From The Publisher

Eileen Majors

’Tis the Season

Publishing a magazine six times annually really seems to cut the year into six even pieces. When the old magazine goes to press, it’s time to jump into to the next season, ready or not. This one always gets me, though. ‘Could we really be heading into another holiday season?’, I ask myself as we begin charting our holiday recipe line-up. Writers submit very inspiring holiday articles while the production staff is busy looking for festive art for the holiday pages. The editorial team is discussing ideas for the holiday cover shoot and the next thing you know, we’re all humming Christmas carols around the office in early October. I guess we are lucky to be ‘thrown in early’ to enjoy this magical season. (You’d think I would finish my shopping early!!)

We hope you enjoy our holiday edition; we hope it will inspire some to venture throughout the region to enjoy some extra holiday magic. As some head up to the mountains for a ride through the season’s splendor, or maybe take a family day to cut down a Christmas tree in the forest, others will pick out a tree from a local Boy Scout  Troop or other non-profit group. Many will take in the wonder of a holiday performance (See our regional calendar starting on page 63 of our flip book for ideas). More than anything, we hope readers will be inspired to check out the local shops in their own communities and neighboring communities as they plan for holiday giving; maybe even meet the local crafters busy making their holiday wares. May we all remember the local business folks that help each of our rural communities thrive, and who often depend on seasonal sales. Let’s not spend more money than we can afford, but maybe spend more time than we think we can afford.

This season is also a time for reflecting on the past year and planning for the next. As we enter our ninth year of publishing Mountain Valley Living Magazine, we are enthusiastic about our direction and we are adding some new features we think you will really like, both in print and online, like the all new growing section that takes us “Down Antique Roads”.  (See page 51 of our flip book)  Another little column we’ve set up is called “Quilter’s Piece”, where you will also find a free quilt pattern! (See page 60 of our flip book)  We’ve zero’d in on some really fun local shopping, something else we plan to include more of, in the coming editions.

We wish you all a very Merry

Christmas and Happy Holiday Season. Enjoy!

Please also visit us at MountainValleyLiving.com. Find properties for sale in the region, and meet local Realtors at ShopNorCal.com, our real estate site. Seek out your next adventure at

NorCalTravelGuide.com, our travel site, where you will find loads of articles on dining, lodging

and outdoor adventures in NorCal.