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.
Sandy says
I was so sad to read this but I am happy that you did what is best for your family. I have followed your blog for over 4 years and I hope you choose to come back someday soon! I had a baby earlier this year and when I get a spare second or two I always jump on your blog to see what great things you have come up with. My girlfriends and I would always talk about the great ideas you had and how creative you were! Hope to hear from you soon!
Lindsey says
Sherry & John,
I feel inspired to tell you both how much you have impacted my life, but in attempting to not get teary (I’m much like Katie Bower in a “I feel ALL the feelings” kind of way), I will add comedy when possible.
– You both helped my husband and I remodel our first home. The whole thing. I put a sledge hammer through 2 walls…. 2 WALLS! You were never there, although I wished you were so my back didn’t ache as much then, but your quirky insights and useful tips & tricks and can-do attitude and most especially “Do NOT get paralyzed by fear” sparks were there every step of the way. I feel like I owe so much to the two of you.
– We met once. It was during your book tour when you were in Dallas. When we met, I gave you a gift card and asked that you help me Pay It Forward to someone in need, whether it was someone who needed your book, or kids who needed school books, or however you saw best to use. We took a picture and I can’t show anyone the dang thing because I look like I’d had 4 espressos. I was so excited to meet you. So Sherry specifically, when you signed my book, I have to thank you so much even though you’re about to consider me cooky (maybe you wont even read this but I have to put it out there in hopes). Crap, I’m getting teary here, hold on, need to get wine so I can see the computer monitor. ok back. When you signed my book, you spelled my name wrong. I got into my car, saw it, and cried big ugly happy tears. Yes, Happy. Cooky…you can say it. But at that time, I’d been fighting a lot of battles and my self-worth was a demon among devils. When I saw how you signed for me, it was like a light bulb that even if I didn’t do everything perfectly, I was still loved and appreciated and important. I could make unintentional mistakes and still believe in myself. It was just what I needed at exactly that time, and somehow, someway you knew.
– One of my dearest friends just had her first baby, and I duplicated the quilt that Sherry made for Teddy for her Sammy. I wish I could attach a photo for you. Yours looks SO much better, but it is still absolutely perfect in my eyes. I’d have never had the courage to tackle it without your guidance.
So in my attempt at saying good-bye sweetly, I want to pay forward happiness to the two of you. Please know that I (along with 1000’s of others) am wishing you both self-happiness, however you may find it. You have been so influential and important in my life and there aren’t enough thank-yous to do it justice. So I’m sending you happiness. I wish you all so So SO much of it. You deserve it.
xoxoxoxoxo, <— Hugs and Kisses to the 4 of you and the Burg-ster,
~Lindsey
Erin says
Hope you two are doing well, soaking up your time with those sweet little peanuts of yours, and wishing you all the peace and clarity you need to figure out your next step. I don’t read blogs. Except for yours. :) Best wishes.
Julie says
I totally agree that time off is necessary to spend with family , specially now with the 2nd little one and to regroup and decide which direction you both want to take the site. With that said I have not been reading your site as often as I used to…… And the reasons for it are the so many points you adressed in this lastest blog post. It was not feeling organic anymore. I hope all works well for you all and thanks for many fun ideas during these years!
Jemma. T says
Considering the complete lack of quality you’ve been churning out for months, your weird excitement over target items that are in no way unique, the increase in sponsored posts(I don’t mind sponsored posts but your increase was to have them All. The. Time) and your lack of actually listening to what your readers wanted… It’s time. It might even be time to pack up and walk away.
Many DIY blogs exist. Yours was one that had a sense of uniqueness, of care, dedication. Now it’s just one more on the pile of used and dying DIY blogs.
Glad you realized this.
Michelle says
Jemma… they’ve never once had a sponsored post – never in, like, the whole history of the blog. Giveaways were their way of dealing with all the freebies they were offered by companies wanting promo — freebies they’ve never accepted. Instead, they offer them to readers. They’ve explained this over and over again.
Tammy says
Agree 100%, Jemma!
Amanda says
What the heck Jemma. I’m sorry, but your distasteful post is completely unnecessary. You really think you’re going to tell them what to do by calling out all the problems that You see wrong with the blog. I highly doubt they’re going to “pack up and walk away” because YOU say so. Let me guess, you’re one of those no filter, kick em’ while they’re down types who would say it’s “constructive criticism” as an excuse of defending your words. Your post make you sound unbelievably rude. There are way too many people like that in this world, but thankfully, John and Sherry were not like them. So sorry they failed to please you, but they have made millions more happy because of who they are. No one is going to decide for them when to leave but themselves, and not because a disatisfied reader like yourself says so.
Sarah C. says
I’m honestly not the type of person to make a lot of comments, but I really feel like your comment here is uncalled for. I feel like I truly relate a lot to John and Sherry. I may not have kids, heck, I don’t even own a dog. My husband and I use a lot of what John and Sherry have to say every time we delve into something else. I feel like I relate to the excitement over Target items. Target is my favorite store!! They have great items for such great places and every Target you go to just feels like home. I love it. I don’t see what you mean at all about sponsored posts, and I read their blog every day.
YHL is my favorite blog of all time. I’ve been trying to read other blogs but nothing fills my heart like YHL does. They will always have that sense of uniqueness and care and dedication even at a time like this they are taking time to re-focus. I would much rather have them be honest and let us know whats happening than just hiding it in and keep going. I have MAJOR respect for John and Sherry for this.
I feel like you are coming down on my very close friends and that is completely unneeded. John and Sherry will find the best balance for them, what will be easiest and best for their family. Until then I will wait, I will always check back daily. I wait for the moment they put out their second book — I CANNOT WAIT (I have already told my husband I will pre-order no matter what!!)
John and Sherry – we will be there no matter what. We will all be waiting for a hopeful return and if that time doesn’t come we hope to see you in other ways. Take this time and relax and enjoy your family.
JenB says
Then move along, Jemma & Tammy. Please, please, move along and let the rest of us enjoy YHL. I don’t understand the thrill people get out of being nasty…and yes, that comment was rude and nasty. What a waste of time and energy; for you to have written it and for us to have to had to read it. Again, move along. The rest of us will not miss you.
Love you, J & S. Hope you come back soon:)
rachel laree says
WOW!!
Maybe YOU should realize, that YOU don’t have to read their blog! (Just a thought)
Good luck in life with your attitude, no for real…. good luck!)
Rebecca says
Jemma T. & Tammy – I would sponsor your departure.
fulori says
Jemma & Tammy –
You’re right: many DIY blogs exist. That’s the beauty of reading them – you can find one you like, and when you stop, you can move on to something that fits you better.
To quote Kid President’s post today: “I disagree with you, but I still like you as a human being and I will treat you like that because if I didn’t, it would make everything bad and that’s what a lot of people do and it’s lame.”
Hope you find a new blog that brings you the same feelings that I get from reading (and re-reading) this one.
Jemma. T says
@michelle “giveaway” posts ARE sponsored posts. “dealing with all the freebies they were offered by companies wanting promo — freebies they’ve never accepted. Instead, they offer them to readers.” If they didn’t want the “givaways” a.k.a Sponsored posts which bring in a TON of promo and hits for the free “gifts”? They could have VERY easily declined! Sending an e-mail explaining they don’t do sponsored/whatever you want to call them posts, never postimg about what they got, and making it clear on their site they don’t accept sponsored posts. And, if someome Did send something they couldn’t send back? They could given it to charity/thriftstores/etc. Please stop lying/pretending they didn’t do sponsored posts. I’ve followed for years.
Jemma. T says
@sara c @JenB If you were the fans you claim to be, you would SUPPORT them in their need to leave now(and perhaps longer) you would support THEIR valid view and concerns that they have lost either the touch, the focus or the ability to blog as they used to. You wouldn’t beg for that new book, or not-so-subtley for another target item.
Call my words harsh. Call me names. At least I’m respecting and agreeing with THIER CHOICE and with the reality they have spoken of.
You don’t tell a person with a broken leg, that hasn’t been treated “Oh, but I LOVE WHEN YOU RUN. Go on, RUN FOR ME. NOW!”
And you don’t tell people that have decided they need change, need to stop, need to focus on who and what they are now, as their lives are changing “BUT WHAT ABOUT ME? Who cares about you? What about my giveaway chances? What about making target stuff? WHO CARES. About your revelations about yourself and family??? WHAT ABOUT MEEEEEEE!!!
Jessica says
Jemma. T, you really don’t know what you are talking about. Weekly giveaways and sponsored posts are NOT the same thing. They do not receive financial compensation for these posts. SECOND, there has not been an “increase” in them, as they continued to have only one a week.
Jemma. T says
@rachel laree I’d love to read their blog, as it used to be. I’d love to read their blog, when they wanted to write it.
They realized their blog wasn’t offering them what they wanted anymore. That they no longer wanted or liked blogging.
Pressuring them to blog against their express wishes is a horrible thing.
I didn’t stop them from blogging. THEY STOPPED BLOGGING BY THEIR OWN CHOICE.
Respect that…if you can.
Jenn F says
Jemma, you’re entitled to your opinion, of course, but it’s irresponsible to comment on something without any regard for facts. YHL never has sponsored posts and they never accept perks for talking about a particular product (see their Policies).
You cite John and Sherry’s enthusiasm for inexpensive Target products as a negative but I think a lot of readers appreciation seeing approachable items used in home decorating. If they only decorated in high-end products I’m sure there would be a lot of negative feedback there as well.
Really, I just don’t agree with your tone. Have your opinions, don’t read the blog if you don’t like it. But I think suggesting that YHL “pack up and walk away” is just rude. You would never say that to someone’s face, don’t say it online.
Ron says
Jemma, I have hesitated for days on whether to respond to your rude, nasty and cruel comment(s) because I respect John and Sherry so much, that I didn’t want to add anymore negativity to this blog than you have already done so. But I need to say that I think you are one sad and miserable human being, that you feel so inclined to spew your heartless venom in a space where so much love and kindness has been given.
And I only hope that one day, when you are in a place of uncertainty, people are much kinder to you than you have been to John and Sherry.
Michelle says
Quick (((((HUG))))) Love you guys!!!! xoxo
Dee says
Long time reader, first time commenter. I have so enjoyed your blog over the years, I think I have been reading it for about 5. I totally understand your need to re-center or re-focus or whatever, but I sincerely hope you come back in some form! I feel like I actually know you guys and of course we have never met. Your perseverance thru projects and this whole blog into a family business is awe-inspiring and you make it seem do-able! So, I hope that it is for now and for even longer, but as you can tell your fans will stand by you no matter what. but, we do miss you!
Alisha says
Like some others, I have not commented much but have enjoyed reading your blog for a number of years (since your second house). I have always appreciated the variety of your content and your transparency with sponsors. I have never felt cheated, slighted or insulted at the content you’ve provided. I recognize that this is your blog and you can run it as you see fit. I’m sorry that you’ve received so much negativity. I do hope you’ll come back, even in an abbreviated form. But mostly I hope, if you decide not to come back, you look back at the blog and see the great work you’ve done and the many, many people you’ve uplifted and inspired. Thanks.
Kayla says
I miss you.
VV says
UGH! I’m so mad!! Seriously!!!! Not at you guys though. Just mad at the world. Every blog I stumble across, I just follow half-heartedly ’cause the blogger is sponsored through everything so you wonder whether their thoughts are genuine or serving their income. But I never felt that way with you guys. I loved that you guys were always fiercely staunch in your no-free-rides policy – so rare. Most people are swayed by money but somehow it didn’t seem to interest you guys in the slightest (are you even human?) and you genuinely seemed more interested in sincerely working your butt off and doin’ stuff the harder BUT FUNNERRR (to quote Elle Woods) way. So frickin’ pure in your motives like what the heck. And educated to boot. I love you guys and will eagerly await your return like frickin’ Gandalf the White all shining and immaculate and floating through the air with your staff in hand. Wait… was he floating? Or was that the lighting? Who knows. It’ll be epic anyway.
xoxoxoxo
Kendra says
Exactly!
Pearl says
amazing blog, i started reading it when i was in Madrid on a long sabbatical and have been reading along every now and then. It was a wonderful effort and you are very inspiring- all the best for future endeavors!
Bex says
Another first time comment just to say how much I miss you guys and how much you brighten my day. I love following your projects and your lives and have lost many an hour checking out your older posts. Hope you are enjoying your break and come back soon – happy, refreshed and better than ever xx
Jeanie De Melo says
There is really no *constructive* criticism here, which leads me to ask, “Why not just stop reading?” *Personally* I still love what’s going on with the blog and even the newer posts help and excite me just like the first ones I read. My god, I demoed some ugly built-ins and DRY WALLED the space thanks all to their recent dry wall post. ME! I dry walled! And I would never have had the courage to do it without the laundry room makeover. So Petersiks, please keep “churning” out the posts, because they ARE wanted.
Annie says
It’s been almost a month, wondering if are going to be back soon. Miss you guys
April Thompson White says
I’ve been reading your blog for years, but this is my first time commenting. I sincerely hope you all come back. I for one, never felt like your newer posts were any less enjoyable or inspiring than your old ones. I loved reading your blog everyday. When my twins were first home from the hospital I lived for my little 10 minutes of peace each day when I would sit down to read the days new post. You have inspired my husband and I to tackle so many projects in our family’s farmhouse and I miss your plucky can do spirit. I hope that you all enjoy a well deserved break and come back refreshed and invigorated. More people than you know miss you. Please come back soon.
Casey M says
Long time reader, first time commenting. I have enjoyed all of your posts from the beginning and to the recent posts. I didn’t realize how much I look forward to your posts until there aren’t any new ones. Please come back!
Sarah says
You are so missed. I check the blog every morning just in case! I will hear the “Hallelujah!” music when you post again! :-) Hope you are enjoying your time off though and getting everything you need from it!
Cathy says
You know, there are many places on the internet where I can go for, say, a beadboard ceiling installation tutorial. But this is the one place where I can come to get a beadboard ceiling installation tutorial with an accompanying photo of John Cusack hoisting a can of “In Your Eyes” paint over his head. And that is why I miss you guys.
kim says
So perfectly said! There are lots of blogs that throw in a little quirk, but your particular brand of quirk matches mine. I miss you guys!
Sally says
Missing you! I check every morning to see if you’re back. Hope all is well.
Michelle says
This sounds crazy, but I find myself thinking about you both and wondering how you are doing. I think that it speaks volumes that you have 4500+ followers sending their kind words your way. You are a fun, unique and special corner of the internet that has been a daily piece of my life for years. Selfishly, I want you back on my screen. But ultimately, I am praying that you both find peace and comfort in whatever your new chapter brings. Thank you for your years of commitment to this blog.
Angela says
My thoughts exactly
Karen says
John & Sherry –
Just wanted to drop in and say how much you are missed. I personally continued to enjoy every single one of your posts. Not all of them were applicable to me, but I loved to see your ingenuity, and even the tutorials that I didn’t strictly need were still always an encouragement to think outside the box, to not be afraid to pick out items and colors that you really love, and to turn your little piece of the world into a home that is an expression of who your family is and that works for the way you live. Not to mention, I think it’s fascinating to learn about some of the more technical nitty gritty of home renovation (although the hubs might prefer I not consider certain things DIY tasks…).
None of your loyal fans (friends) want to see you slogging away feeling discouraged or defeated or uninspired, but I think I can safely say that every single one of us who have loved you over the years hope that you can find your way back to blogging about whatever you want, whenever you want, simply because you want to. This is your lives, your family, your home, and your personal blog. You have no obligation whatsoever to arrange any of those things to please anyone but yourselves.
Here’s also to hoping you come back soon to at least celebrate your 7th blogiversary (because 7!), even if a little belatedly, and even if you decide it’s should be the farewell.
Checking back every day, and wishing you all well.
– Karen
lindsey says
Hi Petersiks! I just wanted to say that I miss you guys! I totally understand your need to step away, and kudos for having the guts to do it. No matter what you decide to do moving forward, I wish you the best! Selfishly, I want you to keep blogging forever. But if you need to do something else, I will be happy for you! Good luck!
Leanne says
Been missing you guys. I have checked everyday to see if your back . Your blog was the highlight of my days. I really hope the mean ones leave and you continue writing for those who adored you and your blog!!!
Em says
has it been a month yet? Come back!
Kami says
Totally, miss ya’ll! I think after all the hard work, not taking weeks off when you have a baby, unplugging at least several weeks for vacays, not being appreciated for offering giveaways, being scared to push “post” because of nasty people out there that feel they are owed more and more just because they click on, I get it! Take all the time you need, but I’m still checking in daily! Come back soon!
Jessie says
checking back again… just in case you decided to come back 2 weeks early.. boo not yet! Hope you come back soon & forever..
Jessica says
Come backkkkkkkk!!!! Life isn’t the same without ya’ll. We have to see all of the awesome updates and decor you will add to the new house. And new photos of the kiddos! Your readers have become family (at least we feel like it!) :)
Carla B. says
OK. Sabbatical over. Enough already! Come baaaaaaaaaaaaaccccccccccckkkkkkkkk!
Jules says
Still checking back to make sure I don’t miss a post. I look forward to reading your blog every day, even if it’s scrolling through old posts and pics. I feel so invested in your home and am excited to see how it evolves over the years. I’ll be here when you get back. <3
CEO says
They have no intention of coming back. They can’t.
When you look The New York Times and The Washington Post square in the eye and show them your middle finger you have played your swan song.
As real and “down home” as the appeal of this blog might seem, it is business and they have forgotten that when they play the emotional card and shut down with no explanation given they are also slapping the faces of everyone who has invested in their brand and believed in the name Young House Love. Companies have given them the benefit of a doubt and associated with them and their brand and made an investment in doing so and then they pull this very unprofessional stunt. So many other bloggers would love to have had even one of the lucky breaks YHL has enjoyed and yet they have trashing it all. Well done.
Thank God I’m not their publisher. With such a missed opportunity to promote their book #2, Artisan, their publisher, would be justified in tossing it into the shredder.
Jemma. T says
“What the heck Jemma. I’m sorry, but your distasteful post is completely unnecessary. You really think you’re going to tell them what to do by calling out all the problems that You see wrong with the blog. I highly doubt they’re going to “pack up and walk away” because YOU say so. Let me guess, you’re one of those no filter, kick em’ while they’re down types who would say it’s “constructive criticism” as an excuse of defending your words. Your post make you sound unbelievably rude. There are way too many people like that in this world, but thankfully, John and Sherry were not like them. So sorry they failed to please you, but they have made millions more happy because of who they are. No one is going to decide for them when to leave but themselves, and not because a disatisfied reader like yourself says so.”
How is telling the truth, a truth THEY THEMSELVES HAVE STATED “distasteful and completely unnecessary”?? The problems with their blog is glaring. And, again, they have declared these glaring problems(many which I and others here have reiterated) themselves. They know their blog is no longer unique. They know it’s reached a point where it’s just another blog–with nothing new or exiting to offer as it used to.
They didn’t “fail” to please me. As I’ve said, I was a true fan. But they have lost it all. Guess what? THAT HAPPENS IN LIFE. Frankly, you don’t go up to someone who no longer has prospects or interest, or anything to offer in a job they can AFFORD TO CHANGE and say “keep this on, even though you don’t want to, or need to and you can’t really help anymore”
Smith says
For someone who claims to be over it, well you certainly don’t seem to be. You’ve commented more than anyone else on here. Just saying…
Hilary says
Thinki8ng of you. Have a great day. Missing the smiles you always provided.
Jill says
well said!
Kim R. says
Reading another blog and thought of you: (quoting GirlsGonechild.net)
That is what I love so much about blogging and creating in this space. There are no real endings. No right answers. No rules. Every day you get a new pass at a new subject, a new draft that is imperfect and, perhaps, (sometimes) unacceptable to its audience. And that’s all good, man. Because perfection was never the point.
(Also, pbbbbbth to the people above who were so rude. If you don’t like it, don’t read.)
Jemma. T says
@kim R. Um, (“Also, pbbbbbth to the people above who were so rude. If you don’t like it, don’t read.)
We can all read the past posts that most have loved.And that’s the issue. The decline in quality that But no one can “truly” read the blog anymore as no new content exists. This isn’t like a book, where if you have no interest you DON’T have to read.
This is a blog, where the Petersik’s have made possibly their last post, by their own choice. So, saying “you don’t have to read” or any variation of such has no impact at all.
Rosemary says
I don’t understand what all this huge fuss is about – I follow a few blogs and very often the blogger will take a week or a month or even longer off because of various reasons. Sometimes it’s just to refocus, sometimes it’s to take a lengthy vacation, sometimes it’s just to spend more time with their family. They don’t offer apologies, they just return and say, “I’m back and here’s what I’ve got to say today!”.Their readers don’t go crazy – my goodness this is indeed a wonderful blog, but why do so many people think that the Petersiks owe them an explanation for changing the way they do things? And honestly, Petersiks, please just write your blog the way you like to – you obviously are extremely talented and the quality of your work will always be first-rate, no matter how many days you blog or how many weeks you decide not to.
Brittany says
I have to agree with you there Rosemary! I’ve read so many other blogs that there doesn’t seem to be this huge uproar over ever detail of the blog. People simply tune in when it fits them, pay attention to posts that fit their likes and needs, and move on. I know the Petersiks have done an amazing job of making us a part of their life, so maybe that is why? But why do we feel they owe us anything more than their own enjoyment of posting what they like to do–which is decorate their home and live life! I shouldn’t have any say in how they decorate their home, how they raise their children, or how they write their blog. A free service for me, and I should be the one to choose when to take it in or not.
And so many other blogs do take that step away, and people understand they are returning later, for good or to say goodbye! Chill out people. I love this blog a lot and would hate to see it go, but maybe some of this intensity is why YHL is having to take a step back and reanalyze what they want.
Leslie says
Wow – there’s a lot of genuine affection and appreciation shown in these comments, but there are some real whack jobs represented here too! Life is too short to waste writing mean crap to people you don’t even know! If I were you guys, I think I’d write a farewell and move on. You two are a class act couple, and will find success in anything you do. Best of luck and peace be with you.
Kate says
Totally agree. Pretty sure this blog isn’t required reading, so people who don’t like it can go elsewhere.
Michelle says
Please come back!!! I am missing you so much!!! Your blog is so refreshing and takes me back to when I was a young mom with little ones. I love reading it and I miss it terribly! Just do it the way you want to after all the blog belongs to you.
Kate says
I’ve read a few of the comments here and none of the comments on the aforementioned post. However, in my experience, comments tend to skew more negative than what is true in reality because people comment more when they’re unhappy/grouchy than when everything is great. So if previous comments were negative, please disregard them; I highly doubt they are truly reflective of the majority of your readers.
I’ve been thinking a lot about you guys lately. I hope you come back because I enjoy this blog, but only if it works for you. And if you do, I hope you do it on your terms. It’s your blog, your life. Too bad if it doesn’t fit what others want of you, whether it be topic, frequency of posting, etc. They can start their own blogs.
Hope you are enjoying some much-deserved rest and family time!
Christina says
Just dropping in to say I MISS YOU GUYS!!! I hope to see you back here soon… <3
Kate says
And, for what it’s worth, you don’t need to answer to anyone but yourselves when it comes to how you make money from your blog. As far as I know, nobody is forced to read here. If they don’t like it, they can go elsewhere. Everyone has to make a living. Don’t apologize for it.
Hang in there! You’ll find your groove again.
Erin says
Miss you guys, and your posts! Checking your blog was such a fun part of my daily routine! I hope you guys are having SUCH a wonderful break and SUCH a wonderful time together with your sweet family! Love you Petersiks! <3
Laura says
Just checking it to say I miss you guys so much! I’m plugging away at my DIY projects but hope to see you back soon. You were the first blog I checked every day. :)
Jenn F says
John and Sherry, I just want to let you know (whatever you decide to do in the future) that you have made an impact on my life in lots of little positive ways. I feel so much more confident taking on projects around the house and in discovering my own design aesthetic. I’ve used lots of your DIY tutorials and ear-marked even more as my husband and I fix up our home. You’ve inspired me. I feel like I can relate to you since we’re the same age and because you guys are just so NICE. So haters gonna hate but thanks for being so awesome to so many people over the years.
anna says
just wanted to say…I miss ya’ll!!!! not the same without getting your sweet little emails in my inbox every morning! ;-)
hope things are doing well for your family and that you are figuring out your next season of life-that’s what it’s all about anyway! we will always be here for you and love you!
Bree says
It’s only been 20 days and it seems like forever. Come back to us please!
Nicole says
Baby come back…
Jen says
Wow. What a spiteful, hurtful, uneducated comment. You must be a really, really miserable individual. I’m thankful 99% of the other comments on this post are uplifting and encouraging.
We will miss you, Petersiks! Be well!
Kate says
Please John and Sherry, shut down the comments section until you come back. Enough of the back and forth between internet strangers. I know I don’t have to read them, but missing your blog means checking back in and when new comments are posted it is hard not to read them. Yikes. Seeing the comments posted means that you’re reading them also. It is stressful for me when people are so harsh because I get upset for you, and upset by the stupidity of so many. To take a true break, shut it down. Better yet, shut it down and hide all the comments from this post.
xoxoxo K
Mariangeles says
Is the month up already!? I miss you!!! ????
Really hope you are enjoying your break but also hoping you’ll be back soon. We really really miss you!
Jayne says
I’ve been feeling a bit flat lately and I think I’ve worked out part of the reason…I can’t get my daily dose of positivity without reading your blog! Even if you don’t come back in the same format, would you consider a more casual blog with just daily inspiration and positive stories? X
Marlayna says
This reminds me of you guys and I picture Clara’s cuteness rockin’ it out to this song!
“But I keep cruising,
Can’t stop, won’t stop moving
It’s like I got this music
In my mind
Sayin’ ‘ it’s gonna be alright!
‘Cause the players gonna play, play, play, play, play
And the haters gonna hate, hate, hate, hate, hate
Baby, I’m just gonna shake, shake, shake, shake, shake
I shake it off, I shake it off! :)”
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=nfWlot6h_JM