The blog is closing

Dear Rhonda, I have been following your Blog since 2007. I have also followed you over to Instagram and back over here to the Blog. I have been away for most of early February and then have been sick for the past week. I didn’t see your post about the workshops. I am genuinely sorry that you are feeling mistaken in your return to blogging. I have all of your books and read and re read your blog many times over. For what it is worth, I thank you for generously sharing your wisdom and skills for so many years. I will always cherish the Knowledge you have shared. Finest regards Krys West.

Rhonda, I have enjoyed your blog all these many years and was so glad when you brought it back. You will be missed. Wishing you many happy days in your garden and home!

Hi Rhonda, I've followed you here for a long time, and still refer to your books. Thank you for all your efforts over the years. You were the first writer I knew of who helped me get back to basics and simplify my life. I'm very sad that you've decided to stop writing here, but I also understand. As a fellow writer and business owner it's very hard these days to get engagement in any real way. I understand the sense of loneliness that can come from this, as I often feel as though I'm speaking into a void. All this to say, you're a bloody legend, and you will be missed from this space, but I wish you deep happiness and many days spent with your family, friends and garden. Claire x

So very sorry to hear this

Hello Rhonda, Thanks for all the wonderful blog posts over the years. Even though you now believe that restarting the blog was a mistake, you will never have to wonder if maybe it would have been right to continue. Good luck with your new ventures. (AlisonC - Homemakers forum.)

I'm sorry to hear the news Rhonda. I have loved hearing what you're up to, learning from your advice and seeing what's happening on the other side of the world for years - - since the forum. I'll miss looking forward to updates and looking through the archives for ideas and information. I wish you well and thank you for everything you have inspired for me, Holly G from Oregon

Be happy and content with you sweet Gracie and family. You deserve only the best. I wrote my thoughts and wishes on the instagram post. Thank you Rhonda, love Bernie

It was always interesting to read your blog posts, you shared so much great information. I do hope you will continue to post on IG ~ wishing you all the best. Jenny M

I enjoyed reading your blog posts for many years, thank you for sharing so much great information. I do hope you will continue to post on IG. Wishing you all the best. From Jenny M in Melbourne

Hello dear Rhonda, please don’t take your blog down. It’s such a valuable resource of information for thousands of us.
I stopped writing my blog posts a few years ago when the world became a different place but have kept it open and frequently refer back to it.
I wanted to save my energy and concentrate on creating positivity around me, the small space where I have control.
You have always been a great inspiration and your book sits proudly on my pile of favourites. I’ve also gifted a copy of your book to a young mum who is very special to me.
You have left a legacy and will certainly never be forgotten. With love, Sally at Jembella Farm XX

So sorry to hear this, I have been a follower for many many years, I don’t often comment, I’m sorry I can’t do the workshops as I too are 77 I just can’t afford them, I have read all your books and follow your advise, good luck in your future years ( Sandy, mid wales )

Sorry to hear your news Rhonda. I can only assume that you have done such a good job with your books, blog articles and previous courses that most people have the information they need, or perhaps are too overwhelmed with their busy lives to reply. Don’t for one moment imagine you have not made a difference or are no longer relevant. You have helped thousands of women and households over many years and we are all immensely grateful for your wisdom and generosity. Now is the time for you to sit back and reflect with pride and joy on all that you have done to make the world a better place, and to enjoy time with your family and new projects. There are not many people can say they’ve achieved what you have. Wishing you and your family all the best, Margot ❤️

Thank you Rhonda, for your many posts over the years, they have encouraged me to care for my home, and to treasure homemade and homegrown. I loved watching you and Hanno working together on your shared projects.

I think things have changed in the last decade especially, including home prices forcing more families to have double incomes, and so much more information available in short format on Instagram and YouTube teaching various traditional homemaking skills. It’s good to see younger women taking on this educating of others, passing on what was mentored to them by women like yourself.

I wish you the best in health and happiness and will always enjoy your book and what I’ve learnt from you.

That's very sad, I was so happy when you started posting again. Maybe the type of people who read your b!og do so because they are similarly financially constrained? There's the time difference for many too. Please don't take the lack of uptake for your workshops as a lack of interest in everything you've put out over the years. I wish you all the best and will miss this sane and stable part of the internet.

Isn't it possible to open a button on your site on which the readers can donate a small amount of money? When they drink a cup of tea while reading your blog, they can donate you a dollar of so for you sharing your knowledge. Many people don 't have to spend 50 dollar . But 1 dollar is possible for almost everybody. 165000 times 1 dollar will give you enough eggs in the nest. H.M v S from the Netherlands.
I only reading your blog for 1 of 2 years. So inspiring. Although the circumstances how we live and eat are so different.

Please don't stop the blog. So many of us love reading it and there is always something we learn.

I am sorry to hear that you feel so disheartened Rhonda! You have brought so much joy and so much heart to many people around the world. Please don't think that you are not appreciated. Engagement is down everywhere, on blogs and and on social media. Please don't take the lack of engagement personally.

Gee, while I’m devastated you won’t write anymore, I certainly understand your reasonings. I’ve been reading since the early days and have your books - every time I make the all in together orange cake, I think of you and silently thank you for it. At least I hope you can keep the blog up, so we can continue to access it. Good wishes for the future.

Dear Rhonda,
As you know, I've been with you from the start, I own and cherish both your books. I will always love your blogs.
I'm afraid that's how it is today, people don't comment or chat as much. Folk don't expect to have to send an email, or book a workshop, they click a button and it's right there! ( Probably AI )
I hope you'll leave the blog here for generations to come, and I agree with the commenter who suggests a "Buy Me a Coffee" type link - many small donations would add up.
An alternative would be to move the whole thing to Substack, and put the most valuable content behind a paywall - but that's a fair bit of work. I think you'd be a hit there, though!
Anyway, thank you for everything. Please stay in touch x
Jackie

Oh Rhonda - I’m so sorry to hear this. I’ve been an absent blogger/reader/instagrammer for a couple of years now. Life got so busy. And I’ve finally seen your post in my feed and found this. I’m too late to return. I don’t want to keep blaming Covid, but so much about life has changed since then - so much disconnect - and I was part of that, shameful to admit.
Well, I hope you find other means outside of the internet to boost your savings. Will be revisiting your posts while I have the chance.
Xx

Rhonda, I have enjoyed reading your blog, regularly refer to your books, am reminded of you and the forum when I open preserves or pull out a recipe card to create or use items received through swaps. Currently studying & working almost full time while still providing care for my family (4 generations). I am excited to see my adult children choosing to live simply. I will miss your posts. Wishing you happiness as you sign off from the blog. Ruth

I’ve been reading your blog for years and have incorporated so many ideas into my daily routine. I have your books and refer back to them all the time. I was so excited to see you return to your blog. Someone may have mentioned it already but have you thought about writing on Substack or Patreon as they’re monetised so you could raise what you need that way?

Rhonda I’ve loved your book and your blog for so many years. Have you considered Substack? Perhaps move your blog content over there? They offer paid subscriptions which would provide you with an ongoing income. You have already built a huge audience which is majority of the work. Pull some content from your book and substack it! You could also do some little online lessons or courses? You’re the best, thank you for sharing your beautiful world with us, it’s inspiring x

Hallo, I am sorry you are closing your blog...I have never commented but having been reading your blog since back when Jewel's .... I am about the age when you started blogging and I am finding value in your early posts when you were still working and making changes in how you lived. I haven't had time to catch up as I have been ill and my mind has been on other things. Please don't think that you have nothing left to give and that you are unappreciated as nothing could be further from the truth... Naomi from NSW

Aahh - I am so sorry to discover, just when I have stumbled across your website, that you are closing down. your gentle approach was so attractive to souls like me who also aim to live a simpler life. Thanks. God bless you

Rhonda
I love your blog & have read it for many many years. Your wisdom has helped me a lot. I own all your books & refer to them regularly & have gifted them to others. It’s a shame the workshops didn’t take off. I know money is very tight for many & especially those like myself who are retired & rely on the pension. Very best wishes for you & Gracie. I will miss your insights.

I am sad to read that you have had so little response to your courses. I think people are finding demands on income ever increasing and grocery shopping is SO much more expensive than even a couple of years ago. I don't know if you have considered it, but many people make a good living from making You Tube videos (as in they don't work, but earn more than when they were working full time) and so perhaps this would help you fill the financial shortfall (I am with you on this, as lost 2/3 of the household income when my husband died). I am sure your family would help you with any technical queries you had about this.

I was so pleased to see you back to blogging again and will miss your posts. Good luck for the future.

AArrgh - can't believe that I have just found your wise and huourous insights and gentle approach just as you wish to retire... I will keep you in my prayers. Thank you

Hi Rhonda, I'm so sad to hear this news, I was really pleased that you decided to reopen it. You will be sorely missed, but I totally understand your reasoning for this decision. I have read your blog from the very beginning, followed you on insta & have all your books, I even met you in Wangaratta on your book tour, so I feel very fortunate. I just love reading about your everyday life. Thank you for showing us how to go back to basics, I haven't used bought soap since I learned how to make it from your book. Take care & stay well xx

Go well, Rhonda - you have had such a positive impact over so many years, including on my own life, when I was a new mum and struggling with the identity shift. That baby will turn 14 soon - since then I've become the main breadwinner in my household doing what I love. In my academic world, I teach our students personal finance and many of your lessons of living in line with your values and simply are embedded in my classes. Enjoy the quiet, it is so very well deserved.

Your blog did give me a little safe space for a moment of peace. Rhonda, hope you all the best and enjoy every moment of your life.

Dear Rhonda, I have been reading your blog since around 2010 and often come back to it as a comfort when needing encouragement just to browse your wise words. I am not alone in being sad about you wishing to take a step back but we understand. I hope the blog stays visible for us in the future, it is after all a huge resource. I am sorry you didn't have enough interest in your workshops. I would love to attend one but as a single mum working during the week it is hard to find time and funds. I wish you all the best with your future plans and thanks for letting us into your world for so many years. Love Kate

I agree with a comment above that perhaps you could add a button so readers could send a few dollars. I am not able to attend workshops but I have read the blog for years and value the information and would happily contribute.

Hi Rhonda, I’m so sad to hear you’re closing the blog down. I found your blog in 2019, devoured all your posts and I own all the books you have published. It wasn’t just about the wonderful tips you shared and the stories of your life, but the calming effect of your blog when I was feeling lost and alone. I hope your blog will always exist for us to return to old posts as I often do, and I hope you do turn it into a book of memories one day. I’d love to attend an online workshop if you do any in future (I live in the UK). Wishing you all the very best, Hollie.

Dear Rhonda,
Your blog was inspiring, a beautiful place to visit and learn. I have your books. Thank you so very much.

Hello Rhonda, You and your posts and blog articles will be missed. Thank you for generously sharing so many of your practical ideas. I bought 2 of your books for my daughters.
I will miss you and your beautiful Gracie. Take care of yourself. Love Jo ❤️

I hope you reconsider. Lots of people probably just don't have the money to take your classes, and maybe we were all just lax in commenting. Everyone loves your blog and you will be so very missed.
Thank you for all the years you have invested in helping everyone. Enjoy.

Dear Rhonda, I am so very sad to read that your blog is closing. Please can I ask you to keep it up for a while so that everyone can read through their favourite posts. I very often like to read various subjects for inspiration - even though I have all of your books I think your blog is a quick fix!
So sorry that your workshops didn't take off, you must feel very disappointed.
Warmest wishes
Eve x

I'm sorry it didn't work out the way you hoped. So many here have already expressed how I feel. Just know that you are valued, appreciated and will be dearly missed. Sending love and peace to you and Gracie, sweet Rhonda.

Well goodness! Wow.... If all we are to you was a way to make money, then maybe it is time you stopped blogging! How hurtful this is! I have followed and commented on your post for almost 15, 20 years? I didn't know all you wanted were "views". I thought you were wonderful...helpful...and you genuinely cared about us, your fans...audience. You have given me some really useful ideas throughout the years, and I would always comment to let you know how much I appreciated you for sharing. If you needed money, you should have posted on platforms that paid well like Youtube or TikTok or even Instagram. Blogger is old and not a place for Influencers. We share our hopes and lives here...and not for money. When reading this post, I felt like I was being blamed for your lack of financial planning. It's called buying insurance. I'm sorry you didn't plan for the inevitable...but don't blame us! Good luck with your future plans.
A long time follower...but, no more.
Donna

Dear Rhonda. I’m sorry to hear you are feeling discouraged with your blog and plan to close it again. You put a lot of effort and time into your posts and you are not seeing the engagement you hoped for. I have commented before but will say again that I really enjoy reading your content and I love re-reading your book Down to Earth. Although we live on different continents and are in different life stages your message really resonates with me. This week I have been trying to think through the time zone difference for the workshops and seeing if I could make it work to attend. I hope you will continue blogging or posting in some way, but understand that you need to do what feels right to you.

I didn't realize you had resurrected your Blog. Take care of you. ❤️❤️

Hello Rhonda, I've been reading since 2008 or so. In the beginning, I was in my early 40's and your blog really helped me organize my thoughts and gave me inspiration for the simple kind of life I realized I wanted when I first became a stay-at-home mother to my high needs baby. (That baby is almost 25 years old now! And we have lived successfully as a one-income family---and on an income that's always been less than the median for our tech-heavy area, Seattle, USA---all those years.) As the years went on, you fulfilled a need in my life for the guidance of a steadfast, encouraging and supportive mother figure. (And Hanno reminded me of the men in the German half of my family.) Your calm, capable presence, your way of helping others instead of criticizing and cutting them down---that meant the world to me, and it did make a difference in my life. I'm tearing up just thinking about it now. I was so excited when you started posting again. I was so intrigued by the idea of workshops but honestly, my anxiety (which has increased so much, living in the toxic society of the US these days) would just not allow me to participate. I would love to contribute through a "buy me a coffee" type system or on Substack or Patreon, as others have mentioned. But I understand if all that is too daunting. Sending you love and gratitude from very far away.

Dear Rhonda, thank you for sharing your wisdom and especially your recipes. I am yet to make my own soap or washing powder but plan to. I have all of your books and enjoy your work immensely. Thank you again, Jennie🩷

I just wanted to say that I’ve learned so much from your blog, and discovering it made me buy both of your books in recent years. I didn’t sign up for a workshop because of time, cost, and general discomfort with the format of online workshops - it wasn’t because I’m not interested in what you have to share. Re: lack of comments, I still read and enjoy favorite blogs, but I also know I try to spend less time commenting online now as part of a broader focus on simplicity, and I imagine this is true for many in the audience you tend to attract. I totally understand and respect your decision to stop writing, but I just wanted to make sure you know that people not signing up for workshops has nothing in the world to do with you or the quality of your writing. I totally understand not feeling the time or energy is worth it at this point in life though, and I want thank you for all I’ve learned from your work!

Lovely Rhonda, I'm so sorry to hear you're closing your blog again. Many years ago (2008, I think) you encouraged me to start blogging, and I've followed you ever since, it's such a wonderful privilege to learn from you, especially as I lost most of my grandparents at quite a young age. I echo others in saying please add a 'buy me a coffee' button, or a patreon subscription - I didn't feel like I needed one of your workshops right now but I'd definitely do that. I'll very much miss you if you do stop writing. Jenni x

Hi Rhonda, greetings from Poland! For me your blog is a sign of authenticity. Of course it's getting quite popular to write about simple living, frugality, etc, but your blog really stands out as not a mere trend but a way of living.
Well, being a whole world from you i can't take part in the workshop but if I could I would suppoert your on buymeacoffee or something like that. I get really inspired by your work and I come here regularly, sometimes not even for the practical tips (that's valid too!) but for inspiration and strength to pursue a simpler life!
Stay safe and thank you for everything!

You've always been my favorite blogger, Rhonda. I don't often comment but I read your words with much interest with each new blog post. I've been very inspired by your words over the years, they reinforce my own drive for a simple life. I was excited to hear you were going back to blogging and I'm so sad to hear your blog is just not fulfilling you anymore. But I get it - after blogging myself about simple life since 2013, AI crept in and stole much of my content with each new search query, so I sold my website last year. So believe me, I get it. Follow your heart, sweet girl. But if your heart leads you away from your blog, you will be missed. Much love from Texas.

Dear Rhonda, I´m one of your earlier readers from way back when...I left the internet world for a good many years and was so sad to see you had closed shop. I always kept the bookmark to your blog though and clicked on it now and again. Such a delight when I found you had returned but now it seems you feel you want to put your blog firmly behind you. So disappointing about the lack of enrollments to your workshops but I can see on internet now that this is a very difficult way to bring in an income. So much work and advertising that has to be done to attract clients - almost on a fulltime basis!. Nothing I´m sure that would appeal to you. But a contributions button as some have suggested could mount up over time. I´d be happy to contribute. I´ll add my voice to the others hoping that you will at least keep your blog alive. You have created a treaure trove of, yes- "down to earth living", that has helped more than one generation. What an achievement! I and others will respect your decision whichever way you go, but know that you are loved and respected by the thousands of grateful readers who have visited your blog through the years.
Wishing you good health and happiness
Ramona from Sweden

Dear Rhonda, your blog has been something I returned to every time. I love reading your posts. After discovering your blog, i bought your books and I love them. I followed you here and on Instagram. I do hope you keep writing, because I know you have much more knowledge to share.
Thank you for all you have shared uptil now and I hope you will reconsider. Warm wishes from The Netherlands ❤️

Dear Rhonda, I'm so sorry to hear of your frustration. I hope you know how much value your blog has and how much you have given to thousands of people. Someone else here mentioned Substack which I think would be such a great option for you. Subscribers have an option to be a paid subscriber for whom you could provide extra content in addition to other content for nonpaid subscribers. I would happily be a paid subscriber to any Substack you started. I'm currently a paid subscriber to several and they are anywhere from $3 to $6 per month. Personally, I'm just not a workshop kind of girl and I also don't have $50 to spend all at once but $5 a month is absolutely doable. Your wisdom and advice is so valuable so please consider perhaps another forum. There's also something called patreon but I don't really know how that works. Thank you so much for all you have given to us and I'm so grateful that I have all of your books. You are truly a light in this world. Thank you.

Hi Rhonda,

I was truthfully surprised to read this post, as you seemed to want to re-engage with your followers, and bring new people to your blog as well. I will miss it as I occasionally visited even when it was closed to re-read an old post, or look up a recipe.

I didn't sign up for the workshops because I have been a longtime reader of your blog, the time difference is considerable, I have your books, and have been practicing my own version of simple living for a while, and I didn't really have anything to add to what you wrote.

What I like about blogs is the opportunity to engage with others to see how people tackle the same problems that we all seem to face. It helps me if there is a topic, "like how do you stretch you food budget in these crazy price inflation times, here's what I do" I am also interested to learn what services different countries provide to their citizens to help manage the challenges of aging in place and staying in one's own home. I am also really impressed by how much your county seems to offer. In the US, unless you have insurance, which you pay for here, and then pay a co pay as well, there is very little available unless you pay out of pocket, and even then it's limited because of manpower. Not whining about it, it is just interesting to see how different things are around the world.

I am rambling a bit. I just want to say that I have appreciated your blog and books over these many years. If there was a way to donate, I would. I don't know a thing about substack, and I am not on Instagram much. If you are resolute on stopping blogging, then I will just say thank you, thank you, thank you for your wonderful blog over the years! Best of luck to you in the future, enjoy your family and friends, and whatever things you pursue in your retirement from blogging. I and others will miss you and your blog.

~Debbie (in PA)

Hi Rhonda, so sorry to hear that you are closing the blog. I have all your books and refer to them regularly. I can't afford your courses at the moment but that doesn't mean I don't want to do them, I'd love to! Could you perhaps think about putting the workshop into a document that we can purchase? A download of some kind? Or as people have said pop a button on your blog for people to donate when they can? Wishing you all the best in whatever you decide to do x

Like many others who have commented already, I have been reading your blog for over ten years. I love and use tour books regularly and so look forward to your posts reflecting on everyday life- your writing has always been a balm to me and aligns with the way i see the world, a rarity of perspective even now. I can understand your feelings of disappointment and sadness at the lack of engagement your new readers have made with the blog. Please know there are so many of us out here who love you you do. Carly from Sydney

Dear Rhonda, I hope you will reconsider your decision and will not close your blog. You wrote that there aren't many other jobs you couId do at age 78, but you are already doing the best job, that being writing your blog. You just need to monetize it a little. I agree with the suggestion made in some of the other comments regarding adding a "button" we, your readers, can choose to press which will enable us to make small (or larger!) donations. I very much benefit from and enjoy reading about your life and home, and I would gladly press the button and donate. While your suggested workshops would earn you more money per participant, a button on your blog would, I think, make you more money consistently and over time and would let all of us say thank you and help you financially, bit by bit. Please reconsider. You have had 165,000 recent visitors. Please give those of us among the 165,000 who want you to continue the blog but do not wish to participate in a workshop, to help you rebuild your nest egg. Thank you for reading this and considering this. God bless!

Like so many others I will definitely miss your words of wisdom. Your workshops really caught my attention and the prices were very fair. The problem I had........being in mid United States ......the time difference. I have your books and refer to them frequently, but was so happy when you came back to blogging. I'm sorry your return is so brief.

Another big fan here who often just reads and doesn’t necessarily comment but loves what you write!

Will miss you dearly and happy to contribute to a Substack, donate or whatever monetary offering you might decide to offer. Your wisdom, time and energy is very appreciated. 🩷

Dear Rhonda, I am writing from Bavaria, Germany, and have been reading your blog for about 5 years. Shortly after I came across your books (I have them all) and your blog, the company I work for had to register for short-time work due to COVID-19. I had to get by on half my income for a year. Life in my home country is expensive, but with the help of your books, I managed to get through this period without going into debt. I am very grateful for that. As some have already noted, a BuyMeaCoffee button would be a nice thing to have, then I could return the favor. I consider the blog to be an additional chapter to your books—valuable content. I would be happy to pay for that. While reading your last post, I also realized that you need feedback on your posts, just like a painter who exhibits a painting—if no one says anything, the painter doesn't know whether the painting is good or bad. I never comment on posts, but this is important to me. I join the previous speakers in asking you to keep the blog and let us share in your life (with a button). The blog is already a workshop, only the payment function is still missing. In any case, I'm in. However, if you want to retire and enjoy your life, I will accept that with a heavy heart. I wish you all the best – best regards from Germany. Birgit

Hi Rhonda, I’m really sorry that the workshops didnt work out for you. I so much enjoy what you have shared with us over the years about simple living. Since discovering you I have learnt so much and purchased all your books. I found you towards the end of your time writing blogs and have really enjoyed going back to the beginning of your blogs and reading all you have contributed about a simple life and living within your means. I wish you all the best and thank you very much for all you’ve taught me. I will really miss reading your blogs. Michelle

Thank you for all your time/effort with the blog over the years.
Rachael K.

Sorry to hear you are closing your blog,love reading about your days.I have your books which are so full of information I didn't feel the need for a workshop.Happy to donate to keep you writing, if you do close wishing you happiness.

Hi Rhonda, I’d just like to say the same as everyone before. Love the blog, and your kind presence and wise words . Also have the books. Yes I also think keeping the blog somehow but raising revenue through it might be something to consider. Wishing you all the best in whatever you choose to do.
Helena C. 😊🙏💕💕

Rhonda, in today's world, 7 emails is good and it's $350. Take it. Blog about it. Things will turn around. You have a lot to offer but I can totally understand your feelings. Please don't be discouraged. You are adored!
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Rhonda, I was so pleased to hear you were back blogging again and am sad to hear you are leaving. I have came across your blog about 15 years ago whilst in the midst of raising my 3 young daughters at the time. I then bought your books and even met you on your book tour in Melbourne! The wisdom that you have shared through your writing still remains with me today. You have a way with words, Rhonda. A way that always managed to settle me, remind me of what is important, the simple pleasures in everyday life. I do hope you will reconsider keeping the blog open but also respect your decision to close it. You had a profound impact on my life, thank you. ❤️