**UPDATED: Links at end of post!**
You know what works for me?
(And I know, this is Tuesday, not Wednesday, but bear with me and let’s just live on the edge.)
What works for me, it turns out, is a measley 146 things. That is (to the best of my estimation powers, which are questionable, and if you don’t believe me ask our tax guy) the more-or-less number of editions of Work-For-Me Wednesday posts I’ve written since I started the whole deal in April of 2006. I started it on a complete whim, never imagining it would last three weeks–certainly not three years.
But so many of you showed up and played along, and you turned it into something clever and wonderful. You–certainly not me–are the reason it has been so successful, and I’m just tickled I got to be a part of it. Thank you for that.
As much as I have enjoyed WFMW, I’ve also reached a point where I’m needing a rest from it. You might be surprised how much work it generates behind the scenes–and every bit of it has been happily worth the effort. But lots of swirly little things are bumping around in my heart and my head these days, some important realizations and convictions about rest and balance. (I’m thinking I’ll probably have a thing or two to write on the subject, in the coming weeks, unless I just get so flat-out full of balance I can’t pull my horizontal self off the couch. A girl can dream, right?) I’ve been thinking and praying and looking for some ways to simplify and trim back on some things that are very good but not, in fact, urgent.
I went to BlissDom a couple of weeks ago with the vague intention of shutting down WFMW altogther. I thought, perhaps, it had run its course. But, to my great delight, I met so many women at the conference who told me how much they had gained from WFMW–how many good ideas they’d learned and (my favorite part) how many new friends they’d made. I realized I’d be a real heel to shut down something that might still be of benefit, somewhere.
So I decided to hand it off to someone else. It would keep the community still going, and it would be a fun opportunity for another blogger. I thought through the options without telling a soul. I wanted to pick someone who would, I knew, handle it graciously and well. I wanted someone, of course, who had been a faithful participant in WFMW in the past. And it would’ve been icing on the cake if I could’ve met her in real life.
One name just kept floating to the top of my mind. She seemed like such an obvious choice. And when I got to spend some time with her at BlissDom, I knew we had our girl. So, my friends, please meet your new WFMW hostess, beginning next week: Kristen from We Are THAT Family. She has graciously agreed to take this on, and I encourage you to participate there just as faithfully as you have here. I’ve told Kristen to run with this and do it her way, and I expect she’ll make plenty of clever changes. She has my full blessing.
And I’m not dropping off the WFMW train altogether. I’ll still be around, helping Kristen if she needs it, maybe posting my own WFMW here and joining her Mr. Linky (Wouldn’t that be fun? What do you bet I mess up and don’t use the permalink?). And Kristen and I haven’t ruled out the possiblity of working together in the future for even bigger things for WFMW…say, Works-For-Me Wednesday: THE MOVIE! Starring Reese Witherspoon, who cleans her shower with vinegar and sprays her hairbrushes with Static Guard, all while controlling paper clutter by using envelopes!
I’m just sure it would be a hit.
Kristen will be a hit, too–you’re going to love her, if you haven’t already met her. Bear with us over the next couple of weeks as we get everything transferred and she gets up to speed. In the meantime, tonight at 8 pm CST, I’ll host a Mr Linky here (I didn’t want to leave you high and dry if you had a post already written!) So check back later tonight to leave your link. Starting next week, you’ll leave your links at Kristen’s blog.
And if I may say it one more time…Thank you for making this little carnival something special. I have enjoyed it so much.
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Have a Works-For-Me Wednesday tip you’d like to share? I’d love for you to join us! First timers, check out the guidelines here. Please note that the links will close down at 8 pm CST tonight, in order to keep away the spammers.
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Links are now closed. Join in next week at Kristen’s blog!
Good for you, Shannon, for knowing when you need balance and finding a way to make that work for everyone. Go you!
Hey, Shannon, glad to see you found a great solution! I knew you’d come up with something clever.
Just think — now your Wednesdays are free from hours of blogging for WFMW. What on earth will you think to do?
WFMF, maybe?!
Good for you! It’s a blessing to see someone choose to put first things first.
Thank you for passing the WFMW torch on to Kristen. I have learned SO much from WFMW, and I’m so glad to see that it will keep going.
Your blog is such a blessing because I learn so much from it. You always write or share something that makes me think in new ways. If I ever had to choose just one to continue reading, it would be yours.
Thanks for all you do!
Kristen will be doing it, huh? Well, I sort of figured it would be here – she is nearly always one of the first to post for WFMW anyway!
I decided to start blogging for lots of reasons, but the main thing that got me start blogging on a regular basis was because of WFMW. I wanted to be a part of it and I also didn’t want to have dead air between Wednesdays 🙂 So Thank You, Shannon, for putting it together and for passing the torch. I will be happy to move with the times.
Kristin
I totally understand being up to “here” with bloggity tasks. Phew! I’m glad that Kristen is willing to take this on so that we can all continue to play along – and I’ll be watching to see if you put those permalinks up. *chuckle* Here’s to hoping things will slow down a bit for you…. I had to laugh at Lori’s WFMF comment. heehee That is how it normally works!!!
Thank you. Truly from my heart. Thank you. For creating WFMW. For bringing so many wonderful people together. For passing on WFMW so that we can all continue to enjoy it. For taking care of yourself and continually working to find ways to make blogging work for you and your family.
Thank you.
I heart Kristen. I’m so glad WFMW is going to someone with such capable hands!
I feel like I am just getting going here, so that is very sad news! I will follow the crowd though because I love wfmw… thank you so much for all you have done to keep it going and for creating something so brilliant. And well done you for passing it on before it pulls you down – I for one never want to let projects go. Really I am very impressed at your sanity!!!
I always thought it was very good of you to host this for everyone. I know it must be a lot of work. A lot of carnivals ar hosted by a group of people and don’t get to be a successful as your.
Congratulations on knowing when to take time for yourself and I’m sure Kristen will do a fantastic job.
I second what they all said! I have loved lurking around WFMW! :o) I’m glad I’ll get to continue. :o)
What an encourager you are Shannon! Thank you. And I can’t think of anyone better to take over the reins than THAT mom. LOL Seriously, I can’t wait to lurk even more over there. :o)
Thank you, thank you, thank you! It’s been lots of fun writing WFMW and I’m so glad that you have chosen to pass it off rather than let it die. Good for you for evaluating the needs that are most important to you. Maybe I should take a little of that advice.
Okay…now that the hyperventilation has subsided… *breathe Traci!*
Shew! I am SO glad that Kristen has agreed to take WFMW over! That is so awesome!
Thank you thank you thank you for your dedication to it all these years!!!
Traci 😉
Good for you, Shannon. Balance is good. 🙂
what a great solution, and what a privilege for Kristin to take over this well oiled machine….hee hee. She’ll be great!
You are such a loving and generous soul! I don’t comment regularly, but read you all the time on my feed. I just do not have time, as you know – and finding balance, is tough. To hand off WFM to someone else is generous, and so big hearted (not a real word – but it is meant!!) I will be reading Kristin as well, I was turned on to her wonderful blog just recently.
God Bless you, Shannon!
Losing WFMW would have felt somewhere between having your favorite t.v. show cancelled in it’s prime and having a dear friend move across the country. Thank you both for keeping it going!
Shannon, thank you! I’m so excited!
Thank you for being so benevolent and for your strong sense of community. You are gracious and creative and we cannot wait to see your next step.
Hate to see you leaving WFMW but I certainly understand. I enjoy it and will be joining Kristen each week. Thanks for all the helpful hints and tips.
I just skipped over to check out Kristen’s blog and what a treat I found! I giggled until my sides hurt!
I think she will take that torch and run BOLDLY… hopefully she won’t trip on anything!
She sounds like a wonderful gal–full of wit and humor :0D
All the best.
I totally understand why you’re handing WFMW off, but it will be a little sad not to come here every week and wait…..and wait.. 🙂
You’ve been so kind to host this carnival. It’s meant a lot to us “little guys”.
I just discovered WFMW not too long ago, but have really enjoyed it. Thanks so much for hosting this for us.
Thanks to Kristen for taking the baton. Good for you, do what is right for you in your life! See you there!
Thank you thank you thank you for ALL you’ve done with WFMW and THANK YOU for handing it over to Kristen!
~TidyMom
This was so well written and makes such perfect sense. I really think I was around back for the very first one. Wow. I wish Kristen the best, too!
Steph
Good for you, Shannon. You should be proud of yourself for listening to your inner voice and follow what it was saying.
I have no doubt Kristen was the perfect choice!
Wow! It’s the end of an era. Does it make me feel old that I was reading at the very first WFMW?
I applaud your gracious and generous choice! Kristen will be a great hostess.
Shannon~ I’m so happy you found a solution that ‘works for you’ 🙂 It is a wonderful thing to recognize the need for a change and be able to pull it off! And Kristen will be fantastic!
I host a regular “Hooked on Fridays” party, so I know how much work it can be behind the scenes. I’m amazed that you’ve been hosting WFMW for nearly 3 years! (In blog years, that’s, like, a decade!) It obviously struck a chord with people. Thanks for keeping up with it for as long as you have. I know how much I’ve enjoyed it.
I’m glad you chose to keep WFMW going with Kristen at the helm. She’ll do a great job! 🙂
Yea for Kristen! (And yea for you for listening to your inner call for rest and balance…not that I know what those are either but they sound awesome.) 😉
Thanks for keeping WFMW, and for hosting it for so long, I actually stumbled upon your blog back in Sept. of 06, and have read it ever since! I sporadically shared in WFMW, whenever I felt I had something that might actually work for others 🙂 And I am sad to not see it here anymore, but so excited that it will still be around. 🙂 And I hope I get to meet you at blogher this summer!
Bless you, for everything. Your efforts, your dedication to your readers, your desire to keep it going for everybody, and also for being true to yourself. Hugs & kisses.
Thanks so much for handing this over to Kristen. I just started WFMW and would be disappointed if it was gone altogether. Thanks for sharing with us during this season of your life and I’m sure Kristen will do a great job. Can’t wait to see what you post. 😉
WFMW has been a great way to bring readers together to share and learn from each other. So glad you found a way to keep it out. I love Kristin and love her bloggishly good fun blog. Am glad to see the baton passed into good hands.
Thanks for almost 3 years of WMFW hostessing, Shannon!
Excellent choice. Kristen will do a fabulous job!
Thanks for all you do for the blog community, Shannon!
Oh, congrats to Kristen – perfect lady for the job! And …I hope that by handing this off, it will give you more time to pursue your passions (wink-wink). Awesome, ShannoN!
Girl, I am in utter awe at what you have accomplished here. You are truly an example for all mom and Christian bloggers.
I kinda thought you might be handing the reins over to someone else eventually…and well you should. You have built WFMW, now let someone else maintain it while you bask in the rest of your life. Good luck to you!
Congrats to Kristen – she is going to do wonderfully.
Thank you, thank you Shannon, for continuing in this labor of bloggy love for so long. WFWM has brought me such joy and wisdom through the years. I’ll always have a place in my heart for it, too, as it was my first ever blogging carnival. Really – thanks so much for all the time and energy you have put into it, making it what it is today.
Blessings on you.
Shannon thank you for the countless hours you’ve invested in hosting us all here these last three years! Looking forward to meeting our new hostess. And looking forward to hearing all your heart has on balance & rest. This all or nothing personality needs all the encouragement she can get! 🙂
How fun, a new venue. I will still read and comment here and I have a feeling my love for your blog will be just as strong. Thanks for hosting all this time and being such an intrical part of my early blogging journey.
Cheers for Kristen! 🙂
Thanks for all your hard work with this! It was and is much appreciated.
Excellent choice. Weekly blog carnivals would have to be exhausting…so congrats to you for keeping up with one for 3 years.
Whew! I felt so sad when I thought it was over for good. I have just started frequenting Kristen’s site (even won something there not too long ago!). I am thrilled you are doing one last WFMW (I have had one planned for about 2 weeks) and I know I will be participating at the new location.
Thanks Shannon for hosting WFMW for so long. It has been such a treat. A couple of my favorite them ones were the 5 ingredient meals and the Summer Daze (boredom busters for kids)!
I wish for Kristen the same success that you have found with WFMW:-)
Oh, you had me nervous when I thought you were going to stop doing WFMW. It’s so helpful, and it’s a wonderful way to connect so many women & moms. Thank you for your inspiration and your time over the years. Kristen will do a wonderful job–good choice for the new hostess!
Seeing as I’m someone who absorbs everyone else’s stress as my own, I’m glad you’re getting a break. I feel better now; thanks.
Good for you. Shaking things up is always fun.
Yay Kristen! Love her. Seriously. She is a perfect choice – not because she always pounced on one of the first 5 spots once Mr Linky went active (she must have some serious lightening fingers) but because she’s just awesome in general and so entertaining!
Congrats to you for knowing when you needed a break (we do tend to wear ourselves too thin) and congrats to her.
i might cry a little. I will miss you on wfmw. Godspeed, my friend, I will continue to visit you daily!
Shannon,
What a great example you are in how to create a success and then to know how and when to create/maintain balance.
Looking forward to participating at the new site.
Thank you for all your hard work!!
I totally understand needing to find the balance…that is something I have been dealing with lately too. 🙂
Glad you are finding ways to simplify. Thanks for all your work on WFMW over the last three years! I’m sure that Kristin will do a great job, as well!
I am so, so proud of you, friend. And so, so happy for you. I wish I could throw you a retirement party! 🙂
God is good, isn’t He?
Thanks for hosting! This has been such a create carnival! Good for you for knowing when it is time to move on, give yourself time for something else, and give someone else the opportunity. You are an inspiration in so many ways!
When you learn balance, can you teach us? I went over to Kirsten’s blog and it is almost as funny as yours. Good choice.
She IS perfect. You know, she reminds me so much of you, actually! It was so fun spending time with both of you at Blissdom.
And I totally understand you needing a break. I have often wondered how you keep finding new things that work for you! 🙂
Well you did an excellent job hosting this for as long as you have!
And what a great choice to pass it on too!
Thanks and God Bless!
Ummm, you did say 8 pm CST right? It is past 8:30 pm CST right now. Did something happen to you! Are you hurt?
I am sad you are giving it up, but really excited you are passing it on to Kristen. I met her at Blissdom too and she is really sweet and the absolute perfect choice!
Toni
Thanks so much for hosting this! I’ve only just started contributing, but I’ve been “lurking” for much longer. I really like your blog, and I always love reading everyone’s WFMW ideas! I’m glad that someone else will host WFMW and that you will get the break you need. A win-win. =)
God bless,
~Kate
“Which Proverbs 14:1 Woman?”
http://proverbs14-1.blogspot.com
Thanks for the opportunity – this is my first wfmw!
Thanks for Hosting! This is my first time…, and I just learned that it is your last time hosting this event…, I can easily imagine the work that goes into this.
How do you make a post about WFMW sound emotional?! Thanks for such a great idea and community you’ve created. Can’t wait to join it with Kristen!
a
Thank you for hosting this for so long.
And I think Reese needs to also cook salmon in her dishwasher. Just sayin’.
I think what you have done is great and its awesome you are passing the torch to someone else, enjoy your little time away!
I’m so glad you found a happy solution! I think I’m a perfect example of why it takes so much work for you to keep this up and running. In my sleepiness I forgot to include the topic of my WFMW post. It was supposed to be “Marriages That Endure.” I am so sorry! Feel free to delete my link, or change it or do nothing at all. I’m #63. So, so sorry, Shannon!
Wow, Shannon, you are blessing so many other bloggers every day. I love how generous you have been with providing us opportunities to connect with each other (and you). And I just love it when you pass on a project that has brought you success, and truly “mom-it-forward,” to use The GNO girls’ term. It was a pleasure to meet you at Blissdom!
I’m excited to jump in with Kristen and see what’s in store for WFMW!
I understand. I have committed myself to some theme day posts and it can be very draining. Thanks for all your hard work.
So glad you hosted for this long! WFMW is usually my best post of the week. Thanks for setting that bar. See you at Kristen’s!
Shannon,
THank you so much for starting Works for me wednesday! I haven’t been a participant for very long, but I really love doing it and am grateful that you are passing it along to someone else. Looking forward to seeing the changes you guys make!
Thanks, Shannon, for birthing and hosting WFMW! See? You thought you only had the four children. 😉 I look forward to many more WFMW with, you know, THAT family.
Thanks Shannon for all you’ve done for WFMW!
I think it’s interesting how strongly your announcement has hit me. You were the first mommy blog I ever visited, and it was right about the time you started WFMW. “End of an era” is an understatement.
But I respect you so much for doing what’s needed to find balance, and I’m sure Kristen will do great.
Now you’ll have many more wonderful things in store for us! I’ll be reading!
Wow! That is quite a bit of heavy-duty news. I’m glad that it’s not going away, and I’ll be happy to see it continue at Kristen’s blog. Thank you so much for 3 years of hosting such a fab carnival!
Danelle Ice / Homemaker Barbi
Glad you figured out what ‘works for you’! I’m sure I’m not the first to type those words but I couldn’t resist (and it’s almost midnight so I really can’t take the time to read them tonight).
But I am sad that my very first works for me wednesday is on your last hosting day! But I’m glad you all are continuing it!
Good for you for knowing when to step back and take a breather. Thank you for hosting and for ensuring that WFMW will go on!
THANK YOU for all you have done! You are fabulous…now take some time and take care of your self!
BTW, I messed up my first link. Sorry…had to add some trouble for you once last time!
I admit I’m a little sad at the passing of the torch, but I’m excited too and so glad you picked Kristen. 🙂 Thanks for your years of public service through WFMW! 🙂
Thanks for a job well done!!! I have so enjoyed being part of WFMW.
Thank you so much for hosting this fun event for so long. I am a newbie at doing it although I had followed your blog for quite some time. I appreciate you handing it off to another who will continue to raise the “baby” you birthed.
Thank you also for sharing with such transparency. Balance is something every Christian struggles to find. Keeping your spiritual equilibrium is a constant juggling act that must be continually revisited and reconsidered. How wish you are to realize the difference between the important and the urgent. May the Lord bless you as you prayerfully consider “your days.” Blessings.
You mentor in countless ways, my friend.
I smile through tears, give you the thumbs up, wink long and nod. Onward and upward!
With deep respect and much love,
Ann
Hope you find the balance you need. We are trying to slow things down around here too. I know Kristen will do a great job!
Farewell, but that doesn’t mean I won’t be a regular reader of Rocks In My Dryer!!
Thanks for the work you put into this. Good luck in creating the balance you need. I think we all deal with that!
Thanks so much for WFMW and for all the work you’ve done all this time! I really do appreciate it and have learned some great things.
Kristen is such a perfect choice – great replacement!!
Now you will have more time on Wednesdays to dedicate to…LOST – LOL!!
HOORAY for Kristen! 🙂
And I was thinking about WFMW the other day (no reason why) wondering HOW IN THE WORLD you managed to do this every week.
Again, HOORAY for Kirsten!
That was the best “goodbye” speech I ever read! LOL. You should do that for money!!! I wanted to come through the computer and hug you right then! Ha! Ha! You have been so faithful with this and you deserve a break. Blogging is work and I don’t think there is a person who would disagree with me. I’m still keeping you on my sidebar though because although I love making people laugh I like to laugh myself and you do that for me! I can’t wait to read your future posts my friend.
Big Hugs!
Kim
And go figure I don’t have anything working for me today! I need to go find something!!!
thanks so much for all the hard work you’ve put in up til now & thanks for passing WFMW on – it’s been great for me, both in helping me blog consistently, learn great tips & get some good blog traffic!
thanks much and best wishes with what’s next for you!
You know, this struck a chord with me in a totally off-topic way: my hubby and I have been talking about boundary and commitment issues the past few days and isn’t it so freeing when you realize you just have to let a few things go? 🙂
Kristen will do a fabulous job and you can breathe a little. Win-win.
So sad to see you go…but glad that you will have more time for other things…I know how that is!
I will definitely be joining in on Kristen’s blog too!
Your WFMW have really “Rocked”. I’ll be sorry to see them end on one of my all time favorite blogs, but totally understand.
What a great testimony for setting boundaries and passing the blessing on to others.
It is such a blessing when we realize what we need to do and we do it. Thanks for all the hard work you’ve done and love you’ve spread. Congrats to Kristin, too!
I can only imagine how much work you have put into hosting this every week. Thank you so much! You have inspired me in so many ways! Best wishes for finding that balance.
I’ll head over to We’re All That Family next week! Thx for all your hard work with this!
Robin Rane’
All Things Heart and Home
Thanks for hosting this ! I look forward to participating still. Thanks.
Thanks for being a great hostess, Shannon! You deserve a break!
Just wanted to add my many thanks for all the hard work you’ve put into this carnival over the years; while I don’t play along *every* week, I do play, and I come by every Wednesday to see what works for everybody else…glad to hear the torch is being passed, and not extinguished.
Thanks again, and many blessings to you and yours!
Shannon,
Thanks so much for hosting WFMW all this time. WFMW was the first meme I ever participated in and I enjoyed it so much! I will keep up with it because I am learning so much. Thanks for asking Kristen to take it on because her meme, Sincerely ‘Fro Me to You was the second carnival I joined in.
Thanks again and best wishes in all your future endeavors.
Oh Shannon, If I could reach through this computer screen and give you a big hug I’d do it! I remember (and think I even participated) in the very first WFMW.
Although I haven’t participated every week, it has been a joy to read each and every one of yours as well as the many other tips that have been shared.
I completely understand the need for simplicity and balance! I’ve been praying, thinking and revamping a few things in my own life to find more of just that.
Moving WFMW won’t stop me from visiting here!! and it won’t prevent me from participating there! 🙂
{HUGS} friend! And congrats and well wishes to Kristen as she takes on this new venture.
It’s going around. I’ve been cutting back on blogging and totally understand.
Thank you for all your hard work!
All the Best!
Thanks for starting it in the first place! I know that I’m a spotty participator but I check it out every week. Good luck to Kristen-I’ll be visiting!
This is only my second post of WFMW but I plan to continue to post. Thanks for hosting up to this point. I always enjoy reading your blogs.
Wow, that is news. I DO know Kristen, good choice. I look forward to reading what other avenues you will be taking. 🙂
I’m glad the torch is being passed on instead of extinguished.
I can totally see a WFMW movie!! Reese Witherspoon would be wonderful! 🙂
Thanks for hosting! I understand the need to move on;) but I’m glad you found someone to take over. I don’t always have time to read it but I find good tips when I do!
Thank you for hosting all these years. I know I’ve learned a lot and gained a few readers from posting here. Great job on creating something so lasting!
You are correct. You couldn’t have chosen a better successor. She will do you proud. I discovered Kristen because she always participated in WFMW. I love reading her helpful tips. So, good job Shannon. You have helped all of us under achieving mommies be a little bit better by the wisdom we have gleaned from you and all the WFMW participants!!!!
And just when I was ready to give it a try… 😉 but good for you for striving for balance and rest and taking care of yourself!
Thanks for starting WFMW! I enjoy participating. Good for you in learning to set limits, that’s something I will probably need to do soon, but haven’t quite figured it all out yet… 🙂
I’m so excited that you found someone to carry it on. I understand how important it is to find a balance 🙂
What a great opportunity you’re passing on! You’ll be missed. Thank you for hosting such a great meme. I’ll still be back to visit.
I am excited to see what Kristen has in store.
Bummer, I missed the cut off for my post. Here it is, if anyone is interested:
http://ourniftynotebook.blogspot.com/2009/02/works-for-me-wednesday.html
This was my first time participating, but I’ve read tons of WFMW links! There are always so many ideas.
Thanks for starting this great blog carnival and I look forward to participating more in the future.
I had only just found out about WFMW, so I am Kristen is going to keep it going, but I wanted to thank you for coming up with it and nuturing it all this time. I think we all understand the need to balance what is going on in our lives, so enjoy the break, but know how grateful many of us are for all you have given. I still love your blog and read it daily!
Good for you. I’m looking forward to hearing what you’ll be doing next. Kristen is a perfect person to take on the job!
Thanks for all the hard work. I am impressed you did this for so many years! WOW! Glad WFMW will be living on.
I SO understand! Thanks for hosting for so long!
Shannon, what an act of generosity. I know Kristen will do it up big; she is one crafty, home-decor rockin’ blogger.
Take care and breathe a bit.
I love this stuff. It is amazing and very healthy that so much positive energy is coming out of this post. Thank You.