My Pretty New Header…

January 13, 2007 /

Back when I switched over to WordPress from Blogger, I took a long time picking out my template, wanting one that was pretty, and that fit the mood of my blog, etc. The one I picked was very nice, and the header that came with it has some pictures of nature. I like nature, so OK, I’m in. (I still have that header up for a little while, here.) But then Ted said, you should have a custom header. Well, I had always wanted a custom header, but I have no software, no artistic ability, etc., so I said to myself, whatever. Ted’s buddy, Jefito, he of the music blog, knows photo shop stuff, though, and he offered to make us new headers. He made the groovy one for Ted at his blog, PyKorry. I saw that, and I thought, yeah, I’d like something groovy…so, I thought about one thing that I really like, which is fine art. Really pretty pictures touch something in my soul, and I like to have them around. When I worked in a cube farm, I had a lot of beautiful postcards pinned up on my walls, etc. So, I thought, maybe I can come up with three or four pictures that kind of represent me, and Jefito can figure out something with them.

First, I picked this picture. Back when we lived in Philly, and I first started getting the hang of this internet thing, I found a website with so many beautiful pictures on it. I’m sure such things are much more common now, but I think this was one of the first. Now it’s over 10 years later, and she’s still up and running. I think that’s great. Mad props to Carol Gerten-Jackson for keeping this thing going, and for finding all of these beautiful pictures. I especially like this picture, Madame Valpinçon with Chrysanthemums, by Degas. The flowers, the depth of the colors, her thoughtful face. I had this picture as a background on my computer for a long time, too. Nice. And no, Ted, she’s NOT picking her nose. Silly.

I was trying to think of some other pictures, that might represent other aspects of my life…besides my propensity to sit around, thinking, looking like I’m picking my nose, with pretty flowers if I can manage it. Well, there’s Ted and Maya, right? The Indian picture is one that Ted and I picked from a book, Indian Love Paintings, and we used that picture as our wedding invitation. I’ve always loved that picture. So much of a ‘We’re in this together’ feel to it, which is a lot like marriage, right?

The girl with the boat is Picasso’s daughter, Maya. I’m sure he pronounced it wrong, like “My-Uh”, whereas we say, “May-Uh”, but that’s OK. That picture is to represent my lovely daughter, and the joy I find in having her around.

I emailed them to Jefito, thinking he would put them into a form like the old header, with the pictures separated, etc. I like what he did even more, though, how he melded them and made it unique.

So, now you know the symbolism of my new header. 🙂 Thanks, Jefito! You rock!

10 Comments

  • Shelliza

    January 13, 2007 at 4:06 pm

    I saw your new header about a week ago and meant to let you know how much I like it. It’s so much prettier now that I know what it signifies. Happy Weekend!

  • Starshine

    January 13, 2007 at 11:08 pm

    J,

    I love the new header. It’s gorgeous, and now that I know the meaning of each painting, I like it even more. The pensive look of the Degas woman is perfect for a blog called “Thinking About…”

    Love,
    Starshine

  • Michelle

    January 13, 2007 at 11:19 pm

    Well it looks great. I keep messing with the idea to switch. I hate dealing with those kinds of blogging issues though and would much rather spend my time writing something. I never have enough time to just write.

  • samibear

    January 14, 2007 at 8:38 am

    Hi J, I read the book you reported on, Julie & Julia.
    The Cajun Chicken sounds good but it would be too hot for me.
    Love your Blog and the art work.
    I asked what was going on with Maya’s Granny because she hasn’t posted since November. Or does she have a new URL?

  • Gina

    January 14, 2007 at 9:24 am

    Yes, I love the artwork up there, and I am always fascinated about other people’s views and thoughts on art pieces.

    How nice to have such a personal header! I’m jealous… 😉