Do you ever feel fatigued by a fast-paced, online world?
While I love staying connected with real-life and virtual friends through social media (and enjoy the opportunity for unexpected inspiration), those channels often feel superficial and leave me depleted.
Not the people but the algorithms–distorting who and what I see, pushing ads and videos, and the soundbite quality of it all.
It’s a look-at-me world where I increasingly feel I can’t compete and don’t belong; a place where we’re meant to battle it out to see who can be the loudest, flashiest, sexiest, funniest, or most beautiful.
To what end?
Because rather than catch your eye with videos of my fairytale life, crack you up with a catchy lip sync, or show off my flash mob-worthy dance moves, I just want to slow down, be real, and connect. Instead of making you envy my perfect home/family/children/job/self-confidence/life, I’d rather be vulnerable with you and share my thoughts in more depth than a 2,200-character caption will allow.
I’m ready to move beyond the soundbites, the wow-factor, and the time-devouring reels and just share these words, reaching for human connection in a virtual world.
Because I’m certain this technology we love can offer us so more than distraction.
So here I am. Back here, in this space I’ve loved for more than a decade. This space where I shared my life and found my voice for so many years. I stopped blogging because I thought it’s day had passed. But maybe it’s just time for a conscious, slow return.
I’d love to settle back in here and share ordinary, authentic snapshots of this normal human existence. Not perfection, no shouting “look at me!”, just this weedy garden, my messy kitchen, and perhaps something that leaves you loving your own imperfect, ordinary life that much more.
Not for viral likes and shares, but simply for us.
Are you interested in slowing down with me? Will you join me here, in this slower corner of the interwebs for an old-school blog experience? I’d love to hear.
Because maybe it’s not the technology that’s an issue, but our shifting relationship with it.
So here I’ll offer you a slower, cozy place in a world of fast pixels; an invitation to sink in, reflect, and go deeper. A place to embrace the beauty in the ordinary, celebrate everyday magic, and embrace the normalcy of our imperfections.
Are you in?
Leave me a note and tell me how you found your way here. Are you an old or new friend? How do you feel about me (and others) dusting off the old blogs again and slowing down, if only for a moment?
Then if you would, kindly sign up for emails through the link below. I promise not to spam you, but simply keep you in the loop when I post here. (Don’t count on seeing me on social media, since most who follow me there don’t see what I share very often.)
I can’t wait to reconnect with you, friend.
Love,
Rachel
So happy to see this! Too often I turn to the social media for a sense of community and end up feeling forlorn and agitated instead. The best of the interwebs is when you are able to find your community and give and receive support through it. You’re a big part of that for me. I’m in!
Thank you, friend!
I’ve missed your blog! So happy you are back!!
Thanks, Linda!
So delighted!
Making time to slow down, read, and contemplate.
I have never been on social media, ever. I’m 41, so I know this is unusual, lol, but I have never wanted to add to the time spent on digital stuff. I subscribe to a handful of quality blogs, mostly herbal and/or unschool blogs, and yours is both! So, I appreciate you continuing to post. I came by your blog a few years ago when I found your first book at the library. I have since purchased about a dozen copies of it, as well as half a dozen of your second book! Thank you, most sincerely, for sharing your wisdom with us!
Hello Rachel, I used to read your blog and I enjoyed it so much! I would be happy to read it again.
Thank you, Claudia!
I absolutely LOVE that you are back to blogging, I’ve missed it so!!
I’ve missed it, too! x
I’m so glad you’re blogging again! Social media hasn’t felt very social for a long time, and I keep hearing other people agree, but not knowing what to do about it. Thank you for taking action. I’m grateful for this place to slow and grow.
Thank you, Abby.
Hello from Melbourne, Australia. I was a regular reader a while back – but I lost touch with some if the blogs I used to read. Recently I switched back to Feedly after Bloglovin’ was down repeatedly and re-found some blogs which is delightful. I prefer a blog aggregator rather than getting emails or using Instagram to find out about posts. I find it easier to read at a time of my choosing rather than when it appears in my email. For me words over pictures ( and pictures over videos. And if there was a way to opt out of videos with the latest, stupid song or meme soundtrack that would be ideal!). Anyway, looking forward to reading more of your stories.
Such great advice! I might suggest in a future post that folks set up a Feedly link. Thanks for that. Also, YES to your opt-out dreams for social. That’s EXACTLY what I crave.
Old friend. Oh how I miss blog space. I’m looking forward to reading.
Pamela! Hello, old friend. I miss you. x
I love this, Rachel! I agree about social media sometimes feeling depleting to body and spirit. I enjoy the comfort of your words, your messy life (whose isn’t?) and the truth of who we all are. Thank you for starting again. ❤️
Thanks, Karen. I’m so glad you’re in.
Yes please! I stepped off FB recently because it made me feel drained and disconnected. I have been reading your blog since Lupin was tiny baby and would love to continuing joining you on this slow and real life journey.
I’m so glad, Anna. I deleted my Facebook account for a couple of years (only brought it back to share my first book), and I was so grateful for that conscious pause. Welcome back!
I suppose I’m an old friend. I was gifted some LuSa products when I was pregnant with my first over a decade ago. I found your blog and was captivated by your conversational and “real” voice. I felt seen and empowered at a time when I didn’t have a lot of like-minded support. I read every single blog during those early years and they were like a lifeline for me. I still support your business when I can and I’m proud of what you do and what you stand for. I enjoy reading what you’re up to and what’s on your mind. I don’t need catchy or profound or flashy content – just authentic, which I feel you’ve always been. Thank you for being a bright spot out here.
This is lovely, Tina. Thank you so much for sharing these thoughts.
Yay! This sounds lovely to me Rachel! I have followed you and feel like I’ve raised my kids with you (and Amanda Soule!) and have been encouraged by your gentle and life giving ways of mothering. I have not been able to track with any of the social media outlets, and savor what you write in taproot, so yes! I’m all for a good old fashioned blog! Question, if Ian already receiving your emails, should I still add my email to this list?
Love this so much, Michelle. If you’re already signed up for emails you should have a message in your inbox now titled “New Blog Post from Rachel Jepson Wolf, Clean”. If you don’t see that, then sign up again.
So happy to see this Rachel! I’ve been following for 13 years. There are still certain posts that resonate with me and ones that I believe helped shape me as a mother. I also regularly use one of your cracker recipes that I adapted. So many beautiful posts over the years.
Beautiful words, Anne. Thank you.
I love this, I prefer the further more in depth thoughts beyond the quick interaction on FB. I need/want something more lately. We need “real” content. I run my business online mostly so often feel stuck in social media.
Thank you for sharing, Bambi. Glad you’re here for it!
I’m so happy to see you again, Rachel!! I’m a long-time reader and have missed you. I may be your oldest follower at 87 but I always learning new things. Welcome back. Shirley near Seattle
Wonderful, Shirley! I’m so glad you’re here.
Oh yes, please! During our homeschool years I relished the sense of community and inspiration I found through blogs – yours was one of the instrumental ones. Now that my kids are teens in public school and I am back to school myself for a mid life career shift, I don’t have the same needs for that type of connection, but I do miss that slower time! I found this post because I am already on your email list and I would be very pleased to read your future blogs!
Thank you,
Julie in Maine
I’m so glad you’re here, Julie. Thanks for finding your way back!
I am all for pretty pictures and seeing new things but I love a good blog post. and I love and appreciate you and your Vision. I am grateful for your ability to share.
Thanks, friend.
Oh my goodness, yes, please blog again! I found you so long ago that I don’t even remember how I did. But I miss these posts. Cannot wait to read your posts again!
Thanks, Janice!
Good morning…like most I am probably an old friend but as I do not do social media I have probably lost touch. I don’t do flash, rushing, or noise…yes I know I probably miss out on the new best thing…but really…is there anything new under the sun? Having thousands of people as a community is somewhat questionable…where is the depth of sharing, talking about an amazing book you just read, not just pictures of your garden but the successes and the messes…I love the messes because it means we are real. Reading a blog is more like family…thanks Joanne
Thanks, Joanne. I feel much the same way.
So happy to see this – as I’ve moved away from social media I’ve missed those connections and chatted fondly with pals about the old blog days. Looking forward to connecting with you here
I’ve missed it as well. Thanks, Charity.
In, always. ❤️
xo
I’m so happy to see your post in this space! I’ve been buying your products for more than a decade, and I’ve been following your writings for around a decade, first in your blog space and then also in your social media space. I rarely turn to Instagram anymore for many of the reasons you outlined in your post. I’d love to read more from you in this “slow” space as often as you’re able to share!
I’m happy to hear it, Cathy! Thanks for finding your way back.
Yes. So yes. I miss blogs. And I miss reading deep thoughts without scrolling to the next one, without reels and ads. I’m in.
Yes, yes. Thank you, friend.
There is this pull for connection that takes us to social media that then leaves me empty most of the time so (like I said last month) I am ready for the blog renaissance!! Yay! 💛
Oh, my, yes. I feel this.
Welcome back! Finding this blog post today feels like finding lost treasure. I’ve been following along since 2015 when my first child came into the world and I found your products in a store in Madison. I have since moved to Illinois and have a second child.
We are homeschooling, and because there is not much like-minded community here, I draw support from your previous blog posts and IG snippets. And of course your products, which we love.
I value your voice in my life and can’t wait to hear about whatever you feel moved to share!
This is so lovely to read. Thank you, Kathleen.
I”m on your email list and have been reading your blog for many, many years…Email lists are my favorite way of keeping on top of the blogs/writers I follow.
Hey Renee! Thanks for finding your way back. Oh, how our lives have changed since we both began these journies.
I’m an old friend, missing your words, and here for this!
Thanks, Natalie. Welcome back to this space.
SOO excited to see you back in this space!
Hey, friend! x
So glad to see you here again, Rachel. Value lies in obserances of the real, which requires slowing down! Good to see you!
Thank you, Susan. I couldn’t agree more.
So happy to see you back at the blog! I’ve also loved your blogging space for so many years and am so happy to meet you back there!
Thanks, Alexis!
I’m so glad to be able to read your thoughts on the blog again. I started reading your blog 10 or so years ago, for the parenting/alternative schooling/slow living content.
Thanks, Lori!
OMG!! I’m so glad to see this! Your blog posts really help me remember to slow down, remind me of what is important, and are sometimes entertaining in such a real way. I’m so very happy to see you here again!!
Aw, thank you!
Yay! I’ve always preferred blogs to Instagram! I used to read your blogs before you (and everyone it seemed) switched over, so I would love to follow along here again. This format is much more relaxing to me as well, and more intimate in a lot of ways.
I so agree. I stopped because, frankly, people stopped coming. But it feels like the perfect time to return.
I’m so glad you are back! And your messy kitchen and weedy garden will make me feel better about mine. Perhaps we all should post pix so we can all feel that kindred feeling of being ourselves and not being perfect, for none of us are!
Hear, hear!
I’m really feeling you on this one, friend. Who knew that back in the day, when we were hustling as bloggers and fledgling entrepreneurs (trying to make a name for ourselves and make some money, somehow!), that we would then miss the simplicity of daily writing routines and the good ol’ fashion blog comment section free from algorithms and ads. Maybe it’s that I’m super attuned to the passing of time right now, but the ache in me is strong these days, too. I’m glad to see you following what feels good and right to you. It’s inspiring to me and makes me feel less alone in my desire for the wholesome, the simple, and the REAL. Sending you big love!! <3
Beth! Hello. I couldn’t agree with you more, on looking back on those hustling days. I’m feeling that passing of time as well, and so grateful for the good work you’re putting into the world in reflection of those days gone by. Big hugs, friend.
I’ve been following you for years, and am delighted at the thought of seeing regular blog posts from you again! You are so right in them having such a different spirit/energy than a social media post. Looking very much forward to what you have to share.
Thanks, Lizzie!
I’m so so grateful to read this post. I consider you a friend even though you and I only met briefly ages ago at CWES. Your voice and wisdom have guided me through my pregnancy, birth of my daughter, first years as a mom, and now as a homeschooling family. Not to mention the wild ride the past 2 years have been. Your voice/blogging has brought a quiet sense of grounding, a place for me to feel seen, and the feeling that I’m not alone. I have savored the eloquence of your words, your ability to touch the heart, how you are able to be vulnerable and authentic, and how you just seem to know what the world needs to read/hear at just the right time. You make these lovely soaps and balms at Lusa but you also have a gift of using words as a salve for the soul. I’m so very grateful you will be blogging again.
Oh my goodness, Stephanie. This means so much. Thank you. Truly.
Yes, I’m here! Missing my blogging days.
xo
I initially found you through your blog, so I’m very fond of it and grateful for the efforts you’ve invested here. I’m always going to cheer loud when people intentionally engage with the world, choosing the best match for their unique needs, rather than doing things out of a sense of obligation or normalcy.
Hey, Gabrielle! So glad you’re here. xox
Glad to see you brushing off the blog! I prefer blogs because they feel more like a letter from a faraway friend.
Thank you!
I found your blog years ago, while doing research for a presentation on creating “yes” environments for children. I quoted you on one of my slides! That presentation developed into three articles, which I’m very proud of — and I’ve been reading along with you ever since. I’ve often shared your posts with parents I work with, to help them remember that they are enough, or to slow down, or to let their children believe in magic. I’m glad to see you’re reviving this space for your writing.
So lovely, Teresa. Thank you for sharing. And to think, those kids are nearly 20 and 15 now. How time moves…
I keep going to social media only to find it so unsatisfying and incapable of delivering the community I think we all crave (or at least that I do). It would be wonderful to regularly read your blog again.
I feel so much the same, Kristen.
Wonderful Rachel! Can’t wait to catch up
Thanks, Kim!
Rachel — I have so missed your blog, just reading you one above made me feel peaceful. I started reading who Sage was maybe 4? I would be so happy for you to start up again!
Oh my goodness, a lifetime. Thanks for coming back to see us here once more, Helen.
The real world, including the digital “social” world, feels really disappointing – has for some time. I love that you’re bringing back your blog. I can really relate to all you said and most of the comments here as well. Thank you for creating a place for you AND us! Sending you lots of love!!
Yay! Thanks, Cara. xo
How very exciting! I’ve been reading on and off for the past decade and have loved every drop. Some of my friends just had their first baby and I thought of you and ALL of the wonderful things I read about you raising your children. So it was funny when I saw you pop up today in my gmail, like the universe was listening to my thoughts so I could send your link their way. Thank you for sharing your life with us all. Looking forward to reading whatever comes next. Cheers!
Ashley
How serendipitous! Thanks for joining me here once more, Ashley.
Hello-I’m so happy to have just found your blog. I discovered you from Anne Butera’s email from My Giant Strawberry. I too have returned to blogging this past year having left social media all together about 2 years ago and I couldn’t agree more with your post. So happy to connect with you (and others) in this way again. Wishing you a lovely day!
It feels like such a healthy switch (social back to blogging). Thanks for coming along with me!
I’m so glad to see you blog again. I’ve had a mommy blogger crush on you for years, and I love your hollistic approach to parenting and living. I long for the bucolic lifestyle you seem to have managed and until I’m in a position to be able to do this myself (my ex has essentially ensured I have to wait until my children are grown) I will continue to live vicariously through your journey. Thank you for coming back. I’ve very much missed you.
Aw, this is the sweetest. Thank you, Sesasha, for the kind words.
I’m all for a blog revival! I still read blogs, finding new posts via the Feedly app, and that’s how I saw you’d written a new post. I love blogs and always will!
Yay! So glad you’re here, Lisa.
I Am All in! I too returned to blogging and hope that everyone does too. It’s where I can slow down, share and “talk” with you. I’ve just subscribed to your blog – and will share in a post as well
Hooray! Thanks, Cathy.
Oh yes please, come back and write some more! I’ve really missed your blog. It’s pretty much the only one I’ve ever followed, too, as I’m not very connected in general… I can’t remember how I chanced upon it in the first place, it was when my daughter was a baby, about 9 years ago! Could it have been peg dolls? Or home-schooling? Or wild fermenting? Can’t remember, but to me, it was just like you say in this post, “something that leaves you loving your own imperfect, ordinary life that much more”. Absolutely.
I’d really like you to know that here in Morlaix, Brittany (France), there is a woman (that’s me!) whose imperfect, ordinary life feels a bit golden and glittery round the edges, thanks to what you’ve shared about yours over the years. And I hardly ever clean my house before having guests in, thanks to your post about how messy everybody’s house usually is, unless they’re having guests, and how everyone might as well be open about it 😀 Just one of the many practical effects your words have had on me. My daughter and I are also peg-dolls nuts, and I have a feeling our homeschooling style must be pretty close to yours, and I’m pretty sure it must have been you who lead me to read Sandor Ellix Katz’s book on wild fermentation, which started me into the whole bubbling-vats-of-funny-smelling-stuff game.
So yes, Thank you Rachel, and please do carry on blogging! 🙂
Much love,
Mathilde
Oh, Mathilde. I recognize your name from years gone by. Your comment inspired me to look up Morlaix and it looks like a gorgeous place to call home. Thanks for the beautiful, heart-warming words. It means so very much.
Rachel – I have missed your voice! I, too, feel like I’ve grown up as a parent alongside your writing, and so appreciate it. I also buy soaps and oils and potions of yours every time we are in Milwaukee 🙂 I’ve been thinking so often about the totally off pacing of our technology in comparison to our biology and your slow down invitation is always welcome! Thank you for being you!
So lovely, Molly. Thank you!
I miss the slow pace of blogging; the past 14 years have been so fast…I also have wanted to sit down and blog again. Even with the naysayers “no one reads blogs” (your comment section proves to differ!) I’m here for this ..with wide eyes and open heart! I’m here for all of the gentle revivals!
Yes, yes! Thank you, Heather.
Yes, I’ll definitely continue reading here! I’ve been reading your blog *for years*, so I don’t remember how I got to you in the first place (maybe you commented on or guest-posted on another blog I read and I followed you over? SouleMama, maybe?)
I used social media for a while, but stopped almost seven years ago, but I’ve never given up on reading blogs. 🙂
I’m excited to see you back in this space!
I always, always loved your blog, your photos, your insights, your wisdom. Thank you for sharing again 🙂
p.s. I think I originally found you via the famous /infamous peaches post! But I’ve come back time and time again to be inspired and challenged. Thank you!