…and widgets are the symptom. I love these things. I would probably be perfectly happy to never post another thing again, and just update my blog by adding new widgets each day. They’re a like flair for my website. In general, I prefer minimalism in web design. I don’t like cluttering up my web space with lots of columns or pictures or ads or flashy gif icons advertising that I belong to this webring or advocate that policy. I like the words to be the focus, and I like layouts that don’t get in the way of what I’m trying to write. But what I do like are widgets, little windows that give alternate views of me, my life, and my blog.

I try not to go overboard into tacky, but sometimes it’s so hard to avoid those shiny toys….

For those of you not in the know, widgets are all the lists, graphics, and toolboxes on the right hand column of this here page. Today’s new widget displays a random quote each time you refresh the page, pulled from an ever expanding list of quotes I find motivational, inspirational, or otherwise amusing. (Hee hee, ice weasels.)

Also notable is my Etsy widget, which gives a snapshot view of four items currently for sale in my shop, Serenity Designs. I’ve been slacking lately and nothing new has been listed, but soon I will be creating and listing more items for you and your friends to spend money on. If I ever finish this wedding present, that is…

Finally, I’m a fan of the All Consuming widget, which currently displays up to five of the books, movies, albums and games I am currently enjoying. You can find a more complete (but not exhaustive) list here.