Oh, a post!
I am thrilled to be writing again today. More than thrilled, actually. I do admittedly feel sheepish about starting off this whole project with such a burst of energy that ended up fizzling rather quickly, but that is my way sometimes. It is what it is. But today, I can gladly declare that I am back, and all of the things that have been plaguing me with anxiety seem to have fleeted for now. For always, hopefully.
I am working on making better, simpler choices these days. I am realizing that perhaps I don’t have the stress capacity for living a whirlwind life as it seems most other people do. I tend to see that as a bad thing usually, but perhaps it isn’t. Instead of saying “I don’t handle stress well,” maybe I should say “I was created to ponder, to savor, and to reflect.” Because I do think that’s the truth of it.
Regarding the website, the new design is still just plodding along at a walrus’ pace. (Walrus’ are slow creatures, right?) I am thinking of forgetting the whole deal and doing it all in blog form. What’s the difference between a blog and a website anyway? A blog has a built in content management system that allows for easy, quick updates. You can organize the content however you wish. The only thing I would be sad of is my beautiful design being wasted. I mean, I could certainly incorporate it into the blog design, but it would have to undergo some major remodeling. Or would that be re-remodeling?
Anyway, that’s a decision to be made for later. Right now, I’ve got stuff to write!
During my hiatus, I’ve been doing what I do best–collecting and piecing together useful information. I just love research. Learning new things makes me happy. I am very happy right now.
As you’ve probably noticed, there haven’t been many updates in the last week or so. My cup is full, people. My schedule is packed. And I’ve found, unfortunately, that I have to prioritize myself, my family, and “actual work” above my online pursuits.
So, for a little while anyway, blogging will be sporadic at best. I’m putting this whole project on the back burner until I can find a way to re-integrate it into my life in a way that is manageable. I’ve discovered that the time I was spending in the “virtual” world is much better spent sleeping. No more burning the candle at both ends for me…I’m on a much healthier, saner path at the moment.
Yes, I’m still working on the site design. I’m still working on content. But I’m doing it now much more as an enjoyable hobby for ME than as a commitment to the site itself.
I think we all have to make decisions like that sometimes.
For those of you who own your own business, I have a possible marketing opportunity for you. The sponsors of an event that I am coordinating are looking for donated items to give away in a raffle throughout the evening of September 21st. We are expecting 350 in attendance.
Any business who donates an item to be given away will have their name printed in the program, will be personally thanked from the stage by our emcee, and will be mentioned throughout the evening as the winners are announced.
The people who will be attending this event are award-winning teachers, their principals, superintendents, and their guests. If you’re interested in finding out more, I am the point of contact. Email me at sarahjoy[at]todayshomemaker[dot]com to find out more.
After working on my main page’s design, I miss the days when I used to actually design for the web. Now that was long ago, when tables-based layouts were standard and people thought frames were cool (yeah…what about that, about.com? I guess you didn’t get the memo yet about the frames thing.)
So, if you could, pass the word on to anyone you know who needs a web designer. Because ya know…that’d be nice.
I really can’t sleep right now because of trying to code my design. And guess what…it took me forEVER, but I did it! Both the index page and the main css file are done and validated! Very exciting for me.
So my next project is to code the content pages. I’ve already designed them: here’s how they will look. My post yesterday contained a mock-up of the main index page (where you’ll go when you enter www.todayshomemaker.com into your good old address bar). These pages are where you’ll go when you click on “cleaning” or “cooking” or whatever.
The best part of all of this is that I really produced some clean, standards-based code. Yes, even though I used images for one of my navigation menus, I still managed to make it as accessible as possible. Score one for a mutual respect of design and standards-compliance.
Woohoo!
Okay, so I know I’ve barely even started the site, and here I go, wanting to change everything. That’s just me. I’ve been trying to work on a new site design, because I don’t think I’ll ever really be happy with it until I design it myself. (Thanks, Al, for helping me realize this). 
So here is the mock-up of the main page.
Bear with me for the next month or so while I get everything ready for the site’s re-launching. I am so excited that I can actually DO this. I had little confidence that I could really make something that I would like. Woohoo!
Oh my. How I’ve missed writing this past week. I’ve been quite the busy woman, with John’s parents staying with us and now…the flu! Oh how I hate the flu. I should be up and running again soon, prayerfully. I am just so tired of my head feeling like it weighs three thousand pounds.
Here’s a unique idea for figuring out which clothes you actually wear: turn all of your hangers in your closet the wrong way (the open end of the hook facing you). Then when you wear something and put it back in, put it in the right way. (Idea originally from 43folders).
The meringue makes the heart grow fonder, I promise. It is so lovely and light and absolutely divine. And what is underneath? Why, it’s coconut pie, of course (what else?)! And just for you, dearest reader, now through September 15th, when you purchase two 5 Star Coconut Pies, you will most definitely receive the Lemon Fruit Dip for free.
And because I am not a genius when it comes to setting up a shopping cart, you will just have to take my word for it, because it will not show up until I send you an email letting you know that we are processing the order.
So what is the coconut pie “like”? It is amazing. My non-coconut eating friend Kelly even loves it (or is lying). I suspect she’s telling the truth, though, because not a crumb was left on her plate. I like to serve this pie freezing cold. My favorite thing about it is that it seems so hard. I mean, isn’t it gorgeous? I’m feeling like a regular Paula Deen over here.
On a second, more morose note, the $2.50 flat-rate shipping will be expiring August 31st. We will soon be returning to our regularly-scheduled shipping rates. (I can hear the “Awww”s all around).
Who is this artsy gal who 
So you can imagine my delight when I saw that this creative, highly likeable person has written a 
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