closing this blog with gratitude
It’s been a journey. I started this blog two years ago because I wanted a challenge. To learn something new. Have a creative outlet. It’s been all of that and so much more. Now I find it’s time to draw it to a conclusion and pursue new interests. So my focus is on ending well. Let’s explore what that might mean. One last time.
I’ve spent time learning how to build a website, setting up social media accounts for the blog, designing a logo, organizing everything, writing, writing, and writing. It’s been fun. It wasn’t long before I found myself thinking, “I wonder if I could write a blog post about this?” All. The. Time. When I traveled. Experimented in the kitchen. Read a really good book. Experienced a deepening of my faith. All of it. It was interesting to process the experience and figure out how to share it.
It’s hard to pick favorite posts, because I have so many, but I’ll narrow it down to twelve:
- Human Library: creating positive change one “book” at a time
- quack goes the culture: a tribute to rubber ducks
- Caitlin Clark: a gamechanger on and off the court
- 9. famous mothers and their timeless lessons
- The Berlin Apartment by Bryn Turnbull: historical fiction spotlight
- Cilka’s Journey by Heather Morris: five stars!
- The Secret Life of Sunflowers by Marta Molnar: five stars!
- cultivate presence: start on the porch
- reflections on Psalm 23
- the grace of liminal space: linger in transitions
- kindness counts
- [RADICAL] like Jesus
Really, almost all of them are close to my heart. (Even now I’m thinking about sharing twenty-five favorites instead of twelve. But that’s too much. Unfortunately.) Especially the human interest stories, bookish posts, and faith posts. I’m so grateful to have dived into these stories, sat with them, and formed them into something shareable.
Thanks so much to all of you who have encouraged me in this work.
My family and extended family have been wonderful. They manage to act truly interested most of the time. 🙂 Many friends, longtime and new, have been a source of support. I’ve also been a part of a wonderful Facebook blogging community; they have tirelessly clicked through and commented time after time. What a blessing. I appreciate all of the interest, feedback, and encouragement. Thank you.
Ending well: posts on books
I found that I read books differently when I thought I might review them. I paid more attention to the history. It motivated me to spend time researching places and events so that I could broaden the scope of my reviews. I learned more about specific concentration camps, historical figures, resistance efforts, and many other topics. In fact, my favorite reviews feature some of that extra research. I also learned that I have a deep appreciation for nonfiction. I hadn’t realized how much of my reading fits that genre.
Ending well: posts on faith
I have learned that I love creating studies and devotionals! That aspect of my work has been a challenge and a joy. Exploring contemplative prayer has also been formative for me, because I struggle with it. Breaking each technique down into steps and adapting them to fit my personality have made all the difference. It’s freeing to know that there are no fixed rules. We can pray however we want. My work on the blog has also coincided with a new role for me at church, that of prayer ministry coordinator. I found that many of the things I worked on could serve both purposes.
Before blogging, I had never chosen a word-of-the-year. I thought the idea made for a meaningful blog series, so I decided to try it. Wow! This was a rewarding and fruitful journey for me. My CULTIVATE series in 2025 culminated in my “cultivate presence: start on the porch” post, one of my favorites. My LINGER series in 2026 has also been special to me. It’s all about taking your time. Noticing. Dwelling. I will continue developing that idea and sharing it on Substack. This leads me to the next thing I wanted to share with you….
What is next?
I’m shifting my focus from this blog to developing a presence on Substack. I will share there monthly. Totally low-key. It maintains a creative outlet for me and an opportunity to articulate what I’m learning. I also will archive ALL of my Something Splendid blog posts there. I will redirect all of the links to a landing page on Substack. From there, all of my blog posts will be accessible. That way, anyone who saved a Pinterest pin or blog post link will still be able to get to the post if they’re interested. I’ve actually really enjoyed the process of preparing and organizing the archive. If you’d like to find me on Substack, you can subscribe to my monthly musings there or explore the blog archive.
A benediction
May you keep reading widely, reflecting honestly, and lingering where it matters. May God guide your steps with wisdom and grace, and may your life continue to be a place where presence and love are cultivated.
Fondly,
Crysti
