Our Security Guard

Garden Gnome - Der Gartenzwerg

I know it is silly - but I love the German word for Garden Gnome. Last year I must have giggled for several months every time I heard the word. So much so, that my family stopped being amused. Whether it is from my childhood of seeing ceramic creatures in gardens, Harry Potter or even the gnomes they sell today - it is my weak spot.   And oh yes, for those that remember me from my youth... yes, I know all about ceramics...  I rarely mention the fact that my folks owned a campground  for 17 years - but they did. Each one of us had a different view of that time - but I for one am glad I do not own a campground. In any case, I was the ceramic teacher every summer and part of  the school year. I taught children every Sunday morning and adults every Thursday night.  Since then - I have not painted or had any ceramics in my house - except for the ceramics of my children. However, I LOVE garden gnomes!  Last year my family found the perfect gnome for me.   I needed the perfect one - kitschy and rude! He stood proud in our Carrboro home and  is our determined little security guard. As one enters our apartment and looks straight down our hallway, they come eye to eye with this little guy. We can call him our security for the tough look in his eyes or perhaps his most important roll - keeping humor in the household. (Apologies to all that are offended - no harm meant).