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!
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As life changed me, I totally understand! Enjoy stepping back and smelling the flowers along the way! I will catch up with you whenever the emails arrive and enjoy your company! Funny thing, I just said as much to my family – they don’t believe I will but I have let the dusting go and sweeping for once a week and started reading more and enjoying my crafts instead of hustling to do everything! I enjoy all you have shared with us – your family by blog!💐🩷
Good for you, Ann! I love your content but don’t know how you keep up with it! Not sure if you have grandkids yet, but once they come along, you’ll be glad you have more time for them! We will be looking forward to your “new way”.
Hi Ann ! It is always so good to hear from you ! And I know what you mean about loosing someone. I lost my husband last Juky 2024. He was sick for seven years and I cared for him all that time. So now I am getting ready to move on and deciding what to take is such a dufficult decision. In fact caring for Tom was much easier. But I must move on and packing boxes is a daily chore for me. I have invented a plan I call my P&P plan. Matching Product with People. I give things thatvI think my friends will enjoy and so far it has worked and brought lots of joy to others. I have no children and very little family so my friends are my life. Take Good Care and I will cherish every word I receive from you ! Irene Kelly
Ann~
Wishing you all the best on this curve in your journey. May it lead you to peace and new inspiration.
I hope you enjoy your new way of doing things. I also hope you’ll continue to put out the yearly calendars. I so enjoy those. Thanks and enjoy your new free time.
Please give yourself the gift of time to heal after losing a parent. It’s a deeper loss than I had expected. I lost both my parents within two years and both required nursing care. It was a time to be able to give them love and caring.
Put no time limit on… Give them the gift of your thoughts and prayers and gradually I hope you will feel better.
I love your blog and will miss not having it everyday. but I do understand that one needs to take care of themselves. I live in a small apartment and dream of living like you do. since I am near 80 there are things I can not have or do but seeing your ideas are just like mine in my mind. you give me such pleasure and I hope you will love your time and be glad you give so many people pleasure. we are behind you all the way.
Ann, I wish you all the best in this next journey in your life. Thanks for all the beautiful things you have been sharing with us all these years.
Ann, I wish you all the best in this next phase of your life. Thank you for sharing your wealth of knowledge with us. I have enjoyed reading and learning from you. God bless you.
Ann, wishing you all the best as you ponder your next step in life. I have followed you for years, started because I grew up in Ohio! Have really enjoyed the information you shared. I understand about losing parents, still miss both my parents!