Now this is not the end. It is not even the beginning of the end.
But it is, perhaps, the end of the beginning.
-Winston Churchill
I look back over the past six years of this blog and let the fullness of it sit with me: the joy, the heartbreak, the discovery, the adventure, the longing, the learning, the trying, the becoming. To be honest, some of it seems so far removed now. And some of it feels like yesterday.
So much has changed in my life since beginning this blog. I was, in the early days, a reporter-come-home. Life intervened with my career and I found myself out of the limelight and out of the big city, tucked away in a forgotten town. I was a girl with big hopes and big plans and, soon, a big, monster of a house to renovate. Ah, Freeman House. Many of you came along as I worked to save and preserve her. It was a huge and delightful undertaking. And still many more watched as, in the crash of 2008, I struggled to keep her. I know many of you felt my loss as I packed and drove away.
(To be sure, she's okay now. Freeman House is. I should say more than okay. The owner I purchased her from- the same owner who let the house fall into shocking disrepair in the 15 years prior to my arriving- got her back. Upon inheriting an estate, the old/new owner ripped her open, gutted the place, and rebirthed it in her own image. I drove past once and ended up getting out of the car 10 minutes later and crying so hard I vommited. The historical details? Gone. The heavy, wavy windows I loved so much? Gone. The soul that made Freeman House... Freeman House? Erased. But she was saved. Folks gush that she is beautiful again. And if I played even the smallest role in protecting her, I'm satisfied.)
But Freeman House wasn't an ending, it was the end of a beginning. You all supported and cheerleaded from the webstands as we moved on, baking... reading... knitting... gardening... talking... believing. I'll forever be grateful to you for the thoughtfulness and happiness you brought into my life. If I played even the smallest role in doing the same for you, I'm satisfied.
It's time for me to move on from this blog. I'm sure you've seen it in my half-heartedness and heard it in my writing. My heart simply isn't here anymore. I hardly recognize the 24 year old girl who began writing this blog. I venture that she would hardly recognize me. But both of us have, and will always, recognize and remember you... your presence here... your place in our blog heart.
Thank you. Thank you for sitting in on the beginnings of my messy, thrilling life. I wish you all the sweet and solace in the world, and of course, my forever
love,
Brin
P.S. You can reach me by emailing me at letters(at)brinwisdom(dot)com. And I hope you will. Let's stay in touch...
57 comments:
You will be missed! However, I understand. But I will still miss you. :)
Oh Brin, say it isn't so! I remember so many of those photos and the beautiful stories that went along with them. Thank you once again for inspiring us and sharing your life and your lovely thoughts. You will be greatly missed... and should you decide to come back again, we will be waiting! :) Blessings.
I"m gonna be selfish here and say, I'm sad to see you go! Your blog was one of the first I followed, longed for and still treasure, above all, I will miss your way with words. I've been here for the last 6 yrs. and I too miss Freeman House, happy she is saved, but sad to see the true bones gone. I hope you will keep the blog up so I can go back when I feel the need or do I need to get busy and copy all the good stuff, that take awhile! You will be missed!!
I have so enjoyed following your blog. You have shown us so much through your talents, ideas and interests and I will really miss you. Will definitely bookmark your blogfrog and etsy sites! Do you have any other sites I don't know of? I wish you well and hope the future brings many wonderful things to your door.
p.s. - Is there any chance you'll keep the your blog open so we may go back and re-visit from time to time? (It's like a comfortable friendly visit and I would be happy if you kept it open, even if you posted just once a month!)
Yes dear Brin, I am sorry to say I have seen the end coming. I can only wish you the best in whatever comes your way in the future. Everything has a season and sometimes we need to get away and concentrate on the living before we have more to share. I've felt that way a time or two. I hope that in the future, you come back to writing and sharing your life. One of the best things about blogging is the encouragement you get just when you need it most. Good luck in all you do, "Brin", may God continue to bless you in all you do.
Love Kathy
I WAS HOPING FOR A HAPPY EVER AFTER ENDING! WITH YOU GETTING MARRIED AND LIVING SOMEWHERE YOU LIKED! IT DIDN'T HAPPEN SO I WISH IT FOR YOU EVEN IF WE DON'T KNOW ABOUT IT.MAY GOD BLESS YOU ALWAYS.
Oh, I shall miss you, my friend, but this doesn't surprise me. You have walked down so many paths and have come to a new place! I wish you the best blessings ever. Thank you for your sweet words and your openness and honesty. God bless you much.
~Adrienne~
Gonna miss visiting here. You are one sweet lady...touching so many with your words of wisdom. May God continue to bless you with health and happiness.
Brin, I certainly respect your decision. I haven't posted a comment lately but I do read you and enjoy your writing, half hearted or not!! I will miss you.
Ah, sad to see you go, Brin. This has been a sweet blog. But there are seasons for everything. Best wishes as you continue through your messy, thrilling life.
I'll miss your lovely writings...but wish you all happiness and joy!
Oodles of blogs have come and gone over the past 5 years... but yours has remained a constant in my life.
I will miss you dearly.
Your blog was truly a diamond in the rough, I've been here for 4 of the 6 yrs, although not usually commenting, I always enjoyed your adventures and soulful writing. When I first discovered it, your blog brought tremendous joy and comfort to me during a truly challenging time in my life while fighting a difficult to treat illness. Like you I feel completely reborn from the person I was years ago as I am now well into recovery. I shall always remember your blog in the same way that I remember truly great books that always stay in our hearts and help to shape a part of who we are. I truly hope you will keep the blog open to re-visit your old posts, they are so lovely and special. Much love, Athena
Best wishes. I hope we'll hear every once in a while how you are getting along.
I've been visiting your blog for years and will miss you. It's always the first one I check and have noticed the long gaps between posts...I guess I'm not surprised. A little sad for myself to find that we won't be able to share in the unseen and unknowable joys that lie ahead of you. But I understand. You'll be missed, and you are loved. God bless you, Brin, and thanks for all you've shared with us through the years.
I am so very sad to read that you are going to stop blogging. I understand change and the need to take different paths but I will truly miss you and your post. I hope you might reconsider as I believe your words have far more importance than you realize, you are helping others and that is a true gift.
Victoria
I too will really miss your blog. It is one of only a handful I check regularly. Many blessings to you. You are right to stop if it has become a drain and not a refreshing part of your life. Will the community you began a while back continue? If so, I will have to get myself over there to join. :)
I've been following for a long time too. I've also bought aprons from you in the past. I'll miss you and your blog very much! To everything there is a season...praying that your next season is exciting and beautiful!!
I can't say how long I've been reading, but I know you were at the Freeman House, took a trip to Greece or Turkey, adopted a lovely Lab, owned a bakery and kept me in recipes, craft ideas and gave my spirit a place to breathe. Thank you very much. I'm hoping that you're moving on to a happy place, one with continued joy in the small things.
Oh Brin, (((HUGS)) to you. I have so enjoyed coming here and reading your words....I loved your Monday Moments, hearing about your adventures and trips, what you were baking, knitting or sewing and oh, the work you put into Freeman House (she thanks you, I just know it!) What I love the most is how genuine you are and how you readily share your experiences with us to teach, to inspire, to encourage and to share God's goodness so we can all see how blessed we are. I wish you the best ALWAYS and I pray God's richest blessings in your life. You have touched mine. Hugs, Heather
I literally re-read your entire blog from start to finish last week. I've been following for the past 4 years and your blog saw me through some rough times. I always looked forward to your posts, even when you were struggling, because it meant that I wasn't the only single 20something going through those growing pains. But I agree with others that I've felt it coming for awhile (maybe that's why I felt compelled to re-read last week). Your posts have been less and less frequent and never with the same energy as before we lost Freeman House (because we truly lost her with you). I'm sad to see you go, but I hope you will come back now and then to update.
Good luck, dear Brin. Your writing and your heart will be missed.
Brin, I'll miss you. Yours is the first blog I check each day. But a lot goes on and changes in 6 years, I know. May joy and happiness accompany you on your journey each day, bringing you and your sweet chocolate lab peace. It is the Lord's work and it is marvelous in our eyes.
Love your blog, and I'll miss you.
I have enjoyed your blog since the moment I first discovered it. Blogging is time consuming, as I have learned, so I can fully appreciate your decision. Thank you for sharing your thoughts, dreams and love of Christ with so many. I am confident that you will always find an outlet for your writing as it is a gift. I will not be the least bit suprised to find myself browsing a book store someday and come across your work. It will be then that I can say, "It's Brin! I knew her when..." You have touched my life despite having never met and being a generation apart. Amazing how our Lord brings us together! Enjoy what He has in store for you!
Brin, I'm so sad to read this. I have followed your blog and your adventures for 4 years. I have to say that some of your trials have given me comfort in knowing that I'm not alone. Sometimes the road we find ourselves on is not the one we have mapped out. It's part of the journey, part of what makes us who we are. The joys, the disappointments, the heartache, and the happiness. I will so miss reading about your days. I hope life brings you joy, happiness, and peace in your heart! I will check back here hoping you might miss us and change your mind!
Brin, I can't say that I am surprised, but I can say that I am deeply affected and saddened. It's wrong of me to feel sad because it's from pure selfishness on my part. And soon perhaps I will smile and remember that you're not stepping down from your Messy, Thrilling Life, you're stepping up. I will be looking for "the book." I'm sure it will come. Next year? Five years? Thirteen? I don't know, but don't wait too long for I am growing old...fast. ☺ (I was horrified at the new story of Freeman House. Ugh.) All the very best to you, my dear. Blessings...
Go with God, Brin. May He continue to guide you on your life journey. Thank you for sharing a piece of it here with us.
I found you when you were still at Freeman House, and lived my dream through you. I cried when you lost the house, but was impressed by your strength. I will miss your blog terribly, but hope for the very best for you going forward. I quit facebook awhile ago as my way of stepping back and it was a good thing, so hope this works out for you as well.
thank you for your words over these years. i pray you find the next thing your heart is desiring, but make sure to always come back and reflect on how far you've come.
Brin,
You have made a difference in the world in general and my life in particular with your words and faith. Thank you for sharing your life with us all. I leave you with this quote:
Don't be dismayed at goodbyes. A farewell is necessary before you can meet again. And meeting again, after moments or lifetime, is certain for those who are friends.
--- RICHARD BACH
Bittersweet. Like many, yours was one of the first blogs I followed. My sister-in-law encouraged me to visit your blog because of your Monday Moments. I remember gathering with my family and we would talk about you... were you real? and what you were up to lately.
I've bought things from your etsy store and even when you had an auction.
I prayed for you when you shared your painful heartbreak over a man and a house and a precious Maebelline kitty.
I'll miss you, but thank you for sharing your life. Thank you for making a difference.
God's richest blessings!
Just wanted to let you know that I have loved your blog, through your trials you have offered so much hope!! What ever your next venture good luck, and you will be in my prayers!!
Michaelann
I'm really sorry to hear you won't be writing her anymore. Your stories got me through the last three years, stuck in the middle of nowhere-Wyoming, lonely and homeless. Someone understood my hurting heart, and though our stories were different, you touched my heart. Thank you, and I pray that God blesses you abundantly!
Sads. You must not realize how much you mean to so many people.
Brin, I will miss you too. I think that your blog encouraged us and made us love you because all of our lives are messy and thrilling too. God bless you and guide you...He will walk with you.
Cindy from Wyoming
Hello Brin, I have never commented before but I am a swedish reader and have read your blog for a couple of years.
I just want to say a big thank you. Lots of times I have had a bad day or in need of strenght and I have visited your blog and it always made me feel better and inspired. Your faith has helped me to remember my own.
I am happy for you and hope that you continue being strong and see the beutiful things in life, for no one does that quite like you. Take care and be blessed. Love Kristin
thank you for all that you have added to my google reader. I was a new reader about a year ago and God used you many many times to talk to me. I'll be grateful forever for that.
all the very best to you as He directs you in new ways.
(and if you ever start a new project or new blog, please let us know)
Brin, you are one of the most talented, inspiring women I have met since blogging. Thank you for everything you have put into this blog. Wishing you all the best! Twyla
i'm sad, i loved coming here and reading ..i will never hear about your stories, your adventures, your new home...
good luck to you and God Bless..
I am so saddened to hear that you won't be blogging anymore, though I understand that seasons change and we must, from time to time, move on to newer things. I have been reading for 4 or 5 years...I don't remember how I came to find this place, but I have walked alongside you, prayed for you, cried with you, laughed and rejoiced with you. My husband and I even went on a detour on our way through Texas just so I could see Henrybella Bakery in person (though you had already sold out and gone home that day, I still have the picture of the beautiful little shop!) I will miss you and your words and photos more than you know, but I will continue to pray for you! My love to you!
Godspeed, Brin!!!
You have touched me....and so many others. Carry on, head held high and knowing that we will be rooting for you.:-)
Hi Brin,
I will miss reading your blog. Will you be removing it, or will you leave it up. If the former, please let us know so that those of us who want recipes, or whatever, will have time to get them. You will live on in my life through your recipes and crafty projects. Best of luck to you and May God Bless Your Messy, Thrilling Life!
Ruthie from California
I have never stopped popping in to read what you're up to. wish you God's best in all you put your hands to - wish we could read about it, but completely understand that a new Chapter is here. love and blessings always!
ps. will prob still keep popping in to see if you come back :) thanks for the email addy so we can keep in touch.
P.P.S yours is the ONLY blog I've consistently kept up with. for at least 3 years now :) you are a gem and God uses you.
'nevertheless' ...
:)
Tara
You will be greatly missed in Blogland. You are the reason I began blogging. I too have enjoyed your writings and hope that you will still be using your talents to touch others.
God Bless!
hugs,
tara
You are the first blog I've ever followed....before I even knew what a blog was. You are the reason I started my own. I know how hard it is to keep up a blog, I've been thinking about stopping mine many times as well.
I hope you don't remove it from cyberspace, now and then I think about some of your recipes and look it up. It would be a great resource AND now and then, even if it's twice a year, it would be great to hear from you with a recap of what you're up to. I would be very satisfied with that.
Best to you~
Sweet Brin,
I will miss you so much and all that you have shared. Yours was also one of the first blogs that I discovered and it has always been a sort of soft place to land . . . Perhaps you will write another blog one day, as an older wiser version of the girl we all fell in love with (not that you weren't wise at 24!) I have a feeling we will hear your voice and stories again. I do hope so. Until then, you will be missed.
Erin @ Rare and Beautiful Treasures
Oh I will miss you.
An Aussie fan of many many years sending lots of love to you on this new stage of your journey...xx
If you ever start a new blog, would you please please link us up? x
God Speed, my dear friend. Travel safe.
I'm so sorry you lost your Dear Freeman House. I followed you through so many exciting days there. Please let us know if you decide to blog again. Thanks. Kathi
Please come back.
I haven't been here for awhile but you were not forgotten, I have always enjoyed your blog as you inspired and encouraged..thank you.
The best to you Brin!
Just stopped by to check if you changed your mind - sadly, you didn't. I hope all is well in your life,
When one door closes, another door opens. Did someone already say that here? Don't know...haven't read them all yet. I started reading your blog in about the second year and I went back and caught up with the archives. I have been away from reading my list of favorite blogs because of a thing called Facebook...yes, but eventually I've drifted back to my old blog friends only to find that one of my first favorites is leaving the nest! Have watched you grow through it all....had I been your age (I'm not - I'm 73) and during these times, I might have done all the things you've done. I hope that sometime in the future in your next phase of life, you will sit down here and create a new blog so that I and we can keep up with your adventures through life.
God Bless,
LeAnne
Just stopped by to see if you had posted anything about a new site you might be working on. Hope you are having a great time - I'm sure you're into all sorts of new adventures! at least the blog is still up :) apparently your 'readers' are tenacious and keep thinking you may return. Hope you had a Happy Thanksgiving! :)
I think you should make a Christmas comeback. I've been faithfully checking back for months; keep hoping you'll revisit the blogosphere. We need an update on your life! Consider it a Christmas gift for all of your blog friends :-)
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