So Long . . . Farewell! Plus Giveaway!

(If you posted a comment and don't see it, don't panic. For some reason Blogger is having a hard time publishing the comments. Hopefully the problem will be fixed tomorrow. Try resubmitting your comment if you don't see it by the weekend.)

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!

On a Happier Note . . .

My party-planning pal, Stephanie Ashton, and I hosted a New Moon (the second of the Twilight series) party this past weekend.

Everyone wore black, red and white and we gave out "I Crave Edward" or "I Crave Jacob" candy bars when everyone arrived. (Each guest had to decide which one they like best! After the movie, I'm a Jacob fan all the way!!) We also played a fun trivia game.

The food was really fun (thanks, Kneaders!!). We had the options of "Vampire Vittles (Edward all the way!)," "Werewolf Special (I Love Jacob!)" and "I can't decide--they're both too hot!" Then we had these glorious desserts!

The movie really is good--lots of action! Have a great week and I'll talk with you soon!

Lisa B.

Hold On, The Light Will Come!

First of all, thanks for all the wonderful sentiments for Annette. What a wonderful comfort they've been in this time of grief.

I've been going through one of the toughest times of my life. I have a continual ache in the depths of my soul. It's hard seeing a best friend go through such a sorrowful time. The funeral for Spencer McKay Mortensen will be this weekend here in Utah. I asked Anna Bryce, a very talented 17-year-old gal, to draw a portrait of McKay to display at the service. Although Anna's never met McKay, when I saw her drawing, my mouth dropped to the ground. She captured him in such a perfect way--and it looks exactly like him.

I got this portrait late Tuesday night and put it on the mantle to take to the frame shop the next day. Yesterday morning, after a terrible night's sleep, I woke up in a very sad mood. I began to go about my morning routine--making breakfast, packing sack lunches, cleaning the kitchen--still not able to shake the mood. I put on one of my favorite CDs, "Be Thou an Example," and the lyrics to the third song just kinda hit me:

"Leave Better"

by Benton Paul

Show me a world

Without so much hurt

And I will fly like the wind to it.

Show me a place

All filled with grace

And I will strive to get to it.

When we get through all this

We can have all we wish

Chorus:

Leave better all that you find

So, live in this world with a smile.

Let's not complain and say who's to blame

But rather do something about it.

Let's not look back at all that we lack

But rather prove that we can change it.

When we get through all this

We can have all we wish.

I've seen a lot of things in this life

That leave me falling hopeful inside

That's why I want to stand today and say

Leave better all that you

Leave better all that you

Leave better all that you find.

Just as the song was finishing, I looked over at McKay's portrait and a perfect stream of light was resting on his beautiful face and never-ending smile. I felt peace knowing McKay is in a better place. . . I felt joy remembering McKay's infectious smile . . . I felt happy knowing that McKay left this world better than he found it . . . I felt courage that our Savior will help Annette, Spencer, Becky and Megan get through this and help me know where to best serve this family.

Just wanted to share this powerful experience.

On a different note, our family had a wonderful weekend. Last Friday, we were privileged to got to Nellis Air Force Base in Las Vegas for an air show. We were lucky enough to go on Friday for the practice show. Two other families in our neighborhood also went and the Janiecs know Jason Forest, a pilot who flew an F-15 plane in the air show. Afterward, he took us on a private tour of several of the aircrafts.

Okay--so the show was simply one of the most amazing things I've ever witnessed. If you live near an Air Force base, you must go to one of these spectacular events.

This is the position we were in the majority of the day! (I sported the cool earplugs!)

It was surely a sight to behold!

And this was my favorite sight to behold. We are all going to miss this kid. He's been so busy tackling "to do" lists around the house before he leaves for North Carolina on January 20th. Really a sweetheart!

Have a great weekend--and whatever you do, do it with a smile!

Lisa

Please Send a Note of Comfort to My Dear Friend, Annette Mortensen.

Many of you will recognize the beautiful women in this middle photo. Yes--it's Annette Mortensen, the QVC face of the Simple Scrapbooks for many years. Annette and I became inseparable during high school and our college years. We shared the same wedding dress, have gone on family vacations together, and have remained dearest friends through all these years. (The other gal is one of my best friends since we were three. Both friends were at my house when Kade opened his mission call.)

Tuesday I got a call from Annette that rocked my world. Her beautiful 18-year-old son, McKay, unexpectedly passed away on Monday night.

The family is unbelievably strong and are leaning on their faith at this difficult time. Please write a note of support to Annette and her family. I want her to feel of your comfort and love.

We love you, Spencer, Annette, Becky and Meagan!

God be with you 'til we meet again, McKay.

Lisa

On A Different Note . . .

My children and I are huge into notes. I just had to share a few of my favorites that I found around the house today.

This note is front and center in Sage's room:

(I think she's a little paranoid after being cooped up for a week with the dreaded flu, strep, and an ear infection.)

This note was found in Brecken's room:

(Collin is very conscientious about time and if he feels like he's doing too much of something, he changes it.)

This was my note on my infamous :) whiteboard frame:

(Collin's trying out for the Lone Peak basketball team today. Keep your fingers crossed!)

This was darling. Brecken prepared a lesson for family night last night and had colorful 12 x 12 scrapbook paper lined up on the mantle. Under each sheet were "words of widom" we need to follow to live a healthy, happy life. Definitely something to take note of!

Kade writes daily notes in his journal about impressions he has while reading scriptures. Steve will leave quotes around the house that his loves. His latest said "Mean what you say, and say what you mean."

What are some of the cute notes your family has left around the house?? I'd love you to share them with us!

On a different note, my cousin, Curtis Gregory, is an offensive lineman for the University of Missouri. He's up for a very special award--Lowe's Senior class award in the football division. Ten football student-athletes who excel both on and off the field were tabbed as finalists. Please read about Curtis here and if you like what you read, we'd love your vote!

Hope you're having a great week.

Lisa

Happy Birthday to My Sweet Dad!

My mom called last night to say how much she enjoyed reading all your birthday comments to her. Thanks for making her day so memorable!

Now one more favor. Today is my dad's 82nd birthday and I'd love it if you'd drop him a note as well.

Many have asked how he is doing since his operation. The answer is remarkably well. In fact, it is a big miracle. He now can walk without the assistance of a wheel chair, walker or another person. His outlook on life seems much more cheerful and he doesn't get as tired as before. I know your prayers on his behalf were heard. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

Just a few things your should know about my dad. He's a professional opera singer (beautiful baritone voice), I've never heard him say a curse word, he's a gentle, spiritual giant, he never loses his temper and he has a very dry, funny sense of humor. Every time I see him he has a new joke for me. Here's his joke for today:

"Why did the ram run over the cliff? He didn't see the ewe turn!"

Happy Birthday, Pops! When I grow up I want to be just like you!

Love, Lisa