A fairy tale I read as a child came back to me today.
This is how I remember the story . . .
A young princess is very ill, and her father is desperate to make his beloved child happy. He goes to her bedside and asks what he might get for her that will make her smile. The girl looks out of her bedroom window and points to the moon, which rises in the sky every evening to keep her company. She would like the moon.
Her father, because he is the King, summons his various wise men and instructs them to figure out how to bring the princess the moon.
The wise men come back filled with failure and explanations.
The moon is too big to fit in the little girl’s room. The moon is too big to collect and too big to wrap and too big to give as a gift. The moon is impossibly big.
The King is devastated.
He asks if there is anyone who knows how he might satisfy his daughter’s request.
The Court Jester has an idea. How about if they ask the girl how big she thinks the moon is?
And so they ask the girl.
The girl thinks for a moment and then says that she believes the moon is about the size of the tip of her thumb.
The men are surprised. So small?
She explains that she can hold up her thumb against the night-sky and block her view of the moon in its entirety, so it must be just slightly smaller than her thumb.
The King orders a beautiful silver moon charm made for his daughter.
A perfect sphere. A full moon. Just slightly smaller than the tip of the princess’ thumb.
She is overjoyed at the gift, and the King gets to see his daughter smile.
The wise men worriedly take the King aside. What will the King do when his daughter looks out her window that evening and sees the moon? How will he explain? She cannot wear the moon on a chain around her neck and also look at the moon through her window!
The King turns to the Court Jester, who suggests that once again, they ask the girl.
And so they do, entering her bedroom that evening as the moon rises in the sky outside her window.
Isn’t it strange, they ask her nervously, how the moon appears to be in two places at the same time?
The princess laughs happily and points to the thin crescent moon in the sky as she fingers the charm that hangs on a silver chain around her neck. The moon grows like a thumbnail . . . she possesses a full moon that has been cast aside so that a new moon may grow.
Isn’t that a lovely story?
I probably haven’t gotten it completely correct, as it has been a very long time since I read it. But that’s what I remember.
And here’s why it came back to me . . .
I am lying in bed, reading a magazine and feeling sorry for myself.
Kallan comes to check on me, “What’s up, Mom? You look sad.”
“Yeah, I guess I sort of am.”
She climbs up into the bed and snuggles up with me, “You’ve been sad for a couple of days. Why are you sad?”
“Because I am annoyed at myself for being unwilling to take risks. I am scared I will fail, so I don’t try. And then I feel sad for wasting my time pretending and feeling guilty.”
“That is dumb, Mom.”
“Yes, I know.”
“That’s like wishing for the moon without putting your hand up to see if you can grab it. Maybe you can’t, but your hand above your head is closer than your hand in your pocket.”
She holds her hand in the air to demonstrate.
I stare at her incredulously, “Seriously, Kallan? When did you get so smart?”
“I think I read that it in a fable one time. Can I have a cookie?”
“No, you may not have a cookie.”
“Fine. I’m going to play with my friend. Call me for dinner.”
“Don’t eat cookies at your friend’s house. And Kallan?”
She turns at the door, “What?”
“What if the moon is taken? What if someone else has already grabbed it?”
“OK, I don’t even know what we are talking about, but duh . . . Mom . . . the moon has lots of places to hang on. The moon is like a rock-climbing wall.”
Sigh.
So then I got out of bed.
And came to tell you a story.
A story of a wish for a moon.
PEOPLE! I am my own first commenter!
I AM AWESOME!
Snort!
Plus? I read the post and all the tags before commenting!
Hee hee!
I just wanted to let you know that I found the story!
It’s called Many Moons, and it is not an old-time fairy tale at all.
It was written by James Thurber.
Yay for Google!
I am a little obsessive when I can’t find something.
Yay!
Seriously?
Commenting on your own post and proclaiming your firstness? Way to wear the t-shirt of the band to the concert, Kris.
Jeez.
Edge -
Sassy you.
I found the story after I wrote the post but before I hit publish.
Thought about including that information in the post itself, but then decided to be my own first commenter today.
So pffffftttttt.
Whatever.
Also? For what it’s worth? I read the whole post, and the tags – the tags are the best part – and managed to get my comment in not 2 minutes after you.
Not that I’m all about speed, mind you. Slow and steady wins the race, at least, with me. In bed. And such.
Since when do you comment on my posts, edgy you?
I am surprised to see you here.
A lovely surprise.
Every so often. I read often, I just don’t comment too much.
I just had to make fun of you a bit, is all. It’s the kind of mood I’m in. Sickly, grody, and a tad bit snarky.
That is my favorite kind of mood!
You need ice cream and TV slouching and a good gossip session with a catty friend.
How are those abs coming, anyway?
Down 6 pounds and 2″ in 3 weeks. I don’t miss the carbs or sugar at all. I feel great, when I’m not sickly.
It’s gonna happen pretty soon. And when it does? I’m going to have a shallow and wonderful summer of being the hottest I’ve ever been for when I turn 30.
You do know that you are sickly because you didnt have a proper germ-buffer of fat and sugar with which to ward off germs, correct?
Duh.
No no no no. I’m sickly because the friends I stayed with in DC last week? Were sickly, and didn’t understand that they should cover their mouths when they coughed at me.
The lack of a proper fat and sugar barrier? That’s what’s making the life fun with the dizziness. Cheap entertainment.
You have stupid friends.
Take care of yourself, babe.
I don’t to hear how happy you are with your post-barfing/fasting weight loss.
I will smack you.
I was going to demand a link, with a “PLEASE!” but then I got to thinking I should be smart enough to find it myself. I’m pretty sure I am.
Thanks for the lovely stories today. Just what I needed.
I didn’t provide a link, because the version I remember and love had fabulous illustrations.
There is a new version with different illustrations.
Not sure that those are as amazing.
So I left it to those of you interested enough to seek it out.
Now I am determined to find a copy. and Link it to you.
Hold on.
Here’s the newer version:
http://www.amazon.com/Many-Moons-Books-Young-Readers/dp/0152018956/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1302750743&sr=8-1
And here’s the version I remember:
http://www.amazon.com/Many-Moons-James-Thurber/dp/0152518738/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1302750800&sr=8-1
Annoyed with the “first race” were you?
Wonderful story…thank you!
On this post, I wanted to be first.
I had something to share, so I took that spot.
Kallan is genius.
And aren’t you glad she’s your moon.
Renee -
I know.
And yes . . . so very glad.
Hmmph.
Now I am all teary.
I love when you tell these kinds of stories.
I love most that you can see the wisdom in your kids and you don’t just see them as kids saying silly things. They will forever appreciate that you take them seriously and learn from them and don’t let them eat cookies all day long.
I hope now that you found the book you are working on finding that part of the moon that is waiting just for you.
Jessica -
My daughters are filled with wisdom if I listen.
I don’t always remember to listen.
But when I do, they are filled with wisdom.
As for the other?
Sigh.
Out of the mouths of babes. Live the fable
Your very wise child is right- you have to at least try.
Natalie -
Kallan is right. Of course she is.
You know what else strikes me?
The power of the written word. This story, even though I could not remember the name or the author, stayed with me for almost 40 years. The last time I read this story, I was in 2nd grade.
That makes my heart ache.
That’s just lovely to realize.
Did you ever hear the Jonathan Coulton song “I’m Your Moon”? He wrote it after Pluto was declared a nonplanet – it’s Chiron singing to Pluto. You should listen to that, and then tighten up your rockclimbing wristguards :)
MKP -
Nope.
I will have to YouTube that song in a bit.
Thanks, you.
I LOVE coulton and was singing that song in my head as I was reading this! I’m not one to hijack comments but I’ve never met anyone else who listens to him. Well, I still haven’t, technically.
Ooooh. Thank you for reminding me!
I got all caught up and forgot to look for this song.
Be back in a few.
OK, well that is just a sad and beautiful love song.
Sigh.
That’s perfect.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JTw2eWE8GBA
I love it. Adore it really. I also love that you were open with Kallan. It is so important for children to realize that we as adults have problems and sadness too. It shows them the proper way to handle emotions. You are a great mom. Amazing really.
Lisa -
Thanks.
I do not always feel like an awesome mom.
Sigh.
But I try to be honest.
Well, It is the awesome Mom’s that admit to their lack of awesomeness on occassion. Only not awesome Mom’s claim to be awesome all the time ;). Your girls, I do not see them, but they are beautiful. Very beautiful. I am grateful for the honesty in your blog. It shows me that I am not alone in the mommy world.
Awww . . . thanks, lovely you.
I appreciate that very much.
You have much beauty as well.
I see you.
Loved this post Kris (and that you were the first commenter!)
Kallan is very smart. It’s funny how simple things seem when you look at it from a child’s point of view. So grab a hold of the moon!! :)
Thank you, lovely unspammish you.
Thank you so very much.
i have never heard that story, but i am going to tell it to my kids. they love the moon, and they’re going to love that story!
and kris – kallan is right. take your hands out of your pockets, love.
It is an amazing story.
As for the other?
It is so much harder than I imagined it would be.
So much harder.
I remember that story. I loved it too. :) What good advice from your Girlish. :) Maybe I should keep some thumbtacks in my pockets so I have to reach out and grab some stars. :)
Aleese -
OK, but be careful not to sit on the thumbtacks.
That would hurt a lot.
Ow.
It would also probably short out my EZ-Bake Oven. So, stabbed in the butt, electrocuted, and snorting ice cream out my nose. An average sort of day.
Did you ever read my post about being stabbed in the ass with a dental flosser?
Another average day in the life of Kris.
That post is here:
http://www.prettyalltrue.com/2010/05/anal-leakage/
The comments on that post are AMAZING.
That post was my intro to Pretty All True. Might explain a lot. Specifically why I keep coming back.
Snort!
You come back to check for more leakage?
Genius girls. Kids are so incredibly profound sometimes.
Happy sighs.
I know.
Please tell Kallan that she is amazingly psychic.
Because today…
Just today.
I decided to reach for the moon.
Reach with me, ok babe? There are so many places to hang on to.
Lori -
Good lord, babe.
You weren’t already reaching?
I need a nap.
Nope. Just tall trees and low-hanging clouds.
But today I decided on the moon.
I am napping.
DM me.
I will open a single lazy eye to see where you are climbing.
Oh, my. The thought of both of you aiming that high leaves me breathless.
Love this.
There is so much hope here. And even more up there.
I believe Lori’s aim may be a bit higher than mine.
I seriously just need to get the fuck out of this basement.
Sigh.
So let me get this straight. You’re not supposed to wear the t-shirt of the band to the concert?
Shit.
And also there is totally room for you AND Lori on the moon. And I want to look up there and point and say, “Hey. I know those craters.”
Or whatever. Maybe not craters.
And I will also wear your t-shirts to your concert. Because who gives a shit?
So go. Now.
Just so you know?
Edge is way cooler than I am . . . I would so wear the band’s T-shirt to the concert and imagine I was all kinds of AWESOME!
And Edge would mock.
Loudly.
Lori and I are probably not reaching for the same part of the moon.
I just need the courage to reach beyond this blog.
I don’t know where Lori is headed.
Except for up.
What a lovely story and what a lovely girl you have.
Lauran -
Thank you.
Thanks so very much.
Reach Kris, reach!
You can do anything you put your mind to.
I know you can.
I believe in you.
I think we all believe in you.
What matters most?
Your lovely girls believe in you too.
Sigh.
I cannot believe how difficult it is for me to reach beyond the safety of this blog.
So incredibly difficult.
Sigh.
Everyone believes in me except me.
Hmmph.
I’m not sure what it is that you want to reach for…
But take a chance. Just once.
Be like the little engine and think you can, think you can, think you can!
Sending lots of love your way!
You know what?
I don’t even have a plan. Only fear.
People are forever advising me on what I need to do next.
And I am paralyzed with fear.
And then sadness.
Sigh.
But won’t you regret ‘what might have been’ if you don’t try?
Use the fear as motivation.
You have such a lovely way with words. You really do. Whatever you decide to do with your written word will turn into gold.
It really will.
And then I can say “I knew Kris when”.
Fear is not a good motivator for me.
Fear is just fear.
Fear takes me back.
And then I am very small and very scared.
And frozen.
And that’s about all I want to say.
When you fear, you have to look at it and ask yourself “what’s the worst that can happen?” If it’s not death or some bad injury? Go for it.
Unless it’s flying. Death doesn’t happen often in flying so this is not a good method for that.
Ok what was I talking about? Oh yeah,
GO FOR IT! you are an amazing person Kris and you should just punch that fear in the face for being so annoying. Or let Kallan do it:)
Unless of course it means you stop writing this blog. THEN BE AFRAID! BE VERY AFRAID! ok just kidding on that last part.
Snort
I let the comments on this post get out of hand. I showed more vulnerability than I meant to here in these responses, and now . . .
I am back, two days later, because I like to answer all of my comments.
The thing is, babe?
In my mind?
The fear is of some bad injury.
It so is.
Anyway.
Yeah I totally get that.
And fear really sucks. I know this personally.
But the moon story? Was cool. I liked how the smartest guy was the fool.
And the moon was so small.
Now I’m going to go hide in my room for a while.
Lizzie -
I hate that you know what I am talking about. I so do.
Sigh.
I am off to do Saturday away from the computer.
Don’t hide.
Go do your day!
Much love to you.
Kris
You are awesome.
So yeah, empty your pockets and don’t look back.
Is there anything to lose? Really lose?
No matter what, there’s still Mark, Maj and Kallan.
And there’s still you.
Yes.
Much to lose.
I am afraid that my fear of rejection will cause me to hide from my failure to risk.
Which will cause me to stop appearing here.
Which means I lose much.
Anyway.
Kris? Just so you know? You are not allowed to stop appearing here. We will not let you. (You’re allowed to take a vacation. A *short* vacation. Then? Back to your keyboard young woman. Ahem.)
Varda -
I always think it’s funny when people say that.
As though you don’t all (even you, lovely Varda) just disappear if I turn off the computer and go lie on the couch.
The only one who has the power to keep me here is me.
So far so good.
Babe.
Oh, babe.
At the risk of losing you here, I’m still with Kallan on this. I think you have to do it.
I’m not worried about the fallout. I believe in you.
Sigh.
Yes, I am cyber-hugging you again. But don’t forget, it can get frisky.
Stop that.
You are too loved to stop appearing here. You are my daily cup of escape. Every morning, it is me, my cup of coffee, and your blog.
Thanks, Sara.
I am here this morning, with my own cup of coffee.
Thanks.
Very comforting. : ) Like a towel fresh from the dryer. Or a hug from your favorite auntie.
Well, that is just lovely to imagine.
Thank you.