Freshened Up!

Do you like my new blog format? I think I love it. I have wanted to add, subtract and change somethings but every time I began to try, Blogger always made me grumble and get frustrated. But, now Blogger has a new "Layout" system that is pretty great. It was a bit scary to click the "convert" button, knowing I would lose all my previous modifications. But, now I am so glad I did.

The "Layout" system has a "Page Elements" tab that let's you change the size, font and color of all the different elements. It's also easy to add a picture to the page header. (The picture in the header is a close up of Construction: Concrete and Stone which will be at Houston in the Tactile Architecture exhibit. I can't wait to see it!)

The Page Elements window even lets me choose from a bunch of different widgets to add to my side bar and I can just drag and drop them where I want them and edit them easily. I wanted to list my upcoming teaching gigs, so you can see those on the right. (Yes, I've got one workshop and program scheduled in 2010. Gosh... it seems like a long way away.) I also wanted to list some of the local arty events I am planning to attend. If you're also attending, I hope we can find each other and say "hi."

I've also added pictures from the various magazines in which I've been published. What a thrill it is to be included in such inspirational publications and in the company of other really fantastic artists.

I would like to make the font on my "blog-tastic" link list smaller, but I haven't figured out how to do that. The link list automatically puts the blogs that have been updated most recently up at the top. I'm not sure if I love that, but we'll try it for now. I also want to add an easy "Email Me!" link, so you can just click and you'll get an automatic email that pops up addressed to me. I love to hear from you. I'm sure I'll figure it out. It will just take some poking around.

Speaking of poking around, I also wanted a three column format so I could add all those goodies in two side bars, rather than one. Blogger doesn't offer a three column template that I liked, but I found excellent directions here.

While we on the subject of all this boring blog administration, I'll also say that I am using a new desktop blogging application called "ecto" developed specifically for Macs. It lets me compose my posts offline and I can add links easily plus ---- and this was the main selling point for me --- I can drag pictures from iPhoto right into the compose window. Easy Peasy. I did a 30 day free trial and when it was over, I was happy to pay $18 for the download.

Ok, enough about all that.