Quarantine Thoughts- Part 1

1. I should miss going places more than I do.  Right?  I think I may be built for lockdowns.  I don't miss going outside.  I don't miss restaurants, parks, movie theatres... Any of it.  I like being able to stay in and not be judged for it- you know, the people who say "but its such a nice day outside!"  


2. We are out of meat, and milk and almost eggs.  We order our food more than 2 weeks in advance, and usually don't get the entire order.  I can't go into the stores because I'm high risk due to my lung condition; so I'm at the mercy of the staff.  It's stressful.  I'm lucky though, because if we are really stuck, D can go in and pick up things and knock down old people if necessary. (joking. sort of.) 


3. FREAKING HOARDERS! Why do you need 1000 rolls of TP? So that other can't get any?  Then they feel the need to hoard too, and then no one can get anything because you drive up scarcity.  Think, people!


4. I think its pretty funny that people who thought they could be profiteers with the TP and hand sanitizer are stuck with all the stuff they bought.  This one grocery manager basically told people "tough titties" for buying too much TP, and no they can't return it.  Ah, sweet justice.


5. I was talking to D and I wondered, "If it was the end of the world, would be even know?  If its not a huge event, but a virus that moves through the population, how long would it be before we knew it was the beginning of the end?  What would be the signs?"  Isn't that a happy thought?  No more dystopian books for me for a while.

Now on Bloglovin'!

Hey there! Since I'm into reading new blogs, I signed up to Bloglovin'. I thought, if you're interested in a random-blog with stuff to do, you could follow me there.

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

I'm back. Seriously.

So, I thought I was done with blogging.  So I took a break.  A looooong break.

But I kind of missed it.  I think I felt too burdened with having to come up with something every few days to post.  And that was stressful.  How do you be/ do something interesting everyday?  Some people can. That's cool.  But, I can't.  Some days work is terrible.  And all I want to do is have a nap.  Now I'm back, and changed a few things.

I'm going to blog about anything I want to.  No boxes, no niches.  Just a weblog.  An online journal.  About my (many) hobbies; about my thoughts, my run ins with positive and negative people... Anything.  I'm done thinking of this as a product.  More of a diary.  It's about the journey, right?

And I think this should be fun.  So, here we go again.

The Comeback

Well, well, well... Looks who's decided to grace this blog with her presence... Stephanie.  To what do we owe the honor?

Look, blog I'm sorry.  I've been really busy.

A likely excuse.  And a common lie for you, isn't it?

Ok, I haven't been that busy.  But I haven't been that interesting either.

Feeling sorry for yourself again?

What? No!

C'mon...

Ok, maybe a little.  But you know, the winter and all that.  It was freezing here-- even for Canada!  And so I haven't been getting out there and trying new things.  And I spend all my time at work, on work.  You know how the fall and winter are.

Why don't you try making a schedule.  That works for other bloggers.  And then people would get your witty repartee again.  If anyone still reads this, that is.

Now, now blog, let's not get nasty...

I'm sorry.  I've been feeling neglected.  You have that other blog that you write on...

I do, but that's for work.  You know that.  You said you wouldn't mind.

I don't, I guess.  But back to that schedule thing...

You are right, I will start a schedule, and make sure I post something, even if I think its innocuous and silly.

Those are the best posts.

Um, thanks?  Anyways, I will post on weekends.  Is that ok?

Its a start.  And better then nothing.

Than.  Better than nothing.

Listen, you better wrap this up, you're starting to correct your own grammar.

Ok.  Well, see you either tomorrow or next weekend.  With something to talk about.  Goodnight.

Night.

Ah, moving.

http://www.leadpaintcomics.com/comics/2011-07-25-moving.jpg

Well, it seems I'm moving.  We take over the space on September 1st, just in time for me to go back to work.  When it rains, it pours.  I will be in an out sporadically.  Today, my mama's here helping me clean and pack. 




I hate moving.

Dot Com-ed!

Ok, so I took the plunge and bought a domain name.  I'm not sure if it will be the thing for me or not, but we'll try it for a year.  It was pretty painless (I guess) to set up, but I lost all my bloglist in my sidebar for some reason.  I started listing them again; but if I missed you address, please let me know!  I want to get it back up there!  Also, I had to migrate my comments from disqus.  It will take some time, but your comments should be back soon!  (I hope.)

To celebrate my new address, I made some banana bread with chocolate and pecans!  That's what I'm excited about!

Dot com or not com

You like blogs?  I put a blog in my blog.  Inception.

 I have been playing with the idea of purchasing a domain for my blog here.  I have been looking around for the pros and cons of such an endeavor.  The thing is, I'm not very serious about my blog. I like to write it, and I love to share the things that I've been doing.  I also enjoy the comments and conversation that happen in this space.  But I am not interested in monetizing my blog-- which seems to be the biggest draw to moving to a personalized domain name, a "dot com."

More, I kinda like how small my readership is.  I feel like I'm able to respond to each comment, and "get to know" people that comment.  I can keep up with their blogs, and have witty repartee with them.  I feel like that I've made some friends with the people who have been reading for a while.  

But, I've read that having a "dot com" domain name, will expand traffic.  A few friends that have moved to a "dot com" have said they noticed an increase of traffic for their blogs.  So, as with all decisions, I have created a pro and con list for moving to www.bassability.com:

 

 Do you have a "dot com?"  Are you happy with it?  Should I just leave it?
 

Featured: Interviewed by Ponder Wonders Blog!

I am overwhelmingly thankful to Mayra for creating such a wonderful post about me!  Mayra has a monthy feature interviewing bloggers to create inspiration for other bloggers and readers.  Here's what she says about her "And This Month's Interviewee Is..." feature:

"I believe that something magical and miraculous happens when we share our light with others.  It just may very well brighten someone's darkness.  I love the way spiritual activist and author Marianne Williamson puts it better.  She states that "as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.  As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others."  It is through this personal belief that my monthly feature of 'And This Month's Interviewee is'....was birthed!  My goal is to feature every month an interview in hopes that the underlying story, behind the words and pictures, touches and enriches someone's life for the better.  We are not alone people, we all flow simultaneously in the mysterious magical energy of life!"

And I was more than happy to volunteer to be interviewed!  Thank you for the opportunity, Mayra!

If you are interested in knowing a little more (or a lot more) about me, wander on over to Ponder Wonders.

If you have wandered over here from Ponder Wonders, welcome!  Perhaps check out my "About" page and see what Bassability is all about!

About a vlog...

So... As part of my comeback special, I'm going to try my hand at vlogging.  I have never done it.  I have only seen a few.  And I have no idea about what I should vlog. 

But, I'm going to try it. 

Maybe it will be some music.

Maybe it will be about some questions.

This is where I need your help.  What should the vlog be about?  What do you want to see?  If you have some questions, will you please email me?  Pretty please?

Comeback

Well, I'm on my way back.  I think that the dummies who sent those emails can bite me.  (I know, that's crude; but sometimes there is no classy way to respond to idiots.)

But what I need to plan is a comeback special.  It needs to be something fun.  It needs to be something feminist.  It needs to be something "Bassable."  Yup, I made up a word for what my comeback needs to be.

Help me decide on my comeback special.  Should I:

• Post a new "25 Things fat People Shouldn't Do"
• A new "Dirty Hippie" DIY post
• A vlog, whatever that is
• Something I haven't even thought of? (Post in comments!)

To vote, comment on your choice.  Its as simple as that!

I can't wait to see what you choose!

Right now.

This is me right now.

Right now, I can't sleep.  I got an idea and I had to do something about it.  Otherwise, I would have stayed up worrying that I was going to forget my awesome idea, and it would never come into fruition.  Then I got to the computer and promptly forgot it. 

Instead, I decided to blog right now; about how I do get up at night to paint, or write or anything if my brain tells me I have to do so.  I know I have work in the morning, and that because of my midnight creativity I may need a bucket full of coffee to seem semi-human and semi conscious, but right now, creativity feels good.

Right now, there are drunk people yelling outside.  Its 1:30 in the morning.  I wonder why they aren't worried about being hungover tomorrow.  And I'm a little bit jealous that I don't go out and have fun late anymore because of tommorrow.

I am not complaining.

Right now, I have a totally fulfilling job.  I love what I do.  Sometimes my students totally surprise me.  For example, last week it was a boy's birthday in one of my classes.  I asked him to take the attendance record to the office.  While he was gone, the students in his class sang the National Anthem in French with no prompting from me.  To reward them, I gave them "Boutique Bucks" a coupon of sorts they can save and spend in my prize shop.  Without any word, each students put their newly acquired buck on the birthday boys' desk.  And when he came back from the office, he had 30 "Boutique bucks" on his desk.  It was really moving to see those kids think outside of themselves.

Right now I can hear D snoring.  He snores loud.  Its a calming sound though.  Its rhythmic, and that helps me relax.  It reminds me of home a little because my dad snored like a buzz saw.  My dad's snoring made me feel safe.  D's snoring kinda does that too.

 
Right now, there are  hundreds of lights on in the apartment building outside my window.  When I can't sleep, I look at it.  What are all those people doing?  We should all be asleep.  There will be lights on all night in that building.  I know 3 people that live there.  I wonder if their lights are on?

Right now, this is what's happening.  Its not much, but its a lot for someone who should be asleep.  I may try and write about what is happening in the day time. But right now, its all about my insomnia. 

What is happening "right now" for you?

Under the Weather

I'm so glad its raining out today.  Because I am sick.  I have (what I hope is) a really bad cold, and I've been sleeping on and off for most of the day.

So I've taken up residence on my couch, where I will watch hours of Community, and play video games.  Then I will have a nap.  This sounds like an awesome day, if it weren't for one fact:  I feel like garbage. 

In other news, you may have noticed that I haven't been posting as often here.  That's because last week I got great news:  I was offered a full-time permanent teaching position at a public school here in town.  This is a big deal, since it is very difficult to get an interview, let alone an actual job. 

Now I am a permanent French teacher!  I really love it.  I teach in an inner-city school, which is my preference. It's a tough environment sometimes, but I went to an inner city school as a kid, and I think that these schools totally deserve great teachers who understand the lives of their students; and can serve as an example of success!  I have great co-workers, and administrators; and even though the provincial government is being a bunch of political d-bags, I'm happy. 

So, I'm sorry if it seems to be a little sparse around here for a while, I have to set up my year (administratively) and focus on work for a little bit. 

If you really knew me...

...you'd know that:

• I am a perfectionist.  I am harder on myself than anyone else.  
• I will call people out on racist, sexist, homophobic, ablest comments or jokes.  I don't care if it makes other people uncomfortable, I still do it.
• I used to be an exterminator.  
• I am very particular about the friends I keep.
• I have a bad temper sometimes, and I work hard to keep it in check.
• I expect the best from people, because I try and give my best.

• I hate having my picture taken.
• I am not an introvert or an extrovert.  Its not clear where I fall on that spectrum.
• I worked in Congo with child soldiers when I was 24.  I don't like talking about it.
• I had a brain tumor.
• I speak french fluently.
• I like blogging, but I have never been able to keep a journal.
• I devour books at a rapid rate.
• I still like to watch cartoons.
• I don't feel as old as I am.  

• I love singing.  I sing everyday.
• I collect vintage pyrex.
• I love kids, but I don't want to have my own.
• I can't decide if I want to live in a condo, or own a house.
• I don't understand the nation-wide bacon obsession. 
• I used to be a vegetarian.  I still don't eat beef.  I think its gross.
• I hate the gym.  I would rather get my exercise outside.

• I love crafts and painting and drawing, but I don't have much confidence at it.  Only my students make me feel good about it.
• I love tattoos.  I have one on each arm and a large one on my back between my shoulder blades.  I want to get another one on my upper left arm.  Flowers, because I love flower tattoos.
• I like my "style." Its not unique; its more comfortable.  And cheap.  I buy really cheap clothes.
• Usually I feel great about myself.  But there are some days I don't.
• I have a really loud speaking voice.  Its good for teaching.
• I didn't learn how to read until I was 11 years.  Before then I faked it.
• I have eidetic memory, I can remember everything I hear.
• I play piano, guitar, flute, ukulele, alto and tenor saxophone all mediocre-ly.  I love playing the ukulele.

Tell me something about you.  I really want to know.    

Why I Will (Probably) Never Have a Popular Lifestyle Blog; And Why I Wouldn't Want To

As per usual, Jes from The Militant Baker wrote a post that got me thinking about authentic blogging.  Jes' post addressed the backlash she received after commenting on another blogger's inauthentic blog; an opinion with which I agreed.  I found this post just after I read a great article from Bitch Magazine about women lifestyle bloggers.  The crux of the article was, the more popular the lifestyle blog was, the more the blog lacked authenticity.

The article looked at several popular lifestyle blogs and noted some of the trends that allowed a blog to become popular; they are watered down and overly consumerist in their publication.  In order to understand what I'm talking about, you should read this thoughtful and insightful article first.

Welcome back! According to current trends on the internet in the blogosphere of lifestyle blogging, here is why this blog, will probably never be popular (and why I probably don't want it to be):

1.  Bassability is a not for profit blog.  I don't blog because I want to make money or net an income from this page.  So, why do I blog then?  the purpose of my blog originally was to explore and record my hobbies and interests in a public way.  I'm kind of a show off, really.  But this blog has become so much more to me now that I have "moved in." Now, I see my blog as a place to document things I make, and ideas I have.  I write about my thoughts and feelings.  sometimes my thoughts and feelings are quite serious and controvertial, and may offend some of my readers.

I don't write anything to purposefully offend anyone; what I write is about who I am, and about that I won't compromise.  I happen to be a bi-racial, atheist, feminist who believes in some of the tenets of socialism and works for equity.  As I learn more about these things, I write them down because through writing I understand these ideas better.  Writing helps me learn, and sometime my learning is verbose.  There is sometimes a lot of writing.

2.  This blog is sometimes a political space.  I have written about my tenuous relationship with religion and Christianity; about feminism; about fat oppression; about racial identity and racism.  These topics will always be part of this blog, because these are part of my life and lifestyle.  My life with never not deal with these topics.

Race and racism is a topic that is especially important to me; it is a part of everything I write.  I cannot separate myself from my racial identity.  For honesty and authenticity's sake, it is important for me to recognize the other aspects of my social location, that I am middle-class, and have an amount of privilege awarded to me by way of my financial security.  I am highly educated; and even though I use this to help bring about equity in the world, it is still something from which I profit.  These privileges are also something that is part of this blog.  I recognize that.

3. I am not superwoman.  I don't live in a cute or quaint house.  We live in a one bedroom apartment, out of economic necessity.  I do not have full time employment, I work contract-to-contract, so sometimes I'm broke.  I live with depression.  I probably can't have children.  I was sexually assaulted.  I want my blog to show the good and the bad of my life.  So sometimes Bassability is a downer.  But I think this is important- that's life.   I don't try to focus on things that bring me down, but sometimes they are in the front of my mind.  So they end up being something I write about.  I like that realness, life is not perfect; why should my blog be?

4.  I really hate cats.  I don't have pets (anymore).  It seems that the recipe for a popular blog is to have cats or kids.  I don't have either.  For this reason, my blog is probably doomed to fail.

Do I want to be a popular blog?  It depends on what I mean by popular.  Do I want a community of women to read my blog and gain something from it?  Absolutely!  It brings me joy.  I love the support that the blogging community can have.  I would love to build that community.  So here are some authentic blogs that I love to read:

 http://www.themilitantbaker.com/





http://curvyladiesrule.blogspot.com/

http://gritsandmoxie.blogspot.com/

http://lollylikesfatshion.blogspot.com/




http://lifethegoodandthebad.blogspot.com/

     http://www.milesfromordinary.com/

  http://cmonfatso.com/




http://www.simplyymayra.com/

http://stephaniealena.blogspot.com

http://vocalauthenticity.blogspot.com/




And these are just a few.  Please feel free to add your favorite "authentic blog" links in the comments.  I'll collect them and make a new page.  Let's support those authentic blogs!

The Versatile Blogger Award: Thank you!

I'm so thankful that SimplyyMarya over at Ponder Wonders has nominated me for the Versatile Blogger Award.  It is so nice to be thought of, in the big, wide internet by some lovely bloggers.  It makes me feel all fuzzy inside.  Truly.  Especially when you know that blogger is busy with a cross-country move.  Thank you, Mayra!

Okay,  here are the rules for accepting the award: 

Rules for The Versatile Blogger Award:  

(I broke some of the rules.  What can I say?  I'm a born revolutionary.)

1. Thank the Blogger who nominated you. (Of course!)
2. Include a link to their site. 
3. Include the award image in your post. 
4. Give 7 random facts about yourself. (The random-er the better, I hope)
5. Nominate 15 other Bloggers for the award. (Um, how about 8?)
6. When nominating, include a link to their site.
7. Let other Bloggers know they have been nominated.

Seven Random Facts about myself:

•  My love of DIY stems from the fact that I am incredibly cheap.  Incredibly cheap.
• I have a deep-seeded love for the cities of New Orleans and Las Vegas.
• I prefer the sun to the rain.
• I love jazz music.
• I hate cats. 
• I play the ukulele.  My favorite thing to play: Coldplay songs.
• I like grocery shopping.  A lot.

The nominees are:

Lesley Jean at Yesiree Petunia- Oh I wish here cute little store would come to Canada.  For now, I just lust after the things in her etsy store, and read about her fabulous life.  I think if we lived a little closer together, we would be really good friends, we have that much in common.  For realskies.

Jes at The Militant Baker- This lady is it.  I stalk her blog everyday for inspiration, and to read her thoughts.  I have considered flying down to meet her and have a serious feminista chat with her; that's how much I dig her. 

Steph at Stephanie Alena- Jealous of her beach-side, creative life style.  Love her artwork, her cute doggie and her thoughts. 

Panda at Lampas and Llamas- This bloggers going to be my new thrifting friend, I can feel it.  She has a keen style, and she's a fellow Canadian blogger! Holla!

Kim at Fox You (Very Much)- Funny lady, super supportive blog buddy, who has a blog with tons (!) of concert and book reviews.  She likes Nickleback, which I won't hold against her (joke). 

Velouria at Definitely Maybe-  A very fashionable blogger with impeccable taste.   I love lusting over her shopping finds.  Also,  I appreciate that she doesn't have too many pictures of her cat on her blog. 

C.L. at Curvy Lady- New to my blog roll; I'm sad I hadn't discovered her blog sooner.  I love the recipes she posts;  I love island food.

Sierra at C'mon Fatso- Such good writing.  My favorite post (so far) is here.

Happy Saturday, peoples!

The Liebster Award? Thank you!

I got an email last night, telling me to check out a friend's blog this morning.  There was a surprise there for me.  And what a surprise it was.  I was nominated for a Liebster Award!  What a sweet gesture from blogbonita SimplyyMayra!

What is a Liebster Award?  The word "liebster" is German literally meaning dearest or favorite.  Although a thorough Google search has not led me to the orgins of this award, the information passed long to me says the Liebster award recognizes new and upcoming bloggers with less than 200 registered readers who deserve some kind of recognition and support for their contribution.  

Cool. 

In order to accept this prestigious award, one must abide by a list of rules.  Here they are:

1. Each person must list 11 things about themselves.
2. Answer the 11 questions that the tagger has set for you PLUS you MUST create 11 questions of your own for the 11 people you will nominate with this award, which brings me to rule 
3. Choose up to 11 bloggers linking them to your post.
4. Go to their page and inform them of the nomination.
5. Absolutely NO tag backs.
6. Remember to ONLY tag bloggers with less than 200 registered readers

Gettin' the party started with 11 random facts about me:

• I was a back-up singer for Shania Twain when I was 18 
• I have had 4 different careers in my life.  
• Teaching has been my favorite career so far 
• I worked as an exterminator for 3 years; it was a great job. 
• My favorite color changes with my mood.  My students ask me almost daily what my favorite color is. 
• My favorite Beatles song is "Let It Be" 
• I love to paint and draw, but I have no confidence in my abilities there
• I'm still a working musician, but I don't do it as much as I used to.  Secretly, I feel I may have given up on my dream 
• I am an introvert and an extrovert.  I guess I am a balanced individual.
• I am extremely sarcastic.  I am actually trying to reign it in a little.
• I haven't had cable TV in 8 years, and I love telling people about that.  I'm a little self-righteous I guess.

Answers to SimplyyMayra's Questions: 

1. When you were a little girl what did you want to be when you grew up? 

I wanted to be one of two things: I wanted to be Isaac from "The Love Boat," a bartender on a cruise ship; or a spy.  I wanted to be a spy so bad, I wore nothing but black clothing for a time as a child.

2. If $5000.00 just magically landed on your lap, what would you do?

Gifts.  I love buying presents.  Then I would buy some vegetables for the shelter I use to work at.  They need lots of food.  I give what I can, but this would be awesome and useful.  And then bills.  And then something nice for me and D, maybe a vacation somewhere.  Good thing I don't have this money, I would be a nervous wreck trying to figure out what to do with it!

3. You could be any musical instrument for a day...which one and why?

I would be a street piano!  Hanging outside, meeting lots of people who play me for the enjoyment and novelty of a piano being outside!

4. I gaga-gugu for Vin Diesel and the Rock, who do you gaga-gugu for?

Brandon Flowers.  I love his music and lyrics.  I wish I could get to know him, I would settle for being his friend.  And he could be my friend, my sexy, sexy friend.

5. What's a MUST on your bucket list?

I don't have a bucket list.  If there is something I want to do, I totally do it.  I don't like the stress of a list I may not be able to complete.  No regrets!

6. If you could be a cartoon character which one will you choose and why?

Um, a Powerpuff girl?  I like to kick ass and take names.

7. What's your passion?

Music.  And Teaching.  I need to do both of them.

8. Why did you start blogging? 

At first, I had a fairly popular knitting blog because I was learning how to knit.  I liked sharing my progress with other people.  But I found writing about one subject limiting, so I started a lifestyle blog so I could put my knitting out there, as well as anything else that came to mind. 

9. What inspired the name of your blog?

My friends at work call me by one of my last names, Bass.  At school, they would say to me, "Is there anything you can't do?" and I would say, "Yeah, plenty.  But I choose to focus on my abilities." And they would say, "Yeah, Bass' abilities."  Since I like to run words together like Robot and Apocalypse (= Robocalypse,) and Stephanie and Evolution (= Stephalution,) "Bassability" seemed like the natural choice for a blog about stuff I can do. 

10. Any regrets?

I don't think so.  Everything I've done led me to where I am right now.  Even though there were hard times that left me almost wrecked, I was still able to pull myself out with help of friends and family.  I've learned a lot.  A lot.  Can't regret learning stuff.

11. If you could visit yourself at age 15 with the wisdom you have now, what would you tell her?

Dude, your twenties are gonna suck.  You will make some friends, lose some friends.  Make some choices that you won't value or understand until you are in your thirties.  Mom will hate you for a while, you will never understand why.   You will be sexually assaulted.  You will be part of a tragedy that will affect you forever.  You will get sick and almost die.  But you will survive, more you will thrive.  You will stop doing what everyone asks of you, and the world won't end.  You will find someone who understands you and helps you find your dreams.  You will come out wiser, stronger and smarter than you ever thought possible.  And you won't waste that power.  You will use it to help others.  You will not be "useless" or a "waste."  And you are not those things now.  You don't believe me, but I believe in you. 

Whoa, heavy.

My questions:

1.  Which do you like more, big breakfast or big dinner?  Why?

2. What is your favorite children's story?

3. What is the best part of you?

4. What is a secret you would be willing to share?

5. What is your favorite Beatles song?

6. If you could change on aspect of your life, what would it be?

7. Do you collect something?

8. If you were a paint color, what would you be?

9. Dream job?

10. What is your favorite thing to do on a Sunday morning?

11. What do you think is the most important lesson you have learned in your life thus far?

    

My nominees:

Sierra at C'mon Fatso

Velouria at Definitely Maybe

Steph at Living On Love

Lolly at Lolly Likes

Arya at Life: The Good and the Bad

Les at Yessiree Petunia

Alright my friends, congratulations!

Featured on Bloggers.com!

What a nice surprise to wake up to!  This morning I got an email saying that I was featured on the front page of Bloggers.com as an Editor's Pick of the Day.  I have been blogging for a while now, but I have never felt the community spirit of blogging before as I do with Bassability.  My old blogs were a lot of fun, but they were solitary most of the time, and not as interactive as this one. 

If you don't know about Bloggers.com, its a cool site where you can list your blog, and then browse thousands of other blogs.  I have found quite a few great reads looking through this site.

If you are visiting via bloggers.com, WELCOME!  Have a look around.  Maybe start here to see what Bassability is all about.  I hope you enjoy your visit.

Blogging Tutorial: How to Make an "About" Graphic

You like blogs?  I put a blog in my blog.  Inception.

I got an email about how bloggers made those "About" graphics for the sidebar in their blogs.  I am not a graphic designer, nor do I play one on TV.  But I thought I would out together a tutorial for people who want to add one of these pics to their blog.  To make mine, I used a graphic imaging software called GIMP.  If you have some time and want a new hobby, I would learn how to use it (or Photoshop if you can afford it ;-))  This tutorial will show you how to use two free programs to make a graphic like the one on my blog.

For this tutorial, you will need access to a graphic editing software, we'll use Pic Monkey because its free and easy to use.  The other program you will need is MS Paint or a similar program.  Paint come with Windows an is in the accessories part of your programs menu.

Step 1: Go to the Pic Monkey website, and upload your image for editing.

This is the image I started with. You will want to crop and change your image to suit your graphic.  All the tools to edit your photo are in the sidebar of the Pic Monkey program.  Have fun with it!

I have a thing for Polaroids, so I added a frame to my pic.

You can use Pic Monkey to add graphics to your photo.  I added an arrow.

You can add some text to the picture at this point.  When you are finished editing, save the image to your computer.  I always save images for internet use as .PNG

Resize the image to fit in your sidebar.

When you finish editing, this is what will be saved to your computer.

Step 2: Open MS Paint to ad text.

Step 3: Write your text

You can change the size and color of your text by using the text toolbar.

Once you have finished your text, and you like the look of your graphic, save it!

Now you should have a picture that looks like this:

Depending on what blogging platform you use, the next steps will be different.  To add your graphic, you will be adding a picture to your sidebar.  In blogger that looks like this:

In the Blogger bar click on design, and choose layout.  your layout should look like this.   You will add a gadget to the sidebar where you want your graphic.

Because you saved your "About" graphic and text as a picture, you only need to add a picture box.

Upload your graphic.  The Blogger platform will do the rest. Note: To have a title for your graphic, you can add a title to the title box.  I called mine "About" because I'm completely original.  Also, because you already resized your graphic, make sure that the box marked "shrink image to size" is unchecked.  Otherwise it will make you graphic smaller than you want.  *Groan, did I spell "will" wrong in the picture?  Do me a favor and ignore that, ok?
When you view your blog, your "About" picture should be in your sidebar, just like it should!  Take a break and marvel at your new graphik dezign skillz (I meant to spell that wrong.)

I hope you find this tutorial helpful!  If you use it to make a graphic, link it up so that I can see it, and ooh and ahh over how pretty it is.