Wednesday, June 18, 2025

Goodbye…and thank you xxx


 Today I’d like to tell you about a decision which I made recently, but which is coming to pass a little sooner than I’d first thought. This afternoon, whilst in the midst of a deep clean of our livingroom/dining area, the external hard drive from my computer smashed. I was careless whilst cleaning my desk, which resides in a corner of the living room, and now we shall need to wait until hubby has the time to see if any files can be recovered. The hard drive holds all my Elefantz business files and information, but as it smashed rather badly after hitting the hard tiled floors, this may take a while. When I picked it up, I could hear lots of bits being shaken around. Oops. 

Funnily enough I’m not concerned about how long any recovery of files will take, as I decided a few days ago that it was time to retire from blogging and Instagram. 

I’m longing to spend time in our garden, lots of time, to prepare better garden beds and grow more food than flowers (we already have loads of flowers). As hubby works long hours to provide for us, he can’t do as much as he’d hoped in our garden, but freeing up my time by winding back all aspects of Elefantz Designs will give me the opportunity I crave to really make a go of growing a lot more food in our tropical climate. For a garden to truly thrive, it needs a lot of time and care…something I am happy to give. I also look forward to more time with my loved ones, unencumbered by business commitments.


These photos above were taken two years ago, after I made this little wall hanging for my sewing room. Fortunately I still had them on my iPad, which I’m writing this post from today. It’s very apt when applied to my decision to walk away from blogging…because as much as I’ve loved writing, sharing, and getting to know so many of you over the past 17 years, it’s the right time for me to choose the next path, a path which makes me happy and feel productive once more, in this later season of life. 


The Lord has been my confidante for almost 34 years now, and He has never led me astray. His gentle hand on my shoulder, His soft voice in my ear, His strength and assurance, His divine correction…always leading, in times of joy, sorrow, trial and triumph. He is always there. And I am sure that closing this door after almost two decades is with His blessing. 

My Etsy shop will stay open, as all the hard work of these past years is done and I only need to maintain it for about ten minutes once a week. 

So today it is goodbye dear friends. The blog will stay up, and the free pattern links will stay active for another couple of years. You’re welcome to visit and scroll through my posts anytime you need a bit of encouragement, for especially over the past ten years or so, encouraging you was my hearts desire. 

God bless and keep you always in His perfect care. 🙏🏻

Thanks for being here and sharing this journey with me for so long…you blessed me more than you’ll ever know. 
love,
Jennifer (and dear Blossom) ♥️



54 comments:

Anonymous said...

Jennifer, I'm sorry to see you go but delighted you have made a decision which suits you and will bring you peace. We grow a lot of our own fruit and veg and it brings multiple blessings, fresh air, exercise, abundance of organic food, mental health benefits etc etc.
Sending you and your family much love and thanks for your encouragement and prayers over the years. Be happy xx
Penny in the UK

Angela said...

I shall miss you. God bless you in the days ahead. When the Vicar left the church on Sunday , to serve in a church 100s of miles away she said "Goodbye my friends - see you in heaven, if not before," Remember always Proverbs 3:5&6 ❤️🙏

Tracy said...

I'm sad to see you go, but happy that you have let your readers know. So many bloggers just stop posting and it can be quite upsetting not knowing why. Only you know what is right for you at this stage in your life and I wish you well. Take care. xx

Janice said...

As always, you must follow your heart. You will be missed, as you have been a part of so many lives for so long. I think I first sent to you in a swap back in 2009 or 2010, when you were still in Esperance. Where has the time gone? Enjoy your time with the ones you love and in the garden. God bless.

Anonymous said...

Thank you so much for sharing all that you do. Sorry to see you go as you are wonderful to read in the morning. Enjoy your gardens. Sending prayers of love to you and all yours. Thank you again.

Marthanne

Donna P. said...

Thank you so much for sharing your life with us. You have inspired so many with your words. I am thankful and blessed by your blog and your gifts to us. I don't want to say good-bye - but see you later in heaven. ;-) Much love to you and your family. Abundant blessings to you and yours.

Nancy in IN said...

Enjoy your time off with your family. I am sorry to see you go. I love your patterns and your time with us.

Barbara said...

Sorry to see you go, but support your decision. I’ve enjoyed your blog for many years and made many of your designs. I’m wondering if you’ll be posting the final three blocks for The Sewing Room.

Deborah said...

I will miss your encouraging words. I wish you well as you make these changes. Blessings to you

Anonymous said...

Your posts have been such a blessing in my life. I thank you So Much! Enjoy what God has planned for you. Love, Mel in Co. US

Joanne said...

Hi Jennifer and Blossom,
Smashed not crashed ! That must have made a noise ! Sounded like a maraca ? No damage done to the floor ?
Thank you for all your years of creative blogging :) I loved reading, following along and trying new things. I will certinly reread older blog posts from earlier years. So fun to see what has changed and stayed the same.
This means that " My sewing room " has also come to a close ? I'll send photos with its progress :)
Hugs, take care,
Enjoy all your gardening persuits !
Joanne

Anonymous said...

Thank you for the many interesting and informative years you've given us,I've learned a lot about faith and life from you.Thank you for also letting us know instead of just disappearing,you will be greatly missed,may The Lord richly bless you in this new stage of your life !

maria.plm51@gmail.com said...

spero che tu possa leggere i messaggi di saluto che ti inviamo; con molto dispiacere ti vedo andar via ... me lo aspettavo, comunque, ma se è giusto per te (e il pc è stato il mezzo che Dio ha usato per aiutarti a prendere questa decisione) mi mancherai, tante tue riflessioni sono state un grande stimolo per me (e non sono giovane!) ti penserò impegnata con la famiglia, la vostra casa ... auguri per un futuro sereno e ricco di tanto che sai ,puoi dare ancora ... grazie di tutto

Mary-Lou said...

Dear Jennifer, I can understand and I will Miss you .You have been a great encouragement. I do hope we will keep in touch by email from time to time.A new Chapter!.God's timing is always perfect 17th /18 th June I got saved 42 years ago!.We got a new garden hut today after 18 years.I love my garden and my time with Our Lord and Saviour .I leave you with Zephaniah chap3 v17.Much love Mary-Lou

Anonymous said...

You will be missed. Have so enjoyed your contribution to lighting this world on the internet with the love of our Lord but best wishes in this new season! Love in Christ, Kris

Anonymous said...

Wishing you all the best in your retirement! I've read every post for all these years, and you will be missed indeed. You are sure to be an even bigger blessing to your family without blogging and business to worry you, so I do understand your decision! You'll be in my prayers : )

Wilna said...

Oh no! It's like losing a dear friend and so sudden. :-( Will dearly miss your posts. Have always looked forward to them. Goodbye and God bless.

Anonymous said...

I have enjoyed every letter you sent out. I've enjoyed your using your patterns to make beautiful embroidery art. I will miss you and your family activities. I am grateful for your encouragement, honesty, love for the Father.

Anonymous said...

Your gentle words of encouragement have lifted me each week. I'm sure I will reread your blog often. Joy, love, and blessings to you and your family! Deanna in Michigan USA

Victoria from Cincinnati said...

Dear Friend, I will sorely miss your messages, but I will always treasure your beautiful designs! They are precious to me not only for their beauty but for their references to Our Heavenly Father. Thank you for everything and I wish you a very happy and healthy next chapter! May God continue to bless you and your family.

Fran W said...

Well they say that things happen for a reason, but crashing your computer is a bit extreme! I say that quite cheekily, but really it is quite uncanny how action happens to make certain that we follow through on a decision.
Dear Jennifer, I do not often comment here, but know that your blog has been valued and enjoyed for many years. Thank you for all you have taught and shared over the years, the recipes and lovely tropical garden views. The birds and flowers have so often lifted my spirits on a grey and cold January day.
Your stitching designs have been lovingly collected and printed and I shall enjoy them for many years to come. I recognize your style so easily when viewing things on Pinterest, and will think of you fondly when I do.
May you reap what you have sown, and be well, as you enjoy what I hope will be many happy and healthy retirement years! Thank you again for what you have so generously given.

Julie said...

Oh my dear friend ... I had to read this post through twice to absorb it. Yes you must do what is in your heart dearest Jennifer. We are so blessed & lucky to have had your words of sharing & wisdom over the past 17 years. But Oh my dear girl - you will be missed. Yours was always one of my favorite blogs that I would see pop up on my reading list & I would usually make a cuppa to read along with it. It felt like you were chatting to me this way. Take care of yourself dear friend - sending love & blessings & friendship to you & your beautiful family across the oceans & the miles. I have always loved that photo of you & Blossom. ♥️x0x

Anonymous said...

Ah, Jenny. I’ve so enjoyed your blog, your encouragement and your patterns but for only a short time. I understand your need to retire and I pray our Lord’s blessings on you and yours.
Julie in Idaho, USA

Julie said...

Jennifer good luck in your future plans, life seems to get busier as we get older. I will truely miss your blog, your advice and encouragement, your garden and recipes, your bible studies and quotes. I will continue to re read everything. Enjoy more time with your family and time in the garden. Wishing you all the best xx

Anonymous said...

Dear Dear Jennifer,
There is an ache in my heart akin to grief at the loss of one precious and treasured as I read this. I so understand your decision at this season of life though. You will be missed as will your encouraging words in your posts and in the sharing of your life and struggles and all that you hold precious. You have been an inspiration God has used greatly to bless myself and others through your blog and stitcheries. Your friendship over the miles has been a blessing to me and the posts you have made always have come just when the Lord knew I needed to hear what He had placed on your mind to write and share. May God shine his light upon and through you as you journey in the days ahead. With love, Roxanne (in the USA]

Angela said...

Thank you for your encouraging words, wonderful projects, and a glimpse about living in the Australian tropics. I will miss you. Blessings to you and your family.

Angela said...

Thank you for your encouraging words, wonderful projects, and a glimpse of your life in the Australian tropics. I will miss you. Blessings to you and your family.

Rosalie said...

Thank you so much Jennifer for your years of blogging,newsletters and free patterns.You have had a wonderful ministry for the Lord.You have been so generous.Your posts have encouraged me.I will miss your sharing and wisdom but understand that the Lord is leading you on a new path.May He bless you and your family richly.

Anonymous said...

I truly enjoyed your blog. Thank you for letting me oart of your life. All the best

Anonymous said...

You will be missed! We understand, but will still miss your awesomeness! And you’re inspiring us to be better people and walk closer to our Lord!

Anonymous said...



Thank you for all the years of pure enjoyment. Loved all the free patterns and the recipes. Have a good life, you deserve it. Dee




Lori said...

Thank you for all the years ......you news and scripture will be greatly missed. Thank you for the free patterns through all these years, and I will miss the blogs in my inbox. Enjoy your family and your life of retirement......Hugs

Anonymous said...

Dear Jennifer, while you don't know me I have enjoyed getting to know you over the past few years. Its been a delight and privilege to hear your thoughts, receive news about you and your hubby and greater family and to be able to pray for you all. I know God gives us different seasons. One is closing and a new starting but both are under His Lordship. Keep being faithful in His leading. May our God continue to bless and keep you. Love Hilary

Jacqueline Knox said...

Dear Jennifer. It has been lovely to read your news over the years and will be missed by me and so many others. On another note you are making the right decision for yourself which is what you need to do. God bless and all the very best for your new path, especially in your garden. xx

Caroline said...

I can't think of anything new to add to the already numerous comments that have been made on this final post except to say, I'll miss you, your walks with God and Bible studies, your gorgeous family and your beautiful work, inside and outside of your home. Take care x

Anonymous said...

Dear Jennifer,
My heart is soo... sad to see you go. I will surely miss you.
May the Lord Bless you and continue to lead and guide you, as I know He, the Shepherd does.
Thank you for every post, every encouragement and every pattern. I will continue to go back to them and use them.
Enjoy doing what makes your heart sing, and may your garden flower and produce food abundantly.
You and your precious family will be in my prayers.
Lots of Love from
Angeline from Cape Town

Kristy said...

Dearest Jennifer-
You are so very special to us all. Tears are running down my face at the thought of no more blog to read or beautiful patterns to make but mostly no more of your special light that you bring from Jesus into all of our lives. I was so surprised to see you back and was so glad because I had missed you so much! Now I am just heartbroken again and yet I know it is because you really have touched my heart and life in such a special way. I am selfish and don't want to let you go again. Jesus is calling you to love your family and to be a blessing to them fully. You have been such a blessing to my life. I am so thankful for all of your heartfelt Bible studies and the deep things you have shared over the years. May Jesus truly bring you peace and joy abundantly. Many blessings to your family and thank you just isn't adequate but it is all I can say through my tears. Love you- Kristy-

Lin said...

Very sad to see you go Jennifer but you need to do what is right for you both. Enjoy your 'retirement' 🤣xx

Kay said...

I shall miss your joyous posts so much. You have given me hope, inspiration, joy, recipes, and many other wonderful things. Sending love for a beautiful future. X

Wendy said...

Jennifer - thank you for your blog and patterns. I've always enjoyed reading your blog over the last few years. I wish you all the very best for the future xx

Anonymous said...

Dear Jennifer,
I somehow sensed a change was coming. And knew it would be difficult for you, and your friends all over the world. You have lightened up our lives with God’s word, love for family and creativity that has been inspiring, and it will be so for a long time.
May the Lord continue to guide and undertake you and your loved ones. In this new season may His presence be your joy and comfort.
You will be missed, but always in our hearts, till we meet again.
Much love, Erna - Cape Town

Anonymous said...

I will miss your encouraging posts, your lovely patterns, your pictures of your beautiful part of the world, and your gentle care for your family —and for all of us out here in the world.
I’ll think of you each time I look at my Psalms throw quilt and my Proverbs 31 wall hanging. Thank you for those lovely patterns.
Take care of yourself and may God bless you and yours.
Melissa in the USA

Anonymous said...

Dearest Jennifer. As so many others have said, we will miss your wisdom and talents, but we couldn't wish you to continue when your heart and, more importantly, God is guiding you to the next chapter of your life. You will remain in our prayers, and I know that His hand of blessing will remain on you. I will think of you often when I make one of your recipes or see one of your designs in my home. May God continue to richly bless you in the years ahead.
Donna (Ontario, Canada)

Anonymous said...

Thank you for all the beauty you have shared with us ❤️

Bonnie58 said...

Thank you, Jennifer for all of your years of sharing your life with us. I was cleaning up some old files last week and realized I have been following you since 2012, so you have been a part of my life for a long time. Enjoy your change of focus in your life and thank you again for everything you have given us over the years

Anonymous said...

Thank you, Jennifer, for all your time and effort put into sharing your thoughts and talents. I never got really good at those tiny stitches till I studies yours. You have been a delightful influence in your stitching, faith and way you approach life and your homemaking life. God bless you. Tara in the US.

Remembrances said...

Oh my, I will miss you so much! I understand quite well what a relief this will be for you as I have taken these same steps to follow my Lord's calling recently. Take care, my dear Sister in Christ! May the Lord bless you on this journey.

Karin
Phi. 4:13

Anonymous said...

Dearest Jennifer, thank you thank you thank you (x 10); and (-- my prayer -- ) may God give you strength, wisdom, comfort, and all what He knows to be the best gifts for you as you enter a new chapter! Always in my heart. Hugs, Esther (the Netherlands) 🌷👏

Susan said...

I totally understand your decision, but it makes me sad too! I am thankful you will be leaving your blog open for a while so I and others can always go back and read it for enlightenment & encouragement. You have to do what is best for you and your family. If this is where God is leading you, you have to follow. You and your family will always be in my prayers.

Lisa E said...

Good luck! We will miss you!

Allie said...

Like everyone else who's ever visited your blog, I'll miss it. But it's time....seasons change and so do we and what we're called to do. Time for you to rest, putter, work in your beloved garden, and enjoy!

Anonymous said...

Dear Jennifer,
I had no idea how much my life would be enlarged when I “happened “ to find your blog! But He did! I have so much enjoyed life in Australia through your eyes, the weather, the birds, your garden. Thank you so much for sharing your family and your heart with us. Your constant trusting in our Father has helped me remember to do the same. Letting go is sometimes hard and you have encouraged me again and again. I have loved all your gifts to us. I think it’s so wonderful that you know how to do so many different creative things and have shared them all with us as if we were family (and we are!). You taught us that “to everything there is a season” and I’m sad that this “ season” is closing but know that He will be bringing a new one. I know He has His hand on you and your family and I’m so excited for your new season. I’m certain it will be rich also. He always gives so lavishly! See you later!

Luella H said...

Jennifer-thank you for all you have shared through the years. I truly appreciate every bit of knowledge and patterns you have generously posted. Thank you, thank you and again thank you. I am wishing you the most blessed journey on your new venture for you and your precious family. HE LIVES!!!!

Winifred said...

Goodbye Jennifer and God Bless you and your beautiful family.
I'll miss you and your wisdom, your patterns you've so generously given us and following the ups and downs of your family life in Australia.
However it's obviously time for you to go and spend more time on yourelf and your family.
I'll remember you and your lovely family in my prayers, God bless you all.
Winifred UK