Once Upon a Lens

New Year Goals

biggirlblue — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 09:15:24 +0000

2009 was a busy year with many projects on the go but Squidoo lens building was never far from my mind. It is still just as fun as when I first started, maybe more so with all the added features and support that are offered.

This past week I hit a major milestone in the world of lens building. It both shocks and thrills me — 200 lenses.

And here is no end in sight. My main goal for 2010? 100 more lenses!

All the best squids!

Summer Lens Rejuvenation

biggirlblue — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 19:59:20 +0000

Over eight weeks in July and August I participated in Squidoo’s first summer school for 2009. There were something like forty-seven participants and every week we put ourselves to the challenge of creating a new lens according to guidelines set out by our instructors.

It was a great way to push ourselves into making new lenses, try new formats and network with other squids doing the same activity. It’s amazing (and inspiring) to see how practically everyone had a different interpretation of the same exercises.

Here are the eight lenses I produced for the assignments as well as the school lens I created to document the process:

Before summer school was over I was signing up to participate in Squidoo’s Buddy Up program to introduce new people to Squidoo lensmaking. And while many were not as excited about it as I have been I am sure there are some future giant squids in my pack. Here is my Buddy Up lens introducing some of their work. Please stop by and visit some of my buddies lenses and make their day.

Participating in these extracurricular activities at Squidoo has been a great way to rejuvenate my summer lens building. If you get the opportunity I highly recommend it.

First Purple Star Lens

biggirlblue — Sun, 19 Apr 2009 20:38:05 +0000

One of the benefits of being a Giant Squid is being giving the royal treatment. Squidoo just instituted the new Purple Star status for exceptional lenses by Giant Squids. Besides getting a kick in the lensrank chosen lenses also get a lovely purple star in the lens bio.

One of my lenses was chosen as one of the first inductees for purple star status:

First Purple Star at Squidoo on 12seconds.tv

Two New Lenses

biggirlblue — Sat, 24 Jan 2009 01:01:49 +0000

Slowly but surely I’m tinkering away at new lenses. I haven’t had the time to produce the same number I could when I started but the list is still growing and eventually the lenses on reserve will be active. My goal is to have my reserve lenses active and only have 2 or 3 on reserve at a time come summer.

Today I’d like to introduce you to:

Plus Size Active Wear – a listing of online shops to find quality plus size active wear.
BigGirlBlue’s Favorite Squidoo Modules – a listing of my favorite modules and how to use them.

Have a great weekend!

Feedback Requested

biggirlblue — Sun, 04 Jan 2009 20:20:27 +0000

Can I get some feedback on my Megan Fox Tattoos lens please. Four people have rated it 3 stars or less. And the Health check tells me the title, intro title, primary tag and star rating all need work. The first three say exactly what the lens is about so I don’t see how they could need work. I used a variety of modules and I show and explain the tattoos. I’ve even provided a link to another lens that goes more in depth on her thoughts and feeling. Do you think people are voting on whether they like her tats rather than the actual lens?

Thank you in advance.

Lost Ground

biggirlblue — Thu, 25 Dec 2008 17:32:11 +0000

My Write Prompts lens has been in the Top 100 Lenses since October 2008. I was astonished and excited about having my first lens place here. It’s been hovering in and out of the higher numbers for the last week and a few days ago completely left. And now it’s ranking at 264! I feel like it’s fallen from grace.

It’s funny how something as silly as rank can have such an effect on someone’s emotions. When I wasn’t near the top 100 I never gave much thought to it being there. I went about my business updating every week and enjoying it. Now, that I’m out, I feel personally wounded.

My logical mind tells me that with so many lenses being made every day that I’m lucky I was there for as long as I was but my wounded vanity has other thoughts which are obviously winning out at the moment.

Does anyone else go through such silly emotions with their lenses?

Latest Lens Updates

biggirlblue — Mon, 15 Dec 2008 02:47:48 +0000

It’s been a while since I have posted any lens updates in my SquidBlog. I don’t have a ravenous amount to introduce but I do have eight. Please welcome the following:

People

Books and Such

The Awakening by Kate Chopin (it was suppose to be in Squid Lit)
The Books from Oprah’s Book Club

Food

Mac and Cheese Updated

Plus Size Related

Plus Size Santa Suits

Big Girl Music

Big and Chunky

Cheers and Happy Holidays to all!

Overwhelmed

biggirlblue — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 19:08:22 +0000

I’ve feeling strangely overwhelmed… what do you guys do to get yourself back on track?

A Sweet Christmas

biggirlblue — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 01:51:59 +0000

The last week I spent time preparing the following sweet lenses, just in time for Christmas:

Enjoy!

Blended Matcha

biggirlblue — Sat, 01 Nov 2008 20:56:30 +0000

I have updated my Blended Matcha lens with photos, and links to other matcha related recipes.

I was surprised at how long it took me to update this lens today but now it’s done and I feel better having completed it.

Have a great November 1st everyone!