“Goodbye Yellow Brick Road”
When are you gonna come down
When are you going to land
I should have stayed on the farm
I should have listened to my old manYou know you can’t hold me forever
I didn’t sign up with you
I’m not a present for your friends to open
This boy’s too young to be singing the bluesSo goodbye yellow brick road
Where the dogs of society howl
You can’t plant me in your penthouse
I’m going back to my ploughBack to the howling old owl in the woods
Hunting the horny back toad
Oh I’ve finally decided my future lies
Beyond the yellow brick roadWhat do you think you’ll do then
I bet that’ll shoot down your plane
It’ll take you a couple of vodka and tonics
To set you on your feet againMaybe you’ll get a replacement
There’s plenty like me to be found
Mongrels who ain’t got a penny
Sniffing for tidbits like you on the ground-Sir Elton John
Life sometimes just takes over and gets in the way. and you have to say goodbye to a dear, old friend..
I have written about “Letting Go” and even about “My Challenge” in my life as of recent.
As I sit here contemplating how I want to write this article and get the right words across to convey my thoughts and feelings on this, I truly am overwrought with all sorts of emotions.
See it was not quite 2 years ago that I sat messaging one of my fellow bloggers back and forth to create our very first blog hop. So much has happened since that late-night winter conversation.
Yet in case, you aren’t sure, don’t read my blog, or just plain living under a rock, the blog hop that we first put together and became our virtual baby was and still is Finish the Sentence Friday (FTSF).
The Beginning of the FTSF Road –
Kate and I jumped on a conversation in a mutual Facebook group about indeed creating your own blog hop and then later took to Facebook’s private message to hash out the details.
And what was born was indeed FTSF blog hop. When it was first created, I never envisioned how much it would grow and just how much time it would take to cultivate it.
Most of my week slowly got overrun by FTSF, between not only writing to indeed “finish the sentence”, but creating a newsletter to add new subscribers weekly, starting the Inlinkz code to have all link up to, as well as getting the hop started every Thursday night when we went live.
My week was pretty much insane, but especially my Thursday nights, which were full of last-minute changes, fixes, reading, and commenting, too. I usually didn’t get to bed until very late and would be up again the next morning to make sure all was still running smoothly.
I know I didn’t have to do all of this myself, but I am anal and type A personality like this that I felt I needed to. Trust me the other co-hosts were fabulous and always telling me to take time off and slow up, but I just don’t know how to do that. Not my nature, I suppose.
So, I added much more pressure to myself then probably ever needed to. That said, even when I swore, I would cut back on some of the details, I just couldn’t and found myself still doing way more then needed to, because I would feel guilt that I didn’t do something here or there.
When the conversation came up to cut back to every other week, I was all for it since I knew it it would indeed cut back on some of the pressure I was putting on myself.
Most know that I run this blog and also a design company, J9 Designs, with its own blog, too.
My Very Own Business
So, I was hopeful that at the very least, I would get more time to deal with this blog and J9 Designs work and J9’s blog, too.
Then, summer came and my girls were off for 2 whole months, as well as we decided to adopt and add our puppy to the mix. Crazy doesn’t even begin to describe my life at this point. I hate sounding like I am beating this to death, but still just tired and needed to make a change for myself.
So, when the thought of scraping FTSF for the month of July came up, with all on my plate I was more then relieved.
August seemed so far off to be honest, even though July is only four short weeks.
Well, as August was creeping up on me, I was realizing two things:
A. I wasn’t really missing FTSF.
B. And I also was kind of dreading dealing with FTSF and late night Thursday night, as well as early Friday mornings for it.
Not going to lie, I realized I needed a change.
When the talk of FTSF for August finally did rear it’s head, I knew I had to say something and lo and behold, I wasn’t the only one who decided it was time to move on and change things up a bit.
The two original co-hosts (Kate and myself) decided to call it quits as far as hosting anymore.
It is not my place here to say more or speak of Kate’s decision, but for me I feel like I am making the right choice right now for me and my family, as well, because this was taking a lot of time away from Kevin and the girls, too. They deserve better, so much better then I have been able to give to them, especially now that Emma will be starting Kindergarten in a few short weeks, as well soccer season beginning with Kevin coaching and being the commissioner of her league, too.
I loved FTSF and still do, but I just can’t handle the responsibility of co-hosting (I could, but the stress I added to myself is what makes me realize I can’t).
The End of the FTSF Road?
So, it is with a heavy heart, I announce here that I am stepping down as a co-host for FTSF from here on out and passing the reigns over to Kristi and Stephanie (on a less regular basis). I can’t thank Kristi enough for co-hosting with us and for taking over when we lost one of our original co-hosts. She stepped right in and fit in perfectly here. I also a bit in awe of her and her beautiful parenting spirit that she has a mama to Tucker.
Also, want to thank both Kate for helping to make FTSF a reality, because without Kate I would not have been able to do this by myself.
And a huge thank you to Stephanie, too for always being a superb co-host and someone I could look up to, as well as relate to with being a mom to two little girls, as well.
Life After the FTSF Road?
Last, but not least, it is time for a change and I haven’t quite decided what I will be doing with my Friday blog slot. I know that I have had a few other linkups, I wanted to join in on and couldn’t, because of my FTSF obligations and might even take a Friday off here and again. Also, may join in from time to time on FTSf if the sentence works for me, since Kristi is continuing on the FTSF legacy as a host. Please do link up with her if you can and know she is so very excited to continue on with the hop.
One last final note, I also will no longer be co-hosting the Pin It Party as was going to be conflicting with my Fall weekend schedule. But fear not, I have been graciously tapped to co-host Wonderful Wednesday Blog Hop alongside these lovely ladies from Ducks n’ a Row, Recipes for Our Daily Bread and A Mother’s Shadow, which goes live Tuesdays at 7 PM EST. So, please feel free to join me there!
Not sure though on other fronts still, but the road is wide open. And as they say, when one door closes, another certainly does open. So, I suppose I will find my way on this Yellow Brick Road of my life just yet and so very thankful for this (yes, Lizzi my thankful for the week comes in this form – sorry it took so long to get here!).
NJ @ A Cookie Before Dinner says
Big changes for you this fall and I am so glad you’re realigning your priorities to make things work for your family!
Bev says
It can be hard sometimes to let go of things, especially something you started, but it sounds like it was the right decision for you. You gotta go with what your gut tells you. And I’m looking forward to listening to your podcast!
Tracie says
It is so hard to move on from things – especially things you started. But I’m glad you were able to realize this was the right step for you and your family.
Congrats on the nomination. You deserve it.
Love the family picture.
Alexa says
Based on our interview, I am cERTAIN this was the right decision for you to make. I am also trying to decide what to let go… so I feel your pain! Hugs and thanks for doing the interview!
Lisa @ The Golden Spoons says
As I said in the FB group, I truly met my blog tribe through FTSF and I am so thankful for it. However, when I started participating, I for some reason felt obligated to participate every single week and it became a burden even though I was just writing a post and not doing any of the other promotional stuff involved. Now, I co-host Tuesday Ten and, though I enjoy it, there are some weeks when I just want to scrap it. It hasn’t had nearly the success of FTSF and I hope that, someday, it will! Thanks for starting it and being such an amazing hostess for so long. I hope you are able to make the changes you need and that things get a little less crazy and stressful for you in the fall!
Emily says
I totally understand your decision Janine and for your own sanity, it sounds like it was the right choice…thank you again for starting such a great blog hop – it’s definitely my favorite. I don’t participate in it as much as I’d like, but I’m glad it’s still going to be up and running. You should feel proud of what you and Kate started.
Seana Turner says
First of all, that family photo is terrific!! Secondly, I think that changing and morphing and adapting and trying new things are an indication that we are open and want to grow. There can always be something terrific around the corner if we are open to it. I know good things will be coming from you, and from all the bloggers I’ve been blessed to connect with!
Diane Roark says
Janine,
As moms, LETTING IT GO is the most difficult thing we can do. I do not always realize how things affect my family until some damage has been done. I am so proud of you for being at peace with a very difficult decision. You are the BEST and a great example to all of us.
Have a Fantastic Friday! Congratulations on your nomination!
Diane
Diane Roark says
Janine,
I forgot to tell you how much I love the Billy Joel video and your precious picture of your family.
Blessings,
Diane Roark
Camille says
I know how you feel. I’ve had to cut back on blogging and might need to cut back even more. It’s just so hard to manage my time with the kids and dogs. It’s sad, but you gotta do what you gotta do.
Pure Grace Farms says
Taking care of you is always important. I know it was a tough decision for you but how exciting for all the future possibilities. I look forward to seeing all that lies ahead.
Blessings,
Shari
Dara says
don’t feel too bad about it…and keep singing billy joel and also elton john!
lisacng @ expandng.com says
Seems like the right decision because blogging should always be fun and exciting, not a source of stress. Spending time with your family and recharging yourself are definitely priorities. You can always host another blog hop in the future, and it’ll be just as successful!
April says
Oh Janine! I can’t wait to hear your interview on Lose the Cape. Even when we revamped Countdown in Style and have added a co-host and divided up the responsibilities, it’s still so much weekly work! Thank you for introducing FTSF to us and I will still be a regular participant.
April says
Just listened to your podcast! So good to hear your voice. Thanks for the advice. I just know that I’ll have to get up earlier! I’m such an 8 hour a night gal, losing sleep is the biggest hurdle I have to get over. I’m so tired day in and day out.
Bill says
We do what we gotta do, don’t we? If you aren’t happy with it then it is time to stop it. I’ll follow you anywhere, so it’s all good.
Happy Friday my dear.
jhanis says
I can totally relate about being just swamped with things and I am not even blogging half as much as you do! With a preschool kid, I just can’t stay up late as much as I did before because I have to take her to school and stay there until class ends. And you can totally link up with FTSF once in a while! 🙂
thedoseofreality says
I totally understand your need to step back and pass the baton Janine. Blogging is all consuming and sometimes it is okay to just let go of a part of it. Summer in and of itself is hard enough…we definitely felt like we had to change the way we ran the blog for the summer. Hugs to you, as I know this was a hard decision!-Ashley
Ginny Marie says
It sounds like you’re doing the right thing! And I’m sure you’ll always be able to join in again to FTSF if you start to miss it, and it will be refreshing not to be in charge! I felt that way when I handed over the role of VBS director to someone else. I still was involved in VBS, but not being in charge is much less stressful!
Kerri says
I think it was apparent with your challenge that you needed to reassess where to spend your energies. I think, while you will be so missed, it is the best thing for you. And that is what matters. Thank you, though, for starting this great experience. I have “met” so many kind wonderful bloggers in this hop!
Allie says
Something’s gotta give! Good for you for making a choice that works for you even though it was clearly a tough one. I’ve made some similar tough choices recently, but you know what? I’m more relaxed and enjoying these final weeks of summer!!
Carrie Groneman says
Beautiful family picture! I am so stinkin’ proud of you girl for doing what’s right for you and your family! It is so hard to ‘let it go’ (bless you for not using the Frozen song, heehee) and figure out what IS our path God wants us to walk, not the one we want to travel. He always make it better for us. Thanks for the post. Carrie, A Mother’s Shadow
Robin (Masshole Mommy) says
Letting it go is NOT an easy thing to do whether it’s motherhood or life in general.
Rosey says
I tend to do more than I should when I sign up for things too, so lately I’ve just been politely saying no, assured they’ll find the right person for the job. 🙂
I like the family pic., it looks like your husband’s toes are waving to the camera, lol
Christy Birmingham says
Oh Janine, sweet Janine! I am glad you are pulling back a bit as your blogging schedule does seem to have been so busy. Yes, make sure you do take Friday off now and then. I understand what you mean about finding it hard to give up some duties but so glad you’re putting your family first xo Oh and that family photo in the post is wonderful!!
Brittnei says
I completely understand where you are coming from. I started the Mommy Monday Blog Hop and I remember when I gave that over and asked another co-host to step in. It was hard because that was my baby, but I had to do what I had to do. I’v been quite happy with our Creative Style Linkup that evolved eventually from Countdown in Style. So much in our lives evolve and change and our blog life has to adapt. I know it must not have been easy, but good for you for making a decision that would suit you and your family for the new season you all are in. 🙂
Stephanie @ Life, Unexpectedly says
And here I was, looking forward to joining you for FTSF again 🙁 But I totally understand. Looking forward to the new link-up, and all the other things you’re up to 🙂
Echo says
Priorities are important and like you, family is #1! I completely understand you decision and am happy that I still get to blog hop with you on Wednesdays!
Kathy says
Your voice will be missed on Fridays but I totally get it. We all have to do what is best for ourselves and our families. The whole point of blogging is that it is something that should feel good. When somethings starts feeling stressful, it’s time to reassess. Good for you for knowing when to do that 🙂
Considerer says
Heheh you sneaky thing! Remember WAY BACK when the hops were both going maaaaad, and there were various FTSF/TToT mashups? Such fun.
FTSF will miss you, but your new ventures sound FUN. 🙂
Amanda @ Growing Up Madison says
Sometimes you just have to prioritize and right now your family comes first. I totally understand. We’ll still be here with you no matter what choice you made. Here’s to a great weekend with family.
Kim says
You know I’m right there with you on feeling like there just isn’t enough time in the day to do everything and then still give my family the time they deserve – I love that you are giving your family the #1 slot. I feel like my family often just gets the dregs since I’m so drained in the evenings that I’m not always pleasant.
Michelle Liew says
Hey J9, there comes a time when we all need a break…..and the only constant is change. You and Kate have taken the best roads for yourselves!
Susan Zutautas says
Sorry to see you giving up FTSF as I’m sure many others are too. I don’t know how you keep up with everything you do on the web and I admire you for all that you do do. Have a great weekend and see you around.
Jen says
Some things are so hard to let go of, aren’t they? There were so many blog related things like different blog hops and social media engagement, that I was able to do when I wasn’t working. I’ve had to let some things go since I’ve been back and I probably should let even more go, but I am very attached to the stuff I’ve kept in my life. You absolutely have to put yourself and your family first before any of it!
Kenya G. Johnson says
I think for the most part bloggers aren’t aware of the hosting behind the scenes. It is very time consuming. I did one by myself for a while. It was called Monday Marketing. At first it was a place for everyone to link up whatever they were marketing and we agreed to tweet each other. Then I changed it to just books since I was an author and was also marketing a book. But it got to be too much and the participants were just dropping off a link and then it really just because a chore. FTST is a wonderful community. I hope the baton continues to pass when the time comes. Thanks for sticking it out for as long as you did. I thought about you yesterday a neighbor friend of mine has two dogs and a little boy and her husband is deployed. At least you have some adult help in the evenings – that a blessing!
Tamara says
It is hard to let go of things. I’ve had to do that lately.. but I realized it only meant so many good things were on my plate.
And right now, like you, I have to focus on the money-making and the family-raising! All good stuff. Can you imagine even having the time to start a new linkup/bloghop? I can’t! Ask Away Friday is good enough for me!
Michelle says
Sometimes we need a change even though it’s difficult. I totally can relate to your needing to put your focus on other things. Of course I wish you the best but you know I am here to stay no matter what you host. Thanks for your help the other day, Janine…I am very lucky to know you!
Aunt Gloria says
Glad you are taking care of yourself and making family life a priority. I know new windows will open that will work for you…..they always do. And you work hard and keep options open, so things will go well I’m sure. Lots of love and have a great weekend…..xxxxxooooo
Eli@coachdaddy says
Janine – I think it’s only the details that are changing. Your incredible work will find ways to the blog world, and I’m thankful for that. And open options are like a new start. I hope that things will reveal themselves to you right now and bring you down the right path. I know I’ll be right there with you.
Kristi says
Family always should come first, so good for you for making that your priority. I find myself constantly re-evaluating how much time to devote to blogging vs. “real” life.
Dyanne @ I Want Backsies says
Our plates are only so big, and when stuff starts falling off the edges, it’s time to cut back. Your girls will only be small for a little while; enjoy them! And the puppy, which I now know is more trouble than a baby human.
May says
Time goes by so quickly. Looking back to when my kids were your kids ages, I can not think of a single obligation I declined that I regret declining. I do, however, wish I had used the word No more often when asked to complete tasks that took time away from family.
Romi says
I haven’t taken part in ‘Finish the Sentence Friday,’ but I’ve joined several other blog hops, and I am thankful for the organizers who regularly host the wonderful blog hops, which must be time-consuming.
Spending time with our families is far more important. There would be a lot of people who could take over blog hops, but nobody can take our places as family members.
Rea says
Awww Janine! I’m sure it’s hard to let go of FTSF as it has been a part of your blogging life too but I’m honestly very happy for you because you’ve decided to drop some blog commitments to give more time for your family. I’m not even hosting/co-hosting any and my life feels busy as it is already. Surely, there’s more to come for you and ones that will work for you best. I’ll continue to be one of your supporters! 🙂
Cynthia says
Well, haha, this is exactly why I stopped hosting my Wednesday hops when I was trying to teach, go to school, AND try to see my husband once in awhile. LOL.
It takes courage to acknolwedge “enough” but once you do, it just feels so good.
How fun about the Wonderful Wednesday hop – I had been a part of that, too.
Now…my life seems to be taking me away from blogging, though not from website-ing. Haha. I’m going to have to create a WP site for my Spanish tutoring. The impromptu free one I did a year ago just isn’t cutting it. 😛 Had no idea what it would begin to grow into.
So glad you’re taking time out for the fam. I still can’t believe you’ve got a little one starting kindergarten! That hurts my head because I met you when they were both SO little.
Have fun, dear friend! So glad I know you. 😉
clark says
I, for one, owe a lot to FTSF. It being the first bloghop I participated and was where I met many of my virtual friends.
Thank you for providing such a welcoming environment (for a new blogger), it made a huge for us at the Doctrine.
See ya on the circuit!
Jen@JENerallyInformed says
Fun interview! It really is important to re-evaluate and reorganize not only our lives and blogging obligations. Looking forward to seeing what you decide for your newly freed up Friday slot.
Dana says
I totally get it, Janine. I’m so thankful that you and Kate started FTSF, and you will always be a part of it whether you link up or not!
zoe says
letting go is very tough… but prioritizing… yahoo! The ease will settle in and you will wonder how you were doing it before…how is my new puppy… ( like that?MY new puppy????)
Sandy Ramsey says
I say good for you for keeping your priorities straight! Obviously you will be missed as a FTSF cohost but you’re doing right by your family which is by far the most important thing. You are still mighty busy and just in the year I’ve known you I’ve seen you get bigger and busier! I know you’ll still be around here and there and know where to find you. And finally, THAT is a gorgeous family photo!
Patte says
Goodness! You are letting go of a lot of responsibility but you are taking on so much more! You do stay busy! But each of us has to step back now & again and realign our priorities. Good for you for taking care of yourself first! Enjoy the last of your summer before your big girl starts kindergarten! That is exciting!
Becka says
It’s great to sit down and realize your priorities. Some times I feel like there is too much to do and not nearly the time to get it all done. 🙂 You are a very smart lady to realize when it’s time to let something go and move on to what is more important.
Sarah says
I know this was a hard decision, but I think you are right and brave to make it. Clearly, your heart is in the right place to want to devote more time to your family (including new dog). I often imagined the work of hosting FTSF and was overwhelmed just thinking of it, to tell the truth. I can understand why you made this decision.
Lizzy - Muddle-Headed Mamma says
I absolutely applaud you in this decision, Janine. I have learnt the hard way too many times in life that the very worst thing you can do for yourself is to cut off your nose to spite your face. You have been an absolutely brilliant host of this bloghop. One of the hardest things in life is knowing when to hold on and when to let go and you are very brave and wise to be able to acknowledge that now is the time to let go for you. Sending you lots of love and positive energy and thank you for much for this honest post and its message of putting family first. xx
The Pinterested Parent says
I did enjoy joining in on your FTSF whenever I could find the time. It was a fun hop, but I totally get you. It can sometimes be so consuming trying to keep up with all the different aspects of keeping up with promoting a blog. I had to stop joining so many hops, cut back on posts & have not kept up with reading some of my favorite fellow bloggers because of the time it was taking away from my regular life. This is best for you & your family, so that makes it the right decision. They are losing a great co-host.
Melanie Chisnall says
Now I know what you were talking about when you said you wanted to cut back a little 🙂 I completely understand… don’t know how you did it all! I loved FTSF in the beginning but stopped taking part because it was too much for me – and I just wrote a post, nevermind set everything up! I think we grow and change as we learn more about the writing/creative path we’re on and it’s a GOOD thing. You did so well with it so you should really be proud of your efforts to getting it to where it is today 🙂 As you know, I’m also a typical A-type personality and perfectionist so it’s a daily battle forcing myself to do less – but to do it better. I now have less stress and more time with family, and still manage to get the most important things done. Though I really wish I had more time to stop in and read more blogs and articles. But at least once a week I make sure to pop in here because otherwise I’ll miss your writing too much. Hope you’re having a fabulous Wednesday! 🙂
catherine gacad says
so glad you are putting your family first. our own lives should always take precedent over anything else. enjoy it. summer is coming to an end!