It is with much sadness that I am announcing my decision to no longer contribute to the porch discussions over here at SBV. Though I have loved my time here and was hesitant to say goodbye, due to family demands and some changes with my writing, I simply have to scale back. As I told the SBV girls, this is one of those moments when I must actually live my priorities. Sometimes it’s hard to do that. And yet I know in my heart I’m doing the right thing, the necessary thing.

And so I say, not goodbye exactly– because I hope to pop in with a guest post from time to time– but a “see ya later.” I still plan to post over at my own blog a few times a week (I’ve also scaled back over there, but not quit entirely.) So head on over if you’d like to check in on the Whalen clan. We’re sure to be doing something because at my house sitting still is frowned upon.

I leave you with this song from Anita Renfroe, “Your Mama Raised You Right.” It’s a song about the south– and about treasuring the roots our mamas gave us. I hope to raise my kids right, and I know I have to be present– really present– to do so. So thanks for letting me share with you all these many months. And for understanding when it came time for me to go.

Marybeth Whalen is a wife and mom of six. She also writes novels. She can be found at www.marybethwhalen.com and www.shereads.org