For those who do not blog, having your blog redesigned is a big deal. For most bloggers,(especially those of us who can’t write code), it’s something we’re going to look at everyday for a long time. And if you screw it up, it’s like waiting for a bad haircut to grow out. Time seems to move slow, snail slow, molasses in January slow.
I’d had this blog slightly less than a year when I decided it needed a new look. During that year I’d come to realize a lot of things; short paragraphs are better than long ones. Not everyone is going to love you. And if you can’t handle that, you probably shouldn’t be doing this anyway. Get over it.
People who’d been blogging for awhile told me that eventually that I’d find my “voice”.
I had no idea what they meant, til I finally found mine. It wasn’t exactly the voice I’d expected. Actually I really don’t know what I expected. Over the years though I’m becoming more and more outrageous. My “voice” is becoming louder, with fewer filters in place. Looking back though, I guess I might’ve expected this. It seems I’ve been heading this direction for awhile, decades actually,
In 1977 on my first trip to San Fransisco, late one night a friend called and asked me to come right over. I rode across town in a taxicab to see what he needed. (It wasn’t a booty call.) I was already ready for bed when he called and was dressed appropriately. It didn’t cross my mind to change clothes before I left the hotel. The taxi driver didn’t look the least bit surprised as I rode across the city in my baby doll shortie nightie.
I once flew cross country with my face painted- my entire face was covered with grease paint and glitter. The flight attendants kept giving me free drinks. I think they might’ve been a tad afraid of me. When I reached IAH I chased my mom through the airport, threatening to turn her into a toad. I was sure the silver wand I’d purchased on my trip would do the trick. (Perhaps all the free drinks I was given on the plane might’ve contributed to my behavior.)
Although he had turned me down twice that night, I asked a man I didn’t know to dance one last time. I left that club with him that night. We married three weeks later. We’ve been together 28 years now.
When Brett was 2 and hospitalized with encephalitis and a stroke, I wrapped up our full size dachshund, Justin, in a comforter and snuck him into the hospital so Brett could see him. I was looking for anything that he would respond to. It didn’t work; but at least I tried. There are tons more examples over the years, but you get the idea I’m sure.
When I finally decided that I wanted to redesign my blog, I knew what I wanted. At least I thought I knew; and that’s what I told the designer. ” I want something edgy- outside the box.” I figured I wasn’t exactly Susie Whitebread, an almost 60 something, soon to be LOL, who’s going to grow old gracefully. So why should my blog look like one that Susie would like?
So after listening carefully, here’s the header he came up with:
He sent this to me two days before I was leaving for NYC to go to the BlogHer conference. I chose to go a different AKA less post apocalyptic, way- which is what you see at the top of the page. The question is “Did I play it too safe?” Recently I’ve had some people that suggested that I might have. Please tell me what you think. I would really like to know. Don’t look for me to change it anytime soon though. I like my Margaret Thatcher meets Monty Python kinda look.
PS- I’ve got no idea where that red type came from. If anyone does know, please tell me. You know I’m tech challenged. Thanks.
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YES – Love the BIG MOUTH and colorful swirly things…so very YOU!
Even though my eyeballs almost popped out of my head the first time I (totally unexpectedly, thank you very much!) saw your newly designed blog – you most DEFINITELY made the right choice. That original design with what looks like a tank and turret maybe(?) is SO not you, M. You’re outrageous more than edgy. There can definitely be a difference between those two.
I told Evelyn it reminded me of the scene in Independence Day when they show LA after the aliens are done with it. What that hookery looking woman was doing in the far left I cannot imagine. BTW- When did your eyeballs almost pop out? The header I’m using now or the one that I put in the blog today?
I meant my eyeballs almost popped out when I saw the one you’re using – but ONLY because I wasn’t expecting to see the new, psychedelic header. It’s very YOU, though, and I like it.
OK kiddo. Now I understand. The new one is very different from the old. I guess that’s why I like it so much.
Yeah, well the old one was kinda boring. (snort) Hey M – I saw where one lady mentioned the fact that your archived blogs can no longer be accessed. She’s right. You should mention this to your designer and ask him to put a calendar on there like you had with your old design.
I just spent hours (while guzzling coffee) trying to get my modem to recognize the fact that I DO TOO have a wireless network and router. In other words, I had no internet from late last night till an hour or so ago. And now I gotta go call my Mama. Otherwise my instincts tell me she’ll beat me to it, and then I get lectured. ***sigh***
I didn’t know what she meant. I’ll get with Robert right away. Thanks Duffy.
Great. Thanks for your input kiddo.
M, It is a look that does get your attention!…TRACK
Which one kiddo? The one I chose or the one not chosen?
Mouth open…TRACK
Well it does seem to remind people of me, although I have no idea why.
Absolutely love your voice — breadth, width and depth!!! Funny, intelligent, honest, wacky and wee-dick-u-wous — but you all over!! My dear, I simply do not get the above redesign of your blog. The picture is small but I did see a tank (to me a war symbol) and an alien sitting back saying something about what needs to be said (I agree with that). I am obtuse at times I know, but at my age — and I may not be around long enough to be blogging you – I need to relate.
If I’ve offended, mea culpa — seriously!!
Hi Maggie. Your are soooo wonderful. The design that you see in this blog posting was what the designer sent to me originally. Please go to my regular site- Bodaciousboomer.com. I think you’ll like what you see there! It’s quite different from the post-apocalyptic, bad acid trip thing he sent me at first.