Wednesday, August 5, 2009

Make Over!

Well, I feel the need for a makeover!

Ok, so I'm not talking about a shopping spree or a new hair cut. Although, I do feel as it I "deserve" a nice pedicure(something I LOVE but gave up when I stopped working full time and had kids.)

But, then I recall how we don't really deserve anything in life, and how I should count my blessings and not the calluses on my feet.

Nope, I'm talking about a BIG LIFE makeover. I've been praying and writing about many, many things and think I have come to some big conclusions.

I'm not yet ready to reveal, but I thought when I do - a blog makeover will be in order as well. I love my little blog, modest as it is, but it reflects what I feel is a bit of my darker, more reflective side.

The picture at the top is one I took on Chamber's Island in Door County, WI. It is a shot of a staircase outside of Holy Name Retreat House. I love Door County and truly believe the Spirit is alive and well at Holy Name Retreat House. However, lately, the picture has been bothering me. I have many, many friends who have been as blessed as I to have spent time on the Island and none of their pictures reflect the same moods as mine. With such a beautiful place comes vibrant colors and life, something I choose not to depict in my photo. I believe this is somewhat reflective of my state of mind at times.

I enjoy my reflective and often somewhat dark side. I believe God has made me this way for a reason, and I view my melancholic temperament as a gift. However, we have been through so very much over here in the Rutchik home this summer. There has been nothing but worry, reflection and all around seriousness and I think it's high time I brought out the happy, bubbly Holly I try to portray to the world.

Big changes are also coming for our family and as soon as my lovely hubby pulls the figurative trigger and makes a decision and tells me it is 100 percent, I'm in! Growing wearing of me saying this?--me too! I invite you to have a little chat with the love of my life.

So, I anticipate the lifting of the reflective clouds over here and am excited to spend some time in child-like joy. I'm also looking forward to having my blog reflect this and to learning a bit more about how to use all the features.

Some things I don't know how to do--in case you feel like helping:

Linking to another blog. I know how to incert a website, but not how to change it so it says the name of that blog, book or person.

Subscribing to a feed. I can only follow blogs if they have the little "follow" button, otherwise, I don't understand how to do it. I hear talk of people's "readers" and wonder what in the world you all are talking about.




Until then, I hold you all close in my heart and my prayers.

5 comments:

Roxane B. Salonen said...

Holly,

I am looking forward to your makeover. In hearing you describe it, I already feel the lightness that is on its way. I try to project mostly positive things on my blog, too, and while I realize this can sometimes be perceived as "I have it all together," I hope most mom readers realizes that, with five kids, that is not the case at all. But I do think that what we project becomes reality, and that if we project positivity, we will get positivity back. I have actually experienced this. When I have projected more negativity, I get that darkness back. We need to stay real. I'm like you and most writers, I think -- very emotion-filled. God made us that way for a reason. But, we can choose where to spill it out, basically. I think you're on to something good here and I'm encouraging it. Finally, I don't get the reader thing exactly, either, but I do know how to do the blog link. Just type it out: Peace Garden Mama, for example. Then, copy the url, highlight the title, and insert the blog link. The name will appear, and the link will be part of it. If you are talking about blog links outside of a posting, like in a sidebar, that's a different matter that we can discuss through email so as not to bore your readers. :)
Looking forward to what's next!

Kelley said...

I'm glad to have you back and SO glad that you're moving forward and making positive changes in your life! Can't wait to hear your news...

Following-- on your dashboard, just under the list of blogs you follow, just click the "add" button. Paste the web address for the blog you want to add, and you're done! :-)

Krissy A. said...

Oooh, I am excited too. You have a way of making everything so intriguing! Okay, I know how to follow something that doesn't have the words "follow blog" at the top. Copy the address of the site you want to follow and go to your dashboard. There is a big orange button (I think orange) that says "add" Press that and then a blank space will come up for you to put that new address in. THEN you can follow stuff that doesn't have the little button.

But thanks for your other question (and Roxanne's answer) because I wanted to know how to do that too!!

I love you dear! We've been storming the heavens for you, and offering many of our days for the near future of the Rutchiks!

Molly M. said...

Love the new look, dear. I'm happy that the clouds seem to be lifting for your and your family. I keep you all in thought and prayer daily.

Roxane B. Salonen said...

It's gorgeous! LOVE LOVE LOVE the new look. Refreshing. Definitely worth it!