Monday, June 28, 2010

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!

21 comments:

Ceci said...

for she's a jolly good lady ♪♪ for she's a jolly good lady...for she's a jolly goooooood laaaaaaadyyyyyy♪♪♪♪♪♪ la la la la la la la laaaaaaaaaaa ( I forgot the last words)♪♪♪♪♪♪♪

Thanks Nonnie for all you do and now you can ENJOY you're retirement!! Whoo hoooo

Zuda Gay Pease said...

Nonnie, we love you and appreciate all your hard work keeping us in line. :) I am SO happy that you are retiring and will get to do Nonnie things instead of go to yucky meetings. Congratulations and I hope everyday brings you wonderful things to enjoy and a lot of time to create!

Anonymous said...

Here's wishing you all the best on your retirement
Nonnie. You will be able to create until your hearts
content !

Unknown said...

Nonnie, CONGRATULATIONS on this fabulous milestone! I am so delighted for you and know that you will absolutely enjoy yourself every minute. I am thinking great thoughts your way as you plan to have more time for yourself and for fun!

Tinker Pixie said...

WooHoo, Nonnie!!! Congratulations! Happy retirement! Now you will have much more time to do (to find :):) your favorite things and share them with us! Judi, thank you for the great post! I found a newly discovered Nonnie in it. What a treasure! :):)

Julie G. said...

Nonnie, I will always think of you as my "shepherd", gently guiding me back to the flock... of Bbesters. (Bible Story)

With your gentle nudge, I began to get on the thread more often, getting to know our members and it has been so fun, encouraging and a great part of my life....like a life-support. Thanks for all you do for us & I hope and pray you will enjoy your retirement to the max!!

Pamela Baker said...

Judi - thank you for writing such a nice blog about a very special person. I am a great fan of items in her shop even have a few of her vintage pieces! Nonnie, thank you for always being there for all of us, you are a major support to all the Bbest and our team (and don't worry, we all have those senior moments!!)

Dena said...

Enjoy your retirement, Nonnie!!! You deserve to have "time for YOU" now.

Judi, You have written a wonderful blog post honoring a "great lady" who is one of the sweetest and nicest people on earth... I am happy to have had the chance to be one of her little sheep in the BBEST flock.. :)

Jill said...

Nonnie, best of luck and much happiness to you in your new life. Thank you so much for all you do.

Pam said...

Judi, great job of writing about Nonnie. Excellent tribute to her.

And Nonnie, congratulations and big hugs on your official retirement. Now you can really go to work doing what you love. You are so talented and creative, and it is a pleasure to be your friend and teammate. Here's to Wednesday and all the days that follow!

Chauncey said...

YAY Nonnie!! I'm so happy for you, I just know how much you are going to love this extra time to create and enjoy your family.

Wishing you all the best!

On a Whimsey said...

Echoing Ceci's words... for she's a jolly good fellow!

I remember quite a while back, before Nonnie became our leader (I think?) when there was a problem with shipping etc. The result was that through Nonnie's extraordinary generosity I received a beautiful ACEO from her by way of compensation. It stands on my desk and everytime I look at it, I think of the special type of friendships we all have in the great BBEST team.

Nonnie, you will not know how you ever had the time to go to work! Seriously, wishing you a wonderful 'next stage' in your life to be full of creations and beautiful things, and all the YOU time in the world. Most importantly, enjoy!!!!!!

Thankds, Judi, for the splendid article.

circleinthesand said...

CONGRATS to you Nonnie on your retirement!!!! Now you can just concentrate on your awesome talents and not waste your time on folks who do not appreciate you!!

I want to thank you for all your hard work on behalf of this team, and thank you especially for your sweet friendship to me!! You are an awesome lady, and I'm so excited for you as you begin this new phase in your life!!

xxooxxoo
duckie
:)

Colours and Textures said...

Bbest wishes to you Nonnie, enjoy your retirement, and the song Ceci quoted ends
'and so say all of us'

Linda said...

Oh my goodness! What a wonderful surprise. You all have me in absolute tears! This is a wonderful tribute, Judi, and so unexpected.
You guys are the BBEST! I thank God for wonderful friends like you.
I still can't believe this!
Hugs! Kisses!

Beth said...

Oh Nonnie, enjoy this wonderful milestone.....congrats
Hugs

Ceci said...

who's Linda??? Bahahahahahaa

Margaret Garrood said...

Happy retirement Nonnie. Enjoy your extra time and thank you for all your hard work.

The Filigree Garden said...

Retirement is such a misnomer because I imagine Nonnie will be busier than ever letting her wonderful talents blossom full time! Nonnie you are a very sweet and special person. May the future be extra special for you!

yankeegirl said...

Oh, Nonnie....so wish we could all be there in person to send you into this next phase of your life but it seems like this is the next best thing! Congrats and best wishes for a loooooong, happy retirement from the big, bad working world.

Judi, wonderful feature on our wonderful leader!!

Judy Nolan said...

Wishing you the very best as you move forward, Nonnie. The future is going to be exciting!