Friday, March 15, 2019

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 FarmsteadDwellingsStone GableA Stroll Thru Life,
Follow the Yellow Brick HomeFrench Country Cottage



14 comments:

  1. I've always loved that magazine.....and John Denver has been my favorite since I was a child!!!! I was so sad when he died.

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  2. Believe it or not , I remember that issue of Country Living. I couldn't help but remember when we danced on the back porch of your cabin to the John Denver music and the tears we shed. I love the look of your home. Not house. You have made it a cozy and welcoming home. Good job Sis.

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  3. I loved Country Living magazine, and then loved their Country Living Gardener. Still have a lot of those old issues.

    Have a wonderful weekend in your lovely home ~ FlowerLady

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  4. I had that issue...along with almost every other one! til I downsized for retirement. I just didn't have the space to keep them anymore!!! Loved that magazine then. Not so fond of it now though because it's almost all advertisements

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  5. I agree it was a better magazine back then. Now I find that I can find more on line for free, so why buy subscriptions. That and retirement means less money . . . It makes you think twice before spending.
    I love all your pretty homey touches. That's the difference between a house and a home.
    Sweet post!

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  6. Loved it then! Still love it today. Just renew my subscription. Nothing like holding between your fingers! We where married in 1978 and my colors where Rust Gold Green& Brown! Love your blog.

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  7. Interesting you found your style and stayed on course with "French Country". I love the relaxed décor of your home. It is so important to love our home and I believe you love your home. There's no place like home. Is it possible to love our home too much? We love to spend time at home and sometimes it is hard to go out on weekends. Putzing at home - inside or out is my favorite pastime.

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  8. Hi Pat
    I was an early Country Living subscriber too! I loved the magazine's early years very much. Although I lived in Brooklyn, NY, at the time I loved everything :country: My maternal grandmother had a small farm in Pennsylvania when I was growing up and I think my love of country style came from loving her and her homem which included a cast iron stove and pot belly stove! She kept chickens and her decor was very farmhouse.
    When I moved to Colorado I had to give away all my old magazines and was sad to see them all go. I don't like the newer Country Living magazines as much as the original ones so i don;t subscribe presently.
    Love your style and all the wonderful decorations you have!

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  9. Wonderful post. I love the rustic country look myself. A lot of what I saw on your post I would use in my decor. Great job.

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  10. I remember those too! JD inspired my interest in the environment. I saw him on e while I was backpacking outside Aspen when I was 18. Saw him in concerts too. Way ahead of time with his environmental views with renewable energy. Great ideas from the mag, nice shots!

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  11. I have always loved homespun and heartfelt! Your little red table has long been a favorite of mine! Thanks so much for sharing at AMAZE ME MONDAY!
    Blessings,
    Cindy

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  12. I had no idea they've been around that long. I love them today and have been reading them for a few years. Love your walk down memory lane. Thanks for sharing at Vintage Charm. xo Kathleen

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  13. Pat this was such an enjoyable read. I truly love all you have shared in this post. I keep some of my older country decor books mixed right in with my newer ones and I still refer to them. I have noticed that a lot if things are still used in today's modern country, farmhouse, French Country and cottage style homes. Timeless treasures are, well, timeless! I was happy to feature this fabulous post at TFT this week! Thanks for sharing!https://followtheyellowbrickhome.com/spring-has-sprung-at-thursday-favorite-things/

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