BlogTalk: Blogger vs. Wordpress

The South Bank Lion on Westminster Bridge in London,

standing the test of time for the last 150 years.

Will Blogger do the same?

We need to talk....

I woke up this morning in contemplation of many things but one that is probably on your mind as well, is the state of Blogger. How could they? What were they thinking? Was it really necessary? Will it happen again? Our work..our thoughts, our photos...our wellbeing, all poured into these little boxes called 'New Posts'.  I had to think outside the square (rectangle), literally and think of another solution.

Off I went, to investigate Wordpress. I now have another blog...floating in space, deciding whether I tie it down or let in linger in Never Never Land for another day. As I sat and looked at it, I thought, do I really want to do this? Learn another set of complicated instructions? Is my brain matter capable of this? I decided that is wasn't and sat patiently, waiting for Blogger's return.

Blogger is back, yet I write, wondering, if what I write, will be here tomorrow. I am looking forward to catching up with my blogging friends, but will my comments still be with them tomorrow?

What do we think fellow bloggers?

Here are my considerations at the moment.

Should I merge my blogs and move over to Wordpress or another format? Others have done it but
would they do it again if they had the chance? For those of you that have, what are your thoughts?

Should I purchase a URL under '.net or .org' for safe keeping? I am assuming that would require the use of a professional as I would most likely merge all five blogs into one. Something I have been considering for some time.

Do I say, ballyhoo...and let it all go? I did manage to get quite a bit of work done yesterday without the distraction of the blogosphere.

In the interim, yesterday, I turned to my Collage of Life Facebook Page and added a few comments.
I wonder if I should just do that instead? I like the format and the ability to have conversations with blogging friends. I should do it more often. If you care to join in, click the 'Like' button here. Would love to 'chat'.

So...I have lots of news, photos, thoughts and yet, this is top of mind to me at the moment and I would
sincerely like to read what you think. Are you thinking what I am thinking?

Decisions, decisions.....

With sweet thanks :)

Jeanne


PS...If you think I am sounding a bit rash, it gets crazier, here.

image~me

Blog Talk and Shirt Love

Having tea, thinking about my day and all your wonderful comments

to my last post 'A New Face...A New Twitter'. 

I love reading what you think...it is so interesting! 

In a nutshell, Twitter is a curiosity for some and not at all for others. 

You have similar angst with Facebook and are just having to much fun 

with blogging to ever give it up. Just the sort of news I like to hear! 

We all know when we are onto a good thing :)

Some of you may recall other posts of mine regarding 'Blog Talk'. 

I have added them to the top of my sidebar if you are interested. 

They are especially helpful if you are new to blogging. 

You can skip my post and go right to the heart of the matter... the comments. 

A wealth of knowledge is waiting for you :)

I am going to share a little 'girl talk' here just because I am so excited 

about my purchase today. I went into London (you can read about it here) 

and happened upon the window below. I stopped, looked, carried on, turned around, 

 crossed the street and crossed the street again to come back to it. I was curious. 

It is a thrift shop filled with curious objects :)

I walked in, picked up a blouse and went straight to the counter to pay for it.

I did not have to think twice. It is a beautiful 100% fine woven silk blouse 

by a local designer, Shirin Guild. It is long, it is loose, it is billowy,
creamy, dreamy and it was only GBP 15.00

Yes... I admit it now...I love a bargain!

It is gently used and I will do the same.

A little shirt love happening today :)

A great day.

There is nothing like flying the coop for a few hours

and then coming home....to tea and comfy socks.

 A simple post today...you deserve it... 

yesterday's was a humdinger!

Before I go....

Do you like a bargain?

If so, what do you like to look for

and where do you find it?

I do admit to one other weakness....used books.

I seek them out everywhere and giggle with glee 

when I find the perfect one :)

THE END 

xxx

Talking about....

A day in London and a new iphone app here

Getting away from in all in New Zealand here

Thinking spring fashions here

Images: top and bottom via The White Company

all other images~me

A Little Lovin and Blog Talk

image~me

You know it is going to be a good day when
your morning coffee looks like this.  

I made myself an espresso, whipped up the milk
in my handy dandy Nespresso aeroccino and plopped it into my cup
 and voila...a little lovin.

Which I am sending your way :)

A few thoughts as the week comes to a close..

image here

Blog Talk
I just love our little Blog Talks. I learn the most interesting things. Many thanks again to all who responded to my questions about blogging a few weeks back. For those who may have missed it, I asked three questions. Original post here.
Why do you blog?
What do you like most about it?
What would you do differently if you were to do it over again?
I wanted to know because I had been asked to give a talk about blogging to a woman's group I am involved with. They were interested in  why someone would blog and how to start one. This is where you came in. You very kindly responded to my questionnaire and in doing so you gave me the perfect picture.

Here is what you said....

Blogging is....
'It is like being a magazine editor of your own magazine. You choose the topic, write the article, select the photos and enjoy the finished product with feedback.' I could not have said it better myself!'
'It has given me a spring in my step and a new interest in life.'
'It helps me to keep focused on the positive.'
'Allowed me to rediscover a passion for art and photography.'
'I have found kindred spirits and love feeling connected.'
'Blogging motivates me to be better, do more and try new things.'
'I enjoy the supportive group of readers and find them very encouraging.'
'I blog to leave stories for my grandchildren.'
'I blog to keep in touch with out of state/country children.'
'I liken it to penfriends of the past.'
'Blogging allows me to record special moments that I do not want to forget.'
'Thru blogging I notice the little things and see more beauty and interest.'
'I am getting to know interesting and inspiring people.'
'I am learning about other cultures- it feels like a big global hug.'
'Blogging is like a virtual cup of coffee.'
'It is like peeping thru an open door and watching a huge friendly 'in' party in full swing.'
'Blogging puts an added dimension into my life and widens my world.'
'It is a place where I can say something and not be interrupted in mid-thought.'
Lastly, what would you differently?
Many of you would not change a thing and if any changes were to be made you would have spent more time reading blogs and developing a theme before starting. I feel the same way. There are a number of things I would differently but sometimes you just have to say cest la vie.
So what can I say, but thank you for your responses to my questions. Your words guided and comforted me. It was nice to see that I am not alone on this journey. The reasons for being here are our own but one thing we can say is that we are having fun. Isn't that what it is all about?
A year ago, when I first started, I wrote down a few words that resonated with me and made me take my first step... 'STAY ON PASSION-CRAZY IS GOOD'


Keeping that thought in mind....
Cashmerejeans or cashmerejeanne's is up and running. I am still working out a few things in addition to the title and I decided to dedicate it to fashion.  I have a skirting dilemma if you care to help. You can join me here.

images~me and zina

Yes, it is true, I am up to five blogs now...

I look at them as my life files. I liken it to the pockets below plus one.  Fashion, Photography, England, Health and Life.  Instead of putting my ideas in a paper file I am putting them on a blog. Trust me, you would not want to see the end result of combining all these into one blog. I think 'mad as a hatter' would be the expression you would be looking for if I did. I keep it light and simple and it fulfills all of the things that are mentioned above. So...if you are thinking of adding another, I say go for it :) All you need is a little time management and you are 'sweet' as they say in New Zealand.

Martha Stewart

Friday Bliss...
Not only did my coffee show me a little lovin this morning, my daughter Miss Christine did as well. We teamed up and tackled a room which I have dreaded for the past year. Every miscellaneous object that I managed to collect for the past 20 years was in this room. Today we cleared it all out and now have a very clean and manageable room which we will dedicate to crafts. We are both very happy with the result and agreed that we make a good team. I guess I must have taught her a thing or two over the past 20 years as well :) I think I will wait until Monday to mention the garage to her.

Barbara Barry

On that note, I am going to sign off. 

Miss Christine is making home made pizza tonight and 

I have a glass of Australian Sauvignon Blanc that is calling my name. 

I will toast to you for having made it this far in the post. 

You sweet thing you, thank you!!

Best wishes for a wonderfully relaxing weekend. 

I hope you manage a little 'me' time of your own.

Jeanne xx

 An Afternoon on the Seine (here)

One Year Anniversary and BLOG TALK

image~me

My one year blogging anniversary is here.
Four blogs and 830 posts later....
Hooley dooley and blow me down, what a year!

Can I say to all my blogging buddies that you
really and truly are the best! I thank you all for
your comments and emails over the past year.
I have been delighted by each and every one.

I never would have imagined the outcome when I started.
I have met the most wonderful people, of all ages and
my life is richer for the experience. Whether you have been with me
from the start or are a new reader...my sincerest thanks!

I know there are others, who watch and read but do not
comment. In fact, most of my family and friends fall into
that category and to them I say thank you for stopping
by and following.  I am one lucky lady!

I am so glad I hit the POST
button last year for my first post.

image~me

I now have a question or two for you.

image here

It is time for a little BLOG TALK
I recently offered to give a talk to fellow expats
on blogging and need your help.

 I know which questions will be top of mind.
You will know too.
"Why do you blog or rather why would you"?
and the big one..
"How do I start a blog?"

In case you are wondering, yes, I did volunteer to do this!
I think my story is similar to your story
and I would love to hear yours.

I have three questions.
Take one, take them all.
Long or short,
I am all eyes for your comment.

Why do you blog?
What do you enjoy most about blogging?
If you could start over again,
what would you do differently?

Every comment is sincerely appreciated!
Feel free to go off topic to and add what you like :))


and when you are done...come visit me @ Finding My Way.
for a little of what has been happening out and about in
my corner of the world this week...

Wishing you a most glorious weekend wherever you are!!

Jeanne xx