Sunday, March 13, 2011

A Work in Progress...

That pretty much describes my blog this evening since there are still some things that need tweaking around here. Pretty fitting, I suppose. After all, I want my blog to reflect my life, and I generally need a little tweaking too.

I probably would have a finished product by now if that daughter of mine had been willing to do all the work for me.

But nooo.

In some sort of twisted role reversal, she thought it in my best interest to learn how to do things for myself. The girl listens entirely too much to her father.

So there we sat, side by side. She clicked away at warp speed and used words like pixels.  I littered my desk with sticky notes and only cried once. In the end, we had a banner that I think I can update and a template and colors that we thought were keepers.

Even the computer girl was befuddled with a few things, though. My sidebar pictures, for instance, seemed to take on a mind of their own. Without so much as a click, I had the incredible shrinking barnyard breakfast beneath the live oak tree.

Help...

My fonts also presented a problem.  I wanted to use the one called Irish Growler for the dates and sidebar.


I carefully followed the directions.

I selected...
and previewed...
and applied...
and looked...

No Growler.

I did it again and again, but no matter how hard I tried, the dates and sidebars absolutely refused to growl.  I finally gave up and was playing around with a few other things when suddenly, it appeared.

And then it disappeared.
Then, there it was again.
And then, there it wasn't. Again.

I have flatly refused to give it any more attention, but the spritely little Irish Growler has been playing peekaboo with me ever since. If you happen to spot him on my dates and sideboard, let me know.  

In the end, it was a fruitful project even though it still needs tweaking.  Miss Whimsy even left me a little bonus technology as a parting gift.  She stripped all the songs off of her old Ipod Shuffle and loaded songs for me to listen to as I go about my day.

I appreciate it.

Now, if I can only figure out how to work the thing.

35 comments:

Kathy said...

Your new blog face looks lovely!

Cooking Up Faith said...

I LOVE IT! :)

elizabeth said...

It's lovely! and the Growler is showing up fine too! I used to do all my own blog design, if you can call what I did design, and finally decided the $50 to someone who knew what they were doing was well worth it...I never thought to make my daughter do it for me! :)

Lynn said...

Looks great Debbie! I'm sure the Irish Growler will settle down after St. Patrick's day:@)

Joan Hall said...

Hey - I like the new look! I see growler on the sidebar.

There is nothing more frustating at time than technology.

Renée said...

wOw...it looks great and will only get better! I'm with your daughter, blogging isn't just for fun, we are learning here and you are proof positive that it looks and feels good. Way to go my friend.

Try reloading your shrunken images...your font is working and you header is delightful. I'm so proud of you and happy you're back in business...yak away!

Janettessage.blogspot.com said...

Glad your back...and I think it is great! You have figured out so much more than I have! And sometimes it is fun to see that we might know a little more than our kids in this field...one of mine asked ME! how to do a blog...go figure.
Well you both did an awesome job and glad to see I am not blocked out!! LOL

FrouFrouBritches said...

I love, love, love it!!! I see the Growler on the sideboard, except where it says "Playing with the Dishes" and "Simple Pleasures". Y'all did a great job! Love the new header!

Miss Char said...

I think we're living in parallel worlds Debbie. I've been trying some small changes on my blog too with mixed results. I still can't figure out how to center my title and my fonts change with a life of their own from time to time. My son is working on downloading an Ipod for me this week so that I have something to listen to on a long trip. It's good to know I'm in good company when it comes to technical challenges.

Gayle said...

I'm loving the new look. You go, girl. The Growler is there. :-)

http://bitsandpieces-sonja.blogspot.com/ said...

Ditto to what Janette just said!! Your page looks super... clean, easy to view and beautiful! Good job Debbie & daughter! :) I am still using my Sony digiatl camera with a 3.4 floppy disc. I am rebelling against the newer chips, etc. and I am happy in my out dated world of tech. I know the day is coming when that 15 year old camera will die, and no doubt I will get the new one, learn how, and wonder what on earth took me so long to change!!!

http://bitsandpieces-sonja.blogspot.com/ said...

oops, SEE!!! I am NOT good at tech stuff... make that 3.5 :(

Denise at Forest Manor said...

Hi Debbie,

So glad you're back!! Thanks for stopping by my blog and leaving a nice comment. I'm glad you enjoyed the pictures. I have to tell you I read your post about going private in order to make some changes to your blog. Your description of you and technology had me laughing out loud. I am also a low-tech person. It was fun to read about the Practical One and the Whimsy. How ironic that the Whimsy is the daughter who is such a whiz on the computer. It was really nice of her to help you update the blog (and it looks great by the way). I don't think my son would have the patience for that.

You have the gift of making people laugh and that's a wonderful thing. Keep on yakking!

Denise

Amy Kinser said...

I love the pictures at the top. You and your sweet daughter did a great job.

Now...get back to making us laugh.

bj said...

O, Debbie girl, I laughed so dang hard at this because I can relate to every single bit of it.

Your new look is fabulous..Ya'll did a great job, I think. The lime green is awesome..I just came from a little dress shop and every thing in it was lime green and don't cha know, I bought a little top in that luscious HOT color.
I see Growler over there, too...
I've never really learned to use my phone, much less an IPod.
Now, to email answers (as in you statement here on comments)...most of us have our email addresses posted..just use those. Too many times, folks don't come back over after they have left a comment.
Let's see...anything else? Oh, yeah...maybe you can tell me why, after typing the right code in Blogger template to CENTER my header, sometimes it is CENTERED, the next time, it's moved over to the left and once, it was barely hanging on to the right side. I have finally just agreed with Blogger that he can do whatever he wants...he's NOT running me off. :)))
xoxo bj

Chatty Crone said...

Oh this was so cute - so true - and so funny - but what you got out of all that (youjust cried once) was an awesome looking new blog.

I LOVE IT! Great job to you and your daughter.

sandie

At The Picket Fence said...

Oh Debbie I love it!!!! It really is like you in blog form! :-) Cheerful, warm, welcoming and perfectly Debbie. I have been experiencing weird blogger issues too...like my post looking one way in draft form and completely different after I publish it. So frustrating! I'm off now to visit One Heart at Home!
Vanessa

Dayle ~ A Collection of Days said...

Baby steps. Proud of you for trying and I do believe I see the growling font. It starts with the "Yakking By Theme" heading. Just a little FYI. ;)

Sharon said...

Oh yes, I get the whole computer illiteracy thing. I think they should do commercials with us starring in them - "The brain is a terrible thing to waste..." - assuming I had one to start with!

LOVE the new look - it's just so you! There are a few growls on the sidebar, and your post date showed up growling.

You make me laugh - I'm an impatient clicker, too. Can't tell you how many times I've frozen the whole stupid thing because I couldn't wait for the computer to work!

Glad you're back - thanks for the laugh - and thanks that you weren't blocking me from reading...had a complex starting there for a few hours!

GOD BLESS, my friend!

Francie...The Scented Cottage Studio said...

Ha ha ha ... I get the same thing, they speak this foreign language and expect us to get it.
Shameful you'd think they would treat us with a bit more respect :))
Love the new look !
oh and blogger is just playin' with you. does it to me all the time.
(())

At The Picket Fence said...

Oh Debbie! I'm so proud of you! It looks beautiful and your Growler font is there..I can see it! You know you can always email me if you have a specific question and can't figure something out. I've got blogger almost down to a science now..haha!

Again, love your new blog home!

Heather @At The Picket Fence

Linda (More Fun Less Laundry) said...

Hi Debbie, the Growler is there except for Simple Pleasures and Playing With the Dishes! Your blog looks great for Spring! I recently changed the border around my pictures to the same lime green and it makes me happy when I see it. Linda

Bargain Decorating with Laurie said...

My comment may show up twice, because first it was there, and then it was gone (and I wasn't even using the growler font!) When your blog loaded and I spotted your new header, I was so impressed. It is beautiful (and I love that bike). I think your frustration and hard work paid off. Your blog looks great! laurie

Unknown said...

ooooooohh!!! Debbie! This is gorgeous! You and your daughter done good!!!!
I think if you can a)take a picture, b)load it on the computer on a blog you are way ahead of the game. I seriously believe the children we have produced are born with the ability to know technology without having to sit through a class.....
xoxo
lynn

Jennie said...

You've done a great job! Love that you were forced to get your feet wet. It is completely and totally overwhelming, if you ask me!

Can't wait to read more of your yakking. I miss it. :)

Anonymous said...

It looks beautiful Debbie!:-)

Nellie's Cozy Place said...

Morning Debbie,
Love your new look, your header is just beautiful and love this green background. Yall did a great job! When hubby does stuff he is like your daughter click click so fast I can't even tell what he did, so I have learned that I have to drive and him tell me what to click cause I learn better that way!! but thank the Lord for your daughter and my hubby or we probably would not have a blog!! lol

I know what you mean about some of these things that happen.....many times they seem to have quite the mind of their own, unfortunately for us!~! lol It can be a bit annoying at times!!

Thanks for coming by last night and encouraging me with your precious comments. I loved that testimony about our Pastors Grandson too, it made me cry when I heard it!! Good tears tho!!

You have a Wonderful week full of blessings galore, Nellie

Crickit said...

Your Blog looks GREAT Debbie! Can't wait for your next blog post!

Have a wonderful day! :)

Angel said...

Looks great Debbie! A while back I worked for hours on a new header and ended up not even using it. HA! So you should feel really good that you actually have something to show for your hard work. Bravo!

Jennie said...

I'm coming back to comment again just to curse you. Your re-invented blog has inspired me and now I can't stop searching and ciphering and considering my next freshening-up move.

Donna@Conghaile Cottage said...

Oh You Brave,Brave Girl! I am SO AFRAID to touch "ANYTHING" for fear I'll have a meltdown and never be heard from again. I know I'll need assistance when I decide to "Shovel out my house on my Header"!!!
I'm having a GIVEAWAY!!! if you'd like to enter drop in for a visit and leave a comment @
http://conghailecottage.blogspot.com/2011/03/conghaile-cottages-1st-giveaway.html
Hugs to you Busy Lady,
Donna

Donna@Conghaile Cottage said...

"Oh AND I LOVE your header", It's PERFECT!!!

Kathleen said...

Irish Growler, now that I have to see!
Just popping in to say hello and thank you for your visits and kind comments!

Kelli said...

The new look is LOVELY. You have been missed...it was worth the wait. You guys have outdone yourselves. Now since you're an expert, you can help me update the blog.

Ms.Daisy said...

Debbie,
I've been laughing like a loon over "the Irish Growler" and I've been looking for him to pop up suddenly and scare the heck out of me but, noooo - there is no Growler here. You really make me laugh - I love reading your blog and you
(and Ms. Whimsy) have done a bang up job with your page!

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