Kathleen T. Pelley - Thatched Cottages

Old Celtic cottage

Stoneleigh Cottage - photo courtesy of www.heart-of-england.net

Photo couresty of www.heart-of-england.net

Curved rooflines of a traditional Celtic cottage

The first image that appears along the top of the Celtic Knot in my website is a thatched cottage. Long ago these types of homes were very popular for most people in rural Britain, because thatch was a lightweight material most suitable for the walls of these houses which could not withstand a heavier weight roof.

Gradually, with the advent of better transportation, these thatched roofs were replaced by slate. However, in many parts of Ireland the thatched cottage has been preserved as the Irish recognize its inherent beauty and know that it enhances the rugged landscape.

But, regardless of whether you live in a thatched cottage, a sprawling mansion, or a tiny apartment, the Irish cherish the heart of a good home. They know that the most important ingredient for a happy home has little to do with the bricks and mortar surrounding it, but rather is about the love that is shared within those walls. Although the Irish people are scattered now throughout the world, most of them will still think of "home" as dear old Erin.

Home is a recurring theme in many folktales and fairytales. In my latest picture book, Inventor McGregor, Hector McGregor finally discovers that the source of his inspiration lies in the heart of his happy, happy, home.

Of course, everyone knows that the patron saint of Ireland is St. Patrick, but not everyone knows that St. Patrick's original home was not actually Ireland, but Scotland. The second patron saint of Ireland is St.Brigid, and a popular custom is to place a St. Brigid's cross under the rafters of your home to bring good luck, health, and fortune.

So, given my love of home and its prominence in my stories, it is perhaps only fitting that the proceeds from my books will benefit children who are most in need of a happy home - the children of Makumbi in Zimbabwe.