Interesting read

Just a fascinating look at the life of an American woman who has been quite influential in my life.

What a wonderful little book with so much wisdom that is applicable to today, in most cases, more than 100 years after being originally written.

“Recess took place sometimes three times a day.” (I am a teacher, so this is quite relevant to me!)

“She is her husband’s partner in every sense...” (I love this as I have always strived to be just this for my husband.)

“‘I wish folks now had to live for a little while like we did when I was young, so they would know what work is and learn to appreciate what they have. They have so much they are spoiled, yet every cent they get they must spend for something more.’” ~August 1921

“There is a movement in the United States today, wide-spread and very far-reaching in its consequences. People are seeking after a freer, healthier, and happier life.” ~February 1911

“...our ideal home should be made by a man and a woman together.”

“Look your place over, and if you have not kept up with the modern improvements and conveniences in your home, bring yourself up to date. Then take the time saved...to build yourself a better social life.”

“One thing is most important if we expect to keep rested and fit to do our best, and that is not to worry over the work nor to try to do it before the time comes.” (I most definitely worry over my work, so I love this!!!)

“...we need not follow the freak styles, you know...the up-to-the-minute freaks soon go out, and then they call attention to their out-of-dateness by their striking appearance, while others in equally as good of a style, but not so pronounced, will be a pleasure for more than one season.” ~February 1916

“There is good in everything...if we will only look for it.” ~February 1919

“...giving all our time and thought and effort to personal gain will cause us to become selfish and small and mean.” ~March 1920

I appreciated these essays more than the previous volume because it gave more of an historic perspective. It also allowed Wilder to utilize her humor a bit better in situational descriptions, especially involving the dash churner.

Basically this book is a brief over-view of Laura Wilder's opinions and views on women and pioneering and a little in between. If this book is indeed a good representation into the mind of Laura Wilder than I found her attitudes quite modern and progressive and she seemed to lean heavily in the feminist area for me. I discovered I didn't care to read anymore after this title.

Volume 2 is a delightful book. Laura writes details about life as a pioneer on the farm, and I am glad I added this book to my Little House collection. If you are a fan you will enjoy all three volumes of this set.

3.5

Written in her simple, plain spoken way that fans of her other books will recognize, Laura shares her thoughts, feelings, and wisdom about what it is like to be a Pioneer Woman. Really enjoyed reading this.

I really enjoyed these earlier works from Laura Ingalls Wilder. They were a bit hard to read at times, as a few of the essays described details farming processes. I will say that even her description of how to bring water directly to the house through much hard work and manual labor was fascinating to me. Her family really leaned into the progress of the early 1900's and applied the advances in city life to her country life and found ways to join in the progress. I was delighted by her feminist attitudes of the time and her encouragements to live in the moment and enjoy the beauty in each day. I recommend! I'd just suggest that you be prepared for a few monotonous passages.

Another book of Laura Wilder full of helpful information on how to live a good life and contribute in many ways

Getting ready for a trip to the DeSmet homestead.

I’ve always loved Laura Ingalls Wilder’s writings, but this is the first time I’ve read a collected volume of her articles. I highlighted so many things. She writes about the home, work, and family.
I truly appreciate her practical nature, the value she places on simple pleasures, and her sense of humor.
“Let’s be cheerful! We have no more right to steal the brightness out of the day for our own family than we have to steal the purse of a stranger. Let us be as careful that our homes are furnished with pleasant and happy thoughts as we are that the rugs are the right color and texture and the furniture comfortable and beautiful!”