A WEBSITE REFRESHED

My new home page at suzanneberry.com


I'm not a big fan of embedded commercials, but, I just had to share my experience with my web host, Yahoo! I purchased a flash template last year for my home site because it needed an update. This meant that my uploaded files would be managed by staff the flash template folks employed. This also meant that whenever I needed to add to or delete content, I was forced leave it to the the template technicians, and that cost was not included in the initial purchase. So, for the last six months or so, realizing that I not only had fallen out of like with the design, the site itself was woefully behind in showcasing my current work. And so I began my search for a solution. I'll admit to being somewhat severely electronically challenged, so the prospect of looking for a solution that would give me control of content seemed a gargantuan task of biblical proportions.

I'll try to keep this short, although that prospect is becoming a dim possibility at this point.

I went to my email and followed the thread to small business help, typed in my message and asked to be contacted. My phone rang almost immediately! Sort of startled me actually, the speed with which the outside world can intrude into ones' cozy little lair, even if it was at my own request. I was guided, by a patient and friendly technician, to a page where I could choose a design for my site, write the content, upload my work to a slide show and publish all by myself! It took me one full day! I hit the publish button last night. I was astonished!

And I can access my site and control the content whenever it suits my needs! I say a big fat bravo to Yahoo! for being so proactive and user friendly. The mere fact that I was speaking to a human within almost seconds of seeking one out was like a breath of fresh air on a stifling hot day in this age of extensively long and complicated recorded messages. I should also point out that, as soon as I was on the phone and listening intently to his directions, there was a resounding knock at the door and another call was beeping in simultaneously! Why does that happen? I don't think someone has knocked on the front door or beedped in for months!

Please visit and check it out if you'd like. www.suzanneberry.com. I wasn't bowled over by the design choices but I found one that I was somewhat happy with with only a few changes. The work is everything that is on my blog, but at least now first time visitors can easily view my gallery and it will be kept current! I really think all this tidying is having a really far reaching affect. I realized I was waiting for Tim to solve this problem. I'm grateful I took action and did it myself, it is after all my business. He, I'm glad to report, is very proud of me.

Also, if cleaning your brushes is the bain of your existence give the BrushMate Power Brush Cleaner a try. It's moderately priced and works like a charm, the only drawback being the cleaning fluid is pretty costly and needs replacing frequently. Still, it's worth it to me, cleaning brushes can sometimes take me an hour and I hate doing so with the heat of a thousand white hot suns.

If it seems I'm trying to whine less about being cursed (I'm being sarcastic here) with the truly painful need to create art everyday in the warmth and safety of my own home, you're right. It's time to be grateful and enjoy my gift. One day at a time right?