87.5) You can imagine that we still read/recite Goodnight Moon in this household. The gentle, soft simplicity of the rhyme stands in stark contrast to the complexities in the lives of the characters, and life in NI in general. >>>> -- Cindy's Cottage

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Date Posted: 05:22:05 11/03/07 Sat
Author: Elaine
Subject: 87.5) You can imagine that we still read/recite Goodnight Moon in this household. The gentle, soft simplicity of the rhyme stands in stark contrast to the complexities in the lives of the characters, and life in NI in general. >>>>
In reply to: Elaine 's message, "Chapter 87 ~ Good Night Moon" on 15:54:47 11/02/07 Fri

The most significant things in life are not usually the showstoppers; they're the little day-to-day things, like the things that make a house a home. The poem conveys a sense of serenity and contentment, the comfort found in the familiar, an atmosphere of protection and safety. These are the things that Pamela and Casey must now seek from each other again, and then trust - as a child would, without question - that they will be found, and all will once again be made right.

In this place, this ruined cottage, there once was contentment and comfort and a sense of safety, a place where one could let down his/her guard and be wholly oneself. But something dreadful happened, and those beloved qualities were stolen. And yet despite being abandoned, the cottage remains standing. Tattered and in need of serious repair, yes, but ready and waiting to be given new life. So it is with the love between Casey and Pamela.

The reference to the cow jumping over the moon points to what is perceived by adults as utterly impossible. To a child, however, it is within the realm of possibility. And that connects to the prospect of rebuilding the relationship which was destroyed by Love Hagerty, and also the dream of a healed homeland in Northern Ireland. Both prospects might seem insurmountable from a distance. When someone takes the first step and both sides are finally standing face to face, the impossible might just be do-able after all.

Am I stretching it a bit too far here do you think?

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Replies:

I love your thoughts about the cottage and how it represents the love & marriage between Casey & Pamela. No way do I have anything to add to that - beautiful :-) (NT) -- Mahri, 08:44:41 11/03/07 Sat
Just lovely, Elaine. Tackling the insurmountable one step at a time...very true. (NT) -- Denise, 10:38:43 11/03/07 Sat
Elaine, that was wonderful! (NT) -- susiej, 11:23:18 11/03/07 Sat
That is a really gorgeous summation, E. now I only wish I merited it, it just fit with the moon etc. and the new beginning, a fresh start. The cottage was because on my first trip to Ireland I saw so many of those deserted little cottages and asked someone about them. She told me many had been empty since the Famine, but no one would knock them down for superstitous reasons, etc. Well it stuck in my head and this is what resulted. But thanks for making me feel smart. :) (NT) -- celtgirl, 20:15:34 11/03/07 Sat
- You coulda just said 'yes' in answer to my question at the end. ;-) (NT) -- E, 21:12:32 11/03/07 Sat

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