I've tried roller, but haven't been able to access the webpages. It also seems to be a project on its last legs. Wordpress sounds heavyweight for just a personal blog.
Google "Lightweight blogging software" - there's dozens of different blog engines on several different frameworks.
I used to use CHYRP, but like the BORG, resistance is futile, and moved to Wordpress.
I got to say some of JRoller sites appeal to my eye, clean, reminds me of nicely formatted newsletters:
http://www.jroller.com/aalmiray/
http://jroller.com/robwilliams/
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