Journey back to the prairie this Thanksgiving weekend with a homecoming years in the making. If the Little House on the Prairie book series by Laura Ingalls Wilder or the beloved TV show had an impact on your childhood or even your current homeschool experience, you will not want to miss this event. Just be sure to have a box of tissues nearby—tears are inevitable. In celebration of the beloved television show’s 50th Anniversary, comes a heartwarming new documentary: Little House Homecoming—a journey that brings together members of the original cast and generations of fans in a shared tribute to love, hope, and belonging.
I was not expecting this to be an emotional documentary, but after the first twenty minutes I had to turn it off, gain composure and turn it back on when I was emotionally ready. I still have yet to understand why this film brought me to tears, but I know I am not the only one. It happened to others who watched the screening, including the woman who played Nellie Oleson!
Maybe it is because I am a writer. Seeing the effects of the power of the pen almost a century after Laura's works were written is astounding—and powerful. I often say when speaking to homeschoolers that I truly believe that part of her incredible writing skills were birthed out of the challenges in her life, mostly from having a blind sister. Laura and Mary were bosom buddies, dear friends, and for years Laura had to be Mary's eyes. Laura would share what she saw to Mary in extreme detail as they would take their long walks along the prairie. The attention to detail that she verbalized in these situations may have, in part, contributed to her beautiful attention to detail in her writing that is treasured to this day.
Her life was not glamorous but it is part of American history. Many others experienced life as she did—Laura just used her gift of writing to share it with generations to come. That is a gift that she has given to us—a sacrifice that takes time, vulnerability, and dedication.
The same with Corrie Ten Boom. Corrie's experience was not unique. She was not the only one who was a member of the Dutch resistance, and she was not the only resistance member who survived the concentration camp, but she wrote about it. She, too, was willing to pick up the pen, and share her story, to give generations that would follow a glimpse into history.
Laura's story has impacted countless people over multiple generations, and this film shares this beautifully. As a homeschooling mom of five, I had a goal when my oldest was born to do two things before he (and any other kids I might have) graduated.
1) Live on the mission field as a family. (Done! We did that for a year!)
2) Visit all of the Laura Ingalls Wilder sites. (That has not happened.)
The fact that we did not complete goal number two before my oldest graduated could have been part of why I was so emotional. The realization set in that my kids are getting older and that might never happen. (Of course it still could with the younger kids!) Yet what I love about this film is that you have a chance to see some of the sites. You get a glimpse at Pa's actual fiddle and the name cards that Laura received as a girl. Though I would love to share this experience with my kids in person, this film makes you feel as though you are there, and there is something beautiful and special in that.
Join Dean Butler and Alison Arngrim as they host a virtual cinema event that allows fans to experience Little House Homecoming with friends and family from the comfort of their home.
This virtual cinema event will include reflections from Dean and Alison, the premiere of the feature-length documentary and a bonus conversation with cast members filmed at Rocky Ridge, Laura and Almanzo’s farm in Mansfield, Missouri.
Throughout the event you will hear from Karen Grassle (“Caroline Ingalls”), Dean Butler (“Almanzo Wilder”), Alison Arngrim (“Nellie Oleson”), Charlotte Stewart (“Miss Beadle”), and Wendi Lou Lee (“Baby Grace”) as they travel to the real-life places that inspired Laura Ingalls Wilder’s books—and reconnect with the spirit of Little House that continues to in spire audiences around the world.
Featuring heartfelt new interviews with members of the original cast, reflections from devoted fans and historians, and extraordinary footage of the places Laura lived and wrote about, Little House Homecoming is a celebration of a legacy that still feels like home.
Buy tickets today to see Little House Homecoming on Trellis Virtual Cinema starting November 26. You may also enter to win a family ticket (ARV $19.99) to watch over Thanksgiving!
Thanks for the giveaway!
ReplyDeleteI liked the trailer!
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