Congratulations are in order for all this year's award winners.

Congratulations to this year's award winners, but in particular, to three award winners with whom I have conversed with in the past and whom I consider friends within Collectors Society. I am a far better collector for knowing each of the following three persons.

A little over two years ago, because I was impressed with his writing ability, I asked Revenant to evaluate a set I was working on. Thankfully, he was very gracious and glad to do this for me. Although Revenant's critique of my set seemed a little harsh, it was honest. Nevertheless, because of my respect for him, I took his suggestions to heart and changed the look and direction of my set. Subsequently, "Gary's 20th Century Type Set" won an award for best-presented set in 2009. Now I am delighted to see him get the same award for his 1932 mint set.

Over the past year, I have cultivated a warm relationship with "The BRG Collection", he sends me tips on coins I may need, and I do the same for him. Over the past year, I have watched "Horses" develop into one of the finest custom sets that there is. His photography and graphic presentations are stunning, and his owner comments are informative and interesting. The BRG Collection through his "horses" set has challenged me to step it up and take my graphic presentations to another level. Interestingly, "The BRG Collection" has said my "Inspirational Ladies" set which won the 2008 "Most Creative" award, was at least in part his inspiration for "Horses". Very fittingly, "Horses" is the 2011 "Most Creative" custom set.

One of the reasons I love "Collector's-Society" is that it allows for the expression of two of my passions, coin collecting and writing. Although "Iowa Silver Baron Bammer" is gravitating towards the "dark side" (currency, jk), I have always enjoyed his writing style and content. He is able to communicate his love for currency in a way that connects with the non-currency collector. I look forward to reading more of his journals in 2012 (I just may have to go to the currency page on a regular basis to read his posts this year).

Once again, to all this year's winners, congratulations, and for the rest of us there's always next year! Until then, happy collecting!

Gary

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