Clover Autrey

My Gnome

They show up in offices unannounced and unadorned. Several faculty and staff members of the College of Nursing and Health Innovation at UTA (where I work) have received one. The receiver of the Gnome will open their office in the morning and come face-to-face with old wizened features staring at them from atop their desk. There is no note, nor explanation of any kind. Although there’s been speculation, no one knows the reason behind the enigmatic gift or why the receiver is chosen. I'll be honest, when I came into work one day and found my gnome, I felt honored, like I'd passed some kind of rite of acceptance. 

The mysterious Gnome showing up in Pickard Hall can be traced back as happening for at least a decade. No one knows who first started handing out the Gnomes or why or if it is the same person doing it? Could this be a Dread Pirate Roberts scenario where the responsibilities of Gnome giving is passed to the next giver in sworn secrecy? One thing is for certain. Once a Gnome comes, it doesn’t leave as most receivers view it as a form of community or acceptance. So as you’re walking through Pickard Hall, peek inside the offices. Chances are, you’ll find a Gnome lingering there. Or one just may find you.

Are there any little quirks that happen where you work? I'd love to hear about them. 

 
 

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          Port Hope
     
     

          by Clover Autrey
     

     

         
            Giveaway ends January 09, 2020.
         
         
            See the giveaway details
            at Goodreads.
         
     
   
   



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Going on a cruise has been something I've wanted to do for a while and it finally happened. My husband, two youngest sons and myself drove down to Galveston (only a 5 hour drive away) to get on Carnival's Valor. The entire process of checking in, moving down the gangplank, was new to us, and exciting.

We had a wonderful time, even though my men were not the funnest travel companions as they didn't quite stick with me. We pretty much met up for meals. But being the kind of person who enjoys my own explorations, I walked all over that ship, went to whatever show I wanted to see, wrote a little, and gained four pounds.

Pat and I on deck

I'm an early riser so I went to breakfast by myself before the rush. It was awesome having time to myself while gazing out to sea, well, the Gulf of Mexico. Our ship went straight through the gulf down to Cozumel. We never made it to the open sea, but the gulf is so huge it looked like it. Felt like it too. Whoever told me that you don't feel the ship move was incorrect. We felt the sways, but I kind of dug it. Gave the experience a kind of not-your-everyday feel to it.

The ship was smaller than I expected, but I've since learned that the Valor is one of the smallest. It reminded me of being in a Las Vegas hotel, just on water. It had the same type of atmosphere...the gambling, the buffets, the entertainment, the extravagant decor. But better as there wasn't anybody waiting on the curb to hand out stripper flyers.

Sam in our cabin's window, looking out at Galveston

By far the highlight was scuba diving with Sam and Tate. They had never been before and Pat and I hadn't been for long time. We went through the short--extremely short--orientation. They basically went over the hand signs, how to clear your ears, and your mask...and off we went. But we were diving off shore at only 20 feet so all the depressurization stuff was a non-issue. We had a blast. As a mom, I was really enjoying watching my boys experience this new thing. They were great at it. And all too soon it was over. 30 minutes in the water was not long enough.

First view of Cozumel

 

Then we sailed back to Galveston and drove home, tired and refreshed and ready to do it again. Next time, I think I'll go with my sisters or girlfriends. I love my guys, but not the best traveling companions. November 2020 my writers group is going, which will be nothing short of awesome. Ha! A group of romance writers on a cruise together...grinning at the thought. In between I'm going to try and get my sisters on board. Sisters trip, yay!