In with the new

You've probably noticed things are a little different around here, and I thought I owed a bit of an explanation. I've been wanting to change both the name and the look of my blog for years, and a few days at the beginning of the year presented me with the opportunity. It came in the form of a teething tot, which meant lots of nursing and short naps (but only in my arms), leaving me with endless hours to conduct one-handed computer business. (Ew, that sounds dirty, but surely you know what I mean.)

First, the name. "Blue Lotus" doesn't really mean anything at all, I put about as much thought into it as I would a new email address, as when I started my blog, almost eight years ago, it was supposed to be just a simple journal for myself and maybe some folks back home. I didn't know I'd keep at it and eventually want to have a name that kind of reflected, if not who I am, than at least what I blog about. And I think the name fits quite nicely. I do feel like a fish out of water at times, both as an expat in a foreign land and as a new parent (and as a generally awkward person, lots of other times too). Plus I really like fish. There were several fish and water related names I considered, and if when I move back to Canada I'll change the name to "So Long, and Thanks For All the Fish".

The new look was an easy decision- I've hated my busy, cluttered look for a while and even I hadn't wanted to change the name I would have, as I felt it locked me into choosing the colour blue, and any images (I really wanted a banner with a picture) would have had to fit the theme. Checking my photo albums, I have tonnes of fish pictures, and only one picture of a blue lotus, which isn't even a lotus after all but a water lily (and it's also more purple than blue).

Although if I really wanted to name this blog after whatever I've taken the most pictures of, it would be called "The Shuma Blog". And let's face it, that's really what it's become. And no apologies, because my son is awesome, but I do look forward to some day having more of a life to blog about. For now though, I'm just happy to have a new, simpler design and a better name.

So it's still early January and my new year's resolution is already taken care of, and Shuma has two new molars. We're off to a good start.

Comments

[kat]

love the changes :) happy 2012!

[Robyn K]

It looks great! I for one, really like seeing the perspective of someone not from Japan immersed in Japanese culture. The kiddo just adds another (adorable) perspective!

[dawn]

it's a good name, with an excellent sub-title. i feel the same way about my last year: the baby has taken over!

[amy]

It's great!

[Mary]

I like it! Love the header photo- too cool. And keep up the Shuma photos, he is the most beautiful little guy.
Happy Dragon Year!
Mary

[Emily]

I've been reading your blog for a long time (came for the recipes, stuck around because you are awesome and interesting) & I love the new changes. Also, Shuma is such a sweetheart!

[Aqualift]

Her marriage broke up less than 6 months ago. Doesn't matter how old he was.....they lived like married people until he decided for his own reasons he was ready to move on.