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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Good for you. Wishing you a little time to experience some of the joy and fun you’ve brought to others over the years. Will still look forward to your inspiration and great recipes whenever you share them.
Praying for His peace for your hurting heart.
Good for you! It’s hard to know when to slow down versus quit all together. You will know retirement is the right choice. I fully support any changes you wish to make. Enjoy reading your blog and emails, you do inspire me!! Thank you and take good care of yourself!
Thanks for sharing your life with us. I love your style and everything about you seems relatable. I look forward to hearing from you twice a week (or whatever works out best for you).
take care and much joy to come in your life
I have enjoyed your style, inspiration and content for years. After experiencing losses of 3 very important people in my own life I totally understand. Sometimes it is good to stop, breathe and smell the roses. I look forward to your new posts.
Do what you must to make your life simple and easy. I have been following you for years and am grateful for all the helpful hints and inspiration you have given me over the years.
Hi Ann,
Thank you for blogging these many years, I have looked forward each week to reading your column and have learned so much from you! So many inspiring recipes, decorating ideas and life tips, loved your “quotes”, and the way you wrote, always made us feel you were speaking directly to us:) We wish you the very best in your new adventures, hoping you find whatever makes your heart full and happy! We look forward to hearing about your new journey.
Enjoy,
Cheryl
Dear Ann: As I’ve entered the fourth quarter of my life, and as much as I dislike any change to something I totally love, I think I understand how you feel. I’ve been taking your advice for quite a while now and have been trying to simplify my/our life. I was feeling overwhelmed and knew something had to change for me. I still make a list of what I’d like to accomplish each day but what doesn’t get done moves on to my next day’s list. I’m also getting much better at taking time out for my ‘want to’s’ and leaving what I’ve considered to be my ‘have to’s’ for later. I’m retired, for goodness sakes — I don’t have to be on a rigid schedule anymore, right?! I’m beginning to do what I want when I want and enjoying life more. It’s amazing how life keeps moving on even if the ‘have to’s’ aren’t ever done, ha ha. I thoroughly enjoy spending time with my sweet hubby and our grown children more than ever and with our wonderful almost twelve-year-old kitty, Ami, who is always by my side. I make time for my/our friendships and things I love to do like gardening, reading, sewing, quilting, crocheting, knitting, trying new recipes (I love all of yours), etc. I think I’m finally learning what “Take time to smell the roses” means. I think the world of you and know that any changes you make will be wonderful. We will all love them so don’t worry – take good care of yourself and we’ll continue to be your devoted fans.
Prayers and warm thoughts are coming your way!
Your blog has been an inspiration to me for many years. We all need to slow down at times. I look forward to your new chapter. Thank you for still including us.
I enjoy your posts immensely. I,too, lost my father and mother.Mom and Dad had a wonderful 72 years together. I hear their voices telling me to slow down and ENJOY this wonderful world which our Heavenly Father has given us. Thank you for your beautiful posts and I am greatful and look forward to seeing/ reading them when they arrive!
Fondly, D.C.