Something happened. I can't put my finger on when. I think it was maybe five or so years ago… when social media really began barrel down the hill and swept all of us along with it. Before we knew it, we were tumbling around in it like sand in a tidal wave – almost forgetting was life was like to just be settled on the sea floor. Grounded. Quiet.
In that time, bloggers seemed to take one of two paths. The first began to shout, to join in on the fight. The second began to silence themselves, choosing instead to watch the brawl from a safe distance.
Our fun little online world in the time I’ve been a blogger has turned into a bit of a street brawl. In fact, just today, I was verbally assaulted for butchering my old laying hens instead of letting them live our their days on our farm.
Ya’ll. I’m a farmer. I’m not running an animal sanctuary. There are people who do that, and do that well. Good for them.
Here’s the great news for those of you who disagree with any choices we make here on the farm: they don’t affect you.
Here’s the other great news: I’m not going to ask you to do anything in your life the way I think you should do it.
Ya’ll. Let’s stop taking it all so seriously.
I have a blog full of unpublished posts that I self-censored for one reason or another, knowing for certain that some of them would drag me into the street brawl I was so keen to avoid. Vaccines. Discipline. Homeschooling. Sleep training. Circumcision. Raw milk. Butchering. Religion. Election cycles. Music choices. You name it, I've avoided it because I know the wrath of the internet that will come.
But has anyone else just run out of caring?
Not in a hard-heart or non-empathetic type of a way. Just in a I-can’t-manage-the-internet’s-feelings-all-the-time-anymore kind of a way.
I’m not sorry if you don’t want me to butcher my old laying hens. They’re my hens, living on my dime, on my farm. I’ve raised them, cared for them, and will kill them to provide for my family. What about it.
You also are gifted the freedom to raise your own chickens. To pay for them, feed them, care for them, and do whatever you see fit with them.
I want to blog, to write, to share my life on our small homestead here with you all. I want to be able to speak to things that are important to me – and I’ve got no one else to blame but myself for being silent on so much of what I want to share. I’ve taken my thoughts, my feelings, and my choices far too seriously. And I’ve taken your comments too seriously.
Life is hard – so incredibly hard. We need to laugh. We need to share a glass of bubbly and a beautifully roasted chicken. We need to dance silly to our favorite trashy pop songs (Shawn Mendes, I’m looking at you). We need to stop taking ourselves so damn seriously.
The Lord has given us so much to enjoy. Discretion is good. Wisdom is good. Charity is good. But I, for one, am going to take the gloves off and start dancing here on this blog. It may be a bit informal. There may be typos and stream-of-conscience thoughts. I may be figuring things out as I travel along and I will make mistakes about a lot of things. Don't feel the need to correct me.
But I’m a human. And so are you.
So instead of self-censoring myself to death, I’m opening myself up this year to just sharing the journey with you all. Whatever that may be. I’m going to stop all the serious nonsense and fall back in love with the process of growth and the incredible gift that is homesteading.
More cabbage. Less comments.
More flowers. Less drama (man, I wish I could think of an ‘f’ word to put there… frama.)
Okay, that’s all. See? I told you? Free form nonsense. Google’s going to hate this post and I don’t care. We’re talking about growing carrots and making bacon here on this blog – not brain surgery.
Excited to join this new phase with you, my friends.
Shake it all off. Let’s go!
CLUCK YES!! I was going to say the other word…but feared it may not be appropriate. But hell to the yes. We are here to hear what YOU have to say, not what we expect you to say. Kudos, my friend! Let it toll, I for one am here for it!
EGG…..CELLENT !!!! BEU2022 !!!!
Here here!
Good for you!! ♥️
All I have to say is….. HOLLA!!! I’m in!! This all sounds pretty stinking good to me!!! Can’t wait to read all your unashamed , unapologetic, lovely , beautiful posts!!!! Keep in keeping on Shaye!!! “ I get it”!!!
I’ve had the pleasure of learning so much from you! Our TV can stream youtube so I’m able to cook alongside you as well as have my children learn from you. You’ve been a blessing to us. Thank you. 🙂
Yes! Absolutely YES! All. Of. This. 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
People who think they know what is best for your family …and they can not keep their mouth’s shut….
I call them “Job’s Friends” 😉
Carry on.
YES Shaye! Please go all in!! I have been so curious about your opinion on basically all of these topics. In fact, because I have a 3 month old, just today I was thinking, “I wonder what Shaye thinks about sleep training?”
Yes! Want to know me about her take on sleep training. I have a 2 month old.
Job’s friends! I would’ve spit my tea out if I’d taken a sip! That’s a perfect analogy! I’m going to use that!
I’m reading Job right now and YUP. That made me laugh 😀
Lol….Job’s friends! Love it. Gonna use that one.
Yay!!!! I love this and you so much. Honestly, I feel freer hearing you say it. You are a courageous soul and this is a great example to others! As someone who has been contemplating entrepreneurial dreams and plans and wondering how I want to do it; because something felt off with the social media world and didn’t align with me…this gives me a real boost in confidence in my own thinking which definitely aligns with yours! Thank you for liberating me!
Yaayyy! I’m so glad to hear this. And, so glad for you that you are feeling more free to post the content you want. Good for you! I can’t wait to ride along and see the unleashed Shaye! ❤️
Regarding chickens….people eat them, no? Where do they think they come from?!? At least you will be eating humanely raised ones…if only they knew how most chickens were raised for consumption…me thinks they would be appalled! Enjoy for chicken!
I had the same exact thought! In America at least it seems most people are raised just too disconnected from where their food comes from. I imagine people from just 75 years ago would find the idea of not eating a chicken who is not working on a working farm completely ridiculous!
I took a sebatical somewhere in between old school blogging and this current social media wave. Coming back around I have struggled just wondering what I’m the heck has happened. You are so right – the opinions have become ridiculous and grace and mercy were left behind. I applaud you Shaye because while I don’t completely understand the sacrifice you could potentially see from this, I know that being true to our self (and God’s lead) should be second to none. Enjoy your freedom and know that there are many of us back here rooting for you! Do you girl. Just do you. ♥️
Amen!
Amen,
Just butchered a free loading grain guzzling no good aggressive rooster. He attacked me carrying my baby in the coop one too many times. Not a tear was shed but I was grateful. We at his tough meat and the dog enjoyed her treats. Now I don’t have to carry the grain bucket lid in with me like a shield maiden. And the hens are MUCH happier. All around win
My husband and I were JUST discussing flock behavior with and without a rooster. The hens are so much more relaxed without a roo (several experiences in this), and frankly so are we!
Girl, that comment had me crackin’ up!! Shield maiden!! Do you have an IG?
Best thing I’ve read in a while!
Yes, God granted us a life to live it fully, not to be scared of what people may think!
Love this. I wish more people would do this. I’m guilty at times too…even around my own family. I say let it rip, Shaye. Your freedom loving followers are here for ya!
I have soooooo missed your thoughts. Videos are fun, but the way you write is very engaging!! I can’t wait to read your thoughts. It will be so refreshing, no matter what uncensored whimsical thing you say. 😉
I have felt that you have censored yourself for so long. I knew that you had feelings about certain things that you were holding back on. I am so happy to hear that you will not be holding back anymore. Also so happy that you and Angela both are not holding back anymore on Homemaker Chic. I so enjoy the real you and can’t wait to see what you have to say.
I second this!
Yeah! I want to hear about all those taboo subjects you listed 😁thanks for all your interesting content!
Yes, and Amen!
Yes Shaye , I would love to hear your ideas perspective and option about all of the things! Don’t hold back ♥️
I’m here for it!
Yay!!! Say NO to cancel culture! Can’t wait to read it all!
This should be fun!
Get it girl! As much as I adore animals and it pains me to think of them being hurt, I see equally the value in using them to provide for your family. Or my family! Whilst I’m NO farmer( that’s why I live vicariously through you) I feed my family with meat from a store where I KNOW that animal has not been ethically treated. So all y’all can take a seat and save your shame for things that REALLY matter. Lighten up. It’s 2022, have we been doing the best we can with what we’ve been given? I think yes! Say more, Shay! Let’s really blow them out of the water!!😉 Xo~
10-4 sister. I’m bout it, bout it.
Beautiful. Thank you 😊
Yes, yes, and more yes!!!
Hurray! The world does need more of kind authenticity & advocacy, not censorship! I’m so happy to hear! 🙂
Wonderful! Very encouraging!
YES. 100% YES. I am so excited for you but also to be able to take in what you have to offer, in the way you want to share it!
Unfiltered and unapologetic honesty and REALNESS. Here. For. It.
I’m here for all of it girl! No one is forcing anyone to read something they don’t want to see or know about! Let us live!
This speaks to me! Thank you for your post.
I am SO here for it!!!
I remember the days of reading your blog and I am here. for. this!! I want to be intentional about what I am consuming and already seek out your content without social media/mainstream influence. Now I’m ready to get back to the unfiltered real and raw in all aspects of life. Shine your light girl, so us other fiery souls can you find you in the dark!
YES YES YES. Love it. Going over to newsletter now to sign up.
YES! I don’t agree with everything you believe in or say (which actually is good because yay for challenging beliefs), but I love watching your videos and reading your blog because there are so few people willing to be authentic on the internet anymore. Stay true to you.
Thank you for not caring anymore about what others think! That is one thing I have learned in these past 2 years and that is I don’t cate what anyone thinks of me as long as I am being myself and following my beliefs! Cheers to 2022
Amen , Sistah!!! Take that world wide web. SO MUCH LOVE.
This is the most refreshing thing I have read in such a long time. The art of intelligent conversation is becoming a lost art. Remember being able to exchange thoughts and opinions with each other? Oh how I miss those days. Good on you for sticking to your guns and not being pursuaded. How do they think those chicken nuggets get in the grocery stores and what kind of life did they have before they ended up there? I love reading your articles and watching your videos. Thank you for sharing. Have a blessed day. Think I will go roast a chicken.
Yes! Yes! Yes!! 100% YES!
Thank you for your lovely content! Keep up the good work!
Shay, you go girl! I can’t wait to hear you open up on these subjects! I’ll be right with you! You and Angela definitely are hands down my favorite! Peace be with you this New Year! 🙏❤️
Good for you for doing whats best for you and your family. I think so many folks just don’t understand what it takes to have a “real life” farm that actually feeds your family, not a hobby farm. I do appreciate your honesty and vulnerability. Keep up the good work.
Hi Shaye, I’ve never commented on any of your posts, but I’ve followed your blog since 2013. You were a major inspiration for our family, so much so that we bought a 40 acre farm which we are currently getting up and going. I’ve always considered you to be a very valuable resource and look forward to your future posts.
I’m very sorry to hear that someone attacked you about the chickens. The world does not need that kind of aggression in it. It just goes to show how the virtual world has led to so many breakdowns in how we communicate with each other. Please don’t let that get you down and please know that there are many of us (often silent) who value your thoughts. I’m sure we don’t agree on everything, but isn’t that what makes the world so interesting! And we can all learn from each other.
Amen.
Yes, yes, yes!!
I have a hard time listening to the butchering talk but it’s just me. I found myself thinking the other day that at least your animals you consume were raised on your land and lived well. Anyone having issues with your practices must be oblivious to the way animals are treated before they grab them off the grocery store shelf. You steward your animals responsibly. Well done.
I’m standing with you.
I’m loving this FIRE! I can never get enough of your words, Shaye. I’m so glad you are feeling this way!
I’m 60 with 10 grandchildren…..I started following you couple years ago cause I agree with what your doing all of it!!! Don’t stop being who God created you to be please be a VOICE for Him our world needs Him and you!! If. I could do my child raising over again I would do everything you’re doing but I was not fortunate to live where you are and I didn’t even have a husband at the time…. So I’m living my dreams out thru you not totally lol…..Not saying I’m not having a good life it’s just physically an impossible to do what you’re doing now where I’m at anyway you get the gist of it stay strong girl this is just encouraging you speak out and share your heart….. blessings over you and your family in Jesus name
Love it. Looking forward to reading all of it!
Yes!!! Go raw and real and don’t censor any of it. We need this right now. All of it.
Hard and real. On all subjects.
Yes to EVERY WORD!! We need to take back our God given right to free speech. Somewhere along the way the powers that be have made us feel responsible for what other people do. No more! Everyone needs to stop being victims and paddle our own canoes! No more caring what other people think. Thank you Shaye for paving the way and keeping it real! I gave up tv last year and found you and Angela. You guys are beacons of light 🙏
I am SO proud of you, Shaye. I know this can’t be easy… especially because you could potentially lose “a lot of people”… however… what good is it… if one can’t be authentic! God will bless you for this! And I, for one, can’t wait!!!! You are my favorite. And Angela 🤣
First of all, “frama”! Love it, use it.
Second, a part of me would love to see the crazy attack on you for butchering your chicken. I sometimes love irrational thinkers.
And third, I’m not sure why anyone should have issue with your topics. You tend to present things as, “this is what we do, in case ya’ll are wondering”. And you’re not, “if you disagree with how we think you’re an idiot” type of person. There are things that you’ve posted that I don’t get or don’t agree with, but you know what? It doesn’t matter to me. If it works for you then what do I care?! It doesn’t affect me or my family. There are still plenty (plenty!) of things you post that I love reading about! Good luck with it all! God bless!
Word!!! 🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻
Yes please! A censored Shaye is not Shaye. And we’re all here for the authentic Shaye!!
Bravo!
Amen!
So refreshing to hear this!
I have no desire for a brawl, either, but I also am a truth speaker. Not an in your face truth speaker – just saying my truth without apology.
Prayers for you as you step out!
Hi Shaye,
I discovered you somewhere in the beginning of the first Covid wave. I live in a suburb in the outskirts of Montreal, Quebec. I don’t have a farm. I work outside the home but my passion is making preserves – sweet, savory, with alcohol, from flowers. I call myself a guerrilla forager because I either grow or source what I use from the best places I can. I often knock on someone’s door to ask to pick the berries off their bushes or fruit off their trees. My aim is for my product to be as local as I can make it.
The point is, we all have our core beliefs and values. We want to honour them and do our bestest (not a word) to stick to them. I follow you because your content is valuable, interesting, challenging and fun. I won’t agree with everything you say but that’s ok – I can still take what I think is valuable to me and just leave the rest. I don’t need to challenge you or shame you because you think differently than I do. I’d be stupid to do so. I’d be braying to the moon that we humans are all the same and should think, act and believe in all the same things. Just ignorant to even think so.
Anyway, long spiel to just say keep doing what you do. Keep sharing, teaching and learning how to run your farm and care for your family the best way you know how by following what you believe is right for you.
And “cluck” anyone who says you’re wrong for not doing it their way!
Yes girl!!! Do the dang things, love life, and don’t worry what the haters say. They’re missing out on the best part of life.
Fraught
You’re welcome 😄
Yes, let’s gooo!! I can’t wait to read all the things.
Oh Shaye! YES! Just don’t let people make you bitter… keep the balance of truth and grace. 💖
LETS GOOO! I’m here for this and whole heartedly agree!!
I feel your frustration. Nothing can be said in social media without an argument from someone and then it snowballs. It’s exhausting. My New Year’s resolution is to not get sucked in! So I guess I am one of those people who retreats to the corner. Just this past Thanksgiving I brined a turkey and posted a glorious picture as he came out of the oven. I had a person make a comment and post a meme of how inhumane I was. It’s Thanksgiving! People eat turkey. I look forward to reading your blog. Not everyone will agree with your thoughts and that’s just life. You can’t make everyone happy. Happy New Year!
Yaaassssss!!!! 👏🏽
Girl! YES!!! I’m right there with you! My word for the year: unapologetic. For reasons you just spelled out!
I love this! I’m so tired of censorship (self or otherwise). The crazy part is, you’re not doing anything “radical”, you’re living your life and raising your beautiful family as you choose. And that is a wonderful thing. Keep it up! Can’t wait to read more!
Yes!! I love it and will be here supporting you every step of the way. We need more people like you in this world. More realness and honesty. I can’t wait to see what 2022 brings. Get it girl!! ❤️
Go team Elliot! Dump and go girl. Post it and move forward. That’s what a lot of people are saying they do because like you said, you can’t carry the internets emotions. Side note, can we make that a T-shirt? Or the “I’m running a farm not an animal sanctuary” line? I laughed out loud. So true. May God continue to give you courage to share and encourage those around you to live free from fear.
I like roast chicken… probably tastes better too after all those free range eggs she donated 😂😈
Go for it! Even Jesus, who spoke with grace and love, spoke frankly and he wasn’t afraid of what others thought of him , because he was doing what he knew to be God’s will.
It takes boldness to be on social media and run a blog… I’m not sure I’m cut out for it personally! There will always be people who disagree. And some people will be nasty about it. You can’t please every person, so don’t even try!
God bless your upcoming blogging year, I look forward to Reading what you have to say (Even if I might disagree…)
Love this! I was once attacked on social media for…wait for it…wearing coulottes! I kid you not.
Keep on being you. Diversity is what makes this world go around.
You’re one of the homesteading accounts I started following while I was vegan and you actually helped me understand health, farming, butchering and PROVIDING, so much better.
It helped me come out of veganism and I even bought my own egg laying chickens!
🙏🏽❤️ You’re doing great work and would be surprised at how many people need to hear from people like you, on those particular subjects. It makes us feel less alone xxx
We are here for you ! You inspire us to do more and be our authentic self ! Can’t wait to see what’s next!
AMEN! This is a message I think so many of us are DYING to hear. Not one of political affiliation or financial motivation, just rational and no-nonsense. “This is our life and what works for us. Here’s the why and how.”
I have loved reading your blog for YEARS, and I am so excited to follow along on this next chapter! ROCK ON!!!
Thank you, I really needed to read this!
Sh-uck yes!
I’m so happy to hear your roar and more happy to continue following you and learning or sharing the sweet sentiments of daily family/homestead life with you and all like hearted mammas or lions (aren’t they the same?)!
I too will cluck up and drop houses on wicked witch toes from time to time. It’s called balance, lol.
Your content is such a gift. Thank you and your family for continuing to give it💓✨🙏🏻
Yes yes yes!!!! Love this. Unfiltered. Uncensored. Excited to be on the ride with you.
Elizabeth gets it. And I love it. I see the dumbest comments and I just have to wonder why people are even here if they don’t like this lifestyle. It makes no sense! Go find your happy place please!
Yes, Shaye!! I love uncensored Shaye (and Angela on the podcast!!).
Me too!! It likes a fire in me!
One of dozens of comments chiming in to say– YES. Go for it, girl. Speak the truth and do not be worried about people taking offense. (Seriously? Somebody was mad at you for butchering chickens you RAISE TO EAT? Good grief!!)
The world needs more people who are courageous enough to do the right thing, point out what is right and wrong, and embrace unpopular opinions. I know you and Stuart aren’t doing what you do to get worldly kudos or praise. You’re doing it because you are obeying the Lord’s calling on your life. There are lots of us out there doing the same, and it’s a heck of a lot easier when we know we aren’t alone.
Can’t wait to read what you have to say!
More flowers less frames? Maybe?
Very well spoken! Your words are inspiring and make me look at a total different angle at my own blogging. Which feels good. Thank you very much.
From the other side of the planet,
Clarien, Holland
Above us only the stars!shaye you are my inspiration, brave, artist, woman, farmer, mum, gardener, chef, blogger…and much more.fly and flow!!
Hell YEAH! 🙌🏼 You’re amazing! We’ve got your back and we TOTALLY get you 💖 Godt Nytt År! Xx
YASSSS!
Alleluia! I’m sick of 3rd party social media and all their sensorship & trolls. Back to blogging & RSS feeds I say! Thank you for being real xo
Go Shaye! I love your writing and have missed your posts a lot. I wana hear you roar lol
Yes! Can’t wait !
That’s what I’m talking about! Everywhere I turn in culture, everyone is spreading the. Same. Ideas. Everywhere! My old best friends mom, the posters in my favorite restaurant, even other food bloggers who have recipes that are delicious!
Truly I yearn to hear more than the same ole stuff all day long. I’m sure the mental strain taking heat from comments is massive (certainly not bigger than Jesus’ peace) but know that the people you are touching by sharing your ideas are immeasurably and positively impacted. Helps keep my head in straight to know other women in the world might indeed have similar thoughts to me. And ain’t that what this whole internet community thing is anyway?
That’s my 2 cents and also thank you for being brave! You help inspire me to be brave, too!
Egg-cellent! Can’t wait to read your blog. Love your family, farm and your animals. Can’t wait to also hear about the updates.
I love it, please share what life on your homestead is really like, for those of us interested in a similar path its inspirational and educational. I’ve wanted to start a blog or something and honestly am intimidated.
Love this so much!! 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
Heck yeah shaye!!! My eyes are watering. I LOVE THIS! push the narrative my friend. You’re in my prayers and I’m so grateful God let me find The Elliott Homestead! So much love, joy, and REAL. LIFE.
YES! I’ve been blogging for 14 years but became more and more quiet with these waves you describe. I miss the blog hop parties and authentic from-the-heart sharing. Now everyone IS so serious and focused on promoting themselves we’ve lost community.
this is beautiful. I’m sad too to see the world like this. The world fearmongering everyone in a box. Be YOU honey. I’m dying to hear what you have to say and where I don’t agree ill… “eat the meat and spit out the bones”! 😉 courage, Shaye. And just remember the hate messages say more about that person than you
Yes, yes, yes, 100% yes!! I love this! I literally took a deep breath of relief just reading this, so good!
I hear you delicately censoring a lot of these topics on your podcast and I am so excited to hear your truth through your blog! Get it girl!! This is so B.A. 😁💪
I watched your YouTube with the chickens and watched to the point I didn’t want to “see”. I wish I lived on a homestead, and wish I had the umph you do to do all you do! Most folks only see/imagine the “fairy tale” parts of homesteading…not the hard and sometimes tragic.
God gave us the animals to eat, says so in Genesis…we all eat things that have been butchered…it’s not pretty and I don’t want to “see” it, but I’m thankful for my food. I look forward to the “non-sensord” you…me too friend, it’s not the time to be complacent or silent! Blessings to you and yours!
More flowers, less fuss
Love this post!!!
I love this ❤ I have been following you a long time and love your family & all you do. I do miss the type videos in the beginning though. Little ones running around, sitting in the midst of a kitchen remodel and your husband saying hi through that big lovely window. Raw and uncensored, and very relatable ❤
Shaye, I will be the first to admit I don’t agree with everything you say or do. But I learn a LOT from you, and I am so grateful for your thoughtful, intentional way of living and teaching. Sometimes I roll my eyes and say “Oh, Shaye, we’re different.” But that’s OKAY. In fact, it’s beautiful. And I find myself growing because I have a different opinion to consider (imagine that!).
Thank you for wanting to keep sharing your thoughts, I look forward to reading and learning from them.
Yes and Amen!
I’m here for it. Let’s go.
Good. It’s about time. I always liked listening to the you on the podcast because you feel more comfortable sharing, or at least implying, your real thoughts and feelings about things. I like that Shaye. She feels more real. And I don’t even agree with your beliefs on a lot of things but I do love thinking about different perspectives and I just like you generally. Your core group of followers will sing a song and dance a dance to help you break any silence!
Oh.My!!! I just can’t wait!!!! Thanks to let yourself be free with us, I wish you all the best!
Yes!! THANK YOU!
More Flowers . . . Less foolishness 😉
Let us fear God rather than man! Im behind you all the way!
I dont comment often, but I’ve been reading and watching for 8 years now! Love your content ❤
This speaks to me deeply. I’m so tired of being politically correct and worrying about hurt feelings. We only have to answer to God and no one else. Love your stand on living life that’s best for you and your family.
I love this post! You do YOU!
I am so excited to hear your thoughts on all things mentioned. Who are we if we live in an echo chamber and we never hear opposing viewpoints? How can we ever solidify our stance on a topic if we’re never forced to examine it? Don’t be afraid of backlash. Surely you’ll learn a few things over the course of time, reading comments that contrast your own thoughts, while also providing that same opportunity to the reader who disagrees. It’s all for our own betterment, to be tried in the fire and purified. Publish those blogs! And don’t you dare delete them! Your opinion and experience is just as valid as the next.
Sister, Amen!
I couldn’t agree more that we need to just speak our minds (charitably, of course!) and not worry about what others may or may not think about us. Life is too short to let the opinions of the ‘haters’ turn us into people we are not, or cause us to hide ourselves for fear of being ‘cancelled’.
Thank you for this post, and for inspiring me to follow your lead!
Yes!!!! I applaud you!!!!!
Cheering on all the posts Google’s gonna hate!! This is our flagrant and fantastic act of rebellion – celebrating the simple act of speech, joy, individuality. More flowers, less… drama 🙂
Thank you Shaye ❤️
The only person whose opinion really matters is God’s. Carry on!
The only person whose opinion really matters is God’s. With that in mind… Carry on!
Drop ‘da mic!! YES, YES, and YES!
THANK YOU. THANK YOU. THANK YOU. This world is too serious on what is not important and not serious enough about what it. Write what YOU want, its your blog, and I’m ready for uncensored chit chat. We all are.
Yes! May our aim only be to bring God glory and let’s leave all that people pleasing and critical judgement of others behind us! Go do what God has called you to do and let Him sort it all out.
I got teary-eyed reading this! SO GOOD!
Oh Shaye, bravo. I just might be speaking from across the aisle but I just admire you so much. What I mean by across the aisle is that I have an inkling you and I may differ in our views on many, many topics. But something about your truth and your honesty has spoken to me this last year. This social media thing has made us lose sight of so many things, and I think grace is at the top of the list. Too many times, too many people have completely forgotten how to show grace to others. So let me just say that this aging liberal wishes you and your family all the best. Bless you and your family and your farm.
I guess I will be the lone voice that says that your comments about sharing all the opinions just made me sad. I love your videos and all that you share…it is beautiful and so well done. But I don’t need one more voice giving me their opinion on vaccines and all the other controversial topics out there…guess I will just have to skip those.
Thata girl! Put those chickens in a pot! This is your home and we are guests. If anyone doesn’t like the way you run your homestead they know their way to the door! No matter your opinion on anything, I’ll respect it because I know you would respect mine. That’s what civil people do! Crack on and forget walking on those proverbial eggshells!
Yes. And yes! I’ve been thinking about this too. More than one type of voice needs to be heard in the online world and I love how you put it. STOP taking yourself SO seriously!
When everyone gets up in everyone else’s business in the online world, it always makes me think of something my mum said to us when she felt we’d crossed the line: “just go mind your own Ps and Qs.” 😂
I think we need this advice more than ever before!
Sounds like a great plan. Tune out the negative! I’m interested in what you have to say. 😊
Here. For. It.
I’m one of those longtime bloggers who went silent. I was reading about Jonathan and his shield bearer who courageously went into battle without support, even from King/Daddy and without really knowing if it was okay, acceptable, the Thing To Do. They just went. Jonathan said, “It may be that the Lord will work for us.” That has become a mantra in my head, and I too want to dust off the old blog/s and write freely, maybe even publishing some of those many “drafts.” God bless y’all.
Lori who lives in the town of the Fruit & Nut District on the Bay (read your old location in the intro in your book, and darn if I wasn’t mad that we never met. We’d have been great friends).
Start dancin’ is right. Always always loved what you put out there but this aside speaks to what our world needs more of right now. Lampshades off. Shine bright Mrs. Elliott xo
More Dasies. Less drama.
Love this post. Wanna hear it all!
Bravo Shaye! I look forward to hearing your thoughts on all these topics. You’ve challenged me to stop self censoring myself. We raised our three kids conservatively, homeschooling then classical Christian schooling, but two of them have turned away from the Lord as young adults, and one of the two has become very “woke”, so I have been self censoring at family get togethers for fear of arguments or contention. You are inspiring me to go back to being brave enough to state my opinion (without being pushy about it). We’ve got to relearn the art of conversation and discussing these hot button topics rather than always reverting to “safe” topics. Cant wait to read your posts!
I am so sorry that you have felt the written whipping of the internet! Although I haven’t really experienced that, I have definitely felt the judgment and back lashing from others who feel like my conservative values are ‘toxic’ or unhealthy. But another part of me wonders if this is just part of the price you pay for making a living online (as your husband says). You want to be able to be uncensored and share your mind, shouldn’t others be allowed the same opportunity? If it isn’t right for you to be censored, then others (despite their yucky and destructive thoughts) shouldn’t be censored as well. Either way, I hope you continue creating beauty and sharing it. There have been many times when you have inspired me to make my home a sweet sanctuary, a restful respite, and a place of beauty for my family. I’m sure you have had that effect on many others!