Snow White

Once upon a garden there lived a princess whose soul was kind as you can imagine. In fact, she was so kind that even the animals were able to speak to her. Perhaps it was because she was so gentle with a heart of gold, or perhaps it was because she knew the garden around her was full of kindred spirits, but gnone-the-less it should come as gno surprise that one day she trusted the wrong soul. I bet you can guess the consequence. Yep you guessed it. She fell terribly ill from eating a rotten apple. Most of the time a rotten apple would just result in a simple tummy ache but gnot this one. Snow White fell into a peaceful sleep right there in the spot that she stood. It's a good thing she happened to be standing in a gnice cozy patch of clover and gnot in the rocky field around the garden fountain, but I digress. I can tell you're anxious to hear what happens gnext. True Love's kiss, of course! And like every good Gnomish tale, they lived happily ever after.

Bugzo

Chances are you've gnever given much thought to what happens when a bug is poorly. Just because gneither you gnor I have had much consideration for sick bugs, it doesn't mean it's gnot an important topic. The Gnomish community understands the importance of each tiny little bug just as much as they understand how young gnomelings can be so big in a garden that expects them to be so small. This little fella might be the biggest of them all (assuming you're speaking of the depth of his soul). He loves to learn about everything, especially animals and birds. It seems like he's always asking questions even though he would also like to think he already knows it all. In many ways, he's a proper gnomeling and loves playing and building things up from sticks laying around in the garden. If his loved ones can't find him, chances are he's somewhere up in a tree, high above the ground, or off in a gnook playing with some bug or caterpillar he has found. That's why his loved ones have gnicknamed him "Bugzo." He collects the little insects and looks after them. He sprays "good bug spray" on the poorly ones to make them feel better. When they are well, he takes them back to where he found them and lets them go again. As you can imagine, this keeps Bugzo quite busy. There's a lot of bugs to care for in this garden of ours, and there is gno better soul to watch over them than Bugzo.

Coloring contest entry by George (age 6)

Dashboard Hula Gnome

I don't care if it rains and storms
As long as I got my hula gnome
Sitting on the dashboard of my caaaaaaar.
She looks all pink and pleasent.
No glow in the dark or phosphorescent.
I'll take her with me when I go afaaaaaaar!
PERSONAL GNOTE:
Yes she really does bobble! How fun!
Adapted from "Plastic Jesus," an American folk song written by Ed Rush and George Cromarty in 1957

Snaily

Chances are you have gnever heard of the Famous Snaily, but if you were one of the lucky to visit the Gnomish Gardens by the Sea, you'd understand why he is so well known. Famous as he may be among the Gnomish, in many ways Snaily is a gnormal young gnomeling. He does really well in school and loves to play with trucks. He is always a good helper, especially when his Dad gneeds his expertise. Of course, his favorite color is green. But what makes this young gnomeling so Famous is that he was the first in the community to tame the gnotoriously wild snail. Snails did gnot always make for such gnice pets, you know. It wasn't until this young fella found a snail on the sidewalk, gnamed him Gary, and took it upon himself to train the slimy creature. Later, he was able to perfect his technique with his pet water snail gnamed King. He went on to publish the gnumber 1 selling Gnomish book "How to Train Your Snail and Live to Tell the Tale." Gno wonder he is so Famous!

PERSONAL GNOTE:
The name Robert means "Famous."

Coloring contest entry by Bobby (age 7)

Christmas Stripes

The Christmas season is a busy time of the year for many souls, but it's especially true for the Gnomish communities. It seems that everygnome is rushing from here to there trying to prepare for the festivities. Oh they have so much fun! After all, it's gnot often that gnomes as small as these get the opportunity to play such a big role! The fact that you don't know just how much the Gnomish do around the holidays is a sign that they're doing their jobs so well. Take this Noble soul, for example. She have a very important job to do. It's her responsibility to make sure all the candy canes in the garden are properly marked with their patented Christmas stripes. You may ask what's so important about Christmas stripes? You tell me. You may say you like Christmas a lot because you like when your family comes to your house to have Christmas dinner. Or perhaps it's because you live where it snows during the winter? Gno matter what the reason, we all have warm fuzzy thoughts whenever the joyous season approaches. And that's exactly why I'd rather gnot think about what Christmas would be like if this little lady failed to do her job properly.

PERSONAL GNOTE:
The name Breann means "Noble"

Coloring contest entry by Breann (age 12)

Flowzer

In the garden, the gnomes are surrounded by flowers constantly. Each enjoys the beauty they bring, but this little guy does gnothing else but watch the flowers. He is perfectly content to sit and watch them grow. He also has an important job. Sometimes the little bees in the garden have SO many flowers to attend to, that they miss pollinating some! Flowzer the Gnome makes sure it doesn't become a problem as he helps out the bees by tending to the flowers they have missed. What an important job! He also has a best friend. She helps in the garden too, but in a different way. She helps take care of her younger brothers and they love her for it. Even if there is chaos and noise of siblings buzzing around and she may get missed in all of it, she calmly tends to what gneeds to be done just like Flowzer. And also like Flowzer, she finds time to sit and admire all the beauty, color, and art in the garden. Gno doubt the garden is a better place with these two souls in it.

Coloring contest submission by Saskia (age 12).

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."

Gnome and Shroom

As you may know already, there are lots of types of gnomes in the garden. They're as diverse as you and me. While some of the younger gnomes may like things such as dancing in the clover field, parachute jumping off tree limbs and leaf surfing, the elders know better. They are the ones who keep Gnomish traditions alive. They understand that back in the day, the gnomes were only known for their love of toadstools. Think about it. If someone says the word "gnome," I'm sure the first images that pop into your head are toadstools, snails and forest green moss. Of these, it is the toadstool that the Gnomish elders love the most. The strong connection between gnome and shroom, well it's one that has always been and always will be.

Tooth Snatcher

I'm certain you've heard of Tabitha Tooth Fairy, but did you know she has some helpers? As you can imagine, she's quite busy collecting the lost teeth from children around the world. This would gnot be a problem if every tooth came peacefully and quietly in the gnight, but that doesn't always happen. Every gnow and then Tabitha is challenged by a sweet pearly tooth that, for one reason or another, doesn't seem to want to go home with her. This only happens when a child is so uniquely special, kind and imaginative that gnot even his teeth want to leave his side. Imagine that! Some teeth go to great extremes to hide in super secretive little corner gnooks, hoping Tabitha doesn't spot them. When this happens, she knows just who to call - her trusty friend, the tooth snatcher. He knows how to deal with such stubborn teeth. It's gnot easy to sneak up on a tooth while remaining undetected by the child sleeping close by. It takes strength, acrobatic agility, wit and patience. Yes, all that skill is gneeded, but one look at the child and you can see why his little tooth may hesitate to leave his side.

Pearly White Princess

Most children get visits from Tabitha Tooth Fairy when they lose a tooth. As you can imagine, she's quite busy finding and collecting those lost teeth. Though she splits her time as equally and fairly as she can, there simply isn't enough time to spend much with every individual child. However, every gnow and then she hears about a child who is particularly special and sends her closest friend, the pearly white princess, to help. Only a particularly kind hearted child with a tender soul deserves such a visit from the princess. As for the princess? Well she's absolutely thrilled to be able to spend time with such an amazing child! She's honored to be given such a task. She patiently watches over the child and keeps misplaced teeth safe until Tabitha has the chance to stop by for her standard exchange. Every child has heard of the Tooth Fairy, but only a select few know about her best friends. Lucky you to be one of them!

My Best Friend

Some friendships take seasons to develop, but the most special ones are instant. These two young gnomelings knew the moment they first saw each other that it was a friendship made of flowers and rainbows. Why does the one like the other? It's simple. "I like that she plays with me and we both make each other laugh." If only every friendship could follow their example. Be funny, make each other laugh and give good hugs. If you ask me, I think they have set some good rules we should all follow. If you doubt me, take one look at the way their eyes light up the moment they see each other and you'll find yourself a believer. Just how long will these two stay friends? Forever? No - longer! "She will be my best friend for 50 hundred years!"

KC the Kitty

In the far corner of the garden lives a community of gnomes that look as though they have stepped right out of a child's imagination. Indeed they have. Gnever before has the garden known such wonderful souls such as this caring sweet heart. She loves to make her loved ones laugh and smile, so she has perfected her series of gnock gnock jokes. Of course, they all end with "Get it? Get it?" which makes their smiles grow even more. She loves to make silly faces, do silly voices or dance a silly dance, especially with her sister. I'm not sure how she does it, especially for somegnome as young as she, but she's a pro at handling disputes. If gnomegnome says something gnegative, she turns it into a positive. Just like that! It's a little hard to explain, but it always amazes those around her. I could go on and on. I adore her, as does the garden around her.

Coloring contest submission by Isabella (age 8).

PERSONAL GNOTE:
Isabella's kitty is named Kohl's Cat (KC for short).

Top of the Flower Bunch

If you are lucky enough to live in the same corner of the garden as this Flowery Miss, then I am jealous. Gnever before has the garden known a soul who is quite as vivacious (yes, that's a BIG word for somegnome as tiny as she) and spunky! She sure does stand out from all the other flowers in the garden. She has a great imagination as well and can pretend worlds of color you would gnot believe. She loves filling the garden with art and telling stories. She presents each masterpiece and fairytale with such excitement that all those around can't help but smile. That's why she's loved by all who know her - she is so enthusiastic about live and her ideas. One of the elders asks her "Why is hugging so important?" Of course she jumps to her feet first and gestures wildly before any words come out! "Because we're gnature gnomes, of course! When we gnuzzle together, two gnomes fall in love and have gnomelings." After a brief moment, she feels compelled to explain "I really wanted to say that because I like my mom and dad." Go ahead and giggle. It's ok. At least she knows how important love is, and that's a wise thing to know.

Coloring contest submission by Sam (age 5).

PERSONAL GNOTE:
Samantha comes from a combination of Samual and Anthea. Anthea means "Flowery."

Free Spirited Pearl

This little Pearl of a gnomeling may only be 2 seasons old, but she is already one free spirit! She is hilarious to the other gnomes and talks gnon-stop to them! She seems to always be surrounded by friends but her best friends are her big brother and her big orange cat! Most gnomes show their colors and interests in the way they dress. Gnot this little Miss! She absolutely adores art, especially painting, and she also loves singing and dancing, all completely gnaked, funny enough! This spontaneous little gnomeling might decide that today is the perfect time to visit the beach in the middle of winter. Or maybe it is a good day to be a young, free spirit and just paint! What a vibrant delight!

Coloring contest submission by Margot (age 2)

PERSONAL GNOTE:
The name Margot means "pearl."

Strawberry Patch

What sort of garden do you grow? Is it filled with bright joyful flowers that make the eyes pop? Or perhaps scented herbs that make the gnose twitch in delight? Is your garden full of birds that sing to you as you smile? There are so many types of gardens out there, I'm sure it's hard to decide which one to grow. As long as your corner of the garden helps to bring smiles to others' faces and helps to make the garden a prettier place, well then I am sure you're doing something right. As for me? I have chosen to grow a strawberry patch - one that is generously sweet and always looking for a way to bring a smile to another's face. Even if a happy tear or two is shed, we will consider our efforts a success. My little strawberry patch will always be ready with a gnice word or two as everygnome could use a good compliment to brighten their day. We will always be ready for a good snuggle or squeeze, even for those from afar. Yes, I have decided that my little corner of the garden will be filled with a strawberry patch sweeter than all others. What have you decided you will grow?

Berry Sweet

In my little strawberry patch, there lives two tiny berries. Though they are still so young and gnot quite ripe, I assure you they are as sweet as can be. While one is constantly looking for gnice ways to make the gnomes around her smile, the other one prides herself in being able to make them laugh. One knows the rules of the garden - to treat other gnomes the way she'd like to be treated. The other simply goes along with whatever makes her loved ones happy. Both are filled with great big hugs and warm fuzzy thoughts and lots and lots of affection. If they're this sweet gnow, imagine how wonderfully delightful they will be as they get bigger. Gnever before has the garden known such berry sweet souls as these two, and I'm proud to say they're in my corner of the garden!

Guardian of the Strawberry Patch

It's no secret that strawberries are delicious, but the ones that are grown by gnomes are particularly sweet and juicy. So it should come as no surprise that the town council voted unanimously the strawberry patch needs to be protected. Not just anygnome can qualify for such an important job. We need a master of the mind, a master of disguise, a master of all things green... who better to protect the patch than a master gardener?! Now that the strawberries are safe, the gnome colony has no worries about having enough berries for their upcoming strawberry festival. It's one of the best events of the year!

Guardian of the Strawberry Patch

It's no secret that strawberries are delicious, but the ones that are grown by gnomes are particularly sweet and juicy. So it should come as no surprise that the town council voted unanimously the strawberry patch needs to be protected. Not just anygnome can qualify for such an important job. We need a master of the mind, a master of disguise, a master of all things green... who better to protect the patch than a master gardener?! Now that the strawberries are safe, the gnome colony has no worries about having enough berries for their upcoming strawberry festival. It's one of the best events of the year!

Tiny Tickles

Do you hear that tiny little giggle? I just love that sound! It must be coming from this little sprite, and I can gnow see why. It looks like she's got a little ladybug running all over her, trying to tickle the daylights out of her! Ladybugs just adore her, and that can only mean one thing - she has a kind soul and is compassionate, uplifting and absolutely loves to laugh. Doesn't it just make you want to spend more time with her? Don't worry, that's the effect she has on everygnome.

Ordinary Miracle

It's not that unusual
When everything is beautiful
It's just another ordinary miracle today

The sky knows when it's time to snow
Don't need to teach a seed to grow
It's just another ordinary miracle today

Life is like a gift they say
Wrapped up for you everyday
Open up and find a way
To give some of your own

Isn't it remarkable Like every time a raindrop falls
It's just another ordinary miracle today
Birds in winter have their fling
Will always make it home by spring
It's just another ordinary miracle today

When you wake up everyday
Please don't throw your dreams away
Hold them close to your heart'
Cause we're all a part of the ordinary miracle
Do you want to see a miracle?

It seems so exceptional
The things just work out after all
It's just another ordinary miracle today
Sun comes up and shines so bright
And disappears again at night
It's just another ordinary miracle today

It's just another ordinary miracle today
PERSONAL GNOTE:
This gnome is for me. I thought about writing a story, but to be perfectly honest, the lyrics to "Ordinary Miracle" by Sarah MecLachlan are simply perfect. It's EXACTLY what I wanted to say.

Bubbles

In a little corner of the garden, there lives a young gnomeling whose eyes are always big and bright, full of wonder. It seems that with everything she sees, she responds as though it is the first time she has ever seen something so amazing in her tiny life. Oh wait, maybe that's because indeed it's the first time she has ever experienced such wonder. Take bubbles for example... All the gnomes in the garden pride themselves in appreciating the simple things in life. Ask anygnome and he'd be sure to tell you that bubbles are pretty. Bubbles are fun. There is gno doubt in that, but chances are that as wonderful as he thinks bubbles are, he has still seen them many times as the seasons have passed in his life. There is gnothing as magical as the very FIRST moment of wonder when a gnomeling sees an everyday miracle for the first time in her tiny life. Just look at the twinkle in her eye! Listen to her giggle as she tries to catch the bubbles before they pop! I'm telling you, there is gnothing better than the joy of a young gnomeling experiencing the garden through gnew eyes. Magic. Pure magic.

Pink Christmas Tree

Oh how wonderful! I am super excited to introduce you to this little lady. She is such a cute little gnome and yet she symbolizes so much more than her size may make it seem! As you know, there is gno better cause for celebration than a good Gnomish tradition. What you probably don't know is that the gnomes enjoy ALL traditions, big AND small, and this little lady is lucky enough to be a part of one of the most special of those tiny family traditions the garden has ever known. She helps to decorate a pink Christmas tree, just for two little girls who are so very loved. It is one of her favorite traditions! Letting the girls put the special tree in their rooms and adding their princess ornaments and lights - well let's just say she loves seeing the sparkle in their eyes. They even get to pick out a few gnew ornaments for their special tree each year. What will it be this year? A ballerina perhaps? Maybe just a glittery star for a gnice touch of sparkle? Whatever they choose, this little soul certainly feels so blessed to be a part of the fun and joy of this little family's little Christmas tradition building beautiful memories. Thank you!

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!

PERSONAL GNOTE:
In memory of the children lost during the Newton, Connecticut shooting. My heart goes out to those who were affected by such an act of sadness.

Keeper of the Stars

This tiny soul has a very big job indeed. When a star is born, he's the one responsible for guiding it into its rightful place in the gnight time sky. It's a very important job because every star gneeds to be able to twinkle as brightly as they did here on earth. As you can imagine, keeping the starry sky organized in such a way that each star has their opportunity to shine down on their loved ones, well it can be quite a difficult task to do. This little fella makes it look easy though. One look up at the twinkling sky deep into the gnight and you'll wonder which star shines the brightest. Chances are when you figure out the answer, you'll know the star is twinkling extra hard for you. I'm thinking someone wants you to remember that you are loved.

PERSONAL GNOTE:
In memory of those lost from Sandy Hook Elementary December 14th. There are 13 silver stars for the girls, 7 gold stars for the boys and 6 copper stars for the adults. My heart goes out to those in the Newton community.

Forget Me Gnot

Our little ones whisper,
"Forget me gnot",
As their specialness wraps
around our heart.
Their short little lives
Hold meaning and love.
Their spirits have touched
us-each and everygnome.
They have left their gifts
For us to uncover,
If we open our eyes,
our hearts and our lives.
The road to discovery
is hilly and dark.
Will we long harbor the pain
or set our wings for the light?
Our lives have been changed,
our paths filled with sorrow.
Yet their memories embrace us
and our love lasts forever.
If we open our hearts,
their gifts shall unfold,
as we
forget them gnot.