Welcome Scarlet! It IS a wonderful site with lots of helpful and wise folk. Come back often and let us know how you are doing.
The message box where you type has the tools that you can use to change colors.
Some features (like a ticker and signature) come with being a member for a certain number of days and posting so many times (20 I think).
There are some GREAT tips for new members
here.
I hope to see you posting again soon