Face Lifts~

While I may not be a fan of face lifts, I certainly enjoy giving them... at least to some of my older themes, in much need of an updated look.  Joining this group are "A Fondness" and "A Heart for You".

A Fondness

A Heart for You

Both don brighter colors with more exquisite elements to help add even more whimsy. You can view them by clicking the titles or images above.

Enjoy~

From Behind the Silence~

It's funny where life takes us sometimes ~ looking ahead from this time last year I knew my life would be different. With my youngest finally venturing off to college in September it was inevitable that life would bring many changes.  While I could feel the waves of change pulling me in new directions, I never imagined exactly how different my life would be and how very grateful my heart would feel.

"War Reenactments" by Kendra Binney

Life had grown quite stagnant, personally speaking, and those who know me best knew this to be a sad reality.  There's flight in these wings, with room to soar and carry others as well, so being spiritually grounded for so many years had become a huge burden to bare.  I adored my art and this lovely business of creating beauty and helping others, but as we all know there are many sides to a faceted diamond that need light in order to shine.

skeleton print by Kendra Binney

My approach was to take the tides as they came and remain open to where they would lead me.  It's tough to go with the flow, let go, and not question. I think we all know that, but I must admit that whenever I do, it tends to take me in directions I could barely have dreamed.

"This Can't Go Another Way" by Kendra Binney

Where I might have envisioned a lovely island filled with delicious fruits and flowers ~ life would more likely deliver a chain of islands filled with beautiful white sands, lush greens, and tropical songbirds, all living among those envisioned fruits and flowers, and nestled snugly between gorgeous blue seas and sky.  It's simply a case of this little human not having the sight of the gods.

yellow bird by Kendra Binney

And so, where is it this journey wound up for me? Well, here I sit ~ in a new state, with a new job, in a new home, with a new life. And happy? Oh my...
It's been a very long time since I could say I feel peace in my heart.  Where the slow steady rhythm of tranquility and gratitude strum a gentle melody through my days and nights.

tiger print by Kendra Binney

It took nearly a year to get here, really a lifetime, but here I stand ~ joyfully, courageously. The best part is that even though this life is interwoven with others, many of whom were crucial in helping me gain this freedom, at the core is the spirit of independence. For the first time in my life I stand on my own two feet ~ solely and squarely and happily.

While my "To-Do" list is miles long and I still feel the pull of many tasks on my wings, I finally have a calm heart, the necessary fuel to soar highest in this life and catch the best dreams.

"Rose City Till I Die" by Kendra Binney

So where does this leave my little plumrose dream? As with all good dreams, they never truly die and so neither will this fruit of my heart.

Scaling back from a team effort to a solo woman biz, I've got big plans in the works ~ with finishing up the website, creating an in-depth blogger video library, adding more prefab graphics, and offering a bigger selection of trinkets and treasures.

"Hummingbird Mansion" by Kendra Binney

And so this is me... peaking out from behind the silence and this veil of fruity pinkness to say "hey, I'm still here"... better than ever.  Thanks to all of you who've helped me get to where I am ~ gratitude doesn't even begin to express my heart, but thank you will have to do.  Thanks for sticking by, for waiting and wanting, and now.. off we go ~ let's fly!

This post features the beautiful artwork of one of my favorite artists, Kendra Binney. For more information and to purchase visit:
www.kendra-binney.com and www.kendrabinney.etsy.com

Important ~ New Updated Background Codes 4th (and final) Post

I'm happy to announce that this is the final update for my background codes ~ Wow, what an ordeal! The faeries and I have been working some major overtime these past few months that it's hard to believe it's finally done.  Of course the new website still needs to be finished but at least all of my background codes are updated and this part of the Photobucket nightmare is now in the past.

If you missed all the chaos then you can read over the original post, "The Bucket" or checkout any of the previous posts below this one related to background codes.

So here is the final list of background themes ~ if you're using any of these backgrounds then you'll need to replace the old code with the new version... 

Freedom
In Honor
La Cucina Bella
Magic Garden
Making Magick
Monochromatic Melody
Once Upon
Once Upon a Pink October
Sew Happy
Spring Folly
Spring Medley
Summer Carnival
Tattered Garden
Tea for Two

It's easy to update ~ just replace your old background code with the new code for your background size.  This change is taking place due to a major change in how Photobucket handles images.  Due to this change I am in the process of creating my own website.

If you're using a Plumrose Lane background and do not see the theme title listed above then check the previous postings below this one. 

If I do wind up getting some of that spa time, I'll be sure to post about it. Heaven knows I'm going to enjoy posting about something else from now on! *smile*

Best~

Important ~ New Updated Background Codes 3

Continuing on with the updates for my blog themes, I've included the most recently updated themes below.  If you're looking to catch up on what's happening you can checkout this original post, "The Bucket" and the two previous posts ~ Updated Background Codes 1 and Updated Background Codes 2.

So here are the latest updated PrL theme backgrounds ~ if you're using one of these background then I encourage you to switch-out the old background code for a new version.  Just click the link below to be taken to the theme's page where you'll find updated codes...

Bundle of Joy
Daydream Believer
Fore-Father
Flight of Fancy
Glistening
Golden Moments
Lavender Dreams
Le Jardin
Merry & Bright
Rockin' Bloggin'
Sew Crafty
Sunshine Garden
Return to Oz

It's easy to update ~ just replace your old background code with the new code for your background size.  This change is taking place due to a major change in how Photobucket handles images.  Due to this change I am in the process of creating my own website.

If you're using a Plumrose Lane background and do not see the theme title listed above then check the previous posting or check back for upcoming announcements. All codes will be switched over. 

Best~

Important - New Updated Background Codes

Well I'm doing a serious happy dance as I've just finished updating all of the backgrounds in the "Just Backgrounds" area.  This project is SO huge but getting one part of it done brings that end just a little bit closer, whoot!

So, if you've been following along with my"Bucket" series and you're using one of my "just backgrounds" then you know it's time to change out the old code on your blog before the image disappears.  Simply click this title, Just Backgrounds, to find the complete list of titles and replace your old code with the new one.

If you're using a Plumrose Lane theme and don't see the title listed above then check my previous postings below and check back for upcoming announcements. If you're not sure what this is in reference to then you can read over a few of my recent posts below this one and check out the original posting, "The Bucket". All codes will be switched over in the event they are deleted by Photobucket. 

Best,

Important - New Updated Background Codes - just backgrounds

Still racing against the clock the faeries and I switched gears a bit today and updated some of the background codes in the "Just Backgrounds" section. This area is a tiny bit easier because it doesn't include having to redo any tags and that's a big time saver right now.  

So far, I've completed A - M in that area so if you're using a background code from one of the titles below, you'll want to update the code on your blog before it disappears.  

If you're not sure what I'm referring to then you can read over a few of my recent posts below this one and check out the original posting, "The Bucket". 

Updated "Just Backgrounds" titles are...
Black Night
Blueberry Crush
Bohemian Mist
Charcoal
Conversationalist
Coralesque
Creative Experience
Emerald Dreams
Enchanted Corner
Esmeralda
Feeling Bleu
Garden's Delight
Grand Marquee
Harvest Moon
In Gear
Letters Home
Morning Mist
Morning Sunshine

It's easy to update ~ just replace your old background code with the new code for your background size.  This change is taking place as this blog migrates over to a new website due to Photobucket's recent change with large image handling.

If you're using a Plumrose Lane background and do not see the theme title listed above then check back for upcoming announcements. All codes will be switched over before in the even they are deleted by Photobucket. 

Best~

Important - New Updated Background Codes 2

Well the faeries and I are still racing against the clock over here, in an effort to update all of my backgrounds before they disappear from Photobucket.  If you're not sure what I'm referring to then you can check out the original posting, "The Bucket". 

So here are the latest updated PrL theme backgrounds ~ if you're using one of these background then I encourage you to switch-out the old background code for a new version.  Just click the link below to be taken to the theme's page where you'll find updated background codes...

Alice
By the Sea
Easter Blues
Eastertide
Emporium
Hope Floats
Parlourside
Practical Magick
Providence
Remembrance
Rose Garden
School Daze
Stardust
Stormy Weather
Sunnyside Up
Sweet Dreams
Time After Time
Tis the Season
Treasures of the Sea
Unchained Melody
Vintage Spring
Walk in the Woods
Whispers of Spring
White Seas
Winter Wonder

This list is the second posting so if you don't see the theme you're using named below you can either click to view the first posting, First Update Posting, or check back for upcoming postings. 

It's easy to update ~ just replace your old background code with the new code for your background size.  This change is taking place as this blog migrates over to a new website due to Photobucket's recent change with large image handling.

If you're using a Plumrose Lane background and do not see the theme title listed above then check back for upcoming announcements. All codes will be switched over before in the even they are deleted by Photobucket. 

Best~

Important ~ New Updated Background Codes

The following prefab theme background codes have been updated:

A Fondness
A Heart for You
August Mist
Autumn Slumber
Binding Journey
Blissful Harvest
Blitzin'
Blueberry Plumcicle
Bound Together
Cherish
Cotton Delight
Country Christmas
Cozy
Downton
Effervescent
Fanciful Filly
Fanciful Love
Forgotten Journey
Garden Party
Gilded Love
Glitter & Ice
Je T'aime
Knicky Knack
Love's Elixir
Marleque
Mother's Treasures
Night Vision
Nuptuals
Peafowl Whispers
St Patrick's Day

Click a title above to be taken directly to the theme's page.

If you are using one of the backgrounds listed above it will be necessary to update your existing code to the new codes.  It's easy to update ~ just replace your old background code with the new code for your background size.  This change is taking place as this blog migrates over to a new website due to Photobucket's recent change with large image handling.

If you're using a Plumrose Lane background and do not see the theme title listed above then check back for upcoming announcements. All codes will be switched over before in the even they are deleted by Photobucket.  You can also Subscribe to this blog or follow on the Facebook page at: www.facebook.com/PlumroseLane ~ updates will be posted as they occur.

Best,

Revamp Update - Post Dividers

In follow up to my posting, The Bucket, I've begun building my new website. Saying it's a monumentally overwhelming task is definitely an understatement but the good news is I'm making progress.  I have the first few pages up and the one which matters most at this is the list of prefab Post Dividers.  Here is the new direct link to that page where you can find updated image codes: http://www.prl-images.com/post_dividers.html  If you're using one of my prefab post dividers now is the time to switch out for the new link before the old ones disappear.

I will continue to post updates as they happen ~ both here and on my Facebook page (http://www.facebook.com/plumroselane), although the FB posting happen a little sooner since they're quicker to post.

Best,

Soul Journey

I started reading a new book last night titled Soul Journey.  I was first drawn to this book through the holidays when a close friend posted about it on Facebook.  Upon closer investigation it immediately jumped to the top of my holiday wishlist, so imagine my surprise when a copy showed up in my mailbox yesterday, thanks to that same dear friend (love you Sherry!).

I began reading the book last night ~ I'll be honest and say I haven't read through a personal book in years. I've started several but put them down shortly after.  Text books have been a constant companion over the past two years but they're not the same.  In the more distant past, books served as a wonderful source for acquiring knowledge and insight.  Plowing through copies of "The Essential Works of Carl Jung" and "If Life is a Game, These Are The Rules" have been downright life altering.  But reading a good book is something that fell away after several traumatic experiences over the past 7 years.  It's tough to read when your mind is racing and your heart is broken.  So with the arrival of this book, an angel's gift straight from heaven, I'm turning over a new page in my own life.

I've only read the Introduction and already it's moved me. The truth is, this book is just what the doctor heart ordered. It's comforting know there are others out there who desire to "Be the change you wish to see.." and it speaks directly to that part of me that yearns to reach out and help other women who've gone through similar sorrows and hardships.  I know there's power (and company) in numbers so if you're interested in reading it too, you can buy a copy from the author, Lisa Cherry, at this link or buy a copy for your Kindle at this link.

My hope is to find the words to share my thoughts and feelings as I read through this book and I would love for you to join me. I know many times it's easier for me to communicate my own feelings when reading them through the musings of others. I'll leave you with a perfect example of this, directly from a page of Soul Journey...

""The most beautiful people we have known are those who have known defeat, known suffering, known struggle, known loss, and have found a way out of the depths.

These persons have an appreciation, sensitivity and an understanding of life that fills them with compassion, gentleness and a deep loving concern.

Beautiful people do not just happen."

Elizabeth Kubler Ross"

Best,

Sneaky~

I was logging into my blog this morning when to my surprise I saw this...

The thing is, I'm used to seeing this...

It seems that although Blogger has postponed it's mandatory change to the new format ~ primarily because of the major uproar from bloggers ~ it's still trying to switch us over, whether we like it or not.

For those of you like me who are holding onto the old layout until the bitter end, you can easily switch back to the old view. Simply click the gear icon on the right side, to show a drop down menu, and select "Old Blogger interface". I wrote a brief tutorial with screen shots and you can view that by clicking here.

Eventually we will all be moved over but hopefully by then those of us who offer support will have finished updating our tutorials to help with learning the new layout.

So in the meantime, hang in there... and, if you feel like letting Blogger know how you feel you can leave feedback at this link.

Enjoy~

Google Friends Connect ~ going, going, gone...

You many have heard lately that a few features are being phased out from the Google repertoire. Being that Blogger is owned by Google many of the blogs I follow have become increasingly concerned with the March 1st ending of a little add-on called "Google Friends Connect" and if you're like me you've been receiving a slew of email notices from worried bloggers, concerned they may soon be loosing 'you' from their blogging audience.

To delve a bit deeper, here is the exact wording for this change from the Official Google Blog and their November 22nd posting of last year...

Google Friend Connect—Friend Connect allows webmasters to add social features to their sites by embedding a few snippets of code. We're retiring the service for all non-Blogger sites on March 1, 2012. We encourage affected sites to create a Google+ page and place a Google+ badge on their site so they can bring their community of followers to Google+ and use new features like Circles and Hangouts to keep in touch.

Now while this may sound like a catastrophe for all of us using the "Followers" feature on our blogs, the two are clearly not the same and I believe the key words here are "We're retiring the service for all non-Blogger sites..."

What this means to me is that if you're using the built-in "Followers" gadget that comes along with your Blogger blog then you're safe ~ no need to worry. The wording clearly states that this change only affects those who have this as an add-on for their non Blogger sites.

I hope this helps put some of the recent tension to ease and remember, if you want to follow along with what Google is up to these days you can always visit their own blog found here: Official Google Blog

Enjoy~

Sometimes...

Sometimes life deals hard blows ~ they come in many forms. Yesterday's blow was that my husband lost his job. It's something we weren't prepared for and now our minds race... what will we do?... how will we get by?... can we make it?... We're still trying to catch up from our past losses and the truth is, the reserves that once were are no more.I love what I do. I love helping others. I love making pretty things. I love all of you. I realize though, that no matter how lucky I've been to have had this moment in time within the lovely gardens of Plumrose Lane, that life can hold unexpected surprises around any corner and that in the end the one constant is change.

So for now we regroup. We dust off our resumes, spruce them up a bit, and take to the streets. I don't know what that means exactly and I'm scared but I'm also hopeful. I don't believe the universe would bring us all together only to have it all fall away in a plumrose heap. I'm hopeful this closed door will be a gateway to a new beginning, to better times ahead, to happier days with less stress ~ for all of us.

So for now, my shop will stay open and I'll post & visit when I can, and hopefully before we all know it I'll be back helping and creating more than ever before.

Missing Backgrounds ~ new codes

Recently I had to make a few chances with my background image storage and so some of you may have noticed your PrL background is M.I.A. No fear ~ this only affected a handful of backgrounds and there are new codes ready to install. Each code is now posted within it's theme page but here are some quick links to help you find them faster:

A Fondness

Remembrance

Forgotten Journey

Flight of Fancy

All you'll need to do is replace the old background code with the new one and as always, if you have any questions feel free to ask.