Well, what can I say?
I started this blog almost two years ago now, in order to chronicle my journey towards a more simple and beautiful life. And it's been so enjoyable for me to share my triumphs and failures in my posts, and to read the lovely comments by all my wonderful readers.
I feel that in this space of time, I have gotten somewhere...maybe not the place I thought I was going. We do not yet live on a homestead where chickens wander through the garden...rather, we are still living in a decidedly urban environment, in a house so ugly I am embarassed to let you see photos of it. I am not sure when we will make it to the country home we have been dreaming of. I hope it won't be too long. But in the meantime, I have grown and changed in so many good ways that I do not feel disappointed.
In the last two years, I've completed a handful of sewing projects (and started a few that have not yet been completed!). This is a big deal for someone who for years was terrified of sewing machines. I've learned to can homemade jam and applesauce. I've learned a bit about gardening (mostly, what not to do), and tinkered with homemade herbal medicine and healing balms. I've improved my cooking skills, and learned to make a loaf of bread which is actually rather palatable.
Aside from all skills though, I have learned something more important - to slow down more, to step away from the screen more, to be more present in my children's lives. Many times I have experimented with turning off the computer, and every single time I have been pleasantly surprised how much I could get accomplished when this darn thing wasn't dragging me in. I have discovered that real life is where it's at.
Therefore, I have decided it would be best for me to stop blogging alogether. Yes, I know I could continue posting only every once in while (as I have been doing) but I feel that if I can't really put a good effort into this blog, I don't want to do it at all.
There is another thing. It feels wrong to me to keep posting here when I keep coming to the same conclusion over and over - that we would all benefit from less time talking about life on the computer, and more time actually living life. So maybe this sounds strange, but I feel that I am doing my readers a service by giving them one less blog to read every week.
Thank you so much for joining me on my journey. I love you all. :)
Please note that since Typepad is a paid service, and I have only paid up till the end of March, after that time this blog will revert to a Typepad "microblog." I have been told that my posts will still exist - but they may be difficult to navigate. And the banner and all the sidebar stuff will disappear.
You will be missed.
Posted by: Candace | February 14, 2012 at 05:17 PM
I wish you well in life's ventures and hope you achieve all your dreams xxBrenda
Posted by: Brenda | February 14, 2012 at 05:32 PM
Thank you so much for sharing your family and your life with us! I have enjoyed your blog...good luck with all you hope and dream for!:)
Posted by: Carrie | February 14, 2012 at 05:47 PM
Totally understand! Farewell and best of luck to you!
Mary :)
Posted by: mary | February 14, 2012 at 06:46 PM
I will miss your blog. For me, blogs are the equivalent of listening in on a good conversation that I'm not quite ready to be part of, yet hoping to join soon. I wish there were more people in my real life to have these "conversations" with. All the best to you and your family.
Posted by: Jules | February 14, 2012 at 08:38 PM
I am absolutely without a doubt going to miss reading your blog Laura! Love you!
Posted by: Shannon | February 14, 2012 at 11:12 PM
Aw, I am going to miss you and your precious family but I totally undestand your decision.
Many blessings.
Sonja
Posted by: Sonja | February 15, 2012 at 07:10 AM
"we would all benefit from less time talking about life on computer, and more time actually living life" - Your statement rings true with me! I have been feeling like I need to greatly reduced my time on the computer.
Best of luck and many blessings!
Posted by: Donna Huebsch | February 15, 2012 at 09:20 AM
Isn't the computer wonderful and horrible at the same time? I have GREATLY reduced my blogging (I just did a post but my last one was 3 weeks ago!) and last month I got rid of my Facebook account. I was just on there too much. I applaud your efforts! Life in the real world is better than life on the screen in front of you.
Posted by: Heather | February 15, 2012 at 07:19 PM
I can still talk to you via etsy ;)
I've to the same conclusion. Blogging is indeed fun, but SO time consuming.
Posted by: Andréann | February 15, 2012 at 09:09 PM
Laura, thanks for sharing your thoughts here. I've found your posts so authentic, and you should be proud of all the skills you've gained! But I understand about the blog- I think the way we express ourselves creatively changes along with us as we grow. No doubt many good things will fill the space! Hope to keep in touch. :)
Posted by: Leah | February 16, 2012 at 01:44 PM
I will miss your words and encouragement, dear Laura.
Well said and may you be richly blessed as you continue to live your authentic life. ~lisa
Posted by: lisa | February 16, 2012 at 10:12 PM
I'll miss you Laura!
Every time we use your wonderful wooden bowls (several times a day that is :) ) I think of you and your family.
I love your Etsy shop and your blog, although I do not comment often.
But I do understand you. I recently quit my academic position to become a stay-at-home mom to be present with my kids but I found myself spending a lot of time on the computer on forums, blogs etc so I've decided to cut back my time significantly.
However I really think that you could have used your blog to promote more your lovely Etsy shop like so many other bloggers do successfully.
Perhaps you're not the marketing type but think about it a little bit more if you wish ;)
Evi (the Greek girl :) )
Posted by: Evi | February 17, 2012 at 03:58 AM
You're right Evi, I am not the marketing type...I'm glad to hear you like your bowls! :)
Posted by: Laura Jeanne | February 17, 2012 at 08:39 AM
Laura,
I've enjoyed reading your blog for these past two years. While I will miss perusing your posts, I wish you all the best in your more "unplugged" life going forward.
I have no doubt you will have your dream home in the country some day (soon).
Cheers,
Missus
Posted by: Missus | February 17, 2012 at 07:05 PM
Thank you so much for the time you have spent with us- it has been lovely to read of your adventures. All the best to you and yours in your onward journey-
Jen
Posted by: Jen | February 18, 2012 at 03:22 PM
You will be missed - like a sister who lives far away, the letters in the mailbox are so welcomed, so informative, so chatty, so connecting!
PLEASE before you "leave" (I'd prefer you to simply take a break), PLEASE GIVE US THE RECIPE FOR "THE BEST CHOCOLATE CUPCAKES EVER" - your words, not mine (LOL)...
Hugs for always, you will remain in my mind, a far-away "sister" who I hope will send a letter.
Posted by: PatsyAnne | February 20, 2012 at 09:34 AM
Oh dear Laura,
I completely understand... I am happy, though, that we found one another through this blogging world and connected as fellow toy makers.
Wishing you lots of joy,
Tonya
Posted by: Plain and Joyful Living | February 23, 2012 at 04:33 PM
I too am sorry to see you go since I just found your blog not very long ago. But I understand. The blogging community can be a great help and wonder but it can also be a big time user (a good time user, but still a time user). Hope you'll stop by now and then for a visit. Perhaps when you're ready to give it a go again, you'll be refreshed, and it'll be a more fitting time for you and your family. :)
Posted by: Account Deleted | February 25, 2012 at 10:03 PM
I have loved following your journey the last two years. It's been an inspiration to read about your accomplishments and the things you've tried for the first time. I love your commitment to a simpler life and your dedication to your kids. Your writing style is so delightful to read, like having a conversation with an old friend. I'll miss your blog, but I hope I see more of you in real life!
I've been spending longer and longer periods away from the computer as well, and my blog isn't what it used to be. You're right - *real* life is so much better than chattering about life on the internet.
Thank you so much for sharing with us so many of your ups and downs over the last two years. Thanks for providing inspiration and for reminding me why our own family chose a simpler life when things sometimes seem a little too challenging. Your blog has been a gift to a lot of people.
Come and visit soon!
Posted by: Lindsay | March 4, 2012 at 01:37 AM
Dear Laura, I will miss your blog very much indeed...
Posted by: OpenKitchenConcept | March 11, 2012 at 05:16 AM
I absolutly love your blog! Thanks for sharing this post. Let your dreams come true! I will miss you. Good luck!
Posted by: Kelly Emig | March 30, 2012 at 01:32 AM
Hi Laura, I've been wanting to tell you for a while, that I loved your blog. I obviously share your interests but I loved your honesty, and your ease in showing your ups and downs. I believe your blog inspired me to start my own. If you like check it out
http://loveanderrors-trialsandlaughter.blogspot.ca/ Thanks again, take care, and keep on keepin it real!
Posted by: Morgan | May 14, 2012 at 12:55 PM