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Wednesday Weekly Blogging Challenge: A book/movie/TV Show that influenced my life


It’s time again for the Wednesday Weekly Blogging Challenge hosted by Long and Short Reviews. And you can go here to check out the other participants posts.
Today’s topic is: A book/movie/TV Show that influenced my life
There are a lot of books or programs I can think of that changed my viewpoints or life choices, but not necessarily influenced my overall life, so this is a tough one. As an example, I was determined to be a veterinarian when I was younger and then I read a book by a woman who became one. She discussed everything from the start of college through her residency and I suddenly realized something: EIGHT years of college and TWO years of residency … that, along with the fact I’d have to actually hurt (in order to heal) animals and/or euthanize them was enough to stop that career choice in its path.
One book (and TV series) that really influenced me, at least for a few years, though was Little House on the Prairie. I was in elementary school in the 1970s when the TV show was out. I’d already read the books before the show even started, but I watched the TV show fanatically and wanted to be part of it. My mom, thankfully a decent seamstress, made me my own long dress and bonnet that I wore quite a bit (sadly, I can’t find any pictures of me wearing it). This was also when we lived “off the land” with no electricity or running water, had chickens, goats, etc., so my life wasn’t THAT far off of Laura’s. Make believe is easier when it’s a short trip. And even now, I wish I lived a more rustic life than I do (though I am VERY grateful for indoor plumbing, let me tell you).
I hear they’re rebooting the series. I’m desperately sad because I feel like nearly every reboot anymore ruins what made the OG such a classic.
But they didn’t ask me…

This Post Has 18 Comments

  1. I loved Little House on the Prairie when I was a kid. My step-grandmother taped a lot of the episodes, so I had plenty to choose from.
    Yeah, that’s one show that definitely does not need to be rebooted.

    1. RE: Yeah, that’s one show that definitely does not need to be rebooted.
      ^^^^ THIS ^^^^

  2. I agree… Little House was wonderful. One of my favorites. And, in case of a major catastrophe and no more power…I’m coming to stay with you. Just sayin’.

    1. I’m a little afraid of the “real life” part of Little House because I’ve heard some things that make me sad (like Pa moving so much because he was broke or stealing from people). But you make it sound pretty positive. I’ll give it a try.

  3. It might be blasphemous but… I did not watch Little House on the Prarie growing up. I know. I really should now since it’s such a classic. I think it’s awesome though that you were able to relate to them since you were so similar growing up! What a childhood! I give kudos to your family 🙂

    1. Well… they weren’t really a “thing” after they ran originally (unless you had parents who were fans, like I was — I got the entire DVD collection for my kid).

    1. Re: Territory Days — we did something similar in California around that time, which is why I was able to talk my mom into making me the outfit 🙂

  4. What a wonderful post, Marianne. I loved watching Little House on the Prairie! I actually had a bonnet made and wore it on a picnic.

  5. I never watched the show, or read the books. My husband did both. So he was the one who was excited when we were camping in MN very near to where she grew up. We’ve camped for over 30 years, mostly in MN and WI, and love the areas around the Mississippi River valleys. Yes, life was very tough, with few creature comforts back then. But love of family is and always has been, a staple to hold on to.

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