So Long . . . Farewell! Plus Giveaway!

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This is the entry that I've been dreading for a long time. Yet I knew the day would come because all good things must come to an end. Here is my unabridged editorial in the January 2010 Creating Keepsakes magazine. This will be appearing in your mailboxes very shortly.

"I've been an entrepreneur since the time I was young. As a child, I sold vegetables from my backyard garden, dragged a vacuum cleaner around the neighborhood and vacuumed weary mothers homes, and had a dog-bathing business even though I was scared to death of dogs. As a teenager, I sold frozen berries, fireless fire extinguishers and microwave cookware. I also had a thriving babysitting business. I loved "owning" my own company and being my own boss. From a young age, I knew the value of earning and saving a buck. My mom used to say that I'd start my own company some day--it was just in my blood.

After graduating from college with a degree in communications, I began working at WordPerfect in their customer support department. Nine months later I landed the job of my dreams--an editor for the brand-new WordPerfect Magazine. I soon became the editor in chief of this publication and learned inside and out the entire publishing process--from circulation to design to editorial. And--I absolutely loved it. There was nothing better than creating a monthly publication read by subscribers around the globe.

During this time I became addicted to scrapbooking. I'd stay up until the wee hours of the night cropping, pasting and journaling--creating layouts for my two young boys. One day while out to lunch with a friend (Dianne Hook, owner of DJ Inkers), she asked if I could be the editor of any type of magazine, what would it be? Without hesitation I replied, "A scrapbook magazine." Happy tingles filled me inside!

That day I went home and told my husband, Steve, I was going to start Creating Keepsakes magazine. (This is the first issue!)

I thought he'd brush off my idea and think it was silly but instead he loved it and said he'd love to help me. A huge thanks to Don and Deanna Lambson and Mark Seastrand for also believing in the idea from the very beginning while others were skeptical. They have been the best partners anyone could ever ask for.

That was over 13 years ago (and many hairstyles later) and what an amazing ride! From the first issue coming off the press (we've published close to 125 issues) to 11 years on QVC to an appearance on the Oprah Winfrey show, it's been quite the journey that I've been privileged to be involved in.

During my career, I've been dreading the day I'd have to say goodbye but knew it would inevitably come. You see, I've gotten those tingles inside once again. This time they are telling me that my kids are growing up way too fast and that I've got to spend all my time and energy on them. So I am trading in my office suites for sweat pants and lunch appointments for peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. And I'll be spending lots of time in my scrapbook room preserving my family's memories. I'll still stay in touch with the folks at the magazine and maybe even write a feature here and there. And, I'll still have my hand in some cool scrapbooking products--like the Lisa Bearnson Memory Keeping Collection.

I feel so much appreciation to our editorial department and staff who have spent countless hours bringing you such a wonderful publication every month. You are in great hands with their expertise. Also a special thanks to our advertisers who have so been so supportive over the years.

Finally, it's really hard saying goodbye to you. I've gained some of my closest friendships through this industry--some of you I've never even met. I send my greatest appreciation and love. My wish for your is that you find joy in the journey."

So that's the news. Thanks to the editorial staff at Creating Keepsakes for the wonderful words on their blog (and for showing some of my most embarrassing hairstyles and pages :) ). You all are the best.

So what's next for me?? For now I will continue writing on this blog--Lisabearnson.com. But if you don't find me here, I will be at Lisabearnson.net.

Once again, thank you for all your support over the years. It's been quite the ride!

With appreciation,

Lisa Bearnson

P.S. So here's the giveaway. Leave me a comment and I'll randomly select three people (Next Monday) to send an autographed copy of the first Creating Keepsakes to!! They've been out of print since 1997 and I've even seen them sold for high dollar amounts on eBay!