I started seeing comments from Dionne over at Now Smell This (where, to my embarrassment, I have been much less active in the comments since my move to Texas) which, despite the relative “newness” of her voice to that long-running conversation, most certainly did not carry the tone of a newborn perfumista. Insightful, honest, intelligent, and bearing a thoughtful gravitar to boot, I categorized her in my brain as “new to me, but not new.”
When she began commenting here at BoTO, I quickly noticed a trend: I wanted to read each of her comments over and over again— not because they massaged my ego with praise (Though I’d read that kind over-and-over too!) but because of the engaging and intimate quality the perfumed stories in her life. After reading one particularly moving comment, I realized that I wanted to hear more; had to hear more.
It took me a few days to work up the courage (I hardly *know* her!) but when you know, you know. I sent a bizarre and awkward email— my specialty— which led to a series of emails, which led to:
Dionne, a happily married mother of five hailing from the Canadian Rockies (and self-titled Frugal Perfumista), agreeing to join Anne-Marie and me on the Beauty on The Outside team!
Dionne is familiar to some of you, and new to others. But I think that you’ll agree, she’s right at home at Beauty on The Outside. Tomorrow her first post will be up; I know you are going to enjoy it!
Welcome, Dionne!
beauty on the outside 
*Waves at Dionne*
This is very exciting! I look forward to her posts 😀
“Waves back”
I bookmarked your post on ouds, Sir-O-Sir, it was such an excellent reference. I’ve slowly been in the process of de-lurking to work on my stalker tendencies, but haven’t “outed” myself on your blog yet. Really must rectify that.
I’m glad you enjoyed it!
I shall look forward to you delurking at some point in the future 😀
Well, *I* didn’t find it a bizarre and awkward e-mail at all!
It’s a good thing there wasn’t a secret camera at my house to capture my astonished grin/squeal of delight/jumping up and down/general spaz-out reaction.
Baby, that was my Oscars moment right there. Halle Berry was nothin’ compared to my reaction.
(I’ve got to be honest, I haven’t been this excited for a long time. There’s a prediction of little sleep in the bran flake bits at the bottom of my breakfast bowl…. Bran flake bits are like tea leaves, dontcha know.)
Hooray, and welcome to Dionne! Yet another reason to hang out at the BOTO Lounge!
Thanks, Meg! Your last post had me rethinking my complete lack of attention towards the Tocca line.
Welcome Dionne! I love perfume stories so can’t wait to read your posts here. Exciting times!
Now just how bizarre and awkward was that email? I’ve sent dee a few of those 🙂
Tara, I’ve got lots and lots of stories. It’s a challenge for me to keep my posts succinct; I am waaay wordier than Dee.
Dee’s e-mail was along the lines of “I like what you have to say. Would you consider joining Anne-Marie and I at BoTO.” See, not awkward at all.
On the other hand, my recent message to a complete stranger on the BPAL forums, saying “I’ve got an old bottle of TBS Wood Musk, ya want it?” Now that’s awkward.
YAY! Content by Dionne! I will certainly be by for that treat.
Thanks, Mals! That means a lot to me. I got a little gushy about you over at Ari’s place, but hopefully it’s more complimentary than creepy. My nerd-self was peekin’ out.
Very Cool Dee!! I recently noticed Dionne’s comments too and found them interesting (I don’t remember exactly where or what they were- but I noticed!!)- so looking forward to the posts!
Thank you, Lavanya. (I have to sheepishly admit, for a long time when I saw your gravatar, I thought, “Ooooh, pretty, opal on rock.” Imagine my surprise to see the photo full-screen. DOH!)
Dionne, welcome!
Look forward to reading your posts here.
Thanks, Undina! I enjoy your stories and graphs, and you’ve inspired me to start keeping track of what I wear.
Marvelloous! Many welcomes.
*bowing* Thank you my dear. (I’ve just finished working my through all the archives. Anne-Marie, you are a very tough act to follow.)
Nonsense. Good grief …
But thanks!
🙂
Congratulations, Dionne – you are someone whose comments I also recently started clocking on the blogs, and I look forward to reading your posts here!
Thank you, Vanessa. Your guest post at NST was incredibly apropos as well as helpful, as it was posted two days after I first got an e-mail from Dee. I hinted there that something was coming (I couldn’t resist, I was so excited), but felt Dee should be the one to make it official.