Thursday, September 9, 2010

Pull Up A "~Chair of Bowlies~M.E." And Sit A Spell

In my previous inspirational post, I told y'all how I had opened a shop in Lindale the summer of '96. Now keep in mind...I didn't have a clue as to what I was doing. Business plan...what was that? All I thought I needed was a key to open the door, inventory and I was good to go!

Little did I know! Thank goodness a certain little magazine hit the newsstands at just about the same time. Y'all know which one I'm talking about!
That's right...Mary Engelbreit's Home Companion! Just like the cavalry in western movies...she saved my day! You have to remember at this time the only magazines out there were geared to a...umm...well....how to say this nicely....different look. I wasn't really into candle molds, baskets and pewter plates back then (although funny thing...I love them now!). There wasn't anything that spoke casual chic or simple living...everything was either very country or very formal. Ahhh, but then I met Mary's little Ann Estelle and the party was on!
My whole world opened up to artists like Nicol Sayer...designers such as Mary Carol Garrity...women who looked at the world through glitter covered glasses like Wendy Addison and Mary herself. These women were movers and shakers, busily shaking up the antique world and forever changing the direction of it.
Women entrepreneurs like Debbie Phillips or Brown Paper Packages who took a God given talent, a great idea, and made a living using it.

I couldn't wait for the Halloween and Christmas issues to see what talent Mary had lined up and what ideas I could steal...I mean borrow!

Within the pages of this wonderful magazine, Mary not only showcased homes (and oh the homes that were captured between those covers), but the spirit of the individuals who lived in them. I saw Ann Estelle go from cover girl to paper doll showing me that life doesn't have to be stagnant...that we can and should challenge ourselves and change is not only good...it's necessary for growth.
I was introduced to so many talented and beautiful women through the ten years it was in publication, I couldn't even begin to list them, but I'll tell you this! The list would begin with this woman and I'll be talking about her next week. How do y'all feel about gushing? Be prepared and wear a slicker...it'll put Spindletop to shame!
(photo courtesy of elizabethhouseshoptalk)

I'd like to thank Debra once again for hosting Vintage Inspiration Fridays. I don't know if she knows it, but I love a good excuse to talk and boy howdy...has she given me an opening!

P.S. Are y'all visiting E's Shop Talk Friendly Window Display Contest? Talk about inspirational...these windows are doozies. Be sure and drop by here and leave comments for the participants. They've worked really hard and deserve a pat on the back. And while you're there, be sure and give E a huge hug for all the work and words she's putting in. Her words are such a kick in the pants for all of us! Tell her Trash sent you over for a pep talk and a giggle!
(photo courtesy of elizabethhouseshoptalk)I'll wrap this up by saying how saddened I was when publication ceased in 2009. It nearly broke my heart and I know I wasn't alone in this feeling. Going to the mailbox isn't nearly as much fun now!

Next week: Another magazine, more on the Divine Ms. E plus a peek at one of my other muses!

Riddle me this...are we having fun yet?

28 comments:

Daphne Nicole & Lynda Cade said...

Hi Debbie, what a lovely post!!! I'm so excited to be able to leave a comment, my computer has been on the blink, it wouldn't allow me to make a post or leave any comments for days now, and it's been torture on this girl! hugs~~~ Daphne

FRENCH LAUNDRY said...

I went into mourning when ME's mag ceased. I'm still a little off. Needing to get back to my blogging mojo, but I have faith that the inspiration will come. When is the question. Hope all is well with you and Cat Daddy, sweet woman!

Hugs,
Judy

Glenda said...

No magazine has ever taken the place of MEHC in my house. I still have every copy, and I can't lend them out. :) lol It was also the first magazine I seen Elizabeth House featured in. I feel so lucky that I was able to visit that beautiful shop. It was magical when you stepped inside. I can still see all the displays in my minds eye. I remember driving down that street and seeing the balcony, hitting my husband in the arm, there it is, there it is. Goose pimplie still. See I keep telling you Debbie we need to be related!!! Thanks for letting me blab.
Two peas in a pod
~G~

Laura said...

This is an amazing post of interior design history.
When I first bought Mary Carol Garrity's book(s),I literally flipped out.
Her work still guides me today.

Laura
White Spray Paint

Unknown said...

Debbie! I have always loved the same magazines, as you know and have no idea what I'm going to do when my mag collection takes over my house! :-) One can only put so much in the attic...
I just realized that I forgot to comment on your previous post about Practical Magic etc. That has always been a favorite movie of mine...love the house and the furnishings. LOL...I paused it too! Another fav (for the story and set) was Under The Tuscon Sun...totally different style, but intriguing for me...
Thanks for the post...I really enjoyed it!
**Tami

Kate said...

Hi Debbie
I am so tickled to meet you. I have heard so much about you from others and how what a great gal you are and now I know where to find you!!!! I loved your post, its great seeing what inspires others. Yes, I am blessed, spoiled and lucky to be a part of the Country Roads family. God had a great plan for me when He opened that door. Have a wonderful weekend.

x0x0x
Kate

Anonymous said...

I loved that magazine, too, and was sad to see it go. It seems like we're loosing so many great magazines lately.
Hope you have a wonderful weekend!
~ Jo :)

Tammy said...

I have all of these ME magazines too!
It was my favorite!
And I so adore Elizabeth!!
She's GREAT!! Like Really GREAT!!!!
Hope you have a fantastic weekend!
Tammy :-)

Gracie's Cottage said...

Add me to the list of those still morning the demise of ME... :(

Jan

Anne Lorys said...

Girlie, I'll fight ya for the designation of Elizabeth's number one fan! ;-)
Isn't she just fabulous in every single way?

I wish I had known about the ME magazine back when it was being published, I would give my right....something...to find the issue with Rose Hicks!

Have a wonderful weekend!
Hugs,
Anne

Olive said...

I have never seen that magazine! That is a terrible thing. Yes? I was tied up working in the hospital I am sure and missed it entirely. Thanks bunches, if I see it at a thrift store or yard sale I will grab it! hugs♥olive

Tammy said...

I miss that magazine too. It was so inspiring and fun.
Love Elizabeth also-
and you are a hoot to read..I bet you are even more fun in person.
tammy

Tallulah's Antique Closet said...

Hi Debbie, I also miss that magazine and her artwork. She had the coolest decorating for the hollidays spreads in her magazinies. Thank's for stopping by for a visit to the garden. Have a great Friday....Julian

Prior said...

Love Home Companion...I still bring out the Holiday ones for inspiration, they are of such a classic style, in the sense they are in a style setter class all their own,and that doesn't ever go out of style!
Lezlee

The Smith Hotel said...

Thanks for stopping by and saying Hi!

I've always like the rusty stuff(it's what I could afford)! Funny that it's all the new rage! Loved that magazine!

Jody

Sissie's Shabby Cottage said...

I love ME's Home Companion magazine too and I miss it so much. I loved it for all the same reasons as you. Originality, artfulness and just plain fun.

Great post.

hugs
Sissie

Sue (Vintage Rescue) said...

True inspiration! I still have all my old mags (as well as her books). I've moved slightly away from her look, but the staging—oh lord. And don't get me going on Elizabeth. To me, she is a reigning queen (and much better than Rachel, in my estimation)! XOXOX

Linda @ Itsy Bits And Pieces said...

This was definitely one of my most favorite magazines, too! Luckily I've saved many issues to read over and over again! Thanks so much for stopping by my blog and for your sweet comments...I am a new follower!

Zita - Mlle Magpie said...

Great post, Deb. I got hooked on MEHC myself, albeit a bit late in the game. Was devastated when it ceased publication too.

FrenchGardenHouse said...

Thanks so much for visiting me today.:) I still have all my issues, and look to them for seasonal inspirations still. xo Lidy

Debra@CommonGround said...

I missed out on the first few years of ME magazine, so now when I find one in a flea I grab it up. OK, and what can I say about Elizabeth, super talented and sweet, one-of-a-kind, and so much more. Thanks Debbie for being here on VIF, I always love to hear you "talk"!!! I'll gladly and gratefully give you the stage anytime! You're a true friend, can't wait to see what you do on Elizabeth!
xoxoxo,
Debra

Janet said...

it was a sad day when the presses stopped! but oh the sweet thoughts of the lingering inspiration...

Anonymous said...

HeRE's to ME and all those wonderful mags that we have all kept in special places...pages well-worn with lots o love!
XOOXOX! the junk gypsies

Junebug Furniture and Design said...

ME, one of my favorite magazines, I too miss it!
Thank you for introducing Elizabeth, she's an amazing Lady!!
Thanks for all your visits, and your kind comments, we so appreciate all of them.
xoxo Glad & Celia/Junebug Design

Lou Cinda @ Tattered Hydrangeas said...

I was devestated when Home Companion stopped publication...and I STILL miss it! Great post! I got some catching up to do! I have been amiss! (like that? amiss?) Is that really word?

Okay, I'm going now...

Lou Cinda :)

Marguerite said...

Hi Debbie, Great post and blog! Loved the magazine, too and was sorry to see it go.

Faded Plains said...

I miss that magazine too...I still go back and look at my old issues all the time.

Grandma Yellow Hair said...

Hi Debbie
Thank u so much for stopping by and leaving such a wonderful comment for me and my brother Gary.
I appreciate all the prayers for him and I do believe in the power of prayer.
Let me know where you are at the show and I can look you up and get to meet you in person
Love
Maggie