Welcome to the Smorgasbord Blog Magazine Easter Parade with music, guests and some Easter food… and an opportunity for you to introduce yourself in the comment section along with your blog URL and one for Amazon for your books. I hope you will enjoy the next couple of days and for a brief moment it lightens the separation we are all experiencing from our normal lives, away from family and friends.
The theme for the parade is ‘Flashback’ and my guests have all sent in a photograph from the 1960s through to the 1980s, along with a music request. There will be singing along and dancing, and I hope you will join in.
Please help yourself to a free coffee as you pass by.
My first guest today is author and poet Annette Rochelle Aben with her unmistakeable smile and blonde hair, with a photo taken at the start of her broadcasting career. About Annette Rochelle Aben
Annette has an attitude of gratitude that she spreads around on a daily basis… Annette’s Blog and also by interviewing authors on radio Tell Me A Story with Annette Rochelle Aben | The Magic Happens (TMH)
A love of writing, began for Annette when she was but a small child. Of course, she gives all the credit to her parents, who read to her and her siblings from the moment they were born. Once in school, teachers took over the roles of main influencers, as they required the students to do a lot of (wait for it… wait for it…) WRITING!
Over the years, Annette has been blessed with having both hobbies and jobs that required her to write. This resulted in her winning the admiration of peers and industry professionals alike. Publication lead to awards, which provided even more encouragement and now, Annette Rochelle Aben is a #1 Best Selling Author!
These days, Annette writes poetry books, coaches others through the writing of their books, and edits articles for the digital magazine The Magic Happens.
Along the way, Annette found time to explore the worlds of Aroma Therapy, Astrology, Bach Flower Essences, Crystal Therapy, Feng Shui, Hypnotherapy, Music Therapy, Numerology, Reiki, and Tarot. Guided by her Angels as to what to study and with whom, Annette turned many of her studies into sideline businesses.
A small selection of Annette’s books, Buy: Amazon US – And : Amazon UK – Follow Annette: Goodreads – Blog: Annette Rochelle Aben WordPress
Annette has selected John Parr’s St. Elmo’s Fire for her music from the 60s -80s
My next guest is children’s and YA author Darlene Foster with a lovely photo taken on her 18th birthday…
About Darlene Foster
Growing up on a ranch near Medicine Hat, Alberta, Canada, Darlene Foster dreamt of writing, travelling the world, and meeting interesting people. She also believed in making her dreams come true. It’s no surprise she’s now the award-winning author of Amanda Travels, a children’s adventure series featuring a spunky twelve-year-old who loves to travel to unique places. Readers of all ages enjoy following Amanda as she unravels one mystery after another. When not travelling herself, Darlene divides her time between the west coast of Canada and the Costa Blanca, Spain with her husband and entertaining dog, Dot.
A selection of Darlene’s Books, Buy: Amazon US – And: Amazon UK – Website/Blog: Darlene Foster WordPress – Goodreads: Goodreads
Darlene’s chosen track is Teach your children well Crosby Stills & Nash
Hot cross bun anyone…
Author Toni Pike shares a photograph taken in 1983 when she stopped off in Singapore on her way to the UK.About Toni Pike
Toni Pike enjoys writing exciting thrillers and non-fiction books. She also loves travelling and being with family and friends. She lives in Australia and firmly believes that coffee and long walks are an essential part of any day.
Do you like books that you can’t stop reading? Pike is the author of Dead Dry Heart – a psychological thriller, and The Jotham Fletcher Mystery Thriller Series: The Magus Covenant, The Rock of Magus, The Magus Epiphany and Holy Spear of Magus.
She’s also the author of two non-fiction books. The One Way Diet is a no-nonsense guide to losing weight and coping with the journey. Happy Travels 101 is a short book of travel tips with great advice for anyone who wants to travel overseas.
By the books byToni Pike : Amazon US – And : Amazon UK – Follow Toni: Goodreads – Website: Toni Pike
Toni’s music choice from the era is that romantic classic Up Where You Belong from An Officer and a Gentleman.
Now author Diana Wallace Peach shares a beautiful photograph from 1977 and her music choice.
About Diana Wallace Peach
I didn’t care for reading as a child – I preferred Bonanza and Beverly Hillbillies reruns, Saturday morning cartoons and the Ed Sullivan show. Then one day, I opened a book titled The Hobbit. Tolkien … literally changed my life.
I love writing, and have the privilege to pursue my passion full time. I’m still exploring the fantasy genre, trying out new points of view, creating optimistic works with light-hearted endings, and delving into the grim and gritty what-ifs of a post-apocalyptic world. Forgive me if I seem untethered in my offering of reads. Perhaps one day, I’ll settle into something more reliable. For now, it’s simply an uncharted journey, and I hope you enjoy the adventure as much as I.
A selection of books by D. Wallace Peach: Amazon US – And : Amazon UK – Follow Diana: Goodreads – blog: Myths of the Mirror
And Diana’s track that she has selected is In My Life by The Beatles from their channel The Beatles
The final guest today is author Elizabeth Gauffreau who shares a photograph from 1960 with the family dog who has decided to mark the occasion…..love it.
About Elizabeth Gauffreau
I have always been drawn to the inner lives of other people–what they care about, what they most desire, what causes them pain, what brings them joy. These inner lives become my characters. I write to tell their stories.
My fiction and poetry have been published in literary magazines, including Rio Grande Review, Serving House Journal, Soundings East, Hospital Drive, Blueline, Evening Street Review, and Adelaide Literary Magazine, as well as several themed anthologies. Telling Sonny is my first published book.
I hold a B.A. in English/Writing from Old Dominion University and an M.A. in English/Fiction Writing from the University of New Hampshire. Currently, I am the Assistant Dean of Curriculum and Assessment at Champlain College Online in Burlington, Vermont.
Elizabeth Gauffreau, Buy: Amazon US – and : Amazon UK – Follow Elizabeth: Goodreads – blog: Liz Gauffreau
Liz has selected Michael Row The Boat Ashore by The Highwayman which she says reminds her of that era…
My thanks to my guests for sharing their photographs and music and to you for dropping in. As always love to hear from you and don’t forget to drop your links in the comments.
Happy Easter and Stay safe….Sally
What a fabulous Easter Parade Blog Party, Sally. Your guests were wonderful and I loved seeing the vintage photos of each. What a happy time.
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Have a happy Easter, John. Toni
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You as well, Toni.
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Thanks John… and see you tomorrow.. Happy Easter..hugsx
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Dear Sally, Thank you so much for inviting me to your lovely Easter Parade. It’s so nice to meet everyone else here – love the photos and what fabulous music! Have a safe and happy Easter. Toni x
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Thanks for taking part Toni.. lovely to have you over and Happy Easter to you too.. hugs xx
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Reblogged this on Toni Pike and commented:
Wishing everyone a happy and blessed Easter, staying safe and staying home.
I was lucky enough to be invited to Sally Cronin’s Easter Parade, so drop by and see some gorgeous old photos, Easter fun and great music.
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Thanks for sharing Toni…Happy Easter..hugsxx
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I am in grand company here and delighted! ❤ Thank you!
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Lovely to have you over Annette..Happy Easter ♥♥
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Aww… I love this!❤️❤️
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Great thanks Jill..hugsx♥♥
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What a great idea and such a kick!
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Great thanks Pete, Happy Easter..xxx
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Thanks so much for doing this, Sally. I am in such great company and I love all the songs everyone picked. Have a wonderful Easter!!
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Thank you for taking part Darlene…Happy Easter..♥
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Great Easter parade Sally! x
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Thank you Stevie..Happy Easter..xx
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And to you! x
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How lovely Sally. So nice to see your guests in past photos. Happy Easter to all! Xxx
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Thanks Marje.. Happy Easter..hugsx
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What a wonderful line up, Sally. Such fun to this these amazing photographs of people and listen to their favourite songs. St Elmo’s Fire is a great favourite of mine too.
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Thanks Robbie, glad you enjoyed.. see you here tomorrow..hugsxxx
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Reblogged this on Darlene Foster's Blog and commented:
Happy Easter wherever you are and however you celebrate. It will be a different Easter for most of us as we will be staying in and connecting by social media. Today I’m being featured on Sally Cronin’s site as she holds an Easter parade. See if you recognize teenage me. Some wonderful songs featured as well. Enjoy the post and eat all the chocolate you want. We deserve it!
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Thanks for sharing Darlene and taking part.. I agree bring on the chocolate…Happy Easter..xx
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What a wonderful start to your Easter Parade, Sally. I love seeing the photos from the past – and some fabulous music choices, too.
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Thank you Mary.. and look forward to seeing you tomorrow…hugsxx
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Pingback: Smorgasbord Blog Magazine – Easter Parade Blog Party April 11th/12th 2020 – #Flashback with Annette Rochelle Aben, Darlene Foster, Toni Pike, D.Wallace Peach and Elizabeth Gauffreau. | Annette Rochelle Aben
Pingback: Smorgasbord Blog Magazine Weekly Round Up – April 5th – 11th Easter Parade, Art Deco Roses, Life on the Ocean Wave, #Waterford 1920s. | Smorgasbord Blog Magazine
Thank you for including me (and the incontinent Blackie) in your Easter Parade! I so enjoyed seeing the photos of familiar faces in former iterations. All of the music choices were perfect.
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Your picture is the best! So cute and of course the dog! I agree, love all the music. I haven’t heard Michael Row The Boat Ashore for a long time. Brought back some great memories. xo
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I love that dog…completely natural…lol.. xx
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My pleasure Liz and lovely to have you join in…and love Blackie…he made that photo all the more memorable by putting his mark on it lol.. hugsx
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What a delightful post! Easter has always been one of my favorite holidays, and I have sweet memories of going to church, and then a ham dinner with family, and painting eggs. I’m happy that I know most of your contributors, via digital magic.
Thanks, Sally, and all your contributors!
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Easter is a special time. When I think back, it warms my heart.
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Thank you Marian and glad you have lovely memories..Happy Easter and stay safe..hugs
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Have a lovely and safe Easter this year. Toni x
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Great interviews, Sally. Darlene–I recognize that do. I had the same one in high school!
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Thanks Jacqui..me too..x
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Thanks, Jacqui. I can’t get over how skinny my arms are. Yes, that do was quite popular at the time.
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Thank you for this wonderful Easter Parade.
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Glad you enjoyed thank you Wendy.. Happy Easter and stay safe..hugs
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This is so much fun! It’s great to see a tiny piece of the past about our writing friends here! You know how to throw a party Sal. Loved the coffee, held off on the hot cross buns, but loved the Easter egg memes – the camouflage one in particular LOL. Thanks for all you do for us! ❤ ❤ Happy Easter to all! xx
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Glad you had fun Debby and see you here tomorrow for your reveal… and I have put you next to John Howell so you can keep him out of mischief!! Happy Easter.. ♥♥
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Omg, that should be a hoot. I am now going to choose a language for tomorrow LOL. Can’t wait! ❤ ❤
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♥♥
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I agreed, Debby – a wonderful party and looking forward for to your turn. Toni x
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Thanks Toni..xx
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Thanks Toni xx
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I love all of the flashbacks!! Everyone looks so young and carefree in the photos and I love all the music! Great share, Sally!
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Thanks Jan.. love the photos and as you say.. cannot beat the music.. hugsx
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Oh, and I got carried away with all the food and fun, I forgot to say you girls, Diana, Liz, and Toni, all look the same as you do now – it’s all in the eyes and smiles Hugs. ❤
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Thank you so much, Debby- I’m so pleased to hear that. You’ve made my day LOL. 💜
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🙂 😉 ❤
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Very recognisable.. ♥
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❤
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What a wonderful surprise, Sally. I’m late to the party, but what a great line up of authors/bloggers. I love the old photos – so fun to see everyone in their younger years (clearly none of us had videos to share – Lol). And the music selections are all well-loved classics. I had to listen to them all. Thanks so much for the fun. Happy Easter to all who celebrate and a wonderful, safe weekend to everyone. ❤
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Thanks for joining in the fun Diana and lovely to see how little people have changed… Happy Easter…hugsxx♥
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Happy Easter, DIana – I agree, it’s so nice to look back on these old photos, and the music is still wonderful. Toni x
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Thank you for the kind comment, Toni. I loved your old pic. Such fun to see all us “mature” ladies in our youths. Ha ha.
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Great fun, so lovely to see the beautiful images of times past.. Still reconisable as the beautiful souls they all are and lovely to hear some forgotten tunes… Happy Easter everyone and you Sally… Love and hugs xxxx
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Aww, thanks Carol – Have a fabulous, safe and happy Easter, and enjoy some chocolate eggs. Toni x
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Thank you, Toni…Chocolate eggs we don’t get them here… enjoy yours….A dear friend is going to send me some moulds so I can make my own next year….Happy Easter x
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Thanks Carol… lovely to see familiar faces that we would recognise anywhere…Happy Easter..love ♥
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Yes it is, Sally…Happy Easter Hugs xx
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Fabulous party, Sally! It takes a lot of time, getting away from the laughter, the images forced too. Lol
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Thanks Michael.. glad you enjoyed…Happy Easter..hugsx
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What a joyful Easter Parade, Sally. I love this and the early photos, songs and memories. Happy Easter everyone. ❤ Xxx
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Thank you Jane.. delighted you enjoyed..hugsx♥
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Have a safe and very happy Easter, Jane. Toni x
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Happy Easter, Toni. Xx
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OMG, I am overwhelmed reading this article. This is actually my first to many blogs but this is the first time I encountered so many good authors who wrote remarkable books as well. I am really blessed with this challenge I made for myself.
By the way, I am new in blogging and I hope you can support me. Just recently, I made a challenge to myself that for the next 21 days, I will visit 10 blogs each day. During my visit, I will leave a comment and will have its link posted on my blog as well. Hope you can visit my blog too and leave your footprints.
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Thank you Vanessa and good luck with your blogging. I have tweeted your post and followed you on Twitter.. Happy Easter.
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Such a treat, Sally. Thank you for sharing the love. 🙂
Hugs and Easter blessings across the miles to all. xo
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Thank you Natalie.. and hugs to you and your family, stay safe. ♥
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Have a fabulous and very blessed Easter, Natalie. I’m so glad you enjoyed the party. Toni x
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So great to see all of you! Love the music choices…happy Easter!
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Thanks Becky…Happy Easter..hugsx
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So glad you enjoyed the music, Becky. Toni x
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Crosby, Stills, and Nash; The Beatles, Annette’s story finally made clear to me ( after all these years 🙂 and a visit with my friend, Sally on Easter? Who could ask for more? Great post today! Loved it!
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Thanks Claire, glad you enjoyed the bit of fun, sorry that the chocolate was not real…Happy Easter.. hugsxx♥
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How fabulous to see all my friends in this fun-filled parade and the flashback photos and music. Wouldn’t it be great to have a time machine to take us all back to experience the way we were? I love the Easter eggs jokes and humor. Thank you, Sally, for the energy at your party! Happy Easter, everyone.
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Thanks for taking part Miriam and wonderful to see your fabulous photographs.. it has been fun for me too…Happy Easter..hugsx
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You’re welcome, Sally! It’s a fantastic party! ❤
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Happy Easter, Miriam. I agree with you – there’s nothing like one of Sally’s parties. Perhaps next year she can provide a Time Machine LOL. Toni x
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I agree, Toni. I surely want to travel back in time to revisit some of the moments. ❤
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Thanks Toni… or beam you all here to Ireland for a party… hugsxx
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I love these, Sally! Happy Easter everyone!
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Thanks Olga.. and Happy Easter to you too..hugsx
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Hi Olga, Have a fabulous Easter. Toni x
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Sally – love this post…so fun and love the pictures. I came in from Darlene Fosters blog….be well!!
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Hi Kirt, Have a fabulous week and stay safe. Toni
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Thanks Kirt, glad you enjoyed and stay safe too..
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This was such fun, Sally – enjoyed seeing these authors’ younger selves and their song selections!
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Thank you Teri.. so pleased you enjoyed..hugsx
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Just when I think you can’t get any better Sally, you offer an Easter parade like none other. I absolutely love seeing these photos of my fellow bloggers and authors from a few years ago. 😆 The music selections are so telling and so much fun. I enjoyed reading about each and everyone of your Easter parade selections. And I must say to Diana Peach – In My Life is one of my all-time favorite songs. 💗
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Thanks Pamela and glad you enjoyed… I thought the photographs were amazing and loved revisiting the music. Hope all is well with your and your family…hugs ♥
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We are hunkering down with flowering trees but snowflakes yesterday and today. The whole world is going “crazy.” ;-0 xo
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Unbelievable.. nature is certainly playing whilst we hunker down..hugsx
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❤
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