Monday, September 10, 2012

I Miss Mary!

This Spring I found a whole stack of the best magazine ever, "Mary Engelbreit's Home Companion" at my local thrift for .25 each. There were a few in there that I didn't have, but of course I took them all!

 For .25 each how could I leave them there? This magazine was so full of inspiration!

This is MY copy of the "Premier Issue". I was a freshman up at the University of MN Duluth, as was my twin sister Angie. She visited home one weekend and I stayed on campus. And when she came back she brought me this magazine!  That's my sister! :)

I think I looked at it for days! Finally there were people who liked the same things that I did!
People who liked to CREATE and COLLECT...and collect! hehe

That first issue taught you how to make a tassel out of rag ball strips!

However I very soon found what would become my favorite section for years to come. The Artist's Workshop would feature a new Artist in each magazine. They would tell the story of how they became an artist, what exactly they create, and usually a look at their work space.

The artist in that first issue was a Folk Artist named Linda Solovic. Just look at the beautiful collage work she does with found objects.

I remember the day I went to Barnes & Noble to buy my highly anticipated, newest copy of H.C...and it wasn't there! The kid behind the counter typed some things into the computer and then told me (like it was no big deal) that they wouldn't be carrying it anymore, but he didn't know why. What????

I got online and found out the bad news. This great magazine would no longer be!
What a bummer! It was so great while it lasted right? And I'm so glad that I kept my copies!

A few weeks ago this tiny book was at the Goodwill for .99.  I never got into anything M.E besides the magazines, but I really love some of the encouraging sayings that are in here. So it came home with me.

At the beginning of the summer Target had a bunch of M.E. things in the dollar section. Did you see them? These note cards were too cute to pass by,

as were these recipe cards! I thought they would be great in my vintage J.Chein & Co. recipe box...but nope!
Vintage recipe boxes are much smaller than the cards made today. Oh well, the cards can be used for so many other things.

Of course there are still plenty of other cute M.E. things out there to buy if you must!

 Go HERE for this cute set of Alphabet and Number Magnets!

Or how about HERE for the 2013 Mini Wall Calendar?
Look at this super cute Paper Crafting Kit! You can order it through TARGET!
 
Target Online also carries this book, Sew So Cute!
 
 
How many of you subscribed to M.E's Home Companion? And if you did, do you miss it like I do? Have you found a magazine that takes it's place?
 
Well friends, I'm writing this post from the couch, with my foot in a blue cast. They even put some glitter glue on it for me so it has a green sparkle! This time around is prooving to be a bit more challenging than the same surgery that was done on my other foot, last year. The ankle joint was in even worse shape, so they had to add a pin and do a bone graft. Yuck! In four weeks I get the pin out, and then I'll get the cast off in another four weeks from that. When I think about having this darn thing on for another two months I could easily lose it! I've also had to stop my R.A meds due to risk of infection. I know lots of you have arthritis and know what it's like if you go off of your meds for weeks. It's pretty immobilizing.
I NEVER want my blog to be a place for me to whine about personal problems. But just this once I needed to vent! And I also wanted to THANK YOU all so much for the kind messages and beautiful packages that you have sent.
Blogging and becoming friends with some of the most kind women ever has truly been a blessing in my life.
I hope you know that you're helping me get through a very difficult time, and you're so appreciated!
 
Love, Erica
 
 
 
 
 



31 comments:

  1. Those magazines are a bargin! Magazines are so expensive now! Ada :)

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  2. Great find on the mags. And good luck. I hope you feel better soon :-)

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  3. That's ok Erica - you go ahead and vent. With all you've been going through I don't blame you at all! All your patience and perseverence will pay off in the end.
    Congrats on finding the missing ME mags...they're getting harder & harder to locate.
    Smiles, DianeM

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  4. I miss Mary as well, I have a collection. I take them out and look over them often...your are very lucky to find them. Hope you feel better real soon..Happy Tuesday with love Janice

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  5. I still covet every single ME Home Companion magazine that I own. I {heart} them so much. I was disappointed when ME announced on her blog this summer that her hope to resurrect her magazine was officially over. Thinking of you during your recovery. Having been through foot surgery recently, I feel your pain. Vent away, sweetie. HUGS!!

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  6. I still have a few on mine! My sister took most of mine then lost them in a move. But I loved them too, especially the holiday issues..My halloween issues are looking pretty worn by now!

    Wishing you a speedy recovery!

    Linda

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  7. It's so great to see you back in blogland, Erica!!

    How did this escape me that you have a twin???

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  8. Oh, what memories! I'm so regretting getting rid of mine, now...have been for a long time. My husband talked me into it when we were moving years ago--I had EVERY ONE. *sigh*. If I ever find a bunch like you did, I think I'll pounce! You're right--SO much inspiration from Mary! I really miss those sweet pages....

    Just re-found your blog--I started following a while ago, but things got messed up, so here I am again! Hoping you feel better VERY soon!

    Julie

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  9. Erica, So glad the surgery is over. Hopefully things will get better and better as you recoup. I still have every issue of ME too. I only missed the first 2 issues. I was so bummed when the magazine stopped. Wishing you a speedy recovery!

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  10. I was so happy to see that you were back to Blogland this morning! I've missed you:-) but I know you didn't go too far because of all the funny comments you've been leaving on my blog. I really hope that your recovery continues to go smoothly. 2 months is a long time but there is no doubt in my mind that you will handle it. As for the venting, we all have to do it sometimes! And as your blog friends, it is our job to listen when you do.

    Erica

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  11. Keep it up girlfriend, you'll get through this yet. It's funny, but in one of my 14 surgeries they used a screw to attach my tendon to my bone and it stayed there for years until I had my first implant. It always stuck out weird on the front of my leg and I couldn't figure out why they didn't go back in and take it out after the tendon healed.....go figure!

    Anyhoo, just lettin' you know I'm thinking of you and sending you healing thoughts and hugs,

    Meri

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  12. What a find. Actually they are probably my magazines. When we thought we were moving and we had to downsize I had to toss so many magazines. Don't worry, I did keep a few of my ME.....and the special art work and paper dolls in them. Magazines are the best to have when you are off your feet. Books a little to hard to read when you are recovering.
    My friend has foot surgeries all the time.....she has Lupus. I can't imagine. It sounds so painful to me. I hope you heal quickly. Don't be in a hurry and take this time to recoup.
    (((((HUGS))))) Gotta have glitter.

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  13. Good grief...sounds like we need to get you a razzy and go for a spin at the thrift. I will gladly take you. Your package should arrive sometime Wed. or Thurs. At the last minute I threw something else in. Just like me to mess with something. We have been through Duluth several times on our way UP north. Three years ago we went to Copper Harbor. Such a beautiful drive up the North Shore. Smiles...Renee

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  14. My mom used to love her! And dang, sorry to hear you are laid up! I hope you get back to normal life soon!

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  15. I miss Mary too. I just don't understand why the publisher decided to stop. So sorry you have not been feeling well. Hopefully everything will heal quickly. Hugs.

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  16. I so miss Mary!! I just took out my October issues, to look at yesterday!! I wish she would come back with it!! Lucky you finding those!! I only started subscribing for two years before, she ended, so I'll have to hunt down earlier ones! Keeping you in my prayers! xo Heather

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  17. I think we all had a day of morning when we found that ME was no longer publishing the Home Companion magazine. I to have a stack that I will keep and treasure for many years to come. Thanks for the sweet visit. I do hope that you will come again. Have a great day, Connie :)

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  18. I still have all my past issues of ME and get them out occasionally. Was always a thrill to open the mailbox and see the latest issue. Miss it to this day and I don't think it has been replaced!

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  19. Hi Erica,
    Nice stack of ME magazines. I have a "few" but not a huge stash like yours!
    Bummer about your ankle...praying that it heals well...I'm also hoping you can make it on the 29th?!?!?!?
    Thank you for your kind words about MaryElla. She loved ME too!
    Take Care!
    Warmly,
    deb

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  20. Wow lucky you for all those bargain books!! I think i'm going to have to be on the look out for those too now!! :) Hope your foot is feeling better :) Wishing you a wonderful week! xo Holly

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  21. Glad your surgery is behind you! Having the stack of Mary "E" magazines will help the recovery period!! I was sad when they stopped publishing the magazine too!. Got to visit with Mary about that very thing last spring. Yes the artist Studios was one of my favorite parts of the magazine too!

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  22. Erica, that was my favorite magazine and I was so sad when it stopped. It is one that I have saved all of my old copies. Don't have tons, but I pull them out every so often and take a trip down memory lane. Wishing you a speedy recovery. I am still working on recovering from my knee scope. Not near as serious as yours. You will be in my prayers.
    Hugs,
    Jann

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  23. I Miss Mary, TOO - I don't think there's been a magazine since that I adored as much!

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  24. Hi Erica! So happy to see a post from you! I wish I would have had the ME magazines, but I sure will be on the look out for some old ones! I do have a few of her books, and a decorating for children book of hers. I love looking through them. I think it is great you are decorating your cast, Hey, here is an idea.. how about some mod-podging decoupage of your pretty artwork onto it! Maybe that will make this time in your life a little more fun. I really pray for you to get back on your feet and well soon. You are loved, girl!
    Blessings,
    Susie

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  25. I had no idea ME's magazine was gone! I will make sure to snap any up I find at garage/estate sales. Hope you are on the mend and better soon!

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  26. I miss Mary too! I always look through my old magazines too.

    Smiles,

    Debbie

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  27. Hey Erica!
    I'm glad to see a post from you! Sounds like you'll be healing up well! No back surgery for me...as of now. Herniated disks have a tendency to cause in and out of pain. Luckily for me I am feeling a ton better!
    Enjoy your week! :)
    -Denise

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  28. So much fun looking through the old issues of ME's magazines!! They were really terrific!! Great ideas and inspirations! Glad to hear you are on the mend.

    Best chris

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  29. Oh boy your Blog post started out so Happy with your share of Mary, and yes I LOVED my magazines, I sold the lot but my Mom has a another set I think she might gift me. Oh you poor thing I sure hope you heal quickly. I was really shocked when I found the paper dolls, it has been a long time since I have found any! Hugs, Diane

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  30. I'm glad you are getting help for your ankle and you know, I know, just how awful it is to have to give up those arthritis meds for even a short time. Just rest, take care of yourself and I hope you are back on your feet and thrifting very soon. Hugs, Gretchen

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  31. Hi, Erica - just me again, catching up on your posts. Of course I am an ME fan and of course I kept all of my back issues and of course I get them out from time to time and wish the magazine were still around. I hope you are on the mend and I'm sorry to hear about your health troubles - honestly, if this is your version of whining, you're a pretty cheeful person!

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