Today, while planting massive hydrangeas in my front garden, I’ve made a few decisions. Note that I do make major life decisions either in my garden or in my bathtub.
I have not been very happy lately and that’s quite unusual for my manner. I do not have an awful lot of stuff not to be happy about. I have a quite simple life with no responsibility but myself and my animals.
It’s my blog career that doesn’t please me. This year has been crazy with book deals, TV deals and other deals I don’t want to deal with.
Some people would be super excited with book and TV deals, not me I came to know. I like to be in control over everything I do and freak out when people want to mingle with that. I have a very personal blog about my home, garden and lifestyle so when other people want to turn that into something commercial it effects my whole life. I don’t want a TV show that’s set in my home where people will mock me, mock my life, mock everything I believe in. I don’t want some publisher to tell me what to write. And I certainly do not want a TV channel to forbid me to write about political and religious views I may or may not have. If I God dammit mother Mary Christ Jesus David Cameron Loreal Chanel Dior and all of the Max Factors in the world want to mention a brand that’s not one of the TV channels sponsors I get sued … Hello, it’s my blog.
So today I called the whole thing off, TV and book.
Quite weird as I have a blog already and because of the blog I got those deals, but because of those deals I have hardly time left to blog …. eh?
I walked away from all the responsibilities that chocked me right into my garden where the beautiful autumn sun was shining and planted, weeded and felt insanely happy again. My hens were sunbathing under the laurel hedge while Boo observed them.
I’ve learned that I’ll have to stick to the things I want to do and not to those created by other people who don’t write my blog or, as a matter of fact, write a blog at all. One day I might write a book or be on TV but not just now and not in the way I don’t want it to be.
I want to plan fairs, festivals, write and publish my own books. Work, chat, laugh, inspire and share with bloggers and readers. I just want to be 100% me and not some commercial hoo-ha.
I celebrated my victory with a massive salad (obliviously, cake would have been much better) and a big pile of magazines.
Life is clear and good again.
Thank you so much for being here as it’s you I keep this blog for xox
Wow! You have had a lot on your plate to think about! I totally applaud your decision and can’t wait to see more posts of the ‘totally you’, ‘non-commercial’ kind!
Your garden is looking beautiful by the way!
Wow, that’s such a bold decision, Yvonne! But a good one! Staying close to yourself and trust your gut feeling is so important. I’m sure you won’t regret it!
What à Brave and good thing to do if you feel that its right for you! I think that i Will keep this in mind since i have some hard decisions to make later on. I also wonder if you’ve read underbara Clara who is à swedish blogger who managed to keep her integrity and controle while making radio and books. She also likes cath kidston.
Again, yay for making à good decision!!
You’re my hero! This is where its all about, stay by yourself and enjoy. Vincent.
Now that’s the way to make a decision and celebrate!
Good for you! Do what you love and stick to what you believe in.
You are such an inspiration in what you do. Good on you for having the self. awareness to know what you wantt. i love what you do!
GLx
Good for you Yvonne!!!! Go your own way it’s always the best.
Chris Xx
It’s not long that I have been reading your blog but I enjoy your writing and photos very much
Book and tv are not necessary if you don’t feel like it.
Life should be happy and free. Just keep up your good work
This is SO inspiring! I wonder how many of us do things in our lives without really thinking whether we really want to. Reading this post, I am reminded that because life is so short, it it noble and good to follow our own hearts and to change direction at any time we need to. Thank you for sharing your thoughts–you are an inspiration and your posts bring me great joy!
A loyal reader,
Emily
Spokane, Wa, USA
You go, girl! I love it that you had the guts to do this, with the help of hydrangeas no less! I can hear Frank Sinatra’s “My Way” playing now!! x
You go girl! Good for you! I love your blog just the way it is and applaud your courage to say no to the changes you do not want. Thank you for bringing beauty and happiness to my part of the world through your photos and words.
Hoorah! I applaud you from my little spot in the world. I bet you’re breathing better.
Yay for you. I bet you feel like a huge weight has been lifted from your shoulders. I adore your blog and look forward to your book when and if you decide to do it. Kind regards, Rebecca.
You are amazing. Good for you…blog on!
As a fellow lover of noncommercial blogs..congratulations. I have only turned down a couple of little commercial offers so am not in your league of ‘turning downs’ but I applaud your integrity. Fine to be commercial when and where you want to be..but I’m glad that for now you just want to be yourself and blog.
Yes! We need you to be you. That’s what’s makes us smile when we drop by your blog.
Fondly,
Traci
thanks for sharing with such honesty, its so very admirable that you’re following what feels right within yourself—and its such a wonderful encouragement/reminder to me to remember to keep myself and my motivations in check. i’m somewhat new to yvestown, but love what you do over here and am so glad i’ve stumbled across it!
Good for you! and thank you for your beautiful BEAUTIFUL blog.
Lx
Gee, i think that would take a lot of courage to make that leap. It gives me inspiration (as this blog always does), thank you. Glad we get to continue seeing you just the way you are.
Lieve Yvonne, ik had al het idee dat je niet helemaal lekker in je vel zat. Het voelde wat afstandelijk de laatste tijd. Goed van je dat je de juiste beslissing voor jezelf hebt genomen.
Liefs,
Miralda
good for you yvonne, i would rather see regular blogging from you which is true and obviously, that makes you happy and that makes us happy
warmly,
anniex
I am so happy that you now feel free! I think you’re so smart to walk away from having your life controlled by other people. Well done.
Wow, what a brave decision! And a good one I read from your writing. You inspired me to step back and think for myself, ‘what is it that I want to do?’ ‘what feels good, and what doesn’t?’ ‘what decisions shall I make to lean more to the ‘what feels good’ again?’
Thanks, Yvonne, xx Petra
Well that is nice open mind story. I love it. When you are in your garden everything is different. Enjoy the things you like. I do have little followers on my blog (just started) but I like what I do. It is about the things I love. My Garden. My Secondhandstuff. And so on. Not more not less. Have a good day en thanks for sharing.
Wauw , to do the things you believe in , to do wat makes you happy , to keep things simple….
Reading about it certainly put a smile on my face !
“bescheidenheid siert een mens”
congratulations xxx
Good post, and thanks for keeping blogging! You do make my day with your photos and inspirations
That’s the spirit !!! I recognize the feeling so well, so I almost feel the relief myself for you, I’m happy to see you can stay yourself and have the guts to whatever makes you feel uncomfortable !
Take care, lots of love
Barbara
I love you!
xo
I did that once, trying to be the over-achiever by starting law-school. Lasted one year.
I then did the complete opposite and crazy by starting art-school, I graduated with a decoration and am now even working on a MaNaMa. For the second time I’m the hardworking over-achiever, but in the stuff I’m passionate about… It’s ‘almost’ easypeasy now when there’s love and passion involved!
So if you want to do great things or be ambitious, never doubt. But do it when you want it, how you want it! There definitely is such a thing as ‘timing’ and ‘when the time is ripe’…
Good luck!
Ik geniet enorm van je blog. De vrolijke sfeer werkt aanstekelijk en geeft energie. En een poes die liggend in het gras geniet van een herfstzonnetje geeft je toch het gevoel dat er helemaal niks aan de hand is in de wereld? Succes met je blog!!!
Sweetie, that’s the best damn thing you could have done! you go girl
)
Toen ik je bericht las was ik even bang dat je je blog aan de wilgen zou hangen…maar gelukkig voor ons blijf je doorbloggen. Wees gelukkig, dat kan alleen maar als je jezelf bent. Moeilijke beslissing moedig genomen. X
What a brave and wise decision. i’m so pleased you were able to choose the way to keep yourself happy (and your blog perfect as it is!)
Dapper en integer! En heel fijn voor ons als je bloglezers!
Wow alsof me een spiegel wordt voor gehouden, ik geloof dat jou bericht n teken is voor mij om n moeilijke beslissing te nemen, mmm geen dingen doen waar je je niet goed bij voelt, Thanx Y..
Yay, good for you babe! Follow your heart <3 X
Welcome back!
Het ontroert me…wat dapper van je en zo fijn dat je kiest voor dat wat voor jou belangrijk is!!! (en waarom noemen we dat tegewoordig dapper?)
En ik bedoel natuurlijk tegenwoordig…
Wow, a difficult and courageous decision.. Good for you, Yvonne!
Good for you: you can’t be creative if you don’t have the freedom, or the time, to let ideas grow! Big hugs x
Good for you Yvonne – i’m sure you thought long and hard about such a bold move and I admire your strength in following your heart and not getting swept along with the madness and being turned in to something you are not and don’t want to be (for the time being at least). As you say – later, maybe the time will be right and you will have your chance again to do these things – if you want to.
)
Enjoy your garden and your salad and your magazines – the simple things are usually what make us happiest!
Oh, and by the way… your “If I God dammit mother … etc” rant made me laugh out loud.
Take care, Bex.x
Gefeliciteerd met het nemen van zo’n beslissing. Het was waarschijnlijk niet de makkelijkste! Maar wel een die je terug brengt naar je eigen gevoel van je-zelf zijn.
Ik lees jouw blog nu een klein tijdje en het blog geeft zo’n goed gevoel. Dat kun je zo ook alleen maar doen als je goed in je vel zit en kunt schrijven over de dingen waar jij van houd en die jij graag met ons deelt. Fijn dat je daar mee doorgaat.
Een lieve groet
Heftige beslissing, maar je moet doen wat goed voelt!!
Gefeliciteerd met het nemen van zo’n beslissing. Het was waarschijnlijk niet de makkelijkste!
Maar wel een die je terug brengt naar je eigen gevoel van je-zelf zijn.
Ik lees jouw blog nu een klein tijdje en het blog geeft zo’n goed gevoel. Dat kun je zo ook alleen maar doen als je goed in je vel zit en kunt schrijven over de dingen waar jij van houd en die jij graag met ons deelt. Fijn dat je daar mee doorgaat.
Een lieve groet
following your heart is always the very best thing to do, but it takes a brave person to actually do it…
well done and thank you for being you
t x
Now you’ve just confirmed that you in fact are precisely whom I thought you to be, Yvonne! A woman of VERY high integrity – it’s a privilige to “know” you
This post made me do a fist pump. I’m not proud of that, but I thought you should know.
Courageous
Wat een luxe dat je zo’n keuze kan maken. Ik zou mijn rekeningen niet meer kunnen betalen.
WOW!!i applaud you and you really are one of a kind,be proud and more blog posts please!
Wat goed, dat je je niet mee hebt laten slepen in de gekte, die je met je blog teweeg hebt gebracht. Knap hoor, om dan toch bij je gevoel te blijven en te kiezen voor je eigen schelpenpad en niet het pad, dat voor je geasfalteerd is.
En dan ook nog eens niet naar cake grijpen, maar een salade… Ik geef je een knuffel
Yvonne, I just wanted to take a moment to applaud you for being true to yourself.
)
In this crazy, greedy world of fake people, superficial relationships, contrived lifestyles and decisions that are driven purely by the lure of wealth and fleeting “fame” it takes an enormous amount of courage, confidence and self knowledge to honour who you REALLY are.
I cannot even begin to tell you how very much I admire you – your strength of character, your disarming honesty, your authenticity and your unwavering moral compass.
You truly are breath of fresh air in an industry that is more often than not all smoke and mirrors with a whole lot of bullshit thrown in for good measure.
I have always been a fan, but right now I would go so far as to say that today you are my hero
You get a standing ovation from me for being the real deal – thank you so much Yvonne, for being YOU!
You are an inspiration.
Soms is het best moeilijk om een duidelijk beeld voor jezelf te krijgen/houden van wie je bent en wat je het liefst doet doordat er zoveel invloeden van buitenaf zijn, tenminste dat is mijn ervaring. Maar jij hebt dat toch goed voor ogen en dan ook nog een hele duidelijke en juiste beslissing genomen. Knap hoor, en ik weet zeker dat je blog daardoor juist nog populairder wordt, ha ha! Succes en ik blijf vooral met veel plezier je blog lezen want ik kan nog veel van jou leren.
Wow, I’ve never commented on your blog before but I read it all the time. At first I was worried that it was the blog that was going to get the axe. I admire your courage, to turn your back on the things we’re supposed to want in life to focus on the things you know you want. Good for you. That is success.
You GO girl!!
I feel just as you, my blog is ME. It´s the reason I started blogging, having a space thats only mine. You put words to some of my frustration too. Thank you for being such a great person!
xox Jeanette
ps. and hey…. I think doing it all your way will make you succeed even more
Follow your heart, nothing else matters. Best wishes!!!!!
I have been a fan of your blog for a while, have benefitted from your lovely crochet patterns, and take insiration from your stories, and the pictures that you share.
I’d like to congratulate you on your decision, on taking your life back and protecting that which you hold dear. You will only ever feel good about this course of action, and each day will bloom brighter and more beautiful than the last.
Thank you for sharing your life with us, and I look forward to many more stories and pictures. Thank you.
Yay – I love your blog, it’s beautiful and inspiring. Sometimes we forget it’s ok to say ‘no’ to things and to do just what makes us happy
x
Ik lees pas sinds kort jouw blog en geniet er van! Heel goed dat je dicht bij jezelf wilt blijven volgens mij is dat ook de enige manier waarop dingen kunnen werken, voor jezelf maar uiteindelijk dan ook voor anderen
Moedig besluit en een inspiratie om je eigen weg te volgen.
I totally understand your decision. For a while there I thought you were going to say that you were not going to continue the blog and that was making me very upset. I look forward to checking in with you on a daily basis and hope to do so for a very long time.
Being true to yourself is always a good choice. Brava!
indrukwekkend en inspirerend!
Wat goed dat je je eigen weg gaat lieve Yvonne.
Je hebt het mooi geschreven.
Volg je eigen mooie pad!
Goed gedaan! Nooit iets doen dat niet goed voelt! xxx
freedom feels good!! good for you, make your life what you want it to be because we don’t have to dance to someone elses beat if we don’t want to! Heather x
Is dat een gieter, die enorme koffiepot die daar in het gras staat???? Waar koop je zoiets leuks?
Very impressed that you made this choice – so unusual in this day and age. Too many people worship the false gods of money and celebrity. You, on the other hand, embrace friendship, peacefulness, love, home, cats, crafting, and simple joys. A toast to Yvestown!
Hear, hear!
congratulations on the clarity of mind to see and do what is right for you. inspiring!
WOW! So brave and so sincere. And so, so right! It’s tempting to get blinded by TV, books, ads and so many other things, but sometimes we need to draw a line and decide what is really important to us. I am sure you made the right decision. We just feel it in our guts when we are not being true to ourselves, don’t we? I am sure you’ll get other chances to do other really interesting things that are more you. Good luck!
happy to see you!!! happy to know you are free!!!
Well done! I very much admire your integrity and spirit. I love your blog for its authenticity, independence and simplicity and I think you’ve made the right decision for you. I also appreciate the need for some privacy and control. You so rock girl!
its hard but its good! good decision! you’re a true inspiration! love from İstanbul…
Very brave of you! Very good decision!
I love soooo much your blog…
Wow! Congratulations! It’s nice when big decisions are taken and if this means you get to do what you love most, then it’s definitely the right decision!
Take care x
Good Morning from beautiful British Columbia….my dear…you are my *hero of the day*…well done! I am the independent type as well….I hear you!! Cheers, Valerie
Well done for choosing what is right for you. Life is too short to be burdened by unnecessary pressures. Enjoy the freedom you have created with these decisions!
Tja, een Yvestown boek zou ik wel heel erg leuk gevonden hebben. Maar als ik het goed begrijp komt zo’n boek er toch wel
En dan helemaal des Yvonne’s.
Belangrijker is dat je doet wat goed voelt, voor jezelf niet voor anderen.
Ik vraag me trouwens wel af waar “ze” het lef vandaan hebben om je te dicteren wat je wel of niet mag schrijven op je blog. Het gaat toch ook voorbij aan het doel. Ze vinden jouw blog en jouw werk leuk en vervolgens willen ze alles veranderen.
Yvonne, I’m so proud of your decision. You had the guts to say no before it all became out-of-control. There is a time for everything. Be true to who you are. That’s why we love you.
Sigh, i don’t like it when people (no need to say tv people or publishers) come and poke around my home and say, why do you keep your things here? why do you not throw away your old ladles? you do your things your way, i do mine, my way. i say.
What an absolutely refreshing perspective! “Blogland” would be a much much better place if more bloggers had your wisdom and courage! Thank you for such an example.
You go girl! Je hebt helemaal gelijk. Ik zou me precies hetzelfde voelen. Doe wat jij wilt met groot plezier. Daar wordt jij happy van en je volgers ook
Applaus! Applaus! Applaus!
Wat een goede beslissing heb je gemaakt!
Knap hoor!
Soms is het moeilijk to stay true to yourself, maar gelukkig is het je gelukt!
En nu genieten!
Good for you Yvonne! I love your blog for exactly the reasons you have pointed out and it would be a terrible shame to lose everything you have built up over the years. Congratulations for following your heart xxx
Good for you! You’re brave, I must say! Hope you’ll stay happy and kepp writing this amazing blog. Thank you!
I just love how you wrote this down here!
And i remember you writing about how you miss purity, honesty and integrity
of keeping a blog on events? i think by making this decision you will keep
yours!
Please stay pure, please stay honest…for a long time…i love that about you
and what you do…
And i rather see your face in real life on your lovely fair than on tv.
xx
xxx
Good for you! You have been true to yourself and principled, and I admire you so much for that. I’m happy that you are happy, and I’m looking forward to seeing your blog here more. xx
Congratulations on making when I am sure was a difficult decision. Now go enjoy life!
This is a fabulous post, Yvonne. I enjoyed every word. It made me laugh, it made me think, it made me cherish the happiness of a settled and fine life! I love how authentic and straightforward you are. Big hugs from Munich. Igor xoxo
Wat een moedige beslissing! Je moet doen waar je je goed bij voelt, zodra je het gevoel krijgt dat je geleefd wordt, is het niet meer fijn. Ik vond het een heel herkenbaar stuk. Ik heb in mijn werk ook te maken met die eeuwige balans tussen commercie en authenticiteit. Ik blijf hopen dat het samen kan gaan, maar dat is niet bepaald eenvoudig. Mijn voorbeeld is Oprah…
Maar soms is less more. En dat is dan ook niet erg.
GOOD ON YOU !!!
You only live ones.
Magic is believing in yourself, if you can do that you can make anything happen !!!
Hello Yvonne,
You are wonderful. That’s all I have to say. Oh, and I LOVE your blog – it’s a little ray of sunshine in my life
Hello!
I have always been a big fan of your blog and it’s sa to hear that
other things seem to consume your life and taking your energy away from
What is truly important to you.
I just wanted to tell you to stay positive – tv, books, megazine.. They want you
Because you, your life, style.. Is truly inspiring to many of us- so take that
as a compliment. Yet, don’t let them control who you are.
Whatever you do, you have many readers who will support you
Have a good one!
Good for you. Its so easy to loose sight of what really matters to you in life and before you know it you’ve wasted a year (or ten!) and you cant get them back. Ive been following your blog for about a year but never commented before. I think its because I assumed you would realise how fantastic your blog is and how much it inspires people (like me) to have lovely colourful homes, be creative and enjoy life and to take the plunge and do the things we keep putting off until tomorrow. I love reading your blog, its my little bit of indulgence at the end of the day when the baby is in bed and I know I should be putting clean washing away!
And i LOVE your blog. Keep writing please!
Good for you~~~~~tons of blessings~~~~~~love your blog~~~~~~have a wonderfully great day:)
You Rock!!! X
yes! you are brave and true. it’s why i love this blog.
i love that photo of the cat looking at the chicken under the hedge.. i wonder if he’s thinking “yeah, i could so catch you if i wanted but, i’m lying down, the sun is shining and yaaawnnnn…. whatever”
all the best to you.
xo
The integrity that you live with and the beauty you create as a result are so evident in your blog. If a book and tv show wouldn’t allow you to let that shine through then your decision is fabulous.
Carol
You must always do what is right for you and it sounds like you did. I have been an avid reader of your blog for a couple of years now and love your stories and antidotes. Your stories and beautiful photos always bring a smile to my face.
you are so awesome to me. i love it here.
xo
Good for you ! They choose you because they like your style than they want to repackage you into something you are so clearly not! They want to own you body and soul ,so very wrong ,whatever happened to freedom of thought ,speech and deed .Next they will want to change your appearance till you no longer resemble yourself when you look in the mirror. You are individual a one of a kind .You are what they looked for ,I’m sure you never looked for them,nor wanted to be manipulated by them .Your Blog is just that! YOURS !!!!. Keep being yourself , if they don’t like it they can do the other.
Way to go, Yvonne! You’re a constant inspiration…
Beata xxx
Unless a book or tv show could genuinely re-create what you do and your ethos it simply wouldn’t be YOU so what would be the point
Great decision.
Hoi Yvonne,
Ik ben trots op je. En fijn dat je het nu nog kon afzeggen zonder dat je ergens aan vast zat. En van lekker aanmodderen in de tuin (terwijl je van je dieren geniet) is toch onbetaalbaar. De vrijheid die je nu (weer) hebt, is toch onbetaalbaar!. Moest erg hard lachen om je gescheld, wat een humor!!. Ben trots op je.
Lieve groetjes,
Christel
Dear Yvonne,
my sentiments exactly. You’ve come to the right decision
I’m very protective of my blog and I would hate other people tinkering with it!
Way to go!! best wishes,
Duni
H.E.L.D.!!!
Life is too short to be unhappy. Your blog is amazing just the way it is! x
Dear Yvonne, I come to your blog for a moment of brightness, joy and inspiration. Therefore i can only be happy here if you are happy. So glad you are again. I would jump for a book deal and a TV show and I think you would pull it off just great, but hey, it’s your life and I wouldn;t expect anything less of you.
Love and hugs.
HOLY SHIT!!!!!
I LOVE YOU.
Well done Yvonne on having the courage to take control back. Too many times we allow outside influences to bully us, push and pull us into situations that we really aren’t comfortable with. We all need to listen to our inner voice that says no more often.
Good! The reason I like your blog is that it’s not a big commercial! Blog away and have fun in life! We already have Martha Stewart!
I’ve read your blog for quite a while now but not commented, but I felt like I wanted to voice my admiration for you and for sticking to your principles and doing what makes you happy! If more people did so I beleive the world would be a far better place indeed! x
You are an inspirational lady!
Making a pivotal decision that impacts on your life cannot have been easy, however you have such honest aspirations. I would love to own a crochet book of your creation!
Jaaaa, ik kan je he-le-maal begrijpen. Doe je eigen ding, en blijf en tevereden, gelukkig en kreatief mens. Die kant en klare blog boekjes zijn er al genoeg! Hoera voor Yves en Yvestown!
A clear and good life rocks. Congratulations.
Thank god! Keeping it real! Well done
Good for your Yvonne. So strong of you to stick to what you are truly happy with. I have always loved your blog as it is one I have been reading since my discovery of the World of blogs. Looking forward to continuing to read your blog how you want it to be. Your garden is looking really lovely. Fiona x
I like your style! And now, you’ve got me in the mood for cake. (any kind.)
I have been reading your blog for some time now, and it always makes me smile.
I really admire you for just choosing to be happy. Looking forward to reading more about you and your happy life Belgium!
The title scared me for a second. I thought you’re going to quit this blog. Whew.
I love your beautiful and distinct style. So inspiring! Whenever you’re ready to write and publish “100% Yvonne” book, I’ll definitely be one of the very first ones to order a copy!
Yvonne,
s’Ochtends piep ik altijd eventjes op je blog. Waarom? Ik word er enorm vredig van. En ik kan m’n dag vrolijk beginnen. Het is een ochtenritueel geworden. Je hebt de gave dat je heerlijk kan schrijven. Vol met humor het lijkt net alsof ik je al jaren ken. Dat je mensen zo aanspreekt is bijzonder. En het is helemaal Jij!
Het is leuk om andere mensen gelukkig te zien, maar ook trouw blijven aan jezelf is zo belangrijk in deze tijd.
Don’t worry, be happy!
Liefs van sarai
It is very uplifting to see somebody take control of their own life. I feel that nowadays we do end up doing so much of what we don’t enjoy and make us unhappy just to please others or to keep up with what society expects from us! The speed of life, the society we live in, the attitudes towards achieving more, earning more, wanting more create so much stress that it is refreshing to see somebody say NO!. Well done Yvonne, it is very inspirational.
Love your blog,
Sending you hugs from London
Pati xx
Hoe ongelooflijk sterk van jou dat je die beslissing nam. Weinigen zullen het je nadoen, daar ben ik van overtuigd. Kiezen voor jezelf, het is een zeldzaamheid. Ik bewonder je er des te meer voor.
I don’t know if you remember or even knew but I did the same thing a few of years ago when my then literary agent had plans for me that didn’t even seem to take me into consideration. I also walked away and it was such a huge relief. Good on ya, Yvonne! Have a great weekend!
Good for you Yvonne, you have a beautiful home and garden it is a credit to you.
Wahoo!!! It’s refreshing to see someone who is down to earth and true to herself in this world of greediness and quick fame! You’re so stylish and inspiring;I love your blog. Take care.
Congratulations! I walked away from a career full of promised fame!importance!meaning! and everything since has felt many times more meaningful. Nothing is worth giving up a life of your own. Many happy days of “as you choose” ahead!
My favorite quote “The greatest success is to spend life in your own way”. I would say that you are certainly quite successful! XO
You are very courageous lady ! Good for you and for choosing to do what you want and like. Sometimes that is hard to do. Congratulations on creating your life exactly the way you want it. Love your blog and thank you for sharing. Look forward to more lovely and beautiful blog posts and photos.
You are the real deal,lady! Massively uplifting to read this being a small business owner too,power to the people! Your writing is so lovely and funny and real! So glad it will stay that way!
Silkie
YAY! Being 100% yourself is always the best!
Mooi, dapper & bewonderenswaardig hoe jij in ons, tegenwoordig, zo hectische leven zo dicht bij jezelf kan blijven. Ik hoop dat het je veel moois zal brengen!
Great news! You sound so very relieved. You put so much of your self into your home and I can’t imagine how hard it would be to feel that suddenly you weren’t the one making those decisions anymore! Sounds like you followed your intuition, always a good move! xo
Good for you! You´re amazing!
Good for you Yvonne, freedom is not for sale! It is all about the ‘simple stuff’ (friends and family, home & garden and de kippetjes).
I’ve seen a lot of once personal blogs turn really commercial lately, and I’m really impressed with your decision! How refreshing!
Oh good! Happy for you but happy for me too! I enjoy your blog so much – it is so refreshing and bright and, sort of soothing . . . I would hate to see you go the way of commercialization. You made the right decision!
Wow…..just, wow! Wat een moedige beslissing. Daar kunnen mensen nog heel veel van leren. Blijf je je eigen zelf!
Dappere dame, ga vooral door met je eigen uitgestippelde pad.
Groeten, Dani
I’m in awe of you Yvonne. I’m so glad I got the chance to meet you! I’m sure you’ll spread your wonderful energy in your own terms!
sooooo happy for you. that’s not an easy thing to do (having walked away from very lucrative job in the past). I still to this day (10 years later) do not regret the lifestyle I choose, though must say at times I might regret the $$$ (a bit).
But having a life you love and feel honest and real and authentic about is the most most important thing & I’m glad you came to that conclusion. Too much commercial is just not a blog to me….it’s a magazine. And those are certainly still interesting to me, but it’s not the same as what I’ve found in reading your blog for the past few years. I’m a blogoholic, so I read a ton of blogs. Yours is one of the best and one of my faves. Its a hard compromise, making a living and being authentic. But you are doing it right!
Can’t wait till we move back to france soon to be able to come see you in person one day!! xoxo take care!!
Be true to yourself and don’t let the “tail wag the dog.” Your home and your lifestyle are gorgeous. I really don’t think you need a “go between” to accomplish anything that you want. Your ideas are fresh and original and keep them that way. Your readers will thank you!
You are an amazingly honest person. Sometimes being honest with oneself is the hardest thing to do. So many people want the money and the fame. So often that comes with a hefty price tag. So refreshing to see someone with integrity. I too have recently made a decision to go back to teaching and leave professional photography behind at a time when I am busier than ever. I have finally discovered that it’s just not me. I love photography but I don’t love it as a paying job. I love your blog and how you have managed to incorporate your personality into your blog. That’s what I am going to create next. Hugs*
This post makes me very happy.
I’ve read your blog for a long time and have felt for a bit like the “real you” wasn’t quite here. It sounds like you have made a good decision, although a difficult one, and I’m so glad that your burden has been lifted and you are happy.We use the little set of crocheted coasters you sent every day and I think of you and wonder how you’re doing.
I look forward to seeing more of you on your blog again. We love what you do!
All that glitters isn’t always gold… Good for you!! Sometimes people overlook how wonderful it is to live a simple life, follow your heart and you can never lose. xo
This is so inspiring, Yvonne! I too have been paring back my commitments and connections, with the intention of only focussing on that which is true to me, and makes me happy. Your honesty, heart and integrity are beautiful. Ambition and work are nothing unless they come from our own hearts. Thank you for your beautiful blog, your beautiful words and beautiful photos. All the very best – may all your dreams come true X
This is the most inspiring post!
Thank you! Rock on.
I’m not original but again: this was a very inspiring post! Stick to what you like! Good for you!
Beter laat dan nooit, maar: BRAVO!
x Iris
Wow thats awesome! I love that you wrote this!
I love seeing your home, btw. Its so clean and fresh!
KEI goed dit!
Inspirerend dat je kiest vor wat je gelukkig maakt en niet wat de bankrekening dikker maakt! Nu ben ik helemaal fan!
Tja, soms neemt het leven een loopje met je, dan lijkt het wel alsof alles je overkomt. Maar even tuinieren (of joggen of klarinet spelen) helpt om het hoofd helder te krijgen en de juiste beslissing te nemen!
Groetjes,
Sara
You GO GIRL!!! I became so much happier when I finally realized that I was writing a blog for myself and not “other people.” My blog is tiny with less than a dozen followers, but for so long I was striving to “grow my blog.” It only led to disappointment, and I eventually realized that I was losing myself somewhere along the way. A while back I made the decision that if I was going to continue blogging, it would have to be for me. I’m soooo much happier now. Good for you! Good for us!!
Good for you!
Just found your blog – am super inspired not only by the blog itself and the countless gorgeous images (makes me miss the Utrechtstraat and shopping in Amsterdam) but mostly by this post! and by coming across someone who stand not just behind their ideas and values, but behind themselves and who they are and what they are about – seriously cool! hat’s off…. and thank you.