by: The Gnome Keeper
It started innocently enough. I was shuffling aimlessly through Marc’s garden center, surrounded by baby tomato plants and the occasional faint whiff of bagged manure. Off in the corner, looking ignored and abandoned, was a very lifelike statue of a garden gnome. The sad, dust filled eyes attracted me, and soon there was a bubble-gum popping sales associate telling me his name was “Storck”. She followed up with a practiced sales pitch, adding he was on sale for just half price because he was a returned item. Short, pudgy, and with a distinct air of arrogance, Storck found his way into my shopping basket, the back seat of my car, and after a short ride, to the front porch of my home.
I gave him a gentle spray with the garden hose, peeled off the price tag, and gave him a place of honor between some petunias and the wisteria. Satisfied, I trudged off to do some long ignored chores. During the night, Pixie the cat seemed agitated and on constant alert. This is not that unusual, she has a fixation for fireflies, but this was a crisp fall night. Not giving it much thought, I slumbered off to a fitful sleep.
The next morning, after spilling coffee on my t-shirt and slurping down some yummy oatmeal with raisins and almonds, I began the morning garden ritual. While watering the inpatients next to the house, I noticed some mortar between the bricks was missing, looking like it had been chiseled out. Weird. Pixie was pacing around, sniffing the ground, air, and looking generally annoyed. Hmmm. When I went around front, and stared in mild shock, as Storck the garden gnome had moved. He was on the other side of the petunias. Pixie hissed and had her tail hair in a bundle, it was obvious she did not like the gnome. I moved Storck back to where he was, and finished the day’s work.
That night I was awoken by a faint, but distinct, gnawing sound. I opened the door, let Pixie out, and pointed a flashlight in the general direction of the sound. Storck! I screamed. The garden gnome scurried around the corner of the house, Pixie hot on his tail. I scrambled and fumbled for my robe and slippers, noting it was 2:30am on the faint red clock. When I reached the front of the house, Pixie had Stock cornered, the garden gnome looking positively immobile, like the painted concrete statuary he is. But he had no time or place to hide the evidence, the mortar from between the bricks was stuck to his little painted teeth.
The next morning, I did what had to be done. After a half hour drive deep into the forest, there appeared a small cave in the side of a moss-covered hill. In the quite of the morning mist, I took Storck out of the box where I’d kept him sealed the rest of the night, and placed him in the mouth of the cave. Walking gingerly back to the car, watching over my tensed shoulder, Storck stared blankly, giving me the chills.
That was a year ago. To this day, Pixie the cat will occasionally stare intently into the forest, in the general direction where Storck was returned to the wild. Her hair will stand up, and I wonder what she senses.
So the next time you see a garden gnome awaiting adoption, just beware. It might be a good idea if you’ve got a cat first!
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Try Ceremonial Drums For Unique Rustic Interior Design
by: Craig Chambers
gave my home that great, southwestern look by adding ceremonial drums to my rustic decor. I was so happy with the authentic, southwest style that the Native American drums brought to my home, that I started researching and reading about the history and the important role they play in Indigenous cultures. If you are like me, you have probably seen how significant ceremonial drums are to the Native culture but do not realize their importance in tribal ceremonies or how exactly they are used. Each tribe is unique in how they use ceremonial drums but one similarity between each tribe is that the Native drums are very symbolic and part of the main focus of the ceremony. Throughout my research, I have found that learning about these drums truly gives you a great appreciation of the Indigenous culture and their customs.
As you start reading about ceremonial drums, you will find it very interesting that the native people consider the ceremonial drum to be sacred. They are usually used in powwows, Shamanic ceremonies and honor ceremonies to call on the Spirits and to connect with their creator. It is believed that each drum holds a spirit and that the drum beat signifies the heart beat of Mother Nature. Since the drum is believed to connect the people with the spirit world and lead the a healer in helping his people, you will find that they are commonly used by the healers or Shaman to enter the mind state, known as the Shamanic journey, needed to connect with the Spirits.
Also, as you study the importance of ceremonial drums in today's culture, you will see that Native Indian drums have a significant role in the preservation of native tribes such as the Tarahumara. Making and selling these rustic style drums allows them to earn a living, by selling and trading their cultural hand crafts, and helps them extend the knowledge and traditions of their culture to those who buy them. The drum making knowledge, passed on from generation to generation in these tribes, teaches the drum makers how to create durable and long-lasting ceremonial drums with elements from the Earth and the environment around them such as pine wood and natural raw hide.
Today, Native drums are not only used in Indian ceremonies such as Native American drum groups and as Indian musical instruments, but they are also gaining popularity as pieces of decorative art, instruments used in school music classes and even as canvases for Native American art projects and Indian paintings. Some types of ceremonial drums are also used as southwest style furniture and Native American decor, such as the larger powwow drums and pedestal drums that are used as rustic tables. Today, it is very easy to buy these beautiful Native American ceremonial drums online and in stores that sell southwestern, western and rustic decor. However you decide to use your ceremonial drum, whether for drumming purposes or in home decorating, you will definitely be drawn to the simplistic charm and western style of ceremonial drums.
gave my home that great, southwestern look by adding ceremonial drums to my rustic decor. I was so happy with the authentic, southwest style that the Native American drums brought to my home, that I started researching and reading about the history and the important role they play in Indigenous cultures. If you are like me, you have probably seen how significant ceremonial drums are to the Native culture but do not realize their importance in tribal ceremonies or how exactly they are used. Each tribe is unique in how they use ceremonial drums but one similarity between each tribe is that the Native drums are very symbolic and part of the main focus of the ceremony. Throughout my research, I have found that learning about these drums truly gives you a great appreciation of the Indigenous culture and their customs.
As you start reading about ceremonial drums, you will find it very interesting that the native people consider the ceremonial drum to be sacred. They are usually used in powwows, Shamanic ceremonies and honor ceremonies to call on the Spirits and to connect with their creator. It is believed that each drum holds a spirit and that the drum beat signifies the heart beat of Mother Nature. Since the drum is believed to connect the people with the spirit world and lead the a healer in helping his people, you will find that they are commonly used by the healers or Shaman to enter the mind state, known as the Shamanic journey, needed to connect with the Spirits.
Also, as you study the importance of ceremonial drums in today's culture, you will see that Native Indian drums have a significant role in the preservation of native tribes such as the Tarahumara. Making and selling these rustic style drums allows them to earn a living, by selling and trading their cultural hand crafts, and helps them extend the knowledge and traditions of their culture to those who buy them. The drum making knowledge, passed on from generation to generation in these tribes, teaches the drum makers how to create durable and long-lasting ceremonial drums with elements from the Earth and the environment around them such as pine wood and natural raw hide.
Today, Native drums are not only used in Indian ceremonies such as Native American drum groups and as Indian musical instruments, but they are also gaining popularity as pieces of decorative art, instruments used in school music classes and even as canvases for Native American art projects and Indian paintings. Some types of ceremonial drums are also used as southwest style furniture and Native American decor, such as the larger powwow drums and pedestal drums that are used as rustic tables. Today, it is very easy to buy these beautiful Native American ceremonial drums online and in stores that sell southwestern, western and rustic decor. However you decide to use your ceremonial drum, whether for drumming purposes or in home decorating, you will definitely be drawn to the simplistic charm and western style of ceremonial drums.
Using Southwestern Rugs For Beautiful Country Home Decor
by: Craig Chambers
Southwestern rugs are an easy way to bring out that one-of-a-kind western, rustic or Native American feel in your home decor. Because of their versatility and affordability, many designers are choosing to buy southwestern accent rugs online. Used as western rugs and also southwest area rugs on the floors throughout your home or when decorating a log cabin with a rustic or western theme, southwestern rugs give your home character and a true authentic southwestern country look. When looking for American Indian style rugs, you will find a wide variety of southwestern rugs to choose from and will no doubt want to add a few of the most popular and sought-after rugs in your home decor. These rugs have a long history that has evolved over time and can truly be considered as pieces of art.
Among the most popular southwestern and western rugs are handmade area rugs, spirit rugs, Mexican Guadalupe rugs, Oaxaca Mexico rugs including Zapotec Indian rugs, Mohair and Navajo rugs. Each of these types of rugs combines beautiful colors and characters, symbolizing spirituality or depictions of historical events. A good example of this is seen in the Southwestern Spirit rug which combines a variation of colors and designs. The spiritual characters weaved into these rugs are created in a variety of patterns and forms that express the spirituality of the people.
Not only are southwestern rugs known for their great beauty, but the skill and hard work needed in making Native rugs and runners is also greatly appreciated. The makers of hand woven wool rugs must be very skilled and star the rug making process by kneeling in front of a vertical wooden-framed loom. The designs are then placed by using a shuttle to weave a variety of colored yarn together, making large-scale geometric characters and designs. In the beginning, Navajo rugs as well as those of some other Southwest Indian tribes were made of hand-spun cotton thread. However, after the wool of domestic sheep was introduced to the area by the Spanish settlers, the people mainly used wool to weave their colorful rugs and other traditional weaving.
Today, many of the modern southwestern rugs come from areas where Spanish and Native American histories have melded together to create colorful designs. Southwest rugs, with their natural earth tone colors and unique southwestern designs make them perfect for rustic home decorating. If you are searching for a great southwest rug, you will likely purchase from American companies or directly from Native American weavers. Buying rugs from Navajo or other American Indian tribes not only allows you the satisfaction of owning a southwestern rug that is woven by Native Americans but also helps to support the Native American heritage of rug weaving, and the people who themselves sell their rugs, blankets, and Native American art.
The rug you purchase will greatly depend on what your tastes are and what kind of decorating you decide on. You will find that southwest rugs are an excellent southwestern accent when combined with rustic or western home furnishings. Whether you are changing your home decor or decorating an entire house using a rustic theme, you will come across many designs and colors available to choose from. Among these options you will find everything from Zapotec rugs with no two alike, to southwest table runners and southwestern tapestries. Home decorators love hand woven rugs because of the rich colors and textures. Whatever your decorating style and whatever your home decor needs, you will definitely enjoy the richness of color and warmth brought to life in your home by decorating with southwestern rugs.
Weather Vane – Just The Outdoor Accessory To Make Your House Stand Out
by: Jesse Akre
As you look down your street, you realize that every house on your block is pretty similar. Sure, that can be nice, but maybe you want yours to stand out a little bit. Well, there is an easy way to do it and it doesn’t involve painting or remodeling. All you have to do is purchase a weather vane for your home.
Really, a weather vane is a great option for making your home stand out from the rest. How is this possible you might be asking? There are actually a couple of different reasons really, the first of which is that there are many stylish options to choose from. For example, maybe you are really into hunting and fishing. You could go with one that is in the shape of a bear, another that looks like a goose, and even one that is in the shape of a rainbow trout. Or, maybe you are into airplanes, then a great choice for you would be hi-wing plane or even a low in plane if you like.
The style options with a weather vane does not stop there either. A few other selections include nautical options like sailboats and lighthouses, additional animals including horses, chickens, and any other animal you might want, and you can even get collegiate ones that are in the shape of your team’s logo.
Another thing that makes a weather vane such an appealing outdoor accessory is the lovely materials that it can be crafted from. One of the most popular materials is copper, which has a bright shiny appearance when new and over time weathers to a beautiful patina or verdigris color. Along with copper, there are other stunning material choices too and they are aluminum and steel, the both of which have nice shining appearances and can even be hand painted to create unique looking selections.
Now you might not know it, but a weather vane also comes in different sizes. Like, if you wanted to put one on the roof of your house, then you would go with a full bodied larger one. However, if you want to put one on a deck rail or in a garden, then a smaller one that isn’t full bodied would be the way to go. There are medium sized versions as well, ideal for putting on garages, and a fantastic way to see all the choices is by hitting the internet for some online shopping. You can breeze through all the choices without much trouble at all and what’s great is that when you do come across something you like, it will generally be at the best prices possible. Plus, your selection will be shipped right to your home. Basically, shopping has never been so convenient.
In the end, if you want your home to be a little different from everyone else’s, make sure that it is in a good way. And, a great way for doing just that is with a beautiful weather vane. There are a ton of eye-catching selections to choose from that will have everyone looking at your house for all the right reasons.
As you look down your street, you realize that every house on your block is pretty similar. Sure, that can be nice, but maybe you want yours to stand out a little bit. Well, there is an easy way to do it and it doesn’t involve painting or remodeling. All you have to do is purchase a weather vane for your home.
Really, a weather vane is a great option for making your home stand out from the rest. How is this possible you might be asking? There are actually a couple of different reasons really, the first of which is that there are many stylish options to choose from. For example, maybe you are really into hunting and fishing. You could go with one that is in the shape of a bear, another that looks like a goose, and even one that is in the shape of a rainbow trout. Or, maybe you are into airplanes, then a great choice for you would be hi-wing plane or even a low in plane if you like.
The style options with a weather vane does not stop there either. A few other selections include nautical options like sailboats and lighthouses, additional animals including horses, chickens, and any other animal you might want, and you can even get collegiate ones that are in the shape of your team’s logo.
Another thing that makes a weather vane such an appealing outdoor accessory is the lovely materials that it can be crafted from. One of the most popular materials is copper, which has a bright shiny appearance when new and over time weathers to a beautiful patina or verdigris color. Along with copper, there are other stunning material choices too and they are aluminum and steel, the both of which have nice shining appearances and can even be hand painted to create unique looking selections.
Now you might not know it, but a weather vane also comes in different sizes. Like, if you wanted to put one on the roof of your house, then you would go with a full bodied larger one. However, if you want to put one on a deck rail or in a garden, then a smaller one that isn’t full bodied would be the way to go. There are medium sized versions as well, ideal for putting on garages, and a fantastic way to see all the choices is by hitting the internet for some online shopping. You can breeze through all the choices without much trouble at all and what’s great is that when you do come across something you like, it will generally be at the best prices possible. Plus, your selection will be shipped right to your home. Basically, shopping has never been so convenient.
In the end, if you want your home to be a little different from everyone else’s, make sure that it is in a good way. And, a great way for doing just that is with a beautiful weather vane. There are a ton of eye-catching selections to choose from that will have everyone looking at your house for all the right reasons.
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