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.
Sara says
You have done amazing work here. You will be sorely missed. Much love.
Elizabeth says
I have been reading your blog for three years now and I have to say, I have loved every post. You all have inspired me to throw myself into decorating my own home and I have enjoyed it so much that I am even considering changing careers and doing it professionally, all thanks to you all. I hope that you all are able to find your happy place with the blog again. Loving what you do is so very important.
Tashia D says
I have been reading your blog for at least 6 years and always look forward to checking in with you guys every morning(one of my favorites!). I’m so sad to hear the news, but completely understand! I hope you enjoy your time away and that you’ll come back. Thanks for all the inspiration! Best wishes!
Laura says
I understand and think this is probably for the best but I will really miss you guys – so please do come back eventually! I’ll just have to console myself with reading through your archives!
DWF says
I haven’t always loved the things you’ve done, but I have always loved seeing you take on projects and juggle your family and the extras as you go. You should have some maternity leave and this is the right time to do it. I’m sure you’ll be back once you get some rest and perspective. Yes, the blogosphere has changed a lot and maybe you can rethink some things, like moderating comments, to make things easier. If this is the end, thank you for helping me feel and know that I can do more than I thought I could. If not, I look forward to seeing what else you do in the future.
belinda says
OK – I did not post last week even though I caught the hint that you guys were discouraged by some of your more vocal readers. I have been reading your blog everyday – back in the day twice a day – for years. I enjoy your blog very very very very much!!!! I would hate to see you go because some people complain and you then feel like you are doing a poor job. Again – I read your blog everyday and I do not comment. I enjoy it every day – some things are more my thing than others but if it is too technical for me I skim that day . . .and on the day that you do a craft or a bookshelf styling I eat it up like it is a yummy breakfast pastry! Sooo, just because some people have nothing better to do than complain about a GIFT that is being given to them please don’t leave the rest of us who are happy for whatever gift we are given and just say. THANK YOU! I know easier said than done and it is a harsh world out here and I also cannot imagine going to a job everyday where I was told I had not done a good job. AND of course I respect your decision to do whatever it is you feel you need to do with your life and your family – and I suspect that the thousands of people like me who have never commented before feel exactly the same way. So, in conclusion. For me: please don’t go. For you: I respect your decision to do what you feel you need to do. But I am sad :( Thanks for all the lovely breakfast reading over the years . . . and I truly hope there is more to come :) :) B
Anessa says
Feeling bummed but completely understand. What am I suppose to do now each morning when I get to work ;) Enjoy your break and hope to have you back soon. Always inspired by the things you do. You will be missed <3
Rebecca says
You guys are the best in the business! Enjoy your well-deserved break!
Ann Koonce says
I never leave comments on sites, because I like my privacy, but felt compelled to do so today. You have been amazing the entire time and I imagine adding two children to your family has made this a difficult task. Enjoy those babies, they are only little once. Enjoy your break and know you will be missed each day!
Dana says
Nothing but respect for you guys. You will be dearly missed, but I’ll hope and look forward to being inspired by you in whatever your next endeavor may be. Lots of XOXO to you both!
MargaretThatcher says
As someone who got into your blog only about a month and a half ago, and who has really been finding the technical descriptions/how to’s super helpful, I am really disappointed. I guess I never knew what the blog was like in the “before times” so maybe I just don’t know what I am missing? What you’ve posted lately has had me logging on every day. But you do you. Hope you are all feeling better soon.
Mancil says
Thanks for all the great ideas – hope you guys find your way back to the site and blogging adventures. I know after having our second child life started getting a little crazy and hasn’t stopped. Good luck!
Liz says
Oh this makes me feel all the feelings too! Praying you guys enjoy your break & those sweet babies! I’ll still be here when you decide to write again :)
Sian W says
Your’s was one of the first blogs I ever read,will miss reading about your adventures but your right you need to put you guys first, get back to doing what you love and make it work for YOU. Will definatly be here when you get back as I’m sure all of us will be. Take Care all of you xx
Malerie says
I’ve been reading your blog for about 5 years. I hope the “spark” comes back for you guys for this blog! Thank you so much for sharing all our projects. My husband and I just moved into our first house and your houses and past projects have certainly inspired me.
Nat says
Sad news for us readers but understandable. Sometimes you just need a break from life. Hopefully you can take a month to reevaluate and come back with lots of inspiration & a new spark. I’m sure you both will miss it after a week or two! We never think how thousands of people getting to peek into your personal life might affect you. I’m sure it’s draining and sometimes scary. You will be greatly missed.
Lots of love to your family!
Elle says
Have a good break! I’ll still be here (via feedly) when you get back. I’ll occupy myself with your archives in the mean time.
Rachel says
Never written a comment and have been reading since the beginning. I can only speak for myself but you guys have not let me down! Your blog has changed, and change is not a bad thing! Your DIY skills have come so far, your tastes have evolved and your family is growing. All of these are wonderful things that are so cool to witness as a reader. Sure, I selfishly wish you posted more but when you became a family of four it was the right choice to scale back the posts. I totally understand the feeling of the excitement being gone and not enjoying something you loved so much because you’ve done it every day for 7 years. I support your decision but will miss you over the next month and truly hope that you will return to blogging then, but more importantly that you will return to blogging because you WANT to do it and enjoy it.
Cher says
Don’t feel guilty- feel happy! This is an opportunity for you to decide what you want to be when you grow up- and how many of us get to make that decision again when we’re in our 30s? Whatever road you take, know you have many, many supporters who are happy for you, regardless if it keeps YHL in our blog reader or not. ENJOY.
Alice says
Great perspective! I agree!
Jennifer says
Hope you will return to the blog but I understand needing a break. You have inspired me and I would miss y’all greatly!
Laurie says
I have never commented on any of your posts before, but decided to today because…I’m really going to miss you guys! Your blog is one that I read daily and I’ve enjoyed looking back at the archives and “getting to know you.” You have a beautiful family and I’m sure you’ll find your way back to the joy of writing this blog, but until then or even if you don’t…good luck on whatever road you decide to take, enjoy your precious children, and know that you will be missed. You are my friends after all…even though we will probably never meet. :)
kristen f davis says
blogging, in general, is going through a major shift. i have told my husband a few times lately, i just want to quit. it used to be that everything was exciting (buying a thrift store dresser and painting it!), and now everything is sponsored, professionally photographed and overly produced. how do people have time for this stuff?
anyway, i totally get your stepping away. good luck finding a new solution! and even though i support you, i wait anxiously for your triumphant return :)
Reenie says
. . .”we’re taking a break.”
I, for one, could not be more happy for you. Sherry, you took what, a few days off after you had Teddy? Most women take 6 – 8 weeks. You jumped right back into working and I don’t know how you did it. I don’t feel like your blog has suffered at all. Like I said earlier, if I don’t care for a post, or if it does not interest me, whether it be on your blog, or other blogs I read, then I simply don’t read the post that day. Simple.
Sherry & John, you and your family come first…. and if some readers don’t understand that, or “don’t get it”, then so be it ~ let them move on. I, for one, will be here whenever you return to blogging.
I wish you all the best and I hope that you enjoy your time away, relax, go visit the Bowers, whatever it may be….enjoy your family, because in the end, that’s all that matters.
xo
Allison says
I too have been a long-time reader and avid follower of your blog. I have admired your DIY skills, your extraordinary sense of style and ability to work together as a team – which has made your blog by far the best out there! Please know there are many of us who love and respect what you do, and will be anxiously awaiting your return after a much needed break!
Jen says
Ah! I’m so sad!
At no point have I felt like you guys lost your spark, and even with you posting less often I was never upset about it, perhaps because I am now a stay-at-home parent and know how much time children need, and how much time you WANT to give them (even if it means sacrificing your career, income, etc). I was actually happy for you when you said you were cutting back because no matter what some people on here say, I think family should ALWAYS be your first priority… IMO your priorities should always be those things, when you are old and gray, that will bring you your fondest memories and continue to surround you with happiness and love.
So if a break is what is best for your family, enjoy it! I hope you’ll be back because I enjoy checking in at naptime (and remember looking forward to 10am at work eons ago!), and will feel a little lost without you since I’ve been checking in with you since your first home and are the only blog I still read. But boy, I hope you enjoy the heck out of your lovely little family and just remember your readers won’t be the ones holding your hands when you’re on your death bed. Your priorities are 100% on target if you ask me and you will never look back and regret choosing to spend time with your family over making filler posts for some demanding readers.
I am forever grateful for your blog. Thanks to your blog I felt comfortable buying a fixer upper when me and my husband settled down, and it inspired to take it on with many ideas that I got from you! But by far, my favorite thing I mimicked from your blog was your photo project with Clara. I did/am doing that with my daughter and I just love it, and it in itself has brought us so many funny memories.
Good luck!
Beth says
I love you all and everything you do – or don’t do! Your blog helped me get through the first rough year of homeownership in an old home with lots of, shall we say, “quirks.” I own part of your Target line, am actively rearranging my room plans to include one of your light designs, and will continue to enjoy any content you provide while cheering you on for finding what makes you happy.
XOXO!
Kate says
I can’t imagine how hard this post must have been to write. Good luck figuring everything out.
Marlena says
Wow. Is it weird to say that as a stranger my heart hurts a little when I read this? Maybe because this is a daily break I’ve come to rely on and love. I don’t think I can say anything that hasn’t already been said, and I will welcome your return if/when you are ready. I hope the next days/weeks/months are filled with joy spending time with your growing girl and boy, noticing how the weather changes to fall, and spending time as you wish. Those of us with desk jobs get to have vacations and hopefully more time to reflect on our lives, and it’s so great you all can do that, too. I look forward to reading your words when they appear in my feed again.
Kiley says
Tears… feels almost like hearing a best friend say they are going away and don’t know when they will be returning… I will miss you guys, but most importantly i wish you so much love and happiness because that is what you truly deserve. Big hugs to Clara and Teddy! An even bigger hug to Sherry<3 Hope to see you back soon… xoxo
Shannon says
I’m pretty sure I’ve never left a meaningful comment on any blog, but I want to voice something for those of us that don’t usually speak up:
I’ve followed your blog for at least 5 years, and I was following MANY blogs when I first became a reader. In that time, I’ve given birth to two children and have much less time for anything. There are still a handful of blogs that I keep up with and yours is one of them.
My husband has a rule: “Never read the comments”. I think that rule does sites like yours a disservice because you have created a community through the comments and it is one of the things that sets you apart from a lot of other bloggers. That said, I almost never read the comments! Reason #1: that’s where the crazies come out (thus the rule). Reason #2: Ain’t nobody got time for that.
I’ve never been part of the “blogging community” but I have been a devoted reader for years. Keep in mind that the vocal minority are the minority. Would I change things about your site if I could? Maybe. But I’ve kept reading. I enjoy what you do.
I really hope if you make a decision to stop that it is because you no longer enjoy it, not because of negative criticism. It is ok for a blog to be a business and you all do a great job keeping the “business” out of the blog. And as someone that works for an insurance agency, I can promise you that there are much less inspiring things to be doing to make a living. I’m sure the “spark” from the early days is lacking in your eyes. I know blogging isn’t as dreamy and easy as everyone likes to make it in the comments. But try to put it into perspective. People still enjoy what you do.
That is all. I know this must be a hard time for you both and I know you don’t need to read a ridiculously long rant from a stranger. For some crazy reason, I feel the need to tell you that there are a TON of us that you never hear from. and it doesn’t mean we don’t care. I wish your family lots of peace and FUN (a break!!!) in the next month or longer.
CS says
Amen!!!
Annelies says
I’ll miss your posts but will be back whenever you feel the time is right again. I’m sure as the blog you have grown as well and might want to do different things or things differently, so take the time to figure out what you want and what makes your family happy. I’m glad to read you made this decision because of how you felt and you are not doing this because of your readers because you can never make everybody happy. Enjoy the time off and hopefully we’ll see you again soon!
PS. Would you “have” to come back to the blog to promote the second book?
Lois says
J & S…just wanted to let you guys know how much I enjoy your blog. No worries from this reader about less posting. Family should always come first. I’ll continue to read whenever you guys decide to post. I always appreciate that you post so much information about your DIY stuff. It’s helpful to me, as I have no skills when it comes to construction stuff. I do think more reader re-design stuff would be cool. I love to see other peoples transformations, and would also love to submit some of my own and have it seen. All in all, I say do what you need to do. I think most people will still read whatever you guys make available. Have a really great week with your lovely family!!
Megan Overton says
I have been an avid fan and reader since the very beginning and still love your blog and what it and you have grown into. I am so proud of you guys for identifying what is best for you and your family. You are both incredibly passionate entrepreneurs and have so many amazing things in your future – whether you are bloggers or not! Oh and just in case there is any interest in a different kind of challenge – I am a product leader at Snagajob here in Richmond and we’re doing a ton of hiring in product and web design! Feel free to email me if you would like to learn more.
Kaija says
Oh nooo… does this mean no update on the hallway glass door??? :) Please give us a video tour? :) Just kidding, your family comes first.
I admire your ability to take charge of the changes in your life, as opposed to waiting until something external forces you to change. A life lesson for me for sure!
Thanks for the good times (so far) and see you soon!
XOXOXOX
Pat S says
Well, I think I missed your post last week as I was in the midst of my own semi-crisis, the one called “retirement” after more years than I care to tallk about.
I will miss your blog and I hope you return. I’ve had a couple of experiences with turning a loved hobby into an income producing effort and I can definitely sympathize with what you are experiencing. What I was doing was way different than what you’ve been doing and it was never more than a part time thing. However, that underscored for me big time that Yes, you can spoil something you love by turning it into a job.
I truly hope you figure out how to make it work for you and can come back with a fresh outlook. Maybe, just maybe, you just need a break!
Jess says
love always.
Elizabeth says
John and Sherry,
I have never commented, but I have been a reader for years. I started reading probably 5ish years ago. I worked night shift when I first started reading. When I got home from work in the mornings, I would wait for you to publish your morning post, read it, and only then could I finally sleep. You were part of my routine and made a move to a new city bearable because I felt like I had made some new internet friends that I could check in with everyday at 9 AM CST.
My husband tires of hearing me say, well this is what John and Sherry would do. Those years I spent reading, I was living in apartments. Finally, now we have bought our own home. There are so many things I have watched you all do over the years, and now it’s finally my turn to try a few of them out. In the 2.5 months we have lived in our home, we have made very few improvements- mostly because I can hear you all saying “you’ve got to live with it a little bit.” But the little bit we have done, I have done with confidence because of y’all! We spackled some nasty holes the previous owners left behind in the master closets, and we painted my son’s nursery. I knew with confidence I wanted moonshine walls with a skydive ceiling- all because of you. I really had hoped to meet you when you took your book tour, but sadly it didn’t work out (here’s hoping there is another book tour- maybe I’ll make it this time!). Anyway, all this to say you have made a difference in my life, and I am thankful to count you as my “friends.” Hope this truly is a break- and that we all will see you again soon!
Alyson L says
Shoooooooot. I don’t even read the giveaway entries (I just note that they’re there) so I missed the whole discussion. I found your blog before Clara was born, and to say that I am a faithful/enthusiastic reader is an understatement. You guys are The Reason I figured out how to have a blog feed, and you are The Reason I check it multiple times per day. Other DIY blogs get added—most of them temporarily, and then I see they are sponsored post after sponsored post and I drop ’em. Or they run out of projects and I drop ’em.
So here is the thing that you Clearly Do Better Than Everyone Else: not do sponsored posts. You buy your stuff. You use the right tools for the job. Just like all of us, you stand in the aisle at Home Depot agonizing over this paint sprayer or that one. This is invaluable. I can’t emphasize that enough. I cannot place a value on the fact that you are in a project just like I am, not exactly knowing the process or the right tools, sometimes shooting and missing, sometimes slam-dunking, watching 40 videos on youtube and making up your own hybrid process. This is why I’m here. This is why I come back day after day. I love the big heavy projects, your laundry room invigorated and inspired me. And I have a door to hang from scratch, I love the technical posts.
Also, as a mom of 7, I was fully behind your decision to scale back when Teddy was born. Being present in the moment, enjoying those fleeting weeks and months while you (and he, and Clara) are in them, that is the essence of good judgment. First and foremost you are a family. None of us have any right to ask you to be anything else, and you have to manage your load in the way that balances your income with your input. So well done there.
For what it’s worth, I haven’t minded the evolution of the blog. I was positively giddy with the purchase of the 3rd house because I knew it meant lots of new projects. And I love what you’ve accomplished there, and perhaps even more I love what you still have to do! :)
I do miss reader redesigns; they are the reason I found you back then. I spend a few days in the archives going through every single one, and every project I’ve done since I’ve taken lots of pictures so I can be one ;) I do miss the mood boards. I like light-hearted posts, but I also love the technical posts.
I will be bereft without you, you guys are part of my morning routine. I want to move to VA and be your next door neighbors. (Actually I don’t want to move. So I just visit you here.) But I send you every well wish and every good vibe so that you can get your groove back, because the blogosphere will be dimmer without you. Keep up the things you do well.
Jenna says
^^^ yes, this!!
D says
Life is simply too short to not have a happy heart!!!
Thank-you for the time you put into your blog; I have enjoyed it immensely over the years & if you decide to return I will pick up & happily read again. Also thank-you for leaving the blog up so that we may reference all the knowledge you have put into it (we have a few projects coming up).
Good luck in whichever new path you travel & much happiness to you & yours.
Bonnie says
I have read your blog for 7 years, I have never posted a comment. I am very private and shy, I do a lot of house projects and you are always inspiration :) I still looked forward everyday to what you posted I love your projects and appreciate the technical ones. I hope that after your break you return refreshed and still post frequently. I feel terrible for the pressure you felt and your loss of privacy. It is a shame these days that the complainers do ruin things for everyone, blogs and politics. I hope you find your happiness again.
Kristin says
I’ve been a loyal reader for years, and have loved watching you guys grow as a family and in your skills and abilities, and the success that has come to you – I hope this next month is a time of rest and recuperation, and that you come back with clear vision and excitement for where the path ahead leads!
Lara says
Well said and well done! Sounds like you guys put a lot of thought into this decision and good job following your instincts. You are an inspiration to so many of us (me included), so we look forward to your return. Love on those babies, enjoy your time of reflection and we’ll all wait for what the future holds for Young House Love!
Theresa says
Love you guys. Have been reading you for YEARS and will keep reading for as long as you have a blog — you’re my absolute fave (even though I am in NO way a do-it-yourselfer ;)).
I just want to say that I think it’s awesome you’re taking some time to find yourselves. Look, there’s always gonna be people who love some posts and who don’t love others. I even have posts that I love and posts that I’m not as crazy about (mostly the drawings cause I never win! ;)). But you have to do what you have to do to feel right. If you get corporate-y, you get corporate-y. If you get more John & Sherry-y you get more John & Sherry-y. You guys are some of the most open, honest, transparent, kind, loving people I’ve ever read on the blogosphere (and I’ve read a LOT of blogs). I read you guys because I feel like if we knew each other in real life (which, I live in Richmond and TOTALLY introduced myself to you at the Farmer’s Market one day), we’d be bffs. Because you guys are THAT cool. I don’t feel that way about ANY other blog. So, whatever you do, you’ve got my support. And I will buy your books ANY day. And I will read your blog WHENEVER it comes back. Find your chi. Find your center. Find your happiness. We all have to do that. Thanks for sharing your lives with us up until this point. That’s the kindest thing you could’ve done. Loveyoumeanit.
PS — I had a baby boy in March so it’s been extra fun following Teddy. Although, you guys are MUCH better at documenting Teddy’s growth than I have been at documenting mine.
PPS — Also, anyone who’s unhappy with how you choose to share your lives clearly hasn’t thought about how they’d feel about sharing THEIR lives. This is your life. Share it however you want.
Wendie says
I totally understand needing a break, but you will be missed. Several of my favorite bloggers have stopped blogging over the past few months or have gone to posting a few times a month. I can see putting your personal life on display for everyone can take a toll on your mind & heart. Whatever you decide I wish you the best!!
Corrie says
I’ll miss checking in on your inspiring projects, but I completely understand. Having the 2nd kid put my life in a different zone and the changes that came in the first 2 years of my son’s life (Theo, wouldjabelieveit) have been momentous, techtonic, and ultimately very positive for our family.
I’m looking forward to the book!
Jennifer says
Jeremiah 29:11
Tamara says
While I am selfishly sad, I am also very relieved for you. You need some down time without worrying about your readers and whether you’ve let us down. If you come back feeling renewed and with your old spark, that will be AWESOME! If you don’t (oh my gosh, I will miss you terribly), you need to know that everyone will understand and wish only the best for your and your family.
One thing I should have mentioned last week is that, as you likely know, you’ve been a victim of your own success! You are so great at what you do – and I don’t mean DIY projects (not that you’re not good at them) – but so good at sharing, the quality of your writing, the joy and excitement that you’ve been able to transfer to the written word, the unbelieveably high-quality posts (there is NO ONE better in the business, in my opinion). How anyone is expected to maintain that effort and spark on a day-in, day-out basis is beyond me. Don’t regret for a minute the ride you’ve been on. If it’s time to get off, you’ll know it and you’ll be able to look back and say, “Wow, that was one h#$! of a ride!”
Kate says
It’s sad to see you go, but I understand. I hope we’ll see you back soon.
Would it be possible for you to put up an e-mail sign up so we could get an e-mail when you’re back? I think that would be really helpful since you’re not sure when you’ll be back.
I wish you all the best!
Taylor says
You have my full respect. Hope to see you real soon.
Marybeth says
I wonder if rather than “taking a break” you should just post when the mood strikes. Maybe that won’t happen for a month or maybe it will happen tomorrow, but either way, it’s happening when you feel inspired to do it and not because it’s what your “Blogging Schedule” is. I would suggest going over to bloglovin and seek out the baby blogs that have barely any followers and see what they are up to. You know those are the ones that are still doing it for the love of the game, so to speak, and definitely still have that glow you get when someone actually came to visit your little blog to see what you are up to!
I’ll here when you get back!