GNOMERS’ DAY … December 21st … is coming soon again
This special day was created to honor all collectors of Gnomes.
Have you purchased the book entitled, "A Gnome's Christmas" (ISBN 0810950170)? It conveys a recent study of the lives and cultural habits of Gnomes - detailing their special love of the Christmas season. This delightful book features songs, stories, games and recipes, as well as captivating artwork by Rien Poortvliet. It is a must-have for Gnome fans of any age.
Technically, Gnome collectors are "Nanologists"
- but many humans don't know that. Lady collectors who are homemakers might
consider this: Next time you have to fill out a form asking your occupation,
instead of writing "homemaker" or "domestic engineer," write
"Nanologist" (with a capital "N"). I've been writing that
for years, and not one human has ever asked me what it is. That's probably
because the form recipients assumed it was a highly-specialized field and didn't
want to appear ignorant in the face of such a unique person! (Come to think of
it, you really could say that collecting Gnomes is a specialized field.) 
To prepare for December 1st and Gnomers’ Day …
Plan to have coffee with other collectors or even friends who are not collectors. How could anyone not enjoy your Gnomes and a special get-together on such a special day?
Place Gnomes on your dining tables, and think about moving others around a bit. They like a change of scene, too. Spruce up those needing a gently-wiped face and hands.
Send a copy of this write-up to the editors of your local newspapers. They may be willing to mention the day if enticed by the colorful heading!
If you have a Gnome-shaped cookie cutter, bake cookies. Bake a cake and decorate it with a Gnome design. Use a Gnome cookie cutter to press the shape onto the cake's top, then fill in the shape with icings. (A cake pan maker was been asked to consider making a Gnome; no response yet.)
If you've saved Gnome pictures and cards (like most of us), frame some for year-round pleasure. It doesn't matter if they have a holiday theme, because Gnomes are never out of season.
Walk around your home and extend a loving smile to every Gnome. Many collectors take a Gnomestroll nearly every day all year. Try it: You'll like it! Happy Gnome faces are a great way to start the day!
Tell more people about Gnomes … their charming lore, concern for our earth … and the many ways they brighten the lives and homes of humans. If you work, take Gnome cookies for co-workers!
When driving, place one of your largest Gnomes in the passenger seat facing outward (with seatbelt on). Make a red hat for yourself! Lock the car if you park, and leave a window open a tiny bit. Don't park in hot sun that can fade or damage the Gnome. At the end of this write-up there's a section to cut and mount for your car window (or anywhere you choose).
If you have any Gnome jewelry, wear it every day!
Think about doing a Gnome craft project (cross-stitch, knitting, needlepoint, painting, wood, etc.).
Name all your Gnomes. If they come with a name, use that one. If they don't, start making a list of apropos names you encounter. Don't worry if you have duplicate names; people do, too. Write names on the undersides with a thin, indelible marker. You can also use a white stick-on label and ballpoint pen to label Gnomes made of china or other glossy materials. If Gnomes are tiny, just cut a label to fit.
Take photographs of your entire collection. Put them in large albums with pages that have lift-off protective film or slip-in pockets. If you buy on the Internet, print out the listings' pictures for your book.
Inventory all your Gnome figurines in a book. (I call mine a "Gnomeventory.") List other Gnome items in a separate section (e.g., things like china, wall plates, pictures, tins, glassware, needlework and other craft projects, paper decorations, etc.). If you decorate a Christmas tree with Gnome items, give them a separate section. (Don't forget to include your Gnome collection in your Will, to be sure they'll have a caring home.)
Create
your own Christmas cards from Gnome designs you've saved. Actually, a cute
Gnome on a card can be used for any occasion.
Hang Gnome-shaped cookies on your Christmas tree with a narrow ribbon around the neck - and share them with guests.
If you're fortunate enough to find Gnomes for sale in a store, thank the manager or tell the check-out person you're happy to find a store selling Gnomes. I don't know of a collector who has ever found a Gnome banner, but be sure to quickly share the news with us if you find one!
Next time you need a gift for a child...make it a copy of the book 'Gnomes' (by Rien Poortvliet and Wil Huygen). They're still available from www.Amazon.com. Many collectors keep a few on hand for gift-giving.
I keep a variety of informative Gnome books on a coffee table all year long.
Many Gnome stories and books have been mentioned in the Gnome club newsletters. Be on the lookout for older books, too. You never know where they'll surface! Tell the clubs what you find and consider doing a book review.
'BYE FOR NOW … and …
For further information and enjoyment, visit www.foundus.com, or contact the International Gnome Club GNOMEGNET@aol.com and the World Wide Gnome Association QueenGnome@foundus.com
Print out the sign below – to cut and mount on cardboard.
GNOMERS’ DAY…DECEMBER 21st
To Honor Gnome Collectors! Sponsored by theWorld Wide Gnome Association
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