In-Home Newspaper for Old-Fashioned Homemakers
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2021 was a Year of Beginnings.
Do you remember 2021? Some years of our lives are milestones. The year 2021 is that for many of us. My husband and I suffered several weeks in the fall of that year with covid and haven’t soon forgotten how debilitating it was. How many times have you said, “before Co-vid,” or “after Co-vid”? That year, and likely the one before and the one after, marks life-changes for a great many folks worldwide.
In January of that year, an idea sparked and The Journal newspaper was born. I honestly feel that the idea came from the Lord and that He has sustained this publication as we are steadily into our sixth year with hope for growth.
To me (reading The Journal) is like stepping back in time when things were simple and not so fast paced, I absolutely love it!
~~ Jenni, YouTube viewer and Journal reader
Don’t despise meager beginnings.
The idea for that first issue was introduced to the Heritage Ways community of Instagram and YouTube followers and viewers. I had absolutely no idea what I was doing but I handled all of the details. To test the waters, I offered an introductory issue. Folks far and wide mailed me the $2.00 fee for the one issue. Not only that, but I received unsolicited checks for tens and hundreds of dollars. This was a blessing and allowed us to buy supplies and a toner for our home printer.
The idea was for a community paper which would not be written by myself but by the readers. Followers and viewers of Heritage Ways social media and YouTube were asked to submit articles, original poetry, recipes, thoughts, jokes and whatever they felt would be enjoyable and suitable. And, boy, did they! The most popular feature was, and still is, the “News from Home.” This is where homemakers share what has been going on in their homes whether it is cooking, crafting, homeschooling, gardening or struggles with balancing home-work and working outside the home.
Subscribe HERE for this unique in-home newspaper written by AND for homemakers
I absolutely love this paper. I sit down and read it an article at a time once a day. I savor it so to speak. It’s a treat to read stories from like-minded neighbors near and far. Turn off all the junk that seems to be everywhere lately. I thank you (Mrs. Katie) and everyone working to bring this treat to my mailbox. I truly don’t have a favorite section, not yet anyway. Again, a BIG thank-you to everyone involved. Blessings. ~~ Connie in Ohio
Rallying for a Common Cause
The excitement for this project was expressed in many hand-written letters that I received January 2021 and the next month. Folks were desperate for connection during an unprecedented time in world history. I would like to believe we all recognize that we always need connection and community.
After my initial request for content, I quite literally assembled the paper by typing everyone’s submissions into my computer, printing those pages out, cutting the pages apart and taping them in the order that would be necessary for a folded publication. Like someone who didn’t know her way around technology, I then stapled or taped the pages back together and went back to the computer to digitally copy and paste the pages in the order needed for printing.
Mr. Patient scoured the internet to find USA produced newsprint paper. I printed each page on our little home printer (which I still do, two printers later). While I folded every newspaper by hand, my kiddos attached postage stamps and stamped our return address label onto manila envelopes. On these envelopes, I had handwritten every address. This entire process was a precious labor of love. Many of you remember our beginnings.
The original purpose of this publication was to “Share Community. Simply.” My vision is unchanged and has been captured by literally hundreds of homemakers who have read, contributed and cherished this publication for six years. The feeling of community, of sitting down to chat with a friend, is what many readers tell me they appreciate about this gem. We only have two rules and that is that we do not discuss politics or “worldwide illnesses”. This is not because many of us don’t have strong beliefs and opinions, but this publication is sent to physical inboxes as a balm to the soul and mind. We feel there are plenty of other outlets where readers may find the political talk they want.
Subscribe HERE for this unique in-home newspaper written by AND for homemakers
Visit Heritage Ways YouTube HERE to meet some of the homemakers who bring The Journal newspaper to life! These folks live all over the globe but are brought together by a common love of home and homemaking.
A Place to Feel Safe and Sound, or Censorship at its Best
I’m not real sure that “censorship” is the accurate term but we did, and still do, have two limitations for what may be included in this publication.
During the 2021 year, much controversy surrounded the topics of Covid and the current elections. The purpose of The Journal newspaper is to “Share Community. Simply.” The paper is meant to showcase the common ground that homemakers and homesteaders share in their love of all things home, not debate the differences that divide us.
Our policy is that there is to be no discussion of politics or “worldwide illness” (leaving the door open for any future widespread health episodes.) A writer is allowed to mention something like “When I was on my way to vote, I saw four elk in the road,” or “I had covid for two weeks during garden season,” but that is the extent. We might discuss and debate the best ways to bake sourdough bread, bind a quilt or feed goats, but we will not pull our political and other dividing debates into this publication.
The Journal newspaper has been referred to as “happy mail” and getting “something other than bills in the mailbox.” When the newspaper arrives, it is time for relaxation, reflection and restoration. Grab a cup of hot coffee to enjoy The Journal in the cooler months, or iced tea in the warmer months, and head out to the porch swing to visit with your “neighbors” via The Journal. We’ll meet you there!
Love, love The Journal! Absolutely love The Journal! So much fun to read! Thank y’all for the effort that goes into putting it out for everyone.
~~ Lisa in Texas
Progress and Hope
There have been so many changes in six years. The readership has grown, the number of pages has expanded, postage and other costs have increased. We now have what we call a “Staff.” This is a group of folks who commit to at least one year of content submission. Appreciation for their commitment is shown with complimentary subscriptions. The draft and final products are now written and edited on actual software and not with my laptop, scissors and tape. We have an automatic renewal program as well as a reminder system.
Some things remain the same like our vision to provide a one-of-a-kind publication with timeless content. Each issue may be saved for reference material. I am still printing every page on our home printer. We must purchase a toner every issue-and-a-half. Last year we began looking into having the paper professionally printed but we are not “there” yet. I still hand fold every single copy while my family fills each envelope. Our kiddos apply the address labels, postage stamps and return address mark. So, you see, it really is a homegrown publication with lots and lotsa heart.
My aspirations for this publication are to continue its growth while retaining the cozy, homey, and informative feel. The all-volunteer staff works many hours to create each issue. (A major shout-out to Editor Amanda and Subscription Manager Dani! Without them, you would not hold the paper in your hand.) I would love to be able to financially compensate the Staff for their diligence one day.
For six years, I have received positive feedback by way of handwritten letters, emails, YouTube comments about The Journal. Last summer, I listened in person to one young Mama as she expressed how The Journal and its community of writers helped her make it through a miscarriage and grief. Another reader shared with me in person how the newspaper helped her after her mother passed away. That, my friends, is how I know my little idea of starting a newspaper was not really my idea, after all!
Subscribe HERE for this unique in-home newspaper written by AND for homemakers
So, I thank-you, dear reader. You may have been with us since my thin inaugural issue in January 2021, or you are anticipating your first issue soon. Either way, I am truly grateful for you. I would ask one favor.
A Favor to Ask of You, If You Please
Would you please share about this paper with someone? One of the saddest reviews that I receive often is, “Oh my, Mrs. Katie! I love this paper but I am just now hearing about it. How have I not known about this?!”
More from dear readers…
I received my copy of the newspaper yesterday and as always I love it all! I tend to go “Inspirational” first. I’m really going to enjoy the new “Memories of Past and Future” and “Homestead Hospitality” columns. So nice to see “Christina’s Canada” column as I am also from Ontario, Canada. It’s just wonderful to have something positive and wholesome to read. Thank you to everyone who contributes to the publication of The Journal.
~~ Tracey in Ontario, Canada
I finally had time to finish my current issue of The Journal yesterday. It was amazing to receive my copy of The Journal and realize how much content it held! What a joy to hear from all the contributors. I really enjoyed hearing Teena’s article sharing the happenings in the “Homemakers’ Club.” The puzzle on the back was challenging for me this time. I had to look at the key more than I want to admit.
~~ Jerri in Missouri
Hey Katie, although I have followed Heritage Ways for some time now this will be my first time to get The Journal. I am so excited to receive my first copy of The Journal.
~~ Karla, YouTube viewer and Journal reader
Whoop whoop!! So good to see you (on YouTube) and so excited about The Journal!! It’s so wonderful to share in the goings-on in the lives of other homemakers. It’s encouraging, uplifting, and a great blessing! Truly an honor to receive it! Love y’all!!
~~ Debbie in Indiana
THANkS for all your hard work, extra hours and preoccupation on both your parts for making sure we The Journal readers receive a positive and valuable paper in our homes.
~~ Sam in Canada
I’m so looking forward to the next Journal in my mailbox! My grand boys love LMM’S section! Thanks for the garden update!
~~ Anola in Ohio
Congratulations! Dance it up my friend! Y’all deserve a dance party for all the time and hard work you put into The Journal! Looking forward to reading the next issue!
~~ Jenny in Kansas
FAQ
What is included in this publication?
Unlike other newspapers, this publication is more of a reference than it is “news,” honestly. All content except the “News from Home” may be used for years to come as references for the kitchen, garden, homeschooling, showing hospitality, sewing and much more.
Topics in each issue include gardening, cooking/recipes, hospitality, natural health, thrifting, animal husbandry, homeschooling, old-time stories, poetry, book reviews and much more!
The Journal is filled with…
inspiration
recipes
puzzles
jokes
gardening advice
“News from Home”
book reviews
sewing advice
homesteading updates
trivia
community barter board
small- and home-business ads
nutrition info from qualified practitioners
memories of yesteryear
and more!
What is the worldview of this publication?
The paper has a Christian worldview and includes a general “Inspiration” section with sweet stories and encouragement. We are not affiliated with any particular religious group but a general acceptance that Jesus is Lord.
How is the paper published and by whom?
The paper is printed on actual newsprint in my family’s Tennessee home. All content is submitted by homemakers and homesteaders. We invite any and all readers to submit but we do have a regular (all-volunteer) Staff who make yearlong commitments to contribute to each issue.
This year, the paper is 52+ half sheets and is always mailed in protective envelopes.
More FAQ
Have more questions? Click here for answers. If you don’t find the answer to your inquiry, please drop a comment below and I’ll respond.
Advertise Your Goods & Services with Readers of The Journal World-wide
Would you like to advertise in The Journal newspaper? Our passion is to support small-, local-, and home-businesses. Click HERE for further information, or email Mrs. Katie: mr******@**********ys.com.
Sponsors of The Journal Newspaper
Subscribe HERE for this unique in-home newspaper written by AND for homemakers
Do you like family favorite recipes that are tried-and-true comfort food?
Years ago my Mr. Patient and children encouraged me to write down many of their favorite recipes in one book. My first cookbook, From Katie’s Kitchen, Vol. One, includes 205 of the recipes that they requested. This book has become a fan favorite with Heritage Ways homemakers world-wide. Get your copy HERE and start making many of the recipes that our family has been cooking for generations.
Follow Heritage Ways on socials
The Heritage Ways Diligent Homemaker’s Commitment
As Diligent Homemakers, we do the best we can with the resources we have at the time. These resources include our time, physical health and energy, money and possessions. We commit to using these God-given resources to the best of our abilities and give ourselves grace in the process.
Lazy hands make for poverty but diligent hands bring wealth.
Proverbs 10:4 of The Holy Bible, NIV
Count your blessings and know you are loved,
Mrs. Katie of Heritage Ways
