If you didn’t catch Tom and Leslie’s special feature in August’s Neighbor’s of South DeLand and Victoria Park here is quick recap of what you missed out on. ;)
Tom and Leslie Birney started their story 40 years ago in Lake Placid, New York. Tom worked at a local ski shop and Leslie was living in an apartment across the street, for her first year of teaching. Every day two golden retrievers would come to Leslie’s apartment looking for food. Leslie, being a baker, would always find treats to give to them. One day she decided to follow the dogs to see who they belonged to, and they led her to the ski shop that Tom managed. He explained to her that they belonged to the owners of the ski shop, and that shop was their home. Leslie took and interest to Tom, and would frequent the shop just to get to know and see him. One day, Leslie decided to make him a blueberry pie and the rest was history!
DeLand has been their home now for about 10 years. They miss Lake Placid dearly, but very much enjoy being close to their sons, Tobin and Hogan, whom they are very proud of. They also have a cat named Zooma Zuma.
Tom, who is now retired used to work as the director of marketing for the Olympic Authority. Having such a passion for sports and working with athletes this was Tom’s favorite job. He was able to be a huge part of the Olympics, Disney on Ice, Stars on Ice, and concerts like Tina Turner and Cher. When the Birney’s moved to Florida, Tom got a job as the Director of Marketing for Stetson Athletics where he stayed for five years.
Leslie recently retired from teaching elementary school after 36 years. She taught in New York and then at Freedom Elementary School and Citrus Grove Elementary School where she was honored as 2013 Seminole County Teacher of the Year. Leslie taught the students how to teach with their hands to create things such as crafts, including personalized elf dolls for students, and medieval castles made of cardboard boxes. Students really adored her and appreciated all of the kind things she did for them.
Creativity has always been a huge part of Leslie’s life.
Their home was so well decorated which is why we spent most of our session indoors vs. outside (my usual go-to).
During our session, Leslie shared with me her craft room where she showed me her handcrafted ornaments. No two ornaments are the same she says. Just like a snowflake. Leslie uses recycled materials from old books, vintage cards, and stationary to make her art one of a kind. She also makes children’s clothes, vintage decor, and beautiful, old school scrapbooks.
Her pop-up shop called, “Leslie’s Placid Goods” can be spotted at DeLand’s Indie Market.
We can’t wait to come visit her, and we hope to see you there too. :)
Thank you for reading, and thank you Tom and Leslie for sharing your story!
<3
Alice