an East Texas Fair and a wee little gnome....

met for the first time tonight!  I'd suspected she'd hitched a ride when reaching for a lipstick I came up empty-handed.   You know how most of our purses have a side pocket inside we stuff full?  And you know how frustrating it is when you reach to grab your goodie and it's empty?  Well, ladies I'm here to tell you this is a favorite traveling perch for gnomes and fairies.  Gnomes & fairies who kick out the goodies to make room to stretch as they hitch a ride!  Uhhhh, I quite accidentally came unto this bit of info lately (for sure another story).

I didn't spot her though, until I stood transfixed by the ferris wheel.  The seat LOOKED empty with no heads sticking up, but the entire thing was rocking to & fro in the opposite direction of the swings.  Okay, here I must admit, I still wasn't paying close attention until the sparkler came into view.  Speechless, I edged closer thinking NO WAY, BUT wAY!!!!!!  She skillfully leaped to the edge of the fastened door and with one last huge wave of her fading-fast sparkler jumped to the ground.   She strutted past me with nary a glance.  Now here is where my mouth fell wide open!  On her back, visible because of her Junk Gypsy tank top (Now how did she get that from one of my favorite junksters?) was a HUGE PINK hEART tAToo!  

I hastened to catch up as she trotted into a pavilion.  PIGS, pigs, pigs, here and there and everywhere!  BUT, no Mossy!   I dashed into another pavilion to find COWS, cows, cows, here and there and everywhere!  BUT, no Mossy.  It twas then when I heard quite the commotion.  A commotion creating a stampede from the petting corral.  Parents snatched up children running pell-mell out the gate.  Why even the obvious gatekeeper had jumped the fence and fled the pen.   Dodging the masses, I found my little culprit on the back of a small black & white goat.   She scowled even harder as she clutched two fists of hair.  The goat was in full bucking-bull mode and quite intent on ridding his back of its rider.  Mossy let go!!!!  I yelled over the commotion!  Never, she screeched, this little sucker took a bite of my hair!  Dirt, flew in about every direction it could, as the billy goat spun ever faster!  "Mossy, don't use that word," I admonished as I pondered the scene before me.  This was quite the mess how on earth could it end? No sooner the thought than end it did.  That little billy goat just lowered his head,  providing the way for Rodeo Mossy to exit.  She regally climbed between its ears and off his nose.  She turned shaking her finger at billy and then cut her eyes to me.  Exaggerating a stretch and a yawn ,she announced it was time to go home.  Rolling my eyes, I'd had enough.  But wait, just as I opened my mouth to inquire of a  pink heart tatoo ........poof !  Geepers!  So I stamped my foot in frustration and asked of its origin just the same right outloud.  The billy goat turned and mumbled one word.......fake.  WHAT?  Did a goat just answer? Well, yes, it appeared he had.   For he followed it up with a swish of his tail and a wink of his eye, again!

a WiNk of wHimsEy: a picture's worth a thousand words......

a WiNk of wHimsEy: a picture's worth a thousand words......: "so here's Mossy! Of course, this is my attempt to draw that you might see the saucey little imp. Believe me when I say it does not do ..."

a picture's worth a thousand words......

so here's Mossy! Of course, this is my attempt to draw that you might see the saucey little imp.   Believe me when I say it does not do her justice, but does catch a bit of the "attitude"! 

Bon Appetit!

Okay, I admit it.......I like to play dress up!  Below is evidence of my latest as Julia Childs.  Yes, it's for promoting a great event, but it was MY idea to don the garb.   In my preparations for the costume, Halloween came up yet again.  "Now what happens on Halloween?"  questions an impatient Mossy.  "They give away caNDY?  I'll dress up, too!   Guess what I'm going to be?  Guess what I'm  going to be?"  As she chanted on and on, I couldn't help but think of the obvious.........why not.......a gnome?  Unfortunately (for me), I uttered these words out loud.  One moment my polish remover had been on the end table and the next, well, let's just say I have a pair of jeans for painting in.  "I do declare, Mossy that if I can get my hands on you.........." You can see who's turn it was to chant on and on now.  After a bit of ranting, I suddenly realized I was quite alone.  Freaky.  Where was she?  This was one of those moments, like when a toddler gets quiet that you KNOW somethings going down.  These somethings are rarely good.

Mossy?
MOssy?
MOSsy?
MOSSy?
MOSSY?

I froze as I rounded the bar, my Julia Childs' pillbox hat was moving!   It seemed to float an inch or so off the floor and was heading straight to me!  It had to be her, right?  Gulp! And then I heard her.."Su-Surprise!" and with a grunt and a heave Mossy threw the hat off to the side.  Oh, Glory be!  It was an outfit that perfectly duplicated mine until you got to the feet.  Julia Childs stood below and in front of me, a gnome that is, dressed like Julia Childs.  She had on the classic pumps, but unfortunately the hose she wore were hot pink fishnets!  I slapped my hand over my mouth, just in time.  I feared what piece of clothing I would lose next, if this laugh escaped.

"Your her"  I cried instead.  " By George (or rather Julia), you've done it!  Mossy beamed with pride and began to strut for all to see (this would be me).  My last glimpse of the wee Julia for the day was a memorable one for sure!  She had slipped outside and stood on the porch railing.  Below her as if she were holding court, six doves listened quite intently.  What was she saying?  I thought as I cracked open a window.  Yes, there it was again.  In a lilting screech she did her best with none other than Julia's greeting,  Bon Appetit! And to you, Bon Jour!!!!!

a WiNk of wHimsEy: Jeremiah was a bullfrog, was...

a WiNk of wHimsEy: Jeremiah was a bullfrog, was...: "a good friend of mine....... These were the screechy words of song I began to hear above the clanking of dishes. Is there (might I ask) an..."

Jeremiah was a bullfrog, was...

a good friend of mine.......  These were the screechy words of song I began to hear above the clanking of dishes.  Is there (might I ask) anything remotely more boring than emptying a dishwasher?  Well, not anymore for me this morn.  Creeping down the hall I began to hear splashing accompanying the song.   Peeking around the corner there she was!  Mossy bathing in my frog fountain!!! Water was tossed every direction as she flitted from level to level in a.........OH NO!  Can you guess, YES, that's it ....A YELLOW POLKA-DOT BIKINI!  Wow what a sight to behold......let's just say Special K would NOT be featuring this model for their commercials (either before or after shots).  HeHeHe, Mossy was so absorbed in her play, she had yet to notice me watching (or so she wanted me to think).  Seriously, who knows how a gnome thinks.  It was then I noticed her shoes.  Want to guess again?  Sorry, you couldn't.  Dorthy's red slippers.  Well, she knew I watching now, for I had to sit down I was laughing so hard.  "Fiddle dee dee" was her only acknowledgement, as she grew even louder in song and play. 

I watched for awhile as her play was contagious.  Then I began to hear it again, woRK, reSPONSIBILITIES, and choRES calling.  Wait, I noticed as I turned to leave.....  a small wee pumpkin on Mossy's moss.  As you would guess the obvious, Mossy adores moss.  ALL moss, mood moss, reindeer moss, sphagum moss, etc. etc.  For the wee one, I try to keep several containers with strictly moss as an occupant scattered about the house.  One of these is above the fountain.  This one filled with mood moss.  in particular, is a favorite for an afternoon nap, but never have I seen anything on it, but Mossy. 

FINALLY, YOU CAN SEE IT, TOO!!!!!!!  I snap picture after picture of the wee little gnome but never does her image appear, but her PUMPKIN DOES!  Hope you enjoy it.........tickles me pink or orange in this case. 

 And so, humming, I load the dishwasher......Jeremiah was a bullfrog, was a

balance........

don't we all seek it ceaselessly?  A visual of Mossy balancing on an egg a few blogs back comes quickly to mind.  If Mossy had lost her balance she would have plunged into a rather icky mess (also created one for ME to clean up).  And don't we find ourselves in an "icky mess" when we over or even under commit to the wrong or even right thing?  I can seriously say from experience MISERY rules the day.  It's as if a two year old picks up a crayon and begins to color every surface in the house and the coloring book.  In other words,  EVERYTHING is colored by imbalance, whether it's the culprit or not. 

Funny thing is that while I ponder "balance" I am laying on my back on the living room floor.  Above me the ceiling fan turns slowly around.  Unconsciously at first, the wobble of the fan goes unnoticed until a small flip-flop clad foot dangling off one side comes into focus.  Good gracious, MOSSY!!!!!!  A tiny chuckle followed, but there was no change in the dangling.   I'm not sure how long we had both hung out in those positions, she above and me below, when suddenly, Mossy peeked over the edge of the fan and the spitball landed on my cheek.  SPLAT! UGH!  Leaping to my feet the chase was on!  She squealed in delight as she dashed out the back door.   Rushing into Pandora I skidded to a stop (or tried to) to the very edge of the pond  andddddddd OOPS!  Let's just say Princess and Flash (two of our Koi) had to move over.   Mossy tried not to laugh (she really did).  She calmly swung to and fro in the wreath watching with widened eyes.  Seriously, who would have known that my fall decorating would have produced a swing for the wee one?  But it was just too much for me,  first I started with giggles then huge yelps of laughter.   There I sat in about 28" deep water wiping away both tears and pond water from my eyes.   Princess, Flash, Fish, Suzy, Jake, and Cora  (Koi, Shebunkins, & Comet Goldfish) circled me in the pond.   And to think, this all began with......what? .....really?........BALANCE?

I kissed a boy......

I liked it......  Mossy sang and sang as she Cha Cha'd around the TV.  "You've changed the lyrics", I pointed out to the wee cowboy boot clad gnome.  "Whatever", she replied.  Obviously, someone had been watching DANCING WITH THE STARS last night.   "I want Kyle and Lacey to winNNNNN!", she sang to her previous tune.  Suddenly, she jumped onto the ottoman using it as a springboard landed on the sofa table, grabbing the arms of a goblin for a partner.  Surely, not........  BUT SURELY SO!  No sooner than her hands touched his off they went across the room!   Not only was the Goblin now dancing but crooning like a Frank Sinatra of old.  He sang his own version, OF COURSE !    Wow, who needs TV?  Then I chuckled, evidently they did!

in my coffee this morning a toffee nut creamer.....

with a dollop of AN ACORN TOP?  As I sat in Pandora (my backyard) this morn sipping and looking about.  A feather of black and of white sashayed down from above directly in front of my nose.  Hmmmmm.  But the next rude addition of an acorn top in my coffee and the splash of the brew to my clothes, brought a .....MOSSY NOW STOP IT!!!!  Not me, not me, she laughed with delight as she hopped about the pond.  Look up, look up and then you will see!  So look I did and COULD NOT BELIEVE!  On every branch and marching up the trunk were wee little men as far as I could see.  When I say wee, I mean wee!  Their bodies were pine cones and on top of each head sat quite jauntily was an acorn top.  Small paint cans & brushes or saws were carried by each as they marched in what looked like formation.  There were however a few up to mischief and need I say which kind were directly above me? What are they, Mossy?  Woods-elf's she declared as she skipped over rocks.    Mossy what are they doing?  And it's then when I got it.......the "you've got to be kidding me, right"  look.  DO YOU THINK THOSE LEAVES JUST TURN RED, YELLOW, ORANGE BY THEMSELVES?  The more she explained the louder she got, AND DO YOU THINK LEAVES FALL OFF CAUSE THEY WANT TO?

I was dumbfounded....
And I was late to work .......

Mossy and I dashed into get ready and as I got dressed she expanded.  You see, apparently, there are multiple tribes and their nomads in every right.  They travel by air to their next job and I don't mean American Airlines, she added. Okay, at this point, I pinched myself, I mean, I do talk to gnomes, but WOODS-ELVES?
Of course, I couldn't stand it.  Late or not, I ran out to Pandora to get one more gander of what was in those branches above.  Gone.  NOT A ONE!  How could it be?  I KNEW IT!  I cried, malarkey it was, as I grabbed up my purse and my keys. 

See this is the reason, one sees what one sees, said the wee little red head from above.  She swung from the pot rack and shook her bright curls.  Pointing one finger, she said with disdain, and so you wonder of why all is missed, surrounded by all you don't see, the reason is clear it's the obvious answer, you believe not of what is right there.......

trick or treat.......

smell my feet, give me something good to eat.........  Oh, how I wish you could have seen her as she sashayed across the floor.  Mossy had HOUNDED me until I relented.  "Okay,"  I agreed.  "I will get out the Halloween decorations!"  It would appear that Halloween ranks up with weddings on a Mossy scale.  Each Fall comes a calling and so does the illness.  Boxes and boxes of what anyone with sanity would throw away gets unwrapped and scattered over all that will sit still.  Why do I do this?  That could be a million dollar answer, if anyone I knew had a million or two......... 

Treat or treat, smell my feet.......  Now picture the little imp with a dog's Halloween jester collar on.  And if that's not enough add the matching hat complete with slits for a puppy dogs ears.  Now place sticking up with total abandon Mossy's red curls through these slits.   As if this was not entertainment enough, it suddenly hit me what the costume clad imp was doing.................LINE DANCING!  Yep, move over goat-ropers, here comes Mossy!  YeeHaw!  Now, here, I must admit to jumping right in and joining the fun down the hall.   Boot scootin boogie........  We boogied up pumpkins all over the house.  The pumpkins were tall.  The pumpkins were small.  They leered and they jeered or had no face at all.

I'm getting married in the morning.......

DING DONG the bells are going to chime......or so the song goes......and so the bells chimed for one this Saturday.   MOSSY LOVES WEDDINGS!  This was an entirely new revelation this weekend.  What's NOT to love she chanted as she dashed between the legs (unseen by them of course) of the stagers, the caterers, and we who dripped flowers off every surface that could be bedazzled with the scented blooms.  She was completely mezmerized by the disco lights that lined the entire reception room where many would dance the night away.  The music throbbed and many hands readied what was sure to be the talk of the town for many days to come.  I watched her dance and watch HERSELF in the reflection of mercury glass vases-she circled the vase as she moved with the beat. 

I walked by a table of floating tea lights & anenome blooms and guess who was bobbing inside one?   Where is your wee little green friend today?  She laughed and swished her tutu in answer.  It was then that I saw her eyes widen in suprise as she looked past me to the front door.  I turned to see what possibly could have rendered Mossy speechless?  Layer number one of the wedding cake entered, layer number two was placed on it' top, then in came three and so on and so on...  What can I say of Mossy's reaction?  Her excitement grew with each layer.  She pirouetted around the layers and dodged the baker's hands.  Mossy.....I whispered, what's come over you....STAY OUT OF THE WAY!  She ignored me quite completely as she twirled ever faster,  MOSSY DON'T YOU DARE CLIMB UP THERE!  Ahhh, but speech was quite useless to the wee little gnome who seemed to have fallen under some wedding cake spell.  I stared just dumbstruck as she scooted to the top and stood there for all to see (now, that is if they only believed).   As I moved slightly closer, I truly could see wee indentions of footprints on each round.  Now what, I thought, as I paced and tried to look busy.  And then came the answer.....the crowning glory of all.......boxes and boxes of flowers of sugar were placed on the layers of cake.   So many in fact, I lost sight of Mossy as she ducked around and through them all.   Suddenly, she appeared quite close to the top and gave me a big thumbs up!  Don't do it, I cried as I saw the gleam in her eye, but too late came the thought!  So let's just say with some assurity that one wee small gnome was the first to taste a certain wedding cake that day!

a drawer full of ?????

Mossy, Good Morning!  I opened the shop.  The cooler hummed, the radio played and even the light bulb that talks could be heard, but no Mossy seemed to stir.  The morning progressed and lovelies were made and just as I thought she must not be here......  I opened a drawer for a snippet of tape and found a snippet of a gnome in its place!  As I drew the drawer open, first to come into view were a pair of pink ballerina slippers tied on red & white tights.  As I continued to pull,a tutu of purple with a plaid jacket of orange was displayed.  Now remember, I warned you of the lack of a match and I had actually underplayed the reality!  I hooted and whooped as the drawer fully opened to reveal the whole picture below.  Still in her mouth was a birthday horn of bright green and on her head a birthday hat of blinking lights.  But the show stopper indeed was her friend of green beside her!  Both still sound asleep, for they must have partyed quite hardy!  Oh, what a sight they presented!  At this point one eye opened and Mossy lifted her hand to motion the drawer to be closed.  Ahhhhhh, Mossy wake up and tell me your tales, but nary a word did she say.  So I sighed and obeyed and carefully closed the drawer on........Miss Mossy her self and the wee tiny frog that matched the matchless, down to the blinking hat on it's head!

A thought suddenly came and I wondered out loud,   WHO'S BIRTHDAY?

a lark of lilacs

Oh how Mossy did frolic today!  Lilacs, Hydrangeas, Freesia, Lemon Leaves, Lisianthus, Tea Leaves, Seeded Eucalyptus and Roses and more.........  She dove into the flowers with an abandon one could only envy.  I heard her splashing beneath the blooms in their water buckets.  Bucket after bucket filled the shop, mixing its' fragrances with an artistry that Chanel could only envy!!!!  As I scooped up a stem of spray roses to process who should I see floating on her back?  I leaned over the bucket and what should I get?  A stream of water straight up from her mouth.   Eeeewwww, I cried while I couldn't help but grin.  Dodging the next stream I reached for the culprit and POOF,  she was gone once again!  Here I am, here I am, she cried from the lemon leaves catch me if you can.  I have work to do Mossy and be about it I must!!  If your not going to help me then please do not hinder. It was as if I had double-dog dared!  She swang from the willow onto the hydrangeas and used them as springs to land on the vases.  She tight-roped walked the rims of the vases and hopped ever higher and higher.  When will these shenanigans stop?  With a customer's entrance I could no longer watch and found silence upon my return.  The afternoon wound to an end.  And ahead of my broom as I swept one last time was always a footprint or two.  Locking the door, I looked up to see the bucket of hypericum berries rocking.  Have fun tonight, Mossy but take extra care!  For the petals you dance on will make lovelies tomorrow.  But as I sit here tonight, I must confide that I wonder and wish I was watching tonight.  The lark and the wonder of a shop full of flowers and the party created there this night!

get up, get up, get up........

with one last thought to ignore, I cracked open one eye to see feet on my pillow this morn.   Mossy chanted at me:  time has put on her reeboks and I ain't talking the walking models, get up, get up, get up!  Well, past the little imp I could see the clock blinking and Mossy was mostly definitely correct, but sleep called abit louder than one wee red-head's rantings.  And just as I snuggled back down into the pillow,
BAM went her hightop into my nose! JEEPERS, MOSSY!
 Have I told you that Mossy has unusually large feet?  The entire package is about 10"tall, but her hat is about 3" of that, her hair is abit unruly an takes up an inch with the rest being proportioned until you reach the FEET! The funny thing is (and I'll pay for this comment) is that what should be the worst feature she considers her best.  Have I told you that Mossy went to New York with me in May(that story we'll save for another day)?  Well, I'm not sure how she did it but when we returned you never know what on her feet she'll display, there's ballet slippers, hiking boots, hightops and low, there's tennis shoes, Dorothy's sparkly red shoes, and Cinderella's glass slippers, and, well you get the picture. Now she's not much on clothes so there's never a match but the shoes are a vision on any a day!
Well needless to say both eyes flew open!  It was then that the imp broke into a dance!  A River Dance worthy of Michael himself was performed while (I swear)I heard bagpipes playing.  Her hightops flew as she twisted and jumped to the rhythm that sprang from the heavens.  By the time she was finished, I'd forgotten my nose and was clapping and swaying myself.  Ahhh, what a grand Irish beginning did this make to my day and so to share I'd have to say.....  A TOP OF THE MORNING TO YOU..and as the road rises up to greet you this morn may you dance a jig worthy of it's glory!

as if on the bow of Titanic......

she rode, leaning forward, arms extended. eyes closed.......only one thing missing, Leonardo!!!!  At one point I watched her lean forward on one foot and then......  Did she dive forward or did she slip?  I wondered but not for long as I watched her swim with a small school of fish and leap out of the water off to the right.  I was in my own dream as the lake cast her spell over all in its sight with the night.  The bats swirled and dipped above and lights twinkled from campsites around.  Laughter, sweet and joyful floated on the breeze as the last unofficial day of summer seemed to tenderly slip away.......  Dusk darkened and with it the water.  Too soon came the time to take the canoe in, too soon, too soon, too soon......  Over & over seemed the refrain did repeat in my mind as we loaded the canoe on its rack.  It was summer slipping away.....  As I stood and looked back, she rode regally in on top of a turtle so green!  She thanked him quite grandly and courtsyed for him as he nodded a quick reply back.  My, my, my Mossy I laughed right out loud who could mourn with you in my sight?  Will you hurry it up?  You cut it quite close for the truck was loaded for home.  So Labor Day came and Labor Day went and all one truly could say:  Twas a day of delight and fairies so fair, as they played on the shores of the lake and none could think other of a day with such gems but to grin of an exit so grand!

Ugly what?

From the corner of my eye the pages of my recipe book (or aka,black hole)  began to flip, first left then right.  Mossy?   I lowered the speed of the mixer in which to better hear her reply.  None came.  Mossy, I don't know how many cups of powdered sugar to add since you've decided to explore.  I am trying to finish my Ugly Cake.  WHAT DID YOU SAY?, was her screechy little reply as she came fully into view.  This is when it was my turn to cry, WHAT?  For you see, she stood on one foot, atop an egg within the carton, as if meditating arms fully extended to the side.    Shaking my head, (as if that could straighten out what was within) I leaned slowly and carefully forward.  I think, I must be trying to encourage the same type movement in the wee one for she wasssss STANDING on one of my eggs!  Mossy, I NEED my recipe card for UGLY CAKE, NOW!  The timer had long since rung and the cake awaited her sugar.......  Well  fiddle dee dee and blow it our your egg she cried as she jumped (like hopscotch) from egg to egg and landed on the edge of the stovetop.  And then came an (extremely crisp)  find it yourself!  And find it I did as this very delectable cake gained her sugar and was finally completed, baked and cooled.  Never, I tell Mossy who's presence I sense but do not see, judge a book by it's cover, or cake in this instance.  Let's just say that this cake has earned it's name in every sense of the word.  But let's also say it tis a cake very worthy in taste of a very enticing, gotta-try it, melt-in-your-mouth title! 

By the way.......the lower left corner not pictured has a rather gnome-size piece I discovered missing...haha...really, Mossy.....blow it out my egg????

in the beginning............

I bent to unlock the door, noticing that the closed sign was now turned to open and whoosh!  The sign began to spin amongst the rosemary like a water spout-up, up, up the petals flew.  It spun faster and faster and faster until I could no longer detect the words and then I heard her hoot!  And then I saw her, squinting, she was brought into focus, on top of the sign, a circle of curls standing straight out from her head as her eyes were closed in delight.  Mossy had hitched a ride to work and work (believe me) is never the same with Mossy!

I inhaled deeply as I chuckled over the show and opened the door to heaven (or at least the way heaven MUST be going to smell).   The first few moments of entering Garden Style are a delight to the senses!  Purple stock, regal snapdragons, hydrangeas so large it takes two hands to fully hold them, pinks, and corals, and blues, and greens, in shapes and shades that defy one's imagination.  Here's where I met her, I am thinking.    Here's where her story begins.........  but then the phone is ringing and answer I must.  Someone needs a flower to give, a day to brighten.  The beginning will have to hold for the day has begun.  Mossy and I have some lovelies to create and fairy dust to scatter........

mischief and mayhem......

come on Mossy, please open the door..........  pretty please?  the glass screen door stood firmly fastened behind me......  I'M BAREFOOT!  bells (the sound from her laughter) rose and fell on the sweet summer breeze, but no latch moved.  Oh for goodness sakes, I exclaimed as I gingerly made my way to the garage entrance.  Mossy's demeanor, thoughtful and kind, had poofed just as effectively as she does from sight.  such behavior is unnecessary, I stated quite sternly.....more bells......  a flash of light caught my eye as abit of red flew off the back porch.  What? What should I see but Mossy sitting on the back of a cardinal with a wink of the eye and the flip of a curl she soared up over the roof and out of sight!  I ran to the front, unhooked the latch, and out the front to catch such another glimpse.  It was not to be, but I waited awhile.  The concrete was warm, as I stretched out to wait and alone I wasn't exactly.  The cicidas sang their songs as the dragonflies dove and the doves cooed in response to it all.  The evening stilled while the symphony played on and I watched for abit of red.  with a nod to the musicians, I gave up the search and headed for responsibilites waiting.  Approaching the door, I........ WHAT?  ARE YOU KIDDING ME?  MOSSY OPEN THIS DOOR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!