Thursday, March 2, 2017

Full Circle

Hi everyone! No, you're not lost...it's still me, just with a brand new look on the blog. I want to thank my creative and supremely patient Daughter1 for working her design magic here in giving me a new space to love.

We've been talking for a long while about making some changes, and she knew I needed time to get used to the idea. Your blog becomes your brand in a way, and I was pretty attached to mine. I also knew it was outdated, and no longer a reflection of this new season of life I'm in. Once she showed me her vision I was sold.

When I came up with the name for my blog some eight years ago I had no idea what I was doing. I was living in the UK and really wanted to call it From The Other Side of the Pond. That's an expression commonly used in talking about England, but the name was already taken. I fiddled with the words a bit, came up with From This Side of the Pond, and voila! a blog was born. It's funny how that title has traveled with me, and remains so true to who I am and what I write about,

At first, England was this side of the pond referred to in the title. When we relocated back to the states New Jersey took on the title, and England was once again the other side of the pond. Flash forward seven years and I'm writing waterside from a new pond. Technically a lake, but hey that first pond was an ocean so I think this counts too.

There's a certain symmetry to the title of my blog that I find very satisfying. I love the soft colors, the simpler design, the less busy look. These elements mimic what I'm seeking in real life these days, and I look forward to writing in this new old space.

27 comments:

  1. Pretty! I love everything about it! (Now when can we do lunch?)

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  2. I love your new look. I especially love the new header and the clean lines of the whole blog. Makes me want to make some changes on mine. Take care and I hope you have a great weekend Joyce.

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  3. Oh, I do love it!!! It is a great look and I know you will enjoy it.

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  4. I love the new Hodgepodge button. So cute. I can't wait to use it.

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  5. Very nice! I love the pretty, soft colors! And a wonderful white background!! Well done!

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  6. Love the new look here! Your header looks like a watercolor!

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  7. I LOVE IT!!!! simple, clear and colors from the palette of the waters all around you! and see? since you've slowed down a bit....creativity is all around you. One word? Peace. No, two words...Peace & Serenity!!!

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  8. Oh Joyce, it's just beautiful! I love the soft colors and the beautiful artwork of the header and the Hodgepodge graphic. Your daughter did a fabulous job! Enjoy your weekend!

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  9. It looks wonderful! So fresh! I will enjoy reading here, as always. :)

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  10. I love this! The banner is so calming. It represents so much of what you write about...serenity as you sit on your deck taking in nature. In fact, your last couple of posts about slowing down really fit into this new "branding." Your daughter's vision was spot on.

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  11. Love the new look. Very serene and classy!

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  12. It looks great Joyce. Have a good weekend.

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  13. I like your new design very much. It looks up-to-date and inviting. You have a talented daughter. Congratulations to your family on the new baby to come!

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  14. Your new look is filled with fresh new light and colors!! Great job! The Hodgepodge 'button' is also fun. Very nice, Joyce!

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  15. Really pretty and has a calm vibe too. Makes me want a change on my blog :-)

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  16. I love it! The watercolor ties it all together beautifully. It's freshness will no doubt refresh your whole approach to blogging. I may need to consider that as well.

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  17. Love it! Very soft and calm for sure. Isn't it 'funny' how the whole pond thing is relevant through out all of your moves? Coincidence? I think not. :)
    Psalms 23:2 - He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.

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  18. Love the new look and I am so glad you are on this side of the pond and so much closer to us.
    See you soon

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  19. Just beautiful, Joyce. Love your new chapter! xo

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  20. I love it! She did a great job. Very pleasing to the eye.

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  21. Hi Joyce,
    Beautiful. I like the header and the photo of you. :-)
    I also wanted to share with you, I will miss a few Hodgepodge the next few weeks.
    I have exciting news. In January, I applied to take the UW Madison Master Gardener Course. I have been accepted. I start class on Tuesday.
    I am excited and nervous at the same time. It is been awhile since I have been to school. ;-)
    I will be adjusting my blog schedule until I get use to going back to school.
    In case you do not hear from me, know that I will return and your blog friendship is special to me and I enjoy participating in the Hodgepodge.

    Love, Carla


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  22. L.O.V.E. your new blog header!!! It is so "you" with your new home on the lake. And the watercolor is beeyoutiful!

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