Just through the red door lies a mystical place where live the little-known creatures, the ones the world looks
upon as myth and legend. In this realm, they live and breathe, just the same as you and I. Journey with me
through the red door, to the place of imagination and we will find a new dimension of reality.
The new day calls out with an invitation from those beyond the door. It is they who wish to meet us and share
their tales!
I hear Grandpa Ansel, a respected elder, calling now, his voice strong and commanding.
“Hark, noble ones of the realm!”
Beyond the door, Rehoboth appears to be in an uproar. The meadow is a hive of gnome activity as they prepare
for the Spring Fete. A sea of felt hats are scurrying to and fro and not only the red hats of the garden, palace and
farm gnomes, but also the green hats of the forest gnomes and the grey ones of those from the mountains.
Annually, all gnomes in a region herald spring with a lavish and large celebration which is held early each year,
honoring the coming season.
Littering the meadow are several poles, tall by gnome standards, wrapped in colorful cloth. At the top of the
pole, long ribbons are fastened. It is around these poles that the eligible young gnomes dance the dances of their
people, as old as time itself. The dance steps are taught from youth and by the age of courting, everyone is quite
masterful.
It is about a quarter of the way through many a gnome’s lifespan that thoughts turn to marriage. The Spring Fete
is where most matches are made.
I see Grandpa Ansel overseeing the preparations, dodging the frolicking of the high-spirited children running
amuck. Grandpa calls out, “Draw near dear ones. Gather close and hear the wisdom of age, for you have just
begun and have much to learn.”
Settling himself as he waits for his audience’s attention he begins. “I see you all have a case of spring fever! Sit
down and we’ll visit.”
“What do you mean?” asked Astrid.
“I mean that all of you have a touch of the love-bug!” exclaimed Grandpa.
“I do not,” shouted Peder. “I don’t ever intend to fall in love. Girls are just bothersome.”
“We are not bothersome,” quarreled Astrid. “Sometimes silly, using googly eyes, giggles and a red face, but
never bothersome.”
“And do you make googly eyes, giggle and blush, Astrid,” Grandpa asked?
“Never, Grandpa. My sister does it all of the time though.”
“Your older sister, Lena, who will dance at the fete tomorrow?”
“Yes. She has caught the love-bug bad, Grandpa. She is excited and so silly. Everything makes her giggle.
She has become quite annoying,” Astrid answered.
“You won’t always find your sister’s ways silly, Astrid. Nor will you always find girls bothersome, Mr. Peder.
The day will come when you all develop interest in the other sex. You, Astrid, will become as Lena is now and
you, Mr. Peder, will become a show-off, drawing the attention of a comely girl and you will follow her around
like a devoted puppy!”
“Never,” shouted Peder.

Grandpa continued, “I remember the Spring Fete when I met and swore my love for Grandma Elena. Growing
up, we only saw each other at celebrations and festivals when all the gnomes gathered. Some had to journey far,
but we all loved the festivals. At about 80 years of age, as I began building my house, it occurred to me that my
house would never be a home without a wife, and I began to pay attention to the girls.
It was at a fete, just like this, that I realized a newfound interest in Grandma Elena. Before then, she was just
another ‘bothersome’ girl!” Grandpa explained with a wink to Peder. Continuing his story, he said, “Somehow,
she had changed, and she shone brighter than all of the others. Somehow, some way, I had to convince her that
I was her best choice for a husband! To my dismay, the competition for her attention was fierce and I knew I
needed a plan to make her notice me. That day I learned that my good looks would only get me so far in life. I
realized I needed to show off my impeccable manners, suave charm and expert skill at the poles!
You see, when you’re young, you never think about the things that are on the inside of each of us. Things like
our honor, integrity, courtesy, work ethic and kindness. These are the things that are only seen when we show
them to others. It was the inside of me that captivated young Elena’s interest.
Twenty years later, in this very field, I proposed to Grandma Elena. It was the best decision I’ve ever made.
After a year of full moons, we were wed at midnight beneath a full moon, under her birth tree, as is our
tradition. We promised to be each other’s one and only, forever.
Our journey back here was long, for Grandma came from afar, but we’ve been loving and living for centuries
together now.
I can tell you young’uns that to have a married partner for life is a great gift. To me, Elena is like a crown for a
king. Grandma says I am her fortress. In our home, she is everything I am not and I am all she is not. So, you
see, nothing is missing. We have grown into one being quite seamlessly. That is a beautiful thing.
Tomorrow, as gnomes gather from near and far, matches will be made, and there will be a year of full moons to
get to know each other better. Like Astrid, some of you have siblings ready to do the dance. As they begin their
new journeys, cheer them on, for one day, it will be your turn.
Right now, you think it is preposterous, but trust me, there is a Spring Fete for everyone!”