hibernation

(edited 5/15: Hello! I'm still on my extended break but wanted to pop in here and tell you that I've set up a shop blog--a spot where you can (if you care to that is) keep up with what I'm making and offering for sale. You can find it here: shop the sparrow . And one more thing, I can't stop by here without thanking you for your *incredibly* kind comments on the post below. THANK YOU, XO.)

It's time to put simple sparrow to sleep for a while. I have felt this coming on for a couple of months now--rolling it over and over again in my thoughts. simple sparrow has been a large part of my life these last couple + years--a very fun, supportive, inspiring, touching, and growth-causing part or my life. I really think it will feel strange to not sit here a couple of times a week and write my posts, something I've been doing--come August--for three years. I'm positive I will miss you guys, some of you have been with me a very long time. I'm so very thankful for all of you though--you come here and read about my teeny-tiny place in this world and leave me the kindest and sweetest notes. The personal emails you send me with words of encouragement, praise and thankfulness for my blog always, always touch me. I never expected to receive such kindness. Thank you, so very much.

I'm feeling pulled in a different direction, needing to spend the time I take on my blog and apply it elsewhere in my life. It adds up, you know? It's not just the time it takes to write a post, it's the thinking about it beforehand (this part alone can take up a lot of space in your head each day) taking and editing the photos you want to share and other little "behind the scenes" details.I really need to free up that part of me, to be more available in my "thoughts" as well as my time to pursue other interests (because I can't do it all). I want to get more involved with my photography and see where that takes me. I want to not be on the computer quite so much. After all of us take care of our daily responsibilities--there isn't a whole lot of time for the extras. What I'm doing is rearranging my "extras". I'm not ready to stop simple sparrow altogether (although that is a possibility to be honest) just a hibernation, I think for a couple of months--possibly until the end of summer. I'm not sure exactly on the time frame but I'm positive I need an extended break.

I will still be on Flickr (and posting photos of things I make, because I'll always be making things) and maybe even updating my Etsy shop now and then. Even today I got inspired to sew something special for my shop. And, I've moved my photo blog to a new location. You can find my new button for it in my sidebar. I am much happier with the format and the aesthetics of the Expressions site and much more satisfied with how I'm presenting myself and my photos. My focus there is my photography so there will be few words--which also feels very appropriate right now. I would love, love, love for you to visit me there!

Take care dear friends! You are a special crowd. Here's to growth and change and fresh direction in all our lives.

xo,
Toni

Comments

[Cassi]

Toni,
What can I say? You will be greatly missed! I'll keep up with you at your new location and I know you are making the right decision for yourself but I will miss seeing new posts here too. Have a wonderful summer and I know we'll keep in touch. Hugs, Cassi

[Lilith]

Hello Toni,

Such a pity I discovered your blog only a few months ago, really enjoyed reading your posts, and now you may stop it :-(
You totally have a right to choose to stop blogging, but please let me be selfish and think it's unfair ! I'll really miss the inspiration and openess to the world your blog provided me.
I hope you'll enjoy fully your new freedom. Have nice holidays !
(and I'll keep an eye on your blog anyway just in case...;)

[ellen]

Toni....while I have always loved your photos and will certainly keep up at your new location.....please know that your words will certainly be missed. It has been a real pleasure these past few years reading your posts. I will keep checking back in hopes of your return to simplesparrow. Wishing you all good things.

[jen]

good luck with everything toni. it is important you take the time you need. thanks for your wonderful blogging and take care of yourself. -jen

[Francine]

I'll miss you!!! Have a a great summer - I'll keep checking back when fall comes 'round. Take care.

francine

[Valerina]

You will be missed for sure! While I dont comment often, I read your blog every day. As a new-ish blogger, I constantly wonder how others have time to keep up such beautiful blogs. Yours is one of the first craft blogs I found and a real favorite. Have a lovely summer!

[erin]

i completely understand, but i will miss your words, toni. glad you will still be on flickr!

[Rebecca F.]

Toni

Boy, I sure will miss stopping by but I can completely understand how you would need to refocus.

I'll send all my best wishes to you and will check back in the fall to see you refreshed and with a new focus!!

Fondly

Rebecca F.

[Colleen]

Well I have to be honest, I am really sad that it's going to sleep for a while, but I will CERTAINTLY go to your new blog!! I am so excited for it! I wish you good luck on everything and have a wonderful day!! :)

[Renna]

Though I rarely post here, I never miss reading your new posts. I will miss them, to be sure, but I understand the need for a break. I do hope you will be back. The freshness of your creativity is so very inspiring!

[Mary Smith]

I encourage you to blog again when you feel ready. You could cut back, blog every few weeks etc. Your blog has been an inspiration to me. A place of beauty in this worldwide web.

[Mary Smith]

Oh, I just saw your new blog. It is wonderful. I see that you are doing a new kind of blog. Great idea!

[Caminin]

We'll miss you a lot! I will check your other webs, but be back to this one, sooner or later, because Simple Sparrow rocks!!!!

[Mama Urchin]

We'll miss you friend. Have a wonderful summer.

[Bea]

I will sing a sweet lullaby for my favourite blog in the world, wishing for a good, long and important sleep.

...

Bea

[Jen b]

i will miss you here toni, but i know where to find you :). here's to hoping for a summer visit. i'll keep you posted!!

[Dawn]

Well I'm very quite sad. This is the 2nd blog I read that is taking a break if not stopping all together. I understand. I wish you and your family all the best!

[Alicia A.]

Thank you, dear Toni, for sharing little bits of your life with us. with me. You're one of the reasons I started my own blog.

Much luck to you wherever life takes you.

(p.s. see you over at Flickr now and again...)

[Suzie Sews]

Well I was having a good day untill I read your post...Toni I am totally speechless...I can not find the words I want to so I can express my sadness at this, I have read your blog for so long and indeed it was one of the first blogs I read, your parenting, your creativity have been such an inspiration to me. I shall have a void in my blog world that will ofcourse tip over into my actual life. I do understand your need to move on and wish you only the best and thank you from the heart for all the inspiration you have given me over the last couple of years. You beautiful 'Simple Sparrow' blog will be so missed.

[El Jinx]

Sorry to hear Simple Sparrow is going into hibernation, but glad to hear that it's because you have new ideas and projects to explore. There's such a lovely positive energy that comes through your words and pictures on this blog - I'll look forward to visiting your new blog and maybe finding new posts here again one day.
Thanks.

[blair]

T, you know I know where you are coming from. I really feel that changing things up push us all into discovering something new. I've aleady bookmarked your new site. xo friend...

[Cassie Kemp]

Toni, it's been a pleasure visiting Simple Sparrow. I am certain you will do lovely things with this extra time. I have never started blogging because with my children, husband, dog, outdoor time and knitting, there just aren't enough hours in the day to give proper time to each. And I can't miss a minute with my kids, it's just going too fast! Warm warm wishes for you and your beautiful family. :)

[Mike]

What can I say? I will certainly miss your posts. But I completely, COMPLETELY, understand why you are taking a break. Have a great summer. I love this Jimmy Buffet lyric: Breathe in. Breath out. Move on. Oh...how perfect. Take care!

[Helen Gillis]

Good luck with your new direction - I read your blog often and enjoy it! You'll be missed.

Helen in Malden, Massachusetts

[Bridgette]

I completly understand how you feel. Blogging can be very consuming, especially if you are a good one, such as yourself. You are wise to listen to your inner self. So fly little sparrow, and remember, your nest will always be here waiting.