Four (!) years ago, on some day this week, I started this blog. I'm unsure of the exact day because lack of experience on my part sent my first post off into the inter-ether. Too bad, it was the best post I ever wrote. Really, it was. It has been all downhill from there. Thanks to my error, the date of the first post at Knitting the Blues is January 16, 2004. 2004! And you want to hear something really funny? If I actually post every day this year (I will do it, I will do it) that will more than double the number of posts up until January 1st of this year. Well, I think that is practically a laugh riot.
So, the anniversary of my first post coupled with the daily blogging habit required some redecorating around here, don't you agree? I was going to wait until later in the week to write this post and publish the changes to my blog, but Typepad went ahead and made the changes as I was making and saving them even though I did.not.republish! I cannot even tell you how many hours this took for me to manage. I had some help from Cheryl, thank goodness. I gave her an idea of what I wanted and she told me a few things about Photoshop Elements that, if I had RTFM*, I might have figured out for myself. The computer programs? I'm not so good with them. It isn't too shabby, right? I wanted to keep it simple and while I keep telling myself that it is good enough for now, until I take better photos or make a revolving banner, it is unlikely I will put myself through this again anytime soon. But you never know what can happen on a slow day.
Another thing a celebration like this one requires is a little giveaway. What shall it be, hmmmm.... What hoop shall I ask you to jump through this time? How 'bout this: Leave a comment in this post by midnight on January 18th telling me how much you love my re-do (and it better be love people, love!) and I'll have a drawing. Simple, right?
And now, because I've been promising and this post needs a photo, I give you a scarf. Details to follow, maybe tomorrow.
I might have some use for Photoshop Elements yet!
*Pete is always telling me RTFM when I am trying to figure things out about my computer, camera, anything. RTFM: Read the Freaking Manual. Or whatever expletive you wish to substitute.
Three hundred fifty-two to go. Maybe I should read that manual....
Nice Noro scarf! I really like it in the manly colors.
Of course the redo is great, too! I know what a pain it is to be fiddling with all of that stuff. Looks like all the hard work paid off! I especially like the picture of your skirt in the middle. Nice work!
Posted by: molly! | January 14, 2008 at 03:10 AM
Happy anniversary! Nothing like a contest to get the lurkers (like me!) out. I have enjoyed your daily posting, and LOVE (how's that?!) the new landscape. Seriously, it is really nice! Thanks for the contest.
Posted by: Annie | January 14, 2008 at 06:30 AM
I do love the redo, your banner of blue photos is brilliant!
Posted by: Carole | January 14, 2008 at 07:15 AM
The scarf is lovely!
Happy Blog Birthday! The new layout is wonderful. I love the photos at the top.
I never read manuals either. I find it easier to learn as I do.
Posted by: Karen | January 14, 2008 at 07:16 AM
You look marhhhavelous! Love the do, it's so you (and it's about time). It is so wonderful to come into Blogland everyday and find you here.
Posted by: margene | January 14, 2008 at 07:31 AM
the banner looks great! happy blogversary.
and non-blue scarf!
Posted by: maryse | January 14, 2008 at 07:34 AM
I love the new look! I want to do some new type of banner on my blog. Happy Blogiversary, T!
Posted by: Kathy | January 14, 2008 at 07:48 AM
Of course it looks good! And blue. I should check out photoshop elements and actually do some work on the photos I post :)
Posted by: Danielle | January 14, 2008 at 08:14 AM
Love the redo. The banner, the two-column layout, the colours, and especially the border treatment on the photo. Love, love, love. All you really need.
Is that enough? Nice scarf too.
Posted by: Paula | January 14, 2008 at 08:17 AM
Looks great! Happy Blogiversary!
I'm one of those people that's always yelling at other people to RTFM. Especially when they complain to me about their digital camera. Invariably - they haven't read the manual.
(Oh and I'm just here for the good wishes and witty banter. No prizes please!)
Posted by: Cara | January 14, 2008 at 08:24 AM
Well, you know I love the redo. When my new laptop comes and I carry it everywhere with me, we can monkey with your template at the slightest whim! That will be fun.
Posted by: Cheryl | January 14, 2008 at 08:45 AM
I hate to RTFM. It should be intuitive dammit! And then I RTFM. The thing that makes this so amusing is that my job is WTFM (writing the flipping manual)!
Nice layout and happy blogiversary!
Posted by: liz | January 14, 2008 at 09:01 AM
This fits in with your "cleaning up the clutter" post from a while back...not that your blog was cluttered (lol), but it's just a good feeling to get something reorganized and have it look great! I just did an impromptu re-do, also; it was a good way to start the year.
And I love the pics in the banner.
Posted by: katy | January 14, 2008 at 09:01 AM
Okay I do have say the dropspindle with inlaid turqouise and matching fiber strand in the upper right corner is absolutely beautiful. Yeah, I'm a sucker for the pretty pictures.
Posted by: Helen | January 14, 2008 at 09:15 AM
Looks just the same to me. You're still blathering on as usual [kidding, I hope you know] and there's random buttons and links here and there on the right.
Translation: I'm reading this on my SO's computer, which he has rigged such that certain photos (like those on Ravelry, say, or your no-doubt-smashing new banner) don't show up. Annoying. Very. I really should back in the habit of using my own computer. (long story there)
Anyhoo - happy blogoversary!
Posted by: Lynn | January 14, 2008 at 10:13 AM
Love the redo; love the scarf more.
Posted by: Theresa | January 14, 2008 at 10:16 AM
I love the redo *this much*! I especially love the blue photo banner at the top - I need one of those for my blog. :)
Posted by: stariel | January 14, 2008 at 10:20 AM
Oh dear, these must be the kind of changes that only the pure in heart can see because I am not seeing them at all. I am so disappointed!
Posted by: CyndiG | January 14, 2008 at 10:39 AM
They are all such pretty shades of blue!! I love it!
Posted by: Stephanie M | January 14, 2008 at 10:39 AM
I switched to Firefox from Safari and I can see the changes and they are beautiful!
Posted by: CyndiG | January 14, 2008 at 10:41 AM
I really do love the new banner! Maybe I'll spend part of this snowy day working on mine!
Posted by: Alison | January 14, 2008 at 10:55 AM
I love the new look!
Posted by: Cheryl S. | January 14, 2008 at 10:57 AM
Its so very blue.
;-)
Posted by: claudia | January 14, 2008 at 11:21 AM
I love the new do. Very tasteful! The scarf is quite nice as well. All this posting is quite addicting. I haven't signed up for the 365/366 posts thing because that would be too much like commitment. Still, I've managed 13 posts in a row. See, you are inspiring me!
Oh, and manuals are overrated.
Posted by: LoriG | January 14, 2008 at 12:33 PM
Happy blog birthday. I love, love, LOVE the new look.
Posted by: Sue | January 14, 2008 at 02:06 PM
Happy Blog Birthday. Love the new look.
Posted by: Brenda | January 14, 2008 at 02:34 PM
Your HUSBAND. A man?? Wants you to read a MANUAL. I have to lie down.
xo
(great new look. Happy anniversary)
Posted by: Sandy | January 14, 2008 at 04:11 PM
Happy Blog Birthday to you! I do love the new look and the scarf's pretty nice too :-)
Posted by: Julie | January 14, 2008 at 04:21 PM
I show you the LOOOOOOOOOVE, Woman! I do, I do!!!! I love it. I'm a bit jealous, but jealousy is such an ugly quality that I will not admit to it. Shhhhh, don't tell anyone.
RTFM? Cripes, I used to be so good at that. It's a skill I lost somewhere. Maybe I should make an effort to regain it. Frack. Photoshop elements? WTF? Thru Typepad? Or do I have to RTFM of Photoshop too? I've got someone's old Photoshop that they gave me, but I think it's obsolete-ish and I can't make heads nor tails of it. I think I should just go ahead and get a new one.
Posted by: Norma | January 14, 2008 at 04:24 PM
It looks great! The blue spindle and fiber rocks!
Posted by: Karen | January 14, 2008 at 04:52 PM
It's fantastic, Terry! I love your banner -- it's so you, as is the rest. Nice, nice, nice... 'n blue.
; )
Posted by: Vicki | January 14, 2008 at 05:05 PM
Happy Blogiversary and nice blue tinkering with your blog! I know how much work it must have been. I haven't even successfully learned how to plop the "ABC Along" button thing, or any other, to my site. Someday.
Posted by: Diane | January 14, 2008 at 05:25 PM
Oh, yes, I do like the redo; it's much bluer and we fans of blue like all the blue we can see. And you chose such a nice blue for the links band at the right. Nice banner of blue, too! An idea: you have so many nice blue FOs and blue stash that you could make several revolving banners showcasing a number of them.
Posted by: inglesidebelle | January 14, 2008 at 06:03 PM
The banner looks great. And hey, my blogiversary is tomorrow! Capricorn blogs are the best.... (grin)
Posted by: --Deb | January 14, 2008 at 06:16 PM
Love the photos and the new format --and love reading all your daily posts! Happy Blogiversary!
Posted by: Karen | January 14, 2008 at 09:14 PM
I DO really love the new look... there is still blue to admire and associate with you, but the spacing gives it a nice, clean, crisp look... how's that for lotta love?! Happy Blogiversary!!
Posted by: Birdsong | January 14, 2008 at 09:29 PM
Happy Blogiversary! Your new banner is very nice. Thanks for sharing your life with us!
Posted by: monica | January 14, 2008 at 10:31 PM
I like the new look. On my monitor, it's still blue though.
Posted by: susan | January 15, 2008 at 08:23 AM
Everything looks beautiful! Love the sexy skirt, especially. And wasn't that Noro scarf fun to knit? Mindless, yes, but fun to watch the colors unfold. I just finished one, too. Happy Anniversary!
Posted by: Alarming Female | January 15, 2008 at 09:56 AM
Girly, nobody does blue like you! I love whatever arrangement of the blues you settle on. I had my 3rd blogiversay last week. Most Happy Blogiversary to you. Oh, and I hate reading manuals myself.
Posted by: Julia | January 15, 2008 at 11:38 AM
The re-do looks GRReat! I especially like the spindle. The scarf is beautiful. I agree w/Brenda above - a man and a manual - kinda an oxymoron in my experience. And I am REALLY liking the daily blogging of all of you girls in 365! Tammy
Posted by: Tammy | January 15, 2008 at 01:07 PM
The re-do looks great! I bow to your bravery in fighting the computer programs to change it. I'm a coward - my blog looks exactly as it did on the first post. Blue is absolutely the bestest color of all!
Posted by: Elizabeth H. | January 15, 2008 at 07:32 PM
Like you really need me to tell you I love your blog, your banner, and YOU? But I do.
Posted by: Laurie | January 15, 2008 at 07:34 PM
Lovely scarf! And the blog looks fabulous - the banner, the colors, everything! Happy Blogiversay.
Posted by: Jane | January 15, 2008 at 11:59 PM
Booootiful new look! Scarf is rather yummy too- i may have to wander and look at silk garden (and i was resisting so nicely).
Posted by: sarah | January 16, 2008 at 08:50 AM