In Appreciation. . .

These roses are a gift for Nonnie, our BBEST - Boomers and Beyond Etsy Street Team leader -- in our deep appreciation of her! Today we "roast" Nonnie in celebration not only of her and her role with our team, but also celebrating in joy as she retires from her "job-job" on June 30th and will be more fully able to enjoy her own creativity and our team!

I asked around for a little "info" on our great leader to include here in starting our official roast. I'm hoping  team members will add in their comments over the next couple of days to share in the fun.

Just a little background on Nonnie. . .

Nonnie lives in Danville, Pennsylvania where she says the average temp in winter is COLD! (20 degrees). In the summer it's HOT -- with an average daily temp of 95. But, Nonnie doesn't run hot or cold herself. She faithfully leads our team week after week! In one of her shop profiles she says, "I am meticulous in all I do, and never sell anything unless I am 100% satisfied with it!" We definitely see that side of Nonnie on the Boomers team!

Nonnie is also a pretty relaxed gal who says her style is mostly t-shirts, sweaters or jeans. Her preferred "themes" are spontaneity and serendipity. It's easy to see those themes at work in her shops. Nonnie says "I am inspired by many things -- nature, music, books, and even dreams. . ." and we often see nature (and the beloved kitty) in her artwork in her stained glass shop. In fact, I think we daily see a rendition of that kitty as an avatar!

Nonnie says she is also "someone who appreciates beautiful things, particularly from long ago. . . I love antiques, and I am constantly on the lookout for that special vintage piece." She definitely has a knack for collecting. Her vintage collectibles shop is filled with amazing "treasures" -- in fact, almost 600 listings! Wow!

Nonnie's favorite color is blue (who would have guessed? -- check out her vintage treasures shop and count the blue backgrounds!). Nonnie's favorite scent is tea rose (if only we could add the fragrance of the roses we gave her here).

Nonnie remembers important occasions and keeps us all on track too. But, I am told her memory is not always the best in other situations. A couple of Bbesters remember an in-person get-together on the east coast. "The night was ending and we were all headed home. We walked with Nonnie to the garage where her car was parked -- however, Nonnie couldn't seem to locate it. We proceeded to walk around and around trying to set off her car alarm with her lock device to no avail and then Chauncey drove Nonnie around the garage and NO CAR!!! All of a sudden....Nonnie said, "I think I parked it in another garage...." Well....that's what happened!! We all got a big laugh out of it (including Nonnie!) and bring it up often. We will never let her live it down!! Even though she is teased, another very special comment by one of those at that event is worth repeating about Nonnie: "She is such a super lady!"

We have had some lovely swaps that Nonnie has officiated over where she pairs up partners without our knowledge to help with the surprise factor. More than one person has commented that Nonnie has not participated "to keep it all fair." In fact, she dotes over those swaps very, very carefully -- and once even surprised a participant with a very special ACEO piece of her stained glass when a swap didn't come off as planned . It has been fun to hear her exclaim over the little "retirement gifts" coming her way in a shower from some of our teammates over the past few days. She deserves so much more -- we hope this makes up just a little for not swapping with us. . .while caring so much about us all.

Nonnie is a wonderful person, leader and friend to us all. Help me give her a round of applause in your comments!