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Yup, it’s that time of the year when I take a break from posting because I will be working for the next six days and coming home each night with only the energy to eat dinner, take a shower, iron my clothes for the next day, and then have a nice glass of red wine. That is unless Shannon drinks all my wine before I get home – the little stinker!

Anyway, I didn’t want a week to go by without wishing you all a very Merry Christmas.

This is such a busy time of the year for many of us, that the holiday season seems to fly by so quickly and then it’s over. That’s why I’m trying to take time to enjoy modest moments and savor them; remembering what this holiday is truly about – and it’s really quite simple.

Sharing the love in our hearts.

Christmas always makes me very emotional. In fact, even as I am writing this I’m getting teary-eyed because not only is Christmas a time of great joy, it is also a time of great melancholy; reflecting upon the loved ones in our lives who have passed on and are no longer here. And it can also be a time of stress and strain for those who might be going through challenging experiences right now, such as, financial or serious health issues. I also think about the people who are alone during this holiday and feeling lonely.

At times, Christmas can feel so bittersweet.

So, I ask that you all take a moment during this next week and share the love in your heart with those who might be finding it difficult to feel the joy right now. Simply place your hands over your heart and send them the love that’s there. And I truly believe that they, in turn, will feel that love and be supported. Because love is an energy that can be felt far and wide.
I leave you now with one of my all-time favorite Christmas songs. And it is sung by someone who had such a gift for conveying the meaning of the words within a song because she always sang from her heart – Judy Garland.

Pure and simple…


Have a Merry Little Christmas, folks!
X to you and your loved ones.
I'll see you all next week!

Update: Hi everyone! Just wanted to let you know that I'll be posting again on Monday (the 29th). Hope you all had a faaaabulous Christmas!
X

54 comments:

  1. What a wonderful and thought-provoking post Ron! I feel the same as you...the holiday season has bittersweet moments. As I get older, even more so. Your message is a very good one and I will send love to all who are alone, depressed, or in trouble this Christmas season. Hang in there, my friend, only a week to go! My daughter is struggling as she is a hair stylist and this is a CRAZY time for her that goes right through past New Year's! She is working twelve hour days and comes home to collapse at night too. Have YOURSELF a Merry Little Christmas Ron and thank you for being such a true friend! xo Jeanne and the girls

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  2. Okay, you did it... my eyes are tearing up after reading your post. I won't hold it against you. I think this is the first Christmas that I haven't felt melancholy, maybe it's the way things are going in the family, the grandsons, Joe's improving health, our daughter's presence, all things that lift the spirits for me.


    I will raise a glass to you (wine okay?) on Christmas Day. Meanwhile I join in with Jeanne in thanking you for your support throughout the year. Ooooh, I'm getting wet-eyes again... smiles. Wishing you a happy Christmas xx Oh and Joe says to send you his thanks for keeping me cheerful. Hmm, I didn't think it showed...

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  3. Merry Christmas, Ronnie! Lots of people to remember who suffer during the holidays. And also, those who have to work extra hard because of the holidays, like you. Take time out for yourself and know that we love you! XO

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  4. Oh, Ron, this is such a beautiful post! I know exactly what you mean about Christmas being a time of melancholy.


    We can't help but think of our departed loved ones at this time of the year. I burst into tears last year while having Christmas dinner with my dear sister and auntie when I thought of all the people who weren't with us.


    And, by the way, my late mother absolutely loved Judy Garland, so thanks so much for posting this video--and please excuse me while I run for the tissues!


    Great job, buddy! With all my recent health worries, I consider this post an early Christmas present! My best wishes to you and your loved ones, don't work too hard, and don't let Shannon guzzle the wine!

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  5. Oh Ron, this is such a sweet post it made me get all teary-eyed as well. Like you, I think of those who are alone or are going through hardships right now and my heart aches for them. I love your idea of sharing the love in our heart and sending it to them. And I will do that.

    What a beautiful song. It's perfect for this holiday because it expresses so much tenderness and heart. No one sang a song like Judy Garland or with such emotion.

    Have a very Merry Christmas, Ron. I'll miss your posts for the week, but I understand. Don't work too hard and take time for yourself X

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  6. Ron, whatever you were feeling while writing this post, I felt it, because it went straight to my heart. I have a friend and one family member who are going through some tough stuff right now, so it's been difficult for them this Christmas. You're correct, this holiday can feel so bittersweet for some.


    Have a Merry Christmas, dude! And thank you for all that you share throughout the year. You're my favorite blogger!

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  7. Judy left us much too soon, didn't she, Ron? Sad that someone with so much talent to share is no longer able to share it. Perhaps we all need to stop and realize that GIFTS are meant to be shared, so we need to share them while we're able!

    Happy Christmas to you, too, my friend. I know just what you mean about the holidays. Sometimes they're immensely joyful; other times, we wallow in despair. But I like what you said about sharing the love -- I think that Baby in the Manger intended for us to do just that!!

    Don't work too hard now -- and try to keep that wine away from Shannon, heehee!!

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  8. Merry Christmas to you, Ron!

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  9. Christmas holds some bitter sweet memories for us too Ron. We tend to have a quieter time now days. Too many family members are missing from our lives, but we still enjoy this time of year, as they would want us to.


    I hope you have a wonderful time, once work slows down for you. Love Mo & Babs xxx

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  10. Beautiful post, Ron! And I really enjoyed the clip of Judy. She was one of my favorites and always will be. My husband and I will be spending Christmas Day quietly, as our family lives all out of State.


    Have a Merry Christmas and don't work too hard. See you next week!

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  11. Ron, you have such a way with words. Big time tears here! Christmas can feel so bittersweet. I think of my grandmother at this time, who was so influential in my life and is no longer here. She taught me so much in her wisdom. I miss her dearly.


    Thank you for sharing the clip of Judy Garland. You're so right, pure and simple. She had voice that was both powerful and tender. You could see her soul within her eyes.


    Have a VERY Merry Christmas, Ron! Thank you for being here!

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  12. Hey there Jeanne!

    "...the holiday season has bittersweet moments. As I get older, even more so."

    You're so right! This Christmas, for me, I've been thinking a lot about my mother and father and the wonderful childhood they gave us, especially around the holidays, and I find myself missing them a lot. I was so blessed to have had them as my parents.

    "My daughter is struggling as she is a hair stylist and this is a CRAZY time for her that goes right through past New Year's! She is working twelve hour days and comes home to collapse at night too."

    Yes, I know exactly how she feels because having been a hairstylist myself, I know insanely busy it can be this time of the year.

    Have a Merry Little Christmas, my friend! And thank YOU for being such a true friend as well.

    X to you, your family, and the girlz!

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  13. Hello there Valerie!

    I don't know what came over me last night while I was writing this post, but I got very emotional and teary-eyed. I've been thinking a lot about my mother and father and how much they both loved Christmas and how special they always made it for us kids. I feel so blessed to have had the parents I did and miss them dearly.

    "I think this is the first Christmas that I haven't felt melancholy, maybe it's the way things are going in the family, the grandsons, Joe's improving health, our daughter's presence, all things that lift the spirits for me."



    I think that's WONDERFUL! And I also think it's wonderful about Joe's improving health because I know that the year has been challenging for the two of you, so it's time to celebrate. Yaaaaaaaaaaay!!!!


    Thanks so much for stopping by and for YOUR support throughout the year! I'm so glad we met through blogging!


    Wishing you and Joe a VERY Merry Christmas!


    Much X to you both!


    Cheers!

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  14. Aw...thank you, my friend :)


    And know that you are loved as well!


    ((((((((( YOU ))))))))


    Wishing you and your family a VERY Merry Christmas!!


    XO

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  15. Hey there Rob!

    "We can't help but think of our departed loved ones at this time of the year. I burst into tears last year while having Christmas dinner with my dear sister and auntie when I thought of all the people who weren't with us."

    Yes, and this year, especially, it's been a exceptional melancholy Christmas for me. I've been thinking a lot about my mother and father and how much they both loved this holiday and always made it so special for us kids. And I find myself missing them dearly.

    "And, by the way, my late mother absolutely loved Judy Garland, so thanks so much for posting this video--and please excuse me while I run for the tissues!"



    HA! I was the way when I uploaded the video for this post last night. OMG...I got SO emotional and teary-eyed. And the way Judy sings it made it even more emotional for me.


    Thanks so much for stopping by, buddy! Wishing you and your loved ones a VERY Merry Christmas!


    Cheers!
    X

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  16. Hola Denise!

    Last night while writing this post, I got so emotional and weepy thinking about the people I personally know who are going through some challenging things right now. And I was also thinking about my mother and father and the wonderful memories I had with them as kid growing up. They LOVED Christmas and always made it so special for us.

    "What a beautiful song. It's perfect for this holiday because it expresses so much tenderness and heart. No one sang a song like Judy Garland or with such emotion."



    AMEN! She was the BEST!


    Thanks so much for stopping by, girl. Wishing you and your family a VERY Merry Christmas! See ya next week!


    X

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  17. " I have a friend and one family member who are going through some tough stuff right now, so it's been difficult for them this Christmas."


    Me too, Matt. So I think that's why I've been extra emotional this Christmas. It's been a joyful one for me in many ways, but it's also been a tender one.


    Thanks so much for stopping by, buddy. Wishing you and your loved ones a VERY Merry Christmas! Cheers! See ya next week!


    X

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  18. "Judy Garland's version of that song is wonderful, though I'd always secretly hoped we'd hear Toto chime in at some point, too.

    Alas, this is not the case."

    HAHAHAHAHA! Mark, you crack me the hell up!! You're right, no Toto in this one :( But OMG...isn't Judy's version faaaaaabulous?

    "Because you're right: the time passes quickly, and this season truly is magical. I like to soak it in as much as possible myself."



    Meeeeeeeee too!


    Thanks so much for stopping by, buddy! Wishing you, Tara, and your family a VERY Merry Christmas!


    X

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  19. OMG, Angelia, your comment was so sweet and touching that it made me get all teary-eyed again!

    ((((((((((((((( YOU )))))))))))))))))

    "May all the lights twinkle a little brighter as they reflect all your shining love. Merry Christmas!"



    And to you too, my friend!!!!!!


    Wishing you and your family a VERY Merry Christmas!


    Cheers and X!

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  20. I SOOOOOOOOO agree with you, Debbie! Judy left us all too soon. She was a one-of-a-kind talent!

    " Perhaps we all need to stop and realize that GIFTS are meant to be shared, so we need to share them while we're able!"

    Yes, you're right! And that's something she did while she was still here. And she shared it with all her heart and soul. You can FEEL it within every song she ever sung.

    Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Wishing you and your loved ones a VERY Merry Christmas!

    X

    " and try to keep that wine away from Shannon, heehee!!"



    HAHAHAHAHA! Will do!

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  21. And to you too, Suzi!


    (((((((((( YOU )))))))))


    X and Christmas cheer to you and your family!

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  22. "We tend to have a quieter time now days. Too many family members are missing from our lives, but we still enjoy this time of year, as they would want us to."


    You're absolutely right, Babs. We can still enjoy this time of the year, as they would want us to.


    Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Wishing you and Mo a VERY Merry Christmas!


    X to you both!


    (((((((( Babs and Mo ))))))))

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  23. Hellooooo Elaine!

    "She was one of my favorites and always will be."



    Glad you enjoyed the clip. Yes, she was one of my favorites too! I loved her!


    Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Wishing you and your husband a VERY Merry Christmas!

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  24. Hey ho Robert!

    " I think of my grandmother at this time, who was so influential in my life and is no longer here. She taught me so much in her wisdom. I miss her dearly."

    I know how you feel because I have been thinking a lot about my parents this Christmas season, and feeling quite melancholy. They have been mixed feelings of great joy, but also of missing them.

    "She had voice that was both powerful and tender. You could see her soul within her eyes."



    AMEN! Couldn't have expressed it any better!


    Thanks so much for stopping by, buddy. Wishing you and your loved ones a VERY Merry Christmas!


    X

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  25. Merry Christmas Ron, I know it is a busy time for you and hope the joys of the season outweigh the stress and frustrations that can go along with it, it is a time for mixed emotions and hardships but always the blessings are numerous enough to give us good memories for years to come.

    Excellent post Buddy.

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  26. What a lovely, heartfelt post Ron and I couldn't agree more. Christmas IS a magical time for a lot of people but for so many people, that magic is tinged with sadness for so many passed on, not here to enjoy the holidays with us, on this side.

    But they ARE with us in spirit, I truly believe that and I like to picture one heck of a good party going on "up there" during this special time.

    I would give anything to give my mom a "real" hug, every day but I can't so instead I talk to her and send hugs through the universe and always, LOTS OF LOVE to go with it. And love continues, no matter where we are, and where are loved ones may be.

    I teared up reading your words Ron, I can sense how you are feeling now too. When you are right in the middle of all the hustle and bustle as I'm sure you are right now at work, make sure to stop and find time to enjoy a moment of quiet, watching the snow falling (hopefully) and really communing with those now passed on, that you miss most of all. They will hear you, they will cheer you, and they will always love you.

    Sending lots of hugs your way, take care and all the good things in 2015. It's going to be a wonderful year, I just know it!!! :-)

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  27. Hey there Jimmy!

    "it is a time for mixed emotions and hardships but always the blessings are numerous enough to give us good memories for years to come."

    You are spot on about that, my friend....the blessings of good memories for the years to come!

    I'm actually having a very joyful Christmas season and enjoying it because I'm feeling the true meaning of this season, love. But with that, I'm also feeling a bit melancholy about my mother and father and missing them.

    Thanks so much for stopping by, Jimmy. Wishing you, Cindy, and your family a VERY Merry Christmas! And thank you for being in my life!

    Cheers and X to you and Cindy!

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  28. Hellooooooooo there Geraldine!

    "But they ARE with us in spirit, I truly believe that and I like to picture one heck of a good party going on "up there" during this special time."

    You are absolutely right about that, they ARE with us in spirit. And for some reason, this Christmas I am especially feeling my mother and father close to me. And like you, I do talk to them and send hugs through the Universe.

    "They will hear you, they will cheer you, and they will always love you."

    Thank you for your sweet words, my friend.

    Sending lots of hugs your way too...


    ((((((( You ))))))))

    "It's going to be a wonderful year, I just know it!!! :-)"



    Yes, and I have that same feeling too!


    Thanks so much for stopping by and have a very MERRY CHRISTMAS!


    Cheers and X!

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  29. Mel, your comment was absolutely beautiful and touched my heart so deeply! It made me cry. But a "good" cry.

    ((((((((((((((( YOU ))))))))))))))

    "Dearly treasured,I hope you know."



    Thank you. And I hope you know just how treasured you are as well. Your loyal friendship throughout these 7 years means the world to me. And I thank you for that.


    This has actually been a very joyful Christmas season for me. And I think it's because as the years go by, I'm understanding more and more what this holiday is truly about. LOVE. And with that, I'm reminded of my childhood and the wonderful parents I had. Therefore, I miss them and am feeling melancholy. And I'm also thinking about some of the people I know and the challenges they are going through right now. My heart feels very open this Christmas, so I'm feeling the joy, the melancholy and the love all at once. But that's a good thing because it means I'm growing and feeling more.


    Thanks so much for stopping by, dear lady. Wishing you, Himself, the Bug, and the rest of your family a joyous and blessed Christmas!


    Cheers and X!

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  30. Miraculously, you have been able to express the magic and beauty of Christmas, spreading the love and peace which Christ wanted for us all. Wishing you all of it, Ron!
    Merry Christmas! :))

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  31. This was so beautiful, Ron. Love and blessings to you this Christmas, good luck with your schedule-on-steroids and we'll see you on the flipside.

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  32. Oh, bittersweet indeed. In fact, increasingly so as the years go by for me. I'm watching a video right now of Christmas when my son had just turned a year old and Christmas was more purely magical for me. Now, I think more of people I've lost and how my life isn't where I thought it would be. I love the holiday and it gives me the blues at the same time. And in my line of work, I mostly hear about the sorrow it brings up for people.


    Wishing you peace and joy, my friend. <3

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  33. p.s. I absolutely adore Judy Garland! If you get a chance, which I'm wondering how many you have during this hectic sales season, "The Family Stone", with Diane Keaton is much fun! I bring it up, because there's a scene in which highlights this song by Judy. Just beautiful! :))

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  34. Thank you for your sweet words, Petra! And ditto back to you. friend!


    Wishing you a beautiful Merry Christmas!


    X

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  35. Yes, I've seen "The Family Stone" and LOVED it!!!! Diane Keaton is AWESOME in that film! And that's right, this song is IN that movie!


    Judy Garland was the BEST!


    X

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  36. Hey there Kathy!


    Love and blessings to you too, my Philly friend!


    Wishing you and Dave a very Merry Christmas!!


    X

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  37. " Oh, bittersweet indeed. In fact, increasingly so as the years go by for me. I love the holiday and it gives me the blues at the same time."



    Yes, isn't it something how that is? I too love the holiday and cherish it, but as the years go by I feel more melancholy. Maybe it's an "age thing?" This has actually been a very joyous Christmas season for me, but at the same time very profound.


    And yes, I bet in your line of work you to hear a lot about the sorrow it brings up for people.


    ((((((((((((( YOU ))))))))))))


    Wishing you peace and joy too, my friend! Merry Christmas!
    X

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  38. And Merry Christmas to YOU, Ron. I am glad you are taking some time off. Oh my goodness... wait... that isn't all it.... you are working your BUTT OFF when people are INSANE in the stores! AHHHHH!!!!! I wish you peace, joy and SANITY!!!!

    I hope you have a wonderful Christmas... that you have beautiful things to photograph and that Barbie leaves presents under your tree!

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  39. Aw...thank you, Katherine!

    Actually, it hasn't been that bad at work so far. I'm working a lot of hours, yes, but the customers seem to be in good spirits and rather patient. So, it's all been good.

    "and that Barbie leaves presents under your tree!"

    Bwhahahahaha! Yes, I'm hoping she leaves me a Malibu Barbie Beach House!!!

    Thanks so much for stopping by. Wishing you and your family a joyous and blessed Christmas! Have a GREAT one, my friend!

    ((((((( YOU )))))))

    X

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  40. I shall be enjoying Christmas this year I think.
    Sending my best wishes to you and yours Ron, may your new year be fruitful and relaxing.

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  41. Merry Christmas Ron! Glad to have spend another year blogging with you! Hears to many more to come :)

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  42. "Glad to have spend another year blogging with you! Hears to many more to come :)"

    Same to you, Shae!

    Have a VERY Merry Christmas, my friend!

    x

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  43. Thank you, Dale!

    And the same to you, buddy!

    "I shall be enjoying Christmas this year I think."



    I am so happy for you!!!!!


    Wishing you and you loved ones a VERY Merry Christmas!


    Cheers!
    X

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  44. Ron, I thought of you tonight while I was at the mall and surrounded by all the crowds of shoppers! Hope you're surviving the retail this year! Lol

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  45. Hellooooooo Denise!


    Thanks so much for stopping by, girl. Yes, I'm surviving retail this year. So far so good, but the next three days will most likely been the most intense with last minute shoppers. Pray for me - HA!


    Merry Christmas!!!!!
    X

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  46. Merry Christmas! You have a way of getting to the heart of what matters. Wishing you and your family a healthy and happy holiday season.

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  47. Thank you, Lauren :)

    Wishing you and your family a healthy and happy holiday season as well!

    Much thanks for stopping by, my friend. So glad we met. I look forward to blogging with you in 2015!

    X and cheers!

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  48. Happy Christmas sir!! ((((((Ron)))))

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  49. http://ladyfi.wordpress.comFriday, December 26, 2014

    A lovely compassionate post - the holiday season is tough for so many! Hope you had a wonderful Christmas!

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  50. Thank you, Fiona!

    Hope you had a wonderful Christmas as well! Looking forward to blogging with you in 2015. So glad we met!

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  51. Not had time to blog for ages for reasons which will become apparent when I do, but just had to pop in and wish you a Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year my friend. Xx

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  52. Hellooooooo there Pearl!

    It's so great to see ya, my friend! No worries, I took some time off from blogging this month myself because of being so busy at work, so I totally understand.

    Hope all is well and that you and your family had a Merry Christmas!

    Happy New Year to you!!!

    X

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  53. I am so far behind in reading, I missed your Christmas post - so sorry I missed wishing you a Merry Christmas! I hope you had a great break with a few days off work to catch up after your busy season!

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  54. Hi Benze!


    No worries, my friend. I know how busy everyone is during the holidays, so I completely understand.


    And thank you SO MUCH for stopping by and catching up with my posts. You're a sweetheart!


    ((((((((( You ))))))))


    X

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