It’s Not You, It’s Me.

Forgive me if this post is a whole lot of rambling, but I really don’t know where this post is exactly headed at the moment. I wanted to check in, because it’s been SO. LONG. since my last post. I am still alive, still here…but having a lot of feelings and thoughts about so many things, and it’s been keeping me from sitting at this computer.

A new year always inspires me to stop and reflect. Not necessarily make any resolutions, but just sort of soul search a bit. This life is just so darn short, with so many uncertainties and I want to live it well. I feel like January is such a perfect time of year to do so. With a new calendar, a new year ahead, I like to ask myself: am I doing the things that God is calling me to do? Am I serving others well? Am I being a good example to my children of how a daughter, a wife, a mother, a friend should live?

Many times I feel I am falling short. On all of it.

So I took a break from a lot. I didn’t blog, I didn’t do any incredibly creative things that are post-worthy. I read a lot of books. I cooked a lot – and not the kind where it’s just to get something on the table – but the kind that is slow and enjoyable and nourishing for the soul and the body. I baked with my favorite helpers. We played a lot of board games. Got the house in order. We organized (because Marie Kondo, am I right?!!). I prayed. Even started meditating a bit. Made our 2018 photo book. And I realized that in those moments, when I am home, when I am with my people, and creating this space that comforts us, makes us feel safe and happy – that is when and where I am completely at peace. When the five of us are here together, within these walls – not on devices – but focused on just connecting as a family – that is what joy feels like for me.

The break from everything has been very nice. I removed all the looming pressures to get a project done! Get a post up! Hurry up and take those photos! Edit, Liz, edit! 

And when I did fiddle around the house and make subtle changes, I didn’t post. I mean, my latest Instagram post is my kids in Christmas pjs.;) And in turn, I didn’t feel the need to look at my phone to see how that post is doing. I felt more present. More happy. More me.

And I realized I am a terrible blogger. Like, really bad. That was a real wake up call. Good bloggers – those who really are serious about making it in this blogging world – they get after it. They might take little breaks, but then they get back at it again, with determination and desire. I’m not sure that’s me. I will never do the business side of it well – this blog started as a fun little hobby and that’s really all I intended for it to be. I was a stay-at-home mom who liked to decorate during naptime. Thought it might be a fun creative outlet for me, in between changing diapers, feeding babies, and playdates. I mean, I’ve been wanting to change my website design for YEARS and it’s still looks like I’m knee deep in spray painting all the things bright yellow, aqua and coral! 😉 And if you know me, when I really want to do something – I can hardly sleep. How many projects were born at 2am over the years and then started the next day?! Probably most. It’s telling for me that I’ve never tried to take this to the next level.

Then I started craft nights, and consulting, and having all the eggs in different baskets was fun for a time. But now it feels like having all of those baskets is keeping me from putting all of my energy into doing one well. And so they all suffer a bit. I feel I’ve taken this blog as far as it can go. That’s hard to write, but if I’m being honest, I think I’ve always known that I’ll never take this to the place where a person who’s been doing it six years should be. I am an extrovert by nature, and I really love consulting. When I can go into a home and teach people ways to decorate – to help them love their space and feel joy there – I feel like I am doing really important work. I believe in the power of home so very much, and I think it’s so important for people to feel at peace there. What we feel at home, we take out into the world. I want to spread that message. There are parts to blogging I do love, but there’s so much time involved and it feels like a different direction is necessary right now. I’m not sure exactly where I’m headed – whether it’s focusing on growing my consultation business, partnering up with a fellow designer or what, but I’m praying on that. Trying hard to listen to God and go where He is leading me. It’s time to really be where I can best serve others with the gifts I’ve been given in the best way for my family. Blogging doesn’t feel like the way at this time.

Is this goodbye? Not really. I am going to keep this blog up and running, and I truly wouldn’t be surprised if periodically I get on here to say hi, maybe share something fun. That’s what the blog was always meant to be for me – a place to share, connect with you guys, have fun, and hopefully inspire you. When the pressure is gone, maybe that joy and desire will return and I’ll find myself sitting at the computer late at night to type a quick post;) I really don’t know. If there’s ANYTHING I’ve learned in this life, it’s that we really don’t know what the future holds. I mean, look at this non-dog person not only owning a dog, but completely, truly, madly in love with our Charlie! Life is funny. So who knows? You can find me on Instagram where I plan on posting more regularly – I feel as though that’s a happy medium for me. I can still share projects with you (because you know I won’t stop with the projects around here when inspiration strikes!) and maybe even get clients’ permission to share theirs! It’s quick, fun, and hopefully inspires you just the same. Same me, different place. So if you’re on there, look up Naptime Decorator and we can be in touch!

While there’s so much unknown, here’s what I do know: that 2019 has big things in store. If nothing else, in its mere 22 days, I’ve learned a lot about myself and what matters. I encourage you to find some time to be still, and listen. It’s amazing what you’ll learn about yourself when you do.

 

 

 

Comments

  1. Hi, Liz! I am a longtime reader of your blog and while I am (selfishly) sad to hear you are taking a step back, I greatly respect your decision. I rarely comment but felt the need to say thank you for what you have done with your blog over the years. You happen to be my FAVORITE blogger because you have stayed true to yourself and have always been relatable. I initially started reading for diy and décor ideas but please know that your blog has played a much larger role in my relationship with Jesus. You were one of the first women I came across online (that I could relate to) who openly shared about her faith and you doing so hugely impacted my spiritual growth. So in my opinion, you are a really really good blogger, the best kind of blogger, and you have definitely served others and honored God while doing so. And even if this door is closing (or maybe just being cracked), I am so grateful for your blog and know God has plans to use you somewhere, even if it is simply within the walls of your own home. Much love and many blessings to you and your family!

    • UGLY. CRYING. Lacy, I can’t even tell you what these words mean to me. I really can’t. That is the biggest blessing to hear (er, read;) ) and a true honor that God used me in your spiritual journey. A million thank yous and God bless!

      • melanie kelly says:

        there ya go girl!! God using you through your blog is all you need to hear and he will continue to use you in other places 🙂 xoxo

    • Catherine Fraser says:

      I was sitting here trying to figure out how to say how much you have taught me over these last few years. Not just DIY stuff or decorating ideas, but Jesus stuff! Then I read Lacy’s comment and could’ve said it better! So…ditto what Lacy said! Love you and I will be praying for you and your beautiful family.

  2. You are the first blogger I started following and will still look forward to your posts. So glad you are happy and healthy!! Much love! Pat

  3. hbg3@hotmail.com says:

    I have been reading for such a long time. I came upon the first clip I printed reacently. Just wanted to tell you I never thought of you as a blogger.. but my friend. Friends always want the best for eachother so I will see ya later.💜

    • Gah! What a touching sentiment! I have always thought of you all as my friends, too. Thank you, thank you! Means everything.

  4. Similar story for me. I don’t often comment, but look up your blog often while I eat my lunch. 🙂 Love your stuff and respect your decision!

  5. Laura Grillo says:

    So weird, but I distinctly remember when I stumbled across you after you left a comment on another blog I found. I can remember finding your FB page, seeing it had like 250 followers and hoping that you would stick around because I liked you! Best of luck as you sort things out! If you ever want to extend your consulting business into something that can be done virtually for an out-of-stater…sign me up!

  6. Sherri Smith says:

    Liz, I have followeded you for years. You are one of my favorite blogs! You are so genuine, relatable, honest and share your faith. Those are just a few of the things I love about you. Plugging into your home us what we wives and mom’s do best – I completely understand. Your blog has always kept things real…love that! 😊 I hope you will not be gone for a long time, and visit often. I follow you in FB, too. You are LOVED 💟

    • Oh Sherri, you have always been such a dear friend! Thank you for sticking around over these years! It means so much. Sending so much love to you!

  7. Angie Holliefield says:

    I’ve been very reflective this new year also. We have to be quiet to know the direction God wants us to go. I’m not on Instagram but I may have to join to see your posts. I’m not a decorator, I don’t have that gift but I have followed your blog because of your honesty and your open faith. I loved it when you posted about your immune disorder and how you coped. And about your kids, and at the end of the year when you were posting about your smaller quiet family Christmas. I hope that you will continue to post those things when they come up. God bless you on your new adventure, whatever it turns out to be.

    • Thank you, Angie! I know this isn’t goodbye – and the fact that you would consider joining Instagram to see my posts blows my mind and makes me so very grateful. I feel as thought there is more to be shared, in faith, in design, in health…just in a different way:) I hope you’ll be along for the ride! XO

  8. I totally get it. Much more than you know…. I truly felt you were writing about ME! I love your blog. So, when you decide to share what you do, and do so well, I, for one, will be here enjoying it! Much love, light and inspiration to you! Xo

  9. Michelle Godard says:

    Makes me so sad. I almost left a comment to see if you were ok. I love your blog, your book recommendations, and the excitement of a new post from you. My favorite blogger by a country mile.

    • Wow, I am speechless. Thank you, Michelle. I love connecting with all of you and I don’t think you’ve seen the last of me;) I feel so blessed by your kind words, and I hope to continue to bring you joy!

  10. So sad! This is the second blogger I’ve followed for years who is wrapping up this year! I will miss it but totally understand moving on. You have given me courage to paint my own kitchen cabinets and transformed my builder grade downstairs to beautiful and personal. Thank you for sharing! Wonderful wishes to you for the future!

    • No way! That’s wild! I am so glad I inspired you to make your house more YOU, and thank you so very much for following along on this ride!

  11. juliezcoleman says:

    I will miss you. I totally get the blogging pressure. I am a writer, and you don’t get published unless you have a big platform. So much pressure. I did the same as you a few years ago and let my website languish while I concentrated on developing my teaching ministry. As I get another book ready to pitch to publishers, I already feel the marketing pressure. And I don’t even have a contract!! But may God continue to bless your family and all that you do. Please know that you have blessed us all with your positive, transparent posts. Thanks for the memories!!

    • Wow, Julie, that sounds like a rollercoaster! I wish you the very best – and thank you for the incredibly kind words. I hope we haven’t seen (heard?! lol) the last of one another! XO

  12. Tiziana Revell says:

    You’re the ONLY blog I read. I adore you because you have beautiful taste, but you keep it so real. You don’t pursue or project the unattainable. You seem to have a balance of priorities. Much love to you and your family. Please pop in every now and again.

    • What a blessing you’ve been Tiziana! Yours is a name I always remember when it pops up:) Thank you for your loyalty and kindness over the years! I’m sure this isn’t goodbye. God bless!

  13. Liz,
    I am not sure I have ever left a comment (I tend to type, read it, and delete thinking it’s too much like what someone else has already said.), but reading your post and the comment above from Lacy makes me realize I should have hit send. Like Lacy, your blog is one of my favorites because it is you being you, sharing your home, heart, and health stories. The posts aren’t daily or even weekly, but when they do pop up, they are genuine and honestly you. I went through treatments for melanoma 10 years ago, and while you’re not here in Ohio, reading your posts about your health helped me to see others have fears too, and I was able to open up about my anxieties that something will return. Sharing your thoughts made me feel normal, and not weak, but strong enough to trust God, letting things in God’s hands.

    Your posts make the di-it-yourself on a budget look possible. Your pictures have inspired me more than once, sometimes just to get started. You are responsible for the day I pulled up the carpet in my living room to reveal hardwood floors , called my husband, and said, “Let’s paint!” just weeks before Christmas. I know, who does that? But I tend to “incubate” my ideas longer than necessary, wanting to see the whole project complete before it’s even started. I need deadlines, and I knew if we didn’t do it before we got our tree, it would wait until after New Years. Before I knew it, I was standing in a Sherwin Williams store, phone open to your post, picking out sea salt painnt. I also appreciatete that while you share tips and purchasing locations, your posts don’t feel like pushy commercials.

    So I am not sure exactly WHAT you think a “real blogger” should have achieved by now, but please know that in my mind, if you were here to honestly share a piece of yourself while also inspiring and lifting up others, MISSION ACCOLMPLISHED!

    • Oh Ann, I don’t even know what to say! Your words bring me to tears. First of all, I’m so glad you kicked melanoma ten years ago! And that I helped you feel strong, and trust God…oh man, the tears keep on coming! I am so very touched. This means the world. I hope you continue to find strength in God, and continue to crush it on the design project end as well;) Gotta love Sea Salt! God bless, and I’ll see you later:)

  14. So sad to know we won’t be hearing from you regularly. Absolutely loved & related to everything you wrote about faith & family & trying to juggle all your roles. Loved the decorating part too, but what you were writing was so much more. You are honest, real & so relatable. I think you are a fabulous writer & maybe while you are praying about what’s next, you would consider writing a book?? I could see you writing a devotional or a memoir of how you started decorating & blogging. Don’t stop writing, even if it’s a private journal. Have you read Maria Shriver’s latest book & seen her new journal? Think you would enjoy it!! You were like having coffee with a friend. Will miss you, but understand everything you are feeling & wish you many blessings in 2019!

    • Thank you, Michelle!! I have thought about it briefly;) We shall see, I suppose! And YESSS! I LOVE Maria Shriver’s book!! You know me well;) I actually talked about it in my Instastories a couple weeks ago! So great! Haven’t gotten the journal though – I’m sure it’s wonderful! Thank you again, for your incredibly moving, kind words, it means the world to me. God bless!

  15. Liz, I want to pretty much echo everything that’s already been said. I’ve been following you since you had your original blog. In fact, the first project I made ( a spray painted cookie sheet with our initial on it) still sits on a shelf in my kitchen! I will miss your blog so much. It has been so nice to see it never became full of sponsored posts. My kids are about the same age as your kids and I will especially miss the posts on motherhood. Best of luck to you in whatever path you take.

  16. You were also the first blogger that I ever followed, and I will so miss your posts, but I’m so happy you are making such a wonderful decision for yourself and your beautiful family! As a stay-at-home-mom who was desperate to make her house a home, I initially was intrigued by your blog for all of your wonderful budget friendly ideas. But your blog seems to be so much more than just about decorating—you put your heart and soul into everything you do and it shows in your warm, inviting home and the family you share it with. You have inspired me to look for small ways I can make make my house homey and make it the “happy place” for all who live here! That has always been my goal and you have shown me that you don’t have to be rich to make it happen. So grateful for you and your work!! Enjoy whatever is next to come…

  17. You were the first blogger I started reading years ago! As a former teacher, turned stay-at-home mom (who adores decorating and craft projects), I could always relate to you! And actually, I was just wondering this morning if everything was okay because you hadn’t posted in awhile. Glad to know all is well with you and that you’ve had time to reflect on the important things in life. Liz, I totally understand the words of your latest post. Sometimes, we just need a period where we take stock of our lives, slow down, and realize what it is that gives us the most peace and joy. As a mom of six, I have been doing this, and since I have found my “happy place” it has given SO much peace! I’ll keep an eye our for you on Instagram (I’m new at it and haven’t even posted because I STILL use a pretty basic phone, lol!) Take care of yourself, and best wishes for a healthy, happy 2019!

  18. You are the only blogger I came back to time and time again. You have great style. I wish you all the best in whatever direction life takes you and your family! Adventure awaits.

  19. I love blog and will miss reading. I am excited for you and your new adventures. I love looking at your Instagram site. With a busy schedule it’s nice to catchup quickly on new ideas. Best Wish!!

  20. You know what? I’ve been checking ND posts and was starting to worry about you (as one would worry about a friend, right?!). As many have already said, your blog was so much more than a weekly blog post. It really was such a treat to read your posts with so many inspiring words, sharing about your health, your amazing creativity, decorating tips and funny and heartwarming stories about your kiddos, hubby and Charlie! Your family is lucky to have such an amazing mom/wife/daughter/sister/dogmom and we are all grateful to have known you through ND. Out of habit I’m sure ‘ll continue to look for your posts so please drop us all a line occasionally – I like to think that you’re our very own Joanna Gaines…..you won’t be gone for long….just taking a break 🙂 Thank you! All the best to you Liz!

  21. Liz,

    It is SO nice to see a post from you! Like many others have said, I was missing you and your posts. I just found you about a year ago, and have read every single post that you have posted. You are so inspiring and have such a talent and such a beautiful soul.

    You said you realized that you are a terrible blogger. Like, really bad.” That is farthest from the truth! You are my favorite blogger! You are BRAVE, funny, creative and real, true to who you are and what you stand for. You are a leader, not a follower. I admire that about you. I admire your courage to be true to yourself and do what feels best for you.

    Your blog, in my opinion, has been what you intended it to be, a fun little hobby that you needed to connect and be creative as stay-at-home mom who liked to decorate during naptime. You have done what you intended to do. You absolutely have taken your blog to the place where a person who’s been doing it six years should be. You HAVE been doing really important work and have truly blessed me and so many others, sharing your blessings, talent and life is not an easy thing to do and yet you made it look so easy.

    I understand your love for consulting, and that it allows you go into a home and teach people ways to decorate – to help them love their space and feel joy there. I have the same dream and passion. I pray for the the bravery you show in all aspects of your life. You ARE doing really important work. I admire your belief in the power of home and family and you are right when you say,” It’s so important for people to feel at peace in their homes, what we feel at home, we take out into the world.” I think you should know that you already ARE spreading that message. My heart is happy that you are following your arrow wherever it may lead and your faith and trust in God is something to be reckoned with.

    Although I will surely miss your “Favorite Things Fridays”, as well as your beautiful home and talent, I know you will be out in the world shining your bright light. Blessing so many people who are lucky enough to have you as a consultant, mother, wife, daughter , sister and friend. Thank you Liz, for starting your blog six years ago and for being true to yourself, sharing your talent and blessing so many of us. I wish you and your sweet family (Charlie included) all the best. The best is yet to come!

  22. I came across your blog a couple of years ago when I first retired and had extra time to sit at my computer and just read. I have learned so many great decorating tips from you but also enjoyed your life journey. You’ve been an inspiration to so many of us out here following you and I wish you the best in life. Hope to see you on your blog every now and then to keep us up on your latest happenings. 🙂

  23. WoW!! all of the posts are showing some real LOVE! I was kind of concerned about you when I hadn’t received a post for a while. Happy now to hear you’re doing well. I am so pleased for you to have the strength to follow God’s lead. He never leads us wrong and always has blessings for our obedience. While I will miss hearing from you each week my friend, I am excited for you to start the next adventure. XOXO

  24. Christa Brockway says:

    You are my favorite blogger so I am so sad to hear this. You have been an inspiration to me but I truly understand that life changes and we must follow Gods leading. I will continue to follow you on instagram so I can keep up with you and your sweet family. I look forward to hearing about where God takes you next. 🙂

  25. Heather Lloyd says:

    I’m happy for you, that you are doing what’s right for yourself and your family. What a great example!
    For myself, I’m undeniably sad. Your decorating style just speaks to me, as does your honesty and Christianity. I will really miss you here. Maybe I’ll have to get Instagram…

  26. melanie kelly says:

    Read a few of these comments and brought me to tears reading how God has used you. Love that so much! Happy that you are following your heart and searching for God’s direction. I will miss reading your posts but glad you are doing what’s right for you and will look forward to the posts when you do make one. Love you sweet friend!! xo

  27. I’ll miss your posts, Liz! Since we don’t have as many family gatherings anymore, I always felt like it connected us. Glad I will still see ya on Instagram, at least! Now, we will have to make sure we have a cousins lunch soon! Good luck with whatever life holds next for you! I know you will give it your very best because you always do. Family and faith comes first! Love ya!

  28. Please know that you and your post will truly be missed. I have learned so much from you and just love everything. I do hope to see some wonderful fun post in the near future.

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