After 14 years of creating content, I’m making a few heartfelt changes. Here’s what’s staying the same, what’s shifting, and why now feels like the right time.
It’s been a while since we’ve had a good heart-to-heart, so today I want to share a little about what’s been going on in my life, and let you know about some changes I’m making here on the blog.
This past year has been one of reflection and transition. It was this time last year that my dad passed away. He was ready to go, and I truly thought I was ready to let him go. But as many of you know, grief doesn’t always follow the path we expect. Not a day goes by that I don’t miss him…the talks we used to have, and the simple act of being there for him. He gave my life purpose, and even now, I’m still struggling to find my footing without him.
That said, I’m not writing this through a puddle of tears. I’m doing okay…but I am tired. And I’ve realized it’s time to make some changes. After weeks of thinking and planning, I’ve made a few decisions that I want to share with you.
First, I’m not ready to retire, and I’m certainly not ready to stop sharing here. This community means too much to me. But I am ready for a lighter load and more flexibility. I’m craving fewer deadlines and a little more breathing room.
To begin, I’ll be stepping away from Home Style Saturdays, Wednesday Wish List, and Fresh Baked. These series have brought me so much joy, and your support of them has meant the world. I just sent the last Fresh Baked, and I’ll be wrapping up the other two at the end of June.
As a result, I’ll be moving to two emails per week, which you’ll receive on Sundays and one other day, probably Wednesday. This new format will start in July, and will include everything you’ve come to expect…seasonal inspiration, my own rebranded version of The Wish List, my Simple Living journey, recipes, and the monthly digital calendars. I’ll still be here, but you will have a little less clutter in your inbox! I hope to offer ideas that feel more thoughtful, more connected, and maybe even more fun.
I’ll be honest…I don’t have everything figured out just yet. This new 2-emails-per-week format feels right for now, but I know it might need a little tweaking as time goes on. I’m giving myself the grace to experiment, to see what works, and to make adjustments along the way. If I feel like I want to send more (or less) than two emails a week, I’ll regroup and keep moving forward. I’ve learned that it’s okay not to have all the answers…but I will keep showing up with purpose and heart.
I’ve been creating content here for many years, and I’ve truly loved every step along the way. What began as a simple creative outlet has grown into something more meaningful than I ever imagined. I never thought it would be possible to earn a real living doing something I love…and that’s only been possible because of you. Your encouragement and continued presence have carried me through the highs and the lows. From the bottom of my heart, thank you. I’m so grateful to still be here…and who knows? Maybe the best is yet to come.
P.S. If there’s something you’ve always wondered about…whether it’s how I do things around my home, a decorating dilemma, or even a recipe you’d love to see, please leave a comment and let me know. I’d truly love to hear your ideas!
This post may contain affiliate links. See my disclosure statement.
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Good for you, Ann! This is the time in your life to take care of YOU! Do the things that you enjoy and simplify when possible. I’m glad you’re not stepping away completely, I enjoy your blog and ideas 😊
Congrats!
I’m so sorry about losing your dad. However, I’m so happy for you about making these life decisions. Life is hard to make happen and you have made a most important step towards your future. I always enjoy your posts and I look forward to seeing your next life step.
Debbie
I will miss your posts, but will look forward to the ones you do put out. Good for you for taking time for yourself. Stop and smell the roses and take care of yourself. Enjoy your next chapter.
Thanks for sharing. I will continue to enjoy your posts and hope you enjoy the much earned time for yourself. We love you!
I understand totally! It’s important to put your self care first. To be honest, I only ever read your part of the blogs you partnered with anyway. Less is more. Simplify, simplify, simplify!
And yes grief changes us, and as we age, we realize our own mortality, and rethink our priorities. I’m so happy for you! Xo
So sorry for your loss. Support your decision to take more time for yourself. We all need that.
Thank you for your heartfelt thoughts and the changes you are making to simplify your life and work. I too, miss my parents, aunts, uncles – so much sometimes. And I just carry on. But I simplify too – no need to feel pressure to be everything all the time. I will look forward to your newsletters. I do like your style very much💙 Kelly
I completely understand and wish you the best. We’ll miss the posts, and even now, I realize when you haven’t posted because I look forward to each. I spent close to 30 years online and, at least, 20 of them where I blogged. I loved it, but the deadlines do become much and you find yourself constantly thinking – I need to get this post written up, get photos, content, etc. I love your content because it seems more down-to-earth. For most of us on a budget, your content had the most meaning.
Someone once said that as we get older, we’re at the phase of our lives where we lose more than we gain. When it comes to our loved ones, that seems true. My heart aches for you because I’m right there with you.
Amazing that anyone person can create fresh content so many times a week for 14!years
Take care of yourself. You can’t give fully from empty hands
Hi! Giant hugs from Oregon!
Thanks for sharing your heartfelt thoughts; I’m betting your readers will very much understand! For instance, my household has also lost several close family members in the past few years, with several others struggling with new and serious health issues. The world of blogging has changed so much too, and often not in the best of ways.
All of this is to say…
We get you! And we’re here for whatever the next chapter brings. Hang in there, and know that you’re already on the path to the next great thing.
Love, Corrie