return of an old friend

It is strange and rather modern, I suppose, to think of a magazine as a friend. But some magazines just make that connection; the images and prose within seem to inspire, uplift, and touch a place of familiarty within us strongly enough to feel like a friend. In the case of Victoria Magazine, I was a college student when I first subscribed. The superb photography, graceful subject matter, the richness of language and the inclusion of sublime quotes and recipes were enough to transport me away from the stifling student housing and the myriad of demands of student life.

When The Professor and I were engaged, I studied those treasured old copies of Victoria for ideas for the wedding and for the registry. And, I branched out. I always turn to my Victoria At Table cookbook when we are entertaining. During pregnancy, I enjoy reading the little literary snippets in the elegant issues of A Love is Born and On Being a Mother, also from Victoria.

Some years ago, I stopped subscribing. It may have been a financial decision or a space consideration, I really can't remember, but I do know it was difficult. I know: it's just a magazine. But really, we were old friends and it was sad to say goodbye. When I tried, some time later, to revisit my old friend, I found she had attempted a modernization makeover and then she was gone. Publication had ended. Sure there were back issues to be found on ebay and there was a yahoo group for those who grieved the loss, but I didn't join in any of that.

Recently, though, I heard rumors that Victoria was coming back. There was a website that seemed to confirm it. And last week, when I wasn't even thinking about it, I spotted my old friend on the magazine rack. I skimmed a couple of articles, but the time wasn't right. Yesterday afternoon I finally had an opportunity to sit down for an hour and read it more properly (though, sadly, without a cup of tea in hand).

It is beautiful. Even though I am not so much inclined towards the victorian style anymore, I am drawn to beauty, fine craftsmanship, the presence of nature indoors and out, the connections between all things lofty and beautiful---nature, literature, epicurean, artistic, musical and religious. Religious. Victoria doesn't have that in any direct form, but somehow (as The Church knows so well) when our senses are all uplifted, our hearts will turn to the ultimate beauty found in God.

I wish all the best to the new editor of Victoria, with great hope that this new version can equal the standard set by the original.