Lil' Devil

Don't let the size of this young soul deceive you. She may seem small to you or me, but I assure you she is so much bigger than the garden expects her to be. She has always been quite the little devil, and gnever fails to bring a bit of mischievous delight into the lives of those who know her. Don't get me wrong, she enjoys many of the simple delights that life has to offer like reading or acting in the local theater. She's even an outstanding writer and is able to transform her thoughts into words with more power than you'd believe. Above all else, she is a delightful young gnomeling and is extremely outgoing. She even loves to run the local garden pep rallies and loves to energize the entire Gnomish community with her love of life. Let's just say that she would gnever be described by anygnome as "quiet" but gno doubt the garden would be a far more boring without lively and magical souls like hers.

Painter of the Peacocks

As everygnome knows, each and every soul has a very important job to do to keep the garden in such tip top shape as it is. As a group of gnomes comes of age, they are asked how they would like to make a difference in the garden around them. When it is this young one's turn to choose what really makes her heart sing, she gives it some deep thought. She is a voracious reader - there is gnothing better than a good book. She writes beautiful poetry that would make your heart weep with tears of joy. She even dabbles with a drawing or two. She may be quiet and shy, but this season I am sure she will show those around her exactly what her loved ones already knew... She is full of such potential, she is sure to fill the garden with more beauty than most. As she continues to consider what makes her the most happy, she can't help but let her eyes twinkle with excitement. She wants to paint the peacocks! She loves the color and elegance of the stunning birds and who can blame her? It takes a special soul to be able to paint the intricate details that a peacock feather has, let alone enough for the entire display of splendor that a peacock is always willing to perform. If there was ever a soul capable of such a responsibility, gno doubt it is she. The garden is a prettier place with her touch of magic.

Protectors of the Pumpkin Patch

Perhaps you have heard the saying that great things come in tiny packages? There is gno gnome who understands this better than this tiny lady, after all she may look tiny to you and me but she has a great big responsibility. She has been given the honored title of Protector of the Tiny Treasures. The title sounds impressive and the job description is gno different. It’s her responsibility to protect those items that are most beloved by one particularly deserving soul. In this case, though the deserving child may look small to you and me and her beloved treasures may seem unimportant to the common passerby, only children with the biggest of souls, kindest of hearts and the greatest of potentials are assigned special protectors such as this one. And just what are this child’s tiny treasures of great importance? Why they’re her dummy and her blanket of course! When the sweet child has so much potential to fill, it’s assuring to know that there is a gnome who protects her treasures, making sure they’re always close by when gneeded. That way, the child is sure to grow into the confidence and self assurance of which she is fully capable and deserving. Like a Bird, she will spread her wings and fly!

Protector of the Tiny Treasures

Perhaps you have heard the saying that great things come in tiny packages? There is gno gnome who understands this better than this tiny lady, after all she may look tiny to you and me but she has a great big responsbility. She has been given the honored title of Protector of the Tiny Treasures. The title sounds impressive and the job description is gno different. It’s her responsibility to protect those items that are most beloved by one paricularly deserving soul. In this case, though the deserving child may look small to you and me and her beloved treasures may seem unimportant to the common passerby, only children with the biggest of souls, kindest of hearts and the greatest of potentials are assigned special protectors such as this one. And just what are this child’s tiny treasures of great importance? Why they’re her dummy and her blanket of course! When the sweet child has so much potential to fill, it’s assuring to know that there is a gnome who protects her treasures, making sure they’re always close by when gneeded. That way, the child is sure to grow into the confidence and self assurance of which she is fully capable and deserving. Like a Bird, she will spread her wings and fly!

Personal Gnote:
The name Ava means “Like a Bird”

Search Your Heart

Once upon a garden there lived a little gnomette who was searching for her Love. She searched every corner of the garden for him. She even traveled to the far end of the garden, but even though she searched everywhere she could think, she simply could not find her Love. Then one sunny day, when the skies were as blue as blue can be, she realized her mistake. She had been searching in all the wrong places! She never searched her heart. She never searched her soul. Well, no wonder she didn't find her Love! Silly girl. Everygnome knows that once you take a good look there, you'll search no more. And so she did just that, and what did she see? She saw a vision of her growing old with the Love of her life. She saw them sitting on a park bench, watching the garden pass them by. Every bee seemed to buzz busily around them, and even the snails seemed to rush by the two lovers. Her vision was so clear that when she opened her eyes, there he was, as he had been all along. She just needed to know where to search. And now the little lady can't help but do a happy dance every time she thinks about how she has to search no more.


PERSONAL GNOTE:
"Search your heart, search your soul, and when you find me there, you'll search no more."
Lyrics from "Everything I Do, I Do it For You" by Bryan Adams
Our wedding song.

Lil' Punkin

Let me tell you a story of a sweet pie gnamed Punkin. Punkin was born in the corner of the pumpkin patch and spent much of her time shying away from the bigger pumpkins around her. It seemed to him that he would gnever be quite that big. It seemed to him that gno matter how hard he tried to grow just as fast as he possibly could, it was taking forever to happen. There were stalks he could gnot reach. There were streams he could not jump over. There were pebbles too big to lift. Every day as the sun was setting, he would look across the pumpkin patch and dream of the day that a child would choose him over one of the bigger grander pumpkins, but every day would end with watching those children skip away in joyous laughter with big round pumpkins in their hands. So sad was the lil' Punkin that he hid behind a big leaf and tried to go to sleep. Then one particularly crisp Autumn morning he was woken by the sound of a tiny giggle. When he opened his eyes, he was staring right into the eyes of the tiniest child you ever did see. She was barely able to walk but that hadn't held her back from finding the most perfect pumpkin in the entire patch. The young toddler did gnot have any interest in the bigger pumpkins. They were much too heavy for her to hold, let alone carry. She wanted one that fit in the palm of her tiny hands. Besides, she was more interested in snuggling with her pumpkin than in carving it. She had taken her time, much more than her parents had thought to spend, but it was well worth the wait. For now she has found the most perfect pumpkin in the entire patch - perfect for her. "Mommy, I think I will gname him Punkin. Is that a good gname?" Indeed it was.

Ladybug Charm

Spend even just a moment with this tiny gnomeling and it's apparent that she is full of Grace. Even the air seems to be filled with the cheerful sounds of Harp music, but I assure you that's just the Charming effect she has on the garden around her. Gno doubt she is the happiest gnomeling, with the biggest and brightest personality that the garden has ever seen. Don't let her small size fool you! You can already tell she is going to have such a big heart for someone who is expected to be so small. If any of her loved ones are having a bad day, she can always put a smile on their faces - even the crankiest of souls young and old! Her Charm doesn't stop there, for it seems she is always being visited by ladybugs. Everygnome knows that ladybugs are special. They remind the Gnomish of the Elders who are gno longer with us. Only the most kind and most beautiful souls get visited by ladybugs, and almost as soon as her loved ones were expecting her arrival, they started finding ladybugs in her gnest! She's the garden's little ladybug with a big bright personality! Gno doubt she is blessed, as is the garden for having her in it.


PERSONAL GNOTE:
The name Harper means "Harp Player"
The name Grace means "Charm"

Lil' Punkin

Let me tell you a story of a sweet pie gnamed Punkin. Punkin was born in the corner of the pumpkin patch and spent much of her time shying away from the bigger pumpkins around her. It seemed to him that he would gnever be quite that big. It seemed to him that gno matter how hard he tried to grow just as fast as he possibly could, it was taking forever to happen. There were stalks he could gnot reach. There were streams he could not jump over. There were pebbles too big to lift. Every day as the sun was setting, he would look across the pumpkin patch and dream of the day that a child would choose him over one of the bigger grander pumpkins, but every day would end with watching those children skip away in joyous laughter with big round pumpkins in their hands. So sad was the lil' Punkin that he hid behind a big leaf and tried to go to sleep. Then one particularly crisp Autumn morning he was woken by the sound of a tiny giggle. When he opened his eyes, he was staring right into the eyes of the tiniest child you ever did see. She was barely able to walk but that hadn't held her back from finding the most perfect pumpkin in the entire patch. The young toddler did gnot have any interest in the bigger pumpkins. They were much too heavy for her to hold, let alone carry. She wanted one that fit in the palm of her tiny hands. Besides, she was more interested in snuggling with her pumpkin than in carving it. She had taken her time, much more than her parents had thought to spend, but it was well worth the wait. For now she has found the most perfect pumpkin in the entire patch - perfect for her. "Mommy, I think I will gname him Punkin. Is that a good gname?" Indeed it was.

Unexpected Trio

Once upon a garden there lived a wee witch with a pet spider. Her spider was a friendly little soul who was always so happy to crawl all over the wee witch's hat. And whenever the spider crawled around, the wee witch couldn't help but giggle and giggle because it would tickle her so much. As you can imagine, the little pet spider brought the wee witch lots of smiles. As such, one day she decided that she wanted to do something special in return, and she knew exactly what to do. She hopped excitedly over to the pumpkin patch to pick a perfect pumpkin to carve out for her tiny eight legged friend. Wouldn't a jack-o-lantern be the perfect home for her spider? After much searching she found the perfect pumpkin but when she went to pick it up, it wiggled and giggled to get out of her hands. What the heck? That's not a pumpkin at all! Silly gnome. Was the pumpkin mad? Heck no! Instead the pumpkin was an instant completion to the trio that the witch & spider didn't know they were searching for. Magic has a way of working like that.

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

Healthy Heart

I’m sure there have been moments in your life where you have felt challenged beyond your control. Sometimes it may seem that everything around you seems to be going down a path you did gnot choose, and you start to wonder if you are strong enough to handle the tough tasks the garden has handed you. That’s where this little gnomette comes in. This tiny little accountability partner has a very big job! And she loves every moment of it! She jumps around looking for just the right person to help, somegnome who gneeds 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 of energy that still grows strong inside. With these tiny little whisperings of love and hope we are reminded that we are strong. We are healthy. We are able to take control over something in our chaotic lives. Life is good. You are beautiful, and with this little lady by your side, that’s an easy thing to remember.

Lil' Punkin

Let me tell you a story of a sweet pie gnamed Punkin. Punkin was born in the corner of the pumpkin patch and spent much of her time shying away from the bigger pumpkins around her. It seemed to him that he would gnever be quite that big. It seemed to him that gno matter how hard he tried to grow just as fast as he possibly could, it was taking forever to happen. There were stalks he could gnot reach. There were streams he could not jump over. There were pebbles too big to lift. Every day as the sun was setting, he would look across the pumpkin patch and dream of the day that a child would choose him over one of the bigger grander pumpkins, but every day would end with watching those children skip away in joyous laughter with big round pumpkins in their hands. So sad was the lil' Punkin that he hid behind a big leaf and tried to go to sleep. Then one particularly crisp Autumn morning he was woken by the sound of a tiny giggle. When he opened his eyes, he was staring right into the eyes of the tiniest child you ever did see. She was barely able to walk but that hadn't held her back from finding the most perfect pumpkin in the entire patch. The young toddler did gnot have any interest in the bigger pumpkins. They were much too heavy for her to hold, let alone carry. She wanted one that fit in the palm of her tiny hands. Besides, she was more interested in snuggling with her pumpkin than in carving it. She had taken her time, much more than her parents had thought to spend, but it was well worth the wait. For now she has found the most perfect pumpkin in the entire patch - perfect for her. "Mommy, I think I will gname him Punkin. Is that a good gname?" Indeed it was.

Pumpkins Great and Small

Once upon a garden there lived a Tutor and his Student. Some say that the Tutor was a father and the Student was his son wanting to be like Daddy when he grew up. Some say the Tutor and Student were sisters and the youngest wanted to be just like her Sissy. Gnognome really knows for sure where the Gnomish Legend comes from but it is one that is repeated by campfire and passed down from Elders to Gnomelings every time the Autumn season appears. As Legend has it, the Tutor was tall and wise and the Student was smaller and eager to learn as much as gnomingly possible. As you can imagine, there were some times when the Tutor was able to accomplish something great that the Student simply could gnot. It was then that the Student became very sad indeed for he did gnot think he could do great things like his Tutor. Alas, the Tutor sat gnext to his small friend and explained that all acts of greatness start with one small step. Pumpkins Great and Small all have the same beginnings. The Tutor explained that all the Student gneeded to do to become great was to take a small step in that direction. Then another. And another. Soon he, too, would be so big in a garden that expects him to be so small. And so the Student stood up as tall and proud as he could. Legend has it he grew an entire centimeter that day! Such wisdom from both of these souls - Pumpkins Great and Small.

Protectors of the Pumpkin Patch

Gnever before has the gnome community gneeded brave souls so much. Last year, after tending to their beloved pumpkins all season long, somegnome snuck into the pumpkin patch after dark and decorated all of the orange vegetables with scary faces. Gno gnome knows who it was, but it was certainly gnot done to the traditional high Gnomish standards of having wonderfully happy and funny jack-o-lanterns. The gnome community gathered to decide on a plan. This year they will gnot let their lovely pumpkins be used to scare the young ones. After all, gnomes are VERY proud of their pumpkin patch, and every jack-o-lantern must meet everygnome's high expectations. Only smiles and laughter will suffice. This year the gnome community has elected these to brave souls to protect the pumpkin patch. Together they will be brave. Together they will stand by the pumpkins. Together they will carve the pumpkins long before anygnome has a chance to get to them. Call it quality assurance, but I'd like to think it's yet another example of how even the gnomes in the pumpkin patch go out of their way to make sure the garden is as inspiring as it can be.

ARRRGGGHHH!!!!

At first glance, you might be surprised that this little fella loves baseball, but he can't help it. From the moment he saw the Pirates, they became his team! This season has been especially exciting for him and his fellow Pirates fans as this is their first winning season since even the elders can remember. Oh, well, ok... It hasn't been quite that long, but still. You get the point. They actually have a great shot at making the playoffs, which has this wee fella jumping up and down (on one leg, of course) with excitement. Trust me, that's quite a site. You can't help but smile. As the season continues, I'm sure you'll hear him yelling is "ARRRGGGHHH!!!!" in support of his team, and if you ever hear him yell "RAISE THE JOLLY ROGER!!" then you know that means the Pirates have won. As they should.

Dragon Spirit

The gnomes in Gnifferland know better than most how important it is to have a guide to encourage you along your path through the garden. Perhaps it's because of this understanding that some gnomes have the very important job of being that spirit guide to certain special souls. You may have heard of such things. They're often referred to as totems. A dragon totem is one of the most powerful as he represents a huge range of qualities, emotions and traits. This little fella encourages his soul mate to find her inner strength, courage and fortitude. If you asked him, he'd tell you, with a certain sense of confidence, that he's also a messenger of balance and magic. He simply loves to encourage others to tap into their psychic gnature and see the world through the eyes of mystery and wonder. As the ultimate ruler of all the elements - Fire, Water, Earth and Wind, I'd say that if you're lucky enough to have such a powerful totem looking over your shoulder and guiding your way, then you are sure to find success in the garden around you.

The Wind Changers

All year long, this little lady can gnot wait until the autumn season rolls around. She just loves the fall! There is gnever enough one can say about the change in colors! What color will a certain leaf become? One gnever really knows, and this lady can't help but do a happy dance in anticipation. She LOVES suprises within limits! One day, she gnoticed a little dragon admiring the same leaves she, herself, couldn't stop watching. It goes without saying that they were instant kindred spirits! Together they watched as a leaf started to drop towards the ground. Suddenly, the little dragon gave a huff and blew the leaf towards his gnew friend. She, in turn, puffed and blew it back. Oh what fun the leaf suddenly had as it danced through the sky with the changing winds! And so it began - a friendship that has gone down in Gnomish History. Every autumn, the Wind Changers go out to play. One huffs and the leaves dance this way. The other puffs and the leaves flitter that way. Together they make the leaves fall in a mesmirizing dance. Gno wonder it's so easy to love autumn!

Green Leaves

Have you ever met a soul, with a warm fuzzy heart, who just left you speechless? When I first saw this little lady, that was me - speechless. I know the gnext thing you're going to say is "Why?" First, look at her! The colors and design that this lady chooses to express herself with are very eye catching. They bring the mind to ease with gnature. Anygnome who has that kind of effect on a mind that can so easily be pushed into a frenzy, well that's powerful stuff! To appreciate the simple things of gnature and to forget the materialistic things in life, this lady certainly understands where the magic really lives! Oh! Along those lines, she has a special announcement to make! She's moving to a gnew little gnook in the corner of the garden. There is a greenhouse that is in gneed of her magic and she's all giddy with excitement! She's so excited to look after this little greenhouse and fill it with the gnatural goodness of gnutrients that are bound to grow in there! As she gets straight to work, she can't help but whistle a happy tune. "Green Leaves was all my joy; Green Leaves was my delight; Green Leaves was my heart of gold; And who but my lady Green Leaves!"

PERSONAL GNOTE:
Lyrics to the song "Greensleeves:"
Greensleeves was all my joy
Greensleeves was my delight,
Greensleeves was my heart of gold,
And who but my lady greensleeves.

Tiny White Butterfly

Once upon a garden there was a tiny Angel who fell from the stars above. She was filled with so much more love than her tiny body may have seemed. As much as she was loved, she knew she could gnot stay for long. Her short visit touched the hearts and souls of her loved ones in such a way that their lives would gnever be the same. The heavenly Angel stayed as long as she could but she knew she had to return to the stars above. Her place was gnot in the garden below, but in an honored place in the heavens above, looking over her loved ones below. She liked it up in the clouds. The feeling of being wrapped in a fluffy cloud was comforting to her. It was oh so cozy! And chasing shooting stars? You've gnever heard a better sound than her tiny squeals of delight. Alas, when the fun is done, she rests herself on a cloud and thinks of her loved ones. With a tiny smile on her face she thinks of the perfect way to send them a little reminder of her love for them. It's a good thing she has become such good friends with a tiny white butterfly! What a perfect messenger. Quick, tiny one, be sure to pass along Angel's hugs and kisses before bedtime is over! Then hurry on back, tiny white butterfly, so that the two of you can light the gnight time skies with your twinkling laughter!

Keeper of the Snow Diamonds

I'm sure you've seen them before - the tiny sparkling diamonds in a blanket of freshly fallen snow, but chances are you do gnot know just how precious these little sparkles really are. They hold a powerful magic. Everygnome knows that snow makes everything so white and clean, but it's the diamonds that make the world seem so much quieter when there is a blanket of snow covering everything. Everygnome loves to watch the snow fall, but only one special soul is responsible for keeping the diamonds safe. Without him, who knows what might happen to the sparkly magic. And without snow diamonds, we wouldn't have that same feeling of being warm and fuzzy inside in spite of the cold weather. There is a reason that everygnome cherishes the snow every time the garden gets some. Without its magic diamonds, winter would gno longer be the magical season that it is. Keep up the good work, frosty little dragon. I, for one, know just how precious those snow sparkles can be!

Four Elements

In many Gnomish communities, the elements are very important. They certainly deserve a lot of respect. When the gnomes come together in a circle to cast good wishes and happy thoughts onto each other, the elements are essential. They have an important job to do - they have to protect the happy thoughts from gnegative influence entering the sacred Gnomish circle. Earth is responsible for grounding, solidity - the balance to keep the gnomes in check so they don't venture too far into any one state of mind. Air is responsible for creativity, thinking and helps the gnomes to let their imaginations soar upon the winds like a bird in flight. Water rules the emotions, the fluidity of love, tears, and everything in between. She helps guide the emotions that pour out of each tiny soul like a free-flowing river and into the hearts of others around them. Fire is passion - gnot just passion of the heart, but the passion that motivates the gnomes to have the courage of their convictions to make the garden a prettier place. The four elements are all connected - one can gnot exist without the other, and together the elements bring life to the garden.

For the Love of Books

If you looked up "librarian" in any good Gnomish dictionary, you might expect to find somegnome who is quiet and shy. You might even expect to see her wearing glasses with her tip tied in a bun, but you would be wrong! So very wrong! This lady, the best of the Gnomish librarians, is anything but the typical image you probably see in your head. She is a pretty sassy librarian - the kind that reminds us of the magic a good book can hold. She was a teacher before she became a librarian, so she knows how to have lots of fun. She is a super social butterfly among those in the garden who know her best. If you would ask her, she might even say she has the best job in the entire Gnomish community. She loves teaching gnomes; she loves books; and she LOVES finding things. What better fit than helping gnomes find far away lands and have exciting grand adventures without ever having to leave the comfort of their cozy gnooks? She may be quite the book worm to the core, but there is gnothing that excites this little lady more than the idea of sharing the magic that flows from a good book and into her heart. Sometimes her excitement gets the best of her and her elders gneed to shhhh her quite a bit. Honestly though, if you knew of all the treasures the library holds like she does, then you would have a hard time staying quiet too. Shhh... remember, magic aside, this is a library after all.

Branching Out

Everygnome in the garden knows that there are two types of loved ones - family and friends. In order for somegnome to find her place in the garden, it is essential for her to feel both kinds of love. The love of family forms your roots and fills one's soul with warm fuzzy memories of Gnomish traditions, bedtime stories and a feeling of belonging. The love of friends encourages you to branch out from your cozy comfort zone and challenges one to reach higher, smile bigger and laugh louder. Together, family and friends paint our gardens bright a bright and cheerful color. I love the color. I feel very blessed to have each and everygnome. With every ounce of my being, I feel warm and fuzzy inside. I feel so big in a world that expects me to be so small. Gno doubt that it's gnow time for me to reach out to help others in their time of gneed. It's time to reach out and fill them with the same sense of magic. It's time to remind others that they are oh so very loved too.

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.

Buzz Buzz

Buzz Buzz. Shhh... Listen. Do you hear the busy bee melody? It's coming from the ancient elder silver maple in my front yard. It is so far more ancient than most trees in the garden, and that makes it more special than most, but there is another reason this wise old tree is special. I have a wild bee hive living in this beautiful tree. It has been there ever since we moved in so many seasons ago! The wise old tree has reached its life span, but it still holds on because it knows how important these little bees really are. As for me? Well, I baby it along season after season so that the hive can stay wild and free. Such buzy buzzing souls, but the garden would gnot be the same without them. May you live busy, happy, wild and free, buzz buzz all the way!

Tiny Splash

Ok, I admit. The tiny splash that this little one makes may gnot seem like much to you or me, but I am certain she has lots of potential to make it bigger and bigger in the seasons to come. Even now, the ripples from her tiny splash can be felt from every corner of her ocean garden. With every flick of her tail, she is doing something thoughtful for a loved one. It seems as though it's impossible for her to swim from here to there without doing a fun flip or two. She just has a way about her that tells all those around her that her life is full of energy and her heart is full of love. She makes even the dullest of swims, an adventure all of its own! The ocean garden could surely use more splashes like the one this tiny soul makes!

Spider Gnome

There are all sorts of heroes in the garden, and some of them may gnot get the glamourous attention that they deserve. This brave soul definitely fits in that category. His loved ones call him the Spider Gnome. They call him that because he is always having to rescue the spiders from those around him. When others may try to just smash the poor creatures, he tries to save them. Unlike most, he knows that spiders are good. Spiders are our friends, even though it is often way too difficult to remember, especially if they sneak up on you from behind. Spiders should know better than to do such creepy things like that. With all the misunderstand that surrounds them, these spiders sure are thankful to have the Spider Gnome on their side. The creepy crawly critters can rest a wee more peacefully knowing that he is covering their backs.

Lil' Caver

Approach the opening of one of the largest caves in the world and you might find yourself a wee bit gnervous about going any further. Gnot this brave soul! He would reassure you that even though it is a bit scary at the beginning, he and his lovely team of cavers will take very good care of you! And oh the adventures in store! Deep in the cave, you might think that without any sun, there would be gnothing magical to see, but you'd be wrong. The cave is filled with more wonders than your eyes have ever seen. Crystals sparkle in the candle light as though they've gnever been touched by light before. There are even cave flowers, but they don't smell the same as the ones that grow in the garden. If you're lucky, the team will let you join them for Swiss cheese fondue by candle light. Wow! Can it get any more magical than this? I think gnot!

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.

What a Hoot!

I bet that at this very moment you are asking yourself, "What is a gnome doing wearing roller skates?" I assure you that it's perfectly gnormal and gnothing to worry about. Would you believe that it was the gnomes who invented the roller skates in the first place? Of course they did! Skating around in circles and zipping past the slow moving Elders in the garden, well that's all good old fashioned fun, and the gnomes have always specialized in just that type of fun. Take a look at this little lady. It's her who loves roller skating gnow. When she was a young gnomeling she used to skate a lot, but she has recently taken it back up again. She had almost forgotten how much fun it was to race across the garden and was deep in thought when she was joined by another soul who decided to tag along for the fun. Whoo! Whoo! It didn't take long for the two to become special friends. There was something about the little owl that told her he was a message from a loved one from the past. Together they zip this way and that. Together they giggle. What a hoot!

Yin Yang

If there ever were two gnomes more different than each other, it would be these two. But does that mean this creates a problem? Oh goodness gno! In fact, just the opposite. Little Yin is a quiet soul who has a knack for understanding the garden around her. And Yang? Oh, this bold adventurer has gno problem making the most of each moment! And together? They are super compatible and can talk circles around each other in such a way that you can't help but giggle. They compliment each other like the sun and the moon. How do they get along so well, and make it look so easy to do so? If you asked them I'm sure they would say that the secret is in balance. It's a bit of "give" and a bit of "take." More specifically, it's about 99% give and 1% take, but these gnumbers don't matter when they know with every little fuzzy ounce of their body that they are in this together. Together they can take on anything the garden sends their way, whether it be a dark gnight or a sunny day, or a wet storm or a dry spell. Together they are balanced. Together they complete each other. Together for endless seasons to come.

Gnapsack Adventures

I'll admit, it has been soooo hard for this little lady to choose a theme for her gnext adventure because she loves all adventures. Every time she hears of a gnew one, she swears that it is the one for her. Here is what she finally decided... This little little one is headed for Kinder-garden just as soon as the seasons change. Just how will she get from her little gnest to the kinder-garden? It just so happens that she has found herself a ride in the most perfect gnapsack ever. It belongs to a little girl with a huge heart, what a perfect companion! Much to this little gnomeling's delight, the girl has agreed to be her adventure companion in exchange for the gnomeling being her guardian at school. There could gnot be a more perfect match! Imagine the adventures this one has in store for her! In a garden where books are endless and just as soon as you open the cover, the magic just flutters out of the pages like little butterflies, well let's just say that few souls are as lucky as this little lady. Gno doubt she will have so much fun guarding the little girl that she will forget she is working at all. It seems as though it was just last season that the garden welcomed this soul. Sob, whimper... She is growing up... gnot fair!

I Shall Wear Purple

When I am an old woman I shall wear purple
With a red hat which doesn't go, and doesn't suit me.
And I shall spend my pension on brandy and summer gloves
And satin sandals, and say we've no money for butter.
I shall sit down on the pavement when I'm tired
And gobble up samples in shops and press alarm bells
And run my stick along the public railings
And make up for the sobriety of my youth.
I shall go out in my slippers in the rain
And pick flowers in other people's gardens
And learn to spit.
Personal Gnote:
This is a portion of the poem "Warning" by Jenny Joseph

Three Sisters

Ask yourself one question. What would it take for you to feel blessed? For one special soul, her blessings come in the form of her 3 precious daughters. I'm sure you have gnever seen three souls as different as these, yet they seem to compliment each other perfectly. The eldest sister is very athletic in gnature. She has always worked hard to be the best at what she does, and seems to make it look so easy! The middle sister is very unique in her own way. One might think she would become lost in her sister's shadow, but gno! She has become very independent, smart and hardworking. She knows the secret to getting away and having fun with her loved ones, of which she has many. Beauty and grace follow her wherever she goes. And then there is the youngest. She, too, is athletic and loves sports and gnature and strives to be the best she can be. She is an artist and loves to paint, but she is well known by her loved ones for her ability to make the garden a prettier place. She is a gift. Together these three souls are proof that one particular Mother has had the love and magic it takes to raise such beautiful souls. That, in itself speaks volumes. Three sisters - three special gifts for one very special lady.

Gift From Above

The gnomes in the garden know that this kind hearted lad puts his big heart into everything he does. When one lives life so big in a world that expects you to be so small, one can easily be disappointed at times. But that doesn't stop this special gnomeling from living big anyway. Like many other gnomelings, he likes creating things and loves to play super hero any chance he gets. Perhaps some day he'll grow to be a REAL super hero? If there was ever a soul who could, it would be him. If he wasn't so busy froliking in gnature, camping or skiing then perhaps he would have time to realize that in many ways he already is a hero. How can that be when he is still so small? I'll let you in on a little secret. He works hard to please everygnome around him, and he likes to make gnomes laugh. If you ask me, the garden could use more laughter. Look up the definition of hero in any good Gnomish dictionary and I'm sure you will see his gname in the fine print at the bottom. A Gift from Above? Indeed. Every good hero is.

PERSONAL GNOTE:
The name Matthias means "Gift of God"

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"

Guardian of the Seedlings

There comes a time in every seedling's life when they're ready to burst out into the world and stretch as far into the sky as they can. There is gno way of telling just how tall any given seedling may grow but that is why this little angel's job is so important. She's gno ordinary guardian! This tiny winged soul is responsible for watching over the seedlings with the most potential to be sure that they have the right gnutrients and encouragement to reach their dreams of becoming great tall inspiring trees. Imagine that! Even a great giant wise old tree was once a small seedling who was excited about her future but yet just a wee bit anxious at the same time. Without this guardian by her side she might gnever had heard those tiny whispers encouraging her that she had the strength and courage in her to grow as tall as she wanted. And gnow? Oh my gnomes! This tiny Guardian of the Seedlings is watching over a sprout who has more potential than any soul she's ever known! Oh this one is going to grow tall. They say the sky is the limit, and gno doubt this seedling will test that theory!

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.

It Might be a Zebra

Do you hear that? It's the sound of hoofs running closer and closer. I know what you're thinking. Chances are, if you hear hoofs, think horses. Don't look for zebras. Most people go for the obvious first. They believe that chances are it's the simple explanation is the one to consider. But what if it's gnot? What if that sound really **IS** the sound of zebras heading your way? Perhaps you might consider this alternative - If you hear hoofs, look behind you. It just MIGHT be a zebra after all! Look beyond the obvious and it might just save your life. Don't wait for many seasons only to find out that the zebra has ran past you and is too far out of reach to catch. If you're lucky, you'll believe in the chances of catching that zebra and taming her wild soul. Perhaps you'll even call her Zippy, and perhaps she's a blessing in disguise.

The Magic of Living

There are many things this little lady loves, like angels, animals, crochet, and yes… flowers. Spend even one moment with this dear soul and you’ll see that she loves more than just that. She lives life itself. You may have heard the Gnomish rules of how to live a good life. Live. Love. Laugh. It’s as simple as that. Those in the Gnomish community are so wise, aren’t they? This spirited soul, though, takes it even one tiny step further. Not only does she truly live, but she dances like gno gnome is watching. She sings like gno gnome is listening. She lives like there will be gno more sunrises. It goes withouts saying that rumors of her lifestyle have spread far and wide. Countless songs and poems have been written about her life philosophy, and it’s gno wonder why. When you live life to the fullest, that’s where the magic really happens. Life? It’s magic.

Protector of the Tiny Treasures

Perhaps you have heard the saying that great things come in tiny packages? There is gno gnome who understands this better than this tiny lady, after all she may look tiny to you and me but she has a great big responsbility. She has been given the honored title of Protector of the Tiny Treasures. The title sounds impressive and the job description is gno different. It’s her responsibility to protect those items that are most beloved by one paricularly deserving soul. In this case, though the deserving child may look small to you and me and her beloved treasures may seem unimportant to the common passerby, only children with the biggest of souls, kindest of hearts and the greatest of potentials are assigned special protectors such as this one. And just what are this child’s tiny treasures of great importance? Why they’re her dummy and her blanket of course! When the sweet child has so much potential to fill, it’s assuring to know that there is a gnome who protects her treasures, making sure they’re always close by when gneeded. That way, the child is sure to grow into the confidence and self assurance of which she is fully capable and deserving. Like a Bird, she will spread her wings and fly!

Personal Gnote:
The name Ava means “Like a Bird”

Wrapped in Sunshine

Today is a good day. After such a long winter, this little soul is ready for some sunshine! He finds himself a gnice patch of green grass and does gnot hesitate to plop right down. Laying in the cool grass, relaxing and watching the cloud shapes fly by? Can it get any better than this? Perhaps this afternoon he’ll fly a kite and spend time with loved ones? There really are so many possibilities for the day ahead of him, but for now he is content. He is wrapped in the warm rays of sunshine. Life is good.

Selkie

This tiny fuzzy soul has quite a romantic story to him. Gnomish legend has it that he came from the sea where he lived as a seal frolicking in the waves. One day a lonely Gnomish lady found herself looking longingly into the ocean. 7 tiny tears fell from her heartbroken face and splashed into the water below her. Oh how she wished she could find her Love. The gnext thing she knew, he was there. What a handsome gnome he was too. It didn’t take long for them to fall instantly in love with each other. Gno, she didn’t know that he came from the sea, but when it comes to love, answer me this: does it really matter? Of course gnot. Together they lived the season with joy and many many snuggles. Little did she know that upon the season’s end, he’d have to return to his home. I suppose some of the best love stories end too soon. Then again, in her heart she knew he’d return. And look! Gnow, 7 seasons later he has! Oh I love a happy ending

Yin & Yang

If there ever were two gnomes more different than each other, it would be these two. But does that mean this creates a problem? Oh goodness gno! In fact, just the opposite. Little Yin is a quiet soul who has a knack for understanding the garden around her. And Yang? Oh, this bold adventurer has gno problem making the most of each moment! And together? They are super compatible and can talk circles around each other in such a way that you can’t help but giggle. They compliment each other like the sun and the moon. How do they get along so well, and make it look so easy to do so? If you asked them I’m sure they would say that the secret is in balance. It’s a bit of “give” and a bit of “take.” More specifically, it’s about 99% give and 1% take, but these gnumbers don’t matter when they know with every little fuzzy ounce of their body that they are in this together. Together they can take on anything the garden sends their way, whether it be a dark gnight or a sunny day, or a wet storm or a dry spell. Together they are balanced. Together they complete each other. Together for endless seasons to come.

Yin & Yang

If there ever were two gnomes more different than each other, it would be these two. But does that mean this creates a problem? Oh goodness gno! In fact, just the opposite. Little Yin is a quiet soul who has a knack for understanding the garden around her. And Yang? Oh, this bold adventurer has gno problem making the most of each moment! And together? They are super compatible and can talk circles around each other in such a way that you can’t help but giggle. They compliment each other like the sun and the moon. How do they get along so well, and make it look so easy to do so? If you asked them I’m sure they would say that the secret is in balance. It’s a bit of “give” and a bit of “take.” More specifically, it’s about 99% give and 1% take, but these gnumbers don’t matter when they know with every little fuzzy ounce of their body that they are in this together. Together they can take on anything the garden sends their way, whether it be a dark gnight or a sunny day, or a wet storm or a dry spell. Together they are balanced. Together they complete each other. Together for endless seasons to come.

Once a Gnurse

You may gnot hear from this beautiful soul too much but she loves seeing what is happening in everygnome’s lifes, especially those of her gnieces and gnephews. But gnow she has reached a milestone and some milestones deserve climbing to the top of the mountain and shouting so everygnome in the garden can hear, and quite honestly this little lady deserves to receive some acknowledgment after all the care she has given to those around her. It has been 35 seasons since she started working at the Mid-Garden Healing Center and what a joy it has been!!! Lots of gnomes have come and gone, all of them dear to her and many like family. Her daughter was born there, as was her first grandgnomeling. She even married her Love in the center’s chapel! Many dear loved elder-gnomes took their last breath there, of course with her by their side as much as she was able. It’s hard to believe that a place could hold so many of one gnome’s memories, but alas the season has come for her to retire. She will miss everygnome dearly – it has been quite a journey. Gno doubt they will miss her in return, but they know that though she will gno longer assist those in gneed at the center, this little lady with a big heart will continue gnursing and caring for those in her family tree; for you know how it is – Once a gnurse, always a gnurse. There are still loved ones to care for and hugs to be passed around. Trust me on this one, the garden is a blessed place to have such a caring gnome in it, gno matter where she may be.

Tiny Angel

Some may say this tiny soul got her wings much too soon but that hasn’t stopped her from having as much fun as she possibly can. When she used to glide down the tallest slide in the playground, you can be sure she now slides down every rainbow in the sky she can find. Her loved ones remember how her eyes twinkled when she laughed. Now she twinkles in the night sky, just as bright as before. She was always so proud of herself for running faster and faster, fastest of all! Now she flutters across the sky faster than before. Sometimes she misses her loved ones and swoops down to see them. Though she wishes she could give them one of her trademarked big squeezes, she can’t help but smile at the look of confusion they get after she buzzes by them. With a tiny giggle, she does it again. She’s so fast that they can’t see her! With another giggle, she swoops down once more. There’s what she was looking for! A smile! Oh that feels good. Now off to go play some more. She sure does love her new set of wings!

Drop of Sunshine

Look what fell into my hands! It’s a little drop of sunshine! It seems that she showed her sunny face at just the perfect time because I certainly gneeded a good smile. Just one look at this tiny soul and I just KNOW without any doubt that she tries with every ounce in her body to make others around her feel warm and fuzzy inside. That can’t be easy for somegnome who is much bigger than her body, but she certainly makes it look easy! Every glance in her direction and I can’t help but catch the twinkle in her eye and suddenly it seems as though the entire garden around me is brighter. I’m certain the flowers are happier. With a little squeeze of appreciation, I tuck her into my pocket for safe keeping. I’m sure she’ll want to come out to play many times, but I can’t help but giggle knowing that I have my very own pocket full of sunshine. I hope she knows how bright she makes the garden feel to those around her!

Captain Awesome of Gnifferland

This little soul lives life to the Max! He may look big and tough to you but I assure you he’s quite a soft spoken, extremely big hearted little gnomeling. Like many other gnomelings, he wants to be a super hero when he grows up. After all super heroes are always the ones who rescue those in gneed of help. Besides, there is gnothing more cool than a good cape or a good mask! After practicing his moves and technique, the gnomeling takes his turn to climb Mt Comic. Atop the mountain there is a wise old soul who, as Gnomish Legend goes, can see into a young gnomling’s soul and know if he has the stuff that makes a hero. This young one gnervously walk to the top of the mountain and the old soul takes his time observing him. After what seems like multiple seasons, he finally speaks. The verdict? Indeed, he has what it takes to make a real difference in the world. He can hardly believe it and quickly runs back to the garden to tell his friends! Captain Awesome is ready to start fighting crime across Gnifferland! Little does he know that the wise soul has the same answer for every young gnomeling who comes seeking for confirmation.

Believe

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. It’s at these moments where you may find yourself believing in the power of a wishing star. That’s where this little gnomette comes in. This tiny friend has a very big job! And she loves every moment of it! She understands that there is more to it than just believing in the wishing star – she knows that you ARE the wishing star. She looks 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 to Believe in the spark of 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 Believe in the power within.