If only I could get it to work...

I've wanted for a long time to design my own blog background, so I found instructions on the web, and went to work. After spending many hours in Photoshop (probably way more than would've been necessary, if I really knew PS) I created the above background design, based mostly on my own artwork, uploaded it to Flickr, followed the instructions and voila!...nothing. I end up with a plain white background. I'm sure the design will require much tweaking, but I can't tweak what I can't see. After many attempts at fiddling with the html per the instructions, I have given up for now. Maybe I saved the image incorrectly, or something. Any pointers from anyone who knows what they're doing in these matters, would be appreciated. For now, it's back to one of blogger's own backgrounds.

The small logo at center bottom is one I designed for myself years ago, pre-Collagitation. But I do like it, so I incorporated it into the background. In case I never do get the blasted thing working, here's the logo itself, based on my initials: 

Another way to help

Today I found a link which advertised 100% of sales to go to Japanese aid. It turned out to be a totally delightful site, Lil Blue Boo, where a very talented lady, Ashley, designs and sells children's clothing, sewing patterns, and other treats! The site is a visual delight too, you can take a look, and make a purchase to help Japan, via her badge (to the right of my page and down), or go directly to her Japan aid page via this link (please cut & paste it, I can't get blogger's link function to work):

http://lilblueboo.blogspot.com/2011/03/100-to-help-japan-shop-for-cause.html

Thank you, Ashley and Boo!

Tears for Japan

We are so grateful that the family of my son-in-law, who is Japanese, are safe. But so many others in Japan are not, and all of us grieve and prayer for them. If you can, please donate generously to aid this stricken country. Even a wealthy country needs the help of the world community after a disaster of this magnitude. Here are some trustworthy and reliable sites where you can donate:

www.redcross.org
www.oxfamamerica.org
http://crs.org (Catholic Relief Services)

Thank you.

Is it too early for the beach?

This piece is called Water Wings, and it's all about anticipation! Truth to tell, I haven't been to a beach--in summer, in a bathing suit--in quite awhile. Which does not mean I don't eagerly anticipate the weather when these things would be possible. Living close to the Allegheny River, I see broad, wavey water every time I drive just about anywhere, and it's easy to imagine being on it's shores (not that they are amenable to swimming; boating and fishing are the draws here.) When the sky is blue and the sun is shining, even if it's still cold out, the sight of the water sparkling in the sun and reflecting the blue sky instantly puts my mind into summer mode. Spring is just around the corner (never mind the snow outside.) Can summer be far behind?