As our society becomes more technologically advanced the pioneer spirit is becoming a thing of the past. What's my definition of a pioneer spirit? It's an attitude of being self
sufficient and a willingness to try new things...even if it means getting out of
our comfort zone! What I especially respect about the pioneers was, they didn't
let a little thing like, lack of knowledge stop them! Where they were weak
in experience they were strong in utilizing critical thinking
skills. This, mixed with the gumption to try, proved to be the success of many
and even what sustained their lives.
What got me thinking , is my mother sometimes refers to me as
a "pioneer woman". She calls me that whenever I tell her the latest harebrained
project I've tried, even though I had no idea what I was doing. She'll say
things like, "you did electrical rewiring!... how'd you know how to do that?".
I can remember almost the day my brain switched to "pioneer thinking." It was
several years ago when I worked out in an Alaskan Wilderness Lodge. One of the
employees had to tape her broken glasses until she could get into town to have
them repaired. My very good friend there (who was my pioneer spirit mentor) fixed them
with a soldering tool. I was floored that she knew how to use a soldering tool,
especially to fix glasses. She said, she didn't....but that didn't stop her from
trying. Just hearing that gave me confidence to try things outside my range of
experience.
You would be amazed at how many projects and household repairs you can do yourself....if you just give it a try! The internet is a great place to start on the information you
need. Having some basic knowledge, common sense and fortitude, is a good start
in the right direction to being a modern day pioneer. Think of how our world
might be changed someday if we all raised pioneer minded children.
Here is an example of sewing project I did in spite of not knowing how to
sew clothes. These costumes were made from ordinary clothing, bed ruffles and
curtains that I retrieved from a thrift shop. I just cut and sewed where I
thought they would look good! It wasn't perfect and probably not done "right"
but it turned out good enough to win grand prize in a parade! All four costumes
cost me under $20 with the exception of the colonial hats which I got off the
internet (but not before I TRIED without much success to make my own!).
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Apr. 4, 2006 - this