I’ve been missing off the blog for most of today because I’ve been hunkered down doing an arm wrestle with WordPress.
I now have a site for the Portuguese Camino Tour.
http://www.pgspilgrimtours.com
I’d love to do a tour a year – depending on work commitments. And so I’ve set up an entity called PGS Pilgrim Tours. Pretty cool huh?
The Tour site still needs a little refining, but it’s got most of the information that’s needed.
The travel agent is now marketing through his networks, and getting a strong response.
Seems there’s very real interest out there in the pilgrimage we all love so much!
Wow, Bill. This is a very ambitious project! I’m envious that you have this to look forward to for as long as you enjoy it. What made you decide to make it an ongoing commitment? I know the other day I was daydreaming about how amazing it would be to do a whole series of tours, teaching Centering Prayer. The Confraternity of St James once suggested I ‘hang out a shingle ‘ somewhere along the Camino. I get excited thinking about how much more pilgrims could get out of their experience if they knew how to do walking and resting meditations along the way.
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Hi Sister –
Well, I love walking, and the Camino – and I’m good at organising things. And I love people.
So, if I have the time, then why not?
And it would be great to have this as an ongoing thing. You could have a stall on the Camino, and charge people 1 per prayer. You’d make a fortune!!
(You could charge extra for the Blister Prayer!)
Bill
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Two small problems, Bill. Its ethically wrong to charge money for prayers, and I don’t know how long I could sit still watching everyone go by before Id be jumping up to join them all!
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Sister Clare, I’m certain that Bill was discussing the fortune you will make in heavenly rewards !!!
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True!
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Dear Sister, I get it that it’s wrong to charge for prayers, but if Bill can set up a business just like that, what’s to stop you setting up a PGS Charity Prayer business? Charge by the prayer and no doubt you could come up with dozens of worthy causes to give the money to! π
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Britta,we don’t want her to be ex-communicated!
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That’s very funny Britta!
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Actually, I often sit and daydream about what I could do with a million or two dollars of charity money!
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Steal it!
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Britta and Sister too,
Seems to me organized religion has been charging for prayers forever. They call it tithes and offerings. No moral judgment here, just an observation. There are a lot of rich churches.
Steve
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Notice how quickly the collection boxes are whipped around after the Botafumeira swings?
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Which is a bit of a mystery, since there’s a massive charge to get it to swing in the first place!
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Sister, I read you are an author,how wonderful. might I ask what about, etc.etc. π Ingrid
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But does it pay well?
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Ingrid, I’ll email you with the answer to your question. I feel that this is Bill ‘s blog, and not the place to advertise my own work.
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Sister,
Very sweet of you, thank you – but you can advertise here all you like!
We’d all like to know more about what you’ve done.
Seriously!
Bill
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So, Sister, you don’t mind being tagged as ‘peculiar’??!! π
Bill, you’re astonishing π Just like that, and you’re in business. I like your pizazz and hope it gets off the ground at rocket speed!
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Haha – it was Sister Clare who said she wanted to be called peculiar!
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Historically, Bill, nuns regularly charged ‘donations’ for prayers because it was the only way they could feed themselves! Technically because the Anglo-Catholic branch of the church doesn’t pay obedience to the Pope, I can’t be excommunicated , though, so that’s one less thing to worry about. π
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Then let’s do it!
I’ll be your manager and charge 15% each prayer!
Cool!
π
Bill
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A great entrepreneur. π
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I have to do something Steve – no-one will give me a job!
π
Bill
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I have the same problem. And, if they did, they would fire me for insubordination.
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Yes, I haven’t held down a job since 1982.
I don’t know that I could now. I don’t think I’m temperamentally suited to having a job.
π
Bill
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I have been unemployed since 1977. Bill, you will appreciate this. The last oil trading company I worked for was owned mostly by Marvin Davis of subsequent Hollywood fame. Later I did business with Marc Rich, his initial partner in Hollywood. That was before Marc had to leave the country and then was ultimately pardoned by Bill Clinton. Both interesting guys, to say the least.
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You should write a book Steve, seriously,
You’ve led, and are leading, a fascinating life.
Bill
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Don’t think anyone would read it.
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Disagree!
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Then we should consider a joint project.
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That makes me tired even thinking about it!
I’m going back to sleep for a few hours, hopefully. 4:30am here now.
You could write a cracker book tho Steve.
Bill
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I have been told that for 30 years. We’ll talk. Because I have never gotten “it”.
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Steve,
I’m curious – I’d buy the book and read it cover to cover π
Arlene
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I’d have to get Bill to put the cover together and name it.
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Llama strikes Oil!
Great title!
Now I’m hitting the sack again!
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Nite. You seem to do your best work when you are asleep……..
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I woke up with a terrific idea for a Camino movie –
And my PGS telling me I should do it.
Bill
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See what i mean.
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I’ve done the research!
Bill
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Bill,
One question, do we all have supporting roles?
Arlene
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Haha – you’re all larger than life, that’s for sure!
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One of these days he is going to believe someone about this, I had hoped it would be you! I have written 3 different books (have a yet to publish any of them) and one of them was to be a HE SAID/SHE SAID about bodybuilding etc and he still wouldn’t participate!! It must be the loss of hair or something. LOL xoxo
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Now THERE’S a great arena for a documentary series – bodybuilding!
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Wait a minute are you in Bed answering these? I thought you were going to sleep!! Get cracking! xoxo
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Haha – I do most of my work in bed or in the shower!
(Where my PGS kicks in!)
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Okay, so go to sleep and let us know what you formulated in your dreams. Steve and I need a good project to work on, don’t we Steve???? xoxo
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I never said I wanted to -it just seems to be inevitable. And like Ingrid, I don’t think its such a bad thing to be known for. How long before someone says something about a “twisted sister”, Steve?
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Are you?
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What is it they say, Britta? ‘The truth shall set you free!’
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Oh, year, go for it!!!
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I like peculiar
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Bill,I like the “stall” idea, π , especially if you serve a cuppa. Sister,being “peculiar” is an interesting tag on. I was called the same by Stuart my 82year old scottish camino archangel. His curiosity to figure out who and why I was there, his kindness and charity towards myself, made it possible for me to finish my walk. so being perceived as peculiar was a blessing to me.
Good luck everyone with your new adventure, Ingrid
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Thanks Ingrid.
We’ll see how this first one goes.
It should be fun though!
Bill
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Bill it will be a smashing success, just like your Australian Oscar and other international endeavors… some people just have the golden touch, looks like you are one who does. π
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Dear Ingrid –
Very sweet of you to say, but I just work hard.
Too hard sometimes.
Jennifer walked past me today at about 5pm, and I was still hunched down at the computer trying to figure out some WordPress conundrum, and she said ” Do you realise you haven’t said a word to me all day?”
I started work this morning at 5:30am, and didn’t stop until 7:30pm tonight – except to go out and get some groceries – and then to watch a documentary tonight with my son – which was fascinating. He doesn’t come up much to Mudgee, and when he does I like to spend time with him.
I am going nuts not being able to walk – that’s the thing. I’m waiting for this brace now, and hoping that will enable me to walk.
Again though, thank you for your very kind words!
Bill
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It would be more fun to have a little donkey drawn “prayer caravan “.following along behind you, Bill. Then we can work out a ‘split ‘ in revenues.
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I can RIDE the donkey, what are you talking about?!
Then I can wave my knee brace at passing pilgrims!
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Ingrid, I think you must have one of the most generous souls Ive ever encountered!
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I agree – but there’s a lot of competition on this blog! Bill
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ah Sister,.thank you, ditto. Agree with Bill, he has gathered a flock of peculiar and generous “life pilgrims”. I am honored be part of it all.
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typo on the home page, Bill — “Bill Bennett is an internationally renownED film director”
(though naturally I’d prefer the aging British “reknowned”, it always looks odd in the Transatlantic standard you must use)
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Thanks Julian.
Worked on this all day and I got brain dead towards the end of the day.
Bill
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Bill, have wondered for some time how you do it all, do you dream up new stuff while sleeping, or dream solutions to a challenge. I doing think your mind ever rests. No wonder you loved the interlude the camino afforded you. I believe you are called back, because the pupil still needs a teacher. π
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Yes, the Camino was a wonderful period where I just had to worry about whether I’d get to the next town.
I loved that – and that’s one of the things that draws me back.
But there are so many reasons, some superficial, and some very profound, that make me want to do the Camino again.
At a point in your life, you count back.
Early in your life, you count forward. Or you don’t even count at all.
I figure I have 10 years, maybe 15 tops, before I cease to be productive. I have a lot to do in that time.
So I’m counting back fifteen years. Counting down
Bill
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Hmmm. I am 11 years older than you. What are you saying?
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You’ve got a Harley, it makes you younger!
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Well, true.
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Bill if you figure you have ten -fifteen productive years left , what happens when you turn seventy five? You could realistically have thirty creative years or even more -I think of some amazing centenarians who are still creating, teaching, writing, etc. So if you stop in fifteen years what will you do (apart from driving Jen crazy?)
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Depends how my knee is!
And Jen has already had 32 years of me driving her crazy…
π
Bil
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argh,spellcheck where are you. It should have read…I am wondering if ..
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Hello all,
It seems I have been asleep through the introduction of the new website to the PGS community.
Isn’t this the bomb? (I borrowed that phrase from the young-uns).
Hopefully an annual PGS Camino reunion! Yippee π
Here I am preparing to leave for Camino on Sunday, already have committed to the 2014 Tour and am now looking forward to yearly PGS Camino Tours –
Bill, if I may suggest, how about a differing route each year? 2014 = Portuguese, there is the Primitivo, Ingles, del Norte, la Plata, etc. I personally would love to do each and every one. And then there are always others like Lourdes and Fatima for example. What do you think?
Okay, so yes – I’m a groupie, I admit it. The Camino has its hooks in me!
Arlene
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Hi Arlene,
I can’t sleep so I’ll answer some posts for a little while…
π¦
It would be great to do a new tour each year.
Personally, my knee willing, I’d love to do le Puy – but that would be too long for a tour as such.
The del Norte would be fun, but off season. Around April/May would be perfect. And that Camino that drops down from Oviedo – is that the Primitivo? I’ve driven thru there – it’s spectacular.
So yes, I hope we can make this first Camino such a smashing success that it becomes an annual event!
And you’re right Arlene about other pilgrimage routes – not only Lourdes and Fatima, but the Ganges, and there’s a pilgrimage route in Japan too!
That would be very cool.
Bill
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Now about that knee……………
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Yes….
Hey, I’ll drive the van and guard the packs!
π
Bill
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Bill,
Maybe the le Puy could be a sort of PGS non-tour type Camino. Just a group of us agreeing on a date and place to start. Everyone’s PGS can guide them along the way, no pressure on you as Tour Director, just a group of people starting out from the same place maybe staying together, maybe not. Maybe albergues, maybe hotels entirely up to individuals desire.
Yes, the Primitivo is the Camino that begins in Oviedo. I’d love to do that one too.
Oh, the Ganges and Japan. This is exploding in my mind, I’m truly psyched.
Great possibilities are unfolding thanks to you Bill!
Arlene
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Hi Arlene –
I think there’s an increasing interest in these king of tours, which are not only spiritual in nature, but also allow you to experience other extraordinary cultures,
Bill
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Bill,
I’m in,
YES, COUNT ME IN !
I spent too much of my younger life having a career, raising children and being a wife. I’m now at a point where I have the time and freedom to be able to explore these wonderful opportunities.
I hope enough time remains for me to see, taste and experience all the wonderfulness this world has to offer.
Arlene
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You are on your way…….
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Maybe you could split the longer Caminos into two -year tours.
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Yes, that’s a possibility.
Le Puy would be amazing…
Bill
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Bill and family,
Two of my APOC chapter members are to return from the Le Puy Camino this month.
I will let you all know details after I return from my own Camino and meet with them.
Arlene
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That would be fantastic Arlene, thank you.
Going through that region of France would be amazing.
Bill
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Oh, Bill, you just made my day! I have been so sad because I don’t think that I will be rehabbed in time for your April tour. Now I have a later PGS tour to dream about! I needed that! I am in physical therapy three times a week, and the broken leg has healed nicely. The torn meniscus, however, is not settling down and I have developed bursitis and plantar fasciitis in the foot of the injured leg. Yesterday, I had one of the dreaded shots in my knee. I am not a big fan of needles. Yes, it is a garangatan-sized needle, but the shot was not exactly painful, it’s just weird! It felt like my leg was blowing up like a balloon, just kind of a full feeling with associated pressure. This morning I can walk on my knee without pain for the first time since May 9th. I am so excited! You will be happy, I think. So be brave!
Sister, things could be a lot worse than “peculiar”! I have often dreamed of winning charity money myself.
Ingrid, I agree that you are such a kind soul. Lots of kind souls here!
Steve, a Harley definitely makes you younger. I just can’t understand why Bill won’t get on one!
Arlene, I slept through this blog, too. Must be the time difference. You must be so excited. You leave on Sunday, right? I will be thinking of you, and wishing I could stowaway!
Off to PT! Chat with you all later! Julie
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Bill won’t get a Harley because, by his own admission, when he turned 60 he became what he considers “old”.
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True Steve.
My hair turned grey the next day.
Or it could have been from this blog!
π
Bill
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Least you have some……
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You have some…
On your chin…
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Oh yeah…… Lucky for me that bald is now sexy, at least I think so. π
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I wouldn’t know. I live in Mudgee, not Palm Springs…
π
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Yes, Julie,
Sunday it is!
I walked my last training 10k this morning. Beautiful cool breezy after the downpour morning here in Tucson.
I’m excited, I can’t wait to set my boots down on the Camino.
Arlene
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Arlene,
I had a pang of real jealousy then – thinking about your Sunday walk.
Sounds like it was beautiful – and seeing some of your photos, I now get a sense of where you walk.
Spectacular.
Just think tho – this time next week you’ll be in Spain!
Bill
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Im so excited for you!
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Thank you Sister,
It is going to be phenomenal, but I do believe every Camino is phenomenal in it’s own special way!
Arlene
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Julie,
It sounds like you’re going through some very difficult rehab, but you’re doing it with courage and humour.
Thank you though for letting me know about the needle – if you can now walk without pain, then it’s worth it!
I hope your recovery will allow you to do the April Tour. You’ll get better fast, with such a positive attitude.
Bill
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Bill,
Sometime I see you sitting behind a desk, forty stories high, with a room full of the best writers, (feet on desk!)…you and them just putting this stuff out here for us!! Perhaps some of the characters are designed by you!! Sister, are you real? What about you Steve and Jill? Arlene?
My point is…you are soooo good!! I love your humor, your sincerity, even the little mistakes add to the story and make you seem human….
Just what I was thinking ….
Oh, another thing…..I have good friends who are friends with a guy in LA who looks a lot like you and is also a film writer and photographer and his name is Bill Bennett …check him out on FB!!! π
Debbie
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No, Debbie. I am definately a figment of your imagination.
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Jill and I just provide the drama and are happy to do so. Maybe Bill will turn us into reality stars.
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But does it pay well?
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Seems to and the more bizarre, the bigger the star. We can be bizarre.
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Now there’s an idea – I could turn this whole blog into a reality show!
Who would screen it though – which channel?
Hallmark? Oprah? Nat Geo Adventure? The Sci Fi Channel?
π
Bill
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There’s your new calling…….
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Then she has a peculiar imagination!
π
Bill
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Debbie,
Sometimes I also wonder if I am real or the figment of somebody’s imagination.
Arlene
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Debbie,
This has cracked me up!
It’s so funny.
But you’re too kind, because I could never have dreamed up some of the amazing characters on this blog!
Bill
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I think we’ d do really well on the travel channel with some weird sci fi asides once in a while. And, Bill -you can’t ride the donkey unless you dress like the Virgin Mary.
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Sister,
I do a lot of crazy things, but I don’t cross-dress.
Also, with the virgin thing, I’d never pass the medical…
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That’s too bad -you’d look lovely in Mary blue.
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is that the same blue colour as at Lourdes?
I call that “hospital” blue.
That’s quite a unique colour.
Bill
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Mary Blue has a touch more “sky” than hospital blue -but they’re close
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Well it’s a beautiful colour.
Bill
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Hi Debbie,
That Is too funny! But I promise you Steve and I are also not a figment of your imagination either! But, it is a funny thought to me. Love that you asked.
In the flesh,
Jill
Xoxo
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