Almost surreal, the rain continued even as the sun peeked out like a shy little girl. Buttoning up my rain coat, I left the safety of my front door and raced toward the car.
“Can’t you see where you’re going?” a tiny voice asked.
Darn, I tripped over something that seemed more stump than human, yet whatever it was had chastised me! Earnestly looking around for the victim of my haste, I felt a tug at the bottom of my jeans.
“Franny, I’m right here!” the voice claimed.
“Good lord!” I exclaimed while taking in the twelve-inch fellow stomping his feet in anger. “How’d you know my name?” I asked, realizing of all the question to ask this . . . creature . . ., my identity was not on the top-of-the-list.
“I’ve lived here far more years than you have,” the stone-faced being said.
“Just how long is that? I asked, again berating myself silently for asking the less important question. Knowing that I’m the owner of this property, which my great-grandparents bought in 1922, I figured I’d catch the little guy in a lie.
“Long before your Great-Grandpaw Lyle, that’s for sure,” the little rascal answered.
Maybe he was tiny and grizzled, but I could see the smirk on his face.
Not sure if I was hallucinating or had inadvertently been struck by lightning, I decided that ignoring the creature would be to my best interest.
Opting to return to the house, I turned around and began to walk swiftly back to my front door.
“Perhaps you didn’t hear me, Franny,” the voice said. “Queer as I may look, I do exist, and it’s about time you paid me more attention.”
Realizing he was directly under my feet again, I stopped short.
“So, who are you and what do you want?” I shouted.
The next door neighbor, walking on the path adjacent to my yard, must have heard me. Unmistakably rattled, she increased her pace away from me.
“Violet, how are you?” I called out with a (I hoped) calm smile as she raced away.
“Wendell is my name, and I’m a rainbow goblin,” he answered matter of factly in his squeaky voice.
“Xactly what does a rainbow goblin do?” I asked.
“You must be kidding; we catch and consume colors in rainbows, of course.” Wendell replied.
“Zounds!” I answered, looking above me and noting that blue, indigo, and lavender were missing from the glorious rainbow above.
What fun!!
Best Regards,
Nancy
LikeLiked by 3 people
I think I’ll look at rainbows much more carefully from now on! 🙂
LikeLike
Your alphabetical story is so fun and clever, Pam. I really enjoy your encounter with the perky little fellow.
miriam
LikeLiked by 3 people
Thanks, Miriam. Perky and pesky, but he sure opened my eyes to the rainbows in the sky, and things scurrying at my feet. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Pesky or perky, it just isn’t on consuming colours from the rainbow.🤗.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for explaining what caused that amazing photo. I should have guessed! 😀
Clever acrostic story, too.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Praise from a poet! Thank you. I hadn’t thought of it that way, but yes, an alphabet acrostic. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re welcome. 😀
LikeLiked by 2 people
I am reading this in a German train on rainy day smiling. What fun!
LikeLiked by 3 people
Hi Gerlinde. I LOVE it when you read my stories while traveling in another country. Bloggers are bonded across the universe. I know you’re having a wonderful time with your family. ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
I enjoyed your clever alphabet take in this lovely, quirky little story 🙂
LikeLiked by 3 people
Sometimes quirky saves the day, Mary, yes? Sending you a hug. ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
You´ve done it again! A clever and fun story using the alphabet.
LikeLiked by 4 people
Thanks with an extra big T! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’ve seen acrostic poems, of course, but never have come across a story that makes use of the whole alphabet. Very clever — and quite gnomic in nature!
LikeLiked by 2 people
The alphabet definitely helped me along with the story. I was rather shocked when the gnome showed up! 😮😁
LikeLiked by 1 person
Better a gnome than a ghoul!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Much better! Gnomes are playful and devilish but not spiteful like a ghoul!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi Pam – this is great! I haven’t seen the word “Zounds” since Shakespeare! Thanks for making me smile – I hope you have a great weekend 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank goodness for Shakespeare because I don’t know what else I would’ve used for the last sentence. Somehow a zebra did not seem to fit in. 😆
LikeLiked by 1 person
What fun! I loved this, Pam. Happy Friday!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Sometimes coming up with a blog post is as easy as ABC, Jill! Happy weekend to you. 🤗❤️
LikeLike
Hi. Anyone/anything that doesn’t respect rainbows ain’t alright with me. Speaking of rainbows, last month I saw one for the first time in ages.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Rainbows always lift my spirits. Sadly they fill up rainbow goblins’ stomachs! 🙃
LikeLiked by 1 person
A Beguiling and Colourful, not to mention Delightful and Engaging Fable, Pam 😉
Beautiful photo!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Dale- enthusiastic fun great hurrah! 🤗Thank you! 🙏
LikeLiked by 1 person
Woot! I just knew love might necessitate ovation!
LikeLiked by 1 person
You Verily Win!! 🤓😛
LikeLiked by 1 person
Haha! 😉
LikeLiked by 1 person
Whaf a cute, creative story! Hopefully Franny can convince him to put the colors back in the rainbow!! 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
Wendell seems to be quite a stubborn dude. Maybe if he ate a little orange and red he would shine and smile a bit more 🧡 🌈
LikeLike
Hmmm….perhaps that will cure him. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Whimsical alphabetically expressed, you are talented! I once gave a Convention report using this method. Short, sweet, and to the point, but no rainbow in my report.
LikeLiked by 2 people
But always a beautiful rainbow in your heart, Jeanette. What a cool idea to use this alphabetical device for a report! 👍
LikeLike
Thanks for the smiles and fun romp with Franny, Wendell, and the alphabet stew! 🤪
LikeLiked by 2 people
Alphabet stew! Don’t say that too loud or Wendell will come and try to eat it up! 😂ABC
LikeLiked by 1 person
LOL. 😂
LikeLiked by 1 person
This was an enchanting story…pure enchantment from A to Z. I like this so much, I would like to keep a copy of it handy…so delightful. I come from a Scandinavian background and we love our gnomes! They are very popular right now!!! What a wondrous story to have on the shelf, and a little gnome to sit beside it. 🙂 🙂 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
I will admit the photo of Wendell in this post is our very own gnome on our front step. It was given to my guy as a Father’s Day gift from our kids. I don’t think they ever realized that he was also a rainbow goblin. 🌈😆
LikeLike
That was fun and clever. I’ll be watching rainbows from now on to see what colors get eaten!
LikeLiked by 2 people
If your next rainbow is missing indigo and lavender, you’ll know where to find those colors – with the gnome at my front door! 😮🌈🙃
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a clever mind you have! I promise to start noticing gnomes.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Some may say I have a clever mind. My family says I have a weird mind. I consider that a great compliment. 😊 Have fun searching for gnomes. They do like to hide in funny little places.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Weird, clever–really, what’s the difference??
LikeLiked by 1 person
Terrific, Pamela. Thanks
LikeLiked by 2 people
Glad you enjoyed my gnome fun, John!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I did. 😁
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’ve never seen all the colors in a real rainbow albeit the ones we make with hose does have all! Pam, you get another feather in your cap for making a story out of reality, with a clever mix of fantasy! 😊
LikeLiked by 2 people
Ah, but is Wendell a fantasy? He insists that he is not. Let’s have fun checking out the colors in the next rainbow that appears, Balroop 🌈
LikeLiked by 1 person
You killed it with this one, Pam.
Phen-gnome-en-al!
I love the mix of reality and fantasy as I see noted in other comments above. I wonder how many brain cells it took to come up with this magnificence. ;-D
LikeLiked by 2 people
Some may say it was a waste of my brain cells. I prefer the way you think of it – phen-gnome-en-al. 😁👏
LikeLiked by 1 person
I adore Gnomes as I have 6 and I’m not Scandinavian! I never knew there were “rainbow” gnomes. You created another very entertaining post, Pam and it’s perfect whimsy for a rainy day and weekend here in Victoria, BC.
LikeLiked by 2 people
I am wishing you a rainbow in your beautiful part of the world. I used to read a beautiful but scary picture book to my kids called the rainbow goblins, which always stuck in my mind. I’m sure your six gnomes are adorable and sweet. 💜
LikeLiked by 1 person
All 6 are very inspirational–I’ll search for a “rainbow” gnome as mine are forest gnomes and home gnomes 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Still marveling at your whimsical and enjoyable to read post. Now I will be looking for a gnome if anything goes missing in the rainbow.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Those gnomes can be devilish. Just watch the corners all around the outside of your house! They hide themselves well. And particularly look out for them if the sun is peeking through the rain! 😯🌈
LikeLiked by 2 people
lovely story! loved the quirky alphabet story, kept me guessing till the end. reminded me of books i’d read as a child in the library, with such fantastical storylines ☺
LikeLiked by 2 people
I gobbled up fantastical children’s books when I was a child like my gnome gobbles up rainbows. Here’s to our imagination!
LikeLiked by 1 person
A very clever and fun story, Pam. I was wondering what you’d say for X and Z. Excellent choices! I remember you did the ABC before! Have a wonderful weekend! 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
I enjoy the ABC structure when at a loss of how to start a story or a poem. Thanks for not giving me a bad time about exactly with an X! 😅
LikeLiked by 2 people
I remember my teaching days. X-ray and xylophone were the only two choices for X. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Nice Abecedarian! An encounter with a gnome…even more fun!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Wow! If Abecedarian isn’t a word it certainly should be. Thank you so much! To word fun, with a gnome thrown in for good measure.
LikeLiked by 2 people
It is a word, Pam! 😄 You are so welcome. To word fun, indeed!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you thank you for adding a new word to my vocabulary! 👏🤗🧡
LikeLiked by 1 person
My pleasure. 🤗❤️
LikeLiked by 1 person
Very clever, Pam. Not too many choices when it comes to some letters, but you figured a way.
LikeLiked by 2 people
I kind of hoped that everyone would be kind to me about Xactly. 🙃The rest of the alphabet seemed to work just fine with a little gnome help.
LikeLiked by 2 people
That was fun to read. Brilliant.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Well thanks, Marlene. Brilliant though perhaps missing indigo and lavender. 😯🙃🌈
LikeLiked by 1 person
You are so clever. I enjoyed reading your story. It was a lot of fun!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Fun is Good! Thanks!! 🤗
LikeLike
I love this — will always remember when you taught the “Sharkies” this alphabet technique for the first time. You’re wonderful at it.
LikeLiked by 2 people
I probably shouldn’t have so much fun with my ABC’s, but I just can’t seem to help it. 🤓 Thanks for the memories, Elizabeth. 💗
LikeLike
Such a beautiful order like rainbow. Your words convey your thoughts beautifully
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you! The ABC’s do seem to have an order to them like the colors of the rainbow. Very perceptive of you!
LikeLiked by 1 person
With pleasure.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love your sentence about the sun peeking out like a shy girl. Yes! Also…earlier this week I drove downstate to pick up my mom and a double rainbow blossomed overhead like the twinkle in a gnome’s eye. Thanks, Wendell!
LikeLiked by 2 people
I’m not at all surprised that you received (as a blessing) a double rainbow. The day my mom died, this rainbow (the one I use in this post) arrived at early dusk directly in front of our front door. What a blessing and message of hope/love.
LikeLiked by 2 people
simply scrumptious Pam .. much fun!
LikeLiked by 2 people
So glad you enjoyed my rainbow goblin fun, Susan. We never know what may be underfoot, or shining from above. ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
Creative and playful – love it!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Fabulous, Pam!
Here’s to garden gnomes and rainbow goblins . . . and gobblers.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Such playful entities do add whimsy to our lives, don’t they? 🙂
LikeLike
I will definitely look at rainbows more carefully now…..And I will keep a closer watch on where I’m stepping.
Fun post!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Glad I could make my blogging friends more aware of some of the (small) mysteries around us Donna. 🙂 I could even call this a public service. 🙂 🙂 Hope your day is as beautiful as a rainbow.
LikeLike
Love this…
You’re wonderful at it.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you!
LikeLike
I don’t blame the gnome for stealing the colours of the rainbow. He’s been ignored for too long.
LikeLiked by 3 people
NO longer will the gNOme be igNOred! 🙂 xo
LikeLiked by 2 people
NORah doesn’t like to be igNORed either. 🤣
LikeLiked by 2 people
🙂 Did I ever mention I think you’re TERRIFIC?
LikeLiked by 1 person
🤣 Thanks, Pam. That’s funny. I’m read your Flashes of Life at the moment and totally enjoying it. 💖
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yay! Now you’re even MORE terrific. 🙂 🙂 Seriously, thanks so much for your support. ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for your writing.💖
LikeLiked by 1 person
A very delight and cleverly written piece. I shall think of you rainbow goblin, whenever I see a rainbow from now on. 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
If the rainbow is missing any colors…well, now you know why! :-0 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Completely clever and a whole lot of fun!
LikeLiked by 2 people
So glad you enjoyed. Phew, I’m much nicer to our little gnome by our front door now, believe me! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
What fun this was to read, Pam! I bet it was equally fun to write. 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks, Jennifer. Yes, using my ABCs helped the gnome tell his story through my pen. I was smiling right along with him. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
So clever, you are, with this, Pam. But what I love the most? Is your moving the gnome to your door – laughed out loud. Thanks!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Haha. And that gnome is all stone and HEAVY. Hey, we do what we gotta do to keep the story moving. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Pingback: Gnome with a G – LoomTowerBlog.alp
💯
LikeLiked by 1 person
Very clever and fun story with a gorgeous illuminating ending! I enjoyed it very much!
Peta
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for enjoying my silly gnome fun, Peta. Sometimes my sense of humor does surprise/scare me a bit. 🙂 The rainbow shone outside my front door the day my mom passed, so it’s a special one in my heart. ❤
LikeLike
lol – very clever!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Disclaimer: My Gnome helped me with this post. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
lmao! Did he now?
LikeLiked by 1 person
🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Pretty clever!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks! 🙂
LikeLike
Am fully captivated and satisfied
LikeLiked by 1 person
Cool
LikeLiked by 1 person
Your creative piece of work was so fun and amusing to read!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much. I’m a muse at times, so I like to AMUSE. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Haha good one
LikeLiked by 1 person
Loveeeeeee this ♥️
LikeLiked by 1 person
🙂 So glad! Thanks.
LikeLike
Nice
LikeLiked by 1 person
Belle vue
LikeLiked by 1 person
Good story. Thank you for sharing and making me smile. Franny 😇
LikeLiked by 1 person
Smiles are wonderful; So are talking gnomes. 🙂
LikeLike
Love this! You done gnomes proud.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m thrilled to be in the good graces of gnomes everywhere! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
And who among us wouldn’t be?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi Pam, somehow, I missed this post. I really is delightful and clever.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Robbie. I’m thinking you’ll soon be making/baking a gnome or two…?? 🙂 To rainbows and not gobbling them up.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Cheers, Pam! My Halloween display is made and my picture has been entered in a gingerbread challenge. Christmas is coming, my favourite time of year.
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a great story and so well done, Pam. It just flowed and was full of your usual fun. I used to read the book “The Rainbow Goblins” to my daughter and when she grew up she read it to my grandson. It was a favorite. Thanks for the smiles.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m thrilled that you know this book – The Rainbow Goblins. The illustrations are amazing. Creepy yet beautiful. Same with my daughter – she has great memories of it and recently bought it for her kids. But really, she bought it for herself. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ha ha ha. We tend to love our childhood favorites for our whole lives. And you’re so right about the illustrations. They’re wonderful… and creepy. Lol
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a clever way to tell a story, Pam. I love the idea. Plus you did a brilliant job with the story. Hugs on the wing.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Well, thank you very much! I’ve finished Journey 10 – wahhhh, it went too fast. (Which means it was another great episode.) Now I’m impatiently waiting for 11. I’m a fan, as you know. xo
LikeLike
You really aced the Abecedarian format with such a delightful tale! Put a smile on my dial and a spring in my step, thanks!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m so glad! And you just taught me a new expression – put a smile on my dial. I love that!
LikeLike
well done you!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Awesome!! I love the format! Interesting fact… my friend’s 4 yr old grandson (who is home schooled and not allowed to watch TV) announced he wanted a “Letter” party for his birthday. A What?? That’s right, says he, a “Letter” party. Upon examining his intent with more questions, it was ferreted out of him that he meant “Alphabet” party. A RAINBOW Alphabet party to boot. No one has any clue where this child got the idea but when Nana went online to see what she could find, it turns out to be a thing!! There are plates and decorations and balloons. He also wanted a rainbow unicorn piñata, which they also found. Have you ever??? Kids are SO darn smart!!! I’ve decided you can find just about anything you want anymore, we just have to talk about it enough so as to be heard and all our wishes will be granted… *wait, that’s a little concerning* hmmmm…
LikeLiked by 1 person
So fun to see you here Kim! And what a smart four year old! He’s starting young with the alphabet and why not celebrate it with a birthday? He would love the rainbow goblin for sure. They would probably be best friends. 😁
LikeLike
“m certain of it!! I think it is going to be a very fun party for him! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
A good story!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you! I couldn’t have written it without the gnome’s help. 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re welcome.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Always Brilliantly Clever
LikeLiked by 1 person
Haha. I like your ABC’s. 🙂 Many thanks.
LikeLike