WORK? NO, PURE JOY

It’s impossible to arrive at a Top 20 — so consider this a sampling of my favorite covers from 2012 to 2021. Special thanks to go-to photographer Jeffrey Bebee, whose “pretty pictures” have graced our pages for more than a decade.

May-June 2012 Photography: Amy Lynn Straub November-December 2013 Photography: Dev Hanumara and Heather Winkel

EDITOR’S NOTE

January-February 2014. Photography: Jeffrey Bebee

January-February 2012, the debut of a new look to complement a new direction for the editorial content. Fashion, travel, art and leisure now are standing topics. Photography, Jeffrey Bebee. Design, Ananda Spadt.

THERE’S AN ADAGE, “If you enjoy what you do, you’ll never work a day in your life.” It’s been that way for me. Everyone should be so lucky.

How did it all start?

With Buster, a homeless man who piqued my interest in college. He lived out of a cardboard box and got around town on an old bicycle with a rickety basket stuffed with his

life’s possessions. I won a national award for the way in which I told Buster’s story, and found my life’s passion. Over the past 35 years — yes, that long! — I’ve been privileged to meet tens of CHRIS CHRISTEN thousands of fascinating EDITOR-IN-CHIEF people and tell countless stories for the Omaha World-Herald. Representing the state’s largest newspaper defi nitely opened doors — especially when I took the

May-June 2017 Photography: Heather & Jameson May-June 2019 Photography: Jeffrey Bebee

November-December 2015 Photography: Tin Box Pictures November-December 2018 Photography: Julia Russell

January-February 2021 Photography: Lily Smith

July-August 2018 Photography: Jeffrey Bebee

July-August 2014 Photography: Heather & Jameson

helm of this magazine a little more than a decade ago.

When we debuted a redesign in 2012, a skeptical advertiser said to me, “Your new magazine is pretty, but let’s just see if you can sustain it.”

Challenge accepted!

I am gratified by the recognition and thanks my staff and I receive when we’re out and about and someone exclaims, “I love your magazine!”

This issue is especially meaningful for me. It marks my last as editor in chief. I’ve accepted a full-time creative position with the University of Nebraska Medical Center. It’s a career move that keeps me telling stories — hopefully for an audience as appreciative and loyal as you.

We don’t have to look far for remarkable spaces for these pages. The Omaha metro area is filled with them, from historic gems to ultra-modern marvels. Knowing about them gives all of us a richer sense of place.

I am so very grateful to the interior designers, boutique owners, florists, chefs, home builders and many, many others who have been great connectors, collaborators, advertisers and friends through the years.

To those homeowners who graciously invited me over and shared your stories: The very best part was saying “hello” with a handshake and “goodbye” with a hug.

And to you, beloved readers. How do I begin to thank you for every article you’ve enjoyed, every issue you’ve saved, every email we’ve exchanged? The right words, even for a writer, are hard to find. I’ve had the time of my life because of you.

Here’s to the joy of putting heart into our homes!

Gratefully,

September-October 2020 Photography: Kiley Cruse September-October 2016 Photography: Heather & Jameson

September-October 2017 Photography: Heidi Hoffman

July-August 2017 Photography, Jeffrey Bebee

March-April 2019 Photography: Thomas Grady

March-April 2015 Photography: Jeffrey Bebee

May-June 2018 Photography: Jeffrey Bebee