The Journey Begins...

My Holly Hobbie moment amidst Amish farmlands

As most of you know, several weeks ago I first put my fingers on the keyboard of my laptop on an adventure to write my memoir. Although I had picked up a pen (actually a pencil because I tend to make a lot of mistakes) several times throughout the years, I had never really thought I would ever really write it.

I remember Mama Joy many years ago asking me to please write her story with tears in her eyes. In writing mine, I write hers. And now I am 36,332 words in, and honestly I am so proud of myself.

Me and Mama Joy on Mother's Day

When you’re writing, you start to feel many different emotions: good, bad, and even ones you don’t care to relive. But it’s all a part of your story. It’s all a part of who you are. You start to begin to understand yourself as a person way better than before, now that it is all written out. I have lived a traumatizing but colorful life, with adventures, challenges, and failures as so many do. But love laughter and amazing friendships and family have gotten me through it all. Not to mention my faith. Because, let’s face it, He calls the shots.

Me taking one of my Little House breaks in between housework

This book is definitely written in a Little House on the Prairie mindset. Even through the struggle, I never gave up. I always held on because I knew God had plans for me. I just had to finally let go of the pen and hand it to Him so He could write the rest of my story. I always tell my boys, as long as there is a lesson in any given experience, good or bad, the experience was never wasted. And you will find them in every moment of your life.

My dear friend Jennifer Donati, who played Young Rose Wilder in the original Little House on the Prairie TV series, told me how this was going to be a very healing experience. But I never imagined how much she would be absolutely right. I am so very grateful for her and Alison Arngrim (Nellie, the Prairie Bitch herself) for all their encouragement. Both of these ladies I admire a great deal. So, when Little House Peeps tell you to write, you do it! Or, in the words of Alison, "DO IT Yeah!" To which I replied, "I’m getting on the wagon, get the horses ready!" I continue to pinch myself and ask myself how did I ever get here?  At one time I used to find my peace in a TV show and imagine what it would be like to be part of that. And now I'll be cooking dinner and getting phone dings and calls from my Prairie family whom I consider my kindred spirits. It’s such a surreal experience. I cherish these moments with all my heart.   

So, what should you expect from this book? A timeline of life events, decade to decade.

My young misadventures as a young city girl with a country heart finally finding her way into feeling good about herself among the cornfields. How Holistic Prairie Mama came about and how I finally healed. Learning to stop listening to all those who told me I couldn’t and finally listen to those who continue to tell me I could. And yes, the book will be packed with Little House on the Prairie talk. Why wouldn’t it be? Its theme music is constantly on a loop over and over again in my head. And often playing somewhere in the background as I write. And I never get tired of it. Though I can’t say the same for Prairie Papa Tony, who's forced to hear it on a daily basis.

Thank you for joining me on this journey, and hold on! We are about to go on quite the ride.

Prairie Blessings,