Good morning. I hope this finds you doing well. About 8 months ago I took a leap of faith in another direction and started my newsletter. I can’t believe it’s been that long. For years, this blog has been a creative outlet, a way to contribute to my family and most of all, a place to connect with all of you. What has fueled me all of these years, is the sense of community and connectedness. While I love sharing ideas and things we find useful, I certainly value knowing we are not alone on this journey.
Most of you know that we’ve endured a significant amount of loss (Alzheimer’s journey). Losing my brother and parents rocked me to my core and created a laser focus on what matters most. It’s because of that, that I treasure time with my little family and dear friends. And in a sense, I feel like many of the topics I would like to chat about are better suited for a newsletter than a blog. Opening up about subjects that I am wrestling with or topics dear to my heart feels natural to me and it’s been a wonderful way to connect more deeply with you. I love nothing more than when you reach out because a particular story resonated or maybe you feel differently but it sparks a wonderful conversation. That is the good stuff.
If you have not already, I would love for you to join us. I send out a letter each Thursday evening. The format is relatively short and typically focuses on parenting, life lessons or friendships. I also throw in a recipe my family is loving and clever ideas I stumble upon.
And while I love creating content for the blog and Instagram, I feel passionate about sharing what I know and love about relationships and the importance of nurturing those. Do you know that one of the best predictors of longevity is in fact the quality of our relationships? (WSJ) That is powerful. I have so much more to share on that and am working on something near and dear to my heart. And while it’s a bit scary to pivot, I know I can’t ignore the tug I am feeling. I will never let go of the blog, but I do pray this next step is one worth taking.
Please know how much I value you taking a minute out of your day to be here. And I hope you’ll join us each Thursday evening where we keep the conversation going. Can’t wait to share more about the next step in this journey.
A few kinds words from readers:
“Powerful! I’ll be applying that. I’ve always said our kids are a mirror of our stress and energy..but adopting the thermostat. Thank you for invoking your wisdom on us all!” – C
“Loved your email! Just reading it brings me joy and peace . . . ordinary moments are the ones that bring back the most memories. Thank you for sharing your wisdom and insight. Love you, friend!” – J
“I know I’ve said this before but I have to say it again – this morning’s newsletter was incredible. Thank you! Hope you have a great weekend.” – B
Tugs are a God nudge.
God Bless you as He leads you.
Thank you, Lynette. Always appreciate you.
I look forward to Friday mornings when I open my inbox and read the newsletter. LOVE IT. That and a cup of coffee is how I start my Fridays! Always an inspiring and fun read. Thanks for spreading knowledge, tidbits, tips, recipes and words of wisdom all these years. Whatever platform you are on or what you are doing – I’m there! Have a great rest of the week my friend!
I really enjoy your email newsletter! It’s beautifully designed and reads like talking with a friend over coffee. Even though my kids are grown and I have grandkids, I enjoy hearing about your family and remembering the pivotal times in our lives, such as loosing parents,, the challenges of Alzheimer’s (my own mom), and a child going off to college. Your recipes are always delicious too! You are one of the few blogs I continue to follow as you are so relatable and have always stayed true to yourself
These days I only follow a handful of blogs and yours is the one I always read first. It’s a good mix of life, fashion and home styling. I love that you are open and honest in the newsletter as well as the blog. Especially now that we are on our own very difficult journey with Alzheimer’s. Thank you for sharing your story with us.
I love everything you create!
Love reading your blog and newsletter, Courtney. Lost my sister to cancer, my mother to Alzheimer’s, my father in law to dementia, in less than three years. Lost my dad to a sudden illness five years ago, then my late sister’s husband died leaving us to raise my teenage nephew. Not what we were expecting at this stage of our lives! Always enjoy your perspectives on life! Keep up the good work and looking forward to see what you’re up to! As many of the other comments mention, there aren’t that many blogs that I follow anymore. Yours and Megan at Honeywerehome are my favorites!
Courtney, I echo all the sentiments above. I’ve been so moved by all that you have shared within your newsletters. Like so many have also mentioned, the blogs I follow aren’t many; yours has always been so honest and relatable. Thank you, my friend.
May God continue to be with you and your loving family as you walk this journey of life. 🙂
Blessings and ditto ditto ditto to all the previous commenters! I signed up when you first started and try very hard to “save” your newsletter for Friday morning coffee , but I have been known to check in on a late Thursday night just in case! Love your insight- you are wiser than your years! I’m probably almost old enough to be your mom if I was a young bride. We’ve did the raising decent graceful human being thing and now waiting for grandchildren to spoil! I enjoy your beautiful home and have “copied” many of your Amazon finds for my home and every now and again a classic wardrobe piece you’ve vetted for us. Please keep us in the loop on those tidbits as well! I just let Courtney do the shopping for me! One of 3 blogs I follow, and always the first! Best to you and your beautiful family! It’s definitely a roller coaster ride. I love how you inspire me to be grateful for my own blessings every day in a time when so many people are only concerned with keeping up with The Joneses, The Smiths’ etc!
I am a long time follower and LOVE your newsletter! It is jam packed of good stuff.
I echo everyone else here – I really appreciate the newsletter and the short, sweet content you share. It always gives me something to think about. Thanks for pouring so much into your readers!
I, too, lost my brother 6 years ago, and then my dad suddenly last April. My mom has Alzheimer’s and we moved her near us to an assisted living. A friend followed you and suggested I read your blog. While I wouldn’t wish this journey on anyone, your insight and perspective have been encouraging to me. So thank you for sharing your story!
👏👏🥰
YAY!! I can’t wait to see your name pop up in my inbox – and feel like we are having a good catch up with your newsletter, my Courts x