Over the years I have been associated with people (my mother included) that seem to have a bit of an obsession with the small woodland creatures known as garden gnomes.  In the case of my mother they remind her of her childhood or possibly some ties to the country her parents migrated from.  Others seem to use gnomes as a means to annoy neighbors that find them repulsive or distasteful.  In the case of my friend Claudette from college she found them to be happy creatures that she felt needed "liberated" from the enslavement of their owners.  I have always found people that love these small creatures to be fun, light-hearted individuals that have a sort of tongue-in-cheek sense of humor. 

I suggest to anyone thinking of adding a gnome to their family please check with their neighborhood association regarding restrictive covenants that might limit their rights to place gnomes in their yards.  No one wants to adopt a gnome and have it immediately taken away. 

On a humorous side note I suggest you check out http://www.freethegnomes.com to read about some people who are concerned about the enslavement of the little guys.  Very funny.  I in no way condone the liberation of gnomes from their owners, unless it is purchased.

Enjoy your gnomes.  Just make sure your neighbors enjoy them as much as you do.  Happy neighbors are good neighbors.