Monday, August 17, 2009

(Wo)Men At Work

I spent part of the weekend visiting some of my favorite blogs and I noticed something going on. It seems a lot of y'all are sprucing up your sites and getting all professional looking on me and may I say BRAVO! They all look spectacular! This chubby blogger wants to join the pack and be in the 21st Century too! Problem is I don't know how! Y'all know that I am not computer savvy at all! In fact, let's just call it as it is...I am just plain dumb and wouldn't know a html from a URL if it killed me! I don't know what a RSS feed is or how to get one. Tell me, is that like going to Golden Corral?
I've been wanting to do some changes for quite some time now, but I was afraid of doing something that would cause the whole blog to crash or worse...disappear never to be seen again. But if I don't try, that's even worse. It's been said that you can't teach an old dog new tricks...well, I'm no old dog...so girls, I am ready to learn how to sit up and speak! I was able to find out how to change my template to minima stretch and for me that's an accomplishment, but I want to do more. The trick is I'm looking for easy redos. Baby steps, people, baby steps...that's what I want. In the meantime, I thought I would ask for y'alls input on things I know I can change without any help.

While searching for ways to improve my blog, I came across several sites that tell what not to do. Uh Oh! Seems like I break a lot of rules!!!

According to the wise ones, a post should never be over 250 words...Oops! I broke that one from the get go! Obviously, the wise ones never met me or they would know it takes me that many words just to say hello.

They also said an e-mail should be sent to everyone leaving a comment. I apologize here and now for not doing that. I really didn't know that was the rule. If that is what y'all would like, why didn't someone tell me? I feel like such a let down to my Southern upbringing. And while I am asking, is it correct etiquette to reply to a comment within the comments? I want to make this blog some place y'all want to come visit and often, so please, tell me!
Another no-no according to the PTB is play lists. I know it's a pain when there is music playing on one blog and when I click onto another, more music playing at the same time. This is just more than a little annoying, but I love it when the music matches the theme of the post. I've found that instead of clicking onto the current post, if I show the whole blog, my music stops and all I hear is the other's. What do y'all think. Love it or hate it...keep it or lose it? Maybe just for special occasions? Let me know, would you? I aim to please.
Next up is script. Do you prefer a bolder script or smaller. Personally, I like the bolder. At my age, anything that aids in my being able to see is a plus, but again, I want to make it pleasant for visitors...not me! Input, please!
Another thing I have decided to do is separate my life into two blogs. I started this one to journal mine and Cat Daddy's junking forays, but somewhere along the way, it became more of a personal one. I know there are some of you out there who really don't care how many pairs of Yellow Boxes I own or what I had for breakfast...you want junk photos. You want to see the white (or black) trash I have found and what shows are coming up, etc. and I feel you! I hereby proclaim this blog to be baby free! From this point hence, any and all family posts, ramblings, rants and all other points in between will be on Do Over. If you like to read about my life ( for no other reason than to make you feel better about your own) then please, check it out. Heck, become a follower...I would love that! If on the other hand, you like to see photos of junk, then keep your seats. This one ain't going no where.
Now just for my own curiosity, how do you feel about CAPTCHAs? For my money, I consider them a waste of time. I don't have comment verification on my blogs and I've never had too much trouble with spam comments. How about y'all? Sometimes it is just too much of a pain. I have left a great post without commenting because the verification process was acting up. Has this happened to y'all? Of course, this is just my humble opinion and like noses, we all got one!
I'd like to digress here for just a moment and explain the photos I've posted. As you may or may not know, Cat Daddy is a hole digger and has been since getting out of high school. He has worked at the same company for 40 years. His dad and uncle both retired from N. L. Schutte. I have family that retired from this company...how's that for a small world? C.D. likes to say he built Dallas and if you look at the photos, you'll see some proof that he isn't blowing smoke up your dress!

He works hard at a dangerous job. These guys go to work early and in all types of weather. If it's 32 degrees, they're working....if it's 102 degrees, they're working! This is a man's work and my Cat Daddy is nothing if not a man!

So the next time you pass a construction site, instead of getting irritated at the whistles and cat calls, how about giving these guys a whistle instead. You do know how to whistle don't you? You never know...Cat Daddy may be one of them!
Just to show that the proof is in the pudding, I'm including a photo of a work table that I bought last year from Ethel. This great old table came out of a now defunct print shop in Tyler. What you see dripping down the sides is not paint, but glue. I get the supreme pleasure of trying to get that goop off! It's a Fab U Lous piece and one that I would love to keep. Problem is, it would have to have a room of it's own and I just don't have one to spare!
I'll wrap up this "more than than the mandatory 250 word" post now and go get started on my table. I really would love to pick y'alls brains on ways to improve my blog and I promise up and down to respond to your comments!

39 comments:

Kathie Truitt said...

Hello Miss Trash, I like your blog just fine the way it is. You make me laugh and want to read whether you're 'up to date' or not. And just so you know - we're even! I read you every day and I very seldom leave a comment. There just don't seem to be enough hours in the day. So just know that I'm here whether I'm makin' any noise or not....

Maison Douce said...

I'm liking where you are going!!! I, too, started a "family blog" because I figured my family back home is really not that interested in all the crap I bring home, they just want to see the kids pictures!!! And, vice versa, most people would probably get tired of soccer pictures and pictures of my son searching for earth worms... But once in a while I will post something kid related on the "junk" blog and I would love for you to do the same!!!
As for music, I seem to think it's a bit distracting, when I am trying to read (unless it's just instrumental music, then it's not so bad...). I definitely cannot respond to every comment (or my kids will go without eating or wearing clean clothes...), and I am really liking this new "no guilt blogging" movement going around!!!!
I would say forget the rules and follow your heart!! We love you just the way you are!!!
Isabel

Maison Douce said...

When I said I'm liking where you are going I meant the look of the blog, I don't think you need to change anything to please anyone!! Hugs!
Isabel

sue said...

Face it, some of us are TALKERS and couldn't limit ourselves to 250 or less if we were saying HI.

Personally, I prefer no music in blogs, just because it takes so long to load, and then I have to remember to turn off the volume. I, too, am guilty of not responding to every single comment. You just can't. To me, it seems disingenuous unless you actually have something to say back!

And, although I don't mind some family/baby news on many blogs, once it turns all family, I tune out. I vote keeping some, because it gives insight into who you are.

Finally, the "captcha" is often a necessary evil, though some hosts (mainly blogger) seem to have glitches, forcing you to enter it 3-4 times and that gets frustrating. We can always delete comments that are spam....

But, I don't care what you say, I'm not whistling at any construction sites....

Pam @ Frippery said...

I love your posts, ALL of them. I switched to Minima Stretch too, I love it. Easier to read. Other than that I am tech challenged too. Wish I could post my photos a bit bigger, but not quite sure how. So I will be checking back to steal...ummm... I mean get some tips. Looks good so far. I have a second blog I haven't done much with but I was thinking of one for personal and one for art etc. Great minds you know. Keep doing your thing cause it works girl! Hugs, Pam

WIZARD OF ONCE WAS "WooW" said...

Debbie,
I wouldn't change a thing! You're followers are coming to see you and read your wonderful insite and humor on life, they are not coming for the fluff! If it makes you feel better, do it, but you really don't need to do it for us...we're here in spite of all the tricks and glam you can add to your blog! And as far as answering by email...what?! Yes, if there's a personal matter to respond to, but seriously who has the time for answering all emails...I'm still on dial-up in the country baby!

Gale

summersundays-jw said...

OK, I'm going to be learning along with you. I'm apparently making alot of errors. Mainly guess I'll have to start a family blog and the music will have to go. I've always enjoyed your blog -- you write like no one else. So don't completely change. I'll be learning right along with you. Jan

WhisperWood Cottage said...

My two cents...

Lose the rules! I learn what I like and don't like by interacting with other blogs. If I see something I'd like to incorporate into my blog, I find out how to do that one thing by googling and working through it step by step. Is it scary? Heck yeah! But I sure feel great after I figure it out!! :)

Overall, it's your blog, your creation, your masterpiece, so do what makes you happy!! Don't let rules or other people tell you how to do your craft!! Your blog is about you, your stories, etc. 250 words cannot possible cover the fabulousness that is you! Your writing is fabulous and I just want to keep reading!

The switch to the minima stretch looks great!! If you want me to help you whip up a fancy schmancy blog header, let me know! :)

Amy

Jodie (everything vintage) said...

Hey Girlie,
Being from the South, our motto is "if it ain't broke, then don't fix it!"
Therefore, what I'm trying to say is...I LOVE YOU (your blog) JUST THE WAY YOU (it) ARE (is)! I love hearing about your junk and your life, all in ONE stop! What's the point of a journal if you have to have one for family, one for hobby, one for work, etc? I love coming here to see what you're up to, however I'm not too fond of people having two blogs cause I'm too lazy to be leaving comments on those with double lives! ;) I LIKE IT REAL!!!! But girlie, I'm with you...whatever floats your boat. It was YOU, your funny life, wit, adventures with CD, little Bella and much more that got me hooked coming here...I doubt that it was a lamp or some rusty metal...I can find that on anyone's blog.
Not too sure what the "rules" are on leaving a comment (I hate rules) but I just wanted to tell you that if it ain't broke, don't fix it!
Love ya gal,
everything vintage

juanita said...

It is very easy for me to reciprocate when I get a comment on my blog because I hardly EVER get a comment. You do comment on my blog and I appreciate it. I have actually been thinking about deleting it from my busy schedule since no one seems that interested anyway. Do you ever feel that way? I mean I have 12 followers and have been doing this since January. IDK !!!

David said...

Amy pretty much said what I was thinking. A blog is for personal expression. If all you do is follow someone else's ideas, who are you expressing, yourself or them? Not to say you can't incorporate someone else's ideas if you like them. But "rules" like 250 words... please... that's so arbitrary. I say use the number of words it takes to get your idea across. I like your blog as it is, but if you make some changes, I'm sure I'll like it then too.

sassytrash said...

I, too, would like to change my blog and get a bit more updated, but haven't a clue how. I guess I am in the minority that likes the music, even though I don't take the time to add a playlist on mine. I say we should just make our blogs be what makes us happy, and what we like, and have time for. I love visiting your blog 'cuz you are REAL, and so funny.

Unknown said...

I signed up as a follower of your blog in it's current state and find it just as entertaining, honest, brassy/sassy and wonderful, just the way it is.

I know there are guidelines to follow, but I agree that blogging is a personal choice and how one blogs is within that range. To just stick to one catagory would be boring and if it's boring your readers, you guessed it, you lose readers. If I had only one subject to write about, I'd be bored writing my blog and shut it down.

So...continue onward sassy-one...we're with ya all the way!
Tami E.

Unknown said...

PS
Personally, I love your writing style...I imagine you write the way you speak and it's rare to find someone who can pull that off successfully. Tami E.

A Wild Thing said...

I agree with Jodie, if it ain't broke don't fix it...we love you just the way you are...shoes and all. Girl you just crack me up and we all need a bit o humor these days...especially from you Southun fried chicks...don't get much bettern this...and the music fits the mood...that's my story and I'm stickin'...well, you know the rest!

But if it wasn't for the over 250 words, we wouldn't have a clue who you really are, so keep on keepin' on!

wilson

A Wild Thing said...

PS...did I miss something here with CD's quote of the month...LUV IT!!!

Rebecca said...

Hello
I am new to the blog world so I guess I don't know the rules or dos and don'ts but it seems you have been doing great. I tried to enlarge my pictures that someone posted on how to and I screwed up my blog so I think I will just keep it the way it is until I know a little more. And God bless you hubby for the hardworking man he is.
Blessings
Rebecca

The Green Pea said...

Debbie, I love your blog just the way it is...I do not know any better and feel just so comfortable with the a header that doesn't change often. I know yours has with the growth of the lovely Bella. I identify with someone and two weeks later they change their header. I am not sure I like that..guess it doesn't matter what I think. But that is my opinion anyway! Anyone who on her honeymoon had a shower curtain for a door...and talked to her
Dad about going with what she wanted and made the choice to stay with her feelings. Well I just have to love her and say, she knows what she wants and she is right. I have faith in her decisions. What can I say, she has proved herself too. Blessings, Sandi

The Green Pea said...

Oh!!! my I am going to have to prove read a little better. My mind was out of timing with my thoughts. Not to sure of what I was trying to say Debbie. Now! do not change dear, love you just the way you are.... there that is better. Sandi

Anonymous said...

Hi Debbie , Wow , I'm glad I didn't know about all the rules before I started blogging. I may have been scared off. I'm going with the majority here and say Don't Change! We would all have missed something Incredibly special if you had not shared Bella's story with us all. And I would have never known what a Yellow Box was ( I'm pretty sure we don't have those here) As far as music on the blogs if I'm not in the mood for it I turn off my speakers. You just stay you and we'll all just stay thoroughly entertained! xoxo, Sue

Cassie said...

Debbie...I'm one of your "lurkers" and I love your blog just as it is. I'm fairly new to blogland and I don't even know what minima stretch and "captcha" means! I do know that you make me laugh every time I read your blog and quite honestly I became a follower all because of your mannequin-in-the-tub photo!! I don't mind music (I have it on mine) because it's another peek into a person's soul. Love your mix of family and junkin escapades. And...seriously, we're suppose to email everyone that comments? Just keep doin' what yer doin' and I'll keep readin ya!

Rebecca said...

Hi Debbie
I have been looking at the pictures of your lovely grand daughter, she is precious. The boys were born at 24 weeks. You are fortunate to have a girl...they are much stronger and survival rate is much higher than boys. It is a education isn't it. I see the ng tube and it brings back memories. They lived with us the first 6 months after the boys came home. All the medical equipment...bells and whistles, it was scary but we got through it. And that first year was tuff...the diagnosis of cp and they cried a lot. I remember a nurse going by at the hospital and I was holding Zach and she said "first grand child isn't it fun" and I thought I wonder when the fun starts. I have to tell you there wasn't much joy but the Lord is good and He is my strength and now I can post this today and say what a joy my grandchildren are.
My prayers are with you
Blessings
Rebecca

donna baker said...

Hey Deb, let me know when you get it all figured out, okay? Now, work hard at it and learn all the ins and outs cause I'm counting on ya. Oh yeah, and please hurry. I need your help.

Tootsie said...

I know how you feel! I set up a test blog to make sure I didn't destroy my good one when I change things around! I don't care if you don't have bling on your blog...I like reading you any which way it looks!

Malisa said...

Girlfriend, I agree that people read your for your words and not for the way your blog looks! However, you asked so I will give you some opinions. What me? State an opinion? Surprise! Surprise!

1. 250 words? PLEASEEEE! No way! Don't you dare!

2. While it would be nice to send an email to everyone who comments, who has that much time? I would much rather you simply read my blog and leave a comment in return...which you always do!

3. I don't like play lists. However, when you post a play list for special occasions, I love it!

4.Bold, please!

5.I love that you have two blogs. However, I don't think you should limit yourself to baby pics and family pics on one blog only. They are your blogs...post what you want! We enjoy them!

6. I detest word verification crap! I often won't comment if I have to go through that process!

Tell Cat Daddy that if he hears a woman whistling, it is me!

Malisa

Artsy Fartsy Junkin Finds said...

Not over 250 words??? Well what if you have alot to tell??? I like yours the way it is!! I do like the bold type however. Don't have an opinion about music because my volume is always off. What in the world is a captchas??? I did have to add my blog to my securities site today in order for me to be able to access it, I read somthing about captchas there but I am still lost!! I do try to respond to all my comments even to the new followers, Sometimes it gets tough and may take me a while. Look at Cat Daddy working like a man!! Tell him to keep getting on it!!! LOVE the industrial work table!! Have a great week Missy, always Love your blog and your way with words. You always make me laugh!!! Tootles and Hugs, Janna...there may be 250 words in this comment!!!

Garden Antqs Vintage said...

Asking our opinion on how to change your blog is like asking us to change you~~we just "ain't" doing it. It wouldn't be you if you made changes. I like the honesty you inject, the humor you sprinkle it with, the rawness that is sometimes seen and the junk, oh the junk, who couldn't love that. I say no changes needed, but then again that's just my opinion girlfriend!!

Amelia said...

250 words per blog????? What the??????.....Most responses or comments are 250 words...as much as I like to look at pictures...I also like to hear the story behind them....and....Bella does not look like a 250 word kinda girl! :0) How is that little miracle anyways? Any new pics for us? Hope you have a happy Tuesday!
Smiles :0)!

Mindy said...

The other day, David and I were discussing the difference between Facebook and blogging. We agreed that the biggest difference is that blogging is about creativity, while facebook is about throwing out bits of info. I share this, because Debbie, you and I like our expression. We like being creative. We are also rule breakers. Seriously. 250 words. Give me a break. I like the clean look. I, like you, like big letters so I don't have to lean in to my screen to read. Family, Junk, Whatever. We come here for you. You happen to encompass all of that and so much more. I'd rather go one place for YOU. But, if you spread yourself out, I'll probably take a gander at both blogs.

And there you have it. My less than 250 word comment. Maybe? haha

~Mindy

The Green Pea said...

Debbie, I just want to say: leave your blog just like has been. I look at it everyday. I feel like I know your family and you. So when I make it to TX to visit my daughter again, I am looking forward to meeting you in person. And be ready for a big hug because it is coming your way. Have a nice day and hello to all your family. Sandi

~La Rustique Market~ said...

Deb, Don't change a thing...music and all! Why fix something when it's not broke!!!!

Hugs and Kisses
Lisa

Cindy said...

Deb, LOL. I applaud your attempt at change. And believe me my fren, you are not in that boat alone when it comes to making changes on the old blog. I just pay someone to do it. LOL.

LOVE that table btw and heck, leave the glue on! :D

-c
yapping cat

Sue said...

Rules, I hate stinkin rules, always have! Maybe that's why I'm always in trouble. I've always, always loved your blog. And here is the deal, it IS YOUR BLOG, you, no one else. So do what you want, and if someone doesn't like it, too bad, they don't have to come bad. I think its the stories bloggers tell that make a blog, not the look. And you are a wonderful story teller! So, in conclusion, just keep doing what you are doing because I truly enjoy your blog and would hate to not be able to read your posts because someone says they are too long, or what is it, we are supposed to "count our words" before we post???

delighted heart said...

What the heck is Minima stretch....I thought that's what they put in girdles nowadays! Hey I love your blog...I love that you keep it clean and upbeat. Don't stop my fabulous friend!

Anonymous said...

As delighted heart said "what is Minima stretch?". Don't you dare touch a thing! I adore your blog. And I never heard that rule of emailing all commenters. I used to have a few that did that and I got indignant because they didn't leave comments on my blog instead. (silly huh?). And for the record I wish someone would give me a catcall these days. (insert big grin here). The verification process really turns me off. If you want someone to leave a comment don't make it hard for them. That's what I say anyway. And thanks to you I now own a fabulous pair of Yellow Boxes. I love 'em!

Laura said...

CAUTION: 250 word comment
Just because I don't know what I am talking about when it comes to computer stuff (and any other topic you want to talk about) doesn't mean I don't have opinions!

Your blog is amazing as is. Another reason why I think you are amazing is because you 'get' my crazy way of thinking. This is a long overdue thank you for that.

Next- you put that precious baby on 10 blogs if you want to.

Next- when I decided I wanted a wider space to write and I wanted to change my header I found the nicest, least expensive blog fixer upper person I could.

Her link is at the bottom of my blog page. I would right it here, but I don't KNOW HOW to exit a comment, look something up, and get back to where I started.

And..the funniest thing I read in your comments was about minima stretch being a girdle. How about maxima stretch!

All is right in your blog world.

Laura
@ crazy
White Spray Paint

Jo ~ said...

your blog is great just like it is! your sense of personality and fun comes through no matter what "format" you use. As far as blog etiquette smettiquet!...I think most realize that sometimes there's not enough time in the day to visit everybody esp. when if one works or has family to attend to!

Shannon @ Silver Trappings said...

Debby, I'm a little late in the comments, but here is my two cents anyway. I like your blog just the way it is. It does not bother me at all if you mix junking posts with baby posts or CD posts. But if you do keep them separate, I will read both.

I do like your stretch template. As far as the music, I usually have my sound turned off on my computer, so I am not usually aware of who has music on their blog and who does not.

I don't care if people acknowledge when I post a comment on their blog. I certainly do not expect a comment back or an email from them.

And as for the 250-word limit, I think that might depend on the writer. If it was a boring writer that put me to sleep even that amount would be too long. But your posts are always entertaining and I am usually laughing out loud. And since laughter is good medicine, then I guess the longer, the better.

So, I'm thinking you don't have anything that needs changing. But if you do change, then I will be along for the ride.

Red Shed French Antiques and Travel said...

Deb,
You have 164 followers! What are you thinking!?!
Everyone loves you sharing your life and your humor. Don't ever stop spreading the JOY because you are worried about the rules.
Love ya,
Valarie