Doing the Decades

Today is my birthday. Well, actually it is more of an anniversary. As I have reflected on the past 10 years as a Creative Memories Consultant, it has dawned on me how most chapters of my life have unfolded from major changes born mostly from simply walking down the path of life rather than chasing dreams. Life changing decisions haven't always felt all that big when being made. Obviously, a marriage proposal is easy to recognise as a 'biggie', but when I joined with a new-to-Australia direct sales scrapbooking company, it was an unmarked surprise!

Aussie Aussie Aussie
It was on a shivering cold July evening 24 years ago, while watching a gloriously intense orange and pink sunset behind the Brindabella Mountains from the top of Mt Ainslie that Warren proposed. Last year we sat near that same spot on our 22nd wedding anniversay and watched spectacular fireworks. Our son, down at the lake foreshores, captured this magnificent photo of the finale.


I knew when I first saw Canberra that it was to be my home. It just called to me. In much the same way that I knew I was with my life partner soon after meeting him. There were no fireworks like seen from Mt Ainslie last year, but rather a deep, quiet calmness which defied logic. Perhaps the joy was sobered by the fact that to marry meant moving to Australia - to the other side of the world!

Obviously, that decision impacted me beyond the usual marriage adjustments as I also had to find my place in a new and different culture separated from the familiar people, places and things of my past.

Thanks for the Memories
There is no doubt that a desire to stay connected to that past played a huge role in the attaction of Creative Memories. Ten years ago I joined up with that same sense of quiet confidence that it was exactly where I was to be. However, I never imagined all the places I would go or the people I would meet as a result of that simple decision to augment my quietly happy life of church work and raising children.



These two pages can't begin to contain all that CM brought into our lives. I am so grateful for everyone, from family to friends, from customers to fellow consultants, from company staff to the CM founders for making it possible for me to garner so many beautiful memories and experiences by being part of this amazing industry and its mission. I have written a bit more about these 10 years in my newsletter posted at www.mycmsite.com.au/lorismith , but suffice it to say that there are not enough words or photos to tell the story of my CM journey adequately.

Through each acheivement and each challenge since my arrival in Australia, and in the running of my business, I have always appreciated those who have wholeheartedly supported me.

Going Up Around the Bend ... Ooooh!
And now I find myself ready for another change. It seems that there is a bend in the road up ahead. I spotted it a while back, but have been travelling rather slowly, and even a bit reluctantly forward, this past year. Now, though, I am very excited about what is around the corner - even though I cannot see it!

I have signed up for two courses in anticipation. Just for fun. I am taking a Botanical Illustration class and cannot wait to give it a go and find out if there is a bit of Edith Holden (The Country Diary of an Edwardian Lady) in me just waiting to come out!


Additionally, I am taking a course in Adobe Illustrator. A couple of years ago I took an InDesign class which helped me realise that my 'semi-retired' graphic design skills were still valid even though I had to learn how to apply them in a new way. A way that scrapbooking had only allowed me to maintain.

Where this will lead, I do not know. It will be gratifying if it only leads to greater enjoyment of my leisure hours now that I have been confirmed in my position at the university (which has been curving the road itself for a while).

Perhaps I will eventually post some layouts featuring my own designs! Who knows? It is all so very exciting. As Creedence Clearwater Revival sang, it is time to "Bring a song and a smile for the banjo, better get while the gettin's good!" A new chapter is unfolding ... watch this space.

Kits used in above layouts:
Fireworks: 'God Bless America' by Janet Carr for Little Feet Digital Designs at For the Luv of Art

Making Memories 2000-2010: modified 'Christian Inspirations' template from Creative Memories