Friday, February 1, 2013

A Fond Farewell Video And A Surprise Video!

Deb and Barbara: It's with tears in our eyes that we post this last (for now!) Blogging Out Loud. Thanks for the amazing comments throughout the week. You guys are the BEST!



This is a re-post of Monday's "what to expect from the blog" info, just in case you missed it: 
We’re leaving the blog up because, down the line, if we have any big announcements to make or things we want to share with you in a new post, we can (if you want, you can subscribe on the left-hand bar to get any updates). But we also feel the community that has grown here and the stuff we’ve talked about deserves to be here for any of us who might want to revisit conversations (you can easily search in the left-hand bar for key words, and Blogger will find the pertinent stories for you). Colin can also keep you posted of any of our news through Twitter, and we will keep our Twitter feed live (although probably won’t be there a lot for the next while). Just so you know, after two weeks, Blogger won’t take comments without moderation, but since we won’t be moderating, we hate to have you think we’re ignoring you. You can comment if you want, but just so you know, we might not see it (we don’t get updates) or be able to post it for a while.


And now for something really special!

The lovely Shalaka sent us this retrospective video of our blog years, and we were so touched and overwhelmed that, of course, we had to share. This is such a beautiful keepsake for us and we think you'll love it too! Thank you so much, Shalaka! And thanks to each and every one of you who have supported, nurtured, and grown with us over the years. xo



PS (added at 7:46 on Fri evening): I (Barbara) finally did a bit of "housecleaning" on the blog -- (which I had on my list-of-things-to-do for sooooo long). In case any of you check back here: I've added a page of "Comfort Food" to our lefthand sidebar. This is a collection of your favourite goodies to bring to friends in times of need -- which we asked for waaaay back when. You all said it was okay for me to post these, aaaaand I just let it fall behind. So thank you for contributing -- and check it out in the sidebar.

I also updated our videos page and my recipes page (added my easy Christmas goodies). I hope you can use the updates I've posted :) 

73 comments:

  1. Okay....First off.. IN TEARS!

    And... THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! For everything. Its funny when people asked me why the blog was ending. I told them the same thing. I knew you two are all or nothing gals and you wouldnt want to make it something you "HAD" to do. It had to remain something you "WANTED" to do. And I knew that must be the reason you ended the blog. But it was really great to see you two again. I LOVE YOU SOOO SOOO SOOOOO MUCH!!!

    And thanks for taking time and replying to each and everyone of us no matter how busy you were, you always checked in.

    And oh gosh more than anything else. Thank you for coming in my life. I feel sooo honoured and lucky to have such wonderful friends. and I'm soo glad you liked my little gift. Like it says. Its the End of an Era.
    And you have NOOOO IDEA how excited I am for your future!! Sooo very excited. And thankfully because of the new FB group we can all stay connected. You gave your 200% here and now it IS time to move on. But this blog will be missed.
    xoxoxo

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    1. Oh my, just so emotional right now! Of course, I saw these before today, but seeing them again this morning definitely has me emotional. Thanks again for this, Shalaka, and for doing the FB page! Soooo appreciate the lovely keepsake you've given us xoxo

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    2. About the FB page.... It was my honour honey. It was my honour. And the video.....well..I'm just glad you FELT the love I felt while creating it!!! You're very very very Welcome!! xoxo

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  2. I was listening to this while I was brushing my teeth. Just a heads up you can't really cry and brush your teeth at the same time. Shalaka you are amazing! I think this whole blog experience has been amazing when I think how readily and easily we have all been able to comfort and reach out to each other without out "really" knowing each other. It speaks volumes of the human condition, we are people of compassion and we will continue to be there for each other. Thank you Deb and Barb for being there for me through the best and worst year of my life. I so look forward to giving the two of you a personal hug and you too Shalaka. Thank you, thank you, thank you!!! XOXO

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    1. Thanks Honey! Glad you liked it. Hugs back! xo

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    2. Funny how the best and worst years of our lives often go together...So happy that yours does have the "best" in there. Certain that it will just get bester and bester, Mary! xo

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  3. Thank you again Barb and Deb, words just don't do it........ You have given so much of yourselves to this blog and unselfishly so. What a gift you have given us all. you brought a smile to my face every morning, you made me think. you challenged me and you supported me. For that. I will be forever thankful.

    Shalaka, that is an incredible video tribute to the Middle Ages !!!! So fun to watch. Thank you all and much love to yo....xo

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  4. Seriously. Girls even though I got a telepathic headsup. Just like you a few days before that I had already created my schedule when I get to Toronto. And I was sooo pleased that I was going to start my day with the blog. And I have been weeping for a while..but I'll feel it more on Monday.

    You made my evenings wonderful! I feel sooo blessed....And honestly. Cant wait to see what your new adventures are!!! xoxo

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    1. I think we all will, Shalaka...

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    2. yeah.....

      but hey! Atleast we can have morning FB tea on the group, eh?

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    3. Shalaka, I can't seem to find the group on FB. Is it not there yet, or am I just overlooking it?

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    4. Hey April!! NO WORRIES SHALAKA TO THE RESCUE!!!!
      Here you go.... go on this link http://www.facebook.com/groups/138886832939641/

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    5. Thanks Shalaka! And I love your video! Very wonderful, indeed...

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  5. I love you!! so so much. I really wanted to give you something and I'm happy I was inspired to make this video. To be honest I have NOO IDEA how I created it still. I touched that software in over 2 years.....It was all dusty...and I was shivering because I thought I'd screw up. but then I saw the song "End of an Era" heard it..and the WHOLE BLOG, all the fun we had....everything flashed in front on my eyes....and I knew I just had to take a leap of faith...and just DOOO IT! And Here we are! I didnt do much...just added lots and lots of love and warm fuzzy hugs and kisses to the video. I guess you both FELT them. PHEW!

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  6. Sniff, sniff. Oh, I didn't want to watch the video. I figured if I didn't watch it, then the end wouldn't come, right? Well, I did watch it and it was beautiful. Thank you ladies for, well, everything.

    You remember that thanks to your blog and encouragement, I decided to do my children's theater? I wanted to update you on how that is going. We moved to a new state a little over a year ago. It kind of interrupted my theater. Since moving, we haven't done anymore plays, but that will be changing this spring or summer. I got a part time job, which I love, but my schedule changes each month, making it hard to plan rehearsals. What we have been doing, though, is a teen comedy improv group. We started about 10 months ago and oh! let me tell you it has been so much fun. The kids are so very funny. It was a tough start. None of them had done improv before or really any acting. We even have one faithful member who is a bit like Spock from Star Trek. Can you imagine Spock doing comedy improv? Everything is highly illogical and our Spock often balks at our scene suggestions. But our Spock has grown, learned, and can be quite funny when she puts her mind to it. They have all grown. We aren't producing any future celebrities here, but I've always felt that anytime spent on a stage as a kid is good. You learn confidence, articulation, and how to think on your feet. They have had two performances and we have our next one planned in March. We aren't professional and we aren't great, but we have FUN! We've had up to 14 kids attend at a time! And since this is all held in my home (for free) there have been some very crowded, insanely crazy and extremly funny improv nights. I love it! So a big thanks to you lovely ladies for your encouragement! And a thanks to Colin as well, if he is around, for all he has done to make improv what it is today and making it great. We wouldn't be having these crazy teens in our house if it weren't for all we learned from you.

    So once again, I say thank you, Deb and Barb. Thank you for everything.
    With greatest love,
    Molly

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    1. Oh, Molly, thank you SO much for this update on the improv team. You have no idea how many times I wanted to ask you about your children's theatre plans. This actually exceeds my expectations!! What a rich and wonderful experience. Those kids will never ever forget it. And you can absolutely believe that these skills will apply to so much throughout their lives! Congrats and keep it up!! And thanks for always being here with your love and honesty xoxo

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  7. I have just viewed the stupendous video Shalaka has made for my dear, dear friends, Deb and Barb. Shalaka, you have really captured the beauty not only of their accomplishment of three years of The Middle Ages but the beauty of their very special friendship. What a wonderful tribute.

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    1. Thanks Cheryl!!! I really really Love them both!! I'm just happy that I captured the love and connection in the video!! And happier that they both felt the love I did! I felt sooo honoured when I created it. And I am extremely honoured that you liked it! Thanks sooo much! <3 xo

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    2. Love to my darling Sistah!! xoxo

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  8. OH MY COOKIES!! I am crying again. I am so grateful today for this blog! It is a celebration and both videos have me dancing a little jig. Deb and Barb you are just so lovely and such a blessing! I love that you are leaving the blog door open, both so we can come in and see the artifacts from a lovely journey and also receive the warm invitation for a future gathering.

    Shalaka your video was so wonderful...thank you for making it! It was a delightful gift that was all wrapped up with your love and talent.

    My little comment doesn't end with words, it just goes on and on because my heart is so full...

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    1. Yes, Eileen, we know exactly what you mean (about the words)!! And as for the blog's open door, it absolutely has to be like that, doesn't it? I know I'll come back and visit. xo

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  9. Thanks Eileen! <3 I had fun making it. Ive watched it 20 times already! All of our hearts are full!!! Gosh.....sooo many feelings!

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  10. Deb -you had asked what play I saw you in at Ryerson. I recently found the program from The Me Nobody Knows. You played Lillian. This is all sort of Kevin Baconish in that we are all 6 or 7 degrees of each other. I was following your blog and there it was- connected again although we have never met!

    I had kept the program cause it was one of those first dates and while I have no clue as to where the guy from that date ever went to in life - I am somehow connected to somebody from that date! Isn't life funny?

    So who knows expect that we will connect again in some fashion. In the meantime - all the best to both of you. And while your talents and energy will be redirected or refocussed somewhere else - no doubt you will still be making another positive mark on this earth. Good on ya! Cheers.

    Dorothy

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    1. What a crazy coincidence?! That you kept the program for one reason, and now remember it for another. Love those kinds of serendipitous events. Thanks for sharing, Dorothy! xo

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  11. On to bigger and better opportunities to you both. Loved the blog and will continue to follow you along the way as you update us.

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  12. *massive hugs* Thank you for creating this wonderful blog, for always taking time to respond to me, and for helping me when I thought I was beyond help. I'm so glad I found you all here. I love you both, and wish you the best.

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    1. And you've helped us too, April. I need and want to "talk things out" - so by bringing your thoughts and issues to the forefront here and being so honest, we had even more to discuss and think about. You have so so so much to offer, April. I wish you all the best and know it's right there for you. xo

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  13. Thank you again. This was fun. Looking forward to all of our life adventures. Youth is wasted on the young. Middle age is where the excitement begins. Best wishes to the both of you on your next adventures.

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    1. Thanks, Heidi. It WAS fun (in many parts because of you!). And so excited to keep journeying. I love a good mystery ;)

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  14. Oh dear ladies, what more can I say? SO just full of...
    So just FULL.
    I almost feel selfish in my support of you two going on to your next endeavors because there is always a need for good artists to create good art. And the two of you are GOOD ARTISTS. (Shalaka, in the short time since I've known you, I believe my use of all caps has bumped up exponentially ;)

    Thank you, Shalaka, for creating the facebook page and keeping our connection as a community alive. I really am so thankful for that-- no matter how dormant things may be at times, knowing that I will have a way of sharing and keeping in touch with peoples lives in this beautiful community gives me... peace, and power. Those are the words that came to me, so those are the words that I'll use.

    You have mad cheerleaders in us all, Deb &Barb. If you ever need a pom-pom boost, just let me know. And come to Vancouver.
    so much love,
    Souz

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    1. LOVE CAPS LOCK!!!!! :D Soon you ALL will start using gazillion exclamatory marks in your sentences.....My plan is working! Bwahahaha

      And I'm sooo honoured that I got to create that group!! I knew this was a new beginning and then suddenly the bulb in my head LIT UP! I'm sooo happy we all got to connect!

      Yes!! Let us all know if you need pom-pom boost. Or if you need pep talk you know where to find me...DONT YOU DARE ASK ANYONE ELSE FOR THE PEP TALK!!! ;)

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    2. Hilarious! Souz, that was beautiful and I fully take it into my heart. Love a good cheerleader, love being on both sides of the game :) Thank you! xo

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  15. P.S. Deb!! Your double negatives dont beat my CAPS LOCK AND MY EXCLAMATION!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I love you girls xoxo

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  16. What a nice irony that the last blogging out loud post is the first that I've been able to watch! I'm going to miss you ladies and your stories, but I'm so happy for you. On to the next great adventure!

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    1. Well, gotta say I'm glad you were able to see this one! Happy journeying, Hannah. Can't wait to read more about your adventures. xo

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  17. Beautiful videos! A great way to say "see you later". Classy and yet full of fun right to the last.

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  18. Really going to miss you two.
    Also, did you get the comment I left on your last blog yesterday? I went to check over the blog one more time and my comment was gone :/ are the comments being monitored already?

    But seriously, I am going to miss you both :)

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    1. Thanks, Garrett! And, yes, I did see your comment come through my email, but couldn't find it on the blog. That happened with a few others too. Even some of my own are coming and going.

      Jo (Odin's mom), I have tried 3 times to leave you a CONGRATS on Monday's post and one minute one is there and the next two are and the next they're all gone. I will try here: so excited for you and your new job. Plus it reminds me of when Deb and I were writing one of our scripts back-when and our main character got a job in a funeral home (to much hilarity and adventure).

      Anyway, if your comment isn't there (or here), I have no idea what's happening. The moderation shouldn't have kicked in yet.

      Garrett, thanks so so much for being here, joining in on the convos, and leaving such kind comments. We'll miss you! xo

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    2. Barb I would recommend you to check the spam folder in the blogger interface ;) It might explain this or then not.

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  19. Oh, never mind. I just couldn't see it because the page had SO~ many comments that it had a load more button. Shows how much people love you two :)

    I was kinda of in a mini freak out mode for a few moments. I put all of my emotion into it, and I was all like :O "I can't word it like I did last night!"

    ...Not sure how to end this :/ this could possibly be the last message I post on the blog for a LONG time :(

    I'll end it with one of my favorite songs
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gr_8RKbG2DM
    Enjoy the beautiful music...I could have posted a lyrics only video, but the video is nice to watch (seeing as it was made for the music)

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    1. Aww, such a great song to enjoy right now, Garret (also see comment above)! And glad your comment is back (I swear I couldn't find it before!) xo

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    2. You probably would have found it eventually :)
      ...kind of bitter sweet responding...Kind of like a knot in my stomach because, like I said before, this could be the last comment for a LONG, LONG time.

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    3. Awesome video Garrett. Explained my feelings better than I could have. :)

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  20. Ladies, you have done so much for all of us and we are all so very thankful. I just want to say that I have learned so much from you and I appreciate your wisdom, honesty, understanding, love, and humor. I can see how this is a bittersweet time for you. It's time to start the next chapter.
    Deb, I wish your parents the very best and I know that they are lucky to have you for a daughter.
    Barbara, I hope that being a somewhat new empty-nester brings you opportunities to learn new things and explore this world.
    I look forward to the reunion. Shalaka, great video! Going to miss the ALL CAPS COMMENTS FROM YOU!!! :) And to everyone here, much love to you all. I wish miss our daily conversations.
    Love to one and all! xoxo
    Here is a little Shakespeare:
    "Friendship is constant in all things"
    "I count myself in nothing else so happy
    As in a soul remembering my good friends."
    "I would not wish
    Any companion in the world but you."
    "It is not in the stars to hold our destiny but in ourselves."
    "A friend is one that knows you as you are, understands where you have been, accepts what you have become, and still, gently allows you to grow.”
    Love.




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    1. Oh, Steph, you always know how to pull out those perfect, perfect Shakespearean quotes. Wish I had that skill. Thank you so much for taking the time to do this!! and love to you xo

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  21. Just doing a bit of "housecleaning" here on the blog -- (which I had on my list for sooooo long). In case any of you check back here: I've added a page of "Comfort Food" that is your gracious contributions to our ask for goodies we can bring to friends in times of need. You all said it was okay for me to post, and I just let it fall behind. So thank you for contributing -- and check it out in the sidebar.

    I also updated our videos page and my recipes page (added Christmas goodies). The only thing I'm too lazy to deal with is the Bookmarked page. Too many good books, too much work, too little hutzpah to do it. Anyway, I hope you can use the updates I've posted :)

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  22. It takes alot to make me cry. I cried last night thinking of how much I have come to love everything and everyone here. Tears of joy! THANKS!!!!
    And an awesome video Shalaka!!

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    1. Tears of joy, yup, those are good, Kelly! love xo

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  23. And that is your valedictorian address. Amazing ladies. Your focus is where it needs to be at this stage of life. And, I eagerly await what the next chapter of your journey will bring.

    But, know that you have a soft spot here to land, laugh and recharge.

    One of the songs my choir is singing (at our first performance next Sunday) is called "One More Mountain". The chorus goes "One more mountain to climb. One more river to cross. I come a long, long way and still, I got a long way to go..." That what this feels like. You're ready to climb that next mountain.

    Shalaka, thank you for that amazing video you put together.

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  24. Thank you Jo!! Thanks sooo much! Its means a lot!

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    1. if you want to add me as a friend on FB, I'm jls123.

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    2. :D Good thing we DID connect on FB!

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  25. Awww, I can't tell you how much I love you! You are just sooooo wonderful. :D
    And I understand now why you can't go on (right now).

    Thank YOU! =) xoxoxo

    P.S. I love reunions. ;)

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  26. What a lovely video, both of them actually! I think I said all I could already in the previous post. But just to verify my thoughts, I understand why you decided to do what you did. Based on what you said on the video, I think you might not have even realised how tired you have been earlier. Just remember that life goes on and after few months of not doing the blog, you might want to come back ;) I want to wish (and am wishing) best of luck for the next phase to you two and to all readers (and FB group members).

    It is official now that I will be moving to Canada in three weeks (and a day). I have pretty much everything taken care of or plan how I will take care of things. Just going to stay for a year and then come back to finish my Master's thesis, which at the moment is going to be a sort of guide book. During that process or right after that I hope to find a new job (that would be during 2014, I'd say at the summer time).

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    1. Congratulations, Kasku!! Have you told us where you're moving to -- because I'm racking my brain and can only remember Winnipeg, but that was from your last trip, right? If you're ever in Toronto, please look me up and we can grab a coffee (if you want). Good luck!! xo

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    2. :)) Well, I have to confess. I haven't mentioned my move at all untill probably two weeks ago. I did only mention that I wish I was able to move already, but not where. Now that it is official, I feel free to tell that I am moving to Toronto :) hmmm, I probably did not mention that in the previous post... Oh well. Don't have an appartment yet, but I hope to fix it by the time I move. Thank you!! xoxo

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  27. both of the video are wonderful. You both are just beautiful,and amazing ladies, who have put together, such an amazing blog here . I have loved all the stories,and words of advice that you all have given and im sure.will continue to give. You both are amazing .
    XOXO to both of you.

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    1. Thank you thank you, Lyndsie. I hope you know how very deeply you touched us. You who was there right from the beginning with your beguiling and compassionate voice. xoxo to you!

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    2. Xoxo. :-:-) :'(

      Thank u. So much

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  28. Hi Middle ages friends, sorry I have not been on it. I just read all of your comments and I thank you guys so much. Life has got a hold of me right now and it is demanding my time but I did not want any of you to think that I had not read each comment and been moved by them...till next time....love, Deb xo

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  29. That was three years??? Wow, did they ever fly by. Obviously we were all having great fun.
    Looking forward to more from you gals whenever the spirit moves you.
    xoxo
    Kate

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