111 Comments »

1. 

   I did not get my subscription transferred to M.S.Living. I called M.S. and they told me to call you. They have no record of a transfer. Since my labels are on the plastic bag I can not tell if I had any issues left to transfer. Can somebody help me with this? I thought I had 2 years left on my home companion subscription.

   Comment by Donna McDonald — July 31, 2009 @ 2:27 pm

2. 

   I dearly miss reading the magazine and am glad that I can still enjoy the “Mary” experience online. If a new Mary magazine comes along I will be there to welcome it as well along with many others I know whom are fans. My mom was a subscriber and I generally picked my copy up as a treat at the grocery store. Your loyal magazine readers will continue to patiently wait.

   Comment by amy schelkopf — August 1, 2009 @ 5:12 pm

3. 

   As I sit in front of the computer with an adorable black and white cat, Zoe, on my lap (she is feeling sorry for herself because her mistress is away from home), I am saddened to hear Home Companion will no longer be published before I even got to see the first issue! Years ago now, I instantly fell in love with your work, so when I heard you had a home decor magazine, my first instinct was to Google it. The sad news was delivered all too quickly at the near speed of light to which we are now accustomed. Keep the idea and bring it back when the market can support it. There are many who enjoy your art who love the whimsy and charming beauty of it! All the best to you for the future!

   Comment by Sandi Weiso — August 1, 2009 @ 5:14 pm

4. 

   I so loved MEHC the many years I subscribed. It gave me countless hours of inspiration and joy in this oft times dark world. MEHC was such a unique niche way of decorating and creating, I hope it comes back to us in some form or another, soon! Thank you all so much for your hard work for us, with MEHC.

   Comment by Jaime Lindsay — August 1, 2009 @ 9:12 pm

5. 

   I am truly saddened by this news…the magazine was refreshing and really creatively inspiring to me. I think that the “business” end of these magazines got it all wrong… people may not be able to buy a new home, but the ones who do have a home want to be able to “redecorate” them by themselves and these magazines help them do that. Good Luck, Mary :}

   Comment by Tammy — August 2, 2009 @ 10:15 am

6. 

   I just have to add my “testimonial” here! I have loved the publication for all the reasons made clear in its mission – to provide an alternative to the other types of home magazines and to celebrate the creative spirit! I have been so inspired to pursue my own creativity much in part to all of ME’s work and the Home Companion. I hope that you will not let the dream die – even if it takes a few years to resurrect, please, please keep it in the works! I would think a magazine such as this would be exactly what today’s current economy and market would need. People need alternatives to brand-new, cookie cutter stuff. We need character and individuality and quality, not quantity or pressure to keep up with the Jones’! I’m sure some of that magic you’ve sent out into the world will come back to help you with this or something better!

   Comment by Jennifer Petry — August 2, 2009 @ 4:24 pm

7. 

   You can also add me to the long list of wishin HOME COMPANION was still in print people! I too loved your magazine and have collected each one from the first publication..I think I have them all! I still love to go back and thumb through them for ideas every now and then but there is nothing like the excitment of receiving a shiny brand spankin new issue in the mail and the anticipation that came with opening it! I hope that you may publish it again someday….Thank you for all the years of a wonderful magazine, it was my favorite!
   Dee

   Comment by Dee — August 2, 2009 @ 10:17 pm

8. 

   Dear Mary,
   I’m am so happy that i’ve saved all my favorite magazines through the years, especially Halloween!
   I will truly miss your magazine, it has given me the inspiration to live the artist life. Seeing other artist in their lives and being able to contact them, to share questions, was wonderful.
   I have a childrens book going due to contact with an artist you profiled.

   Thank you for bringing us all together!

   Comment by terribee — August 4, 2009 @ 7:48 am

9. 

   Dear Mary, I’ve been a follower of yours since, I found/bought my first item, which was a poster of the little girl riding the unicorn and the forbidden box! I have little Mary memento’s throughout my humble abode, but most of all, I adore cheery cherries and I think I got that from ‘YOU’! I wish you and yours, all that is wonderful in life and look forward to the day that we followers can hopefully have our ‘Home Companion’ back home again!!!

   Sincerely, Debbie
   (a huge Mary fan)

   Comment by Debbie~ — August 4, 2009 @ 2:46 pm

10. 

    I just wanted to let you know how much I loved your magazine all these years. I used to subscribe to so many magazines and when I had to cut back, I only wanted to keep getting ME. I am really sad and disappointed that you are no longer publishing and I am looking forward to when you start something new. Good luck in all that you do!

    Comment by Missy — August 4, 2009 @ 6:19 pm

11. 

    Please, please bring back Home Companion magazine.
    I feel like I lost one of my best friends.

    Comment by Bernadette Rhuberg — August 5, 2009 @ 8:33 am

12. 

    I bought HC from the very first issue and I browse through old issues in my spare time. I miss the fresh ideas and hope that we will see the magazine again soon!

    Comment by Nancy — August 7, 2009 @ 12:05 am

13. 

    I will miss your magazine very much. Everything about your magazine is so creative and artistic. Hope to see you publishing again soon. Lori

    Comment by Lori E. Alexander — August 7, 2009 @ 7:31 pm

14. 

    Hi Mary,
    I also really miss HC but I was afraid that you were ill and had to stop…so glad to hear that it was “just” the economy.
    Very best of luck on your site, I’ll be eagerly watching.

    Comment by Beth Junquera — August 7, 2009 @ 7:48 pm

15. 

    Hi Mary,
    I logged on to the internet to get a subscription because I have not been able to find your magazine only to learn it will no longer be published. I am very sad to hear that because I LOVE your magazine. I have saved all of the past issues I bought and go through them from time to time. I Love your artwork as well. I found a frame picture of oriental girls in a resale shop and of course I bought it. It is one of my favorite pictures. I will pray that your magazine comes back into publication. I will miss it dearly.

    I will watch your website for any news.

    Comment by Susan Boucher — August 8, 2009 @ 10:12 pm

16. 

    I am SO excited to see the new site – it is beautiful! I really hope that the new Home Companion blog will be as chocked full of colorful photo’s & inspiration as the magazine was… I really don’t know how I am going to make it through Halloween and Christmas this year without new editions, I look forward to receiving them almost as much as I did the actual holiday! Anyway, I am super excited to see all that is new and can’t wait for more!

    Comment by jerusalem — August 8, 2009 @ 10:37 pm

17. 

    I am CRUSHED!!! Perusing magazines is a passion of mine and Home Companion was my favorite! It was truely unique, not a typical decorating magazine. HC was for artists and crafters of all levels. I will miss its whimsey and anxiously awaiting the comeback of Home Companion!!!!

    Comment by Carissa — August 10, 2009 @ 2:27 pm

18. 

    My heart is broken. Never missed one issue of Home Companion from the first. Martha Stewart Living does NOT hold a candle to Home Companion. Too much fru-fru and too many rules to follow in order to live up to Martha’s style. Please keep readers posted if there is an inkling that HC will resurrect….I will be the first in line.

    Comment by Margy — August 10, 2009 @ 5:47 pm

19. 

    TO all at MEHC:

    I awas very sorry to hear that the magazine will no longer be published. I believe I have subscribed from the beginning, and loved every issue. Every time a new issue came, I could look forward to losing myself in a magical world of art and home design. thank you all so much for a wonderful experience, I hope we can do it again sometime in the future!

    Comment by Chris — August 11, 2009 @ 8:53 am

20. 

    This is tragic news – Loved your magazine- I have read it for years and have always been inspired by your wonderful writing and photos – you are the very best and an inspiration to artists everywhere.

    Good Luck in finding a new publisher – we lover you and miss you ME!

    Comment by Paula — August 12, 2009 @ 4:01 am

21. 

    I’m mourning the loss of a faihful companion, YOU!! In better times, I savoured each and every issue as a needed respite from everyday life. Can’t wait to see what emerges from this disaster. P.S. the economy is NOT bad everywhere. In Louisiana new houses and whole subdivisions are popping up overnight. Regional focus might be needed. Thank you for such delightful inspirations over the years and I pray there will be more to come!

    Comment by Jan — August 12, 2009 @ 9:39 am

22. 

    Mary,
    I literally have tears in my eyes reading this post. I am one of those lucky gals that has every last issue and was fortunate enough to work with Kathy Curotto on a photo shoot here in Phoenix (she sent me the first issue as a gift which completed my collection). I’m still mourning my MEHC. I miss the joy of finding it in my mail box knowing I wasn’t even going to peek until I had a cup of tea and a little “piece of quiet”. I knew it would take many repeats through the pages to absorb all the beauty and inspiration in each new issue. I’ve been revisiting my old issues but it almost makes me more sad.

    I truly hope you are able to resurrect my treasured MEHC. There will be much jubilation (and not just in my little corner of the world)! In the meantime I’m so happy for your blog!

    Comment by Jona — August 13, 2009 @ 8:59 pm

23. 

    Hi Mary, Jona at Fabritopia sent me over, and like everyone above your magazine was the BEST one we received every month, and I think we have EVERY issue (maybe not the first couple) My wife and I loved the features on artists, and quite frankly MEHC inspired us over and over again to become the artists that lived inside of us….we just didn’t know we were in there!! So thank you for all those issues, and We are definitely looking forward to More in the future!!

    Comment by Scott — August 14, 2009 @ 12:04 am

24. 

    I’m confused! I love your magazine and you said your numbers have not dropped but that your funds for advertising have. I read an article in of my husband’s Inc magazines that the worst thing to do right now is cut advertising. That’s what most companies are doing b/c they’re scared. The smarter companies are throwing all their resources into advertising to attract new customers and keep their old. You need to find other avenues to cut! With out advertising your company will miss a large opportunity to find more interest. Please fight to save your magazine!!!

    Comment by Elizabeth — August 14, 2009 @ 3:06 pm

25. 

    I am SO, SO, SO, sad!!

    Joy

    Comment by Joy — August 14, 2009 @ 5:08 pm

26. 

    I am so saddened to learn that Home Companion is no longer being published. I also have been around since the very first issue. My Mom and I would eagerly await our issues and absolutely LOVED the paper dolls as did my 4 young daughters. Thank you for your inspirational, (and beautiful) art work, decorating advice, and all around fun magazine. It will be sorely missed!!!!

    Comment by Kara — August 15, 2009 @ 8:39 pm

27. 

    Hi Mary and Companion Family! Im so…glad I found you! I also did not get my ms mag.but I’m not complaing. Nothing against Martha but shes just not Mary. I will just keep up with your new site and blogs to see whats up in your world. I hope that one day you can bring it back and I will be there for you buying each magazine!

    Comment by Donna Jenkins — August 15, 2009 @ 9:38 pm

28. 

    I really wanted to purchase the magazine subscription. Earlier in the year I tried to through our school’s magazine drive,only to receive a letter in the mail saying that I could not. How disappointed I was!! I’m only now realizing that the entire magazine has been discontinued. Little Debbie “fancy cakes” white cake with creme filling have some ME stationery on the back to order. Please check it out!
    Cindy Kasper

    Comment by Cindy Kasper — August 15, 2009 @ 11:34 pm

29. 

    The saddest day! The day I finally realized ME Home Companion was no more… I kept getting MS Living and I thought “who the heck bought me a subscription to MS Living” … and, I guess I’m slow – but after almost three months I thought “hey, were the heck is my Home Companion. So I went on line to check if my subscription needed to be renewed and WOW, I was in tears when I read Mary’s note to subscribers. The best days of my year had been the days when my Home Companion would arrive and I’d make a plan to spend the entire evening and most of the next day reading and savoring every single page. I’d try to get all the housework done and make coffee and find a cozy spot just for me! And over the years I’ve had such joy sharing the magazine with friends and family. I remodeled my kitchen based on one of the stories in the magazine. I kept every copy and have a glorious collection which will have to sustain me. Please bring back my favorite magazine of all time. Nothing can compare!

    Comment by Laura Rockow — August 15, 2009 @ 11:52 pm

30. 

    Oh Dear Mary, I also have every issue of M.E. Home Companion, having been a subscriber since the first issue. I even have numbered prints of some of the cover art on my sewing room walls. I love all of your beautiful designs. And yes, I must even admit to having 4 strands of Tea Pot Christmas lights that I have carried from home to home as we have moved over the years. I love them.

    Please bring your magazine back. Your work, and the work of other artists which you highlighted on your pages, is so fun and inspiring. You helped me to see that I could create things, just because I liked them. That was a wonderful revelation to me.

    Please, somehow bring Home Companion back.

    Thank you so much.

    Comment by Sivje Parish — August 17, 2009 @ 3:31 am

31. 

    Hi, I too am missing my Home Companion very much. I finally got around to calling MSL to find out why I hadn’t received their mag. My subscription didnot transfer just like another subscriber mentioned. Luckily I had a mailing label to indicate that I still had a year to go and sent it in as directed by the first customer serv rep I spoke with at MSL. I still haven’t heard a peep from them and when I called to inquire, the customer service rep was quite snippy and told me I needed to wait longer to hear back from them.

    We all know customer service isn’t good in these hard times, but really, why didn’t my subscription information transfer in the first place?

    Comment by Chris Rab — August 17, 2009 @ 1:01 pm

32. 

    Eleven years ago I was invited to become a charter member of a new magazine that was going to be all things MARY. I immediatly subscribed, and am still luckily holding onto every issue. I want to thank the Home Companion staff…and Mary…for over a decade of inspiration and joy. No matter what the future holds I, like many others, can dive into our knee high stack of carefully preserved, and greatly cherished MEHC magazines and relive the magic. THANK YOU!

    Comment by Patrice Young — August 17, 2009 @ 6:44 pm

33. 

    All I can say is more of the same. MEHC was and always will be my all-time favorite magazine. I so looked forward to every new issue and I absorbed every detail. I love your unique perspective and creativity. I hope with all my heart your magazine will come back. It was a bright spot in a not-so-bright world! I have been receiving the MS magazine, but it is a poor replacement to MEHC. It actually makes me sad when I get new MS issues because it reminds me that MEHC is no more. Please, please bring it back when you can.

    A loyal and heartbroken reader,
    Mary B.

    Comment by Mary B. — August 18, 2009 @ 10:53 am

34. 

    I very seldom buy magazines but I did subscribe to ME Home Companion. In fact I paid for 3 years subcription. I received a couple of copies (loved them) only to receive Martha S. magazine as a substitute. I love Martha but I feel I’ve been ripped off! So sad. I’ve be had.

    Comment by Janet Johnson — August 18, 2009 @ 9:53 pm

35. 

    I just wanted you to know that I have an accordian file FULL of clippings from MEHC. I still have pictures of the house you bought in Old Town in my file. I loved that house – so happy. I try very hard not to “Engelbreitize” my home. Some men, believe it or not, don’t want their homes to be that cute.

    Anyway, I miss poring over all those beautiful pages every month with a cup of coffee, and I still have a drawer full of gorgeous paper dolls from years and years of collecting them from MEHC.

    Come back soon.

    Comment by Jennifer — August 20, 2009 @ 1:35 pm

36. 

    I loved Home Companion and miss it terribly. Since I saved my issues almost from the beginning I can reread them when I get to wishing you still published!
    Rhondi

    Comment by Rhondi — August 21, 2009 @ 1:33 pm

37. 

    Your magazine will be missed. MSL is not the same but it’s good of you to transfer subscriptions. A class act by a creative and classy woman. Hoping to attend the workshops! Too bad they wouldn’t give you a chance to switch your venue to re-new, re-use. I suspect you and your wonderful staff would have had amazing ideas and resources for all of us struggling with hard hit financials.

    Comment by Jenny — August 21, 2009 @ 2:56 pm

38. 

    Mary why aren’t you on FACEBOOK? please start a fan club for your magazine and work on FACEBOOK asap!

    Suzanne in CT

    Comment by suzanne Urban — August 22, 2009 @ 6:50 am

39. 

    and twitter yourself too. I’ve been looking for you on both forums.

    Comment by suzanne Urban — August 22, 2009 @ 6:51 am

40. 

    Hello Mary:
    I so loved MEHC the many years I subscribed.
    Today I found your blog so I’m so happy because reading about you and see your gorgeus illustrations is always so inspiring.
    I’m electrical engineer but in my 40’s I decided to start my old dream: draw!
    I Still remember when I saw for the first time you magazine….AH! Love at first sight!!
    Thank you indeed for be my inspiration.
    Grazie di cuore!
    Cata, illustrator apprentice

    Comment by cata — August 22, 2009 @ 8:20 am

41. 

    My heart is broken:( I was introduced to MEHC by a teacher friend that was cleaning house and gave me a few of her old copies seven years ago!! I still have them PLUS all of the ones I have received since I subscribed!! The world needs MORE magazines like MEHC…such gentleness and fun and whimsy…I’m glad I also kept my issues of HC…they were/are all keepers!

    Comment by Kathy — August 22, 2009 @ 1:33 pm

42. 

    In my ongoing efforts to purge and simplify, I was just about to recycle my voluminous collection of back issues of Home Companion! This is one time being a packrat paid off. (Sorry Peter Walsh)

    I will dearly miss your magazine Mary. As a wife and mother and professional server, I am part therapist, nurse, feeder of animals, short order cook, magician and far too little princess, Your magazine was a great indulgence that satisfied and tickled both the woman and little girl in me. I will really miss it!!!!

    Please come back…

    Comment by Debbie — August 22, 2009 @ 2:40 pm

43. 

    I was thinking about this last night and wanted to tell you that I’m really sorry about your magazine. Sometimes I think that surviving a creative loss like this must be like loosing a limb – or at least a prettily painted fingernail. I was thinking only of how the closing impacted a lot of people but it probably impacts you more then anyone and I just wanted to offer my condolences for your loss.

    Comment by Jenny — August 23, 2009 @ 8:16 am

44. 

    I have had the same problem. Martha Stewart Living did NOT transfer my subscription and deny any knowledge that I had a Home Companion subscription. Poor business decision on someone’s part. Martha Stewart publications must be too “big and important” to care about us Mary devotees.

    Comment by Marci — August 23, 2009 @ 1:15 pm

45. 

    I’m so sad that your magazine is no longer with us!! I LOVED the arrival and always stopped anything I was doing to read it cover to cover! Luckily I have saved every copy since it’s inception! Lucky me! Thank you for the MS Living but there is NO comparison! Hope you have an Orange County, Southern California Workshop so my daughter & I can come!
    Charlene

    Comment by Charlene — August 23, 2009 @ 4:08 pm

46. 

    Hi Mary! Was so disappointed when Home Companion
    stopped being published. I have every copy. I truly loved…Love…that mag. I couldn’t wait for each copy to arrive in my mail box. I still go back and look at them. The pics are wonderful and I wanted to try everything! Please bring it back!!!!! Smiles and Blessings, Nancy

    Comment by Nancy Collins — August 23, 2009 @ 5:11 pm

47. 

    P.S. I forgot to mention that the paper dolls are still in tact in each magazine. Maybe I will get them out and play with my ggranddaughter! NC

    Comment by Nancy Collins — August 23, 2009 @ 5:14 pm

48. 

    I miss MEHC so much – it was my fav ‘mini-vacation’ – so much to enjoy, so inspirational.
    I hope you can bring it back – maybe as an ‘e-zine’ online subscription?
    –with paper dolls that we can print on cardstock, perhaps?
    Always hopeful,

    Comment by Thea McCurry — August 24, 2009 @ 7:39 pm

49. 

    Home Companion was my VERY FAVORITE magazine, and I miss it dreadfully!!
    If it is every resurrected, I will be one of the first to subscribe!
    Love you, ME!!!!

    Comment by Mary — August 26, 2009 @ 3:58 pm

50. 

    As I am finally getting to putting my summer decorations away, I am looking at the cutest 4th of July Bicycle basket EVER. I got the inspiration from one of the issues of MEHC several years ago. Thank you for the MSL subscription, but there truly is not a substitution for HOME COMPANION, and like all the above readers I treasured every issue for the last 11 years. I find it incredibly hard to believe that of all the crazy magazines that are in publication right now, this would be one of the ones that they chose to do away with. I feel sure that after seeing this outpouring of people’s attachment and devotion to what MEHC represented in readership they may change their minds. As you look at opportunity to advertise even with the tight economy this is the kind of magazine that would definitely provide you with a great deal of return on investment. Please let me know if there is anyone that is willing to listen because what we need now is something to look forward to in our mailbox. A bright spot in our lives. Thank you very much for the past 11 years.

    Comment by Amanda — August 27, 2009 @ 12:01 pm

51. 

    As Fall approaches, I have resorted to pulling out my old Home Companions for inspiration. As a future artist (current stay-at-home mom to four) I was always inspired by the entire magazine, but especially the artist profiles. I just love rereading the magazine, something you can’t sink into a couch with online. I certainly hope the Lord blesses a future endeavor, for selfish reasons.

    Sincerely,
    Angela in Prescott

    Comment by Angela — August 27, 2009 @ 5:54 pm

52. 

    This was my favorite magazine ever, and I read a ton of magazines! I treasure every issue I received and was a subscriber for many years. I also gave subscriptions as gifts on Mother’s Day to my mom and my sister.

    It is funny because Mary’s own artwork has never really drawn me in like it does for many, but the variety of artists profiled and their diverse and extraordinary work inspired me every time I turned the page.

    This is the kind of magazine that you keep and read and re-read many times. It has a great shelf life – which is what advertisers want and need. More importantly, I have actually purchased products that I learned about by reading the magazine’s advertising section: Gorilla Glue, Wall Words, Waverly fabrics, to name a few.

    I hope this magazine will once again be published! By the way, my daughter very much misses the paper dolls. That was just the sweetest thing in a magazine ever.

    Comment by Shawna Gibson — August 27, 2009 @ 11:12 pm

53. 

    Hi Mary. For eleven years, I’ve collected each and every one of your magazines. Your story has always been an inspiration to me. You see, I too am a self-taught artist. One of my favorite illustrations of yours is one where little Mary is feverishly painting with wild abandon in a classroom. The grumpy teacher is glaring at you. All the other children are doing exactly what they’re told, but you’re doing what you’ve always done: painting an original. This has always made me smile, because In reality, I had the exact same experience in kindergarten! The teacher was droning on: draw this, put it here, color that…and little Terri was joyfully drawing a beautiful princess in as many colors as she could come up with. I still remember the teacher scolding me!! That’s okay though. I went right on being me! Your magazine has always been a beacon for me. You celebrate being unique and following your own vision. I learned that it’s okay to be different, and in the pages of Home Companion I found endless inspiration and encouragement. Creativity is something to be applauded and not hidden. You’ve been my hero. I have missed losing myself in the pages of your wonderful magazine. It definitely is not just a shelter publication. It is a roadmap for anyone wandering the creative highway. And if your subscription numbers are any indication, there are many of those souls out there. I sincerely hope with all my heart that there is a publisher who will see what all of us have known for years. In times like these, we need art, color, and inspiration like never before. What a dreary world it would be without it. Let’s tell the publishers they can take THAT to the bank! Thank you from the bottom of my heart for all the happiness you have created over the years. I doubt I would still be making art if it hadn’t been for you.

    Comment by Terri Morse — August 28, 2009 @ 1:38 pm

54. 

    I must say I was completely shocked to see that you had stopped publishing Home Companion. I really enjoyed your magazine. In fact, when we moved two years ago I got rid of the “other” magazines and kept yours. It was a treat to get it in the mail. I sure hope you decided to do another magazine in the future.

    Signed,
    still grieving over the lose of Home Companion

    Comment by Karen — August 28, 2009 @ 4:31 pm

55. 

    Dear Mary,
    Just had to write to let you know that I also felt so sad to hear that Home Companion was no longer coming to my mailbox. I loved it, was so inspired by it and saved every issue I received. I will immediately resubscribe should you start the magazine again. I had ordered a subscription for a friend and we are both very unhappy because Martha Stewart’s magazine cannot compare in any way to your perfect perfect magazine. Glad to see your blog! Keep creating your beautiful art that brings so much joy to the world

    Comment by Louise — August 28, 2009 @ 10:02 pm

56. 

    Hi Mary. I do so miss your magazine. I found it very inspiring and just plain fun. I especially liked the articles on the featured artists. There really isn’t a magazine that is quite the same.

    Comment by Shari Hughes — August 28, 2009 @ 10:54 pm

57. 

    Hi Mary…I really miss ME Home Companion…your magazine was truly one of a kind with no comparison…i loved everything about it…the articles, the artists, the whimsiness, the colors and of course the illustrations… reading your magazine always made my heart glad to be alive …it also gave me the inspiration and motivation to dabble in the arts and crafts…i have been a subscriber since 2001 and wished i was there from day one…are there back issues that can be ordered?…thanx for everything

    Comment by nelson failing — August 29, 2009 @ 9:33 pm

58. 

    Mary – you are so right!!! Taking all of the home magazines that I have loved off the market at the same time was a big blow – one magazine a month is not enough! Home Companion was my favorite! I would schedule special time to read and re-read it, savoring every last photo and word. Although I understand the advertising dilema, they did not even ask the subscribers if they would be willing to pay more money to have the magazine continue – I know I would. Please try to bring back your magazine – it’s truly one of a kind and is sorely missed.

    Comment by beckylwitte@sbcglobal.net — August 30, 2009 @ 11:27 am

59. 

    I loved your magazine and was so sorry to see it is no longer published. I have been a subscriber for years and I have many, many back issues. I love going back through them and never tire of reading them. I also have several of your books. I hope you will be able to revive Home Companion someday!

    Comment by Jacque — August 30, 2009 @ 4:16 pm

60. 

    I have hunted and hunted for Home Compion so I finally decided to look you up on the internet. Oh how devasted I am! Your magazine was a bright spot in many lives and I for one have many of them. Now I know I will not part with my back issues nor will I be lending them.
    I hope with all my heart that you come back and meanwhile I will looking for your merchandise through your website. Thank you for your vision, artistry and sticktoitivness!!!!
    Diane M. Fuller

    Comment by Diane M. Fuller — August 30, 2009 @ 6:44 pm

61. 

    Mary – If I ever win the lottery (hopefully a real big one!), I will be calling your people to see if there’s any way to get your magazine up and running again!! And if it came to pass, it would be even better with more articles and wonderfulness, if you’d be up to it. One can dream, right? Really miss MEHC!

    Comment by Patricia — August 31, 2009 @ 2:14 pm

62. 

    I am devestated. This was my ABSOLUTE FAVORITE magazine. I just realized that it hadn’t been coming and actually went to the bookstore to find out if I had let my subscription lapse. I am so saddened. First Simple Scrapbooks and now ME… what am I going to do?

    Comment by Jill D — September 2, 2009 @ 9:51 am

63. 

    Add me to the list of very sad artists missing your publication that has given me so much inspireation over the years. I particularly loved the profiles of artists’ studios and work. I’m looking at a picture of yours that I bought. The quote is: Just living is not enough. One must have sunshine, freedom, and a little flower.” Your magazine has been a flower. Hope to see you publishing a new magazine in the future. I’ll keep my eye open.

    Good luck,

    Taylore Carson

    Comment by Taylore Carson — September 3, 2009 @ 3:07 pm

64. 

    I enjoyed every article, beautiful picture, and featured artist of Home Companion. What I really enjoyed were the first issues(which I still own)when the covers were Mary’s art. I miss this little escape!

    Comment by Gaela Lashley — September 5, 2009 @ 4:25 pm

65. 

    I was a subscriber from the very beginning (I was still in high school then!). I miss this magazine so much – it was and still is my favorite. If you manage to bring it back, I assure you that I’ll subscribe right away! I’m sorry, but blogs simply can’t replicate the joy of ink and paper.

    Comment by chrissy — September 6, 2009 @ 2:51 pm

66. 

    Like other postings I’ve read, I am so thankful that I have saved all my past Home Companion magazines – I had been a subscriber from the start. I am also enjoying going through my old copies – because afterall, creativity doesn’t have an expiration date on it! Not only I am a Mary fan, but as my sons grew and married, both my daughter-in-laws (teachers) became fans as well. We all have so many decorating ideas, products, and shared stories among us – all gleened from reading Home Companion. During tough economic times, creativity is the one thing we all need and it doesn’t always cost an arm and a leg to dream. We need you Mary!

    Comment by Marsha Parsons — September 6, 2009 @ 8:07 pm

67. 

    Heartbreaking. In one fell swoop I lost four of the magazines I looked forward to and saved for inspiration- Home, Country Home, Cottage Living, and my all-time favorite, Home Companion- only Country Living, MSL and good old BH&G remain. I’ve purged old issues of the others, but never HC; my complete collection, including many found on eBay, has a special place on my bedside bookshelves. Every two months I treat myself to a marathon browse through that season’s back issues. I hate the thought that new ones won’t be joining them.

    Your magazine was my favorite because of them all it featured the quirkiest, most personal spaces. Vintage cups hanging from the ceiling, shelves lined with Chinese newspaper- your featured homes never failed to inspire. All the shelter mags that appeal to me have in common this use of unmatched, OLD things and this eclecticism, but yours did it best. It’s so frustrating for me to stand in front of a magazine rack now. The high upscale mags like Architectural Digest can be interesting to read, but the antiques and artisan pieces used are unattainable and I’ll never know the satisfaction of making their ideas my own. And the others all seem to be aimed at habitants of cookie-cutter McMansions who want everything brand-new and matching. Sorry, it’s not my idea of “country” when every single object on display is mass-produced and color-coordinated by the catalog whose website is handily linked. I want to see the homeowner’s mother’s china, the designs she painted on the ceiling, and the coffee table she made out of a chicken incubator. All the magazines I like do or did some of this, but HC was the queen.

    Thank you for eleven years of delight. Here’s hoping you can resurrect a wonderful magazine.

    Comment by Julie — September 7, 2009 @ 9:57 am

68. 

    This magazine encapsulated my sense of aesthetics in creating a home environment AND crafting. I couldn’t have said it any better; we love to dream about the magic we see in magazine pictures. The quality of Home Companion was superb, from the paper pages to the paper dolls included with every issue, and your staff was great. My subscription was fulfilled by Martha Stewart’s Living with no hitches. Love you and will continue to track your work!

    Comment by Tammy G-roh — September 8, 2009 @ 12:24 pm

69. 

    Carissima Mary, ero abbonata alla tua meravigliosa rivista che mi arrivava in Italia ogni due mesi,non sai quanto mi dispiace questa chiusura. Tu pensa che io non ho studiato l’inglese eppure non vedevo l’ora che mi arrivasse la tua rivista per sfogliarla. Quardo sempre il tuo sito che è sempre piu ‘ bello, sei fantastica. saluti da Franca

    Comment by francaLovisoloDemichelis — September 9, 2009 @ 9:29 am

70. 

    Mary,

    Your blog is great and the news about your new books and figurines is even greater. They help to fill the void until your Home Companion is back up and running.

    CaroleAnn M

    Comment by CaroleAnn M — September 9, 2009 @ 4:20 pm

71. 

    I have every single issue and now am so glad I kept them all! I loved the magazine, love all your artwork and look forward to staying in touch with the Blog and new website. ~Liz

    Comment by Liz Sargent — September 9, 2009 @ 8:36 pm

72. 

    Mary, I am the “silly cherry tattoo lady” that you met at a book signing in St. Louis a few years ago. I was a subscriber from the very first issue of HC magazine, and I still have every single issue. I’m glad you’re still putting out new things, and I hope that the HC magazine will make a come-back soon; I miss it! (Check out my e-mail address!)

    Comment by Connie — September 10, 2009 @ 12:08 pm

73. 

    I am so sad . . . it’s as though a dear friend has passed away. I saved my favorite editions of MEHC, and had I known it would be going away, I would have saved every one. Know that I am subscriber #1 the MOMENT another publisher is found, and I pledge to buy all my friends subscriptions for Christmas that year, too!! Your magazine was the most unique of its kind and I miss it terribly.

    Comment by Alane Roberts — September 11, 2009 @ 7:54 am

74. 

    All too many of us have suffered or are suffering from this economy. Having a small family business (jewelry store) We’ve been feeling it for well over a year..Your magazine helped with wonderful escapism opportunities, it grieves me to see this publication go. I’ll hope and pray for sunny days again.

    Comment by Rhonda Irizarry — September 12, 2009 @ 12:50 am

75. 

    I continue to mourn the loss of MEHC months after you ceased publication. I happened across your magazine in a therapist’s waiting room at a tough time in my life (I was already a ME fan). I took the subscription card and never let my subcription run out. I gave it as gifts! Reading, rereading AND rereading my MEHCs was so pleasurable! I sincerely hope you will be back in production sometime soon but in the meantime know that you have left a hole in my life that just cannot be filled!

    Comment by Michelle Connelly — September 12, 2009 @ 4:31 pm

76. 

    Mary, I just wanted to say that I have been a ME fan forever! I subscribed to MEHC from the very first issue, and I couldn’t have been more disappointed to receive my last issue. I would love to have a list of the new products you are putting out and where we can find them. I miss the designs for dishes that you used to do; especially the Christmas ones. I am looking forward to when your magazine will be back in publication.

    Comment by Randa Cates — September 13, 2009 @ 9:55 pm

77. 

    Mary,
    your magazine reminded me that I was creative. I also have fond memories of cutting out the paper dolls with my daughter when she was younger. It will be missed.

    Please include my email on any web ‘zines that you publish. And hopefully we can get a nice tactile magazine going one of these days.

    Comment by Lynn — September 14, 2009 @ 12:50 am

78. 

    Miss Homecompanion. Hope you find a new publisher soon! Love the “Bring a Friend Make a Friend” pix.

    Comment by Ann Tilson — September 19, 2009 @ 8:50 am

79. 

    I only have one copy of the Home Companion. I read it again and again and again. I am truly sorry that it is no longer being published. I just decided tonight that I would go online and order a subscription. You can imagine how disappointed I was when I read your comments. I hope that in the near future it will be published again. it is really a wonderful magazine. I love my one magazine. It is a 2002 magazine. That shows how long I’ve had it and I can’t tell you how many times I have read it.

    Comment by Tish Lawson — September 19, 2009 @ 6:04 pm

80. 

    I bought Home Companion regularily and was so disappointed to learn that it was no longer available. I especially liked the doll cutouts and was so looking forward to sharing them with my grand daughter when old enough. I will be saving those I have! Good luck Mary & hopefully in future we will once again be curling up and reading your magazine!

    Comment by Lynda Bobinski — September 20, 2009 @ 11:38 am

81. 

    I am shocked to hear that the magazine is no more. I was browsing today, and happened to check on the website for some “creative” inspiration, when I noticed the comments about it. Then I realized that it had been awhile since my copy had come. Life has been really hectic lately, so I was going to catch up on my mags this weekend, and lo and behold, my favorite was not there. I will truly miss it! It was always a breath of fresh air, with great ideas that I could always use in my crafts here at home. Hope to see it again, one day! Thanks again for sharing your talents with the world!!!

    Comment by Debbie — September 20, 2009 @ 2:09 pm

82. 

    I WENT OUT ON A FIND YOUR MAGAZINE MISSION TODAY
    ONLY TO DISCOVER THE REASON WHY I WAS UNABLE TO FIND IT. I AS A LOT OF OTHER PEOPLE ARE REALLY
    SADDENED BY THIS AND LOOK FORWARD TO ITS RETURN.
    THANKS FOR ALL THE INSPIRATION!

    Comment by Debbie Castor — September 20, 2009 @ 7:59 pm

83. 

    Mary–

    It gave me such joy to receive your magazine! The anticipation going to the mailbox and finding Home Companion is something I will miss dearly. You brought alot of kindred souls together with your work, it was a spiritual experience to connect with the artists that you showcased, yourself, and your many devoted readers. I will pray that you find a way to bring back that joy to all who appreciated your efforts so much! Thank you for sharing your talent, and love of life with us.

    Marie

    Comment by Marie — September 21, 2009 @ 9:41 am

84. 

    Mary–

    It gave me such joy to receive your magazine! The anticipation of going to the mailbox and finding Home Companion is something I will miss dearly. You brought alot of kindred souls together with your work, it was a spiritual experience to connect with the artists that you showcased, yourself, and your many devoted readers. I will pray that you find a way to bring back that joy to all who appreciated your efforts so much! Thank you for sharing your talent, and love of life with us.

    Marie

    Comment by Marie — September 21, 2009 @ 9:42 am

85. 

    Oh, dear…. I was such a Mary wanna be…. I am keeping all my issues of the magazine, and pass them out among my daughter and friends. They are ORDERED to give them back, as I can’t live without reading them over and over. PLEASE COME BACK MARY! I will wait for the magazines rebirth. Thank you for all the years.

    Comment by Diane — September 25, 2009 @ 10:18 pm

86. 

    Wow, sad news indeed. I always purchased single issues and have been combing the newsstands, unable to find the magazine. I decided to search online in case I missed some news and apparently I did. I got a lot of inspiration and amusement from MEHC over the years, and I know this will leave a hole in my creative inspiration. I hope Mary will have another magazine with a different publisher in the future, I’ll be keeping my eyes open. In the mean time, thank you!

    Karen (also known as illustrator Sunshinesketches)

    Comment by Karen Vesk — September 28, 2009 @ 10:34 pm

87. 

    I have saved most of your magazine–some I shared with others who didn’t return them. I have issues with all your homes and loved each one. The monthly issue was greeted with anticipation of a good read; the old issues are brought out and reread for inspiration. I MISS Home Companion very much!!!

    Comment by Dianne Wade — September 30, 2009 @ 3:54 pm

88. 

    HiMary and staff
    I am so lucky that despite my friends calling ma a pack rat I still have my old issues saved. I have always read and re-read them where I stored them in my greenhouse for a relaxing break. I thought it was just me,being too busy, maybe I let the subscription expire. And I already did subscribe to Martha Stewart, so I just didn’t quite get it. Today I went to 4 stores seeking MEHC out! Then I came home and got online and POOF the bad news. At least you aren’t all together gone like some things these days. I am sad about the loss of magazine, but I will follow your blog and get out my old very treasured copies of MEHC and HOPE it gets published again. I hate change and that is one change I’m not ready to make. I used to share it with my 80 year old mom and we would giggle at the paper dolls and talk about the great art and then get creative! Thank you for doing such a great job inspiring me and so many others for all these years. I’m glad I finally looked online to find your new stuff. Good luck to you all in everything you do. Sincerely Cookie

    Comment by Cookie — October 1, 2009 @ 1:32 am

89. 

    I loved your magazine and think you should do a book with just studios in it. Seeing the work spaces of other artists was my favorite part. I hope you can come back.

    Comment by Julie — October 7, 2009 @ 1:08 pm

90. 

    I loved your magazine but am loving your blog too! It will do until you can get the magazine up and running again! Thanks for all your hard work keeping us smiling with your cuteness!

    Comment by Cara — October 7, 2009 @ 1:11 pm

91. 

    I miss the magazine terribly and I’m glad I saved a lot of my very early publications. I have the very first one! I treasure those “old” ones, selfishly, as they had Mary’s sketches on the cover. Hopefully, the stinky economy will improve and you can bring us back the amazing magazine that we so looked forward to receiving!

    Comment by Miriam RN — October 10, 2009 @ 6:51 pm

92. 

    DArn- I FINALLY bought my own home (hey I’m trying to do my part here!) and can actaully decorate my own place….and no more Home Companion to inspire me! Very very sad. I’ve been an ME fan for years and years – I eat off of ME designed dishes every day. Thank goodness I didn’t discard old Home Companion issues. Please come back, I need you!!

    Comment by Lori — October 12, 2009 @ 1:55 pm

93. 

    Oh My Gosh! I noticed it wasn’t coming in the mail, so I kept looking at JoAnn’s for it, and didn’t see it! I guess I am a little slow, but WOW!!!! will this magazine be missed! I used it for artistic inspiration. Thank goodness I saved my issues. ( So sad. Can’t wait till it is back. XoXo Thanks, Mary, for encouraging us artists, and being such a great example of the OPPOSITE of starving artist.

    Comment by Shelley Overton — October 15, 2009 @ 1:18 pm

94. 

    I, too, have missed the magazine very much. In cleaning out a box the other day, I discovered an old issue. I had to celebrate. I love the colors and the design of the magazine. It is one publication that never failed to make me happy. I hope that, someday, it will be back!

    Comment by Kelly Mason — October 26, 2009 @ 4:49 pm

95. 

    Mary Engelbreit! I love your artwork and your sayings – and have surrounded myself with them. A print on the wall shows a girl surrounded by dolls and teddies, declaring “The More The Merrier!”. Another one in my office inspires me not to follow another’s path but to make my own. I have your artwork and books and pins and tins and fabric and calendars and stationery of all kinds…and I’ve treated myself to your magazines for years. I only found out today that your Home Companion magazine is no longer in print, after pestering my local bookstore and newspaper store to find your new Christmas issue. Like other posters here, I have kept all the issues I bought before and I’m glad I did ; they’re too beautiful to part with ! Good luck with your ongoing projects in the meantime – your creations bring old fashioned values, sweet sentiments, bold colours and charm to the blandness of modern life. Thank-you!

    Comment by Shelley — October 30, 2009 @ 5:50 pm

96. 

    There is no other magazine like Home Companion. None of the others can take it’s place. It had the ability to make me happy, when I had the flu I spent days just re-reading old H. C.’s. There is no place else to get that kind of inspiration. I am so unhappy. I do so hope you publish Home Companion again sometime in the (near) future.
    Christine

    Comment by Christine Quigley — November 8, 2009 @ 2:18 pm

97. 

    I was wondering why I suddenly started getting MS Living… not the same!! I too am glad I saved my old copies of Home Companion. The ideas are so interesting and fun. I look forward to wherever your next endeavors take you. Thanks for many great years!

    Comment by Cindi Buell — November 12, 2009 @ 1:12 pm

98. 

    Please bring the magazine back!!!
    I loved reading it so much. Always very inspirational.

    Comment by Judie — November 13, 2009 @ 9:57 pm

99. 

    Boy, have I missed your magazine; M.S. Living is truly NOT for me! But, I was contented this fall when I was commissioned to do a watercolor for a friend, and pulled out all my back summer issues to get ideas for the seashell picture she wanted. I’m so glad I saved every issue! I’ll keep watching for it to come back.

    Comment by Carolyn — November 21, 2009 @ 2:11 am

100. 

     I have been reading your magazine since it first started. There were times I was a subscriber, but I loved doing my shopping and then running to the magazine counter to pick up the new issue.
     It was like a reward at the end of a chore that I loathed. I still miss picking the magazine up. No comparison!
     Your little rendered drawings of real and fairytale life has entertained me through child rearing and now as I work on continuing my own education.
     You are truly talented individual and God Bless You.
     Thank you,
     Joni Dollar

     Comment by joni — November 22, 2009 @ 12:15 pm

101. 

     I have had a sub. for many years. I have to tell you, I and my daughter are extremely sadden over the ending of many years of hours of true enjoyment. It’s a good thing that I did not give away any of my copies…..

     Comment by sherri — November 23, 2009 @ 11:13 pm

102. 

     Wow…..I am slow I guess..I just found out ..no more of my Favorite magazine of all times !!

     I will always remember the feel of the mail box
     opening and seeing the newest issue…my blood would race…

     I still have and will never throw…my first issues ,covered with Mary’s Art…If and when
     Home Companion starts anew… I will be there
     check in the mail !! Thank you for helping me
     through my years of raising children..Because
     when Mommy got her Home companion issue it was
     a great day !!!

     Sincerly ~
     Melinda Fisher
     Minnesota

     Comment by Melinda Fisher — November 24, 2009 @ 3:05 am

103. 

     Last spring, when I didn’t receive any more Home Companions in the mail, I checked the newsstand, then went online, only to discover the publisher had pulled the plug. I immediately contacted the publisher telling them what a mistake they had made! Home Companion was absolutely unique! The whole issue was always full of whimsy and inspiration. No other magazine has ever pulled me into its pages the way yours did. I skip over the ads in most magazines, but did read the ads in HC – most of them were unique and creative also. I can only echo what others above have said, that we need more inspiration in these times, not less, and that no other magazine has ever had the same qualities as yours. Its disappearance leaves a huge hole! Thank goodness for my packrat tendencies – have been cleaning out other mags recently, but am hanging on to all HC issues I have. I will be there as a new subcriber when it’s brought back and will gift it to friends and family as well. We have been blessed by your creative spirit, Mary, and your ability to help spark that creativity in all of us. Thank you!!

     Comment by Judy Hill — December 6, 2009 @ 11:27 am

104. 

     I sure missed having ME! I have every issure but the 1st one – my neighbour introduced me to your wonderfull magazine and I was hooked in a second!- I had my crazy routine – When I received it in the mail I would not “peek” until I had time to sit and relax and enjoy – I always found time during the day to do that – I would read it cover to cover – I still have all of them in my “art room” tho refer to as they are so inspiring and never out date – Hope to see it back again!

     Comment by Leanne — December 18, 2009 @ 10:25 am

105. 

     I really miss Home Companion and I sure hope it will be back soon. It was my favorite. Have a Great New Year

     Shirley

     Comment by Shirley Harvey — January 9, 2010 @ 2:52 pm

106. 

     Hello, I am so distressed. Christmas came and went and as I thumbed through my vintage Mary Magazines and all her Christmas books to refresh myself for the season I sorely missed the new ideas the magazine would have offered me. I look forward to the magazine in the future and if not PLEASE more glorious books!

     Comment by nancy potter — January 10, 2010 @ 1:17 am

107. 

     I so miss the magazine, there was not another like it. I miss most of all the artist’s homes and studios, they inspired me so often. The best thing was that the homes featured were of people’s real homes, not some trendy idea that a designer had arranged. Now I only have apartment therapy blog to search through for artist’s homes. Because the homes shown in the magazine were authentic and expressed individual creativity, you can look at old issues and still enjoy them, real homes never go out of style. Please bring back the magazine or create a blog just for artist’s homes and studios. Mary, your magazine was an original in a sea of ‘Trendy”

     Comment by Helen — January 14, 2010 @ 4:04 am

108. 

     Please bring the magazine back. I miss it too. Nothing else like it.

     Comment by Shannon Conway — February 3, 2010 @ 5:47 pm

109. 

     I could just cry!! It was such a favorite of mine for years.

     Comment by Susan from Pa. — February 9, 2010 @ 10:32 pm

110. 

     Mary, I miss your magazine, it was so authentic and artsy and I treasured every issue. Absolutely my favorite magazine and I dearly miss it and the short story at the very back – sweet joy tear jerkers everytime – loved them.

     Comment by Andrea — February 18, 2010 @ 11:29 pm

111. 

     ALL OF THE ABOVE!!!!!!!!!! HOPE YOU CAN PUBLISH AGAIN SOON.

     Comment by Carol — March 4, 2010 @ 5:24 pm

RSS feed for comments on this post. TrackBack URL

Leave a comment