Amy, from Living Locurto, made me this adorable little banner thing…for free.
I got a heads up from the Nester that she might be making these, and when I asked Amy “how much” she said for free.
What? How? I later found out that the first 10 people to contact her were getting them for free, and I didn’t even know there was a promotion. Isn’t God good in the little details? Anyhow, I told her I wasn’t picky and she could do what ever she wanted. Yep, my intense design nature really came out in this request. That’s why I haven’t had a blog redo yet. I have saved my little pennies, contacted one person and when she asked what I wanted, I had no idea what to tell her. End of blog redesign until I can come with at least a few sentences besides “I am not picky.” 🙂
Well, Amy, full of creative juices, came back with these two designs. When I eyed the first one, I loved the blend of colors, and the fact it declared my mission. I wasn’t so sure if I should have my big ‘ole head on there, so what did I do? I emailed two of my favorite people, Emily and Kimba, and asked their opinion.
I believe that my email eloquently articulated my question “would people think I am stuck up with my big ‘ole picture on the banner….does it seem too much about “ME?”
Kimba came back and made some great observations, and after stating that she didn’t want to get too deep over this issue…hee hee….ended with this.
“Anyway, seeing your face is one of the first steps in developing that relationship. It makes people feel like they know you a little, and the tag line shares what we are all struggling with.”
So, I went with it. Since in all reality, it is only a millimeter big, and I guess this blog is a bit about me.
In that evening of deciding what to do, can I tell you how all those feelings of high school came flooding back. It was as if I was right back in the “finals” for the Senior Ball court and found out I didn’t get picked.
What will they think of me? Will they think I am stuck up with my face on the banner? Why didn’t anyone comment? Oh no, they can’t hear my tone of voice, and truly sense my heart. Sometimes blog land can create a bit of that. I know the truths of who I am in Christ. I am confident of what my calling is, yet feelings I haven’t dealt with in years have at times resurfaced. Yikes, this was supposed to be a post on my button, and I am getting all serious on you. I do believe as I type on this Friday morning, this will be a topic on a future post.
So now back to my 30 second post…wink, wink.
I want to have a little button made for my side bar? Should I wait to have my blog redesign which could be…..???? Should I keep my face on it or not?
So the question is: delete or no delete?
And any suggestions on how you decided on your blog (re) design?
wait for your redesign for the button, because you know that you’ll want them to match 🙂 And your face is too beautiful to hide!!
This is about what I understand… blah, blah, blog, redesign, should I?, Is it about me?, blah, blah, what do I do? I am so not going to be any help! My husband tells me computer stuff and this is what I hear from him. It is like talking about doing stuff on the computer makes me whoosy and overwhelmed so my brain goes on a decorating dream. I am commenting to say that all I see is two boxes with an “x” in them and if you are showing your redesign photos for some reason I can’t see them. Is it just me not seeing something? I right clicked and put show photo but no photo. Anyway, what’s wrong with a photo of you. I have a big ol photo of me- granted it is 4 years old!- but we love you, we really love you!
Hi! Happy Friday to you.
Thanks for stopping by. Hope your weekend will ‘treat’ you well. Notice how I got the word treat in my comment so eloquently? Crafty, like a Halloween witch that I am. rofl
wish I could tell you, the design picture isn’t showing up for me… and I would say wait for your redesign too.
I’m not getting the picture to show up either. I would probably wait for the redesign so that everything goes together.
I don’t think there is anything wrong using a picture of you. I agree with Kimba.
Hi Jen 🙂
I can’t see it, but don’t be weird about having a picture of you on it. You’re beautiful and I don’t think anyone would think badly of you.
Oh and I love Mocha sitting on your porch swing LOL
Happy Halloween!
rue
I will have to wait for the re-design because I can’t see any pictures only X. Happy Halloween!
Ok, I think I have it fixed…I got one to show up. Now for the other one?
I can’t tell you about the blog redesign because I’m in the same place you are! I’m not sure what I want. The banner looks fine to me. I don’t mind your face on it because I think it helps me remember your blog better. (I’m very visual). Can we homeschool by just looking at pretty pictures all day? ha ha
I like it! If you want a new one, wait until you re-design your blog. It’ll be easier that way. I like your picture on it! Then again, I like visuals. Go for it!
You’re so funny! I think it looks great!
I think the banner is cute but coming from my “marketing” husband – keep it consistent with your blog. THat way – when someone clicks on your banner and then arrives at the blog – it will seem like the right place…….. like coming home. 🙂
I’m glad you’re stepping it up a notch. You inspire me. I’m ready to move out on a reservation with my family too- just can’t get them all off their duffs.
Let me know when the banner is ready – I want one for my blog.
Jen,
The thing I like is that the boxed thingy she made you brings it all together and shines the “purpose” of your blog. Many of us just have cutsey (sp?) banner titles that convey no hidden meaning whatsoever. As I have driven around blog land I like the fact that some women can say so much in just their title!!! I love the way that she made made your purpose come together. I do like your picture on there. It does not give you a stuck up “feel”. I agree with Kimba.
As for those feelings, I can relate. I just wrote my first article and it stirred up a whole lot of those same feelings you were talking about like….”Do I sound like a ‘know it all'” the Lord knows that is not what I want to convey.
Shine Girlfriend!
Leave it. You can just change it a little bit later to match your redesign, but your face on it is a must. It shows the personality of your blog…cheerful and bright!
I actually love the picture of you and your whole family. To me that helps to give expression to your title, which is a great one.
I don’t know what the redesign will entail, but I don’t know if it’s necessary to have a picture of you right above the picture of you with the family. Maybe that’s what’s nagging at you.
But, having said that, I think it would be great to have a photo of you by your beautiful self too…but it’s redundant with the other picture right there. Does that make sense?
However, I will love it either way, because you are lovely and your personality shines out.
I say don’t wait. Live for today. Who knows when you will get to the redesign, with all that bedlam going on.LOL So go ahead and enjoy your banner. I think the picture is cute on it. I mean it’s not like it’s a huge obnoxious picture.
I hope that helps.
See, I told you your photo was what I remembered most about your blog and why I put it on the button to begin with:-) It’s much more personal than a swirly image or some type of symbol. It’s your blog, you should do what feels comfortable. I think as long as it’s small, it’s not stuck-up in anyway and really a gorgeous shot of you! I’m happy people here feel the same way.
Now, when you get your own magazine and put your face on every cover… we might beg to differ! ha.
I don’t have a computer clue! Do what you love-that’s what I think!
Oh Jen. You’re so funny! It’s your blog… about YOU!!! Plaster yourself all over it!!! lol
PS – here you go: thegorenablog.com
Hi Jen,
So glad to hear from you! I’ve been struggling to find the time to blog much lately. After today’s post, I hope for more time. 🙂
I love the banner and the picture of you is perfect!
I agree with Jessica, it does portray your cheerful and bright personality. 🙂
Have a great Sunday.
Sonya
I think it looks snazzy!! The colors are lovely and so is your smile. 🙂
Put your picture on there! My blog has 3 different Susan’s that leave me comments, without the pics I don’t know who it is. I love the pics!
I just got a blog make over and love it. Enjoy!