Victoria Magazine Dreams
“Behind every successful woman is a tale of self reliance, persistence, and the joy of following one’s heart.” from the Victoria publication The Business of Bliss
I have been in love with Victoria Magazine since I was 16. I picked up the premier copy back in 1987. The breathtaking photography of Toshi Otsuki was the first thing that drew me to the magazine. I quickly got a subscription, and have been a devoted fan of the magazine ever since. I still have my copy of the first issue of Victoria magazine ever to hit the stands. The magazine has definitely changed and evolved since Nancy Lindemeyer was editor and Toshi Otsuki was photographer, but I love it just the same.
Unfortunately, over the years, I cut a bunch of my magazines to bits creating what I liked to call “Dream Files.” These files contained ideas for the dream house I would own some day. The files grew and followed me to my dorm, my first apartment, and eventually (back in 1999) my DREAM HOUSE! I don’t think it’s a coincidence that my first home turned out to be a Victorian lady, built back in 1901. Although I’m glad my dream remained very vivid until the purchase and decoration of our home, I’m sorry for the countless copies of Victoria that were sacrificed for my dream. About 50 of the original copies remain and currently reside in my attic in cardboard boxes. Not only can I not bear to part with them, I’m seriously thinking about replacing each and every missing copy via ebay and other internet sources. It would be money well spent.
During the creation of my first book I read, and reread Victoria’s book, The Business of Bliss-How to Profit From Doing What You Love.
When my first book was published back in 2001, my editor asked me if there were any publications where I would like to see my book advertised. I immediately said, “Victoria!” and she assured me she would see what she could do.
Well, my second Victoria dream came true in 2002 when Chin Deep in Bubbles was featured and quoted in the January edition at the beginning of the “Favorite Finds” section. Even though it was a small mention, it was still a dream come true for me.
The Buckingham Bee, (a sweet little tearoom in White Bear Lake where I worked) was mentioned in one of my favorite tea books, The Pleasures of Tea. This stunning volume is also a “Victoria” book, published by Hearst.
Here’s to making your dreams come true!
~Melissa
Yes, Victoria is and has always been my favorite magazine. In Victoria we can see the vintage purses, lampshades and many of the items that I write about from time to time in my publications throughout the United States & Canada, but locally in the Rochester Post Bulletin…Antiques & Collectibles. I did the Chintzware as featured in Victoria as I have some of this peices and wanted to share this ware with others… Romantic Homes is another of my favorite magazines. No, I too will not part with my Victoria or Romantic Homes magazines.
Note: Cottage Living, Country Home, Country Living and so many more are classics.
I love Chintzware too. The yellow and black are my favorite. I read all of the above mentioned magazines too (especially during the time when Victoria was out of print)…I fear if I allow myself too many magazines my house will begin to sink 🙂
I found the copy of Victoria that mentioned Chin Deep In Bubbles although it would’ve been nice to show the books in a photo like the other items. I guess we just have to be glad that they even mention us in a magazine with so much competition out in the world these days…
XO Your Friend…
Exactly. It was very thrilling for me, even though Chin Deep only got a few lines in the magazine. XO
I have and will always LOVE Victoria magazine and have a stack of back issues. I also get quite a few of my apron design ideas and display ideas from this magazine. When I do my tea cup presentations/workshops I also use this magazine for display, hints and other ideas.
It’s a great publication GF! 🙂
In writing an article about women entrepreneurs for a regional magazine and hoping to cite my own similar story with Victoria and The Business of Bliss, I ran across this post – how funny!
The article runs in September 2012 and there will be a link on my blog if it is of interest. Enjoyed your post!
Best,
Beth
Hi Beth!
I would love to read your article 🙂
Best,
~Melissa
I’m so thankful for you and your dreams. Otherwise we never would have “met.” <3 Keep Dreaming!
love you sweet lady! thank you for being such an encouraging and awesome friend! xoxoxo 🙂