All good things must come to an end . . .

[Lis Garrett]

It comes with great sadness that I announce I must step away from Root & Sprout.

When I began Root & Sprout in May 2008, I had high hopes and vision. Much to my relief and excitement, others began to step forward to share in my ideas. Working out the kinks was a struggle at times, but I always felt that the changes that were made were always for the best.

But keeping readers interested and coming back has always been (very) difficult, and participation at this site has been waning. The Internet is over-saturated with “parenting” blogs, I feel, and Root & Sprout, realistically, simply cannot compete.

For more personal reasons, however, I must give up this endeavor. My youngest child will start school fulltime in September 2010, and I need this year to decide what I’m going to do once she begins. I’ve been a fulltime stay-at-home mom for nearly ten years solid, and I know nothing else. That scares me.

Like many people, we are feeling the financial strain of having lived on one income for the past decade. My husband and I have been talking about me returning to school to finish my degree in elementary education, but I’m not entirely certain that’s what I want to do (hence, why I need this year to really think and consider). Selfishly, I would like to at least finish the book I’m currently writing and soak up my children’s affections as much as I can without having to worry about “work.” But we also have our future and theirs to worry us plenty, and we need the security of a second income. Our children just keep getting more and more expensive!

I’m not entirely certain what will happen with Root & Sprout, but I don’t intend to dissolve the site immediately. Root & Sprout is officially a business, and giving it up is not as easy as deleting a blog. And as for Grow Together, I will keep it live for as long as there is interest (although I might pass off administrative duties to someone else).

For anyone who has written an article to appear during the month of August, please feature it on your own site. I will finish out the month of July with the three remaining articles I have left to post.

I have resurrected my old Blogger blog to chronicle my creative writing. If anyone is interested, you can always find me at I write; therefore, I am. You can also find me on Twitter.

I know to many of you it must seem that I made this decision on a whim. But to just as many, I think you’ve felt this decision of mine has been in the works for awhile.

If you have any questions, I’d be happy to answer them.

Lis Garrett

[robin]

I fully understand both the difficulty maintaining a parenting site and facing down re-entering the work force after a decade of stay-at-home mom. I admire all that you managed to do here.

Best of luck to you, Lis! See you on Twitter.

[Kathleen]

I want you to know that I have read this but will not comment at this time as I'm very angry and my thoughts will not help anything or change anything so there's no point.

[Lis Garrett]

Kathleen, can you please tell me what you are angry about? I've already told you I will refund your $12 membership fee to the Get the Inside Scoop Group if you think that's fair. However, I will NOT apologize to anyone for doing what is right for me or my family. No way. Not a chance. Things change, Kathleen. How can I be faulted for acknowledging that what I had originally planned for the site is simply not working out? Would you like monetary compensation for your article? If you want the very small amount that amounted from July's revenue, I will give that to you on top of your $12 fee. I will send you your payment this evening.

Kathleen said:

I want you to know that I have read this but will not comment at this time as I'm very angry and my thoughts will not help anything or change anything so there's no point.

[Kristi]

I can completely empathize with your situation, Melissa. I think it's a rare member of GT who hasn't been affected by the economy (I'm a freelancer and I know that I certainly have been). I also can imagine what a difficult decision this must have been for you. Root & Sprout was your 4th baby, and you gave it 110%, which is a quality I will always admire in you.

But more than a difficult decision, it was a brave decision. You knew when it was time to let go. You didn't string your writers along with promises you couldn't keep. You've always been completely honest with us, and for that, I will always be grateful.

It was an honor to be a part of your team, and I wish you good luck in beginning the next chapter of your life.

[Farmer's Wife/Glass_Half_Full]

Lis, you already know where I am on this and how I feel about it. When, I joined up with you it was to follow your great dream. I was thrilled and honored to be writing "published" for a digital publication. I know that so many GT members have complimented how honest you have been and the fact that you actually request out input and advice and opinions on the site and changes.

It is so hard to be on the inside of this and have some that who has no idea all you are jugging criticize you and take personal offense.

I am so proud to have been a Team Member of R&S. I have learned a lot and built upon my writing skills. You inspired me to require more of myself, and it has opened up new opportunities. The fact that you offered to pay members who were originally writing on a volunteer basis for the joy of being published and the notoriety, was a step above. You worked yourself to pay us with your generosity.

I am blessed to have found a great friend in you. And, I'm looking forward to maintaining my activity here in Grow Together. I have loved the dedication of the members and all that we have been able to share with and learn from each other.

And, that's kinda' what this was all about in the first place? Right? So, maybe R&S is transitioning to dissolve, but you need to remember you built this community. And, I think most -- if not all -- are very thankful for it. <3

[Debbie Yost]

Maybe having been a part of this from the inception and having been involved in all of your struggles and successes to make Root & Sprout a successful magazine, I am a little confused on the anger issue. I don't feel you have ever mislead us. Anyone that has tried to run a business knows that it can be very difficult to get it started. Some succeed and some don't. I can't tell you the number of restaurants I have seen come and go in the past 2 years in my area. I think many people see it as a way to make money when they lost their job, and a way to fulfill a dream at the same time.

However, for you, Root & Sprout was always more than a business venture. It was a dream and a beautiful one at that. But, there comes a time in every dream that we must step back and reevaluate our dreams. I know how difficult this decision has been for you and I think no one should be making you feel worse about it. I think have been more than fair to all of us. I know we have all made sacrifices for Root & Sprout, but none as great as yours. Sure, my family has suffered at times, but never as much as yours. I know that you never wanted to start paying writers as soon as you did, but you did it to try to advance your dream. I know you have tried every angle to make this dream happen.

However, in the end, it is a business and businesses sometimes close. I live in KC where Sprint is headquartered. Friends and neighbors and aquaintances are always getting laid off. When a company closes, jobs are lost. It's a simple fact of life. I guess we can be angry and blame others or be greatful to have had the opportunity while it lasted. For me, I'm grateful for the opportunity. I recieved so much more than payment for this job. I received training in my craft, friendships that will last and parenting help. Don't let anyone make you feel guilty for your decision. You've done all you can, and then some. I will remain involved in Grow Together and continue to follow you on facebook and twitter.

Forever your friend,

Debbie

[Terena]

I'm sorry to see it go, but I do understand. I'm struggling with the same type of decisions with my book press. How can I keep it going while in Grad school, working, and raising my daughter? Some days it is too much.

I decided to not accept any more manuscripts until I'm done with school. The next book launches in October and after that I won't do any more publishing for a while. I hate that decision because I started a press to PUBLISH BOOKS, but the reality is I cannot market three books, manage the business, and do school/mommy all at once. I've reached my max: no time, money or energy.

It's so hard to let something go you've put so much energy into, so I know this decision isn't easy. I'm lucky in that I can keep my business alive while not publishing any more books for a while. You have to do something every month. That can be even harder to accomplish.

Good luck with your future endeavors.

[Christol]

Good luck Lis. I understand completely. Hugs.

[MDSilversmith]

Lis,
Feel proud that you have followed your spirit and accomplished all that you have in this endeavor! There are always those that are disappointed or have difficulty understanding what sacrifices you have made and how difficult a decision like this is.

I feel sure you will search your soul and your community and find something that will fill the needs of you and your family - you seem a dreamer and a go-getter.

Blessings to you,
Malia

[Lis Garrett]

It's unfortunate that there are some who will never understand the turmoil I felt in making this decision and what an utter failure I feel for having done so. How anyone can be angry with me for wanting to do what's right for my family, I'll never understand. And yes, people being "angry" with me just makes me feel all that much worse.

But for those who DO understand, I truly appreciate your support. Working from home was MUCH harder than I ever anticipated and, unfortunately, it didn't offer us the security I feel our family needs right now or in the future. Perhaps had I stuck with Root & Sprout for another year, things might have been different. But I have never been a risk-taker. And, let's face it, Root & Sprout was a risky endeavor.

When I first met with a business consultant over a year ago, he said to me, "Do you know how many businesses fail after the first year?" At the time, I didn't want to think that Root & Sprout could ever fail. I was positive I had a sure thing. But there were variables I didn't consider and couldn't even imagine at the time.

Tracey B., Christol, Kathleen G., Debbie Y., Kelly, Haley, Melissa, Nova, Robin, Dannie, Deb, Debbi M., Terri, and Kristi - - you all were scheduled to have articles appear in August. The agreement was such that you could be compensated either by ad credit or by revenue share. I was upfront several times in that I was having a difficult time pulling in any ad revenue for the month of July. In fact, I received $15 total.

I will NOT be publishing your articles. Please do with them as you will, whether you publish them on your own site or sell them elsewhere. I appreciate the work that you did and the time you spent doing it. Obviously I can't offer you ad credit since we will not be publishing any new articles past July (although the site will still be live). But if you feel angered by my decision to resign from Root & Sprout, or if you feel put-out or aggrieved in any way, I will happily discuss with you how we can settle this.

Like I said before, I have no plans to shut down this community. Naturally, changes will be made, and they won't be immediate. I do appreciate your patience . . .

Lis

[Haley Montgomery]

Lis --
I have such great respect for you in making this decision. Root & Sprout has been a joy to be a part of for the few months I've been writing, and I will miss it. However, I know it's been a struggle for you in juggling your other responsibilities, commitments and endeavors. I just wanted to thank you for your continued transparency and sensitivity in leading this site. It has been a very rewarding experience for me. I know how difficult it is to let go of a "vision" you've had, but I admire you for making a choice that puts your family first. You can't go wrong doing that. Although it takes sacrifice, I know there is also great reward in choosing what is "best" from a plethora of "good" options.

I look forward to reading your blog and keeping up with you on Twitter.
bless you,
Haley

[Newcastle74]

I understand your decision, Life sometimes gets in the way of life and we often have to weigh two things we love against each other. My small personal blog has been started and stopped more times than I can count. I was always impressed with the all out gusto that you have put into Grow Together/Root & Sprout. Another blog that I read regularly is http://www.getrichslowly.org, and have often compared the two styles. J.D.'s format with his blog is a bit less formal but has a great community of readers that add greatly. Both styles are a great way to get readers involved and create a community. Like I said before, I totally understand your decision and hope that maybe there may be a new life for your ideas and writings in the future. Maybe as something simpler