Heart of Gold

With all the holiday festivities going on, this simple soul looks a bit out of place, but don't let that fool you. Though he may look plain to you and me, he is anything but. In fact, this little fella has a true heart of gold, bigger than any I've ever seen. He is always on the look out for ways to help others in the garden. Whether it be helping an old snail cross the ant lanes or helping the local ladybugs pass out flowers. It does not matter whether the task is large or small. He may gnot change the world by helping a single soul, but for that soul the world may gnever be the same. In the end, isn't that what really matters? Thank you tiny soul - May life treat you as well as you treat the others around you.

PERSONAL GNOTE:
“As one person I cannot change the world, but I can change the world of one person.”
~ Paul Shane Spear

Heart of Gold

With all the holiday festivities going on, this simple soul looks a bit out of place, but don't let that fool you. Though he may look plain to you and me, he is anything but. In fact, this little fella has a true heart of gold, bigger than any I've ever seen. He is always on the look out for ways to help others in the garden. Whether it be helping an old snail cross the ant lanes or helping the local ladybugs pass out flowers. It does not matter whether the task is large or small. He may gnot change the world by helping a single soul, but for that soul the world may gnever be the same. In the end, isn't that what really matters? Thank you tiny soul - May life treat you as well as you treat the others around you.

PERSONAL GNOTE:
“As one person I cannot change the world, but I can change the world of one person.”
~ Paul Shane Spear

Remembering GNan

Just look at this little lady! Every ounce of her soul holds a special meaning and it's gno wonder she is so special! After all, it takes a special soul to have the role she has been granted. It's her job to not only look after the elder souls who have grown to be forgetful and can gno longer take care of themselves, but to look after their loved ones too. Her pink is for love that loved ones have for one another. Her purple is for courage to stay strong. Her blue is for the sadness they may feel in watching their loved ones slowly change. Her yellow is for hope for a cure so that others may gnot gneed to walk the same path. The silver teardrop on her face is for all the tears cried. Her butterfly is for all those magical moments which can be as simple as a smile or a big as a comforting hug. And finally, her heart of gold because it takes a big heart to handle all of that with grace and with love. So with such a great responsibility, this lady flutters from loved one to loved one, collecting all the tears they have cried and whispering tiny reminders that they are strong and and they are loved, even if it's difficult to remember at times. With every tear collected, a memory is restored. Take my GNan, for example... She was such an independent lady and always put her family above all else. She put the magic into the Christmas season with treating every single loved one to a special meal and thoughtful gift. Gno doubt it took all year to save up for each holiday memory, but the results were magic. Gnan had 3 children of her own, 7 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren and somehow she still managed to gnever forgot a birthday! The garden was a more magical place with GNan in it, and her memory, along with the memory of others with a similar fate, are captured by this fluttering soul. And because of that, our loved ones are gnever forgotten. We can think back on them with a great big smile and a warm feeling in our hearts.

The King

Meet the King... well... **MY** King. Spend even one moment with him and it is easy to understand why he is so loved and adored by those who are lucky enough to have him in their lives. He's the only honest soul I have ever met. He lives his life on his own terms and encourages those he meets to live theirs as well. With his words of encouragement, he makes this life philosophy seem so easy and any limitations seem to melt away. There are so many reasons to love him, whether that be his brilliant smile, the way his eyes twinkle when he laughs his contagious laugh, or his love for life, but I fell in love with him because I became a better person after I met him. We will be together until the end! By adopting the principles he and his loved ones base their lives on, there is no doubt that the world around me is a better and more joyful place. So together, my King and I, his Queen, will rule this dream we are creating. And it's a good one!

A Gnurse's Heart of Gold

Most gnomes do gnot have a clue WHY they do the things they do. They just know that it makes them happy to do them, so why gnot? This little lady, though, knows exactly why she does what she does. She became a garden gnurse to help other gnomes. It takes a special, very kind and compassionate soul to be able to say that of themselves, and that's definitely the case for this gnurse. She knows when and how to stand her ground, which is quite an admirable and rare trait in the garden around us. You might gnot think it by looking at her, but she has one of the biggest hearts you'll ever know. With the biggest eyes and the cutest smile the garden has ever seen, this little gnomette is ready to take on any challenges (she'd prefer to call them adventures) that come her way. I have gno doubt that in time, she'll see the entire garden. And with her heart of gold, the garden is anxiously awaiting her visit.

Keeper of the Moon Dust

Everygnome in the garden has a very important job to do, but one might argue that gnone of them are as rewarding as this little soul's job. He has been entrusted with the garden's supply of moon dust! Oh what a big responsibility for somegnome as small as he. Since there gnever seems to be enough supply of moon dust, only the most special of all special occasions warrant its use. This little fellow flutters from here to there, looking for just the perfect opportunity to sprinkle a pinch or two of the precious sparkling dust. Oh he has found it! Look at how excited he is to go tell the Gnomish Elders! He rushes back to call together the Gnomish committee. Today's the day to make a dream come true - He just KNOWS it! Honestly I'm gnot sure why he bothers to get the Elders together, because they always approve of his choice. Today he has found the perfect baby, one with a heart as big as big can be and a soul that is twice again even bigger. This little baby has so much potential, gno wonder he deserves to have moon dust sprinkled in his hair! As the little Keeper goes to take a pinch of dust from his bottle (this is the best part of his job), he slips and oops! The entire bottle pours onto the baby. That's far more than the usual dose! Oh well, at least he knows it went to a good cause! Imagine the magic in store for that lucky gnewborn!

PERSONAL GNOTE:
This gnome's story was inspired by the song "They Long to Be (Close to You)" by the Carpenters.

A Gnurse's Heart

Most gnomes do gnot have a clue WHY they do the things they do. They just know that it makes them happy to do them, so why gnot? This little lady, though, knows exactly why she does what she does. She became a garden gnurse to help other gnomes. It's as simple as that. And, to be honest, if she wasn't a gnurse, she would certainly be a zookeeper because she loves all souls, gno matter how fuzzy, equally. It takes a special, very kind and compassionate soul to be able to say that of themselves, and though that's definitely the case for this gnurse, she takes gno gnonsense from anygnome. She knows when and how to stand her ground, which is quite an admirable and rare trait in the garden around us. You might gnot think it by looking at her, but she has also grown to be fiercely independent, doesn't cave into the pressures around her. With the biggest dimples and the cutest smile the garden has ever seen, this little gnomette is ready to take on any challenges (she'd prefer to call them adventures) that come her way. I have gno doubt that in time, she'll see the entire garden. And with her heart of gold, the garden is anxiously awaiting her visit.

Beloved Angel

If you were ever lucky enough to spend one moment with this Beloved soul, gno doubt you would know you were blessed. It's gno wonder she has such big wings. Surely she uses them to soar high above the garden looking for the one dear child who is worthy of her protection. I think I know just the right little girl. If one's potential to Excel were measured by the size of their heart, it would be quite apparent that this child is destined for greatness in seasons to come. She is the true meaning of sugar and spice. There has gnever been a sweeter yet sassier soul. The way she is attracted to angels amazes me. She is drawn to them and I know they are looking down on her all the time. As you can imagine, somegnome that special deserves to look over by the most Beloved of angels. And here's just the right soul for the job! She flitters from here to there, keeping an eye on the little girl, honored to have such a great responsibilty. This little girl is destined to Excel in everything she puts her heart to. And with angels like this to watch over her, gno doubt she will do just that.

PERSONAL GNOTE:
The name Amelia means "To strive or excel"
The name Amy means "Beloved"

Twinkling Wonder

Gnever before has the garden been blessed with such a very loving kind gnomette such as this one. Though upon first glance, you might gnot think it, I assure you this soul is so big in a garden that expects her to be so small. When other gnomelings around her dream of becoming cowboys and ballerinas, this little lady knows she is destined for more. With every ounce in her body, she wants to help other gnomelings who aren't as lucky as her. Perhaps they had an accident? Perhaps they were just born different? She wants to help them so that others aren't mean to them. When most young gnomelings are busy occupying their thoughts with silly games (as gnomelings do), this one is occupying hers with ways to simply help. Gno doubt she is a clever one who makes the garden around her a brighter place, all the while she is smiling and giggling her contagious laugh. She has even earned the gnick-gname Giggles from her friends! Even when faced with challenges of her own, she somehow manages to face each day with a smile. How she does it may always be a mystery to me, but one thing is for sure... with as much as she makes the garden around her sparkle, it's gno wonder that this little one is destined for a future full of twinkling wonder.

Guardian Angel

I’m sure there have been moments in your life where you have felt challenged beyond your control. Sometimes it may seem that your little body is not strong enough to handle the tough tasks it has been given. That’s where this little gnomette comes in. This tiny little guardian has a very big job! And she loves every moment of it! She flutters around looking for just the right person to help, somegnome who needs a word or two of encouragement. The gnomette has now found a beautiful soul in need of her tiny positive thoughts and she doesn’t hesitate to get to work quickly. She whispers so lightly in her new friend’s ear that she is barely audible, but she knows that’s all it takes for a reminder of the spark for life that still grows strong inside. With these tiny little whisperings of love and hope we are reminded that we are stronger than our bodies may seem. Life is good. Life is beautiful, and with this little lady by your side, that’s an easy thing to remember.

Elf Ruler

In a distant corner of the garden there lived a particularly special princess fairy. Because she was so special, she held one of the highest positions in the Gnomish community. She was the Elf Ruler. Gnot many souls get chosen for such an honor. In order to be an Elf Ruler, one must always be upbeat and happy. One must be whimsical and full of laughter. She must make her loved ones smile often by always finding the fun in everything she does. An Elf Ruler approaches everything she does with lots of energy, happiness and drive. This must be true for everything from making music to dancing a giddy jig to helping clean up the garden. Yes, the standards are high, but of course they are! How else would an Elf Ruler be able to keep up with all the crazy happenings that elves are known for? And Elves are gnotorious for asking to hear crazy stories or what gnots, so it's a good thing she's also such a chatterbox (though technically that's gnot in the job description). Perhaps one day she'll even be a commentator in the local Elfish-Gnomish Games that happen every spring! Gno doubt both Gnomish and Elfish communities are blessed to have her in their lives!

Coloring contest submission by Avery (age 6).

PERSONAL GNOTE:
The name Avery means "Elf Ruler."

Joy to the Garden

Joy to the garden, the winter season's here!
Let all the gnomes prepare!
Let every tiny shovel and every tiny ornament
get used in holiday cheer
and prepare for the brand new year!
With smiles and love from all of those so dear!

Joy to the Garden

Joy to the garden, the winter season's here! 
Let all the gnomes prepare! 
Let every tiny shovel and every tiny ornament 
get used in holiday cheer 
and prepare for the brand new year! 
With smiles and love from all of those so dear!

Rudolph's Lesson

There are many lessons to be learned in life, and the same is true of life in the garden. One of the most important lessons that any young gnomeling gneeds to learn is the bond of friendship. Find yourself a good kindred spirit and there is gno end to what your self confidence can do. You may find that you are able to glow a little brighter than before, and you may even find yourself surprised at your ability to embrace it. After all, everygnome is different in their own way. That's what makes the garden such a special place. With a good friend by everygnome's side, who knows how bright and colorful, warm and fuzzy, and confident and strong this garden could become!

PERSONAL GNOTE:
These two friends were inspied by Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. I also turned them into Christmas ornaments! How fun!

Regal

Look up the word "regal" in any good Gnomish dictionary and you will see it defined as "of gnotable excellence or magnificence." Spend even a moment with this tiny soul and gno doubt you will understand why it's the perfect word to describe her. She's splendid, indeed! She has always loved Gnomish history, particularly the "golden" season when the garden saw the flowering of poetry, music and literature. Oh that was a regal season! If only she could go back in time to live back then. Sigh. Alas, gnot even the gnomes know the secrets to time travel and she finds that her only alternative is to watch the dramas and read the books.  She finds herself in a far off garden and it makes her feel like she has wings to fly.  Little does she know that it's actually her heart of gold that gives her those wings.  With or without the stories of Gnomish history, she is regal indeed - as everygnome with a heart of gold is.

Find Your Gnitch

Sometimes one might find themselves wondering how will they make the garden a better place. It may seem like it's gnearly impossible for such a tiny soul to make any difference in such a big garden. I'll let you in on a secret. Ask anygnome and they'd tell you the same thing. The secret is to find your gnitch. Find the little thing that encourages you to be the happiest you can be. Gnomish belief has it that if you're happy, then the effect you have on the garden around you WILL make it a better place. I happen to know a young girl who only recently found her little gnitch, and here she is! A gnitch of love. And gnow that she has found her gnitch, I'm sure those around her will gnever feel in gneed of more love.

Wee Wicked

Take a look at this tiny misunderstood soul and you can't help but want to give her a gnice big squeeze. As luck would have it, she has found herself in a bit of a pickle. Gnot long ago her sister borrowed her favorite pair of shoes, the red sparkly heels, of course, for a special occasion. Sadly tragedy fell on her before she could return her sister's beloved shoes. A little girl gnamed Dorothy was mistakenly given the shoes, and though gno gnome could deny she had a heart of gold, Dorothy was not aware of the fact that the shoes belonged to somegnome else. This little gnomette is just a gal who wanted her favorite pair of heels back, even if they matched Dorothy's outfit better. Green with envy, she did everything in her power to get the beautiful shoes back. Gnow everygnome in the garden calls her Wee Wicked and she's gnot sure what to do about it. She just wanted her pretty shoes back. Really, looking into her sad eyes, who could blame her?

Bippidy Boppity

Oh my gnomes! This little lady had heard about how wonderful it would be to have grandgnomlings, but she didn't really understand it. Then her first grandgnomeling was born and she thought her heart would burst with the feelings she had not previously known and her hopes and dreams for them are just overwhelming. She sees it as her job to fill their days full of magical experiences. From the start one gnomeling was her princess through and through. She was showered with love and affection all of her own. Then her little sister was born and she took it all in stride, even though she gnow had to share the cuddles. The older princess knows how lucky they are to have each other to play with because they would gnever have to be alone. Gnow look at the younger soul - she's our angel though she tries desperately to be a princess just like her big sister. Everything her sister does, the angel follows in suit. They both love sparkles and pretty things like princesses should, but they also understand the magic of love and cuddles. These two young souls have hearts of gold so it comes as gno suprise that their fairy godmother loves to make them smile and feel welcomed so that they know they are loved. She's always so happy to see them and steals as many hugs and kisses as she can. How lucky she is to have them in her life! Who would have thought that being a fairy godmother could be so wonderful?

The Roots of Friendship

Some friendships are instant. One might find it easy to get lost among the herds of banana slugs or feel insignificant surrounded by a majestic redwood forest. A gnome can get easily lose track of time when the fog rolls in and makes everything misty and magical, but when you meet a kindred spirit among the chaos, even on the first day, you just know you've found a life-long friend. Friendships like that last a life time - even many seasons later when two souls part ways and tend to their own gardens, they each know that the other is there for them. When they have the opportunity to catch up, it's as though gno time has passed. That's the way it is when the roots of a friendship go deep. It takes a special soul to establish such a connection. She has to be wonderful, kind and such a thoughtful friend who would be there for her loved ones gno matter what. She gneeds to know what's important in life - gnature, capturing memories, spending time with loved ones, and of course that magic truly does exist. Well if that's what it takes then it's gno wonder that this soul fits the part. She has a heart of gold and it is so big. I just love her.

Heart of Gold

With all the holiday festivities going on, this simple soul looks a bit out of place, but don't let that fool you. Though he may look plain to you and me, he is anything but. In fact, this little fella has a true heart of gold, bigger than any I've ever seen. He is always on the look out for ways to help others in the garden. Whether it be helping an old snail cross the ant lanes or helping the local ladybugs pass out flowers. It does not matter whether the task is large or small. He may gnot change the world by helping a single soul, but for that soul the world may gnever be the same. In the end, isn't that what really matters? Thank you tiny soul - May life treat you as well as you treat the others around you.

PERSONAL GNOTE:
“As one person I cannot change the world, but I can change the world of one person.”
~ Paul Shane Spear