Document text
Taking note of milestones Medford couple�s scrapbook holds photos, journal entries for first 25 years of marriage By Melissa Martin Most married couples have an album with wedding photos, a scrapbook of vacations or photo books of their children. But how many have chronicled the first 25 years of their marriage? Medford resident Marlece Watson has produced what may be the first scrapbook for newlyweds. "This records life in a marriage because we tend to forget the good times and just remember the hard times," said the 32-year-old author. Watson self-published the project with her husband, Jim Watson, owner of Media Intelligence Inc., a Medford advertising agency that has produced commercials for Taco Time International and Ski Ashland, among other companies. "It�s a very nice book and a very good idea," said Peggy Schlothan, manager of Holly�s Hallmark in the Rogue Valley Mall, where the 13-by-14-inch album is being sold. Graced with a bouquet of pink roses on the cover, the expandable scrapbook also is on display at Evangel Family Bookstores in Medford. It includes descriptions of yearly anniversary themes, scriptures and spaces for journal entries and photos. "It�s a beautiful project," said Evangel owner Mark Phelps. He connected Marlece Watson with sales representatives from the Christian book industry who helped her design the cover and settle on a $39.95 price. But no one was willing to publish the oversized volume. So the Watsons dived into the world of self-publishing, hiring a designer, bidding out the print jobs and finding a Portland company to laminate the cover. They hand-assembled all 2,000 in their garage using Chicago screws, which allow the books to be opened so standard photo or scrapbook paper can be added. Recently, the Watsons drove up the Interstate 5 corridor to pitch their product as the perfect wedding gift. A number of retailers bought copies. Marlece Watson, a graduate of Arizona State University, is experienced in sales, having once been a sales representative for KBOY radio, formerly owned by her father, Bob Esty. "Marlece is a top-notch sales person," Jim Watson said. "We were successful in two-thirds of our presentations." They also plan to find a distributor to take their creation across the country. "I hope this book will be something that a couple can leaf through and remember each year and be proud of what they are building together," said Marlece Watson, who has already written content for a volume covering years 26 to 50. "Our marriages outlast our children and our friendships. I hope it will inspire couples to go celebrate their anniversary." The Watsons have set up a Web site featuring the book at www.anniversarybook.com . Reach reporter Melissa Martin at 776-4497, or e-mail [email protected] Mail Tribune Home | Ottaway Newspapers, Inc. | Dow Jones & Co., Inc. | Privacy | Contact Us Copyright � 2001 Mail Tribune, Inc.