Monday, April 6, 2009

A Compromise

So much to say, right? Ideas and words float through my mind - sail by like balloons - but I've given up trying to chase them down and hold on to them. Tomorrow is April 7 and I'm terrible at goodbyes.

I will say this: the blog will not be taken down. It's one compromise I'm happy to oblige after a torrent of emails from folks saying they never got to read it all, or their printer ran out of paper before they could get the last few recipes. My apologies to those who copied and printed and pasted like mad women; I only decided to leave it up yesterday.

Note though, please, that all commenting will be permanently disabled. So if you've been meaning to speak your mind, now may be the time....

Sending warm hopes and thoughts and prayers your way, along with all the thanks my heart can hold. -Brin

81 comments:

{Emily} said...

YAY!! This makes me SO happy to hear!!

Shaun and Holly said...

THANK YOU!!!!! : )
I LOVE your compromise!!!!

Holly

Anonymous said...

YAY! Thank you! May the rest of your journey be filled with blessings and I hope we get updates!

Elle's Niche said...

I have reading your blog for quite a while now and I must say I am really going to miss it. I really have enjoyed it. I wish you all the best in your endeavors and hope one day you will consider blogging again.

Terri Steffes said...

Thank you so much for allowing the blog to stay up. I will miss your dreadfully but I am grateful for the time I have been able to glimpse into your life.

Michelle said...

I'm so happy Brin....I can read your blog from the beginning now! I can deal with a compromise like that. ;) I wish and pray all the best for you in your future and looking forward to that newsletter!! Happy Life, Brin!! :)

Lots of hugs from me and my cats.

Michelle

Megan Lee said...

Any chance you may give updates now and then? I've always dreamed of having my own little bakery and I love hearing about your journey of running one :)

Tracy said...

Great news! I just discovered your blog last week. :)

Tamara said...

Oh, I'm so delighted! I've already been lobbying my husband to let us visit NE TX!

Cecelia said...

Thank you for leaving it up! I can't wait to read all of the archives now. Looking forward to the newsletter too. :)

Faye said...

BRIN I WILL MISS YOU SO MUCH!IT MAKES ME SAD BUT I KNOW YOU HAVE TO DO WHAT YOU HAVE TO DO!YOU HAVE TRUELY BEEN A BLESSING TO ME.I WISH YOU ALL THE BEST.MAY GOD BLESS YOU!

April@MySacredSojourn said...

While I'm going to desperately miss your new posts, I'm glad you've decided to leave it up for us to continue to read. I have read every post (even taking a week to catch up on everything I missed while I was out of the country for a month!) and have enjoyed every one of them. You are a huge blessing to me and so many others! God *richly* bless you in your adventures!

Neighborhood Gossip said...

You will be missed and my days will not feel the same without seeing what new project you've happened upon or what new adventure or misadventure you've had. Best of luck with Henrybellas and if I'm ever in your neck of the woods, I'll be visiting beg you to share a cookie with me.

Donna said...

I am going to miss you so much. I have to get to henrybellas, but I just can't get there fast enough. Please post something from time to time to let us know how you are. We have a relationship with you. I have prayed and thought about you so much.
I pray God's greatest blessings on you!

Jess said...

THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!
YOU MADE MY DAY!!!!

Anonymous said...

Yippee!! I'm delighted!!! Thank you!!!!!!

MEME said...

THAK YOU!! PLEASE GIVE UPDATES EVERY NOW AND THEN.WE HAVE LOVED SHARING YOUR LIFE!! please dont forget us on your journey!! god bless you

tara said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
diana said...

we love you brin!

Anonymous said...

Thanks for always sharing and being so honest. I felt not so alone when you shared things I THOUGHT I was going through alone.

nmcurlygirl@aol.com

Tara said...

Hallelujah...Praise The Lord! I know everyone agrees with me.
That is the best new I have heard all day. So glad you have compromised. God is good! Can't wait to come visit Henrybellas and continue reading your blessed posts.

Just A Girl said...

I hope you have a lovely Birthday Brin and look forward to the Newsletter. You are still planning on sending the newsletter I hope :)))

God Bless,

Cori

Patti said...

I recently found you and your blog and I love it. What am I going to do now? You are truly an inspiration. Your faith and love of God has helped me so many times. I have bad days and I come on your blog and my spirits are lifted and my faith is renewed.
"The Lord bless you and keep you--the Lord make His face shine upon you, and be gracious unto you; the Lord lift up His countenance upon you, and give you peace."
I wish you all the best life has to offer. Thanks for being here when I needed to be lifted up.
~~Patti~~

Brambleberry said...

God bless you. You're one cool woman.

Linda Z said...

Thank you!! :) Yay!

And I am warming up to the idea of a newsletter! It took me a while, cause I'm slow like that! I look forward to the first.

I hope your bakery is up and running this week, and...

HAPPY 30th BIRTHDAY!!!! on Wednesday! Have a wonderful, blessed day! May God give you and abundance of life in the decade to come as you love and follow after Him with your whole heart!

redeemed diva said...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY! Thanks for all the great moments and helping us see the hand of Jesus in your messy,thrilling life!

Lili said...

Just found your blog yesterday and already I will miss reading new posts. You have provided so much inspiration here and I am looking forward to reading as time permits. May God bless you. He provided you with such a gift and you have used it well.

Becky Garrison said...

Brin, first let me say I will miss you terribly! Your faith, your honesty, and your strength in adversity have touched me in many ways, so thank you!

Second, I wish you all the best for the rest of your journey. For your third, fourth, fifth and all the other decades to come. My God bless your socks off! Because you so richly deserve His blessings! All God's speed, Becky G from Georgia

Becky Garrison said...

Oh, and please add me to the newsletter! Thanks!

mycamelliacottage@yahoo.com

Cindy Brick said...

Brin, love to you. I hear what you're saying -- we can read what you've said in the past...but nothing new. I sure hope you check in now and then...
Thank you for sharing your life with us.

Connie said...

Blessings as you journey through this next chapter of your life.

tab said...

I'm so glad you're not completely ending your blog. I have read it for over a year; it feels like a good book that I don't want to finish reading - I want to know what happens to the character(s). So a big thank you.
I recently ordered a plate from your ETSY shop; I wanted something from Henrybella's. God bless and HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Vee said...

Brin, it's been such a delight reading your story. I'm so pleased that I will be able to continue sharing your blog with others and to point them here for this post or that one. I was thinking today about your post on fishing with your grandfather and how you just tossed the fishing rod into the brink and I laughed all over again.

Speak my mind? Well, that's not going to be possible because I'd have too much to say. If I could get it down to one thing, I'd say thank you for being so transparent and for always honoring the Lord. I'm so glad that He made you! God bless...

The Faded Cottage said...

Hi Brin,
Thanks so much sharing all of you in your posts. Like so many other comments you have received, I will truly miss reading your blog on a daily basis. It had become my "routine" to see what "new adventure" was waiting for you. Theres no doubt that you will be successful with Henrybellas, you have a relationship with God!! I hope your 3oth birthday is everything you wanted it be and more!!Please add me to your email list. Thanks for sharing you through all the years, Janice,
honedos4me@aol.com

Unknown said...

Thanks Brin :) All the best! Can't wait to hear from you in Newsletters.

Jamile said...

I'm always late to the party! :(. I just found this blog a few days ago and added to my must read list. *sigh* I've got to be quicker about things. In anycase, many blessings and thanks for the sharing the lovely vision you have.

Brenda@CoffeeTeaBooks said...

Great compromise.

I will still be reading. :)

Harbor Hon said...

Blessings on your journey, sweet girl. Thanks for leaving the blog up and hope you can stop in, maybe, from time to time to leave a thought ... or a picture. I'm looking forward to the newsletter so we can keep in touch that way. You've been a tremendous influence on this 'old lady.' :) Will truly miss you. Big Hugs and Much Love. xxoo

Laurie said...

I just realized I forgot to add my name to the newsletter list.

Lkatrin@aol.com

Thanks@

Corinne said...

Congratulations, best of luck to you always. I hope to one day visit you at henrybellas. Here is my e-mail for your newsletter: corinnem3@yahoo.com
~Corinne

Rene said...

Will miss your blog, I hope to make it to henrybellas. Please add me to your list for your newsletter. renecomte@suddenlink.net Have a wonderful 30th birthday. God Bless!

Cottage Lifestyle said...

You are an incredibly talented and successful woman. I loved my 30s and am I sure you will as well. I hope you will seriously think about turning your story into a book/movie manuscript!

Do you still plan to do a newsletter? If so, please make sure I get on your mailing list.

Cottagelifestyle@gmail.com

Take care,

Renee

Unknown said...

Brin,

I am so glad we can keep up with your doings. I can't wait for you to open and will be happy to become a follower.

Thanks for the compromise,
Cynthia

Sissy said...

Thank you. I copied down most of the recipes, but my hand cramped up. I wish you good luck in all the coming ventures. Enjoy HenryBella's and whatever comes next. Thanks for honoring your readers with a brief farewell.

Sandy @ The Scoop on Balance said...

Just found you...and now we say goodbye.

Blessings and best wishes to you. I feel all choked up for some reason.

Wierd.

Sandy

Kelly said...

well, happy early birthday! i'll miss reading new posts, but it will be nice to still have the old ones around. looking forward to the newsletter updates. just to be sure i'm added to your list, i'm going to be obnoxious and leave my email one more time. ;) mcmullen.kelly at gmail.com

Shelley in SC said...

A very happy birthday, and may your 30's be tranquil and serene. But somehow I doubt it : )! Life is always an adventure! Thanks for sharing a slice of your life with us. It was fun to ride the coaster with you and watch you interact with your awesome God!

Nicole said...

I wish you all the best and will miss hearing your story! Your blog has been like picking up an inspiring book and full of expectations of what each page would hold. Your life, your story, your wisdom have been such a source of encouragement. I have seen over and over the goodness of God and the amazing and creative ways He has provided in your life. You have been so faithful and I know the journey has not been easy but I think you have been hand-picked to endure such things so that greater things can be accomplished. I hope all your dreams come true! (and if you ever reconsider journaling your life through this blog I know their are many who will continue to be encouraged by your messy, thrilling life) Please send me your newsletters!

Unknown said...

Perfect!!!!!
Disabling comments is ideal.
You can still journal if you like, but you are not tied to what others are thinking/saying.
It will give you freedom.
Paula

Erin Southwell said...

THANK YOU!!!!!!! :)

I'm one of the ones who hasn't gotten to read it all and was giving up on reading it all in time! So glad to read this!

Greta said...

You are the only blog I've gotten hooked on since writing. You've made me want to come to Henry Bellas and the Freeman House and meet Millie. You've inspired me.

What will life feel like without reading about your days? Sad and very very very curious. This may cause you to have stalkers. :)

Happy 30th and may God continue to bless you. I might get to catch up on your blog since you have stopped it.

Good Luck Brin!

Dawn said...

Happy Birthday a day early! I wish you all the best in your 30s. And I look forward to the day I can make a trip to Henrybella's to try some of your baked goods. I have appreciated the life lessons I have learned from you through your blog (even though I am 7 years older than you).

All the best Brin!

wanderingbtrfly said...

Thank you for sharing your life with us. I will miss your peaceful tidbits and happy thoughts. I hope to one day stop by henrybella's.

Happy 30th Birthday, Brin!

Gracie G. said...

Hurray! Thanks so much, Brin! I'm sooo happy! :)

Gracie G. said...

it's like you're giving us a birthday gift on your birthday!

Hope your birthday is wonderful!

Elisabeth said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Elisabeth said...

This is wonderful news! Thank you for sharing so much of yourself through the blog. You have been humble and transparent about many joys and hurts in life... along the way you have encouraged me in life and towards the cross. Thank you so much! I would love to receive the future newsletters.

Elisabeth
elisabeth.mcmenamy@gmail.com

Mar said...

Thank you for sharing your heart, love and life. Please send me your newsletter. Praising Him ...margaretwinifred-at- gmail (dot) com

Char said...

Brin,
Thank you for leaving your blog up!
You have been an inspiration and encouragement to so many of us. Please add me to your newsletter:
charlottethacker@sbcglobal.net

Happy Birthday and God Bless You!!!
Charlotte

Cathy said...

You remind me a lot of Sa"brin"a Ward Harrison. She has a book titled Messing Thrilling Life.

Jenny said...

Thanks for leaving the blog up. I will enjoy refering back to it now and then. Will miss your posts, you are a fantastic writer.

Sharon said...

Could you please add me to your newsletter?
I will miss this blog!! :(

sharongillin@optusnet.com.au

Jane said...

Please add my name to your newsletter list:

ojane@shaw.ca

Linda said...

Good luck and best wishes for your new adventure, keep calm and carry on, and special God Bless in all you do. Would love a news letter - jamiefrazer@yahoo.co.uk.

Love Linda X

Linds said...

Go well, sweet girl. We will still be hear if you ever decide to start writing here again. God be with you, whatever you are led to do.

Paula said...

please add me to the email list for the updates.
thanks, Paula

Tammy said...

Yay!! I have been reading and printing like crazy. Happy Birthday. Hope you have a great one!!
~~~Tammy

Abby said...

I only started reading your blog a few months ago, but I started to look forward to your updates in spite of the fact I knew you were going to shut it down.

I'm glad it's staying up, but I'll miss hearing about Henrybella's and the other things going on in your life.

You're quite inspirational.

Good luck in all of your future endeavors.

Cindy said...

I, too, am sad you are leaving us...but thank you for leaving up the blog:) I have yet to read thru it all.

If my email addy wasnt added to your newsletter list...here goes:

cindycovill@aol.com

Blessings.

Kat said...

Brin, you will be missed. I join the ranks in hoping that you will bless us with an occasional update on how you are doing and what's happening with Henrybella's. You know we all wish the very best for you!

Amy said...

So glad to here you're keeping the blog!!!

Sue said...

Yippee Skippee! I do appreciate your willingness to compromise!

Samantha said...

Please add me to the newsletter. My address is prhackney12@aol.com. Thanks and the best of luck to you!

Georgia Peach said...

I'm glad that you've decided to keep the blog up. I understand the need not to have the messages because reading them is very time consuming but I think that you are an inspiration to so many people and they get strength from all that you are and do. We'll be following along to see how you're doing with the bakery and all the other fun stuff that is in store for you. I have no doubt that the Lord has led you to this decision. He's provided so much for your spiritual strength and you've been able to do the same for others. We love hearing about what you're doing and I hope that all will continue in His love and glory. God Bless You.

Kathleen Grace said...

I am so glad you aren't closing the blog. Just in case you didnt get my other request, please add me to your new ventures email list. kathyscottage@yahoo.com.

April@MySacredSojourn said...

Happy Birthday Brin!

Rox said...

Ugh... I can't believe that it is time. I will miss you and your words so much. Please still do the newsletter.. Add me please Rox4AU at Yahoo dot com. Your pictures, watching Millie grow, watching Henrybella's grow, watching you balance it all. I will miss it so. Please take care. And God speed. :)

~DavisDetour~ said...

Happy Birthday Brin! May your thirties be everything you dream!


Thank you for sharing your life with us over the years. I am looking forward to the newsletter and being able to go back and read your blog!

God Bless

Victoria said...

You just made my day! I am so excited that I will still be able to keep up with Freeman House and Henrybella's.

Happy Birthday!

Kelly said...

Yea!!! Please add me to your newsletter. travisandkelly@yahoo.com

P.K said...

Thank you for your lovely blog. I enjoyed visiting and following your adventures. I wish you all the best with the cafe. God bless
P.K.