Where I Am, One Year Later

Almost a year ago, I made a quiet but important decision to step back and begin building a more peaceful life at home. It wasn’t a sudden change. For a long time, I had been trying to find a better rhythm in my personal life, looking for ways to make my days feel calmer and more manageable. But bringing that same sense of peace into my business has been a slower, more thoughtful process.

If you are new here, or just want to revisit the posts from last summer, here are the links:

This website has been part of my life for over 15 years. I’ve adapted, learned new skills, and stayed open to change in order to keep it growing. Some things worked, and some things didn’t. Social media, in particular, never quite fell into place for me. For years I felt like this shortcoming was something that needed to be fixed.

But at some point, my perspective began to shift. Because even though the follower numbers haven’t grown, something else has. This space, this website, has become a steady, welcoming place filled with readers who return again and again. And that kind of growth matters more than anything I thought I was missing.

I’ve always been an introvert, and it’s something I still work through every day. My favorite place in the world is my home. It’s where I feel most like myself. I know there’s value in getting out, and I do make the effort. But if I’m given the choice, I will almost always choose to stay home. Until recently, I felt like this was a character flaw, and something I needed to overcome to be happy.

white vintage tureen books tray coffee table vignette watercolor

But over the past year, I’ve started to see it differently. This space we’ve built, this website, has become a way for me to connect that feels natural and meaningful. It allows me to share the things that matter most to me: simple meals made at home, small ways to enjoy the outdoors, and ideas that make everyday life feel a little more steady and fulfilling.

And the truth is, none of it would matter without you. Every visit, every kind note, every moment you spend here…they have shaped this space into what it is. You’ve made it more than just a website. You’ve made it a place with purpose.

One thing I want you to know is that what you see here is truly me. I’m the one testing the recipes in my own kitchen. I’m the one tending the garden, trying new ideas, and sharing what works along the way. There isn’t a team behind the scenes creating content. Aside from a little help from my daughter with social media, this space is created right here at home, quietly and with care. That matters to me, because it means I can always give you my very best.

If you’re ever looking for a recipe, a simple decorating idea, or something seasonal to try, the easiest way to find it is to come straight to onsuttonplace.com and click the search icon. Everything I’ve created over the years is here, in one place. I do share on Pinterest and show up in Google searches from time to time, but those platforms are always changing, and it can be difficult to keep up. Instead of chasing that, I’ve chosen to put my time and energy into this space. My goal is always to make it helpful, reliable, and easy to navigate.

I have spent fifteen years building a site that helps people make their homes feel comfortable, cook something good for their families, grow a few flowers, and enjoy the changing seasons. With the way this world is changing, I have to believe that’s still valuable. If I didn’t, I could not continue.

ann millie in meadow of flowers

Thank you for being here. Whether you’ve just found me or you’ve been reading for years, you are truly welcome. Every visit matters, and I’m so grateful you choose to spend your time here. Everything here is for you. Every recipe, every idea, every post is created with the hope that it will make your days a little easier and more enjoyable. And in a way, that focus has shaped my life too. By keeping things simple and staying grounded in what matters most, I’ve been able to create a slower, steadier rhythm at home. It’s not perfect, and it’s always evolving, but it feels right. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for being part of it.

P. S. If you missed it, I shared a bit about the process I use to make my watercolor images. I get a lot of questions, so having the answer ready to go has been helpful for everyone.

teacup with flowers on blue background element

A YEAR OF SIMPLE LIVING AT HOME

A gentle guide to slowing down
and enjoying the seasons at home.

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125 Comments

  1. Dana Smathers says:

    I’ve been following you a few years ago one of the things I appreciate most is how calm and simple you present. Nothing extravagant, I like the ordinary days. I always know it will be grounded on your site. I’m an introvert too and feel the same about my home. Thanks for sharing your journey, I look forward to it.

  2. Ann, your site is my favorite! I need this simple pace in my life at this time. I have visited your site for many years, but this is the first time I have made a comment. I lost my husband of 52 years two years ago and I am in this slowing down season of my life.
    Keep on giving your information to those of us who need a slower pace in life.
    God bless and keep you. :)

  3. Ann, I always look forward to your email! Your words & watercolors are so peaceful. I appreciate all that you do. Thank you!!

  4. Thank you, Ann, for confirming what “Dorothy” and I feel…There’s no place like home!!

  5. Phyllis Honigmann says:

    I love your emails and hints. You are truly appreciated.

  6. I’ve enjoyed your posts for years and appreciate your thoughtful attention to each one. While I have unsubscribed to several other blogs in an effort to simplify, onsuttonplace has remained as a happy break in my week. Thank you, Ann!

  7. Lisa Waters says:

    Just to try to give you a short view of myself. I just retired from the local school system. I’ve been divorced since 2009. I’ve endured many life changing and difficult situations but God has been so good to me. I so very much have enjoyed your writings, gardening advise, recipes and especially your kind words of encouragement. I am now trying to settle into a new chapter and simply slow down and breathe. Please don’t ever doubt how you are helping others along our way. I have to get a printer setup here at home so I can continue to enjoy your beautiful watercolors. Thank you so much for sharing. Have a blessed week.

  8. I love hearing that the change is working for you. It’s working for me too as a reader. 🙂

  9. Ann you are so good at what you do! I look forward to reading anything you write because somehow it always gives me a sense of peace. In a world where politics has seemed to creep into every corner I know that this is a safe place to visit without all that noise. You are truly gifted and a gift to us all.

  10. Ann, I enjoy your emails, like a friend reaching out. Your missives are like personal letters with helpful tips, tasty recipes, inspirational notes, and I look forward to reading them. I’m not on social media so enjoy time with you and your steady, homey rhythm. Enjoy a quieter summer!💗