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.
Nancie says
DAY 5 – 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…
I cannot wait to see what you guys do next around the house. I am particularly looking forward to the living room and dining room transformations. And bathroom updates – those are going to be great!!
Still miss you!!
Come back when you’re ready
Jessica says
This is just so, so sweet, Nancie. :)
Anja says
I hope this break will do you good. I hope you will rediscover what you want for you and for the blog. I also hope that that comes mainly from yourselves and not too much from your commentors.
What happened to you shows how vulnerable bloggers are, putting themselves ‘out there’. Like any ‘public figure’, I guess. People feel they own you and are entitled to whatever. They’re not!
I also don’t see anything wrong with marketing and commercializing a blog. Unless ofcourse you don’t feel comfortable with it -as a blogger- yourself. But even a -partly- commercial blog is not obliged to hand out gifts or whatever. Some people clearly have strange, unrealistic and unfair ideas and expectations about blogs. Demands even. Tssss…
Hope your break and soulsearching bring you good things!
LibraDesignEye says
Came up with a movie reference that I hope will say it all in the proper video style we have become spoiled to here.
When Ben Affleck goes to the door of Matt Damon’s house to get him for work in the last scene of Good Will Hunting (will has followed his heart and minnie driver to san francisco and you know better things are ahead for him), Ben is surprised but REALLY REALLY HAPPY for his friend.
He loves his friend more than he loves holding onto his experience of his friend.
So, with every post of all of us who are keeping up your stats, just think of that wistful smile. For a reminder of Ben and Will’s charm . .
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kn5BXvuXO80
And for everyone else – I DON’T FEEL LIKE Ben in his speech – I do think they have something special and yet of course I want them here. I think they can have what Will wants .. to stay connected to their real selves, have a great family, and find a new balance. I hope that includes this blog and readership but I trust them enough to figure out what works for them.
Not any time soon.
No instagram, no weekly Teddy until they come back, no nothing.
A REAL BREAK.
Jeez, if i was that tired, I’d need 5 – 6 weeks of really doing only the demands in front of me before I knew what I even felt. And then some significant length of time with my partner in a new routine of family to figure out how much time I really had after the important things on my plate to be able to produce work. To think about how we could best go about keeping more of what i loved the most in my life.
And how he could. And then, and only then, would I return to work but maybe not yet be putting content out in public ..maybe a save the date card . . . maybe stockpiling content for several weeks that I could use all year. Maybe then I would really be ready for a vacation where just getting ready for it wouldn’t be a chore. Only in hindsight (i have 3 boys / 2 at college), do we see that the decision to rest and heal properly at key moments may be the decision that keeps us alive longer for our grandchildren.
And none of us know if there is something more personal going on that they don’t want to / can’t share but is adding to their stress level. We don’t have a right to know everything.
What they do, more than most bloggers, based on their awesome writing, graphics, design, production skills and abilities, is turn out a magazine quality blog product nearly every day. And we enjoy free.
Two kids isn’t two times as much work .. it really is exponential because you have to manage all the interactions. And the mom . .well, she sorts the emotional seeds for the entire family . . so guys, keep sending the love. I’m so proud of how our community has reacted to the decision.
For the longtime reader who is missing them, like a great book, let’s go enjoy some of the historic content and post links back here about it or over on the forums in the random category! Start a conversation about something you see back then that helps you now. Maybe let’s check out the first house from the beginning during this time. Watch their design sense evolve! Visit their forums . . . there is still a lot to do.
I trust Sherry and John will be back not one moment sooner than is right for them. And no matter how long that is, I will keep smiling like Ben Affleck . . .
Jen_nifer says
Nicely written, agreed!
Allison says
Hey guys,
I’m a little late to the party here. I read this post on the very first day you put it up. Out of habit (and hope!) I keep coming back to it. I just wanted you to know that you’re being missed right now. I loved your blog. All of it, even the posts about hanging door frames that I would never use. You guys were funny, real, honest, and lovely to us. Thank you for years of great reading. I hope you come back!
Pegs says
I have been with you since the beginning and it’s been quite a journey. You inspire me with you fun and creativity. You are such genuine people and I’vr appreciated how you poured so much of yourselves into this blog. I think most people would agree when I say I feel like I know you and we could be best friends. I wish you and your family a much needed break. Enjoy time with your little Teddy. I also have a daughter and son about the same age. It’s a precious time. I eagerly anticipate your return. I really hope you’ll be back. I miss you already!
Kate Eames says
Have been reading DAILY since 2007 and I’m having major withdrawals. Literally feeling lost without your updates. I went back and looked at your first house and remembered why I started reading and why I will always continue… Will also read your books, buy your products, and of course read the blog, no matter what. Hurry back before I take up drinking as my daily indulgence. (No pressure) :)
Laura G says
I still remember the first time I found your blog – referred by Victoria Elizabeth Barnes right around the time she had her big break. I spent about a week reading every last archive. I jumped in just as you had announced the purchase of your third home. I felt the burn out gradually, but I hoped it wasn’t the beginning of the end because I have enjoyed your blog so much in the short time I’ve been reading it. Your fresh, quirky personalities and design aesthetic (like so many here, different from my own) has encouraged me to try new things. I am sure you are your own worst critics, so I hope you are truly able to use the time away to refresh and decide what you want/need to do, and not linger on things you can’t change. Blessings.
Jenny says
Thanks for your post. I can’t help but to be so sad to not see your daily posts – I have been following for so long that I don’t even know what it’s like to not visit everyday!!! My husband and I bought our first house this year and the only reason we bought a fixer was because of your blog and because of all these years of learning through your three houses!! Whether we are out shopping for window frosting, appliances or houses, we make sure to consult your blog on our phones! Thank you so much for the wealth of knowledge and for your hospitality over the years. I do hope you decide to continue blogging. I hope that God guides you both as you search your hearts for your next steps.God bless – Jenny
Lynn @ Safebeauty says
Sheesh…I’m such a lame-o when it comes to expressing my feelings properly to you huh? I’m reading many comments telling you guys how great you are and it’s true. Y’all are great! I took a break from blogging when my kids were close to Clara’s age. I felt like I needed to “LOOK UP” more because I was missing too much of the little and big things. And those things matter in life. It will be great for you. I already miss you guys terribly. Was I or wasn’t I sweeping my kitchen this morning looking melancholy and Michael says “What’s wrong?” and then I realized that I was thinking in my head “I wonder what John and Sherry are working on right now?…sigh…I’m pathetic…they’re probably in Hawaii right now learning how to surf…”
Yep. You see what you’ve reduced me to?? ;o) And you see how your departure has subsequently broke the Internet? Just kidding. Miss you guys. But I’m dealing with it.????
Kathryn says
I have your paint, your headboard, your nursery. COME BACK! I need you to motivate me!
Kelly says
I’ve been following your blog for years…since your first house. I’m from RVA, but a couple of years ago we relocated to another state. Reading your blog felt like I was able to bring RVA closer to our new home. You both inspire me with your creativity and your wonderful sense of humor. Don’t change a thing! Take a break, as long as you need, but please consider coming back to us! You are missed!
Helen says
Still checking every day… just in case. (but no pressure! :)) Just know that you’re missed!
Jessica says
I agree with you on the blogosphere changing. I had a blog, Lavender and Lilies, for several years. I loved it for so long but eventually it turned into a chore. I was uninspired and publishing every day became a job so I closed it down. Blogs have changed since many of us started and things do feel more sponsored and less personal that they did back in the day. All of that said, I never felt that way about your blog. Your fun personalities always shined through and that kept me reading for the last several years. I completely understand the break but I would love to see you back soon.
Emily says
I just read through some of the comments and am glad I’m not the only one who checks in every day here! I have a total crush on this
Blog and my heart breaks a little more every day that I come back and still no new stuff! But y’all are real people with real lives and “feeeeeelings.” I have enjoyed being able to peak into your lives! You have a sweet lil family! I thought it was adorable when one reader asked if Teddy pics would be updated. I used to read the Clara Conversations and crack up so hard, I would cry! Hope you guys are enjoying the break and soaking up those two cuties!
And is it dorky to admit that I keep picturing the scene from Titanic where Rose is crying, “Jack, come back!” Over and over and then watches his frozen body sink into the cold depths of the ocean?
Come back, YHL!!
Heather says
Oddly I just feel like your blog broke up w/ me!
Casey says
Me too! I’m having major withdrawal and feeling unexpectedly sad about the lack of updates here. It’s like I didn’t know what I had until it was taken away.
shah says
Donkey: Are we there yet?
Shrek:No
Donkey: Are we there yet?
Fiona: No not yet!
Donkey: Are we there, yet?
Shrek: Yes!
Donkey: Really?
Shrek: NO!!! – Shrek 2
i keep recalling dis scene …while desperately waiting for you guys to come back….it ws a habbit to go thru fresh doze of yhl blogging everyday! instead of saying r we ther yet…i kip sayin is da break over yet??? =)) my family misses u guys….we all would come visit ur blog and talk abt like d daily news while dining, shopping, family visit etc etc….Xoxo
Danielle says
This may sound corny, but you have reached so many people, and a person’s home is everything! It affects their kids, family, so much. You have made a difference in my life, and I just wanted to say thank you, I’m a sahm and you have given me so much, not just dyi tips. As a loyal reader, I’ve never thought to myself, stop reading….our lives are fluent and you are in charge of yours!
ANDIE says
Whether you decide to come back to blogging or not is your decision but I sincerely hope it wasn’t influenced by the bullies online. Those people spend their time “hate reading” (seriously? who wastes precious time reading something you hate so you can feel angry about it and then complain and insult it anonymously on the internet? ) are not even worth one moment of thought. Think about the kind of psychological disaster a person has to be to willingly read a blog (every day and some check multiple times a day..) that they know they hate or dislike and then go onto a website and insult and tear the blog down in any way they possibly can with other anonymous strangers who do the exact same thing. The amount of energy these people spend on something so pointless blows my mind. I actually want to write an article on it because I find it so fascinating that there are people so wasteful with their lives and time. Anyways, the point is that these people should not be the reason why you quit. They should be as irrelevant in your decision as they probably are in their own sad lives. Listen to people who criticize you in a way that helps and uplifts you. You guys don’t deserve to be brought down by a bunch of people who literally gather online anonymously to insult others.
Candace says
I feel like this was when they took Friends off the air after 10 seasons and everyone was like “NO!!! It’s in it’s prime!!!! It’s gotten so good!!!!!” But all of the actors basically saying “We want to end on a high note because eventually we will lose stream and we will be forced to stop.” I feel like you guys are still ah-mazing but realizing things are changing and want to end on a high note. I, too, was one who checked in once-a-week and just realized it’s been about 6 weeks since I popped in on the Petersiks. I love and respect that your priorities have shifted as your family has grown (we are in the same boat — small kids, big house reno, I don’t know how you find the time, much less the energy, and to blog it all too?? God bless you!!) & know this is not the end for YHL but you are ending on top…but not really ending. Hoping to see you pop up around HGTV or BHG still doing your things but on a basis that works for your life and what you want for your family. Many blessings to you guys, enjoy this next and new seasons of life!!
Ashley says
I keep coming back here every. single. day. like a crazy person. I, like many others I’m reading in the comments, feel the need to show my support of your many years of beautiful, shockingly regular work. I’ve read every word you’ve written since shortly after you moved into your 2nd house. And when that wasn’t enough I’d read through the comments, both looking for your responses(I don’t know any other blogger who has done so with such grace) and to see all the kindness and inspiration you share reflected back at you from this amazing community you’ve created.
Reading through the comments on this post brings me to tears because more than anything they are brimming with compassion, devotion, hope and all those other warm, fuzzy feelings. This little spot on the internet right here is where some of the good that is in people is shining. You guys have been a bright spot in my mornings for so long. And just as you say you never in your wildest dreams thought you’d be here, I never thought I’d care for 2(5) people I haven’t actually met so much.
It’s fascinting to see how long others have been reading and how you’ve impacted their lives. And to think, it all started from a tiny little *personal* blog. I’ve been hoping all the hopes that you can get back to that place, doing it just for you, for the love of your home and family.
Arica M. says
We’ll be right here, if and when you decide to pick up the blog again! We love reading your blog, but we love you guys as people so much more! (Was that creepy? It’s true!) *Internet hugs*
Christa says
Just a Wednesday morning note. Hope all is happy and bright in your corner of Richmond. Miss you guys. Every last one of you. Cheers to a reset/break/goal-setting-sesh whatever it is you most want and need.
Sara says
Well, 4000+ comments later and you probably know you are loved and appreciated (not that you didn’t know it before-but you probably needed some reminding!) Just wanted to let you know I’m one of the many many readers who will be here if/when you decide to come back to it!
Kay says
Good luck with the break and with what ever you decide to do in the mean time. I love your blog and reference it often for ideas. I LOVED your work on the show house and I also have many of your bumble bee hooks from Target hanging around my house. I completely understand your decision to rethink this. Your family and happiness comes first. You will be missed!
Stephanie says
NO!!! John and Sherry come back! I will be waiting!
Alison says
Happy Wednesday…Checking in everyday to keep those numbers up. Enjoy your break. I hope in the future you will take regular time off. People with corporate jobs take vacation time, you should to. You are missed. :)
Nancie says
DAY 6 – 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…
I was in the middle of working this morning, when I thought – maybe YHL is back! Sadly, no. But, if you have to be away, I hope you are having one heck of a vacation while you are gone/on break. In reality, I bet you are furiously working on book 2 and other various tasks that fill your time. I look forward to your return.
Still miss you!!
Come back when you’re ready
Nawel says
I miss you guys.
Christin says
I love you guys and think your blog, book, etc. are simply wonderful and inspirational. I wish you the best of luck on your break. I hope it is restful and helpful and that by the end you have a clear vision of what is best for you and your family. If you choose to end the blog, I will miss it greatly, but have the utmost respect for you and your decisions on what is best for you. ????
Blair R says
I, too, have been coming back here everyday. Call it habit. Call it longing. I miss you guys as much as the next commenter. I’ve been reading since your first house. Every. Single. Day. Yes, I would even check on weekends – because sometimes you did have a sweet, surprise post. I didn’t comment when you asked for feedback a few weeks ago. I felt what I would have said (all positive) was already said. I didn’t want to add to the noise. Now, I kinda wish I would have; if only to give one more positive comment. We bought our first house about 2.5 years ago, and EVERYTHING we have done in this house is because of you. You’re tutorials are top notch. My husband and I, only having painted a wall once or twice, remodeled our kitchen, painted rooms and ceilings, hung light fixtures, repaired plumbing, and changed bathroom fixtures. The list goes on. I even started using Pinterest after you wrote about it, Sherry. (That was a DIY life changer!) When my husband doubted we could do something on our own, I would say, “John and Sherry said you can.” :) After a inspiration picture or tutorial from your blog, he was on board. This is just a blog. About a young family changing their home as they see fit. I am forever grateful for you and you blog. Hope to see you around here again.
Lorraine says
Work…Family….it is a balance. We need both. But while most folks can leave the job behind for a few hours each day, living where you work means the job is always beckoning. Sometimes that is good (the commute is short) but the downside is that you always feel “on call”. You will find your balance.
Thanks for all the sharing….it’s been a treat!
Carly says
Just dropping by again to check on you guys! My days are a little less bright without you. Hope you are enjoying your break and please come back to us soon! :)It’s almost Blogiversary time!! XOXO
Lynn P says
I am in denial lol…I keep coming back for new posts…don’t worry…I’ll be fine :) I just miss it…
Christy says
Oh. My. Gosh. How am I supposed to get through a day of work now? I habitually navigate to your site and then, bam. I’m a crack addict being forced to go cold turkey. Shakes. Cravings. Sweat. It’s bad you guys. For the love of decoupage and distraction, please, come back soon. :-)
sarah says
I am missing your comic relief in my day. I am hoping and waiting for your return. Hope you guys are enjoying your time and that you are getting extra baby snuggles.
JK says
Just doing my daily check in and hoping you will be back soon. (:
mikey says
That’s ok, but I’ll be missing those post of yours. Make sure you feed that fire in the belly so you’ll be better and strong when you came back! Good luck!
Lydia K says
I read this post the day you wrote it and I keep checking back here daily, because you’ve become a part of my daily routine! You are loved and missed, Petersiks. I hope this break gives you clarity, but I so, so, hope you come back ;(
Lydia
Kristin Nilsen says
Kudos to you for having the courage to take a step away and reflect. I’ve just launched my second blog despite the fact that I kept worrying about all the issues you just mentioned – does this go on forever? what happens if I’m not feeling it anymore? what happens when my reno is finished? what if people don’t like what I have to say (aka don’t like me anymore)? Knowing that you struggle with these questions helps me immensely.
I really really hope to see you back all fresh and new but you must listen to your hearts and honor your values. Our lives are full of chapters……..not just one chapter but many. And I wish you much luck and success as you figure out what your next one will be. :)
Janet says
Still missing your updates! I have been following since the beginning. Hope you will return. I have bought a house and need inspiration to get it ready for my retirement!
Bonnie says
Hope you two are doing great! Like everyone else, I just wanted to send well wishes your way and to say thanks so much for all that you’ve done and shared these past years. You two have something very special, indeed. There is a life-cycle to everything so either way, be confident in your decisions and also know that, as my 3rd grade teacher always said, “it’s always a woman’s prerogative to change her mind”! In this case, we’ll extend it to you too, John! ha
Take care and good luck with your decisions!
Laura says
Hi Sherry and John,
I’ve enjoyed reading your blog for years. I just want to tell you how much I appreciate you and your honesty. I’ve learned a lot about DIY through your blog (can’t thank you enough for Clara’s dresser redo how to) and I’ve learned a lot about parenting too! Just a word for you guys–we have two littles and going from one child to two was a BIG transition for us. Ours are only 20 months apart and it still was huge. Now that our youngest is 16 months and we’ve changed from the baby to toddler season, I can see how tough it can be! That may not be your experience at all, but just know I’m supporting you guys and cheering you on from afar. Take all of the time you guys need. We will be here looking forward to seeing what you do next!
Dorothy says
I’ve been reading your blog since Clara was born. Someone on a pregnancy message board posted a picture of Clara’s nursery (my oldest daughter is one month younger than Clara) and I’ve been hooked ever since. I never post comments because the idea of you having to read so many comments seems so overwhelming and I’d hate to add to that. But, I can’t hold back this time.
Your blog has been so helpful! We just became first time home owners a year ago and I’m so excited to finally be able to use some of the things that I’ve learned from you. I’m currently painting our railings like yours (espresso and white) and I love it! In a few weeks I’m going to retile our bathroom and I’ll be referring to all of your steps.
My husband works from home and I’m a stay-at-home mom to a 4 and 1 year old. It has just taken me 3 months to paint my hall way. I have no idea how you guys do all of the things that you do AND blog about it! It makes my head spin. I’ve never felt that your post were lacking, at all. Some of your readers sound like total a-holes and I’m sorry for that. I love everything that you have posted from super detailed to short and sweet. I love reading about your home and family! Thank you so much for letting us into your lives for all of these years. It has been so much fun watching you guys grow (both as a family and professionally) over the years. I hope that you continue to blog, even if it’s once a month. So with that said, I would like to second a comment that I read of “Come back, come back” said in a Kate Winslet voice from Titanic.
Angela says
I, like Sherry, wrote a 3000 word long comment. It just felt too dense, preachy, and did not convey what I really meant to say. So I, too, deleted it, started over, and ended up here. You may or may not read it, but I am just chiming in because I guess all I want to say is, thank you. Thanks for sharing the quirky in your life, your love for DIY, your everyday and your beautiful family with us.
I have been a reader for under a year, and eagerly logged in every morning to read your new posts, and every evening after putting my kids to bed, to make my way through the archives. I admire your energy, resourcefulness and creativity; the passion that you put into everything you do; your willingness to share the bad and the ugly as well as the good and the funny; and the love and respect you profess and demonstrate to each other. Your writing is always awesome, regardless of the content or the tone, and I enjoy every post, every day.
Reading from Day 1, I have seen you grow, mature and prosper; over the last seven years you have achieved things that take other people a lifetime, and that many not dare even dream of. Everybody wishes to be successful doing what they love, and you have been doing it for a long time. Maybe you’re tired. Maybe it’s no longer fun. Maybe you have too much on your plate. And it’s ok.
Yes, you owe your success to your readers. And yet you owe us nothing. You started doing this for the pure joy of it. And your readers have grown demanding, ungrateful and resenting you for not sharing every single minute detail of your life. Perhaps you don’t like it. Starting the blog was your choice, and ending it may be your next call. People change, evolve, and what once was your dream work may be so no more. And it’s ok. You are entitled to choose.
You have been greatly blessed. I hope you take this time to appreciate and enjoy all those blessings, and if you do come back, I will continue to enjoy any glimpses into your loving your home, or your beautiful family. And if you choose not to, and find your happiness in that choice… well, I will be sad… but oh so happy for you!
God bless you!
AlliT says
just checking in and letting you know that we’re thinking about you! :) hope you’re enjoying your family time!
Megan says
I just want to say thank you. Reading your blog for the past few years has been really wonderful. Thank you for sharing your lives with us!! You have inspired much creativity in me, and I am sad that I won’t get to check in with you – but I understand and hope that you do come back!! I know I will be.
Kelly says
John, Sherry, Clara, and Teddy,
Miss you guys!! Hope to “see” you soon.
Bonnie says
I have been reading YHL since house number 1. I am sort of surprised at how affected I am by this. i really miss watching your house come together and all of the other stuff in between. I have a hunch that you may have received some really scary/threatening comments (that we never saw) that caused you to retreat. I am hoping that’s not the case and that you truly needed a break to regroup. Your blog never disappointed me. We miss you!
Karen L. says
Just had to comment again. I think we fellow YHL fans need to realize that showing our loyalty and appreciation to Sherry and John is so wonderful here with all these comments. Let’s do keep it in that vein without implying that they can’t take a break, a true break, without it causing too much “angst” for their readership. Just something I was thinking about when I wonder just how it might make them feel. Hope they’re having a relaxing break right now.
Paula M. says
I agree! On the one hand, I don’t seem able to resist coming back to the website and reading new comments, but on the other hand, I keep thinking that all the “please come back soon” type of comments, no matter how heartfelt they are, could just be adding more pressure and guilt to the situation for the Petersiks. And then I also belatedly realized a while ago: “my gosh, Sherry or John still have to manually approve each of our comments.” And here’s another comment (mine) for them to approve. … I guess S&J must like letting folks have their say (thanks!) and/or enjoy the comments, but part of me thinks that, at some point, they should close off this comment thread so that they can fully and completely step away from the blog for a month or more, not look at it during that time, and take a Real Break (away from the blog, away from some of the online world, etc.) and truly give themselves a chance to relax, recharge and regroup.
Paulina says
Hi Guys! I am from México and love your site i used to visit it daily and for a few months back I stopped doing it regularly, I didn’t really know why…I just lost a bit of interest on the third house even tough I think is great but my favorite is your first!…I first came across your blog and I remember the exact post was about making Clara’s crib skirt and I was hooked!(I was getting ready my baby’s room too and bought the same crib)My husband thought I was crazy because I talked about you like I knew you saying “John and Sherry are moving or they just started the kitchen ” and because I have a boy who was born a few days before Clara I related to you sorta and anyways I’m rambling but I just think you are amazing! Have a great break! And hope you get that groove back! I will be waiting!