Old Magazines

Many years ago I subscribed to the magazine, Country Living. As a little girl I dreamed of marrying a farmer so it fit into my fantasy world. Even though I was born and raised in the city Country Living helped me imagine rustic interiors for our home. At one point we had red gingham curtains in our apartment in Sepulveda. On the walls were what I thought appropriate for the "farm". The problem that presented itself throughout the years was what to do with the accumulating stacks of old magazines.
I remember my sweet mom having stacks of Family Circle or National Geographic and remarking that she wanted, "to go through them". Maybe it was genetic.
I've also subscribed to Martha Stewart Living, Smithsonian, National Geographic, Tea Time and others I'm sure I've forgotten. From time to time I've purchased British home magazines or the occasional Architectural Digest and Veranda. Each in turn have found their way to shelves, bags or cabinets. Many I have eventually thrown away, taken to school to share with other teachers or use with my students. Some have happily found their way to recycling where they will be transformed into other paper products.
The one magazine that,"ruled them all" however was Victoria. It began to be published in the early 1990's. I poured over every lovely, detailed page. I organized them in magazine holders in chronological order. No magazine has ever received such honor. They moved when I moved. My mourning was sincere when publishing was stopped. When I received a post card that publishing was to begin again I rejoiced. There would only be one every two months but I tried to bear up.
After a year of retirement I've had to accept the fact that downsizing is a practical necessity. What to do with my 5 magazine holders of Victoria? It was a dilemma.
A sympathetic soul from church happily carried them off last Sunday and the Sunday before. Bless her.
It was quite liberating. There are more magazines lurking in our apartment, but I feel empowered to let them go too.