How Gnome Became My Childhood Buddy & Sparked My Imagination

The Unexpected Treat from Gnome

The next day, the morning sun filtered through our bedroom window. While admiring the sunrays I spotted a tiny rainbow shining inside my Mary-Janes. Curiosity made me get up to investigate. In disbelief, I discovered three honey candies wrapped in golden foil and cellophane paper inside my Mary-Janes! I found a note too! And so, I read the note: “Be good and enjoy the sweets.” The note was signed “Gnome.”

I whispered to my sister who was still asleep, to see if her shoes were also filled with treats. And lo and behold, they were. We both were filled with excitement. First, we ran to our mom to see if she had an explanation, but she did not. Second, we asked our older sister, but she did not have one either.

How We Build a House for Gnome

After Gnome’s first visit, my twin sister and I decided to build a house for him. We hoped we could lure him in and catch a glimpse of him. We built the house at the foot of the Pomarosa tree—Rose Apple—that grew in our backyard. We made the house walls from sticks and leaves stuck together with mud. We used twigs and bark for the roof. And finally, we added several layers of thick Pomarosa leaves glued together with plenty of mud. We were experts at mixing the best mud there was.

After the house was built, we furnished it with a tiny table and a chair we made from bark and twigs. We also made a comfy bed from bark and shredded leaves for a mattress and placed it in a corner. Afterward, we placed Barbie China and silverware on the table. We filled the plates and saucers with fern leaves and Morning Glory berries. We didn’t know what gnomes ate, but this seemed an appropriate menu for Gnomes.

How We Knew Gnome Had Inhabited His Custom-Made Home

We took turns watching Gnome’s house. One day, as I was intently spying, I thought I saw a little pinecone person flashing in and out of the house. Surprisingly, after looking closer, I noticed that the table setting had been disturbed. Indeed, the plates were half full. For sure it must have been Gnome who had eaten the food. There could not be another explanation.

Although we never saw him again, my twin sister and I had to replenish the Morning Glory berries every morning. We figured that, like many children, me included, Gnome was not fond of greens.

How Gnome Became My Long-Lasting Friend

For months, my sister and I hung our Mary-Janes from the railings of our toddler beds. For months, Gnome filled them with honey candies, until one day, when mom decided to replace the toddler beds with grown-up beds.

The grown-up beds had no railings and no place to hang our Mary-Janes. So, for months, despite the new beds, we kept the Mary-Janes at the foot of our beds. And for months, Gnome kept filling them with honey candies. Until one day, the Mary-Janes no longer fit, so, Mom replaced them with black patent ballerina slippers.

And so, for months, we place the ballerina slippers at the foot of our beds. And for months, Gnome continued to fill them with honey candies. Until one day, we forgot to place our shoes at the foot of our beds. And we forgot the next day, and the day after until we even forgot our friend Gnome. He became a figment of our imagination, although he stayed unnoticeable in my heart.

How I Reacquainted with My Long-Lost Friend Gnome

It was not until the day when my daughter hung her black suede Mary-Janes on the railing of her toddler bed that I remembered Gnome. It is hard to explain the rush of emotions that ran through my body. In seconds, I was transported to once upon a time, and I was once more that little girl who loved Gnome best of all.

The next morning, my daughter came running to me filled with excitement in her eyes. In the palm of her hand, she held three honey candies and a note in the other hand. As she looked inquisitively into my eyes with a big smile, I responded: “Gnome was my friend too.”

How My Childhood Memories Inspired the Design of the First Gnome Ornament

One Christmas, my children and I created the first version of Gnome. We made Him from mini pinecones, just like I remembered him from that magical day when I was lucky enough to catch a glimpse of him in my childhood home’s backyard.

Years later, when I decided to share my magical world of fantastical creatures and love for Christmas ornaments, I redesigned our original Gnome ornament, and the Pinecone Gnome was born. This was CELIStial Art’s first ornament.

I gave Gnome a colorful felt hat to keep his head warm. Also, I added a long scarf to keep him warm at night. In my dreams, I envisioned Gnome carrying the berries and ferns out of his house. So, to complete his character, I gave him something to hold. Depending on what I have available, he may carry flowers, bugs, berries, stars, snowflakes, or whatnot.

How I Honored Gnome, My Childhood Best Friend

I created the Pinecone Gnome ornament in honor of Gnome, my once-upon-a-time friend. I dedicate this ornament to those people from my childhood who let Gnome sneak into my bedroom without me noticing it. I do not know whether it was Mom, my older sister Laura, or my nanny Edra, who allowed Gnome into my bedroom. Perhaps, they were all in on it. Nevertheless, I dedicate this Pinecone Gnome ornament to all of them since I’m sure at least one must have been complicit.

I also dedicate this whimsical gnome to all imaginary friends and not-so-much-imaginary friends all kids might have, so they will never forget them. This Pinecone Gnome ornament reminds you to treasure every moment with your imaginary friends and let them expand your imagination into worlds you might otherwise never reach.

Finally, I dedicate these unique handmade Pinecone Gnome ornaments to parents, grandparents, teachers, nannies, older siblings, and so forth, so that they may let the likes of Gnome befriend their little loved ones and foster this friendship. The likes of Gnome can spring off the pages of a book, or from a tale’s whimsies. They can surprise you while baking cookies or exploring the inhabitants of a creek. Never waste a single moment. Look closer and I assure you that you will discover a whole new world for your imagination to thrive.

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