Howdy!
Welcome to the party everyone!
Y’all might want to grab a glass of the bubbly before we take a look around.
(I only bring this picture out on special occations!)
Yes, I thought we were due for a blog party around here. It’s been six long months since a post on this site has hit the Blogosphere. And we’ve got a lot to celebrate!
Well, what do you think? Do you like what you see? It’s a big change, isn’t it?
As you know, change doesn’t always come easy. In my case, or should I say in the case of my old theme, it was dying a slow death. Plugins refused to play nice with widgets who refused to play nice with the theme. It would send your comments to spam, yet spammers were allowed to leave a comment. You have no idea how many times I’ve saved all of you from the trash.
Time for a fresh start and a new beginning!
So I called the illustrious Wana Web Techie Guru, Laird Sapir.
But I had to wait. Yes, it seems Laird is a pretty popular web techie gal. Yet, just in time for spring, she became available. And as I found out, if you’re willing to wait, you may even be serenaded by her three year old daughter. “I love you, you love me.” Yep, she’s that precious!
It always pays to be patient. And as you can see, Laird was so worth the wait!
Let’s scoot to the top of the page shall we and take a look at the new header. You may have noticed that my tagline “Life Happens” went missing. I wasn’t quite sure where to put it. So it is my hope that these pictures will say more than words. They are the backdrop of my life and the stomping ground for the main characters of my future books.
Yes, life will still be happening around here! :)
You’ll notice as you scroll down the left sidebar, there’s the usual About and Contact page. And right below is my picture. Now we, as in Amber West and Lynn Kelley, graciously tried to play with a new picture in Photoshop. Thank you Amber and Lynn! Well…my picture looked quite frankly…Photoshoped. Lol! So I opted to leave the old picture in place because it’s the same little ol’ me. Besides, a new picture gives us all something to look forward to in the future.
Now directly underneath is my “Follow” information. If you haven’t already subscribed to my blog, you are more than welcome to join us at any time. As you can see, I am not a blog maniac. I do not blog five thousand times a week.
Then of course, you may also Follow Me on Twitter, Facebook or LinkIn. How cool is that?
Scootin’ right along, next you’ll find my Facebook Author “Like” and Twitter feeds, archived posts and then if you scroll down just a little bit further, you’ll notice something kind of special at the end of the sidebar. Do you see it?
Yep, it’s the Pelican. He’s a pretty handsome dude, don’t you think? I thought he’d make a great mascot. But there’s only one problem. He has no name. I had thought of naming him Alfred. Don’t ask me why. There is no rhyme or reason to my madness. But hubby hated it. “No, don’t name that poor bird Alfred!” I know, he needs to get his own blog. Lol. Then I thought, why not ask all of you what you think might be a good name for him. He can’t just not have a name. After all, he deserves some recognition since he plans on staying for a while.
So what do you think? How do you like my new Digs? Please do that poor bird handsome Pelican a favor and suggest a name for him in the comments section before you Boot Scoot your way out of here. And of course, you know I’d love to hear how y’all are doing!
Cheers everyone! It’s great to be back. Thank you as always for all your support and wonderful comments! See you next week!
Karen
Welcome back, Karen, your new diggs look awesome! Laird did a wonderful job. 🙂
Sheila Seabrook recently posted..Authors in Bloom 2014 Blog Hop!
Thank you Sheila! Didn’t Laird do a great job? I’m so glad you like it. Thanks for stopping by! 🙂
Well, I am late to the party as usual. But so glad to see you back! Your new site design is very nice, and what’s not to like about a cute pelican? No suggestions for names, but when I see one, I always think of the rhyme my grandpa used to say when I was a little kid visiting him in Florida:
“A strange old bird is the pelican. His beak can hold more than his bellycan.”
Looking forward to seeing what name you choose!
Jennette Marie Powell recently posted..Do You Need a Vacation?
You are so not late Jennette! No worries girl. How are you? I hope you had a great vaca with hubby! Thank you so much! I absolutely LOVE the rhyme that your grandfather used to say. And since you left it behind, I think that I’m going to steal it. It’s really apropos. Thanks for your support Jennette and have a great week! 🙂
The first name that came to mind was Floyd. I don’t know why.
But then all the P names came crowding in…P for Pelican.
Parnasses
Peter
Phil
Pointy
Perky
Perry
Parlance
Paranoid
Pepper
Okay, I’ll stop. 🙂
Jenny Hansen recently posted..10 Minutes of Hilarity…Just For You
Ha, ha, ha, Jenny, you are in rare form girl! Love the “P” names. Very clever. Believe it or not, I like the name Pepper. But what’s up with Floyd? Where in the world did that come from? Although, as you can see, there have been a lot of interesting names suggested by this awesome bunch of peeps! Thanks for your input Jenny! ((Hugs!)) 🙂
The site looks great, Karen. I had no idea when I found you last week here that it had been so long since your last post. Welcome back!
Now, for the bird, I’m going to tell you the first name that popped into my head when I saw his attitude: Stanford. I think there’s some potential there. 😉 Whatever you decide to name him, I’m glad you’re back up and running. I hope the site doesn’t give you any more headaches. I know how frustrating it can be.
Laird really is wonderful. 🙂
Also, where did you get the plugin (I assume it’s a plugin) for the comments that detail each commenter’s last post with their site. It’s a great addition and I’d love to put it on my blog as well. Such a cool way to share people’s work. Thanks!
Kelly Byrne recently posted..Adolescent Hormones & Love Notes: A Cautionary Tale
Hi Kelly! Thank you girl! Hee, hee, hee. Well, that’s because I left the publishing date off. That way, if something like last time happens again, my post still looks current. You are the first to name the Pelican “Stanford”. I think that’s a great name. Definite potential, for sure. This is going to be a tough decision. Thank you for your suggestion Kelly! Now about that plugin. I like it too. It’s called “Comment Luv.” And it’s a great way to give other authors recognition for their work. You’ll love it. 🙂
Thanks, Karen! Definitely going to check that out. Let us know what you decide on the name. 🙂
Kelly Byrne recently posted..Adolescent Hormones & Love Notes: A Cautionary Tale
New site looks fantastic! Good to see you back, Karen!
Hola Colin! Como esta? Thank you so much. I think Dale’s masculinity was a bit threatened by being the only male at the party until you dropped by. So I know that he appreciated it. And of course, so do I. It’s great to be back. I hope all is well in your little corner of the world! 🙂
The new site looks audacious! Excellent! I love it! Nothing wrong with using the same profile pic for now, and you’re right, we’ll look forward to seeing your new pic when you have it doe.
So it’s a no go for “Alfred.” The pelican looks very distinguished. How about “Hitchcock?” 🙂
I absolutely LOVE your new header. Bravo to Laird. Nice work. Welcome back to blogging, Karen!
Lynn Kelley recently posted..The Dance – It’s National Poetry Month!
Hi Lynn! Audacious? Well, I guess it was a bit of a risk. So glad you love it and the picture. Thanks for understanding my dear friend. And we’ll have to see what the Pelican thinks of the name Hitchcock. As you can see, there’s quite a number of names that have been thrown around. He’s got a big decision to make. In the meantime, dig your feet in some sand and enjoy the bubbly Lynn. And thanks so much for your support! 🙂
Looks wonderful! It’s always a bit of a risky endeavor to change up one’s blog, but your new look is lovely. Congrats!
Julie Glover recently posted..What the Acknowledgment Page Reminds Me
Hey Julie! So glad you like it. Yep, I was a little nervous about the blog switcheroo. But I think it’s going to work out nicely. Thank you so much girl! 🙂
Hi Karen,
the new blog looks great, good job! I think the Pelican should be called Bob. 🙂
Yvette
Welcome Yvette! Thank you so much. I’m very happy with it. I hope y’all will feel comfortable and make yourselves at home. So you think “Bob” eh? I can certainly see that. I think Bob is very fitting. We shall see what he thinks about it soon. Thanks for your input Yvette. See you soon! 🙂
Sorry I’m so late to the party, Karen. I love, love, love that banner!! Indeed, the whole site looks fab. Isn’t Laird wonderful? She did both our misterio press site and my own site, and Shannon’s too.
Percival came to my mind as I studied the pelican. I’ve got to agree with Kathy and with Pat, he does look like some rather critical professors I’ve had through the years. 😉
Kassandra Lamb recently posted..Letting Go (Part 2)
Dang, I forgot to click the notify me of follow-up comments box. Sheez, you’d think I’d never been to a blog party before. *hangs head in shame*
Oh dear. Well, I will hang my head with you because I have no idea how to make that happen for you on my end Kassandra. I’m so sorry. I hope you’ll return and revisit the party! 🙂
I remembered to click on the box the second time around. So I’m in the loop now. Party on!
No worries Kassandra. Great to see you! Thank you, yes, Laird is wonderful. This is the second theme she’s worked on for me. We make a good team, her and I. That is so funny. “Critical professor.” I guess it’s his rather regal stance or perch, as if he’s keeping watch. And I like the name Percival, Kassandra. Alarna mentioned Percy, which I do believe is the shortened form. Very cool idea. Thank you! 🙂
Karen! I love the new sunset beach theme you have going here – it is so warm and inviting! It is also lovely to see you back, and I hope your new space will live a long and prosperous life 🙂
Pelicans are among my favourite birds. They frequent the beach and the skies where I live, so graceful. ‘Percy’ comes to mind for your fella. Percy the Pelican?
Alarna Rose Gray recently posted..Känguru Hop
Hey there Alarna! Great to see you! So glad you popped in. And I love that you like my new space. Yes, may it live a long life. And may I thank you for your suggestion for our pelican. Wow, I really like Percy the Pelican!!! That is so awesome. I will be happy to add it to the list. Percy. Hmmm. 🙂
Love the new site, Karen! Looks fantastic! The pelican is a nice touch. 🙂
Serena Dracis recently posted..Wild Wednesday – A Short Break
Hey Serena! I just knew you of all peeps would love the pelican. It’s just such a part of HB. Thank you so much girl! Great to see you! Take care! 🙂
Lookin’ fine, Karen! Great ‘About’ page and a very handsome pelican. 🙂
Alicia Street recently posted..Addictive Reads
Hi Alicia! It’s so awesome to see you. Wow, you and Rhonda like my ‘About’ page. Very cool. I thank you. And so does the pelican. Take care and say hi to Roy! ((Hugs!)) 🙂
Lookin’ good, Karen. Fresh, bright, clean … yay!
Also, I feel that if ‘Alfred’ popped into your head, then that’s his name. Looks like an Alfred to me. 🙂
Ginger Calem recently posted..Do Good. For Reals!
Ginger, you think so? “Fresh, bright, clean. How cool is that? Thank you! Alfred, really? There are a few who would agree with you Ginger. That name is still in the running. I appreciate your input. It might just sway the decision. 🙂
Love the new site, Karen! It has a very bright, airy, happy look. Even the pelican – even though he’s not “happy” he fits so well! He does look professorial…although more like a “Professor Grumpygills.” 😉
Hey K.B.! How are you Kathy? So glad you like the site. The pelican looks unhappy? Well, you were here early, so perhaps that’s why. I have it on good authority that he is not a morning pelican. He probably woke up on the wrong side of the pier this morning. I must apologize for his grumpiness. I can see why “Professor Grumpygills” might be fitting. Thank you for the suggestion. 🙂
Great new site, Karen, but now I’m longing for a warm day and a quiet beach. hehehe Hope this new site brings you all the recognition and joy you deserve.
Oh, and keep a hat on…darn pelican…
prudencemacleod recently posted..Revitalized
Hi Pru! How are you? Ready to thaw out yet? If you hang around here long enough, the warm day and quiet beach might just do it. Thank you for your well wishes. They mean a lot coming from you. And I will heed the warning and buy a hat. Oh that darn Pelican! Watch out! 🙂
The place looks great. It really captures the feel of what you write. It feels warm and cozy. I love it! Thanks for throwing the party. You’ve been missed, even if I’ve been out for a good part of it. I’ve been lurking now and again. I keep my eye on things. I’m so glad to see you here.
So, the pelican, hmm. How about Oscar B. Goodgrammar. 😀 Hehehehe
Hi Debra! Thank you for saying that. I was hoping the visuals on the site would be a good enough representation of my voice. Awesome! It’s so great to see you too. Aha, I knew you were lurking. lol. But I know you’ve had your hands full, so I’m glad to see you in person! I like Oscar B. Goodgrammer. Very studious. We’ll see. Thanks for participating! Take care! 🙂
Hey Karen, I’ve so appreciated your support around the Interwebs and it’s so great to see you’ve got your own digs remodeled. Everyone needs a place of their own, with a pelican! It looks great. Cheers, and can’t wait to see what’s coming up.
Debra Eve recently posted..A Late Bloomer’s Animated Musical Rocks!
Hey there Debra! Thank you so much. I am trying to be more active on FB and Twitter. I enjoy supporting peeps like yourself. Glad you like the site and our Pelican. I think he’ll make a nice addition. I hope I can live up to your expectations girl. I’m still a work in progress. 🙂
Hey, there, Karen! I love the new site, especially the pictures, colors and font at the top. Congrats!
I like your first idea for the pelican: Alfred. BUT . . . if you put spectacles on him, he’s totally Professor Finkelmyster – a character unto himself that you could have lots of fun with! So I guess I vote for the bespectacled prof.
Jennifer, how are you? It’s so great to see you! So glad you love my new digs. See, this is why I keep Laird around. Thank you so much! I can see that you are torn about the Pelican’s name. I feel like I am in good company. I can see that my decision will be more difficult that I had first thought. Now I’m really confused. Lol! Yet, I can see how that handsome bird would look quite handsome with spectacles. Great idea girl! Thank you so much! 🙂
Your new site is really gorgeous, Karen! Good for you!! Glad to have you back!
Diane Capri recently posted..More Stratotankers Coming To MacDill
So you like it Diane? How cool is that? I am so happy to have a new home, you have no idea. Thank you so much my friend! It is so good to be back! Take care and have a great week! And congrats to you! 🙂
I love the new site and welcome back to the blogsphere! Bigger and better!
I think the pelican should be called Baxter. Actually my first thought was to call the pelican Brief. That way you could say, “that’s the pelican, Brief.” (Get it? Tee hee) But, then I thought that might be a bit too much nonsense. So go with Baxter.
Patricia Rickrode
w/a Jansen Scmidt
Patricia recently posted..Girl Sports and Book Giveaways
Ha, ha, ha!!! Pelican “Brief”! Love it Patricia! Leave it to you. That Rocked! But Baxter is not a bad name either. Have you known many Pelicans with that name? Was there something in his look that told you “Baxter?” Very mysterious girl. We will have to see what happens. He is a picky bird, you know. Thanks for coming by and for participating! So glad to see you! 🙂
The new site looks amazing, Karen! And I love your About Me. Fantastic job all around. 🙂
Rhonda Hopkins recently posted..Writing Process Blog Tour
Hi Rhonda! Really? You like? Cool! That is so great to hear. Oh, thanks for the compliment. It isn’t easy to write an about page, as you well know. Although, yours came out fantastic girl! Thanks, as always, for all your support Rhonda! Take care! 🙂
That elegant fellow is telling me that his name is Sir Percival Bourroughs.
Don’t ask. Sometimes animals just tell me their names, and that’s his! =)
This place is lovely. Clean, tidy, and wonderful!
Good to see you back! =)
Shan Jeniah Burton recently posted..Blogging From A to Z: H is for Howard (Kifo Island Chronicles)
Ooh, now that’s quite a name Shan. Sir Percival Bourroughs. I like it. I really do. But with a name like that, he must wear glasses, don’t you think? Interesting, your connection with animals. Not to worry. I won’t ask. So happy that you like everything. I was hoping that y’all would feel right at home. Or on vacation at the beach! Thanks Shan! 🙂
Oh, everything looks so pretty–and relaxing! Love all of it. Is it just me or does that pelican look like he’s smiling? Something about that smile makes me think he needs a serious name. I think I like Alfred, or Calvin, or Duke!
Coleen Patrick recently posted..Brave as a Dancing Chicken
See. I thought Alfred fit him too. That’s to funny Coleen. And yes, I thought he was smiling too. But Pat thought he was giving her “the eye.” So I’m going to have to watch him. I seriously thought Pelicans could be trusted. I was mistaken. So glad you like everything and that you found it relaxing. That’s the mood I was after. Great! Thank you so much for your support and for you input Coleen. All I know is this bird will have an interesting name. 🙂
A beautiful relaxing website.
Yay, you made it Pirkko! So happy that you found the atmosphere relaxing. That’s what I was after! Thank you for all your efforts today. You shouldn’t have a problem anymore. So glad you came by. Thank you so much! See you soon! 🙂
It looks BEAUTIFUL!!! Congrats Karen! It does look like spring.
Jess Witkins recently posted..The Night Circus: An Example Where World Building Works
Hey Jess! So happy you like it. Thank you! Yes, it does look spring-ish. Now what to do with my Pelican? 🙂
Pelican’s name: Stork. Brings new life. And confusion. Or how about the name of your next protagonist?
Beautiful site! Writing down Laird Sapir’s name right now. Good to have you back Karen!
Julia recently posted..What your name says about you.
So you think Stork, Julia? Now why would you like to add to my confusion? Have you seen all the names? Lol! See what I get myself into? So glad you like the site. I hope it felt warm and inviting. I’m happy to be back and to have a functioning theme! Take care Julia. Thank you as always for your support and for your input. Stork. Hmm. Ha, ha, ha! 🙂
I agree with Kristy… Professor Finkelmyster. Perry K. Finkelmyster, to be more specific…
🙂
Glad you are back & blogging Karen!
Laird Sapir recently posted..Favorite Things.
Ha! Laird, you crack me up! Great job on the site by the way! Peeps are liking it. Thank you girl! Now, Perry K. Finkelmyster? Lol! Oh my goodness, this is fun! Can’t wait to see which name will stick. Take care of yourself girl! Big hugs to you! Thanks for coming by to see me. Give those kids a hug from me! 🙂
Gorgeous site, Karen–I like the clean lines and soft colors of it. The pelican? He looks like a Mr. Feathers to me. 🙂
Elizabeth Anne Mitchell recently posted..History of Profanity
Hi Elizabeth! I am so happy that you like the colors. I find it real cozy. Hope that makes you comfortable. It was meant to. Feathers, eh? Very interesting name. Yes, he does indeed have plenty of feathers. That would fit him. Ha! This is going to be interesting. Thanks for stopping by and for you great idea! 🙂
Very pretty, Karen! I love the colors, and the pictures … and the pelican (who looks like a Professor Finkelmyster to me). Welcome back. 🙂
Kristy K. James recently posted..Shop Around, Test Drive, Or Buy?
Thank you very much Kristy! I’m glad you like it. So you think Professor Finkelmyster? Now, where in the world did you come up with that name girl? Lol! With a name like that I will have to put some spectacles on that bird. He would look rather studious wouldn’t he? Ha, ha, ha! Well, we will have to see what happens. Thanks girl for the lovely compliment and for your participation! As always, it was a joy to see you. 🙂
Your new site’s pretty, Karen! Well done!
That pelican is giving me a critical look. I’d call him Red Pen.
I’m so glad you’ve returned to the blogosphere. It wasn’t the same without you.
Pat O’Dea Rosen recently posted..Heavy on My Mind
Hi Pat! How are you girlfriend? It’s so good to see you! Thanks. I’m glad you like the site, cause I like it. Lol. Now I cannot believe the Pelican gave you the eye. Say what? He’s misbehaving already? I am going to watch him. See, the minute I turn away, this is what happens. You can’t trust anybody, including Pelicans I can see. Red Pen seems to fit him in this instance. We’ll have to see how this plays out. And thank you as always for your support Pat. I’ve missed you!! 🙂
Congrats on the new look and welcome back! *s*
Amy Shojai, CABC recently posted..Strays Cast Recording
Thank you Amy! And yes it’s good to be back and at it again. Have a great week and thanks for the congrats! Good to see you! 🙂
Per your request: the pelican looks like “Murphy.”
This place outclasses me. I better go scrape my boots.
Dale Amidei recently posted..Entry Points
Well, you beat everyone here Dale. Now did you help yourself to the bubbly? No need to scape your boots. We hang loose here. Actually, going barefoot in the sand is more like it. Aha! So you think Murphy? Interesting. Did you know that was my maiden name? That’s too funny. So that name has a soft spot in my heart. We’ll have to see how this turns out. Thanks for stopping by and for your contribution. 🙂
Heh, heh. Um… oops. I’ll just be over here by the snacks striking a masculine pose and shutting up now.
Dale Amidei recently posted..Entry Points
Please be careful Dale. I hear the Pelican, “Murph” (for now), is causing quite a stir and has been spotted hovering over the snacks. He has eyed Pat O’Dea Rosen already, so I would keep a watch on him. And no need to shut up. As you can see, we like a little chaos around here. Besides, this is a party! 🙂