Renovation

I spent the morning renovating my personal website and preparing it to host my new blog. It had fallen into disuse several years ago because I didn't have enough facility with HTML. I can learn new software when I must and know a few scraps of code, but I have never managed to keep abreast of developments in web design. I wanted to make the site functional again, but the longer I avoided it, the more I felt swept away by the tide.

Suddenly I realized WordPress could do the job for me. This morning I moved all the old files into an archival folder, set up an FTP client and used it to install the software on the site. This probably seems like kindergarten to the savvy, but for me it was the mountain out of a molehill. I had to relearn how to use an FTP client, and configure settings and passwords in a gazillion places. I may not have much intuition about how to do these things; fortunately I am good at tracking down instructions (for things like how to install WordPress on my particular web host) and following them.

This removed a considerable obstacle to creativity. How exciting it is to have set up a functional work space online! Maybe not as exciting as renting a physical office or studio, but kind of. It is my own website. I have come to this point before, but never with as much confidence in my creative process.

Now comes the work of learning the ins and outs of WordPress. Tools are fun. Meanwhile I can fine tune the new concept for the site.

Speaking of creativity tools, during this flurry of activity Evernote also seduced me into installing it on my machine. I don't know how I'll use it yet.