This will be my last post here. I've been writing my blog for 18 years and now is the time to step back. I’ve stopped writing the blog and come back a couple of times because so many people wanted it, but that won’t happen again, I won’t be back. I’ll continue on instagram to remain connected but I don’t know how frequent that will be.
I know some of you will be interested to know the blog's statistics.
It's been a huge task for me to keep writing but I enjoyed it most of the time. It got me a book deal with Penguin, a monthly column for the Australian Women's Weekly plus many others, and it lead me to meet so many amazing people. But now it's time for me to enjoy life without the weight of a writing commitment on my shoulders. It takes me at least an hour to write and edit my posts, photos add more time to the task.
I’ll leave the blog up for you to read in the years to come but you’ll only be able to comment for a week. Then I’ll remove the comments so spammers can’t add their rubbish (which I always delete).
I hope you were supported and encouraged every time you visited. Thank you for being here. xx
God bless you, Rhonda. Thank you for sharing so much for so many years! xo
ReplyDeleteYou have been, and will continue to be for as long as your blog remains available, hopefully forever, a joy to read Rhonda. Many thanks for all the time and effort you have put into your amazing blog. Love to you and of course to sweet Gracie. XXX
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for all your posts and books - I've really enjoyed them all and continue to refer back to many. I hope you have a marvellous retirement!! Best wishes for your future! Thanks again
ReplyDeleteMargaret
Thank you for all your blogs, I have found them inspiring. You will be missed, wishing you much peace & happiness
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for all the wonderful posts you have written over the years. They have been truly inspiring. I have your 2 large books that are constantly read and reread for ongoing inspiration. I wish you and Gracie all the very best in your "final" retirement.
ReplyDeleteRhonda, thank you so much for all the wisdom you have blessed us with over the years. You have opened my eyes to so many areas of my life that I can simplify and enjoy. Now as a kind-of retiree (I watch my young grandchildren so I'm not a 'real' retiree but am not working at a job), my life needs have changed. Your words will continue to guide me through. Again, thank you so very much for your guidance and wise words and enjoy your retirement! CJ
ReplyDeleteWhat a marathon effort and it’s good to know you have helped so many people. I still refer to your blog posts often so I love it’s still there to source recipes and other gardening things. Thank you for all your inspiration yours was one of the first simple living blogs I found back in the day and I have all your books too. Enjoy your well earned rest. Regards Kathy A, Brisbane
ReplyDeleteThank you, Rhonda, and best of luck!
ReplyDeleteThank you, your posts and books have helped me more than I can say. I learnt things at 50 that made my life easier, cheaper and happier. At sixty I learned to change and adapt. You have been a silent but wonderful teacher over the years. Thank you once again. I will revist this blog as you visit old friends. I hope you continue to thrive and enjoy your home and family. Each time I bake your bread recipe of try one of your recipes I will, think of you.
ReplyDeleteMuch love and gratitude
Bernie
Thank you, Rhonda
ReplyDeleteThank you for encouraging me from across the world. It’s been many years since the forum and I still miss the wonderful conversations and interactions with folks that shared interests - something I hadn’t found near home. I wish you well and hope you find all of the peace and enjoyment you deserve. Holly from Oregon
ReplyDeleteYour blog and books have meant a lot to me, Rhonda! Thank you so much for your generosity in sharing your time and knowledge over the years. Your blog is a valuable resource and you will be missed. Enjoy your days in your lovely house and garden. Take care x
ReplyDeleteThank you so much Rhonda, for all the work you've done over the years, I have learned a lot from your blog posts and your books, as I'm sure many many others have as well. I totally understand your need to take a step back from writing the blog & not having the pressure of what to write about etc, you deserve a break. I remember meeting you at Wangaratta, when you were on your book tour for "The Simple Home" & how much you inspired me to make things at home & how satisfying it is to accomplish those tasks. I now make all my own soap, I make all my cleaning products, cook from scratch, preserve food, make jam from my own home grown fruit, the list goes on, all because I saw your articles in The women's weekly magazine & it resonated with me! Thank you, you are a gem! xx
ReplyDeleteThank you, for everything you have done for us. Good Luck!
ReplyDeleteI have enjoyed your blog since 2020. Often stumbling across things in the archives also.
ReplyDeleteIt has often brought me a smile and sometimes a tear in my eyes. You shared some truly thoughtful reflections. Thankyou and good luck with whatever you choose next.
I will be positive for you and not sad. I learned to knit bc of your blog. I learned to cook things i never would’ve had the courage to bread for instance. I must’ve started reading them soon after you started. I was a young mother of two little girls and my husband was sick and became disabled. I was able to knit gifts and household items while we were stuck at the so many dr appointments we constantly were at. I felt like i was accomplishing something so it calmed my nerves. I was able to bake bread and trade for haircuts and such. You taught me things that i desperately wanted to learn, that i had missed out on learning from not knowing my grandmothers And in such a beautiful way. I cried when your dear husbands health was failing and you lost him. I was excited for each new grandbaby. Thank you thank you thank you! Enjoy your retirement and feel accomplished in the beauty that you have spread!!!!
ReplyDeleteYou will be missed! I have been reading your blog for many years and have always looked forward to it. Thank you for all you have shared and taught people over the years. I wish you many more years of health and happiness. Kisses to Gracie also!
ReplyDeleteThank you Rhonda for all you have shared and done. Thank you to Hanno as well. You have encouraged and inspired me right from the very beginning of your blog. Your positive influence and warmth has helped me and many others and I am so grateful. I knew this day would come and dreaded it but I also totally understand. This is your time and I wish you many years of peace and joy. You are a treasure. With love to you and Gracie. I will often imagine you both sitting on the verandah watching, daydreaming and resting as well as you going about your daily tasks within your home. NZ Ingrid
ReplyDeleteThank you for years of committment and inspiration.
ReplyDeleteLaura in Missouri, USA
Thank you and blessings to you dear Rhonda. You have been a gentle catalyst for many people to rearrange the way they live, plus you have encouraged many of us to write about the simple ways of living. You have generously shared your knowledge and given us a space to be heard.
ReplyDeleteI’ll never forget your generosity and will always be grateful for your encouragement. Go gracefully and be well Rhonda. With much love,
Sally Jembella Farm
Thank you Rhonda for all the joy and wisdom I got from you. May you have many years of health, work and happiness.
ReplyDeleteHilde in Germany
Thank you for all the great advice, wisdom, life experience and personal stories and anecdotes you've shared on these pages. I've enjoyed every single one. Wishing you a happy blogging retirement and the extra time enjoying whatever your heart desires. I look forward to the occasional post on instagram. DC (Melbourne) xx
ReplyDeleteVery simply … thank you.
ReplyDeletePhil Pogson
I have so enjoyed your posts and all you’ve shared. Happy retirement! I know you will continue to make a contented life for yourself. You have been an inspiration for me. Thank you!❤️
ReplyDeleteThank you for all your posts and hard work. I have enjoyed your books and your blog for many years. Wishing you health and happiness.
ReplyDeleteThank you! May your writing retirement be as blessed for you as you have blessed so many with your blog posts.
ReplyDeleteThank you Rhonda for all you have given to so many. I have thoroughly enjoyed your post over the years, though haven't commented. Take care and may God watch over and bless you.
ReplyDeleteI will miss your posts so so much. Thank you for sharing all your wisdom. I really enjoy reading your posts and cannot find anyone else out there like you who I enjoy like your contribution to simple living. If you can recommend anyone else that I can follow along with, I’d be grateful if you could share with me please? Michelle
ReplyDeleteThank you, Rhonda, for all that you have shared over those many years. It's a good thing your book is still out there -- and thank you for leaving your blog up. Your strategy for ceasing the blog is also Down to Earth and sensible. Good luck, and I know you will keep on enjoying your simple and rich life.
ReplyDeleteI’m very thankful Rhonda for finding your blog . I’ve enjoyed learning about living simply and sensibly . You’ve shown us all the beauty in the everyday and how very capable we can be . I’ll look out for you on Instagram and will continue to revisit your blog history . Wishing you many hours of joy and contentment xo Jacky L
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Rhonda , for everything you have shared . I'm a little sad of course, but happy that your blog remains open. I consult it very often, and I will continue to do so. I wish you and your family the best, long years of simple life. Know that I will never forget you . I kiss you very much from France
ReplyDeleteThanks so much Rhonda for your writing and inspiration. Your books and blog have been such a help and encouragement. Best wishes for the future. Judy
ReplyDeleteThanks for the memories! I have enjoyed your blog for a very long time and learned a lot, too. Best wishes to you and Gracie.
ReplyDelete--Maxine
Thank you so much, Rhonda. I never would have learnt to make soap many years ago if it wasn't for your wonderful instructions here on your blog. I wish you the very best.
ReplyDeleteThank you Rhonda for all your wisdom and knowledge, you have been an inspiration for so many people and I wish you a very happy and blessed future 🥰
ReplyDeleteThank you Rhonda for being a shining light through so many of the changes I have made over these many years. Your great advice & calm voice has been such an inspiration. Wishing you every happiness for your days ahead & the time to take a slower pace & enjoy them. I treasure your books & re-read them often, & I have appreciated the blogs & readers comments; these are a lasting treasure-trove of ideas & guidance through challenging times.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for all you have written! I have been inspired by you many times over the years, making from scratch and leading a simpler life. I bought soap from you and was gifted loofa seeds. I will still continue to follow you and Gracie on Instagram! Take care of you, Rhonda. Lisa C
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for all you have shared Rhonda. I first came across you in a magazine article & you spoke about making soap & knitting homemade dishcloths - this sparked my interest & lead me on to so many different home making tasks that I have enjoyed over the years & still do. Your books that I have purchased (both for myself & my daughter in laws) are very well thumbed & bookmarked & well loved through so much use of them. Thank you again - Julie in New Zealand.
ReplyDeleteAll the best Rhonda. Thank so much for your wonderful blog. I have so enjoyed reading it all these years. Thank goodness you will still be on instagram at least for a while. Take care. Helen
ReplyDeleteBless you Rhonda for sharing your wisdom and insight through your blog and books. Your wise words have been a guiding light for so many of us. It’s time to smell the roses, as the saying goes. With every good wish to you for good health and happy days enjoying your home and garden.
ReplyDeleteWith thanks,
Ann
Dear Rhonda. Reading your blog has been a part of my life for the past 18 years. I am forever grateful for your knowledge that you have been willing to share with us. Thank you. Wishing you health and happiness.
ReplyDeleteThank you, God bless you 🙏👍❤️
ReplyDeleteI look forward to reading your words every so often. I'm happy this will continue to be available. Take care. Brigitte
ReplyDeleteThank you for the many times I have been inspired by your blogs and books I will truly miss you from Sandy from Wales,
ReplyDeleteThank you for everything you have written. Started my unfinished journey because of you! Enjoy your time without pressure now !
ReplyDeletethanks rhonda, go well
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing you wisdom with us over the years Rhonda. It's been a delight to share a peek into your home and garden. You encouraged me many years ago when I first started writing a blog, and I've read your words over and over. Enjoy your extra time and peace, and know that many of us will still be reading your archives and putting your advice into practice in our own homes. X
ReplyDeleteI still look at your posts regularly, sometimes going way back. Have both books too. Thankyou for all you have shared, I will look out for your instagram posts.
ReplyDeleteTake care, a pat for Gracie, Keriann NZ
Thank you so much Rhonda for sharing your knowledge and wisdom so kindly across many years. Enjoy your well deserved, additional retirement time now with Gracie and your family xx
ReplyDeleteDear Rhonda, thank you for all your wonderful posts they are so inspiring. I have your books to keep inspiring me. I can still read your posts on instagram.
ReplyDeleteGood luck and lots of love from The Netherlands
Monique Elisabeth
Oh Dear Rhonda you have been a large part of my life for so long. I will miss you and your inspiring content. Thank you for being you and good luck with your future.❤️
ReplyDeleteGod Bless you Ronda. Thankyou for your work and thankyou for leaving your blog up.
ReplyDeleteBless you Rhonda for all your commitment, hard work and wisdom. Thank you for keeping up the blog as I frequently re visit your older posts for inspiration and encouragement. Take good care of yourself and enjoy a quieter life. You will be missed but I follow you on IG so hopefully you will add a picture now and then xx
ReplyDeleteI just picked up your book again off my bookshelf. I have started to read it again. I thought I would see if you still had the blog going! So glad I caught the last one to comment on. I will read back through all the ones I have missed. Thank you. Enjoy your retirement. Karen
ReplyDeleteThanks Rhonda for keeping your blog available to us, all that wisdom is priceless! I've enjoyed reading here for over 10 years. I hope you and Gracie will enjoy many more years in health and contentment! Warm regards from Netherlands
ReplyDeleteThank you Rhonda, I have loved your posts. You have really influenced me in such a positive way and I have your beautiful DTE book which I often go back to. Best wishes for more peace in your days xx
ReplyDeleteThank you! So grateful for all you have shared and so happy the blog will remain, I reference it often, to get new ideas and to keep me on track on the steps to take to live my life, the way that is important to me. Wishing you all the best!!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much Rhonda. I hope you continue to enjoy your retirement, it’s well earned. It’s your influence that got me making soap, knitting dishcloths and making laundry soap. The dishcloths are a hit with friends and family and I’ve made dozens, all from thrifted cotton. So there’s a lovely positive change you created.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your wisdom, thank you for the encouragement to try and be something outside of the norm and thank you for sharing yourself and your life. Enjoy true retirement and many peaceful days with dear Gracie. XOXO
ReplyDeleteThank you for bringing so much light into the world. May God bless and keep you all of your days.
ReplyDeleteDear lady, thank you for your wonderful blog, I have read and re-read from the beginning and am always waiting for the next instalment and popping in for information, unfortunately it is very difficult to source your books here in the UK so I will sorely miss your presence. May I wish you peace and love going forward in your life and again thank you🙏❤️. Jan in Castle Gresley, UK
ReplyDeleteThank you for all the things you've shared with us, the good ones, the sad ones, the interesting ones, all of them, you'll be part, I hope so, along with GDonna and other beautiful souls of my Tesi, it'll be a pleasure to describe how your words and your work have changed so many lives.
ReplyDeleteThank you 💚
ReplyDeleteDear Rhonda, Thank you for all your wonderful blog posts and sharing your wisdom with us for 18 years! I’m very grateful you are leaving your website up, I have your beautiful books and also was lucky enough to do a blogging workshop with you. You are an inspiration! Best wishes & hugs to you, Gracie and your wonderful family and Hanno in Heaven. Helenaxxx
ReplyDeleteRhonda, hopefully I will catch you on Instagram from time to time. I don’t blog so much these days as it does take time as you say. I have happy memories of the DTE forum and seeing you and Hanno over the years. All the best for what lies ahead of you. We are both the same age so these are interesting times as we get older. Chel
ReplyDeleteRhonda, in my early forties I felt like I was a bit of a martian until I came across your blog. I breathed a sigh of relief to see that delight in the scent of line dried clothes, to enjoy making dish cloth, a Sunday morning potter, and to end the day tidying ready for day isn’t weird, is just plain joy. Thank you for reflecting out loud what many of us inherently feel - investing time and energy (rather than money) in making your home a sanctuary is wonderful. Ikm in my prime money making years and have a full on job, but I still delight in the basics of cooking, cleaning, sewing, and being an all round home McGyver. I’ve loved all you posts. Thanks for being an inspiration.
ReplyDeleteDear Rhonda, thank you for all the hard work you've done here and all the wisdom you have shared. It is a huge gift to all of us.
ReplyDeleteGood luck and God Speed to you, Gracie and all your family.
MeliB from Germany
You have been generous with your time and ideas. I have loved the blog. Thank you. I wish you all the best. Kate.
ReplyDeleteWell, Rhonda. Is it really time to say good-bye? I feel that there is less and less to look forward to now; but I certainly understand. Thanks for all you have shared with us, and take good care of yourself and Gracie.
ReplyDeleteThank you Rhonda. You have inspired so many people!
ReplyDeleteOh man, Rhonda....what a surprise & a disappointment. I've always loved your blog & reading your wisdom. You will be missed. Love, Andrea xoxo
ReplyDelete