WordPress Blogging 101 Assignment: Headers and Background

Posted on by BETH

This has been the hardest lesson yet–at least for me.  After spending two hours trying to find a way to log into my site, I determined when I finally found it to rectify that problem in particular for my own sake.  I thought I had done that before, but it must have been before I switched themes.

Those of you who have visited earlier may notice that my side bar features these new items: a meta widget, several personal widgets, two types of follow widgets and a new color for my background.  The theme still does not feel like “mine” yet.  I am hoping for some comments which offer suggestions.

Another item I have not dared try is “the new posting experience.”  Does anyone else use that feature?

http://dailypost.wordpress.com/dp_assignment/101-headers-and-backgrounds/

Blogging 101: Love Your Theme

Posted on by BETH

At first I was particularly attracted to the “untitled” theme with its menu and display of titles, but then trying to work with it let me know I was not up to the photography. It is beautiful and easy enough to use if photography is your bag.

A theme that totally disgusted me (but one I tried) was Girl in Green. I like the color green, but it was too much, too busy, too distracting.

A theme I liked for its antique presentation was Dark Wood—a really nice set up, but one that would take lots of editing to make it work for me.  I may consider it later down the road.

My original theme was Twenty 10, with its beautiful headers already formatted, but I eventually wanted something with larger print so I could actually catch my typing errors. Recently the theme has been updated to include several new options.   So… you see how it looks now.

Blogging 101: Love your Theme

http://dailypost.wordpress.com/dp_assignment/101-themes/

TO MY DAUGHTERS AND THEIRS

Posted on by BETH

Way back on September 16th the Blogging 101 class was challenged to write to a specific reader. Who else could I possibly write to but you?  What might I tell you that you don’t already know?  Maybe there are some bits of news and maybe the occasional photo to let you see what I see.

You know I am not a photographer, because photographs have to come from cameras and I have no idea how to operate those. But occasionally there will be something to share and chat about.  Maybe I can con your dad into taking a picture for you.  One such video clip came from almost 16 years ago.  It is an MP3 video of our baby Hannah, just learning to stand alone and walk.

Then of course the projects and the questions I might have about those. From time to time you might like to see what is happening to my quilts or crochet.  Those have been encouraging in the past.  Remember this one?  It was supposed to be a scrappy quilt for a new baby girl and it grew, and grew, and grew…

Cadence's Quilt

But most often I will share my searching studies—both new topics and old. You search the word and so do I, until we both come to the unity of the faith.

 

http://dailypost.wordpress.com/dp_assignment/101-dream-reader/

Hitting the Platforms

Posted on by BETH

Mohandas Gandhi was reported to have said, “The way to see India is by train.”Railway Platform

Showing Gandhi travelling often by train, the movie bearing his name featured his life and accomplishments for the nation of India.

I say that to tell my blogging 101 friends that I will be “out of station” starting late this evening through Tuesday AM.  I doubt I will have access to internet connections anywhere along the route; however, I will check for assignments if I get a chance. I plan to catch up with lesson assignments when we return.

 

Day 3 assignment for Blogging 101: Say “Hi,” to the Neighbors

Day 3 assignment for Blogging 101: Say “Hi,” to the Neighbors

Posted on by BETH

If I were to make a list of bloggers who have influenced me, Holistic Wayfarer would be right there at the top of the list. All you have to do is go there to see for yourself. In so many ways, this young Korean lady is representative of what America is all about. She stands out as the best example I can think of for what the Statue of Liberty represents and what foreign immigrants and their children can accomplish when given a chance. It is not only her accomplishments you have to appreciate but also her honest convictions and her way of sharing them. One unusual post was about the Grammar Police. See how very opinionated and yet helpful she is!

Another blogger I appreciate is Mona Gustafson Affinito. I have read her writings about blogging on more than one forum and she seems outstandingly organized and aware. Again we have someone who is not native to America, yet wise and helpful. Her blog is named CONVERSATIONS, but somehow that title is difficult to see because the words are in white, hidden behind her beautiful header.

And then there is Opinionated Man, a blog I am almost ashamed to open at times because of the potty mouth and the bad attitude, but it shows what can be done if one is determined and has set a goal. If you go there, be prepared to be repulsed by some articles even though you may be inspired by others. A section on Power Blogging will be useful if you are willing to risk his suggestions.  😉

Just for good measure, you should follow a blog called 850 Calories. It is something everyone should see. You will not be able to dismiss it lightly even though there are not that many posts.  The ones there will keep you thinking and searching for answers.

Finally, one that really zings for me, because she and I stem from the same era, is the Boomer Connection. Her most recent article is “You’ll Never Be Miss America.” See what I mean? Dig around a while and notice how varied her posts can be. Notice who her followers are and who she follows. She is a woman with a purpose and a plan. Her grammar has been flawless in the posts I have read.

One lesson I have learned today is to be sure I have some way to log into my own blog.  There should be something in the footer or a side bar, and I need to set that up.  How did I finally post today?  I found myself in the reader quite by accident.

 

Day 3 assignment for Blogging 101: Say “Hi,” to the Neighbors