A little of this, A little of that.

A tradition of gnomes

The holiday season is all about traditions.  Foods, decorations and hosting duties are often set in stone.  My family has had to become more flexible over the years.

We have one unique tradition that can be practiced any time of the year!  It all started because my artist husband sold individually handcrafted ceramic figures at Nordic Fest in Decorah, Iowa, for many years.  The figures were gnomes, trolls, and goblins from Norwegian  folklore.  Each was also hand painted and  came in various sizes.  I loved the gnomes in their pointed red hats, blue vests and boots.  Some were male and some were female and had different facial expressions and hand gestures.  He also fashioned gnome homes which were very fanciful.  They looked like they had come  from a fairy tale book. His creations sold very well and some were also given to family and friends.

He gave one gnome to my niece Danielle and her partner Scott.  Neither one likes conflict.  Well, who does?  It is so frustrating when people do not behave the way you want them to do.  You can’t send humans to obedience school or fit them with shock collars.  I let problems go on until I can’t stand it anymore.  Then I blow up and burn bridges.  I taught anger management classes to kids so this was very embarrassing to me!

Along with the gnome, the maker sent along instructions on how to use this gnome.  Set it on the kitchen table facing forwards.  If one of you is upset but needs to think before he or she speaks,  turn the gnome around like it is shunning you.  Then walk away.  Scott often saw the backside of this gnome and called it “being gnomed.”  We all enjoyed the gnome stories.  Finally, Danielle asked my husband to write a gnome poem.

Rendezvous

The gnomes

Are out tonight.

The moon is bright.

Shadowy thoughts

Are  interspersed

Among the trees.

Rustling  leaves

Betray their presence.

The essence

Is to believe.

You will see them

Nestling there

Unaware

Of your incredulous stare.

Yes,

The gnomes are out tonight

They are expecting me.

I must flee

Into the musty dank.

Their rank and file

Have no time

For dawdlers.

There is much to do.

I rue the  night

If human fright

Dissuaded

Their embrace

For I am a clone

Of this enigmatic race.

The gnomes are out tonight,

I must go.

Hopefully they leave you alone because I don’t want you to be “gnomed.”