Monthly Archives: September 2007

Thank You, Our Friends

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I want to appreciate our friends for being with us in a health crisis for Susan that we are currently undergoing. Neda Doany and Sue O’Kieffe have both made creations in support of Susan Elkin. Many others have sent healing energy and prayers. We are both greatly appreciative of all your help!!

“Fear and Loathing” Collage © Neda Doany

The OTHER
Easily dismissed
Feared or loathed
Unknown entity
Dissected
Rejected
Ignored
Boxed and
Labelled
As other or worse

I am the other
I speak your language
But you don’t know mine

Open your eyes
For you are
also
the
Other
To
me.
© NKD Sept 23, 2007

Dear Neda, thank you so much for this moving image and incredible poem that you have created to reflect and support us through what we are dealing with! Neda’s blog is Papiers Collés (this is linked to this post). Papiers Collés is a very interesting blog I visit every day. Sue’s inspiring mandalas always delight me!

Vessel of Hope Mandala

Vessel of Hope Mandala – (Circles of Light series) – © Sue O’Kieffe 2007

Thank you so much, Sue for your beautiful mandala and the incredible description on of this mandala on your blog, Sacred Circle Mandalas. I also visit Sue’s blog every day and here is a link to her inspiring post.

This kind of support from friends who were strangers not long ago speaks to the power of the blogosphere! Others have been extremely kind also … We can certainly continue to use healing energy and prayers that any of you wish to send our way. Thank you again!

~ Diane Clancy

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Friends Making Mandalas

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Are you getting ready for Blog Action Day? I hope you will participate in some way! This painting is in honor of the earth … it looks like a formal garden to me – from above … with all the exciting paths and mysteries that the Victorian formal gardens used to have.

Above the Formal Garden

Above the Formal Garden, Digital © Diane Clancy

Bobbie at her blog gives an outstanding lesson on Making Mandalas today. And Frances has taken Bobbie’s lessons to heart and has quite a mandala exhibit here! These incredible displays of technical and artistic skill have been inspired by Sue O’Kieffe’s Sacred Circle Mandalas blog. Sue has been creating her mandalas filled with light for quite some time and has inspired many of us by the beauty of her creations!!

~ Diane Clancy

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Environmental Challenge and Invitation

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Rima Koleilat and Neda Doany have issued a great challenge and invitation in honor of BLOG ACTION DAY, which will take place on October 15!! Everyone is welcome to participate – young and old – and middle-age too – bloggers and non-bloggers – artists and non-artists. So everyone!

Above the Earth

Above the Earth, Digital © Diane Clancy

These rules (and more) are copied from their sites:

Rules are simple for this Action Day Challenge:

  • Come up with some image to promote the environmental cause of your choice.
  • Write one line of text to accompany your image.
  • Any artistic medium can be used: you can do a painting, a collage, a photomontage, photo, fabric piece, crayons, drawing … anything that you feel comfortable with. These are only suggestions, not guidelines.
  • Submit only ONE entry please. Seriously, they mean it this time. Here’s why:
  • Rima and Neda have decided to dedicate a whole section to this project on their online Maraya Galleries. Once an entry is received, it will be displayed on the home page of Maraya Galleries, in a slide window. (This is a lot of work to set up, and they want to be able to do it before the 15th of October, so have a heart, people, send them your best one, don’t ask them to choose for you – this one will be for all to see, not just their blog readers)
  • They will post updates and deadlines on their blogs regularly … I will give you a hint when they do post any changes.

I encourage everyone to give it a try. Been wanting an excuse to try some digital program? Been wanting to try drawing or painting? How about, been wanting to try this digital camera you have?

All are encouraged to join in – this is all of us together saying we care about Mother Earth and helping her to continue to carry us along! Of course, I would pass anything along to them!

And still open to hear about your day – we, as humans, are part of the earth also!!

~ Diane Clancy

Will Catch Up Tomorrow

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I don’t drink even drink coffee, but when I saw this image, it sure looks like people feel on “too much coffee”!  Feeling a little like this myself and going to take Neda’s suggestion to take another day of blog rest … hopefully will catch up tomorrow with YOUR blogs!!  I would love to hear about you!

Too Much Coffee?

Too Much Coffee?, Digital © Diane Clancy

~ Diane Clancy

Post of Rest

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I figure we all deserve a day of rest … or a post of rest anyway, after that long series on Cluster Maps.  I am delighted to hear about you!

Peeking Down

Peeking Down, Digital © Diane Clancy

~ Diane Clancy

Cluster Maps for Websites

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This week we have been working on helping you get Cluster Maps onto your blog and/or site. Now it is time to works with websites and Cluster Maps.  Look back over the last several days for details. Here are some of the posts you may find helpful: For an overview of Cluster Maps read my post from a few days ago. Another post starts the process of signing up for Cluster Maps and shares how to install a Cluster map on Blogger. Then we worked with putting Cluster Maps in WordPress widgets. This last post we worked with WordPress for those who do not use widgets.  Today is putting Cluster Maps into websites.

You may have noticed that Blogger and the WordPress widgets functioned very much alike – you don’t need to touch the code very much at all! On the other hand, not using widgets in WordPress makes it much more similar to adding a Cluster Map to a website – which we will do right now.

You will probably be glad to know that this will be the end to this Cluster Maps series of tutorials. When we work with other statistics tools – exciting little toys – in the future, I will be referring you back to these technical details so we won’t have to go through them again!! Did I just hear a sigh of relief?

When Was It Due?

When Was It Due?, Digital © Diane Clancy

Now on to putting Cluster Maps into a website. You will want to have signed up for Cluster Maps and have the code ready to be pasted in. Look at this post again if you need help with this part.

I am making the assumption that you are used to working with your website code – to at least some degree … whether using a web design program or an html program. The biggest challenge is to make sure that the code goes in a place where it does no damage.

Basically, you can put the code wherever you want to! You need the code on each page that you want the Cluster Map to track. That is, if someone stops by your site to visit a favorite picture and you have your Cluster Map only on the front page, it will miss that person’s visit. I have used a little “component” (GoLive) to add code to each page. I personally add it to my navigation links at the bottom so that it is easy to keep track of and easy to put on each page. There are many ways to do it and that is what I have chosen.

After you have inserted the code, save any files you have changed and get ready to upload the newly revised files. Whether you use a web ftp or a standalone ftp, the process is similar. Log into your site so you have access to upload a file. Make sure you upload the files in the correct places. Remember they overwrite the old files so – of course – be careful as you do this.

No matter how you have changed you site, I encourage you to go and check it out – see how it looks. If there is a mistake, just go through the process again … noticing where the problem is. One trick I use is to put several blank lines before and after the code so I can find it easily again …

As always, I would be delighted to hear how you are doing! Thank you for traveling this path of Cluster Maps with me! I know I am so grateful for each reader and commenter!

~ Diane Clancy

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WordPress Sidebars – Cluster Maps

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Now it is time to do more work on the WordPress blogs for Cluster Maps. For an overview of Cluster Maps read my post from a few days ago. Another post starts the process of signing up for Cluster Maps and shares how to install a Cluster map on Blogger. Then we worked with putting Cluster Maps in WordPress widgets. Today we will work with WordPress for those who do not use widgets.

Camelot

Camelot, Digital © Diane Clancy

You will want to have signed up for Cluster Maps and have the code ready to be pasted in. Look at this post again if you need help with this part.

In the post the other day, we put the code into a widget. Many people are now using widgets – but not all of us! There are 2 basic ways to access your sidebar without a widget. One is working on your desktop and then uploading it and the other way it to edit the sidebar as it is on your server. Have I lost you yet? I hope not!

If you work on your blog code on your computer and then upload it to your blog, we will add the code to the “sidebar.php.” Find your sidebar.php that goes with the theme that you are using. Open it up and insert the code where you want it in the sidebar. Make sure you do not break up any other pieces of code or else you will run into problems. At any point, if you want more help in following these directions, please comment or email me.

You probably have already tweaked your blog’s look some if you are working with files on your desktop – you probably use a web design program or an html program. The biggest challenge is to make sure that the code goes in a place where it does no damage.

After you have inserted the code, save the file and get ready to upload the newly revised “sidebar.php.” Whether you use a web ftp or a standalone ftp, the process is similar. Log into your site so you have access to upload a file. Find your WordPress files. Go to the “blog” folder, to “wp-content” folder, to “themes” folder to the name of the theme that you are using. Make sure that you do put it into the right theme!!

If you want to check your theme beforehand (a good idea unless you are *positive*!!), login to your admin dashboard. Go to “Presentation” and it will automatically land you into “themes.” Look at the name of the theme that is at the top – that is the theme that is active. So, when you upload your files, make sure that is the folder you upload your file into.

Now if you want to edit your sidebar while it is on the server, then go to “Presentation” and then choose “Themes Editor.” On the side, you will see a list of the files, and you should choose “Sidebar.” Sometimes it is helpful to have a second browser window open so that you can look at your sidebar as you edit it … to get a better idea of where you are in the file.

Again, like the above process, carefully put the code into the sidebar. Be careful where you put it to not break up phrases of code … When you have the code where you want it, click the “update file” button to save the changes.

No matter how you have changed you sidebar, I encourage you to go and check it out – “View Site” – see how it looks. If there is a mistake, just go through the process again … noticing where the problem is. One trick I use is to put several blank lines before and after the code so I can find it easily again …

Tomorrow we will finish up with Cluster Maps – hurray! As always, I would be delighted to hear how you are doing! Thank you for bearing with me.

~ Diane Clancy

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Happy Weekend!

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Today I am going to give us all a break from Cluster Maps and just hope that everyone had a good weekend.  Please feel free to share here … and thank you for stopping by!

At the Opera

At the Opera, Digital © Diane Clancy

~ Diane Clancy

Cluster Maps for WordPress

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Would you like to learn more about Cluster Maps? Would you like a Cluster Map on your site or blog? For an overview of Cluster Maps read my post from a few days ago. Yesterday’s post starts the process of signing up for Cluster Maps and shares how to install a Cluster map on Blogger. Today we will work with WordPress widgets. Tomorrow we will work with WordPress for those who do not use widgets and perhaps we will finish and work with regular websites too.

The Duchess

The Duchess, Digital © Diane Clancy

Hopefully you have read yesterday’s post and have already copied the code you need for the Cluster Map. If you need to, go back and get the code from the Cluster Maps site. For most cases option A is just fine.

If you use widgets, login to your admin panel. Then go to “Presentation” to “Widgets.” Widgets will be on the line underneath Presentations after you choose Presentations.

Look to see if you have a “text” widget under “Available Widgets.” If you do not see a text widget that is there, go further down the page to “Text Widgets” and choose one or more text widgets. Then click “save.”

Grab one of the “text” widgets under “Widgets Available.” Drag it to the “Sidebar.” Double click the little icon on the top right with a blue bar and a couple of black lines underneath it. It will open into a box that you can put the info into. If you want, there is a place for a title – like “Cluster Map” or “Stats.” Then in the larger box underneath the title, paste the code for you Cluster Map. Then close the box with a click onto the “X” on the upper right.

To the right of the “Sidebar,” across the work space, there is Save Changes” – click on that. Alternatively, underneath “Available Widgets”, on the the right, is “Save Changes” – click on that.

Then … ta da!!! Go the “View Site” (next to the name of your blog) and see how gorgeous your map looks.  It will be empty for now, but soon your little red dots will start to show up as we all coming visiting you!!

Aside – If your blog is hosted on WordPress (that is, if www.yourname.wordpress.com is your blog), then I think you will need to use option B or option D. I am not sure. You can try and see which works … and perhaps leave us a comment so we can all learn. I just know there are some restrictions that aren’t there if you host your blog yourself. If you run into problems, email me or make a comment and I will see if we can’t get it figured out.

I hope this is being useful to someone! As always, I am delighted to hear how you are doing! Thank you for following with me through using Cluster Maps!

~ Diane Clancy

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Would you Like a Cluster Map?

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So you would like a Cluster Map? Follow along and we will get you set up! (A warning – The post got long so I am going to start everyone tonight and finish Blogger. Tomorrow we will look at the different ways you would put it into WordPress.)

The Peacock Queen

The Peacock Queen, Digital © Diane Clancy

First you may want to reread my post with the overview of Cluster Maps. Next click on the Cluster Map on the bottom of my sidebar (the map with all the little red dots). You may want to open it in a new tab or window so that you can read and do this at the same time. Alternatively, use this link to open up to this same step. (http://clustrmaps.com/getone.php)

One this page click on “Register Here” and you will come to another page. I chose the regular (the default) – which is free. Starting with “http://” put in the name of your blog or site. You need to enter your email twice for confirmation of the right email. Then read the “terms of service” and check that you have read and agreed to the terms. (I had no problem myself with the terms.)

OK, now they are sending you the temporary password – check your email that you gave them. Their password is long and rigorous – I would suggest copying and pasting. Go back to where you were in Cluster Maps and click continue. If you have lost the window, there is a admin link in the email – so click that please.

Put your password in where it says “password.” Click the “login” link below where you put in your password. At the next page you may want to take the time right now to change your password. You can “change password.” Hopefully you still have their password and you can paste it right in to “old password.” Then put in your new password – twice. Click “change password.” When you click “continue,” you will go back to the page we came from.

Here comes the only part that is a little tricky – but we will do it together! You need to choose the type code that is most appropriate for your site or blog. Most of you will probably choose option A. I know I did. There are other options available – read the other ones if you want. If you are hosted with Blogger or have a blog with your website name (yoursite.com/blog or blog.yoursite.com), I would think that option A is fine. I think if you are hosted at WordPress, I think you use option B. Copy your code so you can paste it in a bit.

Let’s tackle Blogger first. At Blogger go to “customize.” Go to template, to page elements. Then on the sidebar part, choose”add a page element.” A smallish window pops up. Choose “HMTL/JavaScript” “add to blog (on the right side, third down.) Click that “add to blog” and up will come another window (or it will transform actually.)

If you like you can give a title to this section – like “Cluster Maps.” Then take your code that is still hopefully with you, and paste it into the content section – the big box. Hit “save changes” and you are almost there! If you like you can drag the Cluster Map to a different place on your sidebar. Click save and you are golden – go view the blog and your map should be there – empty for now, but there! It may be until tomorrow until your dots start showing up – but they will!

Tomorrow we will install the Cluster Map in WordPress blogs. There are 3 – 4 different ways, so that is a whole post. I hope you are getting excited, as I am, about the fact we are connecting with people around the world!!! To me it is blissful!

~ Diane Clancy

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Behind the Screen

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Some days there seems to be silence … but there is much going on behind the screen.  I am glad to hear about you. Behind the Screen, Digital © Diane Clancy ~ Diane Clancy … [CLICK TO READ MORE]

Cluster Maps

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Cluster Maps are a free tool that anyone with a blog or site can use. I think they are an incredibly exciting tool! If you go way down to the bottom of the sidebar here, you can see the Cluster Map. It is a map of the world with little red dots. The smallest dots represent 1 – 9 visits of people to this blog. The next size up is for 10 – 99 visits to the blog. Turtle Batik, Digital © Diane Clancy After that size, the larger one is for 100 – 999 visits to the blog. Are you getting excited yet? The largest red dots represent 1000 or more separate visits to this blog (or any other blog or site). When you first get a Cluster Map, you start with a blank map of the world. According to some formula, the Cluster Map gets updated regularly. It is such a great experience to watch the map accumulate red dots – these are PEOPLE – real, live people who have taken the time to come and visit!!! If you look at the map (at the bottom of the sidebar), you can click on the map and it will show you a much bigger version of the map. Sometimes I check it daily and sometimes not for a few days. Besides the US (and southern Canada), I have 19 red dots that represent 10 or more visits. It is one of the most exciting things in my blogging life … [CLICK TO READ MORE]

Local Cultural Council Grants

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Maps and such will come tomorrow. I did learn about the Local Cultural Council grants. I have never applied for a grant before and am excited. But it took a lot of energy. If I don’t get to bed, this painting is what I will be like tomorrow …. I am delighted to hear what you have to say. Turtle Man, Digital © Diane Clancy ~ Diane Clancy Technorati Tags: Local Cultural Council, grants … [CLICK TO READ MORE]

Received “Nice Matters” Award

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In the next few days I am going to teach people how to get set up with several different statistic counters – stats. Three of these that I like are Cluster Maps, Stat Counter, and Map Stats. You can take a peek at them on my sidebar ahead of time if you want. Sometimes Map Stats disappears but it is often there. So, make sure you come by the next few days! The Labyrinth, Digital © Diane Clancy Frances was kind enough to award me a “Nice Matters” Award! Thank you, Frances!!! Here is a bit of what Genevieve has to say about this award she created: A new Friendship blogger award ! So I have noticed a lot of blog awards out there lately, and it has gotten me thinking about nominations. … there is caring, friendship and inspiration too. So I am starting my own blog award! This award will be awarded to those that are just nice people , good blog friends and those that inspire good feelings and inspiration! Those that care about others that are there to lend support or those that are just a positive influence in our blogging world! … Nice Matters Award This is a nice added bonus that people are creating awards to appreciate others on the blogosphere – yet another nice connection! The awards and the stats will go quite nicely together! Please share what you are up to! ~ Diane Clancy Technorati Tags: statistic counters, stats, Cluster Maps, Stat … [CLICK TO READ MORE]

Day of Rest

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Physically, this is me today … needing a day of rest – I got very chilled – … I will catch up tomorrow hopefully. Hope things are good for each of you … I am delighted to hear if you want to tell me. Thank you for your patience and understanding! Quaking, Digital © Diane Clancy ~ Diane Clancy … [CLICK TO READ MORE]

The Other Form Delayed …

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Here is one of my special images on merchandise in my CafePress Shop (www.cafepress.com/dianeclancy)  Susan took photos today that will hopefully be good enough to make into more “Fanciful Animal Images.”  Thank you for your comments about the forms and email from yesterday’s posts.  Famous last words of getting the other section done – almost nada. Freckles in Flowers II, Digital © Diane Clancy This little baby was my companion for 18 wonderful years!! One of my best friends ever!!  But, on the bright side, I commented on many posts today from around the web, and read lots more than I commented on! So I hope I got them all caught up!! ~ Diane Clancy Technorati Tags: Fanciful Animal Images, CafePress … [CLICK TO READ MORE]