Saturday, February 23, 2008

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.

40 comments:

nonizamboni said...

Lucky me--I get to be the first to tell you how beautiful your new 'look' is. It is so you! I'll look forward to the unveiling of your ambitious new projects too.
P.S. We are indeed having your weather down here! Bright sunshine and warmer, melting temps. I am so ready for spring but I'm reminded that this is Minnesota, so...

LW said...

Julie,

Your new banner is gorgeous and I like the name change,
it all works together beautifully. That is one of the amusing things about blogs,
you can keep changing them around until you find a perfect fit…


Louise

Anonymous said...

Your banner goes great with the name of your blog. It is very attractive and appealing to any artist or individual who would want to read your posts. Peace

kathyann said...

I'm loving the new look banner,its so you and the name fits better too!Mary is so clever,she is so good at banner making,you never know what she will come up with next,they are all beautiful!
Looking forward to your new blogs!
Take care and thanks for visiting my blog and leaving your comments!Love from Kathyann and the girls

Patty said...

Celtic lady is perfect. It sounds so elegant. I almost want to curtsy to you *grin* I love the new banner. Thanks for posting the link from the site you used. I will check it out!

Leanne said...

its a beautiful banner Julie, very English, British, celtic, well, 'of' these Isles of mine! I like it a lot, and its wonderful that , even though you are so far away, you feel a connection to your roots here, so from one Celtic lady to another, its lovely!!
Leanne x

Lila Rostenberg said...

It looks fabulous!
A few "spring-cleaning" changes but still the same wonderful friendly voice of Julie!
I'm of to visit Mary...

Laurie said...

The banner is beautiful Julie ~ and I love the name change! I like the celtic symbol too, I am always learning new things. Hope you are having a good weekend.

Carole Burant said...

Your new banner is just perfect for you, I love it!! Also love the new name:-) Yes, isn't it amazing when you put in a site meter and see what people were searching for and where they're from!! Some of the hits I get are from people searching for recipes involving peas. lol Looking forward to your two new blogs:-) xox

GreenishLady said...

Well done on the changes. - The banner does suit your blog so well. I love the energy you seem to have right now. Changes, new blogs... Well done!

Diana S said...

Hi Julie, I like the banner, the celtic knot is a perfect fit too.

gma said...

Julie...This is a beautiful new look. I really like the colors,the art and the the celtic knot....(and what it symbolizes.)It's fun to change things once in a while. You were smart to keep your same blog address. When I first revamped my blog I changed address and all. Looking forward to "Just Julie" and the new book blog.
xx

Bimbimbie said...

Celtic Lady - love your banner and new name Julie .... I'll rename you on my blogroll Smiles *!*

smilnsigh said...

Lovely! Just lovely! And I like Celtic Lady better too. Though I'd not have thought of that, if you hadn't said it.

I guess I believe that everyone's blog can/should be just as they want it.

I'm so happy that you have gotten what you've been wanting. I still can't do much, myself. But I like being able to putter and change. :-)

Mari-Nanci

Hummingbird Chats said...

Beauitful banner that Mary made for you. I agree it does have a Celtic feel to it. You have a great blog and I enjoy coming to see it. Katie

Kelli said...

Oh, it's just beautiful, Julie! I love it very much!
Hugs,
Kelli

Janice said...

Wow ! What a great banner and love the new name, Celtic Lady ! Can't wait for your book review blog.
Janice (NY)

Mary said...

Dear Lady Julie Marie, I hope your carriage has been repaired and you will soon be driving around with heat again!!!!

Your new banner looks great - glad Mary was able to design something so pretty - knew she would so a great job!

I've renamed you on my blogroll and I'll be looking forward to reading your new blogs later.
Knowing your way with words they will be beautiful.
Hugs - Mary.

Patricia said...

I love your new banner and name change! I may just mosey on over and check out other examples of banners...

Brave woman - 3 blogs! I can barely handle ONE. Let me know when your reading/book blog is up and running.

a Pocket Angel said...

Julie,
Please stop by my blog..
Thanks!
Blessings ~Mary~

Joyce said...

Great banner....Mary did a FAB job on it. I love your new name and look. It's my first time to visit with you. My Mother who is "loves Scotland" would enjoy your blog so much. I just finished making invitations for our "Annual St. Patrick's Day Dinner/Celebration" using some new Celtic stamps to make them.
I will come back another time to check in.....enjoy your new look.
Sláinte!
Joyce

Rowan said...

I really like your new banner and blog title, even though two of the pictures may not be strictly Celtic they do have the right 'feel' about them. Hoping to get back to reading and commenting on a few blogs now. I hope your hands are less painful, the CPS must be hard to deal with.

Tina said...

Hi, I just happened to sail onto your blog and I like what I`'ve seen so far! Will come back. Looking forward to read about the books you read!

J C said...

Your new blog look is terrrrrifffffic! Stopping by to say hello! :)

Darla said...

The banner and the name are perfect. I'm interested in your book blog, I'm always on the lookout for recommendations. I read a lot and post a book review about once a week on my blog but hadn't thought of keeping it seperate.

Darla

Anonymous said...

Your new banner is just great!

Anonymous said...

This banner is wonderful. I'm very close to moving my blog over to blogger as I'm frustrated with the design choices I have on Wordpress.

Annie Jeffries said...

Hi Julie. What an exciting time for you. I love the new look. It suits you perfectly. I'm so looking forward to seeing your other two blogs as well. I'm staying tuned. Hugs,
Annie

Casey said...

I really like your new banner. I'd like to check out your book blog, too. Good luck with your new blogs!

Sheila said...

The new banner and name are great Julie. I like Celtic Lady better too.
Glad you got the book, let me know what you think..
hugs
xx

Julie said...

Well, I did it again. Somehow I hit the "Reject" key when I meant to hit the "Accept" key. Sorry, Gillian from Indigo Blue, here is your comment:

Hi Julie!
I do love your new banner. It is very you!
As for the images not being Celtic, I never would have known...and in fact I often confuse the Druids and the Celts and in doing so I think they kind of share the same type of look. I think the one on the right is beautiful...but it is all beautiful.
Celtic Lady has a nice ring to it too!
xo

Fire Byrd said...

What a beautiful site.
I've just quickly scrolled down and the pics are just lovely.
Thought I'd pop over now I know who you are, and say thank you for my faery, she's very happy on my kitchen windowsill in amongst the lants watching the goings on.
hugs
pxx

Joyce said...

Hey Julie,
I just added you to my "Friends I Chat With" on my side bar as well that way others can come and see you!
By the way I love your other artwork as well...good job on your lovely site.
You can be very proud of your spot!
Be blessed,
Joyce

couragetocreatewriteandlove said...

I love you I love you I love you!!!

SweetAnnee said...

I love your banner..Mary does GREAT work!!
congrats!!
deena
I love your Celtic Blog

Naturegirl said...

Hello Juilie coming at you from Santa Fe New Mexico! Weather is low 70's..cats have travelled well..natureboy and I are still in love...perhaps because I am reading and doing word puzzles to keep me occupied.The trip seems to have whizzed past! Tomorrow we reach our destination of Scottsdale!!
I LoVe your NEW banner and new look..so fresh!

He don't feel sad...I'm going to post from AZ...showing you desert beauty and more!! You keep secrets well me freind!! xo NG

Anonymous said...

It looks fabulous !!!! I love the colours and the pictures. Congratulations Celtic Lady with your lovely new home !!!!

Anonymous said...

Hi, Julie - Finally figured out how to visit your blog (I can be a little thick sometimes)! Great advice on the banner, which I hope to get to. Hope you're having a great weekend. Barbara at oodles and oodles

Unknown said...

Your banner is awesome and SO TOTALLY YOU!

You need to pay a visit to my blog because you have been tagged with a MEME. Now, before you pass out, I actually like this one! It's simple! It involves a 6-word caption or tribute to be placed under a picture of your choice! Piece of cake!

With your writing skills and imagination, I am anxious to see what you come up with!

Tootles, KJ

Kim Campbell said...

Love it! And I also adore your aristocratic title..... :)