Monday, September 5, 2011

Learning from Ms. Wilder~

  I began reading the Little House Series this summer. It is my first time EVER  to read them. I’m reading the last of my own books and I read them out of order… I don’t have Farmer Boy or Little House on the Prairie
Little House on the Prairie.  Complete Book Set.  1971.
Of the books I’ve read so far I’ve learned and identified with so very much!  I thought I post a little list in no certain order.
  • Living on a Homestead is hard work.
  • Mending your clothes is important and sometimes necessary work.
  • No matter where you live- whether the floor is dirt , the roof thatch, the walls logs, or snow blows in from the outside… always sweep it clean, hang curtains, wash dishes and make the bed. Be house proud!
  • It’s ok to expect payment for a meal and a place to sleep. You can still be hospitable and not be taken for granted (ie: It’s ok to charge for room and board)
  • Sometimes Grasshoppers, Mosquitoes and drought come.
  • Don’t be so attached to some thing (house, livestock, ability, etc) that you miss an opportunity to trade up.
  • Watch for opportunities to teach a younger woman.
  • There is always room to improve your skills; and an opportunity to earn money with it. (Sewing, cooking, cleaning, tutoring, etc.)
  • Don’t be afraid to barter.
  • Pay attention to industry/ machinery; you will be more appreciative, but not necessarily dependent upon it.
  • Eat what is set before you.
  • Cherish family, family gatherings and times of gathering in general.
  • When the opportunity to send a letter to a friend or loved one presents itself—Always write a letter.
  • Go for a walk; it makes for an interesting journey through an otherwise boring day!
  • Christmas always comes.
This summer my life has paralleled these books so closely. I’ve been immersed in the stories. They are timeless- I’ve enjoyed reading them.
I recommend  them if you’ve not ever read them or perhaps you have, why not read them again?
God Bless you and thanks for reading!

8 comments:

Angel said...

I like that list. I also never read these as a child and read them the first time when I was pregnant with my first son. :)
I love this list! Oh, and Farmer Boy is okay to read out of order, but being the mom of boys you HAVE to read it when you get the chance!

Pioneer Woman at Heart said...

I've read the entire series and loved it. It's the one reason I grew turnips.

The Boston Lady said...

I too have read the entire series with my daughter when she was younger. We used to pretend we were Ma and Laura and had no electricity and read by candlelight. Now you will have to watch the old show, Pat, with Michael Landon - it did a good job of capturing the essence of the books. I've been wondering how you are doing with all those fires in your state? Ann

michelle said...

Hi Pat! I haven never read these but my MIL has and she loves them. I did however watch the TV series and loved it. I am so glad that you found something to immerse yourself in and relate to, I love finding things that I can do that as well.
Enjoy!
xo

Mel's Designs from the Cabin said...

Little House on the Prairie was my favorite and got me interested in cabin and a slow pace of life....slowing down and not wanting the latest gadget that comes along....now I want the oldest things that come along....does this ever end....? lol....Mel's Designs from the Cabin...has created new Rag Bags...they're being sold this weekend at Craftville Inc..Pop-up Shop in Nashville...Join us! Mel

Granny said...

I am going to try and find the series. It sounds like something I'd enjoy.

Cindy said...

That is such a wonderful series, isn't it. I have read a few of them, perhaps I should get the series and read it through. Your analysis is excellent.
Hugs, Cindy

Unknown said...

Lovely little tid bits you shared Pat! I've never read them either... best I put them on my list of fall reading! That way when the snow blows I can keep the homesteading spirit alive!
thanks for the inspiration!
Deb