CELTIC LADY

How do you like my new banner? I am very excited to finally have a personalized rather than a generic banner. Many compliments to those of you who can create your own banners, but I am so non-techy I could never hope to do so.

As you can see, I have made a change in the title of my blog as well. From now on it will be known as Celtic Lady instead of Celtic Woman. I should have named it that in the first place. I just didn't have my thinking cap on at the time I started my blog (I was too nervous). Since I have a new banner, I thought this would be the perfect time to change the name.

I recently installed a blog counter and it's amazing to see how many people google the words Celtic Woman, probably looking for the popular women singers of the same name. Imagine their chagrin when they get my blog instead. My blog address hasn't changed, so you'll still find me in the same old place. If you have my blog on your blogroll, you may change the name if you want, or just leave it - either way is fine with me.

I had the banner custom made for me by Mary at Isabella's Closet. I chose the pictures and she did the rest. The picture on the left is "Fair Rosamunde" by Arthur Hughes, the one in the middle is "Pevensey Castle" by Wilfred Ball, and the third is Celtic Lady" by Mario Wieme.

Now, before I get a lot of critical comments, I know that two of the images aren't Celtic. But they do fit the image in my mind of Celtic ladies and Celtic lore.

I also had Mary incorporate a Celtic knot into the design. This variation of the ancient Celtic symbol was found carved on gravestones near Perth, Scotland. I'm using it as a symbol of the interconnectedness among all living things. Since starting my blog I have found a greater connection with nature and the wheel of the year, and with the special women I have met online. They are the sisters of my ancient tribe and I wanted to honor them too.



In addition to custom-made banners, Mary sells dozens upon dozens of wonderful pre-made banners, and they are very inexpensive. Just go to http://www.isabellascloset.blogspot.com/ and click on "Blog Banners" on the right side of her blog to check them out. Also, Mary is having a giveaway for an Easter banner. All you have to do in order for your name to be entered in her drawing is to leave a comment in the giveaway post.

These name and design changes in my blog are, I hope, a harbinger or portent of greater changes in the blog itself.

I'm also opening two - yes, two - new blogs. I plan to open my art and poetry blog, "Just Julie" within a few days. I will also be opening a book blog to informally review the books I have read. I'm not sure when that one will open.