Some of you may remember a while back I wrote a blog that said we were putting the Home Companion magazine (AKA MEHC) on hold for a while, but to never say never.
Well, now we’re officially, finally saying never.
We have decided not to go any further with our efforts to bring back the magazine. We thank all of you who signed our petition to republish and said such wonderful things about how much the Home Companion meant to you. There is really no interest from publishers anymore in smaller print magazines, at least of the quality we would want and that you came to expect from us. The advertising is just not there to support it. The world is changing rapidly, and we have to keep pace. We could do an Internet magazine, but the same cost issues apply, and frankly, I’m not crazy about looking at magazines online. Also, putting out a magazine even 4 times a year is a full time business, totally separate from my art licensing business. I’m at a point in my life where I’d like to really concentrate on just my drawing and making sure those drawings get turned into great products for you! And when I’m not drawing, I want to spend time with my family, especially Mikayla, who is growing up at the speed of light!
It was great while it lasted, and it lasted 11 years! Don’t be sad. MEHC is just moving on to that big magazine rack in the sky, where it can see all of it’s old friends again, like Country Home and House and Garden Magazine. I think, if I do say so myself, that it was one of the very best decorating and creatively inspirational magazines ever. Several have tried to recreate it, but in my opinion, I don’t think they come close. That is because of the FABULOUS people we had working there—– Barbara Martin, Angel Clark, Kathy Curotto, Toni DiMartino, Nicki Dwyer, Marcy Spanogle, and many others, not to mention all the amazing artists and homeowners we featured over the years. I’m very proud of The Home Companion and very sad to say a final goodbye to it. BUT there are so many new things to be excited about, I hope you’ll take the leap with me into whatever’s next!
~Mary
I’ve been a fan from the very start. Collected the books and magazines and admire Mary and Co. tremendously for the quality and message of their work. Wishing you fun in all you take on and happiness always!
(((hugs)))
Leslie
I have all of Mary’s magazines except the first two. I would still love to be able to get a copy of them. What fun to look forward to getting them in the mail or looking for a copy in a bookstore to give to a friend! I would LOVE to see the magazine out there FOR SALE AGAIN!!! Sign me up…I’ll be the first to buy it…not only for me but a couple of devoted friends too!!!
It was a sad time when we could not have your magazine in our homes any longer.Such happy thoughts,amazing illustrations and home decor that had me taking my sewing machine, or searching markets and sales to keep you in my home,Mary.The fabric lines were a quilter’s dream and I searched for so long. There was always a smile on my face reading your magazine.We don’t always have to read about farms,animals,planting and self-sufficiency.Let’s be kids again!!! For whatever reasons you could not publish,we hope they are passing.You may not be able to keep up with us for awhile-the magazine will be a sellout.
Has anyone thought about making the magazines available on disk. I would certainly purchase one!
Thanks,
Jonna
Consider me another guaranteed subscriber,not only for myself but also on behalf of my sister-in-law, two sisters, mother, and three grandaughters (well,the two old enough to read, that is- the little one will benefit otherwise!)
I was missing your magazine so much today and thought I’d check back and see if by any chance you’re publishing it again. It was my all-time favorite and when I had to cut back on other publication subscriptions, I could never give up my Home Companion. I’ve saved every single one and still love to browse back through them. Please bring back your magazine and don’t change a thing – no eco-friendly, no less is more. Just keep giving out that warm nostalgic feeling of being surrounded by things that you love and that make you smile and that make you want to create!
I HATE HATE HATE it!!!! . . . but Best of luck on whatever your Newest Adventure will be!
Thank you for using your God given talent in such a Beautiful way! Extraordinary talent!!!
I WILL be ordering the back issues!
Dear Mary and friends,
I must tell you that I’ve weeded and weeded, but I REFUSE to give up my Home Companion magazines! With each passing season, I revisit them and let me mind ponder. Yours was the only magazine that allowed me to make my truest escape into the world of art, family, homes and gardens, and entertaining…not to mention those precious pieces of art and quotes to live by.
And so now I must REFUSE your request to let this project make its way to that dreaded magazine rack in the sky.
Please keep a door open and sound the horns when I can leap back into my favorite subscription of all time!
Best of luck in all your endeavors,
Melanie Smith Kerrville, Texas