I said I was going to do it. I asked for suggestions. My friend Le Mille Pattes back in France pulled a Horshack* and his enthusiasm was such that I asked him to make me a new banner.
And that was that. I didn't give him any ideas. He didn't ask.
One month later...
Mr. Millipede is on vacation right now, and over the weekend he and I volleyed e-mails about the banner. This is the final design. I think it's great, as in I totally *heart* it. What do you think? (If you can't see it, do a hard refresh or clear your cache.)
*Mille Pattes: Arnold Horshack est un personnage (connu pour son enthousiasme devant son prof) d'une série télé des années 70. Je ne sais pas si elle a été diffusée en France.
I LOVE it! Wow! The coffee stains are my favorite part.
Posted by: Sarah M Lund | February 11, 2008 at 20:37
Oooh, if I knew how to say "I love it" in French, I would!
It's very "you"
Posted by: AndreAnna | February 11, 2008 at 20:52
I second Sarah: I dig the coffee stains. And the hot pink Eiffel Tower keychain. My French former sister-in-law was aghast when my brother bought me a tchotchke gold Eiffel Tower on a fake marble stand, but I totally dug it!
You remind me of Faye Dunaway.
Posted by: Beth | February 11, 2008 at 21:05
Incroyable!
Posted by: Margaret | February 11, 2008 at 22:45
LLLLlllllllove it!
Posted by: Beanie | February 11, 2008 at 23:16
Bloody brilliant, though I'll nitpick and say, if that were HP5, the pics wouldn't be in color. But who cares? I love it.
Posted by: Rich Copley | February 11, 2008 at 23:42
Very cool!
Posted by: Jennifer | February 11, 2008 at 23:45
fantastic! fun and artsy. totally you.
Posted by: sizzle | February 11, 2008 at 23:58
IT ROCKS! Luv it, luv it, luv it!
Posted by: Audra | February 12, 2008 at 00:08
I'm crazy about it! Great new slogan (love the irony -- oops, maybe it wasn't meant to be irony, teehee!) My daughter has the same pink Eiffel Tower.
Are those meant to be coffee stains at the top?
Posted by: Betty C. | February 12, 2008 at 00:28
You're welcome.
Here in France people used to say that - as a teacher - I'm always on vacation, which is totaly untrue.
Petite anecdote : comme je ne savais pas dire "tache de café" pour la recherche d'image pour la tache en bas, j'ai donc utilisé un traducteur qui m'a dit : "task of coffee".
Et enfin, non, je ne connais pas Arnold Horshack , par contre ils ont beaucoup repassé la petite maison dans la prairie.
bisous
Posted by: Mille Pattes is waking up | February 12, 2008 at 02:43
C'est magnifique! Very you.
Posted by: Katherine | February 12, 2008 at 03:52
That's a fantastic header. Food, wine, photos, Paris, pretty women... it is you.
Posted by: Neil | February 12, 2008 at 06:10
Yeah for the new banner! I love the photo of you. It's so YOU!
Posted by: Aly | February 12, 2008 at 13:36
muy bueno! me likee mucho. bravo horshack.
*pats him on the back*
Posted by: melanie | February 12, 2008 at 15:26
LOVE it, especially the coffee stain. I also like the new tagline. Congrats on getting up and finished!
Posted by: mags | February 12, 2008 at 16:29
I really like it and the coffee stain does it justice!
Posted by: uǝʞoʇ | February 12, 2008 at 17:37
I like it!
Posted by: Karan | February 12, 2008 at 20:48
splendid
Posted by: deezee | February 12, 2008 at 21:56
Nice!
Posted by: winter | February 13, 2008 at 00:30
LOL @ Rich Copley's observation!
Absolutely fabulous banner. I'm jealous!
And keep showering the blogosphere--it's still dirty in spots!
Posted by: Emil | February 13, 2008 at 20:15
Oh gosh, I hate to be the *only* one with one itty bitty constructive criticism. . .but here goes...I love the new banner, and coffee stains, but the title and wonderful slogan are out of proportion to the whole blog--that part should be larger. Personally, I miss the more artistic logo "Ali Thinks" too but that's just me.
Posted by: Confessions From The Sandwich Generation | February 14, 2008 at 02:39
Oooo, I like it!
Posted by: Stephanie Quilao | February 14, 2008 at 05:19
I love your new banner!
Posted by: meredith | February 14, 2008 at 13:07
It´s really nice. So professional! I love the idea of refreshing the look of the blog.
Posted by: misschrisc | February 14, 2008 at 17:42
Love the new banner!
Happy Valentines Day!
Posted by: Stephanie Jackson | February 14, 2008 at 19:53
i love it! and my fav part, too, are the coffee stains!
Posted by: rebecca | February 14, 2008 at 21:51
J'heart it too.
Posted by: Tiffany | February 15, 2008 at 00:15
I love your new banner as well. The purple is great!
Posted by: anica | February 19, 2008 at 11:13