You asked for Answers and I delivered!

Of course with a helpful hand of a blogging friend.

  Now I have already told you TURN OFF word verification, hope you listened, because when I come to visit you and it is still on.....OOOHHHH I will be cussing in all those crazy letters!

Thanks to Anne from Calamity Anne's adventures, you will learn all about how to make your own button.
Please hop on over to Anne's, there you will find some of the tastiest recipes and other tips.  You see my silly name? Anne taught me that too. She rocks! She also put a lot of time in this tutorial!

..Blog Button with Text Code...

Have you seen those buttons on blogs where there's some text beneath it.....then you grab that text and enter it onto your blog.....and VOILA.....you've got a button for people to click on to get back to that particular blog?  

Have you ever wondered how to do that?  Well, dear friends, that wait is now officially over!  Today I'm going to share with you not only how to make that button with the text code.....BUT.....also how to make a simple button of your very own!  Once you get the gist of making a button, then you're free and clear to dive in and make more buttons that you can doody up with gorgeous flourishes and whimsical swirly-ma-jigs!  With that said.....clear your cranium.....get your butt all comfy in your seat.....and let's get to work!

How To Make A Button With Text Code In Blogger
adapted by Anne
You'll Need

• Computer (duh)
• Picnik
• Photobucket
• Creativeness
• Patience

The first thing you're going to need to do is make a blog button.  I've tried a couple of different ways of making them, and find that the following is the simplest and quickest one.

You need to have a photo or picture in mind for the background of your button before you can start creating.  I decided for the button I'm making today, to capture a small part of the background of the blog this button will be going on.....wanted to keep it all matchy-matchy.  So here's the background I'm using for the blog button...

Pull up picnik.com.....you can create an account if you want to (it's free), but it's not necessary (though you can't save your work on their site without one).  Under the Library tab, click on Edit Photos...

On the screen that pops up, click on Upload Photos...

Here's where you need to upload the photo or picture you chose for your blog button background.  Once you find the photo, click on it, and then click on Open...

First thing you'll want to do is resize the photo.  Click on the Edit tab, and then click the Resize tab...



Unclick Keep Proportions (you want your photo to be a perfect square).  Then change the dimensions to 150 x 150 in the New dimensions tabs.  Then click on OK...

Here's where the fun begins!  Click on the Create tab...

For my blog button, I just want to add some text.....though you can also add stickers, frames, effects, or whatever you desire to create your one-of-a-kind button!

Click on the Text tab...

You can now start typing in what you want on your button (the norm is your blog name).  I prefer to type in one word at a time and work with that word only, which gives me more leeway for arranging everything in such a small space.  Once I've got all my words typed in, then I can choose the font, color, and arrangement.

If you're satisfied with your button, then click on Save & Share...

The only thing left to do is click on Save Photo, and you're good to go!  Remember what you named your button and where you saved it!

Now it's time to head over to Photobucket.com.  If you have an account, then just sign in, if not, then you'll need to create one (it's free).  Once you are signed in, click on Upload Now...

Then click on Select photos and videos...

Find the photo of the button you created on Picnik, and click to open.  Once the upload is complete, click on Save and continue to my album...

The next step is where you are going to get the necessary code to create the blog button with text code.  First thing you need to do is open up a blank Word document, so you have a place to store this code until you need it.

Click on the photo of the button, and you'll be brought to a screen where there are four (4) codes.  You're only interested in the Direct Link, so click on the code in that box (which will instantly copy the code for you)...

Now paste that code in your blank Word document.  Close Photobucket.

Head on over to your blog, and on the Dashboard, click on Design for the blog that you want this button to be applied to...

Then click on Add a Gadget.  My blog is set up for several places to add a gadget.....you just need to select a spot that works for your blog.

Click on HTML/JavaScript...

Where it says Title, you can add whatever you want.  I chose Grab My Button.

In the Content box, you will need to add the following code.  Just copy and paste...

<center><a href="http://YOUR WEB ADDRESS/" target="_blank" title="BLOG TITLE"><img alt="BLOG TITLE" src="http://IMAGE WEB ADDRESS"/></a> <center>
</center>
<center><textarea id="code-source" rows="3" cols="13" name="code-source"><center><a href="http://YOUR WEB ADDRESS/"><img border="0" src="http://IMAGE WEB ADDRESS"/></a></center></textarea></center>

Now we need to replace some of the information to the above code.  Where it says, http://YOUR WEB ADDRESS/, replace that with your blogs' web address (there are two places where you'll enter that information).  Then where it says, BLOG TITLE, put in your blogs' name (there are two places where you'll enter that information).  Next you'll need to go to your Word document where you saved your Photobucket code.....copy that code, and then pop it in where it says http://IMAGE WEB ADDRESS (there are two places where you'll enter that information).  When entering both your web and image addresses.....make sure you only have ONE http://; showing.  All words in black will remain as is.

This is what the code should look like.....of course, it'll have your info in it.  If everything looks great.....then click on Save.

Once you've saved the code, then click on Preview and you'll get your first chance to view how your button will look like once it's on your blog.  If everything is purdy and perfect, then click on Save...

Here's how the button will look when it's on your blog.  Notice that you now have the code beneath the button so everyone can grab it and put your button on their blogs!

This is what your button will look like on someone's blog who grabbed your code.  When anyone clicks on it, they will be taken right back to where it all began!

Go ahead and click on the button.....you'll be taken to my new shop which I hope to open very soon!!!

I hope I explained this as simply as possible.....but, if there's anything at all that you need clarification on, then please comment below and I'll answer back to you as quickly as possible!

I hope you enjoy your new buttons!!!

I have some more exciting tips, and tricks coming up, you do not want to miss.  I also have a special guest coming up soon!

If you are new to the blogging world and want to be featured please go here to leave your link for me.  

PLEASE head on over to ANNE'S and say hello:) If you have any other questions, she will be happy to help you out.

That was Great!

Thank you so much for your overwhelming responses to my last post. I certainly was not expecting that. So glad though. It helped me and others get all different points of view. I feel bad I missed Leann's goodbye post. It must have been the week my boys started school and I was not on much. Well Leann, I understand and respect your decision, still miss you though. You are a super neat lady, and I really felt a connection out here to you. Weird, but I did!!~ I wish you all the very best.
Melissa's blog ( Keep calm and decorate) was hacked into by spammers and it is back. So I am sooo happy she did not up and leave us!!~ She is a super creative young woman with such a wonderful joyful spirit.

Is blogging addicting? YEP it is?(IMO) Do I feel a sense of addiction? Well I did at first. It has slowed down. I used to have 4 posts at a time in my archives ready to go. Worried that I would not have enough to keep you coming back.  Well now, I post as I go....If I have things to share, wonderful, if I don't I am OK with that too. I do not go and buy things just to buy them.  Blogging should not cost you money. TIME yes, money NO! I have learned to re purpose things a lot better.  I do NOT post everyday.  There was a time early on I was ready to throw in the towel. But I am glad I worked it out.  I realize truly at the end, Blogging is for ME, to release this bottled up energy I have inside. I may have things you love to read and ideas you may love to Copy! COOL, I am happy with that.  Other times, I may bore you to tears.  COOL with that too, as my blog is going to be a book at the end of the year and I am going to give it to my boys to save someday. Lucky kids!  Do I feel jealous at times over other blogs? YEP in the beginning I did. But not anymore. I think I just felt perplexed more than anything. Like how do they get all these people to come to their blogs, how do they get such a following. What do they do, that I do not? I had all those questions and feelings.  NOW, I don't care much at all. I have established out here what I wanted, and I do exactly what I want, with no high expectations. I just be myself!!~ There is no pressure in that at all. So that is the advise I would give any new blogger.  Just be yourself, do what you love. Joining MEME parties is a great way to get your blog out there.  However, on the flip side, I see girls join 5-6 parties on one post, and when I go to comment, they are lucky to have a couple comments. And yes it is disappointing when you join a party week after week and the host never even said ONCE hey thanks! But on the flip side of that, it may bring you  a new visitor or two that just loved what you had to share and will now follow you. So I try to see the positive in it, even if I still think the host is RUDE!  We all know the time it takes  to link up to those parties. Some hosts get over 200 links. I feel at this point they know who are the regulars and they know who are the newbies....go WELCOME a newbie would ya!? You will make their day. It is getting increasingly difficult for me to respond and visit all the blogs I love to.  So I do understand when people do not get to me every time and comment. So please do the same for me:):) My intentions are very very good, just time is a FACTOR in our Lives!

I read every comment word for word and was so touched by all your sincerity, and honesty. I did not answer you all back, as I just can't today:):) Taking the day off from blogging.
Have a wonderful day with your FAMILIES and FRIENDS!!~ XXX000


I DECIDED TO TURN OFF COMMENTS.....

Where on earth do people disappear to? UPDATE ALERT MESSAGE NOW

Well I heard from ONE of the gals. Her name is Melissa and her blog name was Keep calm and decorate. She said her blog was removed by google without warning, just GONE! She is very very upset right now and hoping someone out here can steer her in the right direction. HELP anyone??? Now I wonder about my other friend LEANN...her blog was Vintage Sassy. Anyone know?????
Now you can read my story below:

OK seriously, twice in one week. Two of my favorite blogging friends have removed their blogs. Just up and left.  You know when something like this happens, and I know it happens, I feel  sadness. I think about it and wonder.  Now that sounds dumb right? I do not even know you people, you don't know me. But in a virtual kind of way we have all connected and visit and talk to each other sometimes more than we speak to our own families and friends? RIGHT or WRONG? I am going to say right.  One of my friends who left actually posted and said she was thinking about it. WHY, she never said, but after uplifting words she seemed to stick around for a while, and continued wonderful posts, that I so enjoyed.  Now the other friend, there was no sign or red light of any sort. Just GONE!
I do believe If I where to remove my blog I would give an indication. I feel that I would have that obligation to my readers and visitors to at least say SEE YA! That is just me.  I do not know their circumstances and it could be serious. There have been women who do come back and then pour their hearts out as to why they left in the first place.

What is it with blogging? Why do so many of us feel so compassionate about it? Why do others become withdrawn? I am  a woman of many questions here. I would love your insight.  AND to my blogging friends that left...You know who you are, I miss ya! I really do. Even if I did not visit you every day, or every other day, I know I got over at least once a week.  From what I see, we are all very kind and considerate to one another. Have you seen different?
Well I guess I have bad PMS this month, because I am feeling the need to get this out there and talk about it. That is the emotional part of me this month.  Is blogging competitive in your opinion?  Are there jealousies amongst us, that go unspoken? What do you all see, that perhaps others do not?  Do you get annoyed if you comment continuously on someones blog and they never come over to yours? Do you love comments, or can do without? Do you get annoyed at a host who never comments on your blog, YET she goes over to a lot of others? I am going to answer that right here and NOW YES I do, it's rude! OK....that is my input for the day.

ALSO one more thing. I think we should all turn OFF word verification. IT Is NOT necessary. It is annoying, it takes extra time, I always make typos and can't stand it! NUFF said!!~

Both feet on the ground, Garage salen party #6 Linky up!

First I want to  thank each and every one of  you so much for the overwhelming response on the blogging etiquette post.  I am certain it not only helped me, it also has helped others.

 Let me tell you about the latest happenings around here and then we can move on...I had a major mess up AGAIN this week.  It was bound to happen with my spray paint can, let me explain.

I was doing a project in the garage and I had left the project and the can of RED spray paint on the floor,  Well that night Mike came home and pulled into the garage (he had my truck, because his car was in for repairs...again because of ME!)  as you know I screwed up last week on that as well ) well Mike ran over the can of spray paint.  OMG! is really all I can say, our garage looked like Friday the 13th 

massacre. This is nothing....... I had already starting cleaning it up, and then he kicked me out fast, and said he would take care of it.  After hours of paint thinner and pressure washing it is pretty well gone now.

BAD I tell ya.

The bottom line is, I am doing too much, too fast, not thinking and making bad choices that result in accidents.

After receiving the email from my blogging friend, the light bulb went off and it then prompted me to post the topic.  I have come up with a simple solution.  STOP posting so much! Some have asked what are my intentions, ie....do I want a business....NO...Maybe, perhaps...do I want advertisers....NO, but Kinda sorta...

what do I want?  I want  to share all my creative energy, my family, my life and my stories along the way.  The problem with me, is that I want to do it all, too much, too fast. I am a NOW, live in the moment, for the moment kinda gal.   I can't help myself sometimes, I get so excited making others smile and find joy in just about everything I do, and I want to share that enthusiasm with the World.  I have a lot to share, as my life is so not boring, and so fulfilled, I like to bring that to you all.   

THAT's it!!~Whatever else comes my way I will embrace. Now If I get discovered in the meantime.....that would be greatttttttttttttttttttttttttt!!~ (just kidding)  With all this being said, I love to visit each and every blog I do...this blogging world is NOT all about me (darn it, would make it so much easier). You all have so much to share with me as well, and I have learned through you too....life stories, your creative spark, what makes you happy.  I love to learn about you. 

 My blog will never be in the top 10,( should be, dirty rascals, what are they thinking, fools) my blog will never be recognized in any magazine,(so magazine worthy, it is ridiculous they are not pounding on my door) and I certainly never had those expectations. I have simply been over functioning at a time when I can't!   I do love feedback etc...my posts are not all about decorating, I sometimes need insight on parenting, I want to hear everything I can about your experiences about parenting and learn in the process...we can all learn things from each other.  To me blogging and connections are all about having a support group for each other. I love Blogging and Blabbing, sounds pretty catchy huh...more on that later! (light bulb moment) I have to also admit I loved the traffic flow my blog was receiving, it was so much joy to see all the people on my page.....and how does that happen...you post often and people come over.  But I have to admit I was getting annoyed myself at seeing myself if that makes sense!  

....today is a new day indeed!. 

So I have fessed up to my shortcomings, admitted my alter ego was driven, and I  thank you all very much!  But back to some normalcy for me:) I would like to note, my family was never affected in any way shape or form, they are not painted red or blue or the color purple  and they still love me and are well taken care of.  Now my home, well it can be a  little cleaner like it used to be...and that is what I will go back to...I love to clean!

NOW let's get this party started, nuff said about this topic!
So this week I will feature my $3.00 Goodwill shoes.Sam and Libby and clearly never worn! CUTE, CUTE, CUTE they are...........
 Enjoy, as many participants as you see fit, and have fun.  Don't forget to link back to Debbiedoos, either with my logo, or link is fine.  Let's try to stick to thrift items this week, antiques, flea markets, garage sales, etc.....Oh and my parties must go on, and always will, this day is my favorite day of the week!~ This week I will not have any features but promise to start back to that next week. Can I also mention one pet peeve I have?  Comment word verification!!!!!!!!! We do not need it, you can moderate your comments before you post them....word verification is a big ole pain in the BUTTTTTTTTTT! Takes time, I type the wrong stupid letters almost every time...thanks for listening...perhaps you can turn it off....I am not alone here peeps trust me on this!

Hope you all understand the little step back I am taking.....really it is just a little:)
PMS...I mean P.S. I am not going anywhere gals, I am just not going to post 3,000 times a week....perhaps just 2,000 times a week will suffice for now!
My Garage salen party starts Every Friday and runs til Monday night....hope you join you sometime!

http://shabbynest.blogspot.com
http://southernhospitalityblog.com
http://www.dearlittleredhouse.blogspot.com (Mosaic Monday)
Joining in Lindas Nifty Thrifty party as well....
http://linda-coastalcharm.blogspot.com
http://www.thethriftyhome.com

Help a girl out here FEEDBACK needed.

I received this email from a very lovely follower.  I have to be honest with you all at this point and tell you I am having a heck of a time keeping up.  I replied to her and basically said when my boys where at school, I did have more time to myself....really not being as productive as I would like, but productive enough to get by.  Now that they are home, I am doing most of my blogging catch up in the evening.....having a very, very hard time. I never want to hurt any ones feelings and not give you all the same courtesy you give me.  I enjoy coming over to your blogs just the same.  However, I have figured out I am on the average doing 4-5 posts per week.  Most all my posts have a high comment count .....and I hardly, if ever miss visiting back to you.  HELP me out, what are your feelings on this etiquette.  I do not want to lose the relationship and connection I have made with you all.  But at this rate, I am exhausted from visiting at least 200 or more blogs a week. Would it be rude of me to only visit once a week or so, or perhaps if I am only participating in a linky party, just visiting the participants that visit me? I can honestly say, I find when participating in the parties....most that I visit, I never see them visit me....so I mostly have the gals come to me first and then gladly take the visit back to them.  I know I am not alone here in this thought process.  Now some of the larger blogs out here, I do not even see them visiting? I am certain they do not respond to every comment made on their blogs,  Yet their following is growing in numbers and they are adored. One thing I do know for certain and will never change my opinion or feeling on, are the linky parties.  You have a party, take the time to visit the participants.  MOST all I participate in do...however, there are a handful I have never even seen the host, what's up with that? Is that the way you treat your guests when they come visit?.  That to me, is ill blogging manners no matter how you slice or dice that! Here is the letter I have been given permission to share.  I did not give you her name or blog as that is confidential. Now I know this topic has been raised and discussed out here many times.  I never felt it concerned me much, even early on I did a post on it.  But now I need to know your personal thoughts once again, as over time has changed as well as my following in numbers is growing....which by the way THANK you all, I truly do love blogging, and adore all the great women I have met out here, and will continue to meet. You all make it so much more worth it!

Debbie,

You are my favorite blog.  I would love to be your neighbor, you're so much fun!  
So, who better to ask these questions.  I am 7 weeks into this blogging thing.  
It has been so much fun and such a learning curve.  Posting is no problem, it is 
keeping up with everyones post!  I was gone for vacation for a week and I can't 
keep up!  Every time I comment on a blog, you have already been there, how do 
you do it?  

How many hours a day do you spend looking and commenting on blogs.

Should I always comment back to someone that comments on my blog?  I do now if 
they ask a question or I have a comment on their comment.  Should I be going to 
all of their blogs

I have trouble keeping track of people that comment, so I am not sure if I 
comment on their blog or not.

Now I am trying to comment on everyone that I follow, I can't, some people post 
everyday.   I don't comment if it is like just pictures of flowers or something.

Help......How do you decide who to comment on?

Thank you Thank you........Vixen lady!

HERE IS THE FOLLOW UP EMAIL of me requesting her

permission to post her email. 

Post away!  What a great idea!  I just can't see when someone leaves a comment 
like,  "That's cute" going back to their blog and commenting.   Here is what we 
really want to know.  Do people keep track of who does or does not comment on 
their blog?  Will they quit going to your blog if you don't comment on theirs?   
I would love to just skip along and comment on blogs I follow when it is 
something I like, and I would like to just return comments on my site when it 
warrants a return comment.  I can't wait to see what people say!

YOU ROCK!

FEEDBACK PLEASE

So you thiNk you CaN BlOg?

So you think you can blog? You think you put a lot of time and effort into your blog? Well I would say I have, but you be the judge of it...  Every picture tells a story they say.....well so does a chair!~ and yes it is damaged from me sitting on it!~

 

 But don't worry, yes the chair is 100 years old and an antique, but I fixed it...yes just throw a pillow on top and BAM! it's fixed!!

This brings me to my Topic!

I want feedback and opinions. Being a new bloggie myself, I am not sure on blogging manners.  First off, let's start with Meme parties.  Is the host of the Meme party suppose to go to every post and comment?  Perhaps a blogger has stopped by another blog several times and left a nice comment, and kindly asked her to stop by at her blog , and the other blogger never comments back to her or on her blog, do you think you should still follow that person?  or do you think people get too sensitive in blog land?  I am not sure on any of it, and I want to be the best that I can be! Let me know your opinions. And for the record....I do have blogger butt!