As I sit here trying to write this post, I’m finding it incredibly difficult to find the right words. Little Miss Celebration and the many wonderful readers, bloggers and friends I’ve been so very privileged to meet and share with these past almost five years has meant more than I can adequately express. After months of struggling, thinking and more than a few tears, I’ve come to the tough but necessary realization that it is time for me to step away from blogging. It was not in any way an easy decision to make and even as I write this, a sense of panic is overcoming me. No, don’t do it!!! I know in my heart, though, it is the right thing for me right now. Tonight will be my last Best of the Weekend party, but I could never just disappear without letting you know why and saying thank you.
As many of you know, I lost my husband this time last year. It has been hard. Really hard. Some days, I feel much weaker than I though I ever was…though on other days, I find that I am really a lot stronger than I ever thought I could be. It’s more challenging than I could ever have thought possible to try to carve a new path for myself, and I’m really not sure how to do that. I know, though, that I’ll figure it out somehow. I’m still doing creative things to keep myself busy and sane, but I don’t feel too much like Little Miss Celebration right now. I took a year to see how felt so as not to make a hasty decision. Well, if I’m being completely honest with myself and you, my heart just isn’t in it any longer. I think my path for now needs to be in different direction. Not really sure what that direction is or will be, though I’m hopeful that I’ll find it.
My husband was unbelievably supportive of my blog and all that I did. I am filled, though, with so much guilt for the time I spent doing this when I could have focused more time on him. We were on vacation just a few weeks before he died, and he asked me, for the only time during my blogging days, if I would consider giving up the blog. He was concerned that it was too much stress with working, my Mom was starting to show signs of what has recently been diagnosed as Alzheimer’s, and he wanted me to have more time for fun. I said I wanted to have another year to see if I could take things to the next level. He understood and said he would stand behind whatever I wanted to do. Three weeks after we had that conversation, he was gone. I feel that he would be happy that I’m going to try on focus on creating a new life for myself right now.
I am so, so grateful and thankful for each and every one of you. There really are no words to let you know how much your support has meant to me. Thank you seems too small and inadequate, but please know that it is so truly heartfelt. I know that a part of me will miss this (and already does.) I hope you understand and don’t forget me. I’ve loved every moment, every comment and definitely every smile we’ve shared. The journey of Little Miss Celebration has been a gift, as have each and every one of you.
Along the blogging way, there have been bloggers I loved who stopped blogging and I never had a chance to say goodbye. That made me sad on so many occasions. That’s why this post is so important to me. This experience and you have changed me and helped me to grow in a lot of wonderful ways. For that, I’m so very thankful.
I don’t know what the future will bring for me. Perhaps, in time, I’ll decide to start blogging again. Or perhaps I’ll just enjoy the countless wonderful bloggers that I adore so much.
Thank you for being a part of my life for these past five years. I don’t want to say goodbye, so I’ll just say farewell for now.
Kristin says
I have only known of your link party a short time and have only participated a couple times. I really enjoyed your party and site. I am so sorry for the loss of your husband and hope the Lord will bring you much comfort and peace. What you are going through is so very difficult. Psalm 34:18-The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; Blessings to you.
Dear Kristinm thank you so much for your kind message and words. I appreciate it so much!
Cindy, I wish you all the best in your next life phase. Change is scary and difficult, but worth it. You’ll be missed.
Dear Sharyl, thank you so much for your kind message, it means the world to me!
I will miss you and your stories and posts, but I completely understand. It’s important to do you. And to make sure you are happy with what you are doing. I know I took the summer off last year so I could crochet just for fun, and not focus on all the other aspects of blogging. I was feeling burned out. The time off helped a lot, and I approached it differently when I returned. Best wishes in your new adventures! Will keep you in my thoughts, and will remain subscribed in case you decide to return. Farewell ?
Dear Alexandra, thank you so, so much for your sweet message. I understand feeling burned out. I think I’ll appreciate for a time making things just for the enjoyment of creating, which I’ve continued to do over the last year. I’ve even started crocheting! Thank you for your support and understanding, it means so much to me!
Darlene says
Thank you for all you have done and the enjoyment we have received. I will keep you in my prayers.
Dear Darlene, I am so grateful for your kind message and prayers. I am honored to have had such wonderful friends and readers who have supported me and Little Miss Celebration, and will always be thankful for that treasured gift.
rosemary says
God bless you
Thank you so much, Rosemary.
sharon says
We will miss your blog, but losing someone so dear is very hard. I will be praying for you and your whole family. Maybe in time you will feel like starting your blog again. Just remember the wonderful times you had together, it will get your through. Best wishes, and God Bless.
Dear Sharon, thank you, truly, for your sweet message. It means so much to me. I am more grateful than you know for all of the wonderful friends who have supported me and Little Miss Celebration, and I know it has been a gift that I’ll always treasure. Thank you for the prayers and thoughts.
I had NO IDEA what had happened!! I -after 2 marriages (one entered into far too young and the 2nd completely disasterous) now have a husband that I ADORE and who ADORES me as well. Though I knew whem we married that due to his health issues, I would undoubtly be without him long before my time comes, I still chose to marry. Having had 2.5 WONDERFUL yearz thus far, I find that I dred that day that I will loose him more!!! I cannot imagine what you have been through! But you have proven hpw STRONG you are, that you’ve continued for the year that you have. Go with God dear lady! You will be missed, but everyone will understand! We all face times when are plates are pverfull and overwhelming! I pray that your’s will be filled with more joy than sorrow! God Bless!!
Dear Lora, thank you so much for your kind message. I hope that you have many, many years with your husband, I truly do. I am grateful for all of the support and the incredible people who I’ve been honored to know through blogging. Thank you again!
oh Cindy! thank YOU for all you’ve done to put smiles on a lot of people. it’s time for YOU now and your hubby would be so proud! hugs and kisses and take good care! XO Lisa
Dear Lisa, thank you very, very much for your sweet message. I’m so grateful for your friendship and support over the years. Sending hugs to you! xo
Jill Hayes says
Cindy- I think I speak for all of your loyal followers and readers when I say we are all sad to see you sign off of the blog. . . but also THRILLED that a new door is opening, adventure into the unknown is around the corner and time for yourself is in the future for you. You most certainly deserve it. You have inspired so many of us other bloggers, designers, event planners and writers- so just know your imprint will not be forgotten. I’ll always be thinking of you. Anytime you want to guest blog to just share a project or just get back in touch with your followers- my blog is ALWAYS OPEN to have you share an update or just keep any of us posted on where you are at in 6 months, a year, or two years! Please don’t hesitate to ask or keep in touch! Hugs and best wishes for the brightest of days going forward. Jill
Dear Jill, your lovely comment and kind words have so touched me, thank you isn’t enough. Wow! All of the comments are making me both smile and cry. This was such a tough decision because I have loved blogging so, so much but think (hope) it is the right decision for now. Thank you for your truly generous offer, and maybe that might be a really fun thing to guest blog every now and again without the stress of a blog of my own. This has been one fabulous journey and I’m more grateful than I can say for all of the fantastic bloggers and friends I’ve had the good fortune to meet. Thank you for everything and yes, let’s keep in touch. Hugs to you!
Will miss you. Best wishes and God’s blessings
Dear Patricia, thank you for your kind message. I am so fortunate to have had such amazing readers and friends, and that has been a blessing.
Maxine says
Thank you for being a great part of my life. I looked forward to all your posts and will miss you,
Know that you brought much happiness to many. Good luck in the future and again màny thanks.
Maxine
Dear Maxine, oh my, thank you from the bottom of my heart for your generous and kind words. To say they mean the world is not really enough! I am beyond appreciate for every wonderful reader and friend of Little Miss Celebration, and I will miss this so much. It’s been an honor, truly. Thank you again.
Valentina Alexandra says
I’m so sorry ro see you go. Thank-you and I’ve enjoyed reading your blog. I wish you the best and I hope you go out and live your life to the fullest.
Valentina Alexandra
Dear Valentina, thank you so very much for your sweet message. I can’t tell you how much it means to me! I am so grateful for all the wonderful friends who have support Little Miss Celebration over the years and will miss it terribly, I know. Thank you again.
Joy Gwilliam says
I will miss you and all you so generously share with us. Dolly, just remember GOD is always with you and get you through. I will keep you and your family in my prayers for strength, love, and finding your new self and path you are looking for. If you ever need anything, I would do my darndest to help.
Dear Joy, thank you so very much for your kind words, which are so meaningful to me. I’m so thankful for all the fantastic people who have so generously supported me and I hope I was able to share a bit of joy and laughter over the past five years. Thank you again!
Rita karaoulakian says
I think you do well trying to change your life and have a new start !
Wish you all the best for the future ! The most important thing is your happiness !
Good luck and thank you” little miss “ !
Dear Rita, thank you so much for your kind message. It means so much to me!
Marilyn says
Wishing you a blessed and happy future in your future endeavors. Thank You for your terrific and informative blog. God Bless you and yours. You will be missed.
Marilyn
Dear Marilyn, thank you so much for your sweet message, I am truly grateful. I will miss everyone and am blessed to have such a wonderful journey.
JAN says
I HAVE ENJOYED OUR TIME TOGETHER, BUT COMPLETELY UNDERSTAND WHY YOU ARE LEAVING. LIFE IS TOO PRECIOUS & YOU DESERVE TO BE HAPPY IN ALL YOU DO. I WISH YOU EVERY NEW SUCCESS AS YOU BEING ON THIS LIFE JOURNEY. YOU WILL BE MISSED BY SO MANY OF US WHO LOVED YOUR BLOG. GOD BLESS
Dear Jan, I can’t even begin to thank you for your kind message. It means more than I could ever say. If I shared a little joy and laughter over the past five years, that makes me so happy. I am more grateful than you know for the support of my readers and friends and will miss this very much. Thank you!
I still can’t look at pom-poms and not laugh…and think of you. ? It’s amazing how much all of our lives have changed since we started blogging. I wish you nothing but the best my friend. New adventures are out there waiting for you to find them. If you ever need a place to stay in AZ, give me a call. We can drink some margaritas and go out into the dessert to decorate some cactus…with pom-poms. ?
Dear Lisa, this made me laugh until I cried. So many many wonderful times and I’ll never forget the crazy, fun conversations you, Claire and I had on Facebook. I will always cherish those times, and am so grateful for your friendship and how you could always make me laugh, not matter what! I just might come visit you in AZ and when I do, I’ll make sure to bring the pom poms. Sending hugs! xo
Hi Cindy, I don’t think I have left a comment before but I have read your blog many times over the last couple years and always enjoyed the visit. I am sorry for the pain and loss of your husband. You were blessed with a man that encouraged you and I am guessing he would not want you to feel guilty about doing what you loved doing. I am sorry that it does not bring you joy at this time. I am praying that God settles your heart, fills you with his comfort and when you are ready that He will give a clear vision for what is next. I will miss my visits to your corner of the blogosphere and will keep you in prayer before the Lord.
Dear Jolena, thank you so much for your kind words, which mean more than I can say. I will miss this a great deal but know however difficult this decision, it is right for now. I am so very grateful for all of the support over the past five years and if I brought a bit of joy now and again, that makes me happy. Thank you for your message and prayers.
Cindy, your heart is telling you what to do, and I believe that it will lead you down whatever path you are meant to take. It has been a privilege to co-host with you these past 2 1/2 years. I love what Lisa wrote (above), and I will echo that sentiment. If you ever find yourself in New York City, let me know, and we’ll toast BOTW over some wine.
Dear Amy – I am so grateful for your message and the honor of hosting Best of the Weekend with you. It was not easy to come a decision, but I think in my heart its the right thing for now. I love Lisa’s comment too, and I would love to share a glass of wine with you in NYC! Thank you for your friendship and support, which will continue I hope beyond the blog. Hugs!
Wishing you all the best Cindy! Take care of you and the rest will take care of itself when you are ready.
Dear Laurie, thank you so much so, I appreciate it more than you know. I’ll definitely keep up with all my blogging friends through your blogs. Thank you for all of your support, it means so much!
Barbara Windle says
Cindy, I didn’t know you. I stopped by The Best of the Weekend once in awhile, but, I don’t think I stopped by your blog. I wish I had. I am so sorry for your loss and I know the road ahead must seem uncertain. I feel very strongly that given time you will live again. You will blossom in different ways and who knows, you may even return to blogging. If you don’t blog again that will be okay as well. Leaving it behind can only mean that new doors will open for you. I wish you all the best for the future.
Dear Barbara, thank you so much for your kind words, it really means so much to me. I really am grateful that you took the time to stop by and am so appreciate of your supportive message. Thank you!
Again – love you sweet friend. Lisa’s pom pom comment above made me laugh and said it all. It’s been quite a journey for all of us!! I have been on a really long break from blogging as well and if I decide to hang up that proverbial hat I hope I can find the words as you have so eloquently done.
Rest easy and take care of YOU and your family – you have been an inspiration to so many!!
Now just let me know if I need to ship you more of that International Delight coffee, my friend. ?
No goodbyes. Love you!! xoxo
Thank you, my dear Claire. It’s definitely was not an easy decision but I think the right one for now. Who knows what tomorrow will bring – the past year has been just so hard. I loved Lisa’s pom pom comment and it makes me laugh (and cry) when I think about all of our fun Facebook conversations and how freaked out we all were for our party. Remember that? All those memories are so precious and special. The coffee story is infamous – I have made so many people laugh with how you sent me all those cans, lol. How lucky was I to have you as a blogging friend from almost the first day? I’ll never forget all you have done and how you supported me. It is definitely not goodbye, because friendship transcends everything. Love you!! xoxo
I know this past year has been incredibly hard for you and I hope that as time moves on things will get easier. I will miss you and your blog and I thank you for welcoming me as a BOTW hostess. If you are in Virginia, you must come to visit me. I would love that!
Dear Paula, your sweet message means so much to me. It’s definitely a hard time to say goodbye to something I’ve loved so much. It’s been just wonderful hosting the party with you and thank you for everything! Hopefully, I can visit you some day, that would be awesome! Hugs!
Cindy it was an honor to have gotten to know you these past few years. I totally understand your decision because although we all love blogging it can also sap the energy out of us. And you this is on a regular day. After you lost your husband the weight must have been immeasurable. I wish you all the best in the world and hope you find the path that brings you contentment. Sending lots of love your way.
Dear Mary, thank you so much for your message, it really means so much! It was a tough decision and I know how much I will miss everyone, but will still be able to keep up with all my wonderful friends through your blogs. I am more than you know for your support and thank you! Sending hugs!
Cindy, this makes me sad on so many levels. Sad, that you’ve had such a difficult year and I can only imagine what you’ve been going through. Sad, because you and I started our blogs almost on the same day and so I know how much time and effort you’ve put into this venture. Sad, that I completely understand how much of our lives are devoted to maintaining a blog, how exhausting it can be at times, and how much we sacrifice to keep the content current. Sad, that your creative talents will no longer be shared in the blogosphere. Sending hugs your way from Canada and wishing you the very best in whatever path you choose next. xo
Dear Marie, thank you so very much for your kind words and understanding. It does make me said but I know in my heart it’s the right thing for now. I will so miss all of my blogging friends, but will keep everyone through their blogs. Thank you for your friendship and support, it really means so much to me. Sending hugs back to you! xo
Dawn Turner says
Dear Cindy, I can understand how sad but necessary this decision has been for you. You are brave person, and I think you are smart to have waited to make this decision. I remember this time last year when you lost your beloved husband. I think I shared with you that my husband had terminal cancer. He is in hospice care now, and I find myself soon to be faced with what you have journeyed this past year. I, too, am wondering what I will do in the face of this devastation. My prayers will be with you as you begin this new phase. I would appreciate any prayers or wisdom you can share.. You are wished the best of luck.
Oh, Cindy! I think about you so often and tonight I was going through some of my old posts and saw a comment by you. You were always so supportive and cheerful and I am so glad we had the chance to “meet” through blogging. I have been praying and will continue praying for you. The very, very best to you, and may you find joy and peace in whatever path you choose.
Big, big hugs, Mary Beth
Hi Cindy, I have thought of you so often during this past year. It is certainly understandable that you turn your attention away from blogging and toward other things. You stand out as a bright star in the blogosphere; always so kind, generous and supportive. I am very glad I got to know you and I will miss my beltway neighbor to the north. I wish you much love, joy, laughter and happiness as you continue your journey along life’s path. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. Take care, Joan
Sorry to hear you’re leaving blogging. Even though I have never met you in person, you strike me as one of the mostv lovely and genuine bloggers I have come across . I only wish you all the best. With what you do next. Take care ❤️
::Hugs:: tough choices are made every day ? I’m hoping that we will see you again in the near future but for now, it’s time to take care of yourself! Thank you for sharing as you are right, it’s sad to suddenly not see a favorite blogger any longer without any word (and then I get anxiety and wonder what happened to them!)
Oh, Cindy, I had a thought to drop by your blog today and I saw this post. I admit that my eyes teared up as I read this farewell post. We both started blogging at the same time and I fully realize the time and effort that goes into full-time blogging. My husband, like yours, has always encouraged me. I pray for you often and I will miss you and I understand how difficult this decision has been. If you’re ever in South Carolina, stop by. We’ll head to the beach and stick our toes in the sand. The door is always open for you to guest post on my blog. Just say the word. You’re one of a kind and I’ll miss you, but as you stated, this is not goodbye, just farewell for now. Hugs and prayers to you!