Step Into My (New & Improved) Playground

Oh yes it is.

If you’ve been visiting this site over the last month or so, you’ll have noticed that there have been some cheeky changes being made behind the scenes. Slowly but surely, Ellissa and I have been heart-storming ways in which to bring this precious (to me) space more alive, and now, after tying a bow around it yesterday, I’m ready for The Big Reveal.

There were a few motivators for updating Such Different Skies, and most of them revolved around you.

+ I wanted to dissolve any confusion that may have been floating out there on what is is that I can offer the world. Clarity is potent, and while I know that this will continue to morph and evolve as time passes us by, I feel more confident from where I sit that these changes in design, copy and functionality allow you to get to know me more deeply.

+ Interaction – fun – curiosity – adventure. I want you, as a beloved reader, to feel a cocktail of these experiences when you clickety click my way. I was done with everything being so ‘texty’ (my blog posts are long enough as it is), and so instead went for visual inspiration, more gorgeous colour, slide shows and floating text.

+ I’ve never been huge on the word Professional, but I do resonate highly with the word Pro (and yes, I believe there’s a distinct difference between the two). While I don’t envisage myself ever reaching for the holy grail of professionalism, these blog updates are a pro expression of Who I Am. My website feels like HOME now. If I feel more at home, then I’m more able to welcome you in with loving, ready arms.

Also, I wanted to dance between the energies of the masculine and feminine. Which is why we’ve incorporated smoke and hard lines. Pastel and boldness. Ellissa has truly done the most amazing job.

So. The updates. Here goes.

First of all, I invite you to click on over to my About page. It’s succint, straight-shooting, and I’ll admit it, a little shocking. It’s about you and I, and how alike we are; and how clearly I can see the two of us in each other.

At the bottom of the About page, you have an option to click on through to my story, which basically details the chain of events that brought me to the Here and Now. Keep your eyes peeled for the fancy timeline down the bottom. (Fun!) :)

I write about…

Over on the sidebar, you’ll see a text image titled ‘I write about’. Clicking through to that one will take you to a groovy little page detailing the categories of my blog posts; each with fitting piccies. Be patient with me here. I’m still in the process of re-categorising all my posts.

I Seriously Love…

Clicking on this option in the menu bar will carry you to a page filled with recommendations from yours truly. One on one professionals, website superstars, as well as my favourite programs and products. #ThankMeLater

I adore what Ellissa did with this page. I wanted to display the eBooks I’ve co-created with Rach and Glen in a beautiful, interactive way. Click through and marvel at the pretty floating text! :)

Meet my clients

And, what’s probably become my favourite aspect of this website, is the way in which my beloved clients are showcased. The page features slide shows of their thoughts and reflections of our time together, as well as an opportunity to get to know each of the girls on their websites.

Other bits and bobs:

+ To avoiding scrolling overload, there’s now a floating menu that will follow you down the page, and a Back to Top button that appears in the bottom right corner.

+ In the sidebar you’ll find a list of Favourite Posts – both yours and mine.

+ My Work With Me page has been updated.

Thank you, so very, very much for witnessing these little changes online. I hope they make your time here a little brighter :)

I feel a little uncomfortable adding this as a footnote to this post, but if boundaries are indeed loving (and I believe they are), then it’s my intention that this will be received with love: If you are in the midst of building or re-inventing your website, please don’t copy these design concepts. I understand that it’s always going to happen to some degree (I myself have been guilty of implementing blog elements that aren’t authentic to me), and that imitation is a form of flattery, but I’ve witnessed a lot of plageurism online lately, and it upsets me a little. We are ALL infinitely creative, with endless opportunities to express ourselves in unique ways that make a difference. Please, think twice before lifting anything that took significant amounts of time, energy, love and money to create. It cheapens the art of it, and I don’t know about you, but I’m ALL for feeling richer, creatively.

Have a lovely time exploring the site; getting to know it; getting to know me a little better. If you’d love to share all this new fanciness (*said in a posh accent*), you can use the buttons below. I’d love to know what you think of my new digs!