Sunday, October 31, 2010

Day Thirty One

There have been many times in my life that I have not felt that my voice was heard.  Times where I definitely had something to say, but my audience either did not listen or I felt that way.  Was I spending all of my efforts on the wrong audience?  Was the timing off for what I had to say?  How could I presenting myself to be heard in a different way? 

Man, its tough to put yourself out there in the first place.  I know I am not alone when it comes to being nervous in front of others.  But if that voice has to be heard, it just does.  We all have a voice, and whether or not you agree with someone it is still important to recognize and respect that person for sharing it.  Again, it could be bad timing...but what they have to say is important to them.  Has someone been trying to share with you?  Do you need someone to listen to you?  What do you need to add to your life to feel heard? 

Today, kids will be trick - or - treating all across the nation.  I am going to put out a challenge for each of us.  When kids come by  your  home, let them be heard.  Notice who they want to be today...ask them about that.  Give them a chance to share with you...and when the big teens come by for candy, give them some. What is the harm in letting teens enjoy a kindness from a neighbor?  That piece of candy might be the only nice thing that happens to them all week.  Let's all listen to the big kids too.  Everyone deserves to be heard, and validated.  It's a great day to celebrate people and what they have to say.  Hear them...

Todays quote:


Everytime you smile at someone, it is an action of love, a gift to that person, a beautiful thing.  ~Mother Teresa

Saturday, October 30, 2010

Day Thirty


Opening next week!!!

Today we are moving!  Ok, my family is moving our friends shop so technically we are moving...just not our stuff.  It will be a hard weekend, and we will be tired but that is ok.  We are helping our friends.
There are times in our lives where we have to think about what comes first.  Today it is people, before other things and wants...today it is not about us.  Remembering that helps to make us better examples to our kiddies.  They are helping all weekend, starting at 7:30 am.  Its cold and early too! 

I love the Storybook software for all it can help me do.  I guess it is a good friend to me and I depend on it. Books, gifts, and mugs are just a few of the things you can make.  What else can you do with the Storybook Creator program?  Check it out...I use the program for all of my designs including postcards, invitations, flyers and more. Click the link below, and get the demo version free or the full version today!


This is an example of a business postcard all designed through the Creative Memories Storybook Creator program.  My friend Bridget designed it for our friend Darwin and his big move in Golden Valley.  Visit the new shop and get amazing mechanical service on your vehicles, at a price that you can live with.

Todays quote:

Act as if what you do makes a difference.  It does.  ~William James

Friday, October 29, 2010

Day Twenty Nine

Sometime the task at hand is so big, that it seems impossible.  It is SO easy to feel like you are never going to get to the goal, and that the steps to that goal are miles apart...have you ever felt that way?

Twenty Nine days...it sure does not look like a long time, but when I think of the ups and downs over the last month it seems like forever!!!  What do I see happening in my business?  I see that a strong foundation is being carefully laid out, with every brick in place and each of those securely cemented.  I see that the people I have been meeting with are getting the very best in service that I can provide.  I see that not all interactions have to be about business, as my business is about people!  I see, and that is the important part.

Too many times it is tough to see, and although we rub our eyes it does not become any clearer.  What do you need in your life right now to really see?  How can you open your eyes to opportunities that are right in front of you?  Yesterday, a friend posted that she needed some help.  I answered the post because I can help.  I am a better person for doing those things, and it shares my beliefs with others when I can.  Can, can and can.  Life is about seeing those things and doing the right thing, just because you can.  Not that you have to, and not that its what you are supposed to do.  You can make a difference, but you have to see the chance to do so.  What can you see?  Are you looking?  Will you do what it takes to make a difference to someone?  I challenge you to do so, and feel good about being a blessing to someone else.

Today I am starting another page here on the blog.  It is all about what we can do for someone else.  It doesnt matter why there are needs, and it is not for our judgement at all.  It is just a place for us to believe in helping others just because we can.  If you are in need, please let me know.  If you can bless, please do so.

Todays quote:

We can do no great things, only small things with great love.  ~Mother Teresa



Its never too early to plan for creative fun...I hope you enjoy another blast from the past.  My Brissebunch at Christmastime 2000.  I used to make ALL of their jammies to match, boys with one color cuff and girls with another.  Poor Maddie would have four more pairs to grow into every year and she wore the same jammies for about a decade, just in different sizes.  We still have new jammies for Christmas morning, but they are not all matching anymore:)  Soon to come...I will be creating digital cards for you, and all I need is the information plus your photo and your  holidays cards are ready to print!  Watch for it.

Thursday, October 28, 2010

Day Twenty Eight

Halloween is one of my fave holidays, for the simple fact that anyone can be someone else.  Kids, adults, business people or someone out of work.  Halloween is a great escape from our everyday lives and sometimes we all need to get away.  My kids have dressed up as so many things and for years I had made cute costumes to match their idea of the perfect getup.  This is a great photo of Halloween 1999.  Maia was a hippie, Sara was a genie, Mikey was Jesse "the governor" Ventura ( he took off the pink feathered boa and bald cap), Adam was "Blue"  from Blues Clues and Maddie was Minnie Mouse. 


If you could be anyone but yourself for a day, who would it be?  I would love to know....leave me a comment today and you might just find yourself getting some blog candy!  Its a treat today along with some cool tricks...

Storybook Creator is the way I made this fast postcard photo. 

Visit my site and find out more!

Digitally, it can be a scrapbook page, photo postcard, invitation, or made into a mug, shirt, mousepad, and many more items.  Remember, I can help.  Remember that CM has the program to make these projects on your own computer.  Remember that with free digital training and a full service consultant, you can succeed!  If you are feeling like it today you would like to be somebody else, how about ask about joining my Story Stars team and being that person?

Todays Quote:

When we are no longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves.  ~Victor Frankl

Wednesday, October 27, 2010

Day Twenty Seven


Calendars, calendars...they are so helpful to keep your days on track.  My gosh, I would be totally lost without mine, thats for sure!  And what better way than personalizing them, to really enjoy them?

Why are they so helpful?  For me its easy, as they are in my face everyday with all of the tasks that I have to do.  They also show me what I love.  The one here shows me that my Dads birthday is in May of 2011, and even has his smiling face right there.  What else can you use a calendar for?  Recording family events, like baby calendars if you have seen those.  Also, its a place that everyone in your life can check for important dates.  I have used calendars to track progress,  write down funny sayings and more. 
The big idea of the day?  GET YOUR CALENDARS WORKING FOR YOU!~
Now, how cool would it be to make your own?   Creative Memories has an amazing template for calendars, and they are on SALE!  Just click on the photo above and learn more.

Todays quote:

Most of us can read the writing on the wall; we just assume it's addressed to someone else.  ~Ivern Ball

Tuesday, October 26, 2010

Day Twenty Six

Its a good day to embarass the kiddies and share a photo or two from Halloween 2003.  This quick page was fast to make, and I did not even add a story to it.  You can do it too.  Download the software and get started.  Its easy!  Creative Memories has done all the work and gives you the best, user friendly program to make your projects in.  Kids love it, adults love it, businesses love it.  Now its your turn!



Habits.  Good habits, bad habits they are all the same.  They are a comfortable way of doing things whether they are good for you or not.  Everyone has them.  Everyone has ways of either acknowledging them or ignoring them.  They are still our habits. 

Changing them, now that can be tricky.  Take for example smoking cigarettes, which I used to do btw and am not criticizing anyone for having this habit.  Ok, cigs...when I quit smoking it was not too hard.  I was pregnant with our first daughter so I had a good reason to make that change.  Even though the reason was there, so was the need to find another way to fill the void of not smoking.  Where there was a habit, another one had to replace it.  I started chewing gum to get through it.  For me it worked but everyone is different.
Do you have a habit that you are ready to change?  Maybe smoking, maybe sarcasm, maybe negativity...What do you feel is holding you back from making the habit change?  And would knowing another, better habit help to move you in that direction? 
Funny but true story.  With five kids comes many punishments over the years.  We have tried a lot of ways to redirect these kiddies, and finally found one that works nicely.  Sentences.  It sounds like prison but only is for them.  My kids have written THOUSANDS of sentences, probably tens of thousands.   Get sassy mouthed with Mom, you get to write sentences.  Keep talking back after that?  More sentences.  Hit your sister?  You get to write sentences...see how it works?  Actually, there are only two rules in our home.  Be kind, and be safe.  EVERYTHING falls under this, so give it a try.  Back up just a bit, and see how this works.  Hit your sister?  That is not kind.  You are writing 100 sentences.  They are to be used to redirect in a positive way.  Write " I will be kind to my sister" which is the behavior Mom wanted in the first place. 
What does this have to do with habits?  Its simple...they are practicing the right way.  Oh, the bonus is that you are out of the picture.  If they take all day complaining, it is up to them.  If they write fast, that is up to them.  I just need to be able to read the sentences, and they have to write them complete one at a time.  None of this I I I I I Will Will Will Will Will down the paper sides.  It is one full sentence at a time. 
Reinforce the behavior you want to change today.  Think about it and pick something small to practice.  You can do it.  Give yourself a chance, and try it out.  What have you got to lose besides a habit you did not want anyway?  Write it out if you need too, and put it up in front of you to remember where your focus is.   
Todays quote:
Your desired behavior must become just as much a habit as your undesired behavior was before.
Mike Hawkins

Monday, October 25, 2010

Day Twenty Five

What does Monday mean to you?  Do you look forward to them?  Are they the worst possible day of your week?  Do you go to sleep on Sunday night dreading the alarm that will wake you at the beginning of the next day?  Monday mornings..

Most of the time I just love Mondays!  I am SO excited to start another week, and see the potential in what can be.  Four times a month I get to start all over again, with new ideas and new possibilities.  I know it might sound crazy but when I go to bed on Sundays, I tell myself that tomorrow I get to start a new week.  I think I actually sleep better knowing that I am looking forward to Mondays.

It wasnt always that way.  When life was really handing out challenges it was harder for me to see the potential.  When things got in the way of my happiness, it was difficult to smile through it all.  Mondays were like doing it all over again.  That did not sound fun, or something that I jumped up and down to do.  But at some point my attitude changed and I directed my negative thoughts to positive.  That made all of the difference for me, and my family too. 

When we are stuck in the belief that our routine is the only routine possible, we are holding ourselves back from believing in the first place!  Mondays, potential, new beginnings, new possibilities...Look for the chance to smile.  If this sounds like a bunch of hooey, thats ok.  Over time it can become contagious, sharing a smile in the mornings.  Just do it, even when you dont want to and soon it will be come a habit.  If you are stuck, find a friend that can help to put a little joy back into your life.  Heck, email me!!!  I can call you and we can smile together:)

Mondays...its your choice if you enjoy them or not.  Have a GREAT one today!

Todays quote:

Nothing is really work unless you would rather be doing something else.  ~James Matthew Barrie

Sunday, October 24, 2010

Day Twenty Four

This morning in my house, there is nothing but peace and quiet...It is so quiet that I do not know what to do with myself!  I guess its the perfect time to reflect and think about how life is taking us all down a path.  On that path you have many choices...and what you choose not only affects you, but those that are a part of your life.  Here is a little poem that we have hanging in our home for the past twenty years or so...

Chapter 1:

I walk down the street.
There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.  I fall in.
I am lost.  I am helpless.  It isn't my fault.
It takes forever to find my way out.

Chapter 2:

I walk down the same street.
There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.  I pretend I don't see it.
I fall in again.  I can't believe I'm in the same place. 
But it isn't my fault.
It still takes a long time to get out.

Chapter 3:

I walk down the same street.
There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.  I see it is there.
I fall in.  It's a habit.  But my eyes are open.
I know where I am.  It's my fault.
I get out immediately.

Chapter 4:

I walk down the same street.
There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.
I walk around it.

Chapter 5:

I walk down a different street.

What street are you walking down?  Do you see the hole yet?  Is it time for you to take another street?  Sometimes in life there are ways to take control again and just deciding to walk down another street.  This can be SO powerful, and can help to give you the confidence you need to be strong.  There might be road construction on the other street, or even hills to walk that were not on the first one.  It is worth it though...I promise you that.  What's right for you today?  Is it time to choose a different street?

Todays quote:

For every path you choose, there is another you must abandon, usually forever.
Joan D. Vinge

Thanks to my friend Lisa for sharing her puppy pics with me so I could make this page!  They are SO cute!!!
Your pets can be stars too, just send me your cute pet pics for my newest sample book.  Or,  you can get started yourself...and make fun books, pages, prints, invites, mugs and  more with the Creative Memories Storybook Creator software.  It is fun, easy and as your consultant the training is on me:) 


Email me after you have downloaded, and I will make sure that you receive the bonus content which is worth over $700!  This is not available unless you contact me.  It is my gift to you.

Saturday, October 23, 2010

Day Twenty Three

Sometimes you just have to get a little creative, and go with the flow.  You might even find that you like the way it turns out!  Here is my example this morning...Adam turned 14 yesterday, which doesnt make me feel any older btw:)  Ha ha ha...Well, Adam was asked what the perfect birthday dinner would be and he said "SPAGHETTI TACOS."  (Thanks ICarly for that one) Off we went to go shopping!

We stopped at the grocery store to pick up a birthday pie ( Adam is a fiend for pie) and the taco shells, since we had everything else needed for this perfect dinner.  The cart filled fast as Adam asked for the following:

Birthday Pie - French Silk (YUMMM)
Taco shells
Whipped cream in a can ( just plain fun to eat)
Ice cream
Klondike bars ( more ice cream)
Orange soda from Mexico ( celebrating international cultures here)
Bendy Straws ( ask me about that one later, you angels know what we can do with those)

Ok, so we head to the cashier and it is a young guy.  I say " I bet you can tell that we are celebraing a 14 year olds birthday with this pile of random" and I thought the guy was going to call security!  He obviously skipped right through that age when growing up. 

The night was really fun, and Adam had his friend Josh over and they ate pie, played video games and drank orange pop...with an occasional spray of whipped cream to fill their mouths with in between.  It was the perfect birthday party for him.  There was a reason to celebrate, someone to hang out with, fun that he decided on and a few things just for him!  We wrapped up the fun with a little game I like to call
" 14 Questions."  All that Adam wanted for his birthday was a remote control car.  ( a very cool and expensive one) And he just wanted cash towards that.  The game was simple...answer the questions, get the cash delegated for each question.  We had so much fun!  And he knew almost all of the answers too, so that was really the bonus for him.  I gave him all of the money toward the car anyway, but it was a lot more fun to play this way.  Here is the photo of the dinner that started the night out.



All I am saying today is why not let someone shine, just because you can!  Adam had a great time, and I loved watching him enjoy it too.  It is ok to make spaghetti tacos once in a while.  And, remember to have a little random fun in your life too.

Todays Quote:

Carry out a random act of kindness, with no expectation of reward, safe in the knowledge that one day someone might do the same for you.
Princess Diana

Friday, October 22, 2010

Day Twenty Two


Can I just say...my kids are SO CUTE!  This is a photo I took years ago of our son Adam.  Today he is 14 years old.  14, and such a joy to me!  I took the time today to really watch Adam, and spend a little time with him.  It was really an eye opening experience.  Adam is an extraordinary child and really watching him taught me a lot about him. I want to do that more with my kids.  Thanks for sharing your day with me Adam!

So, when I sat down and grabbed this photo (btw, one of my faves) I wrote to him as my heart felt today.  It took very little time but it felt really good to do that and write to him on his birthday, the day we celebrate him alone.  Just like writing in a card, this is another way to express your feelings for someone.  When was the last time you really did that for someone???

Everyone knows that their kids are the cutest.  Everyone living has the chance to tell them so...are you sharing your heart in a way that they can look back on?  I sure hope so.

Hey, I dont have a lot of time either.  Playtime comes tomorrow at our once a month event.  Come and learn about the program...stay and play all day for just $15.  You can do this, and we will help.  Your family will thank you for investing the time in them.  Here is where we will be...


Have a blessed night!  Tell someone you love them today...

Todays Quote:

You don't choose your family.  They are God's gift to you, as you are to them. 

~Desmond Tutu

Thursday, October 21, 2010

Day Twenty-One

Have you ever had something big happen, then wondered what the outcome COULD have been?  I mean something so super big,  that is knocks your sox off and you are left to wonder why? 

I had a dream...not like "THE dream" but a very big dream last night...There I was going along in my dream, when something really bad happened.  Something so big that is actually woke me up and I had to wonder if it really happened.  I know, I know...its just a dream.  The weird thing is that when I laid back down, I had decided that if I looked at the details that maybe it was not what it seemed at all.  I thought about the details, and when I played it back over and over in my head, there was a twist!  A twist, that would change what I thought happened in the dream.

 Why is it that we choose to skip by the details sometime and jump to conclusions?  Yeah, there was no way I could go back to sleep this morning after that dream.  It will haunt me for a long long time.  But then in life there are those things that make you take another look, if you dare to explore it. 

What is the lesson in all of this? I think that I need to take a closer look and see things for what they truly are.  Maybe it is all about people, and seeing them.  Maybe it is about business opportunities, and seeing those in front of me.  Maybe it is about seeing...yeah, I think that is it.  Really seeing means opening your eyes, ears, heart and seeing what is there for you to experience.  Who in your life is right in front of you?  Who do you see when you truly " see"?  What would you want to see if you really believed that  you could?

Today, take a peek and see what I see.  A life full of people that are blessings to me.  A pet that loves unconditionally.  A job that I love, where I can help others to see.   Do you see what I see?

Another amazing two minutes photo page.  Again, predesigned and all you do is pick your template, and drag your photo into the frame that actually says " drop photo here".  Next click where it says " click to add text".  Hey, if you can email?  You can totally do this too.  Get your Storybook Creator now right here.


Todays quote:


It's not what you look at that matters, it's what you see.  ~Henry David Thoreau


Wednesday, October 20, 2010

Day Twenty

CRASH!!!!  Yeppers, it is amazing how much we depend on those computers.  Once we put our entire lives into them, they laugh in our faces and jump off the cliff without a parachute.  Guess what???  My computer sits right now laughing...next to me here as I use my Moms Mac.  Hmmm...Mac.  not what I am used to at all. I guess I should be grateful for the chance to be online for a bit today. 

Life throws curves all the time.  I tell myself that it will be ok for today and then WHAM!  Something jumps off a cliff.  Really?  What can I do? 

First, realize that it is my own fault for not having that external hard drive I was warned to have.  I could have had a backup plan.  I chose not too and now I am paying, big time. 

And two, when life hands your lemons...make something out of it.  If you don't know how to make lemonade or just plain don't like it, then make something else!!!  If you still can't, then find a friend to help you.  If you absolutely must have that pity party, do it and move on.  It is ok to have those times where you just get so stuck.  I am going to smile and take the rest of the day off from computer stuff.

Todays quote:

The person you are, is the person you have chosen to be.
An Annette original:)

Tuesday, October 19, 2010

Day Nineteen

Caution:  cute baby photo below!  Be prepared to smile and celebrate baby's first steps.

Remember when we would bring a roll of film in to be developed and waited days for it to be ready?  Remember getting to the store and ripping open the pack to find the photos we would cherish for a long time?  Did you get to the car, unable to wait and open it right there?  There is something amazing about getting your photos printed out, and holding them in your hands...

Now imagine putting together a photo book with digital photos, or scanning old photos to use.  Now you can hold those memories in your hands again, and share them too!!!  If you have photos, or take photos it might be your time to organize and share your memories.

I am working on a baby book celebrating those tiny hands and feet we all love.  Baby smiles, baby hugs, baby snuggles  and baby funnies.  This is one page I made this morning while driving to Morris, dropping off our Sara at her college after a long weekend.  It was really fun to have her watch me create it, but really cool also to see her feel celebrated!  I told her how much fun it was to watch her learn to walk.  We shared baby stories IN THE CAR!  I love that this program is on my computer, as when this page was finished we took a look through her folder showing all of the photos we have in Memory Manager.  There are many boxes full of printed photos yet to scan, but she sure loved that we had these ready to look at.  Next it was Maddies time, as she was also in the car this morning.  We looked at folders containing our kitty Purrfect, Maddie, Sara, Birthdays, Christmas...it was really cool!  It was a great way to spend the drive.

Tonight is our Tecki Tuesday. Please come and learn with us as we help you treasure your  memories.  Bring a few photos, we can scan and put them into Memory Manager for you.  You can then see how cool it is to USE your photos instead of just taking them.  Remember, this is my full time job now and I am excited to see YOUR stories!  I am here to coach you through it.  Laptop not required:)

Todays Quote:

Big shots are only little shots who keep shooting.  ~Christopher Morley


Monday, October 18, 2010

Day Eighteen

Staying positive is so important, but surrounding yourself with people that really help you gain that belief is my secret.  Who is in your life that truly believes in you.  When you look in the mirror, do you see the same person that they do?   What inspires you to believe in yourself, and the things that you can achieve?

An example of one person like this is my friend Heather. I can call her when things are not going as planned and she listens without  judgement.  She might have a lot to say about what I am "spewing" about, but she is one person that I know is on my side and believes in me.  Its one of those friendships that changes your life.  Wouldnt it be nice to have a list of friends like that?  People that truly are there for you?

Tomorrow I am definitely making that list.  The list of the people in your life that support you, and believe in you...why?  When I might be struggling to accomplish my goals, it will be really nice to make a phone call to someone that can keep me believing.  I guess that will be my "phone a friend" plan.  :)

Are you looking for friends that you can connect with?  Friends that believe in you and your dreams?  I know where you can find them.  Sharing something in common with others just  might be what you need.  Visit us at Tecki Tuesday and find out what its all about.  You just might find a group of new friends that will help you believe in yourself, even when you cant.  Join us for girls night out!!!

Be a STORY STAR!

 Tuesday October 19th, bring your scanner and laptop or just come to learn more about managing photos and organizing them in Memory Manager.  Also, Storybook Creator lesson and learn something amazing.  This is an example of digital fun, and a lesson we learned at Tecki Tuesday on tag making.


My daughter made this for her friends birthday party.  It was a cute dollar store frame and a 5 x 7 photo featuring her friends name.  WOW!  You can do it too, and we will teach you how.


Todays Quote:

Sunday, October 17, 2010

Day Seventeen

Why is it that new toys are SO FUN to play with?  Ask yourself, what is the last new "thing" that made you smile?  For many of us it is a new car, new furniture, or even that manicure.  For many of us it is a bit more personal...For example, my friend Roberta has new grandbabies!  Just look at her little collection of smiles just in the last four years!




I put a call out to my facebook friends asking for pictures of their cute babies.  I am definitely changing the call, from babies to cute kiddies.  This photo just beams with the excitement of new babies and it is so much better with the older kids included.  Thanks to all of my friends for sending me the cute photos...and keep sending them!  This book wants more pages filled...

New babies are a blessing, and bring so many smiles to everyone around them.  Is it the potential of this new life?  Is it a fulfillment where there has been a void?  Does this new baby bring hope for better days? 

Today, I am going to look for hope...in my everyday life.  Notice the potential and the hope.  What brings a smile to my face?  I know it will include celebrating my 14 year olds birthday with family.  Today, his life is about hope and potential.  What a blessing!

Saturday, October 16, 2010

Day Sixteen

I believe, I believe...

Have you ever seen the movie, "The Secret"?  I think it would be a really neat movie to show all middle schoolers and have them see just what they can do with the power to believe in themselves.  Today I am off for a wonderful day full of creative fun at my friend Becky's Gala.  She puts these into place twice a year and WOW!  60 women are coming this time to play all day.  Why is it a success?  Its all about Becky, and the way she hosts this event. 
Helping others to believe in themselves is the magic behind making a difference, to me anyway.  Today I am excited to learn, share, laugh and search for more creative fun than I can imagine...I believe.  Who can you help do the same???

Todays Quote:

Few really believe.  The most only believe that they believe or even make believe. 
~John Lancaster Spalding

Friday, October 15, 2010

Day Fifteen

Todays going to be a good, good day!  Hey, did you ever see this video? It is from Oprah Winfreys 24th year show opener.  They sure surprised her!  Whether you are an Oprah fan or not, it is VERY cool and super inspiring to me.  Here is the link...IVE GOT A FEELING  Just click to see the flash mob video.  Just watch the energy multiply!

Today is a fruitful Friday in my storybook.  I decided to TOTALLY embarass the kiddies today and show them off in their normal everyday grubbiness.  I guess since it was 1999, they were partying hard cause they look like a little train wreck!  What started as one little girl soon became the Brissebunch!  Our fmaily mascot is the rabbit, as one friend put it to us...Brisse's multiply!  Again...its fruitful Friday!

So today, spread the word and be fruitful...share what is good in your life with someone that needs to hear it.  Be there for more people than you think you have the energy for.  Inspire someone that needs to be held up when there seems to be no up!  Do it, and watch the energy grow...really, it is always better to do for others.  It makes you grow as well:)  The page?  Oh yeah, it was made in Storybook Creator.  How long did it take me?  Two minutes.  I picked a pre-designed page, dragged the photo into the frame, and added the text.  No more excuses, just try it...for goodness sakes lets get together and you can do it on my computer to see that it is just this easy!  Take the time, and make a difference.  Embarass your kids today!

Todays quote:

Everyone has to learn to think differently, bigger, to open to possibilities.
- Oprah Winfrey

Thursday, October 14, 2010

Day Fourteen

Did you ever try to fit something into another something and it just would not fit???  Take for example dinner last night.  I had leftovers, and knew that the plastic container that I wanted to use would be the right size to keep them in.  So I grabbed the pan and slid in the food...until it slid over the top and slid onto the counter, and then onto the front of my clothes.  DUMB!  :)  Ok, so what could I do?  Following the frustration, and a few choice words for wearing white on pasta day, I thought about what I was trying to do and picked a different container!  One that fit, period.

I guess today's little lesson is about finding a way to make things fit.  You just can't force much in this life, and finding a way to make it work seems a little better.  Not as much fun sometimes, but really...do you want to fight to force something to work?  I think not.

Here is a a page print that I made this morning of my 13 year old Adam.  Read the page journaling and you can see how he loves rc cars and everything about them.  I made the page with a pre-designed page in the Discover Grunge papers which are perfect for boys and their toys!  I did move the photos about, and change to add a blue shadow behind the elements.I thought it added a lot and it is so easy once you know
what to do.


Ok, so today how about working to make things fit, instead of trying to force things to move for you...really, isnt it much easier to turn and go with the flow of river rather than fighting against the current and trying to go upstream?  Some of the rivers in my life have unbelievable current.  What about yours???

Todays quote:
The difference between try and triumph is a little umph.  ~Author Unknown


Remember that we train you each Tuesday night for free on our Memory Manager and Storybook Creator software or at any other time we can get together.  That is what being a consultant is to me...taking care of you and helping you grow as you work on your photo solutions.

Wednesday, October 13, 2010

Day Thirteen

Looking back oh, about 30 years now I remember when we got our first microwave.  I was not impressed at all.  So, as a teen I heard that we could cook faster.   Why was that impressive?  Why was my family so excited about this new $800 toy?  Yes, I said $800 and that normal for them when they came out.

Well my family was excited, and a little scared of the power of it.  In fact, although I was the youngest at about 15, my Mother wondered if she should set the childproofing on it so that nothing could accidently happen. She decided against it.  Bad idea...as my brother came home from college that week and blew the thing up by accident.  Seriously, he put his little contact lens case ( closed) into water to "sanitize" them faster than on the stove in a pan.  That was an AHA moment, when the first time it was used he shot his case through the top of the microwave.  At least that is the way I remember it...

Whats the lesson?  New technology can be scary, and expensive too.  Looking back it sure was intimidating to try using that microwave.  And now?  We could not live without it!  It is the same with the CM Storybook Creator Software.  It is such a blessing to have this available and my gosh, the memories that are being shared now just because some people are trying it.  It wont be long at all before you are looking back and saying " gosh, I love this and I am so glad I tried it."  You have the microwave for shortcuts, how about getting Storybook Creator and finding out how shortcut your scrapbooking? 



Sharing today, I wanted to show a photo I took this morning.  I was flipping through some 95 year old National Gepgraphic magazines from my grandparents and out dropped this postcard from 1919.  How cool is that?  The very idea that this memory was saved, and now shared is exactly what I am talking about!!!  A relative from 100 years ago wrote of how she had a good time at the Menominee carnival, and that a wrestler in the family won $10!  Also saw the circus at the same time...and just enjoyed her vacation.  It was very cool reading about someones memories.  Who is important enough in your life to remember?  To cherish with a scrapbook, storybook, digital page?  Maybe its time to give that WOW gift this holidays season, the gift of memories.  Maybe its time to get started helping others create books.  Is it your time?

Todays Quote:

Don't wait. The time will never be just right.

Napoleon Hill

Tuesday, October 12, 2010

Day Twelve

Dude, really???  Today the lists are long, the time is short and I am behind the eight ball already!  With enough time to do 20 things and 30 on my list?  Seriously...let the babbling begin.  Have you ever thought this way?  Is it just me with 5 kids, 5 loads of laundry, 150 miles to drive, a speech to give tonight and no ink in the printer?  I need a bigger plate, cause there is a lot on mine today.

Realistically, most of my days are packed just like this.  But I am not alone, most people have a busy life...its how we approach it that makes or breaks us when feeling overwhelmed.  What can you do when there is so much to do?  How can you smile when you want to cry? 

Its simple, keep it simple.  Start with one little thing and do it well.  Give yourself permission to finish your coffee, or pet the cat.  I am not saying relax all day and the responsibilities go away.  I am just saying you need to enjoy LIFE and live while you do it.

Sure, there is a lot to do.  Thats ok, or life would be super boring.  Just do your best, and remember to enjoy the people in your day.  You have no idea how your own attitude can change the heart of someone that is struggling.  You may BE the one struggling and someone may decide to go the extra mile and help you out.  You can choose to be the person that you want to be.  Who is that person?  Ask yourself, what do you need in your life today?  I promise, its ok to start your day with that question...and remember to live life.

Todays quote:

Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow. The important thing is not to stop questioning.
Albert Einstein

Monday, October 11, 2010

Day Eleven

Ten days into this plan and guess what?  The plan has changed...It has changed in a BIG WAY!!  My heart is full and my mission is in place.  Of course the idea to succeed is still there, but instead of "making" it, my goal is now to share it with as many people possible.  90 Days is a start, and a good one.  There are to be many days following that bring success in so many ways. 
After Croptoberfest this weekend and the way I felt while others shared their scrapbooks with me, I did a little soul searching.  I was cleaning out some boxes full of projects I had made long ago when I came across a scrapbook of my own.  Hmmm...I did not remember making it at all.  It was of a trip to Colorado 11 years ago with the kids and hubby, and his sister who came along.  There were photos, journaling and everything.  This is a genuine scrapbook, no matter how you look at it.  Well, I sat right down there on the floor and poured over every page.  It brought me right back to that trip, the one that I had almost forgot we even took.  My daughter Maddie came down and got right into it too.  She didnt care that it was not perfect, that my handwriting was scarecly neat.  She did not notice how none of the pages matched in color, or that I cut the photos crooked...She loved it!  She brought it upstairs for all to see and shared it with them...while I sat on the floor wondering if I had made any other scrapbooks.  I remember making one for Maddies first year, but do not know where it is now.  I bet she would do about anything for me to find it.  I will look again today.
Even if we do not remember creating these books, the outcome is the same.  To look back and share the stories of our lives is a blessing to us, and those that we care about.  After I am long gone, they can still remember that trip through photos and journaling.  This photo shows you that even a simple scrapbook, one that I will not apologise for not looking "perfect", or made with any CM products can bring a story back to life. 

Just do it...get your memories ready to share and do it.  Whether on paper, digitally, it does not matter so long as you get started while you can.  I am SO glad I did.

Todays Quote:

Go for it now.  The future is promised to no one.  ~Wayne Dyer

Sunday, October 10, 2010

Day Ten

Clearly, when I woke up this morning at 9am it was a total shock to me...that is four hours later than most mornings and if I had not heard a slamming door I probably would have slept a little longer.  Why?  I guess I needed more sleep than I thought I did.  So comes the question, what do you need?  And are we listening to the needs we have?  Is it more family time, more flexibility in your schedule, more satisfaction of a job well done, support from friends, or creative time?  What do you need???

 As a Mom, I see it often that women are afraid to see what they need and ask for it.   What are you looking to add to your life right now?  Why not put yourself first, and ask the questions. 

Yesterday I was really blessed to be a part of Croptoberfest, a weekend long event full of scrapbooking fun.  Yes, I actually said scrapbooking...and its ok.  At the event, the participating women created 206 brand new pages packed full of memories of the people in their lives.  Two examples stick out in my mind and I would like to tell you about them.

One was a new Mom with an 18 month old baby...she came with a stack of photos and was going to work on her sons first year of life.  This Mom sat down and got to work, and last night finished an AMAZING album that her child will cherish, her husband will be proud of her for creating and her own heart bursting with accomplishment.  She did it...completed her mission and the album is just beautiful.  In under 24 actual hours she had us all clapping for her.   Tomorrow she is sending the cover off to our imprinting to customize it for her baby boy.  Just look at her beaming!
The second example that I have, I could kick myself for not getting a photo of.  A young woman the next table over brought her album over to me and asked if I would like to take a look at it.  I was really excited to do that.  She told me how her boyfriend was in the service, and that this was HIS book.  HE was doing the photos, and journaling his experiences in it.  She was really proud of him and it showed.  The first page I opened was a photo of him and his group, and a title with words below the photo.  He was standing in the middle of the photo in fatigues.  This serviceman had taken his memories and created this page digitally and I never knew it.  They had used a traditional album and inserted a digital print into it...and I was awestruck.  The idea that everyone has a story to share and that everybody, even those in the war can share those stories really hit hard and I am SO blessed to have the chance to read his story.  He is still working on it, and there are still empty pages to fill.  I hope I get to see it when they are complete.  Thankyou for sharing with me.

All I can say is WOW!  The weekend full of scrapbooking has a lot more meaning for me now.  I absolutely know 100% that this business is about people, and not sales.  I believe in the mission CM has and will look for even more opportunities to share that with others.  These two different stories from our event will be with me for a very long time.  Thank you for putting stories together to be shared, with all that care to remember.

Todays quote:

There is no delight in owning anything unshared.
-Seneca (Seneca the Elder)

Saturday, October 9, 2010

Day Nine

Nine days in, and the excitement is almost overwhelming...Remember when you were a little kid, and Christmastime was so exciting with all of the fun traditions, seeing cousins and the decorations were so amazing?  That is how I feel each morning, and I cant WAIT to get started!  Today is a great day:)

Sharing is a big part of my life and today I am sharing two things...First a photo of the completed project from yesterdays post.  My daughter made this digitally for her friend.  Maddie went to the birthday party last night and guess what?  The friend loved it and so did her friends!  This is a special celebration of Soli, and how unique she is.  What a blessing to have appreciated her individuality.   Putting it into the frame last night was completing the project.  It is wonderful to start new things, but remember to complete them.  There is great satisfaction in the accomplishment.  Plans need to work toward goals, and completion is one part of that.  And so...TA DA!  The name in a frame, birthday present for Maddies friend Soli!


It really pops, don't you think?  Who do you know would love to get one of these this holiday season?  Think about this...spelling JOY, NOEL, PEACE or any other special word...and remember names too!

What do you want to complete?  Organize your photos so that you can celebrate the memories?  Tell a story of a trip, favorite relative, recipe collection?  It is all up to you.  You can complete cool stuff like I do!

Learn more here:  STORYBOOK CREATOR SOFTWARE

Not to "cheapen" this by telling you the actual cost, but I think you can understand the value is not price. 
Frame $1 ( Dollar Tree)
5 x 7 Photo print $1.50 ( Walgreens one hour service)
Value...priceless

Saturday October 23rd is another fabulous project day where you can hang out with us creating with digital for just $10.  From 10am-10 pm we will be at our fave place Scrappin-n-Chattin

Todays quote:

" We would accomplishment many more things if we did not think of them as impossible."

Vince Lombardi

Friday, October 8, 2010

Day Seven

"MOM!  I need a birthday gift...and card too!"  My first thought is that we can make these for the birthday girl, but remembering how my kids value those cash gifts so much almost had be turning from the creative side.  I sat down with Maddie last night to start on her friends gift.  We decided to create one of our favorite things. A " name in a frame".  With so many unique names out there, it is tough to find something personalized.  I grew up with the name Annette, and the only thing with my name on it as a kid was a kitchen magnet.  Not the girly kind of personalization I would have loved as a young girl.  Here is what Maddies friend will receive tonight at the party, in a cute black photo frame of course.



Personalized, special, unique, one of a kind...these are all words that describe this gift from the heart.  That is really what giving is all about, and what I want my daughter to remember.  I just know Soli will love this!

Be unique, in whatever you do.  My goal today is to appreciate the special things that make each person individual, and to celebrate that!  And to encourage my kids to give of themselves in ways that nobody else can.  How cool is that?

Whether writing storybooks, making gifts and other projects or just organizing my photos, Creative Memories has given me the ability to personalize my memories.  The holidays are coming and with Storybook Creator Plus software you can make mugs, books, pages, and more. 
Click here  and be just Minutes to a creative solution

Todays quote:

"Always remember you're unique, just like everyone else”

Thursday, October 7, 2010

Day Seven

Recipe for success:

1.  Gather ingredients
2.  Follow recipe
3.  Enjoy success

It seems so simple.  But there is one thing missing...what are we trying to make?  We have to decide on what we are looking to add to our table in order to know what recipe we want to look for in the first place...right? 

This morning we had french toast and I just had to take a few shots of the finished product.  Expected results from following the plan that works out each time.  Here is a page I created quickly from this mornings breakfast.  I started with a blank page and added a few quick embellishments like the recipe card.
  
Does it look good to you?

If you were to start using the Creative Memories software to make digital stuff like me, what would it need to add to your life?  What do you want? 

More time to create?
Quick pre-designed pages that help you look like a pro?

Beautiful results for the non-tecki like me...this program is perfect for the beginner and grand enough for the expert!  And you get a personal consultant to teach you how to use it? 

Get it here today, and start making these memories " live" again!
STORYBOOK CREATOR

Todays quote:

"Failures don't plan to fail; they fail to plan”

Wednesday, October 6, 2010

Day Six

Have you ever joined a group like Weight Watchers?  These are groups of people with something in common, and they share progress as they work to achieve their goals.  They meet regularly, and support eachother as they work through challenges, offering ideas to one another.   One of the main reasons a program like that works so well is the accountability factor.  It works!  Someone else knows what you have set your mind to, and they can help to keep you on track.

One of the reasons to write this blog tracking my first 90 days as a full time CM consultant was accountability.  Writing your goals out, and tracking them along the way to your achievements helps to keep you aware of the time spent working toward them.  Making them public, well that helps too. 

Today, I am sharing a big goal that I have.  I am working to earn a CM trip to Cancun in February.  This will be just in time for our 25th wedding anniversary on Valentines Day 2011.  It would be SO fun to take my hubby away from the home life and share a very cool memory with him.   I have a chart with steps to follow, and the support I need in my CM sisters and company.  It is completely up to me to make it happen now.

This morning I am getting the word out.  Today is my first day in a networking group that I am visiting where other business people will share their businesses with me, and I can with them with ideas as well.  It is time to make my business public, and let everyone know that I am here to help them with their photo solutions while achieving my goals. 

Tips:

Find a goal buddy or group
Share your goals publicly
Track your progress

Today's Quote:

"Shoot for the moon.  Even if you miss, you'll land among the stars."  ~Les Brown

Tuesday, October 5, 2010

Day Five

Five Golden Days!

Looking back on my first five days full time with CM, I am wondering where the time went?   There is no doubt in my mind that time slips away during the day, no matter where you are working. just because I am sitting at my desk, or making phone calls does not mean that each minute is as effective as it can be.

So, how do I make my days more efficient, producing the best results?  Today it is time to schedule my days. Balance is the key, and my Mother always said " everything in moderation."  That means everything must be scheduled so that I do  not miss out on what needs to be done.    Creative time, team time, customer care time, it all has to fit into my new plan. I think it is time.

CM has an amazing training online.   I will first check out the recommendations they provide. One of the most common lessons business people repeat is to " work smarter, not harder".  There is absolutely no reason to start over when there could be perfectly good outlines to follow. 

Today I am sharing one of my favorite page prints with you, and the theme?  TIME~!  It sure flies.



Todays quote: 
 "Time is what we want most, but... what we use worst."  ~Willaim Penn

Monday, October 4, 2010

Day Four

This morning we welcome brand new Story Star Melinda!  We are all excited to have you be a part of our team success! We are here to help and are so happy you are here with us.

Today is Monday morning and I am all set to take on the challenge to make this business a success.  There is something amazing about Mondays.  Either we are happy to start a new week, or crabby about doing the same thing all over again.  Your Monday attitude is your choice.  I like to believe it is a smile day!

Today my new routine starts and the first thing on the agenda is of course a Monday meeting with Bridget, my CM Mama.  This is motivating for us both and a great way to start the week. We are accountable to eachother for the decisions we make in our businesses and its just more fun to succeed with others.  Todays tasks?  Checking progress on the trip chart, with points earned for business successes that will earn a trip to Cancun for myself and hubby. It will be just in time for our 25th anniversary!  This is a big goal, and one that must be measured in small steps and achievements along the way.  You can do it too. Whatever you are working toward in life, write the big goal out and the steps it will take to get there.  Tracking the steps makes it so much easier to apply and before you know it, you have hit the goal! 

Today I am sharing my business card, which is a 4 x 6 photo.  I am in the business of photos, so it is fun to use a photo to show off what the program can do.  It is easy to update ( I can just print out how many I need for the month at Walgreens or CVS) and is fun to change for the seasons too.  It is all in the
Storybook Creator software from Creative Memories!


Todays quote:

"Positive thinking will let you do everything better than negative thinking will."

Zig Zaglar

Sunday, October 3, 2010

Day Three

 Today is the Twin Cities Marathon and it runs right in front of my Mom house in Minneapolis!  Maddie and I slept over here after my brothers 50th birthday party last night and we are all set to take some photos this morning.  Fall colors, beautiful parkway and runners with one thing on their mind.  To achieve a goal they set their minds to.  I would bet that they did not wake up this morning to the idea of running a 26 mile marathon, but decided long ago and trained for this in many ways.  I can imagine that the runners have different goals, some to finish and some to win. Some just to participate...11,ooo individual runners and all with a goal somewhat different than the runner next to them. 

WIN.  Although it is just a few letters, it can be a mighty word with much power to change.  Deciding to achieve, now that is where I am.  The goal is on my mind, and the decision to succeed has been made.  I cannot express just how excited I am personally about encouraging others to make their goals, and share how celebrating their memories is success.  Whatever your own memory goals are, take the time to enjoy the successes along the way. 

Here is a page print from last nights party for my brother David's 50th birthday. 


Digital photography is everywhere, even on our phones. We are taking billions of photos, and its time to do something with them...If it looks like something you would like to try, why not?  Never decide something is just too hard to do, unless you have tried.  Then get some help learning how.  Creative Memories Storybook Creator is set up for all of us.  Those that want to simply drop and drag photos, and those that want to create their own projects from scratch.  You can do it too! Take a minute to check it out here  DIGITAL LIFE

Todays quote:

Win as if you were used to it, lose as if you enjoyed it for a change.

Ralph Waldo Emerson

Saturday, October 2, 2010

Day Two

YAY!  It is the weekend, and I am really looking forward to family time.  Today our 12 year old daughter Madison has a tennis tourney, her first and I am excited to take photos, meet other Moms and share the fun with her.  She is going to be so  happy when she wakes up to see it will be beautiful outside!  I hope she loves being there and captures the whole experience in her heart!  About two months ago, this was not something that would be on the calendar...here is the story.

My youngest daughter had not been involved with an organized sport yet.  I decided to make a master decision and sign the kid up for fall activities after school.  You can imagine that went over like I had scheduled all of her teeth be pulled at the dentist!  Why?  Because with change, naturally there is resistance.

Madison was literally so upset that we would force her to play tennis, that she was not open to the idea at all.  She thought it was a huge punishment and that there was no way she would like it.  She went the first day, had an awful ride home on the bus and we thought she would never go back...but with encouragement she did!  Over the next few weeks she found new friends and playing tennis after school is something that she looks forward to.  Practicing something new has given her more self-confidence and she discovered that she serves really well.  Only through the encouragement of someone else could she start something new and begin to believe in herself and her new tennis skills. 

That brings us to today.  The tennis tourney, district wide.  I am excited for her, she is excited to be a part of it and it will be something to look back on as a fond memory for years to come!   Whether she wins or not, the fact that she embraced her new sport and learned to play is the win in my  heart.

Change can mean challenging yourself to do something new and different and that's OK.  It could bring new friend and skills into your life you might otherwise miss out on.  Challenge...big word, are you up for it? 

Speaking of challenge, someone else took one on yesterday...
A big shout out to my newest addition to the Story Stars team, Leann!  Welcome!!!  We are excited that you are here with us and can't wait to see how you challenge yourself with Creative Memories.  We are here to support you as  you take off!  You're a STAR!!!

Today's quote:

There are no great people in this world, only great challenges which ordinary people rise to meet.
William Frederick Halsey, Jr.

Friday, October 1, 2010

Day One

WOW!  Today is the first today of my new success plan.  I am SO EXCITED!  Today is my first day as a full time Creative Memories consultant.  For the next 90 days, I am committed to blog each step I make in my journey to the top.  These steps will be the foundation for a business I have chosen and will be a part of my path to helping others in the very same thing.

I was VERY picky when I chose to be a part of Creative Memories.  It is the one that was best choice for me.   I love looking at photos and the remembering the stories behind each one!  My camera is always with me and I capture as many images as I can...although I am not a professional photographer, I do have a passion to getting that memory!  My friends and family will validate my photo taking...and they are usually gracious to smile often:)   In addition CM has a great pay structure, provides training and incentives, and is the foundation for scrapbooking.  I am a digital girl, with very little tecki experience and if I can enjoy it I know anyone can!

The team.  This morning I was excited to start the day and I ran across a travel brochure from years ago.  I thought about the memories from the family trip we had there.  Boy, it was so much fun to have everyone there enjoying it together.  Its always more fun when you bring others with you on a trip and this is no exception.  I am truly blessed with a team of amazing girls that love what they do!  We have a 100% success rate with activating new consultants on our team and want to help you achieve it too!  We are here to help you, encourage you, inspire you, celebrate with you, learn with you, and we can't wait to meet you!  Make the choice to join our Story Stars team and change your future! 

You might have noticed that above I underlined the words choice, chose and chosen.  Whatever you are working to achieve, I want you to remember that you have chosen to make it happen.  That is a very powerful word, choice.  When the kids are fighting, remember that you chose to have a family.  At work when you are frustrated, remember that you probably had a choice when you took that position.  Stuck in traffic?  That commute was your choice...Hard to hear, but ask yourself the question while looking in the mirror.  Did I make this choice?  Where am I going with this? Only you can choose to succeed.  Do you want it?  If you do, then make the choice to do it, just like I am.

Today's quote:

"Live by example, not by excuse"