Tuesday, September 11, 2012

The Cranky Crow Chronicles ~ Or, How This Crow Got Her Moniker.....

Disclaimer:  This isn't going to be nearly as interesting as some of you might think it would be.   So, I'm ok with you not continuing on.....


I have been asked many times how I got my name "The Cranky Crow," and I'm sorry, but the story isn't half as intriguing as it should be.
But, the beautiful and gracious Karen, from My Colonial Home, is hostessing a "post challenge" asking us to share how we came up with our blog name and when we started blogging.  So I thought now is as good a time as any to come clean......

(Painting by Laurie at In my dreams I see.....)

Actually, for me, these two "events" (starting blogging and naming my blog) were, as I'm sure for many, intrinsically connected.  So, let's start at the beginning:

 Back in February of 2011, I fell in love with the wonderful folk art of one very talented lady.....Madalynne from Pineapple PrimitivesI had discovered her work on Ebay, and somehow, found the link to her blog (not having any clue what the dickens a "blog" was, but I found myself there.)  I wanted to leave her a message (...er....a "comment" in blog parlance, I know now), but didn't have any idea how.  Clicking enough times, I realized I could create a "Google" account, and I thought "why not?"  "Google" sounded like a fun enough word.

(Pinkeep by Shirlee at The Easily Influenced Stitcher.)

So, a Google account it was. Then....."it" happened....I saw that button box that said "Create Blog."  What? ANYONE could "create a blog?"  Really???
Hmmmmm.....
Things I said, and pictures, and what-not would show up on the world-wide web???
Really?
Well, curiosity got the best of this cat crow....and I clicked on that button....just to see what would happen.

(Pinkeep by Pamela at Our Pioneer Homestead.)

And then....then, I had to type in a blog name.
What???
I tried using the same name I had chosen for my Google account...No luck - "taken."
I tried several more.
"Taken."

(Pattern/design by Nancy at Victorian Motto Sampler Shoppe.)


Then I reached back in my mind and thought of my love of crows.....
(They truly are remarkable creatures, you know....)
And started typing....

"The Dancing Crow...." Taken.
"The Merry Crow...."  Taken.
"The Merrie Crow...."  Taken (Huh?)
"The Blackest Crow....." Taken.
"The Humble Crow....."  Taken.
"The Laughing Crow....." (At which point I WASN'T!)....Taken.
"Poe's Crow...."  Taken.
"The Olde Crow....."  Taken.
"Shakespeare's Crow...."  Taken. (WHAT?!)

(Crow box by Marly at Samplers and Santas.)
 
And then.....and then.....it happened....
Punching the keyboard a little (ok, a LOT) harder than I should.....I typed:

The Cranky Crow

It worked!  I "officially" had a blog!
Yay!  I think??? 
Now....what to do with it....???
So, ever so tentatively, I typed the following message:

"Well, this ought to be an adventure....I am forcing myself - ever so slowly- into the 21st century.  I haven't yet mastered following blogs, so I'm not entirely sure why I think I can actually create or maintain one of my own, but I was up for an experiment today.  We'll see how it goes!  Wish me luck!!


I clicked on "Publish" at 3:05 PM CST on February 22, 2011, and the rest is, well, as they say, history.
I had a blog.
I had done a blog post.
 No photos (ummmm, at that point, I didn't even know how to get photos from my camera to my computer)....no fanfare....no nada.

  (Painting by Laurie at In my dreams I see.....)

The next day, I had my very first comment...from none other than the amazing (and ever-so-dear) Teresa at deppenhomestead1862.  And, I had my first taste of the kindness and kindred-ness of the blog community.  An awkward and impetuous experiment that set me a-sail a journey like none other ~ one I shan't ever regret.  Each and every one of you who have joined me have made my life fuller, "wholer," and richer than you will ever know.

Thank you so kindly....and Miss Karen, thank you for making me take pause to remember and appreciate. 

Yours Ever So Crankily, 
The Crow
 

40 comments:

Pamela@ The Sampler Makers Farmhouse said...

LOL, the humble crow, poe crow,too funny, You gave me a laugh, I am so glad that You are on Blogger!

Patti said...

I always wondered about your name :)
Truly love the story behind it, I can certainly relate lol!
Blessings, Patti

Cindi said...

I am glad that you did this challenge because I always wondered why you, so sweet, would have a blog named the Cranky Crow..now I know! LOL Thanks so much for sharing!
Be blessed,
Cindi

Pam B said...

Sorry you don't find your story interesting...I definitely thought it was cute! LOL

Naming your blog is a tough job; keeping one going is even tougher. I've been a very bad blogger, but won't give it up just yet. I'll just sputter on in fits and starts, as the mood hits me.

Love your new blog header, by the way. Awesome photo!

Hugs,
Pam

A Primitive Homestead said...

I have enjoyed your blog since finding it. I found it ever so interesting that you spoke of yourself as the crow. I have always liked these black birds & enjoyed watching flocks land in the front field. I really know no one else who delights in their visits here. I found a kindred friend who shares my intrest & II am grateful for the kindness & support you have given me in your comments on my blog posts. Blessings!
Lara

Ann said...

Can you hear me laughing as you are going through all the "crow" blog names, finding them all taken? Laughing because I can just imagine you typing just a little bit harder when you type The Cranky Crow? Love your story!

I agree that blogging has been a great experience and I am so happy with the friends that I have met through blogging - including The Cranky Crow.

~Ann

Kim said...

I'm laughing too. I can almost see the frustration on your face as you tried name after name. I'm so glad ou didn't give up. That Cranky Crow has brightened many of my days.

Trace4J said...

Oh Crow you sure have me giggling.
Loved learning more about you and your name.
I so could feel you about loading pictures. UH?? My kids still help me with my phone. :)
Hugs
Trace

www.grannytracescrapsandsquares.com

Mugwump Woolies said...

Fun tale Miss C.C.! Always glad to hear your voice out there in blogland. Love all the crows...especially that last one...is that you?
Robyn

bettyj said...

This has been a fun challenge. I am glad Karen did this.Your starting to blog began just like mine.A name?lol Glad you did though. I enjoyyour post.

Primitive Stars said...

Hello, oh what a fun story, still smiling, enjoyed hearing how the Cranky Crow name came about. So much fun hearing all about each blog name. The pictures you posted are primtastic, love everything, even the last crow, caw caw. Blessings Francine.

Robyn ♥ said...

I am SOOOO glad you are a blogger! I LOVE reading your posts! I would read a book if you wrote it, you're a blast!

Anonymous said...

well now the truth is out, ha ha h, thats so funny and such a wonderful way to come to a blog name!!
I never paint a crow that I don't think of you, I'm so happy to have met and become friends with you, you are a treasure,

My Colonial Home said...

Well see there...I knew you weren't EVER CRANKY...it was the 'names already taken' that created that oh so naughty thing to come out in you...lol
But it worked and we are all so glad you did.
Yours is one of the blogs I love coming to - always something fun and interesting let along the right word to describe it.
THANKS FOR TAKING MY CHALLENGE...good luck!
Blessings,
Karen

Penny said...

Cute post.... LOVE your blog. It sounds as if I am a lot like you were (but perhaps not so brave!), in that I have no blog and don't know the first thing about posting pics. I am determined to do something challenging on here one of these days, and catapult myself into the 21st century. It's a scary thought, as I am not the least bit technologically savvy.....
You blog is one of my favorites... I enjoy your stoies, and thought this post was fun and quite interesting! Love reading the answers to Karen's challenge.....
Enjoy your day!

The Rusty Thimble said...

OH you old Cranky Crow.....you crack me up. I get all excited every time I see you have a new post on my blog roll.......I Run over, with anticipation of what you will be posting about! I love your blog I love your writing technique and I love that you always put a smile on my face.
Great story glad to finally know why you are called the CRANKY crow LOL

HUGS
Brenda

Deppen homestead 1862 said...

Hey, Girl~ So glad you jumped into blogging~ funny I can see you typing away~ hard on the keys~ trying to come up with a name with crow~ too funny you went with Cranky~
Beautiful pics~
keep blogging~
smiles
Teresa

My Grama's Soul said...

Hi Robin......found you at Laurie's. I love your blog name, The Cranky Crow.....I also think it is pretty cute since you name is "Robin" you know......"birds of a feather and all that"! LOL LOL

xo

Jo

Shirlee said...

Lovely, you cranky old bird ... just lovely : )

marly said...

From all the sidebar gadgets you masterfully include, to your entertaining posts, we are glad you found a name and didn't give up!

TracyMB @ Crows Feet Chic said...

Great story and I love the crow bits you've posted, especially Laurie's crow paintings of course! I'm going to have to get my own collection going. :)

Unknown said...

Robin,
I loved your story!!! The part about choosing the name was hilarious! Really? Shakespeare's Crow was taken? Wow. Did he have a crow? Well, I love crows too! LOVE them. I have named the ones at school. I love the pictures you posted of crows, although the one at the top of your blog is always my favorite! I am so glad that you took the leap! And I love that each person's first member is always so special and dear! Thank you for sharing!

Blessings,
Heather
thecountryschoolmarm.blogspot.com

frontporchprims said...

Guess what? Besides the fact that you have an amazing blog and a wonder with words....? Teresa was my first comment and friend too!!! What a fun coinsidence. Life is funny. I am glad you stumbled upon google and liked the name:) It's been a pleasure getting to know you.-Steph-

Prims By The Water said...

As the crow flies....you always manage to make me giggle dear Robin. I have still yet to take Karen's challenge, but found it very interesting to hear about your blog name and others who have taken her challenge. Take care, janice

BumbleBeeLane said...

Oh sweet Madalynne funny I was just thinking of her yesterday.Thinking I should just send her a little card or something...I remember your first post,Stopped over from the sweet comment you left me..smile..So glad you took the plunge because you have been such a blessing my friend!~Amy

Mary said...

I always wondered about the "cranky" part of your name. We all know you are too sweet to ever be cranky. Beautiful pictures of your crows. I love your blog Robin!

Rugs and Pugs said...

Miss CC ~
Fun post. Thanks for sharing. Love all your crow goodies.
Pug hugs :)
Lauren

~Sara said...

I am loving learning how everyone's' blogs have come about. I can see you going through the list of names. This technology gets me frustrated at times!My first post had one comment and then I didn't get another comment for about 5 or 6 more posts. lol.So many nice bloggers here to meet.I love visiting you and love when you visit my blog. Blessings~Sara

Wendy @ Ravenwood Whimzies said...

Hi Robin - Oh, How I enjoyed reading about the start of your blog! As a fellow crow lover, I can well imagine your frustration when every name you wanted was taken...but I LOVE The Cranky Crow, and always enjoy my visits here.
Thanks for sharing.
Blessings

prims by olde lady morgan said...

Well ms. cranky crow! a most perfect story! I really need to do a post too... just haven't gotten my sea legs back from vacation... so little time for everything.. but, I am so glad you started that blog and we have become friends! OLM

Julie - My Primitive Heart said...

Dear Robin,
I knew there was a story behind your name and have always thought it was so very clever!! You are such a talented storyteller and I am so happy you started your wonderful blogging adventure so you could inspire and entertain all of us that love to stop in for a visit!
Thanks for sharing your story!!
Warm Hugs~~
Julie

Barb said...

Hi Robin,
Love your story and your name.
I happen to be looking at your blog one day and my son, who loves Ravens, had to stop and take a look at your crows. Then he asked if you were mean!?! I said, "No, she is very sweet." He was confused about the "Cranky" part...now I will tell him how that all came about!!
Enjoy your day!
Barb

Raymond Homestead said...

Enjoyed your story of how you arrived at your blog name. It's been fun reading about how different ones came up with their names! I like crows too, even if they are cranky ones!! ;-)

Barbara said...

Robin, so enjoyed the story of how you named your blog...I just knew it wasn't because you were a meany! LOL Love your blog...

Rhissanna said...

Lols! I can feel your desperation as you type each name and it comes up as 'taken'. And there's something a little deflating about having a name finally accepted and thinking 'Well, I'm not sure I wanted that...'. (That's how I ended up with a blog called 'Gaslight and Gilt'. It was a long way past any of my choices and I was just throwing vaguely Victorian words at the screen)

Dearest Cranky Crow, you're one of the bright stars of the Blogiverse and we wouldn't have you called anything else.

Angi at drakestone primitives country cabin said...

Just perfect.. Angi X

Pendleton Primitives said...

Thank you for sharing who you got started and all of the photos. Isn't technology amazing? I recall joining Facebook and all of my friends were shocked to see me finally on there...lol.
~Christina

Beckyjean said...

Love the story of your blog you not so cranky crow you.

I'm glad you hit that publish button for the first time. I do love reading your posts.

Have a wonderful day~Becky

peggy said...

I loved your story, and I remember some of those feelings when I first began blogging. Now because of all of you, I wouldn't trade a one of ya! Love your music too.

Lil Raggedy Angie said...

O Cranky or otherwise Im so glad you took that leap or I wouldnt be so Blessed to have you in my life . love n lil raggedy hugs