Learning from Laura
Some people buy self-help books or money-management books. Not me. I find financial advice in the childrens’ section.
My guru of choice? Laura Ingalls Wilder, of course.
You see, I have always loved, loved, loved the Little House on the Prairie books. I devoured them when I was about eight, and have re-read the series once or twice a year since then.
Over the last year, I’ve started to really identify with Laura and her husband, Almanzo, and admire the way they played the cards they were dealt.
For their entire marriage, they ran into bad luck and struggled financially. As farmers, they often had high hopes for a certain crop, only to have it be ruined by drought or hail.
Almanzo was always positive, saying that everything would work out. Even though Laura worried about bills and debt terribly, she always managed to adjust her attitude, be grateful for what they did have, and remain hopeful about their future.
I need to remind myself to take a page — literally — from Laura’s book.
It is always best to be honest and truthful
to make the most of what we have
to be happy with simple pleasures
to be cheerful in adversity
and have courage in danger
Things of real value do not change
with the passing of years
– Laura Ingalls Wilder
2 Comments on “Learning from Laura”
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Heather's Handmade Life 
Boy did I need this today. I am so sick of worrying and not being happy with what I have. Interestingly, I only ever watched this series so I was not aware that the books extended to Laura being married. Maybe I should pick one of these up (from the local library of course). Which is the best?
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Oh, you should! They are great! “The First Four Years” covers when they get married and have their daughter, Rose.
There is also a secondary series (written by a family friend) that covers Rose growing up, and mentions Laura and Almanzo’s financial troubles (“Little Farm in the Ozarks,” “In the Land of the Big Red Apple.”
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