Keeping the Country Spirit Alive and Well

The year was 1978.

A new magazine hit the racks called Country Living.

It's hard to believe that was more than 40 years ago. It certainly inspired me 

(along with John Denver's songs) to move from California to Colorado in 1979.

The nascent magazine eventually would lead me 

down a winding path to develop my own decorating style. 

Yes, we go way back and I still enjoy this magazine that was 

"committed to bringing warmth back into readers' homes."

Here's an early issue that I still have. Check out that price of $1.95!!

Granted I worked my way through many looks before finally settling
on a style - French Country.

But that was after I'd lived through Southwestern, Farmhouse, Country,
and what Ron called  my "Mary Tyler Moore" look.

Mauve and black, oh dear.
I do wish I'd kept that chaise lounge though.

I recently found a beautiful coffee table book published in 1988 called
"Country Living Country Decorating."
It's a compilation of the best of the magazine over the first ten years
and sure brought back a lot of memories with lots of gorgeous photos.

My favorite feature in that magazine was always "Country in the City."

So this post is a tribute to that time-honored magazine and especially that feature.

I learned to appreciate ironstone,

Mom's dishes that had been handed down,

and hand-stitched samplers.

One of the things I learned from "Country in the City"
is that you don't have to live in the country to feel like you do.
And so many country things complement French Country style. 

It's the feel of a room rather than a particular style.

Country living is all about homespun and heartfelt.

It's about hooked or braided rugs, folk art, baskets, and quilts,

primitive painted furniture and wooden bowls . . .

 and all those things that honor individual expression. 

A wood-burning fireplace warms a room but a gas flame works just as well.
And nothing says country like a roaring fireplace.

Thanks to Country Living magazine for reminding us of the value of home, heart and hearth
and for keeping the country spirit alive and well.

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Linking with:
Little Farmstead, Dwellings, Stone Gable, A Stroll Thru Life,
Follow the Yellow Brick Home, French Country Cottage