This post may be harder for you to read than it is for me to write because after 18-months of working seven days a week, I’ve come to terms with my decision to step away from styleNorth, if not permanently. The blog will live on but with much less frequency; I’ll post once or twice a week, maybe only once or twice a month. After 480 posts, I’m sorry to say that I’m out of gas. Please subscribe so that you’ll be notified when new posts go up, that way you don’t have to keep checking in.
Beginning next week, I’ll be blogging on livewithculture.ca as part of my day job with the City of Toronto and I have to say it’s nice to be paid for my efforts. StyleNorth has rewarded me in countless non-monetary ways but now I need a break, I need time to exercise, time to connect with my mate, time to relax and recharge — things that just haven’t been possible with me spinning this sexy, little hamster wheel.
So adieu, for now, my loyal readers. And to all you professional media types, I am now available for paying freelance work writing about home, hearth and smoking-hot decor trends. Let me inject some styleNorth style into your print or web vehicle.
Photo by Olya S.
November 9th, 2009 at 8:27 pm
Dear Chris,
This is the first time I have written a ‘fan letter’, but I wanted you to know that many will truly miss reading the tidbits of information you have brought to your loyal followers.
I can see where the site would be an onerous task and cannot imagine having a job, providing readers with an interesting site and sustaining any kind of life outside of work.
I admire you for your decision as I know it must have been a difficult one to make. Please put me on your mailing list as I look forward to anything you have to relate.
Yours truly,
Valerie Wilson
Hamilton
November 9th, 2009 at 8:58 pm
wow…a little shocked, mostly sad to see a great one go. Its hard to say bye especially b/c its so hard to find quality design blogs based in toronto.
but you gotta do what is right for you. Best of luck on your new adventure.
pls add me to your mailing list…
sundeep
November 9th, 2009 at 9:34 pm
So long and thanks for the fish. Stylenorth was part of my daily routine. You’ll be missed.
November 9th, 2009 at 9:35 pm
Your strength, determination, creativity, and passion to have come this far and to have made the decision to step back is impressive. It’s important to put life and all one is expected to do, and drawn to do, into perspective. Tough as it may be.
Your faithful follower…
Susan
November 9th, 2009 at 10:13 pm
I will miss the hot tips on stores and sales around the GTA, the great advice, the pictures you’ve shared of your home and various projects. Thank you so much!
November 9th, 2009 at 10:26 pm
Chris, I will be sad not to read you with my morning coffee. I’m happy you’re leaving the site up, because there’s some great reference stuff here, and I still want to visit. Please add me to the mailing list.
We all need to move with where the energy is leading us – and I’m glad you’re doing that. Who knows what other doors may open?
Be well.
November 9th, 2009 at 10:41 pm
As a fairly new reader I am sorry to see you go! I enjoyed checking StyleNorth every morning, and will miss you. Best of luck in the future.
November 9th, 2009 at 11:23 pm
Chris, so sad to see you go! StyleNorth definitely filled a niche in the Canadian design blog world. Thanks for all your hard work over the last 480 posts. You’re on my blog reader and I look forward to the next time one of your posts pops up.
I’m sure our paths will cross again. Best of luck!
Jennifer
November 9th, 2009 at 11:36 pm
Sad to see you go, but I totally understand. Maybe once a week, or twice a month? That could be fun couldn’t it?
November 10th, 2009 at 12:18 am
Good for you! It’s all about work/life balance, and I’m happy to hear you’re taking steps toward that. I’m a big fan and look forward to any and all posts in the future. I’m glad the blog will still be accessible as I use it as a weekly resource. Please keep me on your list. All the best to you.
Tina (Spot On Organizing)
November 10th, 2009 at 12:32 am
Thank you so much Chris! I will miss the daily style dose also but can totally understand your decision! It must have been so much work and all that for free. Hope somebody can pay you for this wonderful work.
Please keep me on the mailing list!
All best,
Micky
November 10th, 2009 at 1:58 am
Wow. I’m shocked and sad – but happy you found a new outlet for your creative energy. Keep in touch – repost the fun stuff here!
November 10th, 2009 at 2:00 am
Chris you will me missed, I have already bookmarked live with cultureand hope that your fabulous stylenorth blog will open new and exciting doors for you. I know you would be an asset to any design magazine you have all us fans to vouch for you.
Where ever the road takes you all the best. looking forward to the occasional posting on style north.
Margo
November 10th, 2009 at 8:07 am
Chris,
I’ll miss my daily dose of styleNorth. I’ll look forward to the ‘once or twice a week’ posts and I’ll wait for the ‘once or twice a month’ ones.
And I’ll bookmark ‘livewithculture.ca’.
Why have I enjoyed styleNorth so much?
Let me tell you…
Yes it’s full of great tips and good design info but more importanly it’s well written. You are a good writer. An honest, funny and passionate writer. A good read as they say. It’s that simple.
It’ll be very interesting to see the next path that ‘your passion’ takes you on.
Note to Chris: you’ll probably have quite a few people following you along the way.
I’m excited for you. You never know what tomorrow will bring…
November 10th, 2009 at 9:28 am
I always read your posts first. Interesting, attractive and not too long.
But good decision, I’m sure.
November 10th, 2009 at 10:06 am
Sorry to hear that you won’t be posting as often. My day regularly started with your site to see what you had to say or project you were working on.
Best of luck going forward!
Mike
November 10th, 2009 at 10:09 am
As a daily reader, I really appreciate all the effort, skill and insight you put into the posts every day. I definitely understand how much work it must be.
Now the weekly/monthly posts will just seem more special.
Erin
November 10th, 2009 at 10:11 am
Thank you for your hard work, interesting perspective and dedication to bringing Canadian design to the blogosphere. I look forward to your continued inspiration when you do have time to show us your latest find or DIY triumph. Best wishes Chris!
November 10th, 2009 at 10:48 am
Chris, you will be missed. I really enjoyed checking StyleNorth every morning.
Best of luck!
Hanoosh
November 10th, 2009 at 11:56 am
I will miss you and the site, Chris. I check in every day and have so enjoyed getting the hometown scoop on everything you write about. Best wishes for finding the balance you’re looking for.
November 10th, 2009 at 1:37 pm
Ahhh, what will I do without my daily StyleNorth fix?! You’ll be missed Chris! Looking forward to reading the Live With Culture blog…
November 10th, 2009 at 1:39 pm
We like you, we really, really like you.
I’m glad for you, but sad for me. Like so many readers, you were a part of my morning routine.
Wishing you all the best.
Judy
November 10th, 2009 at 1:41 pm
Chris, you put your heart and soul into this blog and it really shows. You are a design lover extraordinaire. Your daily voice here will be missed but I’m sure livewithculture.ca will reap the benefit. I’m
bookmarking it now… :-)
All the best with all you attempt.
November 10th, 2009 at 3:21 pm
I am taking this time to let you know how much I have enjoyed reading your blog!! Congrats on your new position…you so deserve to take a break!!! I’ll follow your paid blogs on livewithculture.. Wish I could app you on my iphone xoxo
November 10th, 2009 at 6:10 pm
Chris,
It’s been a great pleasure to read such a fun and informative blog every day. And exceedingly well-written to boot! I look forward to your occasional posts and I’ll be in touch re: the contributions we discussed.
Many thanks to Mike for his input as well.
All the best,
Lin
November 10th, 2009 at 7:58 pm
I will miss reading your daily blog. I wish you all the best in your new endeavor at work and will look forward to the random blog postings on Style North. Chris, you have so much talent! You have inspired me to do better on my own blog. Thanks for always inspiring.
All the best,
Sarah
November 10th, 2009 at 8:21 pm
Mornings will be so much duller now but you must do what you must do, sir. Looking forward to the new and improved livewithculture.ca site. Do you think you could post before 7am with that too?? Hint Hint.
Waiting for Lois of Can’t Believe It’s Happening! to sign in and comment. Perhaps she’s too busy renoing.
Thanks for keeping the site up so we can resource it. Thanks for checking in when you can. Looking forward to those special posts.
Have loved every day since you started! Enjoy the new gig to the hilt!
November 10th, 2009 at 8:48 pm
Chris, this is a lovely & professional blog and I will miss your regular takes on neighborhood shopping & design. Still keeping you on my blog roll and hope to meet you one day at one of the Smash parties (Mark T told me he may be having a launch party soon?) … all the best until then,
Kelly
November 11th, 2009 at 12:15 am
Oh, I wish you all the best, but am nevertheless so sorry to hear this Chris. There has never been even one post that didn’t hold my interest, not one. Great writing, great style, great photography….you covered it all. Speaking from experience, it’s so difficult to grow a blog into a subscriber based project, but I surely wish this could happen to Stylenorth. I’m a huge fan!
November 11th, 2009 at 10:47 am
Chris,
I totally understand. I really don’t know how some bloggers can have a full-time job, blog every day and have a life (e.g. family, partner, exercise, relax.) Something’s gotta give. Congrats on your new position and I look forward to future infrequent posts.
Take care,
Vanessa Francis
November 12th, 2009 at 11:49 am
WOW! I am really humbled by these responses. Thank you. I expected some of you would take the news badly but here you are being positive, supportive and encouraging. I’m very grateful.
November 12th, 2009 at 4:13 pm
Chris
Blogging is new to me but after spending hours on the computer keeping up with Twitter, Facebook, various Blogs, I am realizing it does not pay the bills. How does anyone make money at this? IT does not make sense.
So good luck to you in your new job. Wish I had one myself that paid. If I spend as much time getting real projects as I have spent online, I would be making a decent living now and someday I might even be able to retire & paint.
Frankly Chris, I really don’t know how you kept it all up.
Good luck.
Chrisse
November 12th, 2009 at 4:20 pm
Good for you. Life is too short. I will miss your regular posts (always interesting!) but look forward to semi-regular postings plus your new blog. All the best!
November 12th, 2009 at 6:40 pm
As an ex-Torontonian currently living in the U.S., your blog has been a welcome taste of home. I have saved a number of your posts and will be checking out many of your recommendations when I’m visiting TO. Thank you and best wishes for the future.
November 12th, 2009 at 9:51 pm
As a rocky mountain Albertan, I enjoyed your posts. Thanks for the fun and looking forward to your ‘less frequent’ updates. I will be subscribing!
Enjoy your time.
November 13th, 2009 at 12:53 pm
Please sign me up! I’ve spent hours on your rich blog and was amazed at the new content every day. Thank you for keeping me inspired. My very best wishes to you for everything you do going forward.
November 13th, 2009 at 9:05 pm
What!? NOoooooooo! I love reading your blog everyday! I’m a designer in Toronto and I actually cheated a bit by using your site as an assistant on where to find things. I may be in touch about having you write for my website. Desperately need it!
Looking forward to the infrequent posts. I’m sure they will be just as helpful and insightful.
The best wishes to you!
m
November 13th, 2009 at 11:30 pm
Oh Chris. How sad you won’t be contributing as frequently at StyleNorth but glad to hear we’ll be reading you somewhere. I look forward to seeing you in my store and Mike on the underground now and then. Stay well.
W
November 14th, 2009 at 2:03 am
Congrats on the evolution. Thanks for inspiring the artists within to pursue our labours of love and to let it lead us wherever we will go…
:)
November 15th, 2009 at 2:28 am
Chris nothing but praise from this corner. Go make a million
November 17th, 2009 at 1:39 am
Hi Chris,
Sad to hear it, but it is a harsh reality of the blog world….I came to this conclusion about 6 months ago, when I was posting only weekly, but working into the ridiculously wee hours of the morning with posts and sometimes draining my energy for the paid design work that I had, and family life….so now, it’s a monthly post, and that’s the way it will stay for now. Your blog has been spectacular and will continue to be, and folks will be even more excited to get your posts because they’re feeling withdrawal…they will savour every word!!!Best of luck on your new endeavours, and I am happy to hear you’ll still be involved!Thanks for making Canadian design blogs more significant!
Jill
November 17th, 2009 at 3:06 pm
Hey chris – saw a post about Ethel so glad to see you haven’t stopped completely. Only discovered the site a few months ago and am a huge fan of yours now. Met Karen at Elliot and Ward because of stylenorth! What a lovely store and what lovely mirrors.
Ava
November 19th, 2009 at 10:11 am
Hey Chris,
I hadn’t checked in in awhile and just read about your “retirement’. I am sorry to hear that but I must say I think you have done an amazing thing. I often would wonder ” how does he keep this up?” but was glad that you did. Thank-you for your kind attention to my work and I know that we will all be hearing from and about you for a long time to come.
Best of luck to you!
regards,
Robert Sangster