany :)
Nina
Jill says
John & Sher-Dawg:
I must say, I’m surprised… but not exactly. I have felt the slump. In fact, I have not read the blog “religiously” in over a year. I would only to read when I had seen an interesting post pop up in my Facebook Newsfeed. It’s nothing personal… I have been in a slump, too.
I wish yall nothing but the best. Staying off of social media is amazeballs. I have done that and it really helps reset your focus on things. Plus, yall have a family + life and that is important stuff right there!!!!! So- go forth, do life. We’ll check ya later!!
Heidi Walton says
Is it funny that I am breathing a sigh of relief for you now that you’re taking a break :) Even still, I come back almost every day to see if you’re back… Missing you old blog friends!
Stephanie says
I never comment but if you stop blogging, that would be a great loss. I just searched your site for inspiration for my new home and am so glad to have it as a resource. Please keep doing what you do, it is much appreciated.
kristin says
I have been a follower since house #1, and wanted to express my gratitude and love for you guys. Even though we’ve never met you are a part of my life. I wake up and enjoy spending time with you every morning. There are other blogs out there that I enjoy looking at, but yours is the only one that I read every last word of. Thank you for sharing your life and homes with me. You have inspired me. I know that you have so much to think thru right now, and whatever your decision is, it is ultimately yours alone to make and I will be supportive of it. But I just wanted you to know that you guys haven’t just shared amazing projects you have shared your life, and I speak selfishly when I say that I hope to see you again, b/c I have enjoyed getting to know you. Thanks for sharing!
Ana from Portugal says
Is it weird that I still come here almost every day, just in case?!!
:)
Lauren says
Yep… me too… It’s like I’m going through withdrawal
Melissa F says
I hope not because you aren’t alone. I’m not here every day but definitely checking in just to read comments. I miss my YHL fix. :-(
Heather says
Ha! Ana, I think there are probably THOUSANDS of us doing the exact same thing. So no, it’s not weird.
Katie says
I do too :)
Shannon Summers says
Totally know what you mean!
Elisabeth says
i do too!
Erica G says
As a first time comment-er but long time reader…just wanted to let you know how much you are missed as a daily presence in my life! Hope your well deserved break is providing perspective and clarity. Please know you are missed!!! Erica
Becca G says
Just wanted to say I ORB’ed some door handles this weekend…with your tutorial. Miss yall :*(
Gilly says
God I miss you guys.
Even if you were blogging once a month, I would PAY to read it.
Katie says
AMEN Gilly, I would too! No matter how small of a post…it gets me through my workday and gives me something to look forward to here. Miss you guys so much!
Lauren says
This may or may not be my 3rd comment on this post… but I just had to say the following.
Love you! Mean it!
dee says
I am like so many who have already commented. I check everyday just in case:))) Miss you guys!
Molly says
Dear John and Sherry,
Your blog is wonderful and I understand your need to change things about your business. I design cities for a living and if there is one universal truth, it’s that no one likes change, but it’s necessary for the endurance of the place over time. Jobs and businesses are the same way. All this to say, I have appreciated the evolution of your blog and business and think you do great work.
Been reading for 6+ years (and once I discovered your blog I went back and read from the very beginning) and look forward to your return.
Best,
Molly
Kami Buchanan says
I’ve been reading for years and just want to say simply… miss you!
Kate says
It’s been a week. 4,000+ comments later, I doubt I will say anything that’s not already been shared. But, to add my sentiments to the record, I will write. When I read this post last week (I check the blog every day), I had such an immediate and palpable sense of loss that I thought I’d lost it. I pushed myself away from my desk and took a quick lap around the block. I miss you guys every day.
You’ve become a part of so many people’s lives. Your success is not an accident. Your blood, sweat, tears, and integrity earned you this success. I don’t think you’re done yet – I hope you reach the same conclusion.
I discovered your blog in 2010 when I was planning my wedding and someone had linked to your backyard nuptials on a wedding blog. I was instantly charmed and enthralled, and have kept up with you we since. Whenever we start a home project, your archives are the first place I turn. Your experience is captured authentically and instructively, and my home shows signs of your influence in all sorts of unexpected places, from the BM Moonshine in my kitchen to the (sometimes wavy) lines when I’ve cut in freehand with a 2 inch angled brush, to the poliblend grout renewal I keep meaning to use in my downstairs bathroom, to the gallery wall in my living room… You STRANGERS have invaded my home with your irresistible honesty and creativity and I hope that doesn’t change any time soon.
I’m sure your heads are already spinning with all the feedback receive to date and I hope, after a restorative break, you have a wonderful time brainstorming what to do next (blog or otherwise). Some good for thought:
– my home decor style is not the same as yours. That’s a good thing – we’re all individuals.
– I’ve always wondered how you could keep going year after year… Wouldn’t you run out of material? Wouldn’t you run out of house to revitalize? You’re some of the home blogging pioneers and thus whatever you do next will be, arguably, the first brave foray into home blogging 2.0. I don’t know how it will take shape but I REALLY hope it happens.
– You may feel like average joes living a small happy life with a happy family, but you’re special, too. You inspire people and you will continue to do so. Don’t lose faith in yourselves.
Lots of love and support from me and the masses. Come back soon. Xx
carrie eastman says
COME BACK……I’m having withdrawals :(
Crissy says
John and Sherry,
I (like many others) have not commented previously, but I have really enjoyed and looked forward to your posts for over a year. I can’t count how many times I’ve told my husband “you should see what they did! we could totally do that to!” We also have young children (5, 2, 10 months) and so many of your posts about your children have made me smile – we’ve been there too!
I have often wondered what would happen with your blog after you finished the last item on “Listy McListerson” since you call this house your forever home. I also knew, though, that I would be reading each post until you called it quits. If this is truly your last post, I thank you for all your work and humor and creativeness. I have a growing list of my own, inspired from several of your posts. I do hope you are able to come back to the blog after a vacation, as I would love to see your kitchen completion, and your master bath completion and the other projects that haven’t yet been crossed off.
Enjoy time with your family. I wish you all the best.
Kathy says
I was just joking with friends about how I talk about you guys like you are my close friends. I read your blog almost every day and am constantly inspired by everything you do.
Everyone needs a break, so I respect your decision. I certainly will miss hearing from my “friends” every day though. Come back soon!
Annie T says
Hey Sweet Sherry and John!
Just connect with your passion and you guys will be fine. It takes time to do that. You guys are amazing and you will figure it all out. I absolutely know you will manifest again with all of your magic. I’m looking forward to seeing what that manifestation looks like! Thank you for all you’ve shared so far!
xo
Annie
MidwestTrixie says
Gosh, I miss you guys. I keep coming back to the site for an update. I totally understand choosing family over this. But I miss you and hope you’re all doing well.
Jaime M says
Follow your hearts – trust your instincts – Breath deep and enjoy :) Much love to you and your family.
Caroline says
Do what’s best for you and your family! I love your writing style, your design style, and your adorable family dynamic. If you need to reassess, by all means, reassess. It’s so healthy, and you have to focus your energy on the things, and people, you love.
I just wanted to share that I stumbled onto your blog a few months ago (way late to the party!) after I saw your product line at Target, and I instantly fell in love. I’m a huge fan of color and have been hesitating to splash any color around our house – my husband jokes that our home is a Nordic space with all white everything. Since reading your blog, I decided to take the plunge and commit to colorful patterns, textures, paint… and it felt amazing. Our house all of a sudden feels like a home that reflects my husband and my personalities, and it’s the best feeling ever. Thank you for inspiring me to take the plunge and splash my house in color!
Tarin says
I
Miss
You
And
Love
You
Just
Like
Everyone
Else.
You
Deserve
This
Break.
Am
Glad
You’re
Taking
It.
At
The
One
Month
Mark
I
Can’t
Promised
That
I
Won’t
Start
A
Campaign
To
Entice
You
To
Post.
So
Be
Prepared
YHLers
Emily says
Glad for your break for you, but sad for me. I’m already going through YHL withdraws! :) Hope you’re able to make decisions best for your family!
Kat says
Oh John and Sherry, I will miss you. But I agree – you gotta do what you gotta do.
Here’s what I love about your blog: the pics, the ideas, the tutorials, the family stuff. I like to pop in and see what’s going on.
Suggestion: what about disabling comments? This is YOUR blog, you don’t have to accommodate everyone and every opinion. And there are some nasty people out there (haterz gonna hate, etc.). Would that make it better? It will reduce your workload, since you won’t have to read and respond to everything. It will reduce the negativity, and it might make it seem at least a little less like a business/brand, and a little more like YOU. You’ve been so accommodating, but frankly, maybe it’s too much. Maybe there are people who just aren’t nice, and maybe speaking into the void without constant commentary would be healthier for the two of you, as a family. Don’t let these haterz ruin a good thing. But, of course, that presupposes that you still think that the blog is a good thing. That is up to you, although I know a lot of people would miss it if you quit. No pressure intended, just want to tell you that you’re loved, and there are tons (thousands, no doubt) of readers who would be perfectly happy reading and not commenting. (And I realize the irony of leaving this in a comment, but such is life.)
Darcy says
Hi Friends!
Just wanted to add that I am missing you guys too! My mornings are just so dull without your bright light! I am in Colorado, so every day, I get into work at 8am, I turn the computer on, open my email — see if there is anything urgent, deal with that, go get my coffee, click on Explorer, and automatically my fingers click Young, and you guys pop up!! I keep doing it, and I am sad every morning! I am kinda lost without you!!
In the beginning of this comment section one reader attached a blog about a woman who also was feeling out of sorts and just not creative anymore — I believe she took some time away, just as you are doing. I hope you got a chance to read it. I also, have been seeing articles about creative people needing to take sabbaticals periodically. When you think of how hard you two have been working over the past few years, and lets be honest, last year and the beginning of this year, you guys were CRAZY! Talk about burning the candle at both ends!! I am really not surprised that you both need this break. Selfishly, I was hoping that just pulling back like you have since Teddy’s arrival would have been enough for you to sort of re-charge, I realize how un-realistic that thought was — You have a NEWBORN — a 2nd child. My 2nd is almost 2 years old, and most days I am struggling still. Why did we all think that having a 2nd child wouldn’t be a struggle for you both? It really is a BIG adjustment.
I think, unfairly, we kind of all think of you as super-humans — when you had Clara, you never stopped blogging, it was like nothing had really changed, other than seeing adorable Clara pictures every week. Most people struggle and are not able to do anything that they had been doing on a daily basis once a baby comes — but you guys just made it work. Hence, we now think of you as simply amazing and nothing can stop you.
But – you are human — and you are creative humans — you never took breaks (except the amazing Hawaii vaca). I think you definitely need to do that more often. You can close down/take a Hiatus for a week or 2 whenever you want/feel you need to. No extra posts required — no checking comments — it will all be here when you return.
I truly, TRULY hope you return — when you feel ready! It may take 1 month — it may take 2 or 3. But I think you guys still have so much to say and share with all of us.
I also must say, I hope that John is not seriously thinking of returning to the “working world” It SUCKS!! I remember you commenting once that John still kept a hand in the advertising world, so I hope that some freelance/contracting work is available for him to keep things moving smoothly there while you figure this all out. You both are so incredible at this DIY/ home improvement stuff — I hope that you both know how much you have influenced and helped people with this little ol’ blog of yours!
So, if over 4000 comments haven’t told you by now — you both are truly LOVED by soo, soo many! We all want what is best for you, and we all want to see you back here doing amazing things and creating amazing opportunities for you and your family!!
xo,
darcy
Emily says
I understand why you want to do this. I support you 100%. But is it okay that I find myself at work, missing you and your posts? Because I do.
Hillary says
I’ve re-read this post a few times since it was posted…and each time I am left with a different sentiment. While yes, this blog has definitely transformed into more of a “brand” than just John & Sherry, I have loved watching it evolve over the years and see two wonderful people work hard for the success they deserve. And I have always felt you both were 100% transparent about your blog business and didn’t take every last offer just to earn a buck. I appreciate as a reader that you were selective in your endeavors and only got on board with sponsors you felt were a good fit and that your readers would enjoy. I personally LOVED seeing your products in Target, it made me smile seeing it in stores and I felt like bragging down the aisle to a stranger about my friends’ new product!
You are very missed and I hope your hiatus gives you clarity and a new perspective!!
Sarah says
My thoughts exactly.
Super, super, super sad…..but thankful that you have the guts and integrity to handle this the only way you can – clinging tightly to the loves of your lives while figuring out your next move.
Kudos to you for kicking fear in the face.
Caitlin says
Love you guys and hope the best for you, blog or not.
Question: Are you still going to post Teddy’s weekly picture? If not, I wasn’t going to worry about checking. But if you were I wanted to make sure and see it!
I love watching him grow!
Michele says
A couple of years ago you posted about the type of comments you tend to get, which, if you listened to them all, meant you wouldn’t have anything to post about. The gist was, there was no way to please everyone. There still isn’t. Just wanted to remind you to listen to your advice.
I know you get a ton of wonderful comments and probably just as many negative ones. Some are just downright mean and hardly quality as constructive criticism. Personally, I don’t love EVERYTHING you post BUT that’s ok. Your blog is one that I have enjoyed for many years now and I truly hope it continues on for many more in one form or another.
I hope the break gives you renewed energy and you find joy in blogging again.
Wynn Anne says
I know this was incredibly difficult for you to put into words. It’s hard to turn away (or even step back a little) from something that looks “successful” or enviable from the outside. But, at the end of the day, you have to find peace in your hearts. You will.
GFerg says
I miss Burger’s blog! Would love to see that dusted off and brought back out into the sunlight!!
Robyn says
I miss your blog already! Take the time you need, but know that in the meantime, your blog-friends are dying to know what you are up to.
Blog land seems to be changing a lot lately~~Our favorite bloggers get so good that their homes are nearing completion, but our appetite for reading about cute projects is as strong as ever. Something’s got to give.
Berglind Ásgeirsdóttir says
will miss you guys.. hope you will be back soon. :)
Anna says
Missing you and your fun, quirky, inspiring blog posts!
Elle C. says
I have a huge amount of respect for you guys as bloggers, DIYers and as genuine people, and commend you for going with your gut rather than trying to fight against the flow. I saw this post and clicked on the link to the previous post to see some of the feedback you’d gotten, and wow! I’m so sorry you had to endure such ugly drama. I, for one, admire the fact that you don’t have a nanny and haven’t stuck your kids in daycare full-time. If you have the ability to be with your kids now, these are such precious times and should not shoved aside just so you can “get more done”. People claim that family comes first, but often don’t really know what that means, and I’m proud of you guys for focusing on what is best for you as individuals and as a family. Have a good rest. I hope you come back to us, but if not, I wish you all the best!