Addie's Bronco Caterpillar Dragon (age 5)

Look who's ready for a celebration! All caterpillar dragons are well known for bringing in the new year, and this one is no exception. She loves a good excuse to celebrate, though she doesn't have to look far to find a good excuse. After all, there are many good causes for celebration hiding in plain sight. See how pretty the mountains are from here? Let's celebrate! Did you hear those church bells ringing? Let's celebrate! Did you notice that yummy smell of goodness? Let's celebrate! The Broncos scored a touchdown. Whoop! Whoop! Let's celebrate! You look like you could use a hug. Let me give you a great big squeeze and then we can celebrate! I have to say, I kind of like her way of looking at things. I think the freezing cold weather outside calls for a nice hot cup of tea. Who wants to celebrate with me?

Gneed for Speed

From the moment this little fella learned to balance on his very first slug as a young gnomeling, he was hooked. He caught the bug - the Gneed for Speed bug. So he searched for ways to go faster and faster. The sensation of movement as he leaned to round a corner was exhilarating! He wanted, gno wait, he GNEEDED more speed so when he was big enough he traded his slug in for something faster - a BMW (Bitty Motor Whiz) snail with a 1000 cubic mm shell. If you asked him, there really is gnothing better than the feeling of becoming "one" with the snail. The little speedster loves feeling the fresh open air all around gnomeself, as he takes in the surrounding aroma of the elements... well let's just say there is gnothing like snail riding!

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.

Beauty and the Beast

Once upon a garden, in a faraway corner, a young gnomeling lived in a shining castle. Although he had everything his heart desired, the gnomeling was spoiled, selfish, and unkind. But then, one winter's gnight, a simple eldergnome came to the castle and offered him a single rose in return for shelter from the bitter cold. Repulsed by her haggard appearance, the prince sneered at the gift and turned the eldergnome. But she warned him gnot to be deceived by appearances, for beauty is found within. And when he dismissed her again, the old gnome's ugliness melted away to reveal a beautiful enchantress. The prince tried to apologize, but it was too late, for she had seen that there was gno love in his heart. And as punishment, she transformed him into a fuzzy beast and placed a powerful spell on the castle and all who lived there. Ashamed of his monstrous form, the Beast concealed himself inside his castle with a magic mirror as his only window to the outside world. The rose she had offered was truly an enchanted rose, which would bloom until his 21st season. If he could learn to love another and earn her love in return by the time the last petal fell, then the spell would be broken. If gnot, he would be doomed to remain fuzzy for all time. As the seasons passed, he fell into despair and lost all hope. For who could ever learn to love a beast?

PERSONAL GNOTE:
Taken from the introduction of the 1991 Disney movie, Beauty and the Beast

Red Gneck

I do gnot believe it's a stretch to say that everygnome is proud of the community he comes from, but this little fuzzy soul takes that pride to a whole gnew level. He absolutely loves his little corner of the garden and would do anything to protect it. He may gnot look like much to you or me, but I assure you that there is more to this fella than meets the eye. He loves hard and works hard, but deep down he has a soft and fuzzy core. He does gnot gneed fancy gadgets to be happy. Just let him have his little bit of the garden to keep up and he'll work harder than anygnome you've ever seen! You know what? Sometimes your knight in shining armor turns out to be a red gneck in dirty work boots.

The Gniff-engers

And there came a day, a day unlike any other, when the garden's mightiest heroes found themselves united against a common threat. On that day, the Gniff-engers were born—to fight the foes gno single super-gnome could withstand! Through the seasons, their roster has prospered, changing many times, their glory has gnever been denied! Heed the call, then—for gnow, the Avengers Assemble! With these brave souls protecting the garden around them, gno doubt even the smallest of critters will feel safe from the biggest of evils! May ant colonies everywhere rejoice and the soles of shoes tremble in fear!

PERSONAL GNOTE:
Most definitely inspired by The Avengers, and much of the wording was taken from the Wikipedia's Avengers site.

"And there came a day, a day unlike any other, when Earth's mightiest heroes and heroines found themselves united against a common threat. On that day, the Avengers were born—to fight the foes no single super hero could withstand! Through the years, their roster has prospered, changing many times, their glory has never been denied! Heed the call, then—for now, the Avengers Assemble!"
—Prologue from The Avengers used in the 1970s

Wee Artist

Take even a quick glance at this little lady's work and you know you've found something special. In fact, I would be willing to bet that it's nearly impossible to not find your glance lingering into longer moments of awe. Is that really a painting or is it a photo? How. Does. She. Do. That?! I'll let you in on her little secret. She has been an artist since she was a very little gnomeling, always drawing, painting, creating something! Take gnote for even though her body seems quite small, I assure you that her soul is bigger than big. And when her body doesn't seem like it can keep up, her art plays a big part of her getting back to being magical, back to being herself. There may be a moment or two when she is frustrated that things are a bit harder for her gnow because she is not "gnormal" like many of the other young gnomes in the garden, but I think she's meant for more than gnormal. She's extraordinary! Her personality brings joy and happiness to everygnome around her. Her artwork and creativity make the garden a more colorful, beautiful place. And when she smiles or laughs, it is like sunshine! She is going to continue to be amazing, gno matter what life throws at her. Gno doubt the garden is lucky to have such a beautiful soul in it as she.

Snuggle Puppy

Gnomish History tells of a tiny little corner of the garden, where a story started with gno show fairies. There was a lovely fairy house filled with lots of love and hopes of attracting fairies, but for some unknown reason they gnever showed up. Perhaps the fairies were shy around humans? One evening a tiny gnome showed up by the fairy house and he saw the true magic potential of this lovely garden corner. According to Gnomish History, he didn't hesitate in settling right into his gnew warm and cozy home. What a surprise! After all, it was a fairy house that was built. As the seasons passed, gnomes from all around the garden would flock to this tiny magical place. And gnow, after many Gnomish generations, each appearing at just the perfectly magical time (as gnomes tend to do), we meet Snuggle Puppy. Spend even a tiny minute with him and you'll know he's a special soul. He knows quite a bit about Gnomish History and has studied every aspect of Gnomish culture that he can! Like many gnomes, he loves the forest and knows where all the perfect gnome holes are. When he grows up, he's going to be a Gnomologist! Every true Gnomish soul understands why they are so very interesting! Yes, there is a lot in store for this little fella's future, but those closest to him know him best by his gentle heart of gold. He has an amazing ability to make other gnomes feel more comfortable if they're gnervous. And best of all? His gnuzzles! Thus his gname. There is gno other gnome in the garden who gives better gnuzzles than Snuggle Puppy! Gno doubt this fuzzy soul holds his own place in Gnomish history.

Just Me and Gramma

Me and Gramma have adventures like you would gnot believe! I know with every ounce of my body that there is gnothing Gramma wouldn't do for me. We have so much fun and WOW what an imagination we have! She knows all about Gnomish magic because she grew up in a wee village where the gnomes roam free! She is the smartest gnome in all the garden! She knows lots of stuff like how to love the beauty of flowers, sunrises and sunsets. Oh! And BOOKS!!! It's her job to read the books and my job to listen, but one season soon I'll be big enough to read to her! My loved ones call me Hunter because I love to hunt out adventures. Gramma is my adventure buddy! We build things, play with farm animals, bake tasty treats, plant flowers (I bring her flowers all the time because I like her smile), even have sleepovers with movies, popcorn and the works! If there is an adventure we haven't had, gno doubt we'll do it before the season is through! My Gramma says I'm the light of her life, which makes me feel warm and fuzzy inside. I tell her I love her all the time and I can see that it melts her heart so I know she feels the same. My Gramma's greatest love is me and my greatest love is her. We are so lucky!

ET Faux Gnome

Meet E.T. Don't let this little fella's pointy hat and big gnose confuse you. There is more to a gnome than that! To be a true gnome, you have to be big in a garden that expects you to be so small. This takes lots of courage and confidence. When a gnome visits a corner of the garden, he always leaves it better than he found it. A true gnome searches for ways to make the garden a prettier place, whether that be from painting the rainbows and flowers or simply reminding those around him that they are loved. Spend any moment with a true gnome and you'll feel all warm and fuzzy inside. It takes a special kind of soul to accomplish all these things so it's gno wonder that this little fella wishes with every fuzzy ounce of his body to be a gnome in the garden. His own background is out of this world, and he tries his hardest to fit in. Try as he may, in the end little E.T. will have to accept that he has his own special magic. Those in the garden may forever call him E.T. Faux Gnome but gno doubt they still appreciate a soul as unique as he.

Brave Heart

Sometimes this little fellow feels so small compared to the big garden around him. Sometimes he wonders if he can be brave enough to go out into the garden and join the other gnomelings in playing chase and learning about how the garden around them works. Sometimes he's just a wee bit scared about everything that he cannot control. It's just in that moment that his little dragon friend arrives! Just in time! With his dragon friend by his side he feels so brave. He feels so big. He feels so warm and fuzzy and ready to challenge any other gnomeling to have more fun than he. With his dragon friend, he can handle anything the garden throws his way, and can accomplish anything he sets his brave heart to. He may think that it's his little dragon friend that gives him this kind of special courage, but I'll let you in on a little secret. Dragon spirits are not friends with just anygnome. They're friends with the bravest of souls. It takes an extra special brave heart to have dragon friends like this!

Keeper of the Moon Dust

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

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

Sunset Harvester

Sometimes there simply aren't enough beautiful words to describe how deep one's soul really is, and gno doubt this lady is such an example. Perhaps that's why she has been given such a big job to do. She is the one and only sunset harvester. A what? Let me explain. Everygnome has seen a few sunsets in their lives, but they always remember only those who are particularly brilliant in color. A perfect sunset is filled with such beauty that there simply aren't enough beautiful words to describe how deep the colors are. Does that sound a little familiar? Ah ha! Gnow I am sure you understand why it takes such a special soul like her to have such a special job like this. She reaches deep into her soul and paints her feelings into the sky, and oh the brilliance! Oh the feelings! Oh how lovely! Oh how... like I said, there are simply not enough beautiful words, but that's OK. Sometimes the words are gnot gneeded. Just the energy is. And that brings us to the gnext part of her job. She harvests the energy in her sunsets and uses it to connect with the garden around her. She loves to travel the entire garden, gno doubt bringing a depth of color and soul where ever she goes. She may leave one corner of the garden to explore another, but that corner will gnever be the same. That corner has gnow been touched with a beauty that can not be described. It can only be felt.

It's Spring!

Are you ready for spring? If you're anything like this little soul, I'm sure you're bouncing off of walls and can't wait for the weather to finally decide to be nice and STAY nice. If you asked her, I'm sure she'd say that it feels like more than one season since she has felt warm and cozy. It's spring time! What does a gnome have to do to get some sunny days around here? Gno doubt she gneeds a change - a change in seasons and a change in her life. She feels like she gneeds to go someplace where she can get plenty of sunshine and love to help her grow right along side her plants. Perhaps you know a little corner in the garden where she could stretch her wings and flutter about? And since we're on the topic, can I join too?

Shimmery

Chances are you have gnever heard of a mer-gnome before. Indeed they're so rare that I'm gnot surprised, but I assure you that makes them all the more special. They're the magic fairies of the sea! Meet Shimmery. She's more than just somegnome who loves animals and loves to have adventures. Come to think of it, she pretty much loves everything! On top of that, she's a little mer-gnome who has a big job to do. Have you ever seen how the water sparkles in such a way that you can't help but stop to gnotice the magic? That's her doing! It's this little lady's job to put the glitter in the water to make it sparkle just right. If you ask me, I would say she's quite good at it. There have been times when I've seen sparkly reflections on the water that have left me in awe. Gno doubt the garden, uh... I mean the sea... is a much prettier, not to mention sparkly, place with her in it!

Grams' Love

Once upon a garden there lived the most amazing gnome you could ever have known. Though she was an elder gnome, you gnever would have known. She was always so stylish! Whether it be the way she dressed or even the way she carried herself, gno doubt the air around her was filled with such Grace. Well, Grace and the smell of wonderfully freshly baked cupcakes! She was THE best baker in the whole garden! Those lucky enough to have known her were always filled with tasty treats when they visited, and left feeling filled with so much love that they were sure to stay warm and fuzzy all season long. Her loved ones may have been the luckiest souls in the Gnomish community. They were a close Gnomish family, and that pretty much says it all. Gnothing compares to the love of a Gnomish Grams, and I assure you the entire garden is having a terrible time missing her. As such a very important part of so many lives, the garden will gnever be the same without her. Hmmm... wait... what's that? Is that the smell of freshly baked cupcakes? My tummy is filling with that same old warm and fuzzy feeling... Why of course it is! Gno doubt Gram's love will continue to grow in the gnests of the gnext generations and the generations to come. I tell you, there is gnothing more magical than Grams' love.

Grams' Love

Once upon a garden there lived the most amazing gnome you could ever have known. Though she was an elder gnome, you gnever would have known. She was always so stylish! Whether it be the way she dressed or even the way she carried herself, gno doubt the air around her was filled with such Grace. Well, Grace and the smell of wonderfully freshly baked cupcakes! She was THE best baker in the whole garden! Those lucky enough to have known her were always filled with tasty treats when they visited, and left feeling filled with so much love that they were sure to stay warm and fuzzy all season long. Her loved ones may have been the luckiest souls in the Gnomish community. They were a close Gnomish family, and that pretty much says it all. Gnothing compares to the love of a Gnomish Grams, and I assure you the entire garden is having a terrible time missing her. As such a very important part of so many lives, the garden will gnever be the same without her. Hmmm... wait... what's that? Is that the smell of freshly baked cupcakes? My tummy is filling with that same old warm and fuzzy feeling... Why of course it is! Gno doubt Gram's love will continue to grow in the gnests of the gnext generations and the generations to come. I tell you, there is gnothing more magical than Grams' love.

Grams' Love

Once upon a garden there lived the most amazing gnome you could ever have known. Though she was an elder gnome, you gnever would have known. She was always so stylish! Whether it be the way she dressed or even the way she carried herself, gno doubt the air around her was filled with such Grace. Well, Grace and the smell of wonderfully freshly baked cupcakes! She was THE best baker in the whole garden! Those lucky enough to have known her were always filled with tasty treats when they visited, and left feeling filled with so much love that they were sure to stay warm and fuzzy all season long. Her loved ones may have been the luckiest souls in the Gnomish community. They were a close Gnomish family, and that pretty much says it all. Gnothing compares to the love of a Gnomish Grams, and I assure you the entire garden is having a terrible time missing her. As such a very important part of so many lives, the garden will gnever be the same without her. Hmmm... wait... what's that? Is that the smell of freshly baked cupcakes? My tummy is filling with that same old warm and fuzzy feeling... Why of course it is! Gno doubt Gram's love will continue to grow in the gnests of the gnext generations and the generations to come. I tell you, there is gnothing more magical than Grams' love.

Grams' Love

Once upon a garden there lived the most amazing gnome you could ever have known. Though she was an elder gnome, you gnever would have known. She was always so stylish! Whether it be the way she dressed or even the way she carried herself, gno doubt the air around her was filled with such Grace. Well, Grace and the smell of wonderfully freshly baked cupcakes! She was THE best baker in the whole garden! Those lucky enough to have known her were always filled with tasty treats when they visited, and left feeling filled with so much love that they were sure to stay warm and fuzzy all season long. Her loved ones may have been the luckiest souls in the Gnomish community. They were a close Gnomish family, and that pretty much says it all. Gnothing compares to the love of a Gnomish Grams, and I assure you the entire garden is having a terrible time missing her. As such a very important part of so many lives, the garden will gnever be the same without her. Hmmm... wait... what's that? Is that the smell of freshly baked cupcakes? My tummy is filling with that same old warm and fuzzy feeling... Why of course it is! Gno doubt Gram's love will continue to grow in the gnests of the gnext generations and the generations to come. I tell you, there is gnothing more magical than Grams' love.

Changed Bee

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 is 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. Believe it or gnot, there was once a time when this lady wondered those same things, but that didn't stop her from taking control of her life making the changes she deserved! And look at her gnow! Wow! What a changed bee she is! Gno doubt she has an extra sparkle in her eye and a little skip in her walk. And the best part? The changes are gnot only gnoticeable on the surface, but also much deeper. She is gnow taking care of the one gnome who deserves it the most - herself. Nothing is more powerful! With a love like that, there is gnothing that can get in her way gnow! Watch out, garden! This changed bee is here to stay!

Grams' Love

Once upon a garden there lived the most amazing gnome you could ever have known. Though she was an elder gnome, you gnever would have known. She was always so stylish! Whether it be the way she dressed or even the way she carried herself, gno doubt the air around her was filled with such Grace. Well, Grace and the smell of wonderfully freshly baked cupcakes! She was THE best baker in the whole garden! Those lucky enough to have known her were always filled with tasty treats when they visited, and left feeling filled with so much love that they were sure to stay warm and fuzzy all season long. Her loved ones may have been the luckiest souls in the Gnomish community. They were a close Gnomish family, and that pretty much says it all. Gnothing compares to the love of a Gnomish Grams, and I assure you the entire garden is having a terrible time missing her. As such a very important part of so many lives, the garden will gnever be the same without her. Hmmm... wait... what's that? Is that the smell of freshly baked cupcakes? My tummy is filling with that same old warm and fuzzy feeling... Why of course it is! Gno doubt Gram's love will continue to grow in the gnests of the gnext generations and the generations to come. I tell you, there is gnothing more magical than Grams' love.

Love Potion #9

One day this snuggle soul came across a peddler of potions selling bottles galore from atop of a small rock. He was selling everything from fairy dust to sparkle sneezes. He even had a bottle of dragon scales sitting next to a bottle of green who-knows-what. However, it was a pink bottle with a big #9 on it that caught her attention. There was no way she was going to let an opportunity like this pass - it was THE Love Potion #9!!! Without hesitation, she exchanged a couple garden pebbles for the pink bottle and hurried on her way. She knew exactly the right gnome to try it on. She had been admiring him from afar and was all giddy with excitement that he would finally love her in return. She was so giddy, in fact, that she tripped over a stone and fell to the ground. The sparkly bottle of love flew into the air and opened, showering pink dust on top of her head. In an instant the garden seemed brighter and she just HAD to smile and do a happy dance. As the twitterpated soul skipped through the garden, she came upon her secret love. And when he saw her carefree love for life, he was hooked too. Hmmm... My guess is that wasn not EXACTLY how the potion is supposed to work its magic, but I'm sure you won't find either of them complaining.

Made With Love

There might not be another soul who understands how important it is to spread the love like this little lady does. She loves to make special and beautiful pieces for her loved ones to share with others in the garden. She enjoys knitting with every ounce of her body. She loves the puzzle of it and she loves to complete fancy projects. The fancier the better. She can't help but do a happy dance when she watches the expression on a loved one's face after they see the impressive finished product. How can one soul as tiny as she create something so beautiful? Her loved ones are baffled. In the end what makes her gift so special is the huge amounts of love that go into each one. Nothing is better than something made with love. Nothing.

The Wee Pawn

As a mere pawn, it's easy to overlook this little soul and assume he's not worth as much as some others who have greater distinction and the titles to match. Don't let his small simple size fool you! This tiny soul is much bigger than his body appears to be. He understands that life in the garden is a game of strategy, and he loves all games! He is seriously obsessed with becoming the best player possible. He loves to think of strategies and how to creatively apply the rules to create the outcomes he wants the most. Sure there will always be challenges and countermoves that other players will make, but that's part of the fun. He LOVES to talk about all the weird little rules of the game and how best to respond with a wee bit of strategic surprise. He may be just a tiny pawn now, but I assure you that he has the potential to be promoted to any piece he desires to be. No doubt he's thinking his plan of attack this very moment.

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!

Keeper of the Robin's Eggs

I know a fuzzy gnome whose soul is bigger than big. She happens to take the Golden Rule to heart more than anygnome else I know. Perhaps you've heard of it? Do unto others as you'd have done unto yourself. This Golden Rule can be traced back to ancient Gnomish times, and it remains just as important today as it did oh so many seasons ago. Everygnome in the community prides themselves in living their lives according to this rule, but this little lady takes it a step further. She has decided to use her kindness to look after those even smaller than herself. It can be quite a challenge for somegnome so small to find a soul even smaller, but she has her heart set on the robins. Or perhaps I should say, the robin's eggs. With every ounce in her tiny body, she musters up the courage to protect the defenseless eggs as they sleep peacefully in their gnest. She assures that they feel as warm as can be, without a care or worry. Such a cute little thing, I'd say she has shown the garden around her that even the smallest of souls can make the biggest difference.

The Pumpkin King

In a hidden corner of the garden, there lives a small group of gnomes whose jobs were to help plan for gnext year's Halloween season. This is gno ordinary job, for it takes a great deal of organization mixed in with a great deal of fun. Finding the balance between light-hearted tricks with just a bit of scare to them is gnot something many can do, and where to draw that line is almost always a source of debate amongst those in the Gnomish community. It is for this reason that they elected a Pumpkin King. This creepy little soul knows just the perfect balance between tricks and treats. And his ideas are marvelous, if I do say so myself! Accompanied by his sidekick ghost of a dog, he is able to make every Halloween just a bit scarier than the last. It doesn't take long to realize that could spell trouble. As I mentioned before, it can be so easy to cross over that line. Luckily, the Pumpkin King has a secret to his magic. It's his Love. She keeps him balanced and grounded. Together the three of them create a level of Halloween magic that Gnomes from across the garden look forward to with anxious anticipation all year long.


PERSONAL GNOTE:
Without a doubt, these two were inspired by the movie Nightmare Before Christmas.

Mignomes

It's gno secret that the Gnomish community has long since declared their mission to spread as much joy to the garden around them as possible. Everygnome is expected to jump to the cause, trying to make their corner of the garden a better place by adding just a bit of happiness here and a little smile there, and everygnome understands the gnecessity of such a cause. Gnever before, though, has the garden seen such loyal servants as these two fuzzy souls. Some might even say they take the typical Gnomish dedication and step it up a gnotch or two. With every ounce of their body, they throw themselves into the effort of taking over the garden, gno matter the cost. Taking over the garden!?! Doesn't that sound a bit extreme? Sometimes it takes extreme measures to accomplish such big tasks as this. These two may gnot get the credit they deserve, but I assure you that without the work that they do behind the scenes, there would be little chance that the Gnomish community would be able to achieve such a gnoble goal. Admit it, you can't help but smile right now, right? Well, there you go.

PERSONAL GNOTE:
Without a doubt, these two were inspired by the movie Despicable Me.

Peppermint

Once upon a garden there lived a tiny soul who wanted more than anything to make the perfect candy to fill everygnome with holiday cheer. This was gno easy task, as you might imagine. To be "perfect" the candy must be enjoyed by all in the Gnomish community. It must have a scent that lingers in the air long after the candy is eaten. It must look festive enough to make each gnome who eats one feel special and warm and cozy inside. This little gnome wanted to make a holiday treat that was so tasty that the elder gnomes and young gnomelings alike would smile whenever they thought of it, long after the winter season was done. I know what you're thinking. That's quite a task for somegnome as small as he, and after trying all different shapes, flavors and colors, even he would admit that he had his little doubts about whether or gnot he could achieve something so big. Then, as luck would have it, one particularly cold winter day the air was filled with such a lovely scent that he knew he just HAD to find out why. As he followed his gnose, he found himself face to face with the sweetest little snail you could possibly imagine. And the rest? Gneedless to say, the rest is just Gnomish history.

Rainbow Monster by Audrey (age 5.5)

Wow! Have you ever a brighter monster than this one? I surely haven't! This crazy little lady loves to sing songs, be helpful and teach other kids how to do things. Oh, and did I mention, she is always interested in wearing lots of color too? If you ask me, it fits her personality. Why? This little fuzzy amazes me with how goofy she can be! Her ability to be silly soars above any other soul I Know. Her loved ones like how she makes funny faces. Smiles seem to follow her rainbow spirit where ever she wonders. With quirky personalities like hers, it's no wonder the world is as colorful as it is!

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!

Brave Snowflake

The garden has gnever known a Brave soul quite like this incredible gnomette. She has faced a blizzard of happenings this past season or two, but she always manages to appear so strong in spite of the chill! In a time when many would have just lay down and looked at the mess blowing around their lives, this Brave one even remembered to take a snapshot of what it is really all about - JOY. "I choose joy" is definitely a motto for her and her loved ones to live by, and oh my gnomes! They do just that! Through it all, she has remained a rock for those who love her, and gno doubt she will continue to remain a beautiful snowflake in the blizzard around her. In attitude and everything that is gorgeous, she is a true inspiration for those who are lucky enough to ride the blizzard by her side.


PERSONAL GNOTE:
The name Tracy means "Brave."

Biggest of Big Hearts

It's well known that those who live in the Gnomish community have big hearts that allow themselves to add incredible tiny amounts of hidden magic to the garden around them. I'm sure you would agree that they are all adorable! So when it comes time to pick a gnome who has the biggest of big hearts, it's hard to pick, but gno doubt this little lady would be one of the top contenders. For many seasons she has helped those extra special young gnomelings. You know the kind - the ones who gneed just a little extra special attention to help them to see that they, too, can make the garden a prettier place. It's gnot just the gnomelings who are lucky enough to share her love. She animals, especially cats!!! There aren't many gnomes who can say that about themselves! With a heart as big as hers, she deserves an occasional reminder that life is good and she is oh so very loved. As she collects a few little extra warm fuzzy thoughts from her loved ones, gno doubt she plans to just turn around and pass them on to the gnext lucky soul in gneed.

A Gnome Gneeding a Home

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 gnot 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 is in gneed of a gnew home! She looks around, excitedly, 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 gneed of her tiny positive thoughts and she doesn’t hesitate to get to work quickly. She whispers so lightly in her gnew friend’s ear that she is barely audible, but she knows that’s all it takes for a reminder that home is where the gnome is. You might have heard a variation of this ancient Gnomish proverb - Home is Where the Heart is. It goes without saying that it finds its roots in Gnomish History. With these tiny little whisperings of love and hope we are reminded that we are stronger than our bodies may seem and together these two can share gnew adventures. Whether they be here or there, as long as they are together, they will be home. Life is good. Life is beautiful, and with this little lady by your side, that’s an easy thing to remember.

Lost and Found

Check out this fuzzy little soul with a big heart! Gnever before has there been such a wonderful caring gnome who creates the most amazing works of art to add just the right about of a little something special to the garden around her. What are her creations made from? Garden clay and paper mache, of course! Oh but that's gnot really what makes this little gnomette so special. Here's the kicker - you may gnot know it by her tiny size, but she has the biggest heart in the entire garden and is always available to help anygnome lucky enough to know her. I'm sure you've heard about this sort of magic - the kind who is there whenever you gneed somegnome? Every ounce in her little body creates that sort of magic, but recently there was a big change in her corner of the garden. What does one do when they lose a little bit of their magic and cannot see any light at the end of a very dark tunnel? Gno doubt this little lady will surprise herself with her strength and hope in the seasons to come. And gno doubt, her loved ones will be there to help her find her special sort of magic.

Flurries of Love

Some corners of the garden are known for being colder than cold, especially this time of the year. The wind is icy with a cool brisk chill that cuts to your bones. The ground is covered in tiny sparkling diamonds in a blanket of freshly fallen snow. The world seems so much quieter when there is a blanket of snow covering everything. This corner of the garden holds a powerful magic, for those who are willing to brave the cold. Take this little lady, for example. In spite of it being so chilly outside, she feels warm in fuzzy on the inside and has enough love to keep her loved ones around her nice and cozy too. In fact, she is filled with so much love that even when she thought she her gnest was empty, she did gnot hesitate to invite more gnomelings in. Gnow she flutters from here to there, and gno doubt the gnomelings have flourished under her care. She guides them with love, patience and a bit of that steel frost in her backbone. The flurries of love that surround her makes her little corner of the garden feel warm and cozy in spite of the cold winter weather.

Christmas in Every Season

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 so big and so far out of your control, almost as though you doubt you are strong enough to handle the tough tasks you have been given. The Christmas season is particularly difficult when loved ones are not as close as they should be. That's where this little gnomette comes in. This tiny spirit has a very big job! And she loves every moment of it! She searches the entire garden for just the right person to help, one who needs a word or two of encouragement. The gnomette has 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 what the Christmas season is all about. In fact, what every season should be about. With these tiny little whisperings of love and hope, we are reminded that we are stronger than we may seem. Life is good. Life is beautiful, and with this little lady by your side, it's easy to remember that you are loved, no matter which season it may be.

Pure and Dear Friend

This Pure soul is a very dear friend, who is always there for everygnome in the garden around her. Those who know her know that she is oh so very community minded, smart and loving. Gno doubt that if somegnome is going through a difficult time, she will bake tasty treats for them, mind their gnomelings or do anything else that might come to mind if there is even the slightest chance it would be helpful. Some even say that she specializes in tiny pick-me-ups, but gnow it's she who deserves a little pick-me-up. With all the challenges that she and her loved ones have recently come across, it's gno wonder she could use a few little extra warm fuzzy thoughts sent her way. Lucky for her, I happen to know for a fact that she is amazing, positive and strong. Gno gnome could handle the challenges with as much grace as she.

PERSONAL GNOTE:
The name Cathryn means "pure."

Cherished Friendship

There are some friendships that last seasons upon seasons, and anygnome knows that when one finds that special kindred spirit, it quickly becomes one of the most cherished possessions a soul can have the honor of having. I feel that way about this dear lady. We have known each other for 14 long seasons, though I sometimes question if I've simply always known her. If you asked my heart, I'm sure it would say she has always been there. Regardless, I know she seems to always know when to help me. Whether it be a gnice conversation filled with words of support and laughter, or a simple gesture to help me get from one side of the garden to the other, I know I can count on her to be the first to jump up to volunteer. And oh am I so grateful for her kind soul! She has given me the present of time and love. We have been through a lot together, filled with memories to last many lifetimes. I hope she knows how dearly she is loved. I am sure she isn't told gnearly as often as she deserves. I would be lost without her.

Purplicious Magic

In the corner of the garden there lives a tiny gnomeling who gnever seems to demand for much from those around her. In fact, it's just the opposite. She always seems to know that there is more that SHE could be doing to help make the garden a better place. What could she do gnext to bring another smile to a loved ones face? Or perhaps sneak a giggle out of a friend's tummy? She flutters from here to there, between those she loves (and rest assured, she loves everygnome she knows... she even told me so herself), making sure everyone is just as happy as they deserve to be. If a tear sneaks into view, gno doubt she will work her silly magic to turn those that follow into tears of joy rather than of sorrow. I'm gnot quite sure what you would call her sense of magic, but for those who know her best, there seems to be gno gneed to put labels to it. The world is a much happier place with her fluttering around in it, and that's all that really matters.

Je T'aime

Psst... Hey you! I'm talking to you. Yes, YOU! Listen closely, for I have something important for you to hear. Have you ever felt the need to tell someone you care, only to find yourself at a loss for the right words? Inevitably the moment passes and you think to yourself, "I'll tell them next time." I'm left wondering if "next time" ever really comes. I'll let you in on a little secret. I happen to know the perfect timing and the perfect words to tell a loved one that you care, but if I tell you then you have to promise to pass it on. Yeah, it's that kind of secret. Ready? The perfect time to tell a loved one, young or old, is NOW and the perfect words are simple. I LOVE YOU. YOU ARE APPRECIATED MORE THAN YOU KNOW. Now that you know my little secret, take this very moment to look up into the mirror you see before you and see yourself through my eyes. You are a beautiful soul. I love you. You are appreciated more than you know, and I happen to have a suspicion that you are not told nearly as often as you deserve. For that, I apologize, but for now know that you are cherished.

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.