Our Viewpoint

I've always commented that if I had to go back and live in a different time period, I'd live in pioneer days. I could grow and harvest my own food. I could wash clothes in the river. I could write by candlelight.

I reread the Little House on the Prairie books about every other year. I'm fascinated by how long it took to get information, or even to get medical assistance. The independence of those families is incredible. There was no social media or cellphones. The distractions weren't like they are now.

I really appreciate clean drinking water, vaccinations, vehicles and the ability to have basically anything delivered in a matter of days. I appreciate that it doesn't take two days to travel to a market. I also appreciate that we now have the ability to constantly meet new people.

Mostly, though, I think I appreciate the fact that I can be an independent business owner, I can run for office, I can vote and I can make my own choices, despite being a 40-something divorced woman. Reading through some Ledgers from the early 1900s this week got me thinking about how women used to be referred to as Mrs. and then their husband's name. Women have always been important to households, businesses and the general evolution of humans. However, their contributions haven't always been valued.

I appreciate that nowadays, women can be leaders in politics and sports and business, and they are recognized for the important roles they play in society.

So I guess the grass isn't always greener. I'll just have to keep living my pioneer woman fantasy through the words of Laura Ingalls Wilder.

— Annie Wooden