St Patrick's Day

wanted to wish you all a Happy St Patrick's Day.  Many of us have different traditions.  I am not a cabbage eater, so no coleslaw or cabbage for me.  No corned beef either...I think it's the vinegar.  I just can't take the aroma of it Blech!  I know many of you enjoy it, and have at it.  I'll be curling up in my blankets in front of the fire, watching John Wayne & Maureen O'Hara in the Quiet Man.  Who knows I may find myself a leprechaun & a pot of gold.

More Snow Geese & Tundra Swans

Today I took my daughter out of school about 20 minutes early today so that we could get ahead of the after school/work traffic and we ventured out to Middle Creek.  It was a good day, not a lot of crowding of the people today.  It was partly cloudy and the mercury climbed up to 48F degrees today with a light breeze.  Our favorite spot was full, so we drove to the east side of the lake and walked a trail to the lake's edge.  The lake was still solidly frozen!  Much to my surprise.  There was very little open water so the birds were all condensed in a very small area.  We were about 300 yards from the birds.

Lizzie found several feathers that made the trip back home & most likely will end up in a scrapbook with my pictures from today.  I think I did well, I took 122 photos, pared it down to 47 I liked best, then down to 30 photos that I really liked and will post in an album.  I will have them posted in an album on my Facebook page, it's much easier to add that many photos there and I'll include a direct link below...


Snow Geese Album Link: Snow Geese Album

I was so very disappointed that none of the geese were in the surrounding fields coming in today.  I have not seen them like that since 2008.  :(  Very sad. They were only on the ice & in the water.

This was the Migration count as of Tuesday:
Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area MIGRATION UPDATE:

03/11/14

Snow geese: 40,000+
Tundra swans: 2,000+
Canada geese: several thousand

Snow Geese

For almost 10 years now we have been making the pilgrimage to Clay Township, Lancaster County, PA to see this wondrous sight.  The gathering of the Snow Geese, Tundra Swans, and Canadian Geese as they gather to make their flight northward each spring.

2005 was our first trip, just after our daughter had turned 4, she was able to walk well on her own & didn't require much assistance from us to walk the long paths back to the lake viewing areas.  The kids and our niece have all gotten so big since that 1st trip.   

Some things that we learned after our 1st trip:  dress warm no matter the temperatures (windy & ground is COLD).  Wear boots (it's muddy!) bring a mono-pod or tripod for the camera (long wait times for flight of the birds).  early afternoon on a weekday is best time to visit (less people).  Look for other birds, too (a lot of wildlife there to see).  Don't be afraid to drive the park's roads through the fields (can get many photos from the warmth of your car).

In 2008 we arranged to have our son's Pack Meeting at the information center and then the families could explore on their own afterwards.  This was a great experience for many of the families.  It introduced them to a great resource for nature close to home.  I was surprised at the number of families that had never done anything like this...

Our son is assisting his sister with viewing some of the geese that are out on the lake.  I love seeing them being like this, it doesn't happen as often as I'd like it to...tis a precious thing.

The kids were disappointed with this year's trip.  The bird count was WAY down from past years.

2010 was one of the largest gatherings here at Middlecreek.  The fields along the roads leading to the Wildlife Reserve were so FULL of birds.  Our son was not able to come that year b/c of track practice.  My husband and I and our daughter had a fun afternoon.

The geese were coming right up to our daughter.  She loved that they were getting so close to her, but watch those fingers...they are WILD and should always be approached with caution & NEVER feed them.

One tip I forgot to mention earlier: wear a hat & have towels in your car for clean up! They are flying over you & well, birds drop things on you and you are fair game as they take flight or are coming in for a landing.  It's not pretty.

2011 we only had to drive a few miles to see the geese.  They took over a local field along the nearby creek.  It was nice to have them SO close.  Here are some more photos from along the Conewago Trail.

Be sure to get outside with your camera & take those photos.  You'll NEVER regret having done so.

Panstoria

Many great things are happening at Panstoria in recent days.  Check them all out here:

I have expanded my affiliate relationship with them to now include their print shop.  Please use the links below when making your purchases.  I will be updating my permanent links on the right side of the page to reflect these new changes.

Link for New Customers to Sign Up:

https://panstoriaprintshop.com/index.php?route=account/register&tracking=5317a529e54a2

Link for Existing Customers to Sign Up:

https://panstoriaprintshop.com?tracking=5317a529e54a2

Panstoria has also penned a new agreement with Creative Memories to extend the sale of the digital content until December 31, 2014.  So for all you procrastinators out there, this is your chance.  Please consider using my affiliate link when ordering your digital content.

Link for Digital Content:

<a href="http://www.shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=535583&u=862322&m=47864&urllink=&afftrack=">Buy digital content from Panstoria</a>

 

Looking Back

March 5, 2014

A look back...

 It has been almost one year since consultants were notified about the 2nd bankruptcy filing.  I have ridden the waves for most of that ride until I resigned in November 2013.  I am removing my separate page for Ahni & Zoe, however I wanted to keep the information posted here for those who may wish to reference it in the future.  I have moved on to other avenues, and I know many of you have as well.  I have enjoyed my times with my past customers and count every one of you in my group of friends.  Should you have any questions feel free to contact me.

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February 24, 2012

Announcement from:

Rhonda Kanning Anderson

My dear, dear friends. For 27 years it has been my humbling privilege to lead you: an incredible group of women (and a few brave men) as we have passionately shared the Creative Memories mission. My desire has been to lead with transparency and integrity through my words and deeds because you deserve nothing less.
I have truly shared your highs and lows as together we weathered the many changes. And, today, I am sharing another change that I believe I must make. Please know that much prayer has gone into this decision and my husband Mac is in complete support.
I have moved my mission to a new company. Why? Because I believe in the relevancy of this mission and I believe that with the right company, people can enjoy meaningful work and a rewarding income opportunity.
The business that has earned my confidence is Youngevity. They are a stable, quality-based organization that can take this mission to new heights. They already own Heritage Makers, the business that offers on-line digital album making. Youngevity is now working with me to offer photo albums and fast solutions for printed photos.
Youngevity believes that people deserve to have healthy bodies and healthy emotions. When they added album making, their customers gained the tools for emotional wellbeing. Like us, they believe albums make life better.
You have been such loyal, faithful friends and it would be my joy to hear from you. I am available by email: rhondakanning@gmail.com or phone: 970-460-9057.

 

February 10, 2014

ANNOUNCEMENT:
From Ahni & Zoe by Creative Memories!

To serve former Creative Memories customers who are passionate about blank album pages....White Refill Pages and Page Protectors are available to order now, and will be open for sale indefinitely!!!

16 Page Protectors $10.50
16 Pages (12x12) with 16 Page Protectors (12x12) $29.50

 

Only available through their website.  

**NOTE: I am no longer a consultant, however I know many of you are searching for product.

November 25, 2013



I have made a decision to resign as a consultant with Ahni & Zoe by Creative Memories. This has been a long and tumultuous decision for me, and I did not come to it easily, however I am at a crossroads in my life and I needed to do what was best for me and the direction of my family's commitments.  I hope you will still continue to seek me out to service you for items you may have already purchased & I will gladly refer you to a current consultant to assist you.

Please feel free to stay in touch as I value each & every friendship I have gained during my years as a Consultant.  I still love the art and craft of scrapbooking, that has not changed.

Yours Truly,
Christine

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From October 21st Reveal:

Welcome to Ahni & Zoe by Creative Memories!

There's nothing quite like a photo to make a person smile. From the tender moments to the hilarious to the ones that make us say, “I can’t believe I was there.” They define us and they unite us. For over 25 years, Creative Memories has been about creating connections, sharing smiles and telling stories. Now, we’re thrilled to share with you the next chapter: Ahni & Zoe. Who are Ahni & Zoe? They're all of us – from A to Z. Literally translated, the words mean “Beautiful Life.” And it’s that very translation that defines our mission:

We exist to inspire people to pull photos off their devices and into their lives . . . with products that help connect families and friends to unforgettable moments, letting them know they’re loved. We take great joy in providing a fun and rewarding opportunity that encourages all to seize the moments that make up their beautiful lives.

At Ahni & Zoe, we picture a world in which you can be the author of your own life story, adding meaning and joy to your life and the lives around you. We’ll help make this a reality through our award-winning products and the exciting opportunities they make possible. You’re already taking amazing photos. Isn’t it time you did something amazing with them? We’ll show you how to start. There’s no limit to where you finish.

_______________________________________________________
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October 20, 2013

Here is a link to the New Company catalog:  Ahni & Zoe catalog

For updates and new information I strongly urge you to visit Creative Memories Facebook Page and their Web Page  You can also continue to check in here and visit my Facebook Fan Page for the most recent information.

I thank you for your interest in this subject.  I have created a separate page for this so it does not clutter up my other blog page.

Thank You.

 

 

09 October 2013

Clarifications about rumors with Creative Memories & Panstoria from CM's CEO

Have questions related to CM Software?

October 9, 2013 at 3:10pm

Have questions related to CM Software? Here are a few points of clarification/things to consider related to the software:

Creative Memories and Panstoria are continuing to work together to transition existing Storybook Creator and Memory Manager customers to Panstoria, per our agreement before the Court dated September 26, 2013.

• Panstoria has not “closed” the software, and has made a public commitment not to do so. Please do not give credence to rumors to the contrary.

• Panstoria has offered the Panstoria Print Shop to enable customers to print from Storybook Creator. An update needs to be applied to your software to make this feature usable; please see the News Feed within your software for instructions.

• Creative Memories is no longer offering digital printing from Storybook Creator, and CM has no immediate plans in the works to offer digital printing. We encourage our former StoryBook Creator customers to try the Panstoria Print Shop for their digital printing needs.

• Creative Memories Consultants should determine whether signing up as a Panstoria affiliate is right for their unique circumstances or not.  Only individual Consultants can make this determination.

The Creative Memories team is putting all of our efforts into our renewal and re-launch. We’re excited about our future, and wish Panstoria and all of our former digital customers all the best as they move forward.

Thank you,
Chris Veit
CEO

Posted by Chris's Crafters Corner at 5:07 PM

30 July 2013

Creative Memories Bankruptcy and you – Update!!

It’s official, Creative Memories announced that it will close its doors on August 31st and release all its consultants as of September 1st. Then on November 1st a new brand with new photo products will start.

Here is what YOU need to know for getting your current projects done with the CM products you want:

July 31, 2013 updated

The Last Chance Orders

(http://www.creativememories.com/Content/Shop/Catalog.aspx?pr=BrowseCategory&s=%2FHierarchy%2FLast+Chance+Order+Products&dpr=Shop&ds)

for select albums, pages, page protectors and frosted tape runner refills ends Wednesday, July 31st! If you need any of these items, NOW is the time to order them as they will only make what is ordered. Contact me today if you need any of these items to finish a project or set of albums!

August 21, 2013 updated

Last day to order online! Any While-Supplies-Last products can be ordered on my website up until August 21st. This is also the last day to use any Rewards Club Credits or other coupons you may have. After that you can contact me to order what is still available, or see what I have in stock.

For digital customers who want digital artwork

(http://www.creativememories.com/Content/Help/DigitalContent.aspx), this is the last day to purchase and download that artwork! This is also the last day to download any artwork you have previously purchased that is stored on your account. It is important that you have a copy of all your digital artwork, activation codes and program files backed up.

You will be able to order digital products at the Creative Memories Digital Center through the end of August. I will know more about digital printing moving forward shortly. It does look like Chris's Crafters Corner will have options for printing that may be fairly seamless, but more on that later.

August 31, 2013 updated

This is the last day of Creative Memories. It will be just shy of 8 years since I started helping people preserve their photos and stories. I will be sad to say good bye to Creative Memories. There are tools that I love and will continue to use. I will miss my fellow CM consultants more than anything else. I look forward to continuing my relationship with all of my customers and clients through Chris's Crafters Corner!

November 1, 2013 updated

A new brand with new photo products will begin. I will be looking at this new vendor to see if Chris's Crafters Corner will offer their products. I expect them to be the same high quality that made Creative Memories an industry leader in photo preservation. Technology has changed. How we use and view photos has changed. I am looking forward to see what innovations have been inspired by all this movement.

As CM departs, please know that Chris's Crafters Corner is here and will continue to help you tell your stories! As as Personal Photo Organizer, I have a number of vendor options open for you. I will be evaluating those to choose what we consider the best for you, my clients. In the meantime, I don’t want anyone to miss getting the retiring Creative Memories products that you may need or want, while you can get them. Check the dates above and contact me if you need help or have any questions. I am here for you.

Thank You Janell for this photo.

**Thank you to PSG Photo Solutions for this very well written notice & photo**

Posted by Chris's Crafters Corner at 8:59 PM

 

 

02 July 2013

http://chrisscrafterscorner.blogspot.com/2013/07/more-updates-from-cmho.html a link to my post about updates in the Chapter 11 filing.

 

 

28 May 2013

URGENT UPDATE: From the Creative Memories Home Office - the future vision for the company is for a simpler, easier business.

Given the complexity that comes with Product Credits and Coupon Code CDs (that include the $39.95 StoryBook Coupon) we’ve made the decision to stop selling them effective the end of this month, May 31. Though you will not be available to purchase after May 31st, you can continue to apply valid Product Credits and coupon codes on your Digital Center orders.

There is a Coupon Code CD in the Digital Top Pick, so effective June 1, that will be substituted with the Be Young Boy and Girl Content Collection CD 650701, found on pg. 125 of the Spring/Summer catalog).

Booking Bonus Packages B and D feature Product Credits, so they will be removed from the Host Rewards Program after May 31.

Should you have any questions or concerns please contact me, I'm happy to assist you.

http://www.mycmsite.com/christineheberlig 

Posted by Chris's Crafters Corner at 9:29 PM

20 April 2013

Dear Friends

Dear Creative Memories customers, friends and family,

First, I would like to apologize to you for not making you aware of this information sooner. I had to take time to digest the information for myself before I passed it along to you my dear customers, friends and family.

On Tuesday, April 16 Creative Memories notified all Consultants that the company was taking the necessary steps to file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. This announcement came as a shock to everyone including me. The intention is for the Company to use this filing as a business tool to restructure and refocus on the mission, simply preserving memories! I want you to know that I still believe in this mission and the importance of telling your stories in a meaningful way.

I have been and always will be transparent with you about Creative Memories and the business. The Company is pursuing a simpler Creative Memories which in turn will put us on the path to stability. As the bankruptcy process moves forward, my expectation is to see the current product line streamlined and because of this I would encourage ordering any products that you have been wanting now versus waiting. We have already seen products become unavailable in the last few days.

I have faith that Creative Memories will be stronger by taking the steps outlined above. Still, you may want to consider using your Rewards Club/Product Credits if you have any as a precaution.

I am committed to keeping you, as my friends and customers informed as new details regarding product offerings and events arise.
The plan right now is to move forward operating the business as usual for both Creative Memories and me. With that said National Scrapbook Day (more info to come today) and all of my planned events are still on. My goal is to continue helping you preserve and document your stories, your way!

If not for Creative Memories I would have never had the opportunity to meet and become close friends with many of you. I believe in Creative Memories, I believe in the mission and I know, in my heart that the Company will be better after this and I plan to be a part of the new and improved Creative Memories!

Please visit Restructuring News section on our website at http://www.creativememories.com/restructuring/ There you will find some basic information, “A letter to our fans,” and “Chapter 11 FAQs” that you can read if you would like more information about the filing.

 

Posted by Chris's Crafters Corner at 10:50 AM

BREAKING NEWS

There is a lot happening recently.  I wanted to put this link up here for my LOYAL former Creative Memories customers.  I left the company months ago for many very personal reasons.  I thought you'd like to read this interview:

Co-founder Rhonda Anderson Resigns

3/1/14 update:
Here is a link to Rhonda's new page that will have details about the things to come with a new product line at the company Youngevity that owns Heritage Makers that she is now representing http://www.heritagemakers.com/644303

My Bird Feeder

I have been attempting to get this fellow's picture ALL season.  I was finally able to catch him this weekend, but not at the feeder so I have nothing in the photos for a scale reference.  I am just glad that I was able to catch him foraging in the snow for seeds.  This is my Downy Woodpecker.

CRICUT Sale!

Be sure to check out these links and take advantage of the sale!

30% Off  Ends 2/23
30% OFF all Cricut digital images and image sets! Ends 2/23.


FREE SHIPPING:

FREE shipping on Cricut orders over $35! Use code FEBSHIP. Coupon Code: FEBSHIP


30% off baby themed images
30% OFF Cricut baby-themed images! Ends 2/26.
30% OFF Cricut baby-themed Cuttlebug folders! Ends 2/26.

Cricut cardstock & Vinyl (select items)
30% OFF pastel collections of Cricut Cardstock & Vinyl! Ends 2/26.

Quick -n- Easy Scarves

Scarves I've made since last evening. Thank you Stephanie for sending me the You Tube video showing how. They are so easy to make. Each one took me about an hour to do. I found with the cotton yarn that it's best to unwind from the skein b/c it's so very soft.

The one not pictured is teal & green together. I used two skeins with the sparkly edge & crocheted them at the same time for Lizzie. They did not have the 2 colors together & that's what she wanted. It worked up very nicely, but took me about 2 hours b/c of working with the double yarn.

Cricut Sale through February 18th - Check it out!

30% OFF Cricut's NEW tool set! Ends 2/18.
30% OFF Cricut's top home decor image sets! Ends 2/18.
30% OFF kids' image sets from Cricut! Ends 2/18.
 Buy Cricut's Mystery Box and get 3 top cartridges - only $29.99!