(Reader Alert: you might need a tissue at hand…)

After a plethora of lovely meals and family gathering(s), blogger Virginia (who also serves as a chief cook & menu strategist for family Thanksgivings) is in recovery mode. So grateful for special fellowship with my four siblings (& lifemates) who made it from near and far along with nieces and nephews (including our handsome new 3-month old great-nephew Lincoln, who oohed & ahhed for us at appropriate junctures.)

Usually the day after Thanksgiving we continue our festive goings-on, but this year everyone came earlier in the week and had to trek back home on Black Friday. I’ve never done any shopping on Black Friday (kind of on principle) but after giving my sis and her husband an early send-off I noticed World Market’s sales included 40% off their entire tea collection.

As faithful readers know, tea is one of Virginia’s favorite things (tied with chocolate.)

Change of plan: instead of crawling back in bed and being a couch potato (like, all day long) avid tea groupie Virginia rallied to brave crowds in pursuit of tea. Fortified at a brunch treat out with my brother, we hit the tea mother lode @ World Market (they had one of my favorite Christmas teas! 40% off!!) A full cart of tea later, Dwight went off with one of his buddies and I decided to use more coupons at another favorite store: Barnes & Noble (books! music! movies! = a favorite hangout.)

After major contemplation, Virginia’s big Black Friday acquisition = the soundtrack for the second Mamma Mia movie (Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again.) The first Mamma Mia movie is a fav. When I saw it years ago the whole theater jumped up at the end clapping. Watching the second one last summer with my sister & niece, I enjoyed many parts but one song stayed with me long after: My Love, My Life (by Benny Andersson, Bjorn Ulvaeus, Stig Anderson)

Here’s a YouTube video of it (email readers you know the drill – you need to click into the Roses website to view it & endure the 5 second ad.)

“…Oh yes, and as one are we/ In the now and beyond/ Nothing and no one can break this bond…”

Instead of jumping up clapping at the end of this movie, I scrambled to find tissues for streaming eyes that miss my precious Mama. And Papa. Playing this song again today reminded me of all the special Thanksgivings we shared, of Mama & Papa’s daily attitudes of gratitude, of their love and gift of presence in our lives – and I needed more Kleenex!

Holiday blues are hard missing loved ones, but no one can break the bonds of joy that strengthen our hearts with tears and love from above.

grace, peace & uplifting holiday blues

Virginia : )

p.s. Two pots of Christmas Tea already made (& sampled.)