Laura Ingalls Wilder was born on February 7, 1867, near Pepin, Wisconsin. Wilder described her early
years as "full of sunshine and shadow." When she was growing up, she and her pioneer family
repeatedly moved from one Midwestern town to the next. Because they had moved so often, Wilder and
her siblings mainly taught themselves and each other. Because her family needed additional income Wilder
decided to be a teacher. From 1882–1885 she was a teacher in South Dakota. She married Almanzo
Wilder in 1885. In 1932, Laura Wilder published Little House in the Big Woods, the first book in what would
become an autobiographical series of children's books, collectively called the "Little House" books.
Just as Little House in the Big Woods recounts her life in Pepin, Wisconsin, each of her books focuses
on one of the more memorable places she lived. With Wilder and daughter Rose working together on the
manuscripts, other books in the "Little House" series include Little House on the Prairie, Farmer Boy, On
the Banks of Plum Creek, By the Shores of Silver Lake, The Long Winter, Little Town on the Prairie and
These Happy Golden Years. Wilder completed the last book in the "Little House" series in 1943, when she was 76 years old.
Creativity Quote: "The real things haven't changed. It is still best to be honest and truthful; to make the most of what we have; to be happy with simple pleasures; and have courage when things go wrong." (Laura Ingalls Wilder)
FACE 2: The Dalai Lama - The Dalai Lama is both the spiritual and Temporal Head of the Tibetan People.He is the head monk of Tibetan Buddhism and traditionally has been responsible for the governing of Tibet, until the Chinese government took control in 1959.He is now a leader in exile. In 1989, the Dalai Lama was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his nonviolent efforts for the liberation of Tibet and his concern for global environmental problems. The Committee's citation stated, "The Committee wants to emphasize the fact that the Dalai Lama in his struggle for the liberation of Tibet consistently has opposed the use of violence. He has instead advocated peaceful solutions based upon tolerance and mutual respect in order to preserve the historical and cultural heritage of his people." In recent years, a number of Western universities and institutions have conferred peace awards and honorary doctorate degrees upon the Dalai Lama in recognition of his distinguished writings in Buddhist philosophy, as well as his outstanding leadership in the service of freedom and peace.
Creativity Quote:
“If you think you are too small to
make a difference, try sleeping with a mosquito.” *The Dalai Lama)
