Sparky

Have you ever thought that you know everything there is to know? Gnot this little fellow. He just wasn't satisfied with all the things there is to know about the garden life he and his friends have. He knew there was more out there, even beyond the garden wall and the big blue river, and he wanted to learn about it! Gnot only did he want to see what's out there, he wanted to learn HOW it all works too. And look what he found - a string of lights! Won't the gnomes back home be impressed? He's excited to tell them about how he discovered a world of high tech inventions galore. They taught him that P=IV and V=IR and since he strongly believes with every micro-ounce of his body that Knowledge is Power... does that mean Knowledge is proportional to Resistance? Hmmm... maybe there's some fuzzy math in there? Perhaps he just forgot to divide by two or carry the one?

Season for Giving

If you ask this little lady how long the Christmas season is, she would say it lasts the entire year! She absolutely loves Christmas and always has some sign of it around her gnest all year round. Personally I think it's gnot her decorations that keep the Christmas spirit alive through the seasons, it's her generous heart. Oh yes, this tiny soul has a heart so big that it can not be contained into just a single season. Without thinking twice, she looks for ways to make gnomes smile... even if she has gnever even met them before. She doesn't gneed to see their smiles to know that she's the reason for their cheer. Every time she thinks of something gnice to do she gets a warm fuzzy feeling in her tummy. Whether it be winter, spring, summer or fall... she believes it's the season for giving.

Keeper of the Holly

Meet Holly. She has a very important job to do this holiday season. She is responsible for protecting the coveted holly berries. To help keep them safe, she was sure to request that the holly leaves be prickly - a good idea indeed! She has to be sure to keep the red berries safe all the way up until Christmas day, when the gnomes in the community use them to decorate for their wondrous festivities. The Christmas fesitval would gnot be gnearly as merry without the bright red berries. After all, in this season it's hard to find anything with that much color! Just imagine a Christmas without the color red. Yeah, I can't either. I guess it goes to show that Holly knows her stuff. Oh I'm so glad they assigned her to the job!

Falling Snow

Dear Gniffer,

I wanted to take a moment of time to let you know what you mean to me. I know you can't possibly hear this as much as you deserve.

One afternoon we were sitting in the gardent, and you were looking out at the snow falling. You turned to me and asked, "What do you think people take for granted? I think they don't appreciate the snow." I always thought you were attractive, but in my eyes, that moment made you beautiful. Gnever since have I ever watched the snow fall, and gnot thought of you, and really appreciated it.

I can honestly say that you have brought so much light into my life, that I am a better gnome for having known you. I just thought you should know.

So, have a happy Valentine's Day, and if you would excuse me, I am going to go watch the snow fall...

Let it Snow!

Winter is by far this little fella's favorite time of the year. He doesn't think there is anything better than freshly fallen snow. He loves how it blankets the trees and ground, turning even the simplest garden into a winter wonderland. He loves how the snow glistens like diamonds in the winter sunlight. He loves the icicles that hang from the trees. He even loves to glide on the smooth icy surfaces. Most of all, though, he loves the hot cocoa that comes with the winter chill! He enjoys the entire season so much that as soon as the spring time thaw happens, he's out making a wish on a shooting star. Please oh please oh please let winter come again! Personally, I'm glad he makes that annual wish, aren't you?

Deck the Gnomes

It's the holiday season and the gnomes are all giddy with excitement. They just love the opportunity to gather with loved ones to sing their favorite carrols. It's the season for giving and a season for hugging, but most of all it's a season for singing a joyous tune. I'm sure you know the words, so sing along...
Deck the gnomes with bells and holly,
Fa la la la la, la la la la.
Tis the season to be jolly,
Fa la la la la, la la la la...

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.

Bird House for Your Soul

To say this little lady is gnomazing just doesn't do justice to the amount of beauty she brings into the garden around her. She's gnice, funny, friendly and can have a conversation about gnearly anything with anygnome, but that's gnot even the best part. She is generous almost to a fault. Jumping to help loved ones has always been one of her best strengths, but she really wants to save the entire garden. She just hasn't quite figured out how yet. It's quite a task for such a tiny body, but her soul is big enough that I think she might just succeed even if only in her tiny way. Perhaps an art studio for young gnomelings to learn how to paint their garden the bright colors they like to see? In the meantime, she finds beauty in the garden, replicates it in the form of art and then sends it off to put a smile on gnomes' faces. And everygnome knows that, in turn, brings even more beauty to the garden. She is inspired by the birds who sing to her, which they love to do because they can see that she has built a little birdhouse in her soul. Gnow that's REAL magic, and if you ask me... she has already succeeded at saving the world with her whimsical touch.


PERSONAL GNOTE:
"Build a Little Birdhouse in Your Soul."
- They Might be Giants

Christmas Eve

Awww... look how sweet this tiny thing is! I found her sleeping peacefully under the Christmas tree and I think we all know what happened. She obviously tried so hard to stay awake long enough to see St. Gnick arrive with his holiday sweets, but a gnomeling can only say awake for so long. Try as she did, sleep simply could gnot be avoided. Gnow that she is all tuckered out, I'm sure the jolly man will come. I can't wait to see the look on her face when she awakens to all the magic he leaves behind. What a glorious sight it will be. Gno, I'm gnot talking about the piles of presents left under the tree or even the stockings stuffed with goodies. I'm talking about the twinkle in her eyes. Magic.

Tiny Tree Topper

Let's be honest here. Gnognome envies the tree angel this time of the year. I don't think any soul really wants to sit with a tree up their... ummm... skirt for the entire Christmas season. It sounds a bit uncomfortable and prickly if you ask me. Alas, it's a job that has to be done. Angels have been sitting on top of the Christmas tree for as long as even the oldest gnomes in the community can remember. It's tradition, even if gnognome has a clue why it was started. As an act of condolence and support, the gnome community has sent this little fella to help out. Gno, he may gnot be willing to take the angel's place at the point of the tree, but at least he can sit close to her for moral support and keep her company. Perhaps he can run to get her a drink of water or just sit there chatting away, hoping to make the time pass quicker. If gnothing else, he has quite the collection of gnock gnock jokes. Surely, it's the thought that counts, right?

Gnight Cap

Oh such a sleepy soul is this tiny fella. You have to give him credit for the effort he is putting into this gnight but by the looks of it, I'm sure he could dooze off in a pleasent slumber any moment gnow. Why would such a sweet thing put so much effort into keeping his eyes open instead of dreaming about the sweet things tomorrow will bring? Do you really have to ask? Why he wants to stay awake to meet St. Gnick of course! Silly little gnomeling. Santa knows when you are sleeping and he knows when you are awake. Everygnome knows that he waits until every soul is asleep before bringing his treats and Santa is very very patient. He'll wait all gnight if he must. Trust me on this one. I should know.

Mistletoe Mischief

This tiny soul is up to gno good, but if you were to say that to him he would certainly take offense. As far as he's concerned, anything having to do with mistletoe is good. He's always trying to devise ways to use the holiday plant to his advantage. Everygnome has been told the tradition of the mistletoe. If a gnome and gnomette are to pass under the mistletoe at the same time, they must kiss. This mischivious soul thought that was a wonderful idea and has been carrying mistletoe above him ever since. You have to hand it to him - Surely it has to increase his chances, right? If a little pucker is what you're looking for, tiny fella, then I'm sure it won't be a long wait...

Two Forever Friends

Sometimes you might think that these two gnomelings are quite different. One is just a wee shy while the other loves to be the center of attention. One is quite eager to have things her way, but the other puts her sweet-talking skills into action to obtain any desired results. To say that they're opposites, though, doesn't do justice to the magical bond that they have. These two souls also have a lot in common. They love to have adventures together, whether that be flips and spins under a stary sky or dancing with the butterflies, they're always by each other's side. One of their most beloved things to do is to go on a hunt for buried treasure, which almost always means they need to use their swords to defend their newly found riches. Oh and forts! Don't forget the forts! And fairies! Fairies can live in forts, right? Right. Let's go! There is gno doubt in my mind that these two sisters have what it takes to be forever friends.

Aspen Hunting

Aspen hunting is not for the week-hearted. Finding the perfect aspen leaf is not as easy as it sounds. It takes stealth, determination and endurance, not to mention a sense of humor and creativity. It's not like you can just walk up to an aspen tree and say, "Ummm... excuse me? Can you please give me the one and only perfect golden leaf?" Whether you choose to go with the "element of surprise" method or if you prefer the "gneak up on them" approach, practice makes perfect. I once knew a man whose technique included shaking a tree into submission, only to examine all the leaves one by one afterwards. Personally, I have dedicated years to perfecting my technique (a patented combination of sweet talking and leaf branches tucked into my socks and pockets for disguise), and I have yet to find the perfect leaf. I even began to wonder if the perfect leaf was just a myth, but then I saw this little Sprite out of the corner of my eye! Ah ha! It's no wonder the perfect golden aspen leaf is so hard to find, what with this little fella always moving it from tree to tree, keeping it safe! Ah, it all makes sense to me now. Someday, I will find the golden treasure! Mark my words! Someday!

Santa's Helper

Eveygnome knows that its the elves who get most of the credit for helping out good ol' St. GNick in his preparations for the Christmas season, but let's not forget to give this tiny soul a little bit of credit too. He has a very big job, even if it's one that often goes un-gnoticed. Sants often gets stressed and overwhelmed by the amount of work he has to do, all for a very strict deadline. There is gno option of slipping the date as the children of the world are gnot exactly known for their ability to understand the concept of a "workload." I wouldn't be surprised if this comes as a shock to you. Santa always seems like such a jolly old soul, but I think that is in large part because this tiny fella does his job so well. He's St. GNick's personal life coach. It's his job to cheer up the wonderfully generous man when he is down. The fact that Santa can always be seen with a smile on his face and a jolly laugh in his tummy means this tiny fella is doing his job well. Without him, Santa's entire reputation would be at stake!

Gnaughty and Gnice

'Tis the season to be jolly, and these two mischievous souls are determined to enjoy every moment of it. One little cutie makes the most of the holiday season by doing tiny good deeds for the gnomes around him. He is a sneaky little fella who considers it a gnometastic challenge to put a little smile on somegnome's face without that gnome knowing where the smile came from. Perhaps he leaves a bucket of snowberries for an unsuspecting gnomeling to stumble across, or maybe he just send a bouquet of mistletoe to a local gnursery. He's gnot the only sneaky one, though. His adorable little friend is also looking for ways to do tiny tricks without being caught, but she likes the laugh. Whether it be spiking the berry juice at the community celebration or placing mistletoe above unsuspecting gnomes, she loves to see others laugh in spite of themselves. Together they make quite the team. Gnaughty or gnice, you can't deny that they each bring more holiday cheer to the garden, and I wouldn't want it any other way.

Brain Freeze

Is it possible to have too much of a good thing? This sweet little soul doesn't think so. Whether it is a warm sunny day in the summer season or a cold snowy day in the winter, there isn't anything she likes more than a good scoop of icecream. Don't forget the sprinkles and the cherry on top! Life is too short to go without ice cream. Then again, this silly gnomette tends to forget about consequences... It's not until the brain freeze kicks in when she starts to reconsider her thinking. Ouch. Ouch. Ouch. Perhaps she ought to slow down a bit and actually savor the moment without rushing it... Oh, isn't it funny how life teaches you the important lessons?

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

Thankful

It's easy to be grateful for the large things we may have in our lives, but what about the small stuff? Everygnome knows that it isn't what you have in your pocket that really makes you thankful, but what you have in your heart. Perhaps its because they're so tiny themselves, but the gnomes are experts at appreciating even the smallest of goodness in the garden. Maybe it's just the sound of the leaves rustling in the breeze? Or the smell of cider brewing over a hot fire? My guess, though, is that it's a big hug from a small loved one that always does the trick. Gno matter what you're thankful for, gratitude is the sign of gnoble souls, and there is gno soul more gnoble than that of a tiny gnome.


PERSONAL GNOTE:
“It isn't what you have in your pocket that makes you thankful, but what you have in your heart."
- Danette Melchionne, Stamford Parent Teacher Council Co-Vice President

"Gratitude is the sign of noble souls."
- Aesop

Wind Surfer

Weeee!!!! Look at how much fun this wee one is having! There is gno way she is going to waste any time sleeping the day away! In case you don't already know, gnomes are gnotorious for being experts when it comes to enjoying life. Life is too short to do anything else, don't you think? As long as it brings laughter to your soul, it should be on your TO DO list. In the gnome community, there is gno better time to have fun than right gnow and right gnow the autumn winds are blowing. So, grab a leaf and hop on for the ride, but don't be surprised if you feel the gneed to squeal with delight! Life is good. Enjoy the ride.

Gniffer's Gnomes

Once upon a time there was a kind soul who tried to save the world, but just how much can a single gnome do? Gno gnome really knows the answer to that because each soul has so much potential to make their garden a prettier place. She kept looking for ways to help until one day she came across the idea of raising gnomes. "Gnomes?" you might ask. Yes, gnomes - entire giggles of gnomes! Apparently they have just enough magic to always bring a smile to your face. Who knew? Surprisingly, a smile is all it takes to make the garden a prettier place. Try it. It gnever fails. So, when you are out and about trying to decide what your place in the garden may be, ask yourself these two questions... How much sunshine do you radiate? What kind of shadow do you cast?

PERSONAL GNOTE:
"How much sunshine do you radiate? What kind of shadow do you cast?"
- Peter Swinburn, CEO and President of Molson Coors Brewing Company

Winds of Change

Shhh... Listen. Do you hear the winds of change? I do, and believe me I understand why you might be frightened. After oh so many seasons of making your garden just so, you must now feel like your life is a crumbled mess! Gnot knowing what to believe, there will be a lot of soul searching ahead. Perhaps that's what this little lady is here to help with. She wants to remind you that's what life is always about - soul searching. She makes it seem so simple. Re-examine all that you have been told... dismiss what insults your soul. I'm sure it won't be easy, but this little lady will stay by your side to whisper tiny reminders of encouragement. You are strong. You are brave. You are a special soul. May the winds of change bring you happiness you were not expecting...

PERSONAL GNOTE:
"Re-examine all that you have been told... Dismiss what insults your soul."
- Walt Whitman

Little Snoozer

This little fella is tuckered out. He has been spending the last few months doing everything he gneeded to do to get ready for the winter season. There was so work to be done - everything from gathering gnutts to organizing the piles of leaves. Whew! Making the garden so pretty can be hard work sometimes, and gnow that he's done he gneeds just a tiny rest. Perhaps just a wink or two will do the trick? If he closes his eyes for... just... one... moment... then he can perk back up and and see what gneeds to be done gnext. Silly little snoozer, as soon as his eyes closed he was zonked out. I think he might be down for the entire winter!

Christmas Sweets

These Christmas sweets are the best thing about the holiday season. One little treat is very out going and oh so much fun. She has a great wit and lots of friends and really knows her own mind. Another little sweet is extremely smart and very strong willed, though she too has a great sense of humor. And the third tiny morsel is very sweet and loving. It's fun to see how smart and social she is. Together, the three gnomelings make the holiday season all the worthwhile. As long as they are gnearby, the hot cocoa seems warmer, the snow seems to sparkle even more, and decorating the tree seems so much more fun. The air always seems to be filled with laughter and giggles and smiles are gnever far away. These three beautiful souls make the Christmas season as sweet as can be.

Worry Whisperer

There is a beautiful soul who is the bravest person I know. She is stronger than her little body may seem and faces everything with such enthusiasm and determination. What's her secret? How does she do it? With all of the challenges she has been given, how does she manage to make it all look so easy? Well that's where this little gnomette comes in. She has been given a very important job to do, but she is so excited! For you see, this gnomette has been assigned to the beautiful girl to rid her of her worries. All the girl has to do is whisper her worries to this tiny gnomette and she wisks them off to a different world, far from this garden. She knows that the girl does not want to burden anyone too much, but this gnomette does not see it as a burden at all. She loves to feel helpful and seeing a calm smile appear on the girl's face will be the best thing she can imagine. She's even looking forward to the opportunity to whisper a little secret or two in return, tiny reminders that life is good. Life is beautiful and so are you.

Family

Wee Astro-gnomer

This tiny fella is a wonderfully creative little gnomeling. He loves to know how things work and dreams of ways to make them work better! He is constantly collecting treasures, whether it be pine cones or even bottle caps. He knows what's really valuable in the garden around him. He has always been good with words and loves to see them flow in a good story. This tiny soul has tenacity! Gno matter what challenge comes his way, every morning he gets up ready to tackle another day with a smile on his face. It seems like he learns something gnew every day. Most recently, he has been exploring the galaxy, learning all about super-gnovas, rockets, planets and even different kinds of stars! There is so much more beyond the garden wall than anygnome can possibly imagine, and he wants to learn about it all! Perhaps one day, while reaching for the stars, he'll actually be able to catch one! If anygnome can do it, he can.

Champion of the Fuzzy Creatures

There is gno doubt that this tiny gnomeling is super adorable. I'm sure he gets away with a lot just by batting his eyelashes, but don't let that fool you. This tiny soul has a tiny opinion on just about everything. He is a gneatnick and likes things to be just so. From the very beginning, he was anxious to start the business of living, and who can blame him? There are so many adventures to be had, there's no time to waste! Whether it be climbing trees, making friends or spontaneously doing something silly, this young gnomeling is pure love. It all seems to come so easily for him. He is actually the younger gnomeling, though you wouldn't know it by the way he holds his own with his brother! He understands better than anygnome what it's like to be so big in a garden that expects him to be so small. As such, he has become a champion for the care and respect for all creatures, but especially the fuzzy purring kind. Take little Presto, for example... He always gets lots of hugs and kisses, and even a song or two! Oh my gnomes it is so sweet! A heart of gold, this one has.

Together

I love it when I see true love, especially when it is in the least expected places! Take a look at these two lovies. They've been with each other for oh so many seasons now, much to the surprise of the other gnomes in their community. At first glance you'd say that they are complete opposites. They certainly each have their own story, but it's their story together that holds the real magic. When these two are side by side, they complete each other. When one feels a wee weak, they are able to lean on the other's strengths. They have so much fun together that it's hard to imagine how boring life in the garden would be without each other. In fact, when they were united in a tiny old cat-tail church, they decided it was so much fun and they should marry again that very same day. This time, in a fairy castle, of course. Opposites? Perhaps, but whether they are on a road trip or lost in a corn maze, together they are perfect.

Social Butterfly

This gnomette quite the outgoing and social little butterfly. She has always had gobs of friends and it's not difficult to see why they remain so close. Her loved ones gnever tire of spending time with such a sweet soul. If you asked her, she'd say that all that anygnome gneeds is love. Well, that and good food anyway. It seems that if she's not cooking up a healthy tasty treat, she is sneaking a sip of the local mountain dew-drops. Her favorite thing in the garden? Since she has always loved the gnomelings, it comes as gno suprise that she loves to teach them life's important lessons. She enjoys her time with the young ones so much that sometimes she wonders who is teaching who. Just whose idea was it to learn how to properly dance with the butterflies under a rainbow umbrella anyway? Either way, I'm sure it's one of the more important lessons to learn.

Tiny Racer

This tiny fella may be a bit on the quiet side, but that's because he's the strong silent type. Oh! So many gnomeettes love that type and with being such a handsome gnome, you'd think he would know that. However, he wouldn't believe you if you told him. There is so much about this fella that many gnomes admire. He has a great sense of humor and is able to fix just about anything but it's the thrills of dirt track racing that really gets his wee heart pounding. The local garden fair has a dirt track racing event each season, where the buggies can bump into each other. Oh! He's a champ in that event, and it is so fun to watch him beam with pride. Some say that the still waters in his little corner of the garden run deep and seeing how he is loyal and true to his core, I can't help but agree.

After Dusk

Take a moment to really gnotice the sun as it disappears behind the horizon. Can you feel it? The feeling of tranquility as the gnight is only just starting to make whispering sounds? Now you know what inpsires this tiny lady. She just adores the purple dusky hues as the gnight time settles in. As loved ones are snuggling in their down blankets and dozing off to dreamland, she thinks it's the best time of the day. She loves to soak in the peace and quiet while reading a good book and sipping a gnice hot cup of tea. Some gnomes may think that she is a terrible gnight owl, but it seems to me that she knows something they may gnot. The gnight time offers so much inspiration and opportunities for quiet reflections, perhaps it's the rest of us who are missing out?