• Home
  • Privacy Policy
  • Contact
    • Collaborate
  • Blog
  • Parties
    • Children’s Parties Ideas
    • Holiday Parties
    • Adult Party Ideas
  • Holiday Ideas
    • Christmas
    • Easter
    • Fourth of July
    • Spring
    • Thanksgiving
    • Valentine’s Day
  • Seasons
    • Winter
    • Spring
    • Summer
    • Autumn
  • Recipes
    • Appetizers
    • Beverages
    • Desserts
    • Main Dishes
    • Side Dishes
    • Soups
  • Project Gallery
    • Crafts
    • Decorating
    • DIY
    • Good Ideas
    • Tutorials
  • Shop My Home
  • Nav Social Menu

    • Bloglovin
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter

At The Picket Fence with Vanessa Hunt

Where Ideas for your Home Meet Inspiration for your Heart

  • Book
  • Speaking
  • Meet Vanessa
    • Featured

February 8, 2018

When You Need to Hibernate

I’ve been a little bit more quiet here lately. And I’ve wanted to share with you what’s been happening but I just couldn’t quite get it written down. So I’m coming to you in a video instead.

It’s a little bit messy and a little bit raw and a LOT honest. And, frankly, it would be much easier for me to not share this with you but I think there might be someone out there who needs to know they aren’t the only one who finds themselves in a quieter season.

Just a heads up. this was originally done in a FB live video so you might hear me responding a bit to some of the comments.

 

Have you been or are you currently in a season of needing to hibernate for a bit?

Please know, dear friends, that I understand. That I will sit in it with you. And that it’s ok.

Because community is best done when we can support each other in every season, don’t you think?

Thank you so much for meeting me at the fence today,

P.S. I want to reiterate that I am not battling depression (and I promise I’m not in denial). I know the symptoms and have walked alongside friends and family as they have struggled with it. I also have many people who would encourage me to get help if they saw any evidence of it in my life. There is a HUGE difference between needing to be quiet/hibernate for a bit and being truly depressed.  And if you are wondering if perhaps you are struggling with depression, please reach out to someone. You could even reach out to me and I would be honored to help point you towards some resources. xoxo

14 Comments Filed Under: Faith

Subscribe

Get the latest goodness straight to your inbox!

Previous Post: « New Flooring for a New Home!
Next Post: How to Make a Custom Mug »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Lynn Mosher says

    February 8, 2018 at 4:05 PM

    Sounds like you had too much on your plate at once and you wore yourself out. Don’t ever feel guilty for taking care of yourself. You needed to retreat and rest your soul. To refuel. To refresh. You may still need some retreat time. Please take care of that inner part of you. May the Lord bless you. ❤

    Reply
  2. Karen K. says

    February 8, 2018 at 5:11 PM

    I think you’ve had too much at one time & you need to chill for awhile. That’s perfectly all right!! You have to take care of yourself, so grab a pillow & blanket & relax on the couch. Prayer helps also!!

    Reply
  3. Naomi S. says

    February 8, 2018 at 6:00 PM

    I have always tho’t that Winter should be declared “hibernation time”! Especially if you live in a cold climate. If we could just allow ourselves to stay inside and be as unproductive as we felt like. For the whole season! I, myself, and a couple of my friends, border on the description of hermits. We all understand that we may not hear from the others for months, sometimes. It doesn’t mean we are mad or that we don’t want to be friends anymore, it just means that we don’t have energy for “relating” right now.

    Anyway, I think it’s quite alright for you to draw back for as long as you need to. I truly understand that need. It means we are taking time for ourselves to refuel. And we should feel alright with doing it.

    Reply
  4. Mary-Ann (from Canada!) says

    February 8, 2018 at 6:39 PM

    Vanessa, I just want you to know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. You have been such a busy gal and, sometimes, you just feel like you need time to just sit and take a break! This is so important. There is nothing wrong with taking some time for you and you don’t have to feel guilty about this. It’s always good when you realize that you need to step away from being so busy. The Lord knows all about what you are going through and He loves and cares for you. Just keep looking up to Him! Your friends are lifting you up to Him in prayer. The sun will shine brightly for you again soon! May you feel God’s presence in a very special way in the coming week. Don’t ever forget how special you are in God’s eyes — and in the eyes of all your friends who read your posts Bless you, dear friend.

    Reply
  5. Diane says

    February 8, 2018 at 7:30 PM

    My mother always called it quiet time. I arranged for my children to have quiet time also when they were kids. And now my daughter does it for her kids. I see nothing wrong with quiet time or hibernation or whatever you want to call it.

    Reply
  6. Michele says

    February 8, 2018 at 10:36 PM

    It’s completely understandable with all you’ve been up to lately.

    Heavens to Betsy – take time for yourself and worry not.

    We look forward to knowing you’re happy, healthy, rested and ready for spring – it’s around the corner. God bless. Hugs and prayers. ♥

    Reply
  7. Wilma Prohaska says

    February 8, 2018 at 11:41 PM

    Oh dear. You were just overwhelmed with work and the flu didn’t do you any favor by showing up during such a busy time in life. I would cry too.
    It is ok to decide to settle and retire ; just for a few days or weeks as much as you need; in the company and quiet comfort of God.
    You will be better. You opened your heart and ears to a sunny day. Hugs.

    Reply
  8. Wanda says

    February 8, 2018 at 11:50 PM

    Vanessa, take your time. Rest, rejuvenate, revitalize. We will still be here when your winter turns to spring. SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) may be a contributing factor in your “darkness”.

    Reply
  9. Debbie says

    February 9, 2018 at 6:19 AM

    Thank you Vanessa for being so open and honest with us. Listening to your video I just wanted to give you a hug. Sometimes when I read other blogs they look like they have a perfect life and everything going for them. I know we all have trials and struggles in life and times where we just need to be alone. Thankfully God is always there with us through our struggles and never leaves us. Your followers will be there for you when you are ready. Please rest and take the time you need. I know I will still be here. Sending my hug

    Reply
  10. Sarah Braden says

    February 9, 2018 at 9:12 AM

    I resonate with so much of what you said. Thank you for being courageous and sharing your heart with us.

    Reply
  11. Norma Rolader says

    February 10, 2018 at 7:49 AM

    God bless you for sharing and prayers for you! I is perfectly alright to chill and take time out! I am so glad you shared your story I have been fighting severe depression, panic attacks and anxiety attacks for the last few years and seeing a doctor … I was not able to leave my home my husband had to do all … now all the progress that I have made I am following back due to now my husband is in in-home hospice and all has been put on me to do and for the last he has taken a turn for the worse we have my 81 yr old mother living with us Please keep us in your prayers as I will be praying for you

    Reply
  12. Kerna Pettorelli says

    February 12, 2018 at 2:47 AM

    I admire your courage to speak your truth.
    Blessings to you. XO

    Reply
  13. Cindy says

    February 16, 2018 at 3:26 PM

    You are an amazing woman. I am giving you a big hug and I love you and I totally understand. I have been there. Thanks for sharing what is on your heart. I have never personally met you but I feel I know you and it will all be okay. Just a season of life. Praying for you with lots of love.

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      February 16, 2018 at 5:03 PM

      Oh thank you so much Cindy! I’d take a hug! LOL! It’s so nice to know that we aren’t alone in these seasons isn’t it? I really do feel like I’m beginning to come out of it and the support of this amazing community has been so incredible. Blessings to you! xoxo

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar

Search This Blog

Get the book!

Invite Vanessa to speak at your event!

Stay updated!

  • Nostalgia is Not an Aesthetic

    Nostalgia is Not an Aesthetic
  • A New Podcast

    A New Podcast
  • Taking Decorating Thoughts Captive

    Taking Decorating Thoughts Captive
  • Kids Need Real Answers

    Kids Need Real Answers

Sign Up and Never Miss A Post!

Must Reads

Latest Recipes

Making the Case for Heirlooms

Strawberry Muffins with Lemon Glaze

Honey Tea Cake Loaf with Lemon Glaze

view more recent recipes

Recent Posts

  • Nostalgia is Not an Aesthetic March 21, 2026
  • A New Podcast March 21, 2026
  • An Autumn Home Tour October 9, 2025
  • How to Adapt Your Traditions as Your Kids Get Older December 13, 2024
  • Christmas Home Tour 2024 December 13, 2024

Footer

Stay Connected!

Instagram

Front door wreath….✔️ The very last Christmas dec Front door wreath….✔️

The very last Christmas decorating to be completed and one of the most important since there’s nothing I love more than welcoming people into our home this season.

I bought the wreath for $15 from a wonderful local vendor, reused my favorite bells and added a velvet bow in the color I’m carrying throughout the house this year.

Do you buy a fresh wreath each year or do you use a faux wreath on your front door? 

#frontdoorwreath #christmaswreath #christmasporch
The first day of December and the first Sunday of The first day of December and the first Sunday of advent. As we enter into a month that can be filled with stress, anxiety, worry and even sadness, let us turn our hearts towards the ONE who came as the ultimate, undeserved gift. Because it’s all about Him. 

“Who can add to Christmas? The perfect motive is that God so loved the world. The perfect gift is that He gave His only Son. The only requirement is to believe in Him. The reward of faith is that you shall have everlasting life.” (Corrie Ten Boom)
“I would maintain that thanks are the highest form “I would maintain that thanks are the highest form of thought, and that gratitude is happiness doubled by wonder.” ~ G.K. Chesterton

Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours dear friends! 🍂
Its that time of year again. I share this recipe e Its that time of year again. I share this recipe every November because it’s JUST.THAT.GOOD! 

And I have a confession ...I’d rather have cranberry sauce smothering the turkey on my plate than gravy any day!! And this, this right here? Well it’s the best (and easiest!) cranberry sauce ever!! I eat on crackers and sandwiches and sometimes just by the spoonful. It’s so yummy! And I’m just so very thankful for all of you that I’m going to leave the recipe right here instead of making you go to the blog to get it. I promise you won’t regret having this on your Thanksgiving menu but be warned...you may find yourself up in the middle of the night sneaking some helpings of this deliciousness. Or maybe that’s just me!

Ingredients:
2 pounds fresh or frozen cranberries
2 oranges
2 cups granulated sugar
1 cup white wine.

Instructions:
Wash and pick over berries, removing any that are soft. Peel and dice oranges removing any seeds. Combine all ingredients in a large pot. Bring to a full boil. Reduce heat and continue cooking until cranberries pop open and mixture is thickening.
For best flavor, prepare and let stand for several days before using.

Gobble, gobble!! 🦃
It’s that time of year again!! Chex Mix will be ma It’s that time of year again!! Chex Mix will be made on repeat for the next month and I’ve figured out the secret to getting the BEST flavor.

Want to know what it is? It’s all about being EXTRA! 

Take the base recipe up a notch by using a full stick of butter, extra tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce and an extra 1/2 tablespoon of Lawry’s seasoning salt.

I guarantee you’ll never go back!

You’re welcome. 😉🎄

#chexmix #chexmixupgrade
Happy Friday!! I limped my way to the end of the w Happy Friday!! I limped my way to the end of the week and I’m feeling especially grateful for the twinkling lights around my home which give me so much joy.

The great debate on social media over whether or not Christmas decorations should appear before Thanksgiving is one I just let roll on past me. Because I am so unbelievably thankful for this life, my family, my friends, this country, this home and most of all my Savior. 

Having my home all ready to welcome the next sacred season doesn’t take away one iota from my ability to express gratitude on the official day set aside each year where we do that collectively.

And when the last slice of turkey has been eaten and all of the leftovers put away, I’ll be over here ready to be fully present in the month of December and soak up every bit of it! 🦃🎄
IKEA vs Heirlooms: Why we need family treasures “ IKEA vs Heirlooms: Why we need family treasures

“My children have grown up seeing antique books on a coffee table, vintage toys in their bedrooms and even pieces of furniture that were all passed down from one generation to the next. But as my nest gets closer and closer to being empty, I’m keenly aware of the fact that many of these cherished items might not be as welcome in the homes of future generations.”

*Read the rest over at @cleartruthmedia*
All of my CTM articles are saved in my highlights
Not too long ago, someone told me that they liked Not too long ago, someone told me that they liked it better when I just talked about decorating and didn’t mention anything else. This person preferred me to keep any opinions or convictions to myself and just focus only on content about home decor, crafts and recipes. Aside from the fact that I’m always astonished that people feel so free to say things like that, I do agree that it would be a lot easier and more palatable if I didn’t talk about things like a Biblical Worldview, apologetics and the nature of reality itself. For one thing, Instagram wouldn’t throttle my account with its algorithms that are skewed to diminish voices like mine. It would be much easier to be so tethered to this app that I change everything I post to fit into its preferred framework. I would be asked to be part of influencer groups and activities like I was years ago. But I’m not that person anymore. Yes, the core of this community will always be an emphasis on homemaking which will include decorating and recipes but I can’t separate that from the core of who I am as a follower of Jesus Christ.

It would be so much easier for me to just show you the latest Amazon products I’ve bought and tell you to “comment” to get the links. But I’m not called to take the easy path. Matthew 7:13-14 says, “Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many.”

I truly believe that so many have been lulled into thinking that the narrow gate wasn’t really all that narrow. But, it’s never been more obvious that it really is. And every day I seek to stay on that very narrow way.  More than ever before, I believe that our world needs to know that there is objective truth and a solid foundation to stand upon as we navigate our lives. My role as a homemaker is predicated on that foundation and everything else flows out of it. Talking about these things isn’t going to get me lots of views here. 

But I live for an audience of ONE.
The first time we hosted my in-laws for a meal was The first time we hosted my in-laws for a meal was in 1998. I was a new bride and eager to impress them. It did not go well. Let’s just say there was a bit of a garbage disposal mishap. 

It’s been over 25 years since then and I’ve learned so much about what really matters when it comes to hosting and caring for my family well during the holiday season. 

The peace we long for in our home begins with our hearts. If you want your home to feel more peaceful during the upcoming holiday season, I have five things to consider that will make that not only possible but predictable.

✨ Read the full article over at @club31women ✨

#club31women #wearethehomemakers
Here, in my little corner of social media, you won Here, in my little corner of social media, you won’t find a lot of unboxing of brand new items for Christmas. 

What I’m unboxing are the decorations in the attic that  I’ve had for years and figuring out how to give them a fresh look. I added new lights to an old pre-lit tree that no longer worked because I couldn’t bring myself to get rid of it. I’m putting out a different set of mugs at the hot cocoa station and the advent candles are arranged with greenery from outside.

As our feeds are filled with so.much.stuff, I want to offer you a reprieve. A place where you will find less emphasis on what’s happening in our homes and more on what’s happening in our hearts.

More than ever before, I can see just how much people are needing the hope found in Christ and that will always be the focus here. 

So, while you may not see me unpacking a massive, new tree or telling you to “comment for the link”, what you will see is encouragement to turn our hearts to what matters the most and let that reflect in every corner of our homes this season and all year long. 🌲

#wearethehomemakers #homemaking #homemakerschristmas #club31women
Follow
Privacy Policy

Copyright © 2026 · Divine theme by Restored 316

Copyright © 2026 At The Picket Fence