For a few months now, I've been thinking about unplugging my life, to some extent. I'm sure you can relate to the ever-present online "world," and the more I think about it, the less I want to live there! My heart is here at home with my family, and lately it has become really attractive to pare down and zero in on where my true happiness lies. I want to be a better example to my children, and, overall, I just want to feel more present. In short, I've decided not to blog here anymore. I've been blogging here for almost six years, and it just feels like the time has come to do something else. I used to love the idea of blogging, but with the advent of Pinterest, Instagram, and with the continuation of my family blog, I feel like A Room Somewhere has become superfluous. I have always thought that life is better when it is smaller and simpler, and I have just found better ways to spend my time and be productive. Or maybe I've just rediscovered them.
I never wanted my blog to be anything more than a collection of things that I love. I was not interested in blogging as a career, but as an expression. It has been so fun to connect with readers over the past few years, but I feel that connection has been lost in many ways. (Maybe it's because of Google Reader!) I can't say that I'll never post here again, but for now, I'm moving on. I'm a little sad, but mostly, I feel really good about this decision!
Thank you so much for reading, I have loved "meeting" new friends all over the world. You can find me on Instagram, Pinterest, Mormon.org, and once in a blue moon, on Twitter. I'll leave the blog intact, and will still be reachable via email, of course! flowerchain@gmail.com
61 comments:
I first found you on Instagtam via one of my other Instagramming friends. I have loved peeking in on your life that way. Thank you for the opportunity. I understand the need to disconnect and focus on the priorities in front of you rather than those on the web. It feels good to pare down.
I couldn't agree with you more. You'll be missed for sure! Thanks for blogging Leslie.
Thanks for your blog! I've been reading it for years and I don't think I've ever commented. I'll miss your excellent sense of style but I totally understand your decision - good luck!
Totally get it, but I will miss popping in to see what clever things you've uncovered. Thanks for all the fun.
Thanks for your lovely blog! You will be missed, but I think you're making a great decision. I know I don't regret my similar one!
Miss you lady! Let's get together soon!
I have had many of the same thoughts lately regarding blogging, and have pondered closing up shop on many occasions. It takes a lot to end something you have poured yourself into for so many years, so kudos on being able to make that step! I will definitely still be following you on insta and pinterest. Thanks for the years of inspiration!!
I've loved reading your blog and getting to know you through it! Wishing you the best as you make these changes in your life. :o)
Although I stopped myself a long time ago, I still follow both of yours! Will miss ya, but understand.
I, too, decided to quit when one day when Sean was wanting to play and I kept telling him "just a minute" over and over. Before I knew it, I had wasted thirty something minutes while he played with Hot Wheels at my feet. I cried and shut down my blog.
We have simplified so much, we even got rid of TV! We have only DVDs and Netflix that we occasionally watch, but find that the kids play so much more together than they ever did. Simple is a good thing!
Leslie, I've enjoyed your blog and always found beauty and inspiration here. I do however understand the feeling and need to unplug a little.
I just wanted to tell you that I admire your strength in deciding to end this. I'm sure it's not easy, and I wish you the best.
I'll still be following you on Instagram, Pinterest, and Goodreads :)
I'll miss reading your blog on my lunch break but totally understand your decision! Enjoy what makes you happy :) Cheers.
I'm sorry to hear that, Leslie. Maybe someday you'll come back on your own terms. I started blogging in 2003 and quickly realized that blogs are only really sustainable if it do it on your terms and don't worry about things like building a following or statistics. No one wants a fun outlet like blogging to become a chore!!
You are right. Family should come first!!
I've gotten a lot of great inspiration from your blog...especially in fashion! Thanks for all the fun! Hope to see you again in the future.
-Amy
I have followed you for years, but rarely jump over from Google Reader. Just wanted to thank you for all the lovelies that you've shared. It's been a joy to see the beautiful things you've posted!
I think more and more of us are leaving the online world to be PRESENT with those who matter most. Enjoy every moment!
I will miss your blog, but I totally support your decision. You have beautiful taste and I'll have to see what you're up to on Pinterest sometime. Enjoy unplugging. :)
I'll miss you but enjoy the time with your family. :)
Go for it! Good for you to admit when it has become a burden instead of an inspiration.
Brilliant! I've been feeling the same way and I have posted less and less on my public blog and it feels so good. :) Excited to keep following you on instagram. :)
I'll miss your blog too. But I get it, yours is actually one of the only ones I still read! Thanks for all of the inspiration!
Ah. I will miss you so much! Your blog has been a bright spot for me. Good luck with being present in all that you do!
I understand. And I will miss your blog!
Thanks. I'm trying to think of a more eloquent way to say it, but I think thanks will do. Your blog has been a favorite for years.
I found you years ago after your feature on Design Mom and have been following ever since. Thank you for sharing beautiful things!
Dear Leslie,
I only discovered your blog last year and have enjoyed it immensely. Thank you!
Such a small world-I live in the Washington, DC area and worked w/ your friend's brother.
We realized it one day when I was speaking about and showing my favorite blogs.
I'll miss my daily dose of pretty things on your blog, but will watch for your pins and enjoy seeing your family grow on your other blog. Thanks!
Your blog has been one of my favorites, I'm really going to miss your daily posts and lovely finds! At the same time, I completely understand where you're coming from. I'll be visiting your pinterest page often and hopefully android will come up with an instagram app soon!
Love you!!!
Dang it, and I was just starting to dress better! ;)
even though i knew this was coming, i know i will miss your posts -- i could always count on you to find me a new place to spend money on fantastic things, books to add to my t-read list and recipes to try. i feel it has been one more cherrished way that we could shorten the physical distance that lies between your front door and mine so i will of course miss it. as i was there when you were giving this blog it's maiden voyage i know that it has stayed true to the purpose to which it was conceived. having said all of this, i know that your reasons are well thought out and centered squarely where they should be. well done, my dear friend, as always.
Happy for you, but sad for me, especially because it seems like I just discovered it and I was hooked! :) Thanks for the inspiration! Good luck!
Good for you! Although, I will miss seeing all your pretty posts. Maybe we need to start getting together in real life. :)
totally agree, as i know we've talked about this before. just do more "what we're up to" posts on the fam blog so i feel closer to you :)
love you lots and miss you!
jooj.
Thank you for the votes of confidence, everyone! It is hard to leave, but it feels very right to me. Thank you for reading and saying hello (goodbye)! :)
Best wishes Leslie - hope I can still refer to you as "my friend in Texas". I have loved your little doses of pretty and new finds but completely understand where you are coming from. Enjoy your new found focus! You can be an example to a lot of us.
Sad, but I totally understand. We have to prioritize in life. :) I'll follow you on the other channels!
I am so grateful to have met you through this blog- it's always been one of the very loveliest places on the internet an i'll admit it has influenced more than a few of my purchases over the years:) best wishes with all your next endeavors- i hope we'll stay in touch!
I have enjoyed your blog so much!
Well, I am so sad and will miss you, but I totally agree that family is first and the internet can totally suck that away. Hope to run into you soon again out and about.
I am so sad! Your blog was one of the first that i started reading. I read it every single day for years. Thanks for all the inspiration you gave me!!
I'm a little sad, but I get the living in the present. I'll miss your excellent recommendations and found treasures!
Such a shame, well good luck in whatever you do and take care.
I feel you. I kept shaking my head agreeing with everything you expressed. Thanks for inspiring. Have fun with you kiddos.
Leslie, sending you off wishing you the very best. Your thoughts so echo thoughts I've been having. I have been wondering for a while if we'll see a bit of a technology backlash in the coming years when we realize that spending all day in front of a computer or walking into walls with a phone in our faces really isn't living.
I wonder how long the blog mania of the past few years will last. It's been amazing & beautiful but I agree with you that it seems like it will burn itself out at some point.
I like what your thoughts have added to that conversation in my head. I love your choice, that it feels good for you and I thank you from the bottom of my heart for all you've shared over the years. Best wishes, Kalani
I've been having the same thoughts for awhile. As we get more and more busy and our time is filled with technology, I wonder if we are missing the important little things in life. Are we living life or watching it through a screen?
I admire you for deciding to follow the path that is right for you. As the mother of 5 kids (ages 9, 7, 5, 3-year-old twins), I find that right now, the less I commit to, the more I feel peaceful and focused on those things that matter most to me.
By the way, I was Angie Robinson Ballard's roommate at BYU when we were all in the same ward. My husband, Jeremy and I got married in SLC on the same day - 11.21.98 - as you and your husband. You were always such a stylish girl back then too.
Thanks for the inspiring blog. Good luck!
Lisa Condie Barlow
Sad for me but happy for you! Your family is lucky to have you!!
You will be missed!!
I totally respect your decision Leslie...way to follow your heart. Thank you for all the inspiration over the years!
p.s. where did you get those fabulous black "church" shoes with the bow on the front? so cute...see these kinds of tips I'll really miss :)
Just wanted to send a quick THANK YOU for the years I have followed you on this beautiful personal blog. I believe blogs are changing dramatically these days and losing that personal touch that was so fun to witness...like you had. Wishing you all the best and thanks again!
thanks for all your posts over the years! you have an eye for beautiful things Leslie. I totally see your reasoning for coming to an end. Sounds kind of nice :)
Good luck with everything!
- dana
Lately I have been feeling the same way, and I don't even have children!
Good luck to you!
Ashley
i'll miss your posts but i understand where you stand...it makes sense. wish you all the best!
The internet does have a way of consuming people.. more power to you for realising when the time had come and doing something about it!
I'm so sorry to hear that you're done with blogging, but totally respect your reasoning. I'm a former Dallasite, relocated with my Air Force husband, and stumbled across your blog about a year ago. I think we share a brain when it comes to clothing tastes & book choices, so I always enjoyed checking in. Many blessings to you during this season of your life, and best wishes as you enjoy being a little less burdened.
Sincerely,
Patti Brown
Your posts will be missed, Leslie! I completely understand where you're coming from though and I sense many others share your thoughts. Our families should be our first priority and so often they become second to all the distractions in our lives. Your choice has inspired me to create more balance in my life. Emails can wait...Pinterest will still be there tomorrow and honestly, I could do without Facebook altogether. Stay in touch with us. As counterintuitive as it sounds, maybe you could update us with a post on the changes you've experienced by "unplugging"?
Warmly,
Aedriel Moxley
I am also sorry to see you go. Hope that live continues to bring you much happiness.
Thanks for informative post. I am pleased sure this post has helped me save many hours of browsing other similar posts just to find what I was looking for. Just I want to say: Thank you!
Great post! just discovered your blog and I love it!
I'm your newest follower - hope you can check me out too! : )
http://allthingsprettyandlittle.blogspot.com/
Thanks for the nice blog. It was very useful for me. Keep sharing such ideas in the future as well.
I just found your blog today and I feel like giving you a giant high five! I stopped blogging about 6 months before you. It was the best decision I've ever made. In fact, I loved disconnecting so much that I also deleted my twitter, instagram and facebook accounts. I'm still on Pinterest. I'm going to follow you over there. :)
xo.
Hannah
Formally blogging at: http://www.sherbetblossom.com
Feeling really sorry to see you go. But I respect your decision Leslie. Thanks for the inspirations so far. xo
~ Herman Swan
Thanks for informative post. I am pleased sure this post has helped me save my time.
Good luck for the future, and hope you will come back soon. This is a source of inspiration for my own house, even if I cannot find the same products in France.
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