As you’ve probably noticed (!) I’ve changed RheumaBlog’s theme again. While I’m aware that it’s better to pick a “look” and leave it alone–the idea is to create a presence that’s consistent, one that your readers can trust–I keep getting bored with the “look” I’ve chosen. Sorry, readers.

Here’s the thing: While the last theme was attractive, the Swiss-dot pattern in the background looked increasingly cutesy to me. It didn’t correspond with my present, more serious mood, and I found myself not wanting to visit my own blog. Uh-oh. That’s bad enough on it’s own, but when you’re working against a bad case of writer’s block, too, it has the makings of a catastrophe.

Okay, that was a bit dramatic. But it fits, too, since “catastrophe” is how I think of  my “not writing” state. So, as I do occasionally with the furniture in my living room, I changed RheumaBlog’s look. At home, that mostly means moving things around, since actually buying different furniture is expensive and, since what I have is perfectly useable and attractive, it’s practical. Switching the room around (and cleaning it while I’m at it) makes it look fresh and new to me. It calms my itch for change and soothes my old case of wanderlust.

So, I like RheumaBlog’s new design. I feel like I’m in a familiar but more interesting setting. One nice thing about this theme is the option for changing the header. I ran across this Wassily Kandinsky piece, painted in 1915, of St. George and the Dragon a few weeks ago and decided it would work nicely as Rheumablog’s header. I’ve liked Kandinsky’s art for many years; this one, though, is special. Almost from the beginning, I’ve thought of the rheumatoid arthritis that attacks my joints as a snapping, biting, gnawing dragon and of myself as a reluctant knight, frequently battling the dragon for my health. For my life, even. And while I haven’t won yet, I’ve managed to fight my enemy to a draw many, many times.

I also like the colors the artist chose: bright primaries that nearly vibrate with life and movement. And I love the style: modern, impressionistic, almost cartoonish but full of a subtle seriousness. St. George battled and slew a dragon. Don’t we all, in one way or another? Isn’t that life itself?

Tonight I find myself once again under siege, my hands swollen and achy and my hips stiff and mean-sore. Neither keeps me from doing what I need to, but both discourage doing more than really necessary. So I’ll treat myself gently for what’s left of the day, try to sleep well, and start again tomorrow with renewed courage.

I’m not going to let that old dragon win.