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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All my best to you. It’s actually refreshing for your honesty. We all need to take time to know ourselves. Whatever you continue to do will be cherished. Also, losing you dad is something so very hard. Each day you learn a way to find his comfort but missing him never goes away. My annual chat on my dad’s birthday with a bowl of strawberry shortcake (his favorite birthday dessert) is what comforts me. You’ll find that as well.
Thank you for today and your future endeavors. They are very much appreciated. As our yoga instructor says at the close of each session,
“Today is a day of completion, I give thanks for this perfect day, miracles shall follow miracle and wonder shall never cease.” Namaste
I applaud your thoughtful decision which I know takes courage & strength. I lost my 33 yr old son in 2018, and my husband of 46 yrs last May. For me, the 1st two years of the grief journey brought intense mental fog & fatigue. I’m praying for you as you move forward with hope & purpose. DW
Taking time for YOU is so important. Loosing those you love puts your life into perspective. We know you love what you do, but just think of all the OTHER things you have space for now! We will all wait patiently for your posts and welcome all the tips and exciting content you will share. Thank you for including us in your life.
Warmest regards. 💕
It’s important to give ourselves grace, especially after losing a member of the family. I have lost both parents and my husband in a few short years, and it is starting to affect me more than I thought it would. As you stated, I miss all the talks and laughs. Greif isn’t on a schedule. Take care from a long-time reader and I can’t wait to see what you have coming up!
I lost both of my parents within 6 months of each other after my husband and I took care of them for years. I cried every day for a year. I lost the love of my life, my husband of 54 years, suddenly and unexpectedly, 15 months ago. Every day I tear up. I have a large home, 3 cars, and yard to take care of. It has kept me going. How? I decided to honor his memory by continuing to live the life that we built. I took a long driving trip by myself that we already had reservations for to our favorite place. I just returned from a girls’ trip to Paris with my daughter and young granddaughters. I have enjoyed On Sutton Place, however, I have only been skimming the Home Style Saturdays for some time because my style doesn’t mesh with the other contributors and there seemed to be quite a repeat of items from previous posts. I wish you all the very best.
Ann,
I am so sorry for the loss of your dad. It’s so hard to let go, but as you stated, he was ready. Sending blessings your way.
After 14 years of blogging, make time for you now, whether it be redoing the Sutton place journal or taking a leave for a bit to see a part of the world on your bucket list.
I will be here waiting for your new ideas and recipes.
Sending hugs,
I give you credit for doing what is best for yourself. Many people would not and keep on plugging along. Your respite is well deserved.
Ann, I applaud you for making changes to your blog that will help you to navigate both your personal life and the lovely and helpful “life” you share with your followers more effectively. I relate so closely to what you said about continuing to miss your dad…it has been nine years since my dad passed and I still think about him (and Mom) every day. Thank you for sharing that.
I eagerly look forward to your new and revised blog…I already know I will love it!
Best wishes and gratitude!
Thank you for sharing such a personal post. I’m fairly new to your newsletters but have thoroughly enjoyed them. So many good ideas! I’m so sorry for the loss of your dad. May the Lord continue to give you strength & peace as you continue on in your journey.
Good morning Ann, just as everyone else has mentioned to you… I totally understand the reason that you are making some changes after 14 years of creating and posting online content. I have been a long-time follower of yours and consider you a ‘dear online friend’ even though we’ve never met in person.
You continue to be an inspiration to all of us, and I always look forward to your emails. I have used many of your ideas through the years… printables, recipes, seasonal decorating, gardening, and the list goes on and on. I’ve saved several of your quotes, shopped your Amazon shop, and still have some of the pillow covers that you sold a few years ago. Thank you so much for all of your creativity and effort! It does not go unnoticed. We appreciate all of the time that you have spent in making our home and lives more beautiful through the years.
Looking forward to your continued ‘revised’ version of blogging. I hope you enjoy some ‘Ann time’🥰 ahead and that some of the pressures of keeping up with the online content and deadlines will lessen for you. Enjoy this next chapter!
Sally