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Just Right

Just Rigt

Carrot Ranch flash fiction challenge - gnome

This week at the Carrot Ranch, Charli Mills challenged writers to in 99 words (no more, no less), write a story about a gnome. It can be a garden gnome, a Christmas Joulutonttu, or a sauna protector. You can write magical realism, or feature contemporary gnome-like product.  Go where the prompt leads!

In my story, I have combined three themes: Christmas wishes, growth mindset and self-acceptance. I hope you like it.

Just Right

Longing for height, Gnomie joined Santa’s queue in the mall. Unfortunately, the queue hardly moved, and people grumbled when the air became hot and still. Elves demanded everyone disperse. Gnomie didn’t want to disperse. He wanted to be tall. Elves spotted him approaching Santa. “Hey! You there!” He froze. Santa glared, then said, “He looks about right.” The elves quickly explained — in the heat, Santa’s ring had slipped off and into the air conditioner, jamming the controls. No one could reach it. “I can!” said Gnomie, and he did. Elves cheered; Santa smiled, and Gnomie contemplated a new request.

Thank you blog post

Thank you for reading. I appreciate your feedback. Please share your thoughts.

Comments

35 responses to “Just Right”

  1. Chelsea Owens Avatar

    🙂 My husband says short people live longer, too!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Norah Avatar

      I wonder if that’s true. 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

  2. LucciaGray Avatar

    Lovely flash❤ self esteem is so important in children and our lives!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Norah Avatar

      Thank you, Luccia. It is indeed. 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

  3. Jules Avatar

    May we all find out how just right we are, as we are.
    Yes there is always a little room for improvement, a joke and to share a smile.
    And this story made me smile.!
    Best to you and yours, and thank you for the animated card.
    One year I was visiting a place that had peacocks and there was an albino pair! And the albino peacock strutted his stuff! Just beautiful!

    Hugs, Jules

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Norah Avatar

      Thank you for your lovely comment and wishes, Jules. I’m pleased the story gave you a smile. The peacocks sound beautiful.

      Liked by 1 person

  4. Jennie Avatar

    A delightful story, Norah!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Norah Avatar

      Thank you, Jennie. 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Jennie Avatar

        You’re welcome, Norah. 🙂

        Liked by 1 person

  5. Colleen M. Chesebro Avatar

    How sweet, Norah. I love your little gnome. ❤

    Like

  6. Charli Mills Avatar

    Norah, your Finnish gnome is adorable. I just got my very first Finnish gnome today! He’s cuddly and people are commenting that he looks like the Hub! I wouldn’t have expected to find a gnome from Finland on your shelves. How sweet to know we have cousins.

    Good of you to also flag your story’s themes. I think that adds a teaching moment and certainly aligns with your mission. I recognize and applaud the growth mindset.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Norah Avatar

      It is wonderful to know that our Finnish gnomes are another shared connection, Charli.
      I think (hope) my story shows that there is more than one way to have a growth mindset. 🙂

      Like

  7. robbiesinspiration Avatar

    This is such a sweet story, Norah. Everyone is just right for their role in life.

    Liked by 1 person

  8. robbiesinspiration Avatar

    This is such a sweet story, Norah. Everyone is just right for their role in life.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Norah Avatar

      Thank you for your kind words, Robbie, and for your interpretation. 🙂

      Like

  9. Jacqui Murray Avatar

    That was cute. A great way to ask a favor is to do one!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Norah Avatar

      Thanks so much, Jacqui. 🙂

      Like

  10. calmkate Avatar

    lol what a vivid imagination you are gifted with Norah 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Norah Avatar

      Thank you, Kate. 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      1. calmkate Avatar

        my pleasure … I like a little fantasy 🙂

        Liked by 1 person

      2. calmkate Avatar

        wont let me comment on your most recent post … hopefully it will come thru later?!

        Liked by 1 person

        1. Norah Avatar

          I hope it did.

          Liked by 1 person

  11. Jim Borden Avatar

    another wonderful story; but I was thinking – a “growth” mindset may not have rescued that ring… 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Norah Avatar

      Exactly! I’m pleased you saw that in there. 🙂

      Like

  12. thecontentedcrafter Avatar

    Hello Norah, just popped by to say Happy Christmas and met Gnomie on the way. Great story 🙂 Keep cool, have a wonderful time and see you on the other side xo

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Norah Avatar

      Thank you so much, Pauline. It is always a delight to see you. Apologies for the tardiness in replying. Best wishes to you and yours.

      Like

  13. dgkaye Avatar

    Oh so clever and fun Norah!! ❤

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Norah Avatar

      Thank you so much, Debby. 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

  14. Anne Goodwin (Annecdotist) Avatar

    Nice one, Norah! I hadn’t thought how those poor Australian Santas must suffer in their red jackets and thick white beards.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Norah Avatar

      That’s right, Anne. It would be good to see them dress more appropriately for our climate.

      Liked by 1 person

  15. D. Avery @shiftnshake Avatar

    Yep, Norah, it’s all there. I had to adjust my set to a hot Christmas time. We got a bit of snow in the night; the kids will be quite distractible today. I am glad Gnomie is starting to accept himself as is.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Norah Avatar

      Gnomie will be happier now he accepts himself as he is, I’m sure.
      Did you have a white Christmas? I can’t imagine how easily distracted the children would be with the snow. It’s bad enough here on windy days.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. D. Avery @shiftnshake Avatar

        No white Christmas where I am in Massachusetts, just an occasional dusting so far. Its been fairly warm.

        Liked by 1 person

        1. Norah Avatar

          Enjoy, whatever the weather. Have a wonderful 2020 from beginning to end.

          Liked by 1 person

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