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.
Erin says
I miss you guys and just wanted to post along with the other 4,000 readers that I love your blog and have been reading it since 2009. You encourage me to dig in and DIY anything. I still check back everyday to hopefully see a new post. Enjoy your break and love up on those kiddos.
alexis says
Rarely comment but want to make sure you get a steady stream of “I miss you”. I first started reading when somebody linked to your site congratulating you on Clara’s birth. I really do feel like I’m missing friends.
Caity says
Having a terrible day at work and crossed my fingers hoping you’d be back…missing you guys! I truly hope this break is beneficial and refreshing for you all. Much love!
Lyz says
So I never, never comment on stuff… But… This is an exception… Reading this makes me want to sit down and cry, and I never cry!, I have followed y’all since Clara was just a lil baby and you have always been my daily dose of inspiration.. You guys have done an incredible job, and the way you have very graciously put up with people, well. Your amazing. But I can totally see how dealing with rude comments over and over again would just tear a person down.. I really hope that you guys get a chance to just relax and do everything exactly the way *you* want to do it and not because so an so will look down on you for not doing it there way… Anyways, this is random enough now… Just wanted to say God Bless you guys and I pray that you’ll find your cliche in life!! (Of course I hope it will be back on the blog but whateva! ;)
Letty says
Just writing to say I miss you! Hope you’re enjoying sweet moments with your babes and quiet times with each other. xoxo
JG says
I’m part of the older generation of readers, 50+ -and have never posted on a blog. I follow YHL because I enjoy the projects & your accessible style that is filled with commitment and integrity. I was inspired to tile a bathroom floor after reading your laundry room project posts. Before YHL the most I’d done was paint because of the very full demands of life – working, raising kids, mortgage, extended family, etc. I hope your break is renewing. YHL is valuable to many and could continue to inspire as we all go through the many seasons of life. Godspeed Petersiks!
Mittens says
JG, you & I share the same demographic (50+ years young), & I can really relate to your thoughtful comment. Especially your reference to YHL’s “accessible style that is filled with commitment and integrity.” Perfectly said. Sherry & Jon, if you’re still reading this unprecedented tsunami of comments (rapidly approaching 5,000 in number), please know that I wish I could adopt you! I don’t know you, but I’m SO PROUD of you. For years, I’ve been impressed by your lively intellects, entertained by your way with words, loved your fresh approach to creative design, enjoyed your unabashed sense of fun, touched by the utter authentic sweetness of you, & astonished by how much you’ve achieved at such a young age. I have been a single mom (not in the plan!) since my children were 2, 4, & 6 — they are now 19, 22, & 24. Life is full of hardship, sadness, & toxic people who suck the oxygen out of a room — & then there are people like you. When my youngest child used to breathe in his asthma medication, he used to say, “It tastes like flowers.” (I loved that.) Corny as it sounds, when I used to read your posts, for a few minutes, the air tasted like flowers. Whatever the future holds for you, please know that there is a dessicated old hag (still a nubile young chick inside) who wishes you courage & laughter on every journey, & peace & happiness at every destination.
Ashley says
JG and Mittens, these are the sweetest comments I’ve read and I couldn’t agree more with the sentiments. Mittens, J & S would be crazy not to take you up on your offer for adoption! ;) In the internet world we’re all already one big family-in-YHL(get it? Like mother-in-law but better!) anyways. Have a great Thursday, J, S, B, C, and T!
Tammy H. says
It was so sad telling my husband, “My favorite blog of 6 years quit today,” the night after I read your last post. Totally caught me by surprise… didn’t even know you were struggling. Have to admit I was really bummed, but I guess even good things have an end. I don’t normally read comments or comment myself, so perhaps that’s why I’m out of the loop. In my experience anything you love can be tainted by others, if you let them. I love the quote from a country song, “Dance as if no one is watching.” That’s where the magic is found and made. Good luck with finding your magic. You are loved. May God bless you in all you do. Thanks for everything.
Jen says
I miss you guys. Ignore the haters; sooo many more out there love you. I had just found this blog a few months ago and miss it so much already. Come back! Pretty please!
Samantha R says
i feel like it’s been a year already! Miss you guys!
Christy Wilson says
Can I just say that I miss YHL big time? I looked forward to your posts and it feels kinda like a friend has moved away. I’m looking forward to your return whenever that is. Hopefully sooner rather than later.
Kim R. says
We should all start a list of things we have been inspired to do because of Sherry and John.
(Like Paddy above who bought a Kreg Jig.) I Rejuvenated my floors following John and Sherry’s directions step by step.
And there have been days where I’ve totally needed a Pinterest challenge and many times my husband wish I would “Dude, get on that already.” I’m currently repainting and refinishing a lot over here, J&S, and thinking of you a lot. Seriously, I’m looking on Craigslist for lots of furniture for my daughter so I can sand and repaint it, and I’m sure I will be on here looking for tips.
Lindsay says
Good idea Kim R. I stenciled a subfloor, created a collage wall, made clothes pin magnets and used hem tape for the first time to make my son’s curtains. I also plan to Rejuvenate my floors (hopefully in the near future!) and apply privacy film to our bathroom windows. Thanks Sherry & John!
JillM says
Because of YHL, I stenciled an entire nursery wall at 6 months prego (hormones), painted a ceiling a CORAL, wainscoted behind our basement bar, repainted nearly every room in my house, designed and built shelving for a closet, refinished numerous pieces of furniture, painted by sunroom the same dark teal as their 2nd houses guest room, and learned how to hide my cable box! Next I want to try my hand at crown molding. I would have never had the guts to take on projects like this without you! Keep on inspiring others in whatever form you choose, it’s what you do best!
Katy says
Hi guys! Katy here! I hope your rest from the blog is going great! There sure are a lot of comments, happy to see so many people love your work here like I have since blog posts about your DIY backyard wedding! Where does time fly, right? Anyway, wanted nothing more then to say enjoy these days, and a wise person once told me, “don’t overthink think. Just try to have fun with it! ” (But that was in referring to me preparing some design files for my textile job, either way I liked that tidbit of advice). Never hurry, never worry, do your best, and let Gid do the rest.
God bless you and the kiddos! And Bugar of course. Hope to see him as a hotdog for Halloween again one if these years.
Mandy says
Another long time reader here. Love your blog and just wanted to say thanks for all the posts. I have been following you since before Clara was born, and I feel like I have lost a friend! Hope all is well.
Natalie says
Missing you from my feedly???? Hope you are enjoying your precious family and know you are loved!
erica says
Has it been a month yet? Ppppppplease come back to us!
Stephanie C says
So I guess I’m also a lurker on your site. I never comment, but I always check it out everyday to see what new things you all are up to. I just wanted to stop by and tell you I miss your funny take on everything and really enjoy the projects you post about. I hope you all enjoy your break from blogging and make choices that work for you and your family, because you have the right idea, family is what is important. Thank you for everything.
kb says
OK, that’s long enough, I want you guys back!
Martin Scott Dudek says
Just thinking of you guys. I miss having your regular presence in my life, but I hope you’ve been having an amazing time just with your family.
Megan says
Hoping to be comment 5000. Inspired by someone who wrote that we should tell you the things you’ve inspired us to do – too many to count for us. But i will relay a little story. I was at my cousin’s new to her house over the weekend and she was asking me what color I thought she should spray paint her chandalier. We talked about options, but told her the color you used in the office of house 2 would be perfect. She whips out her book, finds the purple one there – I pull up the website and show her what I really mean. You are missed! Love your inspiration and thanks for leaving up the archives during your sabattical so I could show her what I thought. all the best!
Michelle M says
Here’s note to say Miss Ya Petersiks!
DebinNYC says
You guys just needed a rest.. we all do from time to time. Perhaps take a few little craft project shots and do a few window shopping posts and pre-load them to avoid burnout. You’re perfect just the way you are!! Plus we miss the Bean and the Barnacle! Come back… xo
Katie says
I miss you.
Sincerely: Me
Michelle says
I have loved all your posts and projects and I miss you! Blogging opens up so much to think about regarding perfectionism. People can be so critical and snarky unfortunately. I’m getting something out of Brene Brown’s ted talk series on you tube The Power of Vulnerability and wanted to pass it along. I’m sorry you’ve been hurt and hope you do what makes you the happiest and brings peace for your family. Thank you for sharing so much through your blog and other projects.
Katherine R. says
Still checking on you guys. Miss you much and hope you’re doing well! You add a little joy to my days and I hope you know how much you’re loved!!
Cheryl says
Oh wow…oh no! Well, it’s not about me. Have a wonderful break! Please come back! I don’t see anything off! Hey, you’re only human. People are so opinionated for gosh sakes. Don’t beat yourself up for not sharing about the house or offer any explanations/justifications! We don’t own you! We don’t pay you for your free advice. I hope I speak for the majority in saying we appreciate all the FREE tips, tools, tutorials, suggestions and ‘trial runs’ you took the risk on and we benefited from! So THANK YOU for 7 wonderful, fun, funny, informative years. I may be one of your older followers and I’ve been following since before Clara and This Young House name change. I’ve loved watching your backyard marriage, home reno’s, moves and children and Burger! Omigosh, gonna miss that little dude! Why am I tearing up?!
I guess I’m worried you won’t be back. I don’t deal well with change…haha! But change can be good and I’m betting that either you’ll be back and re-energized or off to something really cool. You guys are young and have so much opportunity ahead of you. So be well, take care, love on your kids and enjoy your time off. Just think how fortunate you are to be in this position! Not everyone can tell their boss they need a month off to regroup, lol! I hope this blog is staying up though cuz I frequent it often. In fact, I’m painting my front door BM Blue Spa (the paint chip next to Blue Lake) this weekend and am just running over to that ‘smiley front door post’ to get a few tips! Hugs!
Shea says
I hope you and your family are enjoying your vacation from Blogland and getting some much needed R&R. I was astonished by how you were in the middle of show house and projects at home and had little Teddy without skipping a beat. Please take care of yourself, because so many people here love the work you do. I have been continuously checking back in secret hopes that yall have gotten bored sitting around and just had to come back to YHL. Hope to see you guys soon!!!
Cheryl says
PSS NEVER apologize for making money and earning a living. For gosh sakes you have a family to feed just like we all do. Yes I understand what you’re saying about blogs and business, but you made the decision to pursue this as your livelihood and because you are good, no, great at what you do, people noticed. And that’s great! You got book deals. And Target noticed and BM. That’s called success and there’s nothing bad about success. Whoever says there is is either jealous or a hypocrite, especially if they are taking jobs and promotions that pay more in their pockets to provide for their family. Many people start off with the big fancy house cuz they can’t wait to have it. You didn’t. You did it the right way. You started small and built on that. Should people have sour grapes because you were in a position to move to a larger house and not tell everybody about it?! I think not! That’s just sour grapes. You don’t owe us that. Isn’t that what we all work for? To survive and to thrive? So PLEASE don’t feel bad about your success. Scale back if it’s what’s best for your family, but do not do less to appease the masses. The info you share for FREE is well worth any payback you receive in book deals and advertising. Others will just have to get over it. We don’t work for free. We need to get paid and paid well for our hard work. This isn’t volunteerism. This is also your family’s bread in the table. Don’t apologize for that! :-)
Anna says
None of the other blogs I read are as engaging, thorough and honest as yours. In fact, during your break (and I sincerely hope it is just a break) I’ve stopped reading all my other blogs because without the richness of yours to bite into first, the others just seem so flavorless and flimsy. I’ve realized that the integrity that you bring to your projects (I can always trust that you’ve done it the right way and fastidiously checked all the details) and the integrity that you bring to the role of “Blogger” is unparalleled. With so many other blogs sneaking in sponsored posts, it’s deeply reassuring to know that you always only express your opinion. I was sad to read that so many new readers don’t know that your Giveaways are perks that you pass on directly to your readers, and you don’t make any money from it. I still remember the disclaimer you’d put up when you talked about a product “We weren’t paid or perked in any way” and I think that aspect of your branding is super powerful. I also think the fact that you monitor all the comments and always respond kindly is incredibly rare and again, super powerful. I know I’m supposed to be respectful of your family time, and I know you two work incredibly hard day in and day out and haven’t ever really taken a vacation, but I’m selfish and I miss your posts so much. There, I said it.
Jessica says
Agreed! I am struggling to enjoy other blogs too. YHL is the place to start! I am so bored by every. other. blog.
Ruthann says
I miss you guys so much! And it’s only been two weeks!
Tinazman says
I’ve been a reader who has rarely (ever?) left a comment, but want to say thanks for your funny, quirky blog. Been reading long enough to still regret not paying you to do a mood board for me back when you actually did that. It is great that you realized you needed a break and actually decided to do it.
Nancie says
DAILY COMMENT:
Happy Blogiversary guys!!!!
Sarah says
THIS IS GOING TO BE THE LONGEST MONTH EVER (for your faithful fans). Hope things are going well for you!
Jess says
Sigh… just wanted to say that I miss you guys so much! I’ve been reading since back in your first house, and your blog has been my daily dose of fun and inspiration for so many years. Hope you’re all doing well and really hope you’ll be back soon!
xo,
j
Pat C says
Missing you guys. But I hope you are having some great family down time. It must be so refreshing to have a bit of privacy for this space in time. I’m a bit of a loner, so I would totoally understand if you wanted your privacy back long term. It’s up to you. This is your life. Do what you must. But the blogosphere would be a less charming place without you 5 characters hanging around. Hugs!
Amy B says
Just checking back in to see how much longer I need to wait to hear from y’all again- it’s like waiting for a friend to call after they’ve been overseas for a while!
As someone else said, you have inspired me in the past with the kitchen set you made for Clara, and I made one for a friend’s daughter! I also never knew about the habitat for humanities restore store, and now I love it! I even checked your blog for color ideas for my house, and whenever we get around to painting our upstairs I want to do a gray master bedroom!
I’m sorry you get such negative comments- I’d never read them in the past but now looking through I’m appalled at what you have so kindly put up with- so much criticism and negativity! You’re blog is reflective of your own lives, and if people don’t like it, they can just stop reading. You will still have legions of followers!
Christy says
I returned from two weeks vacation to find your explanatory post….firstly, thank you for explaining and not simply disappearing into the mists! Hoping that your time away will be relaxing as well as fruitful, as you plan the next leg of your journey. You two are really the best.
Laura L. says
I hope you guys decide to come back soon! But at the same time please enjoy this breather with the kids and each other. I have always loved that you do this blogging and love to spend the time together. Even if you decide that this isn’t your long term, remember that you have been blessed to be at this point with the blog and to be able to have flexibility. That is worth so much more than comments of criticism people might make. If they don’t like it, they don’t have to click through. Plain and simple. I’ll admit that it might feel more commercial than it had in the past, but know what? You guys need to make money and support your family. Even with that you guys are more honest, compelling, believable and just more refreshing than 99% of blogs out there. You have never in the past felt that you’ve needed to prove yourself to people, so why start now? Do what feels right. If that means taking on more large projects, DO IT. I’ll be right here cheering you on. Kudos to your two. You are fantastic role models for life, parenting, relationship, bloggers, etc etc. Keep on sending your message- because you guys are a beacon of light in the otherwise dreary world of bloggin where everyone is just trying to make a buck.
Tamrah Ryan says
Missing you guys!
Lisa says
I really miss checking in daily, esp. when I need a short break from work. No other site is engaging as your blog. Do I love it all? Oh I skip some of the details once in a while (electrical), but there is more than enough variety to keep me coming back every day. Enjoy the break, recharge and come back in whatever format feels right for your family.
TheGingerPennyPincher says
Come baaaaaaaaack……
ellie says
I have no doubt that you will be back, and better than ever! Take the time and refresh, enjoy your little family, and come back when you’re ready- we’ll all be waiting! XO
Cortney says
*sob* Is Teddy walking already?!? Is Clara in college?!? What’s going ooooonnnnnn??? I keed, I keed…kind of. Miss you, you guys. Come baaaaaaaaack!
Sarah says
Hi Youngsters, just checking back to see! I’ve been snooping around since… you Craiglisted your plants… at your first house. Holy geez! Years! Y’all totally need a sabbatical! I hope it’s going well and that we will see your smiling faces soon!
Mary K says
Miss you guys. Hope you are doing something you love. And smiling. a. lot. <3
Jasmine says
I applaud you in knowing when to step away to take stock and do what works best for your family.
Holly M. says
Hope the next post is titled “How John & Sherry Got Their Groove Back!” From a fellow blogger and online business owner, many hugs. It’s a tough world out here. Also, I like this line from Harry Connick Jr’s character in Hope Floats (I know, I know, bare with me…): “I know what you’re talking about: the American Dream, where you take something you love and twist it until you don’t recognize it anymore just to get money.” I often think about that scene when I’m taking something I love and making it into a job. Not saying that’s where you’re at, but it’s hard to wrangle a passion into a job. Good luck, y’all!
Chris M says
Miss your blog. There is no one like you. I think you are struggling because you care too much and you can’t just shut that off right?! Go back to do what makes you happy. People will accept. (I never post but read all the time and had a dream you were quitting blogging and moving away to day jobs etc. don’t do it!! Haha. I really believe there is no other blog that comes close to yours. Virtual hugs.
Vicki says
So it has come to this???
A NYTimes story about the “slog of blogging”?
http://www.nytimes.com/2014/09/25/garden/when-blogging-becomes-a-slog.html?ref=garden
Vicki says
That first comment came out snarky–didn’t really mean it that way…
I don’t think I appreciate how that article used info on your blog w/o actually having a direct conversation about your situation–I read you preferred not to comment…but I assume you had to give your permission for the photo…why participate at all?
Why are you what seems to be the featured example of bloggers who are dealing with headwinds?
Belinda says
I miss you.. That is all ????