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.
Gem says
Your blog is better than reading a glossy magazine. Just thought if you were to continue don’t let people comment. It is so professional looking everything you do and put out there. I would love to read it without having to comment. Anyway best of luck to you both with your sweet family.
AbbyLea says
Sherry and John,
First time replier here. In case one of the other 4K+ repliers hasn’t said this already, your blog (and book) has been HUGELY inspirational for a newer homeowner, that is me. :) The content you have provided from major DIY projects to smaller styling tips have all been so helpful and budget smart! I had no idea where to start and feel like you gave me some fantastic ideas that I wouldn’t have had on my own. I don’t think I’ve ever stumbled across a blog that really hits the mark like you guys do that balances making stylish updates without breaking the bank. Houzz? I hate that, I can never afford any of that, so why bother looking? I’ve never had that experience looking at something you’ve posted.
I’ve loved every post and aside from recently, bc all time and money is going towards a wedding, I always love checking up on what you’re doing. Whatever your path holds when you decide whether to keep this a hobby or get back into it full time, I only hope that you keep this alive because you guys have great taste and explain things in such an amazing and logical way for people who have no idea what step one is. I’ve also consistently enjoyed your Clara speak updates – I’m totally stealing that idea :0) I hope we’ll get to see you back soon! #TeamSabbatical :)
Hannah says
Miss you, but hope you are all doing well!!!
M says
I didn’t realize I could miss someone that I’ve never been lucky enough to meet. I hope you five are enjoying your down time, you deserve every moment. I just read the NYT article and have to admit that I’m surprised it took a major news outlet two+ weeks to share pieces of your story. You five are loved and respected by so many – I hope to hear more from you soon. In the meantime, please know that I’ll continue to visit your website daily, my steady routine since you initially stepped back in April. I’m excited to read the follow-up article that the NYT publishes once you are back!
vintanthromodernvintage says
We LOVE you guys! Take all the time you need, but please, please, please come back!
Kate R says
Thank you for everything that you have given to us as readers. I look around my home and I can count at least 5 projects that we tackled bc you guys did it first and showed us how. You take as long as you need.
Annie Lee says
Here, here!
Lindsay says
Hi. I don’t really read your blog (but check it out once in awhile) but what brought me here was the article in the Times. I just wanted to say, as a small business owner of 8 yrs (kinda analogous), that it’s impossible to maintain the enthusiasm long term. I too think back to the early years when it was “fun” and wonder, what the hell, why am I still doing this? Things I’ve learned: you have to take time for yourself/family or you will burn out (again), maybe one of you should get a job (that’s what I did, husband does the store) so that both of you aren’t constantly marinating in it, and slow down and enjoy life, it’s not all about work! I also think you should stop apologizing for making money at this. Face it, it’s a job! There should be no shame in this, and I’m really sorry if your readers make you feel bad about it or you feel guilty that they think you’re getting “a cut”…..both of you work tremendously hard and should make a living at this. Wish you both the best and enjoy your downtime, you’ve earned it!
Amy Fisher says
They used to do that stuff – plan blog posts, take vacations, etc. Not sure why that changed but they certainly had the ability and means to do so. This is bigger than that, imo. Why on earth anyone thinks they are coming back (or coming back long-term) is a mind-boggler to me. They threw this out at the worst possible time (after criticism so it looks as if they can’t take it AND finishing up book #2, which I’m sure they’re publisher is loving right now) and already hinted at looking at other ways to support themselves (hello…..check out much?), and then declining an interview in the NYT, which they could have then had control over how it was all spun? I really don’t get it.
I love YHL, or did, and honestly, I had no criticism (well, a little) but nothing huge. I loved much of what they’ve done in the new house, and was reading them daily. But the fact that they expect me to sit here and wait around for a month while they have a mini-nervous breakdown (all the while people keep coming, clicking and making them money with impressions none-the-less) is like a slap in the face to the very people that MADE their blog big. Well, no more. I have a new blogroll now. This could have been handled SO much better. Planned out a month’s worth of posts, guest posts, Reader Redesigns, mood boards (man I miss those!), etc. No one even had to know this was going on until they had made a decision. Seriously people, WAKE UP!
Amy Fisher says
And really, what kind of “break” is it really????….moderating, moderating, moderating…..4600+ comments….. *facepalm*
Elizabeth Anne says
Amy Fisher, I have a strong feeling it’s folks like you that have made a huge impact on the joy this family used to experience and share. I cannot for the life of me understand why people think they have the duty to express their opinions of other people and their doings. If you were thinking all of the negative things you expressed in your comment, why didn’t you just quit visiting this site? It would have made you happier, I daresay, and it would have made the Petersiks and the rest of us happier too. What is wrong with people these days that they can’t just walk away? I love the internet but I think it would be a vast understatement to say it has had a detrimental affect on our social skills.
John and Sherry, I hope you don’t think my comment is malicious or provocative; it’s not meant to be…I’m just trying to inject some reason and common sense. However futile that may be.
Kate says
@ Amy Fisher – Amy is right!! I remember that night when I stayed up with Sherry cutting all those squares of fabric for Clara’s quilt. Man that was hard work. Or that time I had to cut all of the lumber for the house #2 deck. I can’t tell you how many rooms I’ve painted. I’m exhausted!
Amy, might want to make an appointment with the Dr. Apparently clicking on their page is stressing you out and causing delusions. You lost all credibility stating “is like a slap in the face”.
Nope, I don’t feel that one bit and I’ve been reading and paying for my subscription for years now. Wait, no I don’t pay for anything.
But more than anything Amy, I’m sorry for your loss. You loved and had very little criticism for YHL and yet here you are. I’m sorry this has pushed you to become this person.
John & Sherry – You’ve inspired countless projects in my home but beyond that I’ve really enjoyed seeing your family evolve. I fully expected to see less posting when Teddy came along. If you kept the same speed pre or post Clara it wouldn’t have made you so relatable. I selfishly hope you return but I would understand if you didn’t. Cyber hugs!
Rebecca says
Amy Fisher, I feel for you. I see that this is causing you hardship. You take the month off, you’ve earned it. In the meantime, I vow to double click AND reserve two copies of their new book.
Vanessa B. says
Remember when I wrote that comment saying that I hope you aren’t listening to the morons? Case in point. Sheesh.
Carrie says
Amy Fisher, people like you are the HATE part of the love/hate relationship I have with the internet.
John and Sherry didn’t start this blog for you. Or me. Or any of us. They did it for themselves and for their family. They can damn well have any breakdown over it that they like. And I will click over often to check if they are back and I hope they get money from it. They saved me about $5,000 showing me how to do projects in my house, so they deserve it.
Gah!
Amie says
Oh I miss my Petersiks. <3
Angela says
Just giving a shout out – I’m so used to clicking to your blog. You are missed!
Kait says
Best of luck! We will miss you!
Xx
Kait
http://kaitlinmadden.com
Sharde says
We’ll miss you, but glad you are taking time for yourselves to reevaluate and recharge. You all work so hard and you deserve to have fun while doing it!
Monique says
Come back already!!!
Jamie says
John & Sherry:
I truly wish you the best. I have loved your blog since I stumbled upon it a few years ago. Your ideas sparked many crazy midnight demolition projects around my family’s home. I have always loved your light-hearted approach to blogging and DIY’ing, not to mention your amazing music references in blog posts and titles.
As someone who can relate to feeling the need to make a life-changing decision, I applaud your decision and hope that this break gives you some much needed perspective. And whether you decide to return to the blogging world, or head in a different direction, know that we all have loved watching you grow!!
Kyla says
Oh my goodness. I live in South Africa and have read your blog for years and years now and loved catching up on your lives and your family and what you did to save money and make things beautiful and I sit here with tears in my eyes as I read this – and wish you all the best with whatever you put your lives into from here on out. God be with you and God bless you and keep you and I pray your little family grows and learns and you are just happy and full of life. Thank you – is all I can say. Kyla
Karin M. says
Really miss you guys. There is no other blog that comes close to yours out there! Hope you are having a good time off, but come back soon:)
Robin Stephens says
Bless your hearts. What a joy it is to take a peek into the lives of two amazing young adults as they nurture and rear their kids while making their house a home. You’re a delight and a gift. Always do what’s best for you and yours….first….then everything else will (eventually) fall in its rightful place. Walk with your heads held high! You’ve earned it…..no matter what direction tomorrow takes you.
Val says
Do your thing and ignore people. Turn the comments off if you have to. I think it’s amazing what you’ve done- even as the blog has changed. I find you two truly inspiring and you brighten my day every time I read this blog.
Jenny says
My mornings are not the same without you – I still find myself clicking over as soon as I have coffee in hand! Thank you for this wonderful space, and not only teaching great DIY info and showcasing fun projects, but showing how beautiful your family is. As my husband and I are getting closer and closer to having kids of our own, I hope we can be half of the amazing parents you are… you are such an inspiration! Enjoy your much deserved break :)
heatherlauraclarke says
Just checking in, as I do every day, to see if you’re back. :(
notsupermum says
Just passing through…thought I’d say hello, we miss you x
Michael says
Brilliant marketing! I was already a regular reader, but I check daily now to see if/when you guys will be back. :)
Kathleen says
I miss you two. Really. Just wanted you to know.
Nicole says
Missing you all and still feeling confused why readers were upset with the posts. You very clearly said after Teddy was born that you were planning to scale back and focus on family and I had much respect for that, and understood at that time, that your blogging may change a bit, but you were still the best blog out there! With that said, I hope you are enjoying your time off. I know personally, I’d love to still see Teddy’s weekly pics. You guys were the inspiration in how I documented my first borns’ first year of life and I had been loving seeing how Teddy’s was changing every week. I love how you are doing his differently than Clara’s. Hope to see you back when you are ready, and perhaps you should consider what others have suggested and disable comments. You guys have a dedicated following, and don’t need the negative nelly’s filling your head with nonsense! ;-)
ABC says
Miss you!
Jennifer says
OMGah! Can you guys come on back already? I was adjusting to the YHL-Lite version after Teddy’s birth, which was totally understandable. I never thought you guys lost your mojo. It was there, just in fewer posts. I really miss your posts, updates, and hearing how the Petersiks are doing in general. So, come on back, pretty please! Next Monday is October so, technically, it’s been a month. K, thanks, bye…love you….kiss the kids for us….it’s getting weird isn’t it….I’ll stop now….miss you!
Jennifer says
If you don’t come back to the blog, maybe you could take a stab at wedding photography in your backyard with the deer.
http://www.brides.com/blogs/aisle-say/2014/09/deer-wedding-photo-bomb.html
(But I selfishly really, really, really, really hope you come back!) Whatever you decide, I am so thankful for your inspiration and positivity throughout the years!
Ashley says
Sherry & John – I’ve been reading your blog since 2009 and I’m so thankful to have found y’all. I hope you both the very best in finding balance with family and work. It appears that some reader’s expectations are much too high – and I hope you know that I’ve always trusted that your partnerships with brands were vetted and necessary for the blog to continue. Thank you for opening up my eyes to the amazing world of DIY and your beautiful family.
Katie G says
For what it’s worth, I just wanted to say that y’all should do whatever you need to do to feel like you’re in a good place. I’ve been reading for about 5 years (!), and I have never felt misled or tricked or disappointed in any way. You are people with lives that change just like all the rest of us, so of course the blog will change, too. In any case, hope you’re enjoying some much-deserved time away from it all! The Internet can be a hard, mean place sometimes, and I have always been impressed with your attitude and ability to gracefully deal with the not-so-fun side. I am absolutely positive that I could not have hacked it for this long!
P.S. As a testament to your skill at setting the perfect tone, when I saw your faces on the NYT homepage I was shocked only because I literally felt like I was seeing my friends on there!
LisaOK says
Still mising you guys…..I truly hope you don’t give up on blogging altogether. Take your time…feed your souls…but I still think you have a lot of talent and ideas to share with your fans.
xo
Sarah S says
After the NY Times article, I took a look at part of the “Margaret” thread. I just have to say that you can rest assured that at least **some** of your readers know that, as self-employed writers/bloggers, you “owe” your readers/followers nothing. That’s the beauty of being self-employed/running your own business – you have full rights to run it however you see fit.
I, for one, understand that the ONLY person you each owe anything to is yourself and I hope that you get through this challenge and come out happier on the other side it, wherever it may lead you. If you choose to come back, you’ll be welcomed by many with open arms!
(I also do think you could post an Update saying that you’ll no longer accept/review/approve comments, so you really can removed yourself completely from the blog and gain some clarity.)
Kaytie says
Still just checking in to see if you’re back. Hope you’re enjoying the space and clearing your heads. Miss you!
Jennifer says
I have been following along since the verrrrrry beginning (think, first kitchen reno!) and wow, it is amazing how much the blogging world has changed since then. You guys deserve every bit of the accolades and opportunities that have come your way, and you also deserve the chance to step back and see if this is still what you want for your lives. Best wishes as you make that decision! Your presence will definitely be missed in the blogosphere :)
Kismet says
See the mountains kiss high Heaven
And the waves clasp one another;
No sister-flower would be forgiven
If it disdained its brother;
And the sunlight clasps the earth
And the moonbeams kiss the sea:
What is all this sweet work worth
If thou kiss not me?
Percy Bysshe Shelley
bethanyb says
just stopping by to check on things and click all your ads for you ;) this is one pocket I’d like to keep full so you can keep do’n the things y’all love <3
Ann says
Love this. Love you. Just now reading it, almost 20 days later, because that’s how messy and crazy life gets some times.
If you don’t come back to writing, thank you for all of your years worth of work and toil and hope and joy that you’ve shared with each of us who have knocked on your blog’s door, searching for answers, inspiration or just someone to “walk” through life with.
If you do come back to writing, I hope and pray it be for the best reasons possible and that you both be driven by that fire inside your belly, that is undeniable, uncontainable and unbridled.
Good luck with your decisions and your future. You are in great hands :)
~ASzy
cassidy says
I left a comment earlier, but wanted to add one more thing. Your blog has an important place in DIY/home blogs as being completely honest and reliable. Your blog holds A LOT of validity because you refuse to accept perks and freebies. Most bloggers do accept freebies, and honestly it makes them less trustworthy. I completely trust coming to your blog for information about DIY processes, costs, etc. because I know you guys a) aren’t accepting free stuff and then writing about how great the free product is, b) you are honest about how much time and money things cost and whether or not it was worth it to you, and c) you go into the right amount of detail about HOW to do something.
It might not sound like a big deal, but those aspects of your blog is incredibly important, and there would definitely be a void in DIY/home blogs if you decide not to continue blogging.
Sherri says
I miss y’all. While I’m for doing what’s best for your family, I’m secretly hoping this break will be enough & you’ll come back to us. I know you said at least a month, but I keep checking just in case. And… my comment just started sounding like a country song. Oh well, I still miss y’all.
Lori says
Has it been a month yet?! ;)
After my 2nd child was born, I was so overwhelmed I felt like I was drowning and I wasn’t trying to simultaneously write a blog. It was most certainly hard on my marriage as well.
Please give yourself the grace to move through this one and only life you have at the pace you need to move. We’ll be her when/if you decide to return.
Blessings to you both!!
Lauren S says
Just wanted to say thank you. I started reading YHL when my husband and I bought our first house last year, and you’ve given me the confidence to try home improvement projects I never guessed I could do (installed a D&A runner on our steps at 6 months pregnant!). Small business burnout is no joke– if you never write another blog post you’ve still given so many people so much. Thank you again.
Annie says
I miss you so much I just googled you and read an article on you in the NY Times. You really are the best blog out there (I quit reading all others) and I hope you can come back on your own terms. Babies have to come first. An old man told me once that work/life balance is the hardest part of every stage of life. I didn’t believe him, but now, nearly 20 years later, I think he is right. I have five kids and mine are partly grown (teenagers all the way down to young school age) and I still struggle with finding the right balance. you have to do what is right for your family but I’d love to be able to read this blog again. Even if it is only once a week.
Michelle says
This is my first time seeing this, even though I read your blog weekly,I am not a regular daily reader… I mean honestly who has that kind of time?!? I guess many people sadly.. I follow many blogs and they all have something different that makes them unique…. One of the coolest things about yours is your family… the husband and wife duo… I don’t know how many times my husband has read your posts and felt more confident about a DIY project because it was written by another man… secondly your littles… my fave post was about breastfeeding Clara…and your birth experience and their rooms. I too have a four year old and a baby 1 month older than yours… It’s amazing how having children, in my opinion, allow you to have more perspective and focus on the real purpose of life. I was somewhat happy to see your blog taking a break because honestly if your doing the parenting thing right, there is no way you could keep up this pace… I have my own creative business and its kinda crazy right now too. And you are amazing parents and designers which is why I read your blog… I can relate, the content is raw and original… and inspiring on many different levels. I hope you enjoy your break and snuggle all the littles to bits and thanks so much for all the inspiration and posts over the last 7 years…
Allie says
I know I am one of a million responders, but I wanted to say you guys have been my biggest source of DIY/decor inspiration. I wonder, “What would YHL do?” when facing a decorating conundrum. To be completely honest, I have noticed a change recently, but nothing too major. Just fewer of the kind of projects on which I originally got hooked. I kind of attributed it to: busier lives with two children now, other endeavors, and a mostly, a new, bigger, fixer upper house that needed a lot of expensive, time consuming projects that aren’t super fun. I figured things would settle down eventually, and until then I’ve still been enjoying the archives and old posts and the fun project posts you do still do, and learning what I can with the more technical posts. I understand this balance b/c we are currently DIYing an entire roof replacement on our house and garage. It’s expensive and not fun, but necessary. Because of it, I haven’t really decorated for fall the way I used to. There’s just other things on my mind.
belgie says
I discovered your blog several months ago and, being a new home owner on a budget, always felt inspired. I hope that you will come back to the blog; but, thank you in any event.
jesse says
Well I know 5 thousand other people replied, and I’m sure this may get buried too, but I have to say it. I think your decision is absolutely perfect. You shouldn’t feel so much pressure to get posts out. Post when you WANT to, when you have time to say it the way you WANT to say it. In short, quality posts, as often as you feel. Here are my examples, I’m both a blogger & a reader of blogs, and can tell you I’ve experienced my share of “blogger burnout” so I totally get it – but what I’ve noticed is that as my life gets more hectic I also experience “reader burnout” – I follow a lot of blogs and some mornings I wake up to 150-200 emails, many are from blogs, and sadly – many I don’t read.
As I scroll down my inbox deleting like mad to try and just get a handle on it, I 99% of the time delete an update from a blog that tends to post 4-5 times a week. On the contrary, if an email comes through from someone I haven’t heard from in a bit, 99% of the time I read it start to finish. Because I figure, if they aren’t just churning things out, when they DO say something, it’s quality – it’s good.
Another point to consider, is many people now use Pinterest as a source of inspiration & finding ideas. Which brings people to your blog of course, but it could be to a post that’s 5 years old, or 5 days old. So the traffic will still come, the projects are still there, and with search features people can search your archives for months and be satiated with projects.
Take it easy, take care of yourself, and update your readers when you want to. Congratulations on all your success! you guys are truly inspiring not only to people trying projects but to bloggers too. It’s refreshing to see someone come out and say, I need a minute.
Tiffany says
I miss you… :) Hope all is well.
Monika says
I found your blog at least three years ago and have been reading it just because you keep it real and you are so sweet. I don’t have a house and moved 3 times in last three years (one being almost cross-country). The projects are great, your writings are even better, and your down to earth attitude is the best. Posts like the birth stories or potty training were so helpful/motivational to me as I was also going through those phases. I have been coming everyday and reading the comments. I guess we, the reader community, is at our rescue now! Have a wonderful time during this break. I wish you all the best and thank you from the bottom of my heart for the wonderful time I had reading all the posts. Lots of hugs.
KW says
I just spent the last few hours looking through the archives to get a dose of that Petersik wit that I’ve been missing sooo much for the last few weeks. I keep checking everyday and can’t wait until you guys are back (that’s me refusing to accept that there’s any chance of you guys not coming back)!
I read a lot of blogs and this one is truly wonderful. I adore the way your writing pulls me in and makes me feel like we’re two old friends chatting over coffee. I hope you guys are finding this break to be restorative and that you come back with a renewed passion for sharing your life with us. Hi, I’m nosy.
I can say that after reading so many old posts today, I think it could be the family-focused content that some may feel is missing in the past few months. I know those are some of my favorite posts. I love the more personal behind-the-scenes content (I am not yet a homeowner so all the awesome DIY projects are currently in my “SOMEDAY!” folder) like Clara conversations and birth stories as well as things like window shopping, how you decorate for the holidays, videos answering reader Q and As, etc.
In summary: I’m a fan and look forward to tagging along on the Petersik journey, if you’ll have me! :D
Monica M. says
John and Sherry,
You and your blog have been such an inspiration for my husband and I. We have been loyal readers since 2012 when we purchased our first home (it’s funny, I’m not even sure how we stumbled on your blog to begin with but it was love at first site). Like you, we are also new parents to a now 2 1/2 year old and a 7 month old. We briefly met you at your Chicago book signing and have been completely devoted to your site and just can’t get enough. Often times before starting a project in our home we’ll ask “What Would John and Sherry do?” or more often… what did J&S do… and then go look it up which gave us a springboard/roadmap if you will for tackling our own home improvement projects. Yours is the first blog that I have read daily and I think what drew us/me in besides the home improvement content was your voice/your writing style and the way you shared so much of yourselves…you feel like friends to us. Thank you for opening up your home and your lives to us all.
I’ve got to say, hearing that you guys were pulling the proverbial cord has left us in shock. I couldn’t believe what I was reading and at some point I texted the hubs and said you guys were breaking up with us! I have commented on posts before but for a while I was just stunned into silence. There’s been a couple conversations that my husband and I have had wondering what is going on right now under the Petersik roof: are you guys okay? Is someone ill? Are you still working on blog posts (saving some up) or are you taking a break from it all? I think I’ve gone through all the classic grief stages so to speak (lol!) and am battling some YHL withdrawal (reading old posts helps some… but there is so much I want to know… how are the kids? what are your costume ideas for Halloween this year? how’s Teddy’s photo project coming along? … besides the curiosity of what ever home-related projects you have going on of course), I also have to admit I started searching the comments to try to figure out the “who dunnit — who/what comment set you off the edge here,” — but I’ve come to the acceptance stage and I think I get it. I know and respect that you need to regroup and refocus. But please just know that you guys are truly loved. And deeply missed. I hope and pray that all is well with you and you have the strength and courage to make the right decision on whatever you do for yourselves and your growing family. I’m holding out hope that this is just a temporary break and that we’ll see you back in blog action once again soon. I hope you guys find your love and enthusiasm again for your blog and more importantly your voice above the din of any negative criticisms or comments. We miss you guys and wish nothing but the best for you.
lindseywiening says
You are missed.
Just stopping by again. You have my support.
Aimee says
First off, I just love you guys. I always joke around with my husband that reading about your family is like reading about my family. It’s been so fun following your DIY adventures over the years. I hope that after stepping away for a month the blog can become fun for you two again. I don’t feel like the quality has dropped and I am one of those people who felt so proud of you guys when you guys found success outside of the blog as well (of course I ran to Target and had to take a picture of the end cap display with my favorite bloggers’ products). I hope to see you back refreshed and with new project ideas.