In the Spotlight: Cheryl/bethandmanly!

In the Spotlight this week is the prairie's own author, Cheryl, aka, bethandmanly! Thank you for taking the time to fill out the questionnaire so we could get to know you a little better, Cheryl!







How did you get interested in LHOTP? I began watching the show when it first aired.

Which came first for you: the books or the TV series? The TV series. I didn’t read the books until I was in my early 20’s.

If you’ve read any of the books, which one do you like best? The Long Winter is my favorite. I love seeing Almanzo as a hero.

How often do you watch the TV series? I don’t get to watch much TV anymore.

Have you watched other productions of LH? If so, did you like them? Yes, and I enjoyed all of them. It was strange seeing other actors in these roles, but it’s great to see how others portray the characters I know so well.

Did you get to see the LHOTP musical with Melissa Gilbert? No.

Do you have a favorite character? Almanzo, but I don’t think that’s a big surprise to anyone who knows me.

Do you believe that the moral lessons that Little House taught helped to make you a better person? Perhaps, but it’s hard to tell since that was so long ago. I can say that I wished my family was more like the Ingalls.

Is there an episode that stands out in your mind as a favorite? My favorite has always been Days of Sunshine, Days of Shadow. I like the focus being on Laura and Almanzo’s relationship.

Do any of the episodes move you to tears? If so, why? Many. I’m a woman; do I need to say more?

Who do you most relate to? Laura. She often leaps before she looks, not unlike me.

Where were you born? Springfield, MA.

How many states/places have you lived in? I’ve only ever lived in Western Mass, and only in three cities/towns.

How many people are in your family? Five people, four cats.

Have you ever been married? / Are you married? Married for 11 years now.



Do you have children? We have three: Johnnycat, the Lil’ Diva, and the Lil’ Princess.

Do any others in your family share your affection for Little House on the Prairie and Laura Ingalls Wilder’s work? No, but my girls are still young yet.

Have you met any of the cast members? No, but I’ve spoken to Dean Butler, and Kent and Susan McCray over the phone.

Do you own anything Little House related? I have autographed pictures of Dean Butler and Brian Part. Dean was also kind enough to autograph a copy of his documentary Almanzo Wilder: Life Before Laura.

Have you met any of the board members? No, but maybe some day. I’m on the East Coast and everyone seems to be further out.

How long have you been a member on the LH board? Since the beginning. I was also on the previous one.

What are some things that you enjoy doing to relax? Read and write LHOP fan-fiction stories.

What season do you like best? Spring, summer, autumn or winter? Autumn.

What season were you born in? Summer.

What is your favorite holiday? Christmas, but everyone who knows me is aware of that.

What has been your biggest challenge? Balancing my career and my personal life.

What are some of your best memories? My wedding day, the birth of my three children, and my son’s wedding day.

How did you find this board? Carol and Rhonda.

What is one of the things you like best about our LH board? All the people are great. I’ve made many wonderful friends--some of the best in my life.

Were you shy or outgoing as a child? Try not to be astonished, but I was very shy as a kid.

What did you want to be when you were growing up, and did that pan out? A teacher or a writer. I’m both.

What was your first pet? A mini-dachshund named Fritz.

Did you go to your prom? If so, what was the theme & style of the time? Both, junior and senior years. It was the 80’s, think big hair and big dresses.

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Thanks again for taking time out of your busy schedule to fill out the questionnaire and join in on the Spotlights, Cheryl.

Neat profile, Cheryl!

Hey Cheryl....I guess we met at Prairie Talk first in 2005 or so, then I dragged you over here....something like that....Glad to know you better....

nice to know you better

Hello Cheryl

I love Days of Sunshine, Days of Shadow too!

Hey ladies. I was surprised when Savannah sent me the PM that this was up. Now you know how truly boring I am.

I enjoyed reading this, Cheryl. I have always enjoyed your writing!

bethandmanly wrote:

Hey ladies. I was surprised when Savannah sent me the PM that this was up. Now you know how truly boring I am.

You're not that bad.

Nice reading Cheryl.

yep, Cheryl is a keeper. Cant wait to see Christmas photos of your decor!!

You're so sweet, ladies. And Alex, too funny!

Gin, I need to replace some trees this year. Maybe I should try growing a money one. Seems I'm a bit light in the bills and coins this year.

Well if you were in THIS house you could only have REAL ones. Clay grew up with real trees and he will not budge on that. He tells me he will have to be 50 before he will give into a fake one. SO.....just two years to go!!! ha ha!

Gin wrote:

He tells me he will have to be 50 before he will give into a fake one. SO.....just two years to go!!! ha ha!

Get him one for his 50th.

Nice getting to know you Cheryl!!!!

Christmas???? REALLY!!! LOL

Great interview my friend. I might just have to come out to MA so that you can say that you've met someone from the board. Maybe we could meet in Malone. Someday, it will happen.

alexczarn wrote:

Gin wrote:

He tells me he will have to be 50 before he will give into a fake one. SO.....just two years to go!!! ha ha!

Get him one for his 50th.

I agree.

Thanks Ruth.

Marilyn, I would love it. Mary and I were supposed to plan a trip to Malone when Dean was there, but we both had conflicts that weekend.

Hi Lori. Thanks for stopping by.

Hi, Cheryl:

I like "Days of Shadow; Days of Sunshine" very much. It's one of the best episodes. In it, Laura shows she is really a woman and no more a little girl.

Your profile is great, and I'm glad I "met"a person like you here. This board is sorta of a little family.

I also like Almanzo, because he is so strong and so shy at the same time that it's almost impossible you wouldn't lfeel in love with him.

And Cheryl...we have another thing in common besides LHOTP: we are both writers!

Vanesa.

Thank your for your kind words, Vanesa. You're so sweet. I agree. We finally see Laura as a wife and mother. No longer a girl. It's a great set up for what is to come in Season 9, dismal though that season is.

How is your writing going? I've been getting into the mood for an LHOP fan fiction story lately.

I love the pictures. And, no, I never would have guessed Almanzo is your favorite character.

Thanks Pam. How would you know I like Almanzo? It's not like I started a group dedicated to Dean Butler or anything. Oh wait....

Cheryl, thanks for taking the time to share your profile with us! I know you are especially busy these days! I loved the pictures too...you have such a beautiful family. I had to chuckle at your '80's prom response...big hair, big dresses. Yep, I remember them well!

Thanks Amy. I have my little Greek girl and my little French girl. Funny how that worked out. Two of the three kids looks like me. I must have strong genes.

Oh yes, the 80's was all about big.

bethandmanly wrote:

Thank your for your kind words, Vanesa. You're so sweet. I agree. We finally see Laura as a wife and mother. No longer a girl. It's a great set up for what is to come in Season 9, dismal though that season is.

How is your writing going? I've been getting into the mood for an LHOP fan fiction story lately.

Thanks for asking! My writing is doing O.K. My work was accepted with few little changes in it - to which I agreed - and the essai will be published at the beginning of 2012.

Vanesa.