Block Modification Recent Status updates

[IrishInsanity]

Hello. I'm trying to figure out how to make a simple "what's on your mind?" block.  If it's feasible I was thinking one could just edit the default "Recent Status Updates" Block to only have the "What's on your mind?" box and not display recent status updates underneath.

 Ultimately I'm making something that looks like this, a block that I can put on my front page to make it even easier for my users to update their statuses and all that fun stuff.

or even better would be this without the title bar thing at the top,

 Unfortunately I just have the idea and not the knowledge on how to execute it. If there is any kind souls out there that could help me achieve my dream, you would have my eternal respect and appreciation. =D