A Happy Story; Gnomes that Roam

Dear Readers, thank you for reading this post today. This is a happy story. A happy and true story that happened in Kelowna BC in the summer of 2024.

I set this story aside last summer because it was one that I wanted to share someday, and today is that day.♥

It’s a story about a secret society and unexpected kindness.

It’s a story about anonymous people doing something positive without even asking for recognition.

How I admire people who do kind things out of the goodness in their hearts.

I am blessed to encounter people like those and they refresh my mind, my optimism, and erase some of the negative and harmful ambience that sometimes seems so suffocating.

It felt today like I needed to share and think of something in the news that was optimistic and hopeful.

Gnome before disappearing

A Kelowna household was the latest subject of a covert restoration project undertaken by an ‘un-gnome’ organization. 

The group calls themselves the ‘Gnome Restoration Society,’ and Kelowna resident and gnome-owner Kelly Blair has no idea who or how many people may be involved in the secretive organization. 

In late June, Blair was sad to discover that his beloved, albeit weathered and worn, gnomes were missing from his front lawn. 

Having already had a few items – including a canoe – go missing from his property over the last few weeks, Blair assumed that thieves had snatched his gnomes and accepted the fact that the tiny men were likely never to be seen again.

“They were just gone,” said Blair.

However, on July 3, Blair curiously heard a knock at his backdoor.

There stood an elderly woman who presented a perplexed Blair with a blank envelope addressed to “The Homeowner.”

Inside the envelope was a cut-out image of a gnome with the words “The Gnome Restoration Society” inscribed on the back. 

The woman, would not answer any questions, then instructed Blair to follow her to her vehicle. 

“The lady wouldn’t tell me anything,” said Blair.

The woman told him that she was simply delivering the gnomes and was unable to answer any questions about the gnomes had been or who was involved in the secret society. 

She told Blair, “These folks want to remain anonymous.”

Then, she opened the back of her car and there they were – all of Blair’s gnomes in pristine condition. 

Every single gnome that had gone missing from his lawn, plus two extra had been cleaned, painted and were smiling up at him from boxes in the back of the mysterious woman’s vehicle. 

“The gnomes are home,” said Blair, to Black Press, in disbelief that he had been involved in such silly and wonderful mischief. 

“It totally made my day.”

Blair said his gnomes have never looked better, noting the attention to detail, creativity and craftsmanship of the paint job on every single one of the ten little men. 

One gnome had been left behind, either intentionally or by mistake and its weathered appearance serves as a reminder of just how much work went into the restoration of the ten other lawn ornaments.

“The detail is just incredible.”

Blair said he would like to thank all those involved in the gnome restoration project.

“Thank you so much for this random act of kindness.”

Black Press has been unable to uncover any additional information about the Gnome Restoration Society. 

Unknown's avatar

About dfolstad58

I live in the South Okanagan. BC. I enjoy reading, exercise, toastmasters. spending time with my son, my daughter, & her husband , and my patient wife. I try to respond personally to every comment on my blog, and in this way I hope to get to know my readers a little bit and and am able to thank readers for their encouragement on what they liked and suggestions on what they would like to see me try in order to improve.
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14 Responses to A Happy Story; Gnomes that Roam

  1. Darlene's avatar Darlene says:

    What an uplifting story. Glad the gnomes are home and in good repair!

    Like

  2. Lynn's avatar Lynn says:

    Love this story so much! What an adventure those gnomes have been on😂❤️

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  3. lghiggins's avatar lghiggins says:

    We all love a happy ending! Kindness results in so many of them. 💜 Thanks for sharing!

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    • dfolstad58's avatar dfolstad58 says:

      Hi Linda, the mountains are covered with fresh snow and snowboarders/skiers are ecstatic. The rain at the bottom of the valley where I am has wiped out the piles of snow and from our snowfall last week. Long johns were essential for my bike ride though yesterday with 20 km winds and plus 2 weather. I am glad to hear from you. The story of the gnomes has sat, not forgotten, waiting in my list of planned posts. I felt worn out with politics and needed something refreshing and positive. Be well 🙂

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  4. Wynne Leon's avatar Wynne Leon says:

    That is so awesome! Thanks for the smile, David! ❤

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  5. tenaciousf2f4d6760c's avatar tenaciousf2f4d6760c says:

    Thanks for sharing that sweet story Dave! They are caring people doing a seemingly trivial thing while actually restoring many people’s faith in humanity. And you sharing it reminds me of that 1983 Anne Murray song, A Little Good News. With all that’s going on in the world, “we sure could use a little good news today”. Thank you my friend!

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    • dfolstad58's avatar dfolstad58 says:

      I was uplifted by your comment this morning, it was the cinnamon toast of my morning! Loved it. Bless you today. I will need to look up that song – here’s one for you that I love listening to. 1972 song called “Sunny Days” by Lighthouse – it reminds me of laying on the grass in my backyard, feeling content.

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