Today I’d like to tell you about a decision which I made recently, but which is coming to pass a little sooner than I’d first thought. This afternoon, whilst in the midst of a deep clean of our livingroom/dining area, the external hard drive from my computer smashed. I was careless whilst cleaning my desk, which resides in a corner of the living room, and now we shall need to wait until hubby has the time to see if any files can be recovered. The hard drive holds all my Elefantz business files and information, but as it smashed rather badly after hitting the hard tiled floors, this may take a while. When I picked it up, I could hear lots of bits being shaken around. Oops.
Funnily enough I’m not concerned about how long any recovery of files will take, as I decided a few days ago that it was time to retire from blogging and Instagram.
I’m longing to spend time in our garden, lots of time, to prepare better garden beds and grow more food than flowers (we already have loads of flowers). As hubby works long hours to provide for us, he can’t do as much as he’d hoped in our garden, but freeing up my time by winding back all aspects of Elefantz Designs will give me the opportunity I crave to really make a go of growing a lot more food in our tropical climate. For a garden to truly thrive, it needs a lot of time and care…something I am happy to give. I also look forward to more time with my loved ones, unencumbered by business commitments.
These photos above were taken two years ago, after I made this little wall hanging for my sewing room. Fortunately I still had them on my iPad, which I’m writing this post from today. It’s very apt when applied to my decision to walk away from blogging…because as much as I’ve loved writing, sharing, and getting to know so many of you over the past 17 years, it’s the right time for me to choose the next path, a path which makes me happy and feel productive once more, in this later season of life.
23 comments:
Jennifer, I'm sorry to see you go but delighted you have made a decision which suits you and will bring you peace. We grow a lot of our own fruit and veg and it brings multiple blessings, fresh air, exercise, abundance of organic food, mental health benefits etc etc.
Sending you and your family much love and thanks for your encouragement and prayers over the years. Be happy xx
Penny in the UK
I shall miss you. God bless you in the days ahead. When the Vicar left the church on Sunday , to serve in a church 100s of miles away she said "Goodbye my friends - see you in heaven, if not before," Remember always Proverbs 3:5&6 ❤️🙏
I'm sad to see you go, but happy that you have let your readers know. So many bloggers just stop posting and it can be quite upsetting not knowing why. Only you know what is right for you at this stage in your life and I wish you well. Take care. xx
As always, you must follow your heart. You will be missed, as you have been a part of so many lives for so long. I think I first sent to you in a swap back in 2009 or 2010, when you were still in Esperance. Where has the time gone? Enjoy your time with the ones you love and in the garden. God bless.
Thank you so much for sharing all that you do. Sorry to see you go as you are wonderful to read in the morning. Enjoy your gardens. Sending prayers of love to you and all yours. Thank you again.
Marthanne
Thank you so much for sharing your life with us. You have inspired so many with your words. I am thankful and blessed by your blog and your gifts to us. I don't want to say good-bye - but see you later in heaven. ;-) Much love to you and your family. Abundant blessings to you and yours.
Enjoy your time off with your family. I am sorry to see you go. I love your patterns and your time with us.
Sorry to see you go, but support your decision. I’ve enjoyed your blog for many years and made many of your designs. I’m wondering if you’ll be posting the final three blocks for The Sewing Room.
I will miss your encouraging words. I wish you well as you make these changes. Blessings to you
Your posts have been such a blessing in my life. I thank you So Much! Enjoy what God has planned for you. Love, Mel in Co. US
Hi Jennifer and Blossom,
Smashed not crashed ! That must have made a noise ! Sounded like a maraca ? No damage done to the floor ?
Thank you for all your years of creative blogging :) I loved reading, following along and trying new things. I will certinly reread older blog posts from earlier years. So fun to see what has changed and stayed the same.
This means that " My sewing room " has also come to a close ? I'll send photos with its progress :)
Hugs, take care,
Enjoy all your gardening persuits !
Joanne
Thank you for the many interesting and informative years you've given us,I've learned a lot about faith and life from you.Thank you for also letting us know instead of just disappearing,you will be greatly missed,may The Lord richly bless you in this new stage of your life !
spero che tu possa leggere i messaggi di saluto che ti inviamo; con molto dispiacere ti vedo andar via ... me lo aspettavo, comunque, ma se è giusto per te (e il pc è stato il mezzo che Dio ha usato per aiutarti a prendere questa decisione) mi mancherai, tante tue riflessioni sono state un grande stimolo per me (e non sono giovane!) ti penserò impegnata con la famiglia, la vostra casa ... auguri per un futuro sereno e ricco di tanto che sai ,puoi dare ancora ... grazie di tutto
Dear Jennifer, I can understand and I will Miss you .You have been a great encouragement. I do hope we will keep in touch by email from time to time.A new Chapter!.God's timing is always perfect 17th /18 th June I got saved 42 years ago!.We got a new garden hut today after 18 years.I love my garden and my time with Our Lord and Saviour .I leave you with Zephaniah chap3 v17.Much love Mary-Lou
You will be missed. Have so enjoyed your contribution to lighting this world on the internet with the love of our Lord but best wishes in this new season! Love in Christ, Kris
Wishing you all the best in your retirement! I've read every post for all these years, and you will be missed indeed. You are sure to be an even bigger blessing to your family without blogging and business to worry you, so I do understand your decision! You'll be in my prayers : )
Oh no! It's like losing a dear friend and so sudden. :-( Will dearly miss your posts. Have always looked forward to them. Goodbye and God bless.
I have enjoyed every letter you sent out. I've enjoyed your using your patterns to make beautiful embroidery art. I will miss you and your family activities. I am grateful for your encouragement, honesty, love for the Father.
Your gentle words of encouragement have lifted me each week. I'm sure I will reread your blog often. Joy, love, and blessings to you and your family! Deanna in Michigan USA
Dear Friend, I will sorely miss your messages, but I will always treasure your beautiful designs! They are precious to me not only for their beauty but for their references to Our Heavenly Father. Thank you for everything and I wish you a very happy and healthy next chapter! May God continue to bless you and your family.
Well they say that things happen for a reason, but crashing your computer is a bit extreme! I say that quite cheekily, but really it is quite uncanny how action happens to make certain that we follow through on a decision.
Dear Jennifer, I do not often comment here, but know that your blog has been valued and enjoyed for many years. Thank you for all you have taught and shared over the years, the recipes and lovely tropical garden views. The birds and flowers have so often lifted my spirits on a grey and cold January day.
Your stitching designs have been lovingly collected and printed and I shall enjoy them for many years to come. I recognize your style so easily when viewing things on Pinterest, and will think of you fondly when I do.
May you reap what you have sown, and be well, as you enjoy what I hope will be many happy and healthy retirement years! Thank you again for what you have so generously given.
Oh my dear friend ... I had to read this post through twice to absorb it. Yes you must do what is in your heart dearest Jennifer. We are so blessed & lucky to have had your words of sharing & wisdom over the past 17 years. But Oh my dear girl - you will be missed. Yours was always one of my favorite blogs that I would see pop up on my reading list & I would usually make a cuppa to read along with it. It felt like you were chatting to me this way. Take care of yourself dear friend - sending love & blessings & friendship to you & your beautiful family across the oceans & the miles. I have always loved that photo of you & Blossom. ♥️x0x
Ah, Jenny. I’ve so enjoyed your blog, your encouragement and your patterns but for only a short time. I understand your need to retire and I pray our Lord’s blessings on you and yours.
Julie in Idaho, USA
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