August 2002 WWGA NEWZLETTER
Welcome New Members
187. Paula aka Greengnome from  Massachusetts, USA  shimoda@ivillage.com 
188. Frank aka Squatty from Arizona, USA  stylyn4@cox.net  

 

 

Birthday Greetings
 Happy birthday to all WWGA Members born during the month of August!
 
 
July 13th was "Beware of Dreaded Trolls Day and I discovered two Trolls!
 
They are comical TL Designs characters.
I purchased them from a local ceramic shop.
Each is approximately 13-1/2 inches tall.
I planted a Burr Oak tree in my yard; this species is supposed to have the largest acorns, but it will take many years before it produces. 
 
I plan to set up these two trolls under the Oak tree along with some of my large gnomes.
 
I wonder if I can create some harmony between these trolls and my realm of gnomes?
 
 
Visit the TL Designs web site at www.claymagicinc.com
There you will discover some wonderful "Eye Painting Instructions"

Now for our lesson in Astrology, I present Madam Gemini and her companion Poo

Poo consults Madam Gemini, whom she calls GiGi ...

Madam Gigi & Poo - Discuss Virgo
 
Poo:    Gigi my friend Aster told me about a young human maiden whom the gnomes called Virgo. Every year between August 22 and September 23 she would visit the forest and bath in the mystical waterfall pool. Young male gnomes would seek her out because she was so beautiful. Females would pull the young males away because the maiden was known to be a favorite of Mercury.
 
 
Gigi:    Yes Poo, but it is a sad tale for Mercury ruled Virgo, loving her fiery spirit. Virgo wanted a life of harmony and beauty but her quick wit and talkative nature prevented her from attaining her goals. She wanted Mercury to wed. Mercury being a gnome with god-like qualities was unable to wed a human maiden. Every year the two are drawn together for thirty days in the magical forest where they first met. People born under the sign of Virgo often display the dual nature of the maiden and Mercury.
 
Poo:    That explains why my friend Aster is so talkative, she is a Virgo!
 
Gigi:    I know something that she would like. Visit the gnome-weavers shop and pick up a hanky made from the new fabric that the gnomettes have painted with morning glories and cornflowers.
 
Poo:    What about her twin brother. I want to give him a gift too. What do you think he would treasure?
 
Gigi:    I recommend a visit to the gnome lapidary and gem shop Poo. Why, just last week I seen small golden acorns set with blue sapphires, chrysolite and pink jasper in the shop. I am certain he would treasure one.
 
Poo:    Oh, thank you Gigi! You are always so helpful.
Bulletin Board - Take time from your busy schedules to contribute to our gnome bulletin board. Even if it is just to drop in and say HI! The bulletin board is where you will find notices about special gnome days, greetings and adventure. Our realms of gnomes would love to hear from you so drop by soon.
 Book Reviews
The Gnomes of Pepper Tree Forest, Huff and Puff and the Troll Hole.
This wonderful story was written in 1934, by Don Arthur Torgersen. It is illustrated by Tom Dunnington. Copyright is 1982, Regensteiner Publishing Enterprises Inc. Size:  8 x 9-1/2 inches. [Originally reviewed in our November 2001 WWGA Newsletter]
 
Huff and Puff are two young gnomes who delight in causing mischief in Pepper Tree Forest. Three ugsome trolls named Grunt, Bellow and Roar have only one eye which is shared among them and slapped in the middle of their foreheads. The trolls dig a troll hole to capture the gnomes and demand their eyes. Huff and Puff brew a soup called Grandma’s Glugg to keep the trolls happy. The trolls lose their one and only eye in a drunken dance. Until the troll’s eye is returned, no one is happy in the forest.
 
To obtain a copy of this book travel to this link:
http://www.treeoftales.com/synopses.html

Here is an up-to-date list of books that have been reviewed and where you can locate the reviews.
 
Gnome Book Review Pages
Gnomes
The Gnomes Book of Christmas Crafts
Beware of the Gnomes
The Gnome >From Timsgaard
Gnome Life
Elves, Gnomes and Other Little People
The Complete Book of Gnomes and Haflings
The Enchanted World of ... Gnomes
The Pop-Up Book of Gnomes
Secrets of the Gnomes
Scandinavian Gnomes and Trolls
The Complete Gnomes
The Secret Book of the Gnomes (25 Volume Set)
Teeny Tiny Gnome Tomes
   (3 mini book set includes: Gnomes to the Rescue, A Gnome Counting Book and Little Gnome Facts)
The Special Present
Gnomes in the Garden
 
Newsletter Book Reviews
At Home With The Christmas Gnomes [November 2000]
A Special Christmas With The Gnomes [December 2000]
Gnomes and Gardens [January 2001]
The Ghost of Black Lake Castle [February 2001]
The Woodland Folk Meet The Gnomes [March 2001]
Good Night, Garden Gnome [May 2001]
Pookins Gets Her Way [July 2001]
Fang the Gnome [August 2001]
The Earth Gnome [September 2001]
The Wonderful Adventures of Nils (Book 1) [October 2001]
Further Adventures of Nils (Book 2) [October 2001]
Huff and Puff and the Troll Hole [November 2001]
Christmas Wonderland [December 2001]
The Pop-Up Book of Gnomes and Their Families [January 2002]
Gartenzwerge (Embroidery/Cross Stitching) [February 2002]
Hedgie's Surprise [June 2002]
The Adventures of Gismo the Garden Gnome [July 2002]
 
Greetings! ...My name is Professor Stone E. Mountain, but please call me Professor SEM. 
Greetings!..As most of you know, I am Professor Stone E. Mountain, but please call me Professor SEM.  I would like to express my pleasure and joy in seeing so many of you who are returning and also, for those of you who are new to my class.  Thank you for showing such interest in something we Gnomes care so greatly about.

Today we are going to explore the mysterious and beautiful sapphire.  So let us begin, as we normally do, by closing your eyes and allowing me to take you to a place where some of the most beautiful sapphires have been mined, Sri Lanka.  Now open your eyes and behold!   On my podium  you will see my favorite sapphire, blue like the sky.

First, let us discuss a little history.  Sapphires were first mined from Ceylon, now Sri Lanka, but brought to your world originally from the planet Saturn.  They  also come from Australia, Thailand, Canada, and in the states of Montana and North Carolina in the USA.  There are many colors with each color having their own particular meanings, with the exception of red.  Red is considered to be a ruby and another subject to be discussed at a later date.  It is also considered the second hardest mineral on the face of the earth following behind the diamond.

We believe sapphires enhance our wisdom,  give us the power to find correct solutions in challenging situations, bring joy, peace, intuition and help divert unwelcomed and negative thoughts.  It aides in our fulfilling our goals for the future, expressing love to another and extending our hand in true and loyal friendships.

The blue sapphire helps in communicating, gives insight, intuition, inspiration and peacefulness.  Most gnome parents will present their young children with a blue sapphire to aide in a positive and peaceful dream through their sleep, escaping the negative ones.  The stone will lay beside their bed at night and just prior to sleep the young gnome, with assistance of his parents, will rub the blue sapphire between their small hands.  Then it will be placed on their night stand and when the moon shines it's luminous light on the stone, the room takes on a cool, calm, serene blue atmosphere aiding in the young gnome's blissful slumber.

Clear sapphires will enhance centering your thoughts and aide in cheerful attitudes.  Green is known to help with luck,  yellow for wisdom  and pink for passion.  Whatever sapphire color you choose you can be assured that it will be an added treasure to your collection of energy stones.

Now, unfortunately, it is time to return to your homes.  Please close your eyes and with our return, know that my wish for you is of love, peace and harmony. 

Until next month may you always walk down the path luck.
"Slitzweitz"

Professor Stone E. Mountain
Master Scribe:  LadyIndigofae@aol.com

From Professor Konsh's Class - Our New Children's Corner!

Hjaya !!! I am Professor Konsh. I come from afar…….From a land of beauty and enchantment. My homeland is " C I X E M O ".

 " TREES ARE OUR FRIENDS "

I am sure you have lots of friends and you must be very happy. I also have many, many friends. Indeed hundreds, maybe thousands. Surprised ?

Trees are amongst my very special friends. Gnomes have a deep and great respect for trees. Did you know that trees are the biggest and tallest living creatures that exist? (even bigger than the largest whale ).

Sequoias are the tallest – more than 80 meters. A giant Sequoia in California, U. S. A. measures 110 meters. And a 2000 year old Ahuehuete tree in Oaxaca, Mexico is so corpulent, so large around (42 meters ) that it takes 28 adults stretching their arms and holding hands to surround it.

Trees are also the living creatures ( including GNOMES ) with the longest life span. Some Sequoias have lived for over 3000 years…….

Seeds that become trees are very small…….some are so small that it will take 3000 of them to weigh just 10 grams !!!!!!!

If trees do not get the proper care, they will die. They can also die if they are stricken by a ray. Some animals damage the trunk or the bark, and the food will not circulate properly inside the tree.. Trees can become ill, invaded by a plague or fungus. Trees can suffer…….They can FEEL……. Us, gnomes, LOVE trees and we take care of them. We get very SAD and ANGRY when we see human beings mistreating, damaging and killing these wonderful creatures.

WOULD YOU LIKE TO BECOME A DEFENDANT / PROTECTOR OF NATURE ?

It is very simple…….CREATE A GNOME CHARACTER….visualize yourself as a GNOME. What kind of gnome would you like to be ?

How would you look ? MAKE A DRAWING OF YOURSELF AS A GNOME and give the gnome a name…….

Let´s also find a name for " Our Club " Think about a GOOD SUITABLE name for it. Send me your suggestions. If you wish send me also a copy of your gnome drawing…….I´d love to see it !!!!!!! In return I will send you a personally autographed picture of Professor Konsh

HOW TO TAKE CARE OF NATURE:

  1. Don't step on small, young trees.
  2. Pick up the trash and put it in a plastic bag…….(can be separated as ORGANIC and NON-ORGANIC )
  3. Don't pull leaves from a tree…….if you wish to collect them, pick the ones that are already on the ground.
  4. Leave the bird nests on the branches…….also the small eggs in them.
  5. Talk to plants, flowers, trees…….they love the music of your sweet voices.

These are just a few suggestions. PLEASE increase the list…….I promise to include your ideas in the next newsletter so ALL the members around the world will read them.

SOME ACTIVITIES WITH TREES AND LEAVES:

  1. REAL LEAVES: Collect many different leaves…….Paste them on a piece of cardboard or thick paper. Under each, write the name of the tree where the leaf came from. Put the date and include in Activity Book.
  2. CONTOUR / SILHOUETTE: Place a leaf on a white piece of paper. Trace the contour. Remove the leaf. You can color or decorate the silhouette. Make several silhouettes with different leaf shapes. Add to your Gnome Activity Book.
  3. TRACING / RUBBING TREE BARKS: White tracing paper and Wax Crayons (without paper wrapper). Place gently a sheet of paper on the bark of the tree…….hold it carefully…….Take a wax crayon (flat) and rub the bark surface. You will get a beautiful design !!!!!!!

Write the name of the tree and the date. Choose different trees so you can get a nice collection of different barks. You will be surprised with the results. You can put them in your Gnome Activity Book.

Next time: MORE on trees and Nature……. Plus some surprises and puzzles

CIVEDI AMISHEN,
Professor Konsh

Professor Konsh’s Gnome Dictionary:
CIVEDI ~ ( cheevehdee ) ~ see you !!!
AMISHEN ~ ( amishen ) ~ friends

Email Professor Konsh:
professorkonsh@hotmail.com you will receive a response directly from the Professor!

How to make friends!

There is one simple rule for making friends: Be friendly! Even people you don't know will usually be willing to talk to you if you appear friendly and don't seem to be a threat. But you also need to show genuine interest in them if there is to be any long-term friendship.

Let's get one thing clear though — even if everyone was friendly toward you, you still wouldn't want everyone to be your close friend. That's because we all have:

different personalities 
different interests 
different upbringing 
different likes and dislikes 
different ideas about what we want our friends to be like. 
The fact is, some people would drive you crazy if they were your close friends!

Choose your friends
Instead of thinking, “I have no friends. I want a lot of friends,” just try for one or two. Most people can only handle a few close friends — from zero to three is common. If you just want a “boyfriend” or “girlfriend” because you're lonely, that means one friend, so you've made a start. How do you make a close friend? Here's one way:

Among all the Christians you know who at present are not your close friends, think of one who seems to have ideas or likes and dislikes closest to your own. This is probably the first person you should try to become close friends with. It may be someone in your youth group, from your church, school, or anywhere else. Now let's see how to turn this person into a friend.

Start with a brief conversation
To start, think of something you could talk to this person about, even if it's only for a minute or two. You may simply ask him or her:

what she or he thinks about a certain song or type of music 
what he or she likes to do on weekends 
what places or events she or he likes to go to. 
Or maybe something has happened at your school, the place you work, or on the TV news that you could ask the person's opinion about. Whatever you decide, try in a friendly way to get them to talk with you and discuss it for a while. If you can find out what this person really likes, you can then learn something about it yourself. You can probably get the person talking very easily by asking them a few questions about it.

Keep in mind that no one likes being asked a lot of personal questions from someone who is not yet a close friend. So try to put people at ease until they feel comfortable talking to you. Make the conversation a two-way discussion: don't do all the talking yourself, and don't expect the other person to do all the talking or answer all the questions. If it doesn't work out the first time, try again later.

Practice on others to get rid of nerves
If you feel too nervous about talking to them, put it off until you feel OK about it. In the meantime, practice your talking skills on someone you don't care about quite as much. This will give you valuable practice because you won't be as nervous.

After finally talking to your new potential friend, if you still think he or she is someone you would like to have as a friend, either invite them out with a group or see if they would like to go to a public place with you (such as an exhibition, a sports game, a school art display, or somewhere you are both out in the open). This is much less threatening than asking them over to your house straight away or asking them to go to the movies.

If you need to, you could organize a few people to go somewhere. Just say something like: “A few of us are going to the big baseball game next month — would you like to come?” You could say this to several people until you have enough people to go. If it's an invitation to something you know the person likes, success is pretty likely!

Brush off rejection
The hardest thing about making friends for some people is that they don't know how to be friendly. Or how to brush off rejection and try again. But anyone can do it.

Think about people who come to this country from overseas to live. How do they make friends? Well, they take every opportunity to talk to people. They will ask for directions, ask questions, talk to strangers in the bus or train, go around meeting all the neighbors, join the local church, talk to sales clerks and customers in stores they visit … whatever they need to do to make friends and find out about this new country and culture and where things are in the area. Mostly they won't turn these strangers into friends, but every now and then they will. Friendliness pays off if you keep working at it until it's a natural part of your personality.

Starting friendships
Friendships have been built from very small beginnings. One teen, Angela, moved to a new city with her family, and joined the local church youth group. She noticed a girl in the group, Michelle, who had particularly beautiful hair, and said to her: “I wish I had beautiful hair like you have — mine always looks flat!” 

Michelle said to Angela, “Really? I used to have that problem too, but I learned how to fix it — let me show you what to do.” 

They became good friends from that moment, because Angela's comment was not empty flattery, but sincere admiration.

And that's the difference. Try to find something genuinely nice to say to the other person and it will break down a lot of barriers to starting any friendship. If you want to make friends, be friendly!

:  In your face! game 
See a random face. Memorize it. Then try to reconstruct it! [Some browsers don't show this correctly — particularly Netscape.] 
VACATIONING WITH GNOMES ...

 

 
 Want to visit a campground with a gnome theme? Here is one located in the beautiful State of Pennsylvania, Dutch Country, U.S.A.!
 
Has the makings of a great place to have a Gnome Gathering.
 
 

SQUEEGIE THE GNOME GOES ON VACATION WITH MARAFAE'S FAMILY

READ all about it and see the pictures.....it's so exciting.

Find out what happened in Jackson Hole when Squeegie was held against his well by gunpoint by the local gun man, and then how he road on a buffalo, road to the top of the Teton's on a tram, watched Old Faithful erupt, met a huge Grizzly bear and more........it's so exciting! 

http://www.faeriebelievers.com/vacation/Vacation_July_2002.htm 

Gnome Member Cerridwen during her council meeting back in May had some inspiring thoughts.
 
Place your comments on our bulletin board for all to enjoy.
  • How and when was the first gnome created and how were gnomes discovered?
  • Are there any evil gnomes?
  • What can we do to prevent evil gnomes (if they exist) from coming into our homes, but at the same time invite the good gnomes?
  • Has a gnome ever married a faerie?
  • How to locate hard to find gnome items?
  • Where can you find information on gnome health and diet?
  • How does one care for a gnome that is ill?
Blessed be to all of you and thank you for joining me in this wonderful world of plants, herbs and flowers.  The valuable information I am about to bestow on you is being brought to you from the Gnomes  "Secret Book of Life" and for those of you who don't know who I am, I am the Gnome Enchantress of plant life.

The expertise that I have been empowered with has been handed down through centuries, with the aide of my  mother, her mother and their mothers before them.  We Gnomes have always valued the earth's riches and now we would like to extend our wisdom to you.

So without further delay, let us begin.  Today we shall discuss the herb "Lemon Balm".

Lemon Balm is noted to be an herb to assist in relaxing or calming of the heart.  It is has been said that lemon balm drives away sadness from the heart, or,  if one's heart is cold, will aide in bringing love and warmth back to your life.

Lemon Balm originated from the Mediterranean, naturalized in Europe and then to North America Of course, once again, we Gnomes actually brought this multi-purpose herb to your world from another universe centuries ago to share with your culturist.

Lemon Balm is a vigorous bushy easy growing perennial with a strong lemony scent.  You can plant this herb nearly anywhere in your yard or in a container as it can be grown in any kind of soil with full sun or part shade.  Another benefit to planting lemon balm in your yard is the lemony scent it puts off on warm summer sunny days.

Many a young female gnome wishing for love will take lemon balm leaves, place them in water and bathe in them under a full moon, concentrating and dreaming of finding her one true love.  Before the next full moon, this young gnome will meet her eternal partner and as one would say "live happily ever after".

Lemon balm is used in various ways.  You can use it fresh or dried, however, fresh does have a stronger scent.  You can use fresh leaves when you want to add  lemon flavor  to soup, salads, stuffing's, deserts and liqueurs.  Although Gnomes do not eat meat and can not be verified by us, we are told that taking a handful of lemon balm, stuffing the cavity of chicken and then roasting it is a delightful treat to the human taste buds.

When  you experience sadness, anxiety or stress, consider this method to aide in the reduction of these negative feelings.  A handful of fresh lemon balm leaves in a warm bath and possibly soothing flute music for approximately 20 minutes.

Mix lemon balm leaves in oil for a delightful massage either for yourself or someone who you care for.

You can rub the leaves on your body as an insect repellent, or rub the leaves on an insect bite for relief from itching.

As a desert, you can snip fresh lemon balm leaves over thinly sliced oranges, sprinkle with lemon and/or orange juice, sweeten with a little honey and refrigerate till cold.  This is a pleasant summer desert that will delight children of all ages.

When sleep is essential and not easily acquired consider making a lemon balm tea.  Mix fresh leaves (only a few to begin with) with either mint or chamomile, pour boiling water over the leaves and brew for approximately 3 to 4 minutes.  Or, for a refreshing addition to your ice tea, use a few leaves to add a lemony flavor.

I hope you have enjoyed this lesson on lemon balm.  It is a versatile, aromatic and favorable herb so experiment with it .  If you have any questions,  feel free to email them to my Master Scribe and she will direct your letter promptly to me. 

Until next month, blessings be to all of you.
Shopping Basket:  Interested in seeing some very unique and unusual gnomes? Ever wonder if there is a gnome that looks like someone you know? Well, check out Gnome City because they can create special gnomes that look like people you know, from photographs!
 
Meet Andy the Gnome:
 
 
Contact Mark Thomas via his site or
Snail Mail:  I must become a Gnome, Elite Highway, 1 Elmfield Way, Bramley, Leeds England, LS13 4UD
 
www.gnomecity.com
Select the Gnome Cap "BE A GNOME"
52913-OAww.gif (14071 bytes)Crafty Corner
Check out Gare's New Gnome Molds
 
I just adore the little lady holding the bowl. I think I will make one for myself; then fill the bowl with small cones to which I will add scented oils. If I set it over a heat register then the heat will warm the gnome and voila - the scents will permeate the room! What a wonderful idea for Christmas gifts. It could go outside during summer and indoors for winter months. The gnome with the wheel barrel would also make an excellent gift. You can fill the wheel barrel or bowl with things like packets of seeds, nuts (and we all know how gnomes love nuts!), sweets or dried flowers.
 
 
Need Pine Cones? Visit the PineConeLady's site. It is very informative and full of crafty ideas. The PineConeLady believes gnomes to be "Pine Cone Harvesters" - what a fabulous label for gnomes! Also, take the time to read her bio which is located on her site. She has informed me that she has collected pine cones from a very young age and watched David the Gnome on television with her children. You can email her at PineConeLady@aol.com or click on the following logos to visit her sites:
 


{Natural Cones}


{Pinecone Craft Projects & Ideas}

Hi to all our friends, from Kevin the Gnome

Thought you'd like to know, there is a new Gnome on the net!

 In fact on Kevin the Gnome's very own website; his name is "Gustav the Gastronome" and he will be bringing you a regular "Cooking Class". That's if Kevin the Gnome can get him off the cooking sherry!!!!!

 

Gus wants the recipe for Rumjum. Within our Royal Cellars are oak barrels full of Rumjum. Rumjum is made from sugar cane grown in Jamaica, aged in oak barrels, and served warm with a secret mix of spices. Every gnome family has its own family version. Some like to warm it with raisins, cinnamon and cloves. While others enjoy it warm topped with a dab of fresh dairy butter and a pinch of cinnamon. It is also used in gnome cooking. Crushed walnuts, hazelnuts or filberts simmered in rumjum along with raisins; then roasted in the wood stove oven with sea salt are favorites of gnomes. Our Secret Book tells us that a group of gnomes first enjoyed rum aboard a buccaneer ship who's Captain was none other than the famous Captain Morgan back in the 1700's!

FEATURE ARTIST:  
 

  Member, Carl Spirito, Sculpturer, Saco, Maine

Castings are usually made from Carl's original sculptures. First, his original sculptures are carefully molded in Silicon Rubber. Then they are hand-cast in Polyurethane Resin, a very hard and stable medium, for use indoors and out. Painting and texurizing are done with acrylic and oil paints, and other materials. All his figure castings are made with love, one at a time, as limited editions.

Carl's work is now linked to our general web site.

You can view Carl's work on his personal site via this link
 
Carl wrote an informative article for GARDEN RAILWAYS Magazine which you will find linked to his personal site. It is a detailed article on sculpting and I would highly recommend it to anyone working with polymer clays.
 
This link will take you directly to his educational manuscript and further instructive links for those involved in sculpting or with the desire to sculpt:
 
Carl is a member of our club and can be contacted at: 

email ... carlo@spirito.biz

or call Carl at (207) 937-7859 (6-9 PM, Eastern US Time)

Comments?  Contact QueenGnome@foundus.com queengnome.jpg (14369 bytes)

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