Saturday, December 24, 2011

Seasons Greetings

I know it has been a while since I have blogged,but between all that was required of my time for the tour and promotion of the new album I never seemed to have the time. However, now as I make my way to Boston for Christmas and have a spare hour or two, I thought I would drop you all a line. 


To start off, I feel I should address my silence on line the past week. Due to the continual unprovoked, nasty and extremely hurtful comments on twitter toward Dominique and indirectly myself, we felt something had to be done. Both Dominique and I understand they have come from a tiny minority, and after a bit of research discovered it was from in fact, one family. What was even more surprising was that it was coming from adults. Needless to say, Im not one to sit and take it. Nor will I ever be. I have no problem with anyone ever criticizing my music or even myself as I accept that not everyone will like what I do or who I am.Thats life. However, these nasty comment were not about me, but about a girl who has been nothing but be loving and supportive of me from the moment I met her through to this very challenging year. It would be all to easy for Dominique to go out with a guy who has a steady job with a secure future. However she chooses to go with her heart and stick with me on what will no doubt be an interesting ride. 
All accusations thrown at her are totally unfounded. If they ever had the chance to get to know her, and not make judgements on a brief encounter (if ever, as we dont believe they have) they would see her for what she is. There is no want in her to ever be in the limelight. She is happy for me to chase my dreams and longs to be in the background. 
I do feel that by even acknowledging these moronic people I am giving them credit, however, the point of it is to assure you, that we know we have huge support and lots of friends across America, Canada and the rest of the world and we are EXTREMELY grateful. The other piece of information is to assure you that I wont accept this behaviour to anyone I love. So on that note Im glad to say we have been in touch with the proper authorities and they have been extremely helpful. They have taken all the communications sent to Dominique and myself from these people and consider it very serious. It is being monitored by them and action will be taken Im assured. This may seem extreme to one or two, but I dont take gambles on the happiness of my family or loved ones.Therefore, I will do whatever I can to protect myself and them. On this occasion, I was advised to stay off twitter whilst they found out more about these people. Thankfully I have been told I can return to social media. Dominique on the other hand is undecided. Although with the mass amount of support she has received and the overwhelming messages of love in recent days, I cant see her staying away!!


Moving on from that, as I said earlier, Dominique and I are on our way to spend Christmas with some very close friends in Cohasset this Christmas. Obviously Christmas is a time to spend with family and loved ones. Although we wont be home in Ireland for the holiday season, they are very very close in mind and heart. Today I was on Skype to Jack and Kate,and to say they are wired would be an understatement. They both sang their songs for me and showed me pictures from their nativity plays in school. Jack was an angel ( I nearly choked on my breakfast ) and Kate was a lamb (thought they were gentle!! ). Needless to say, I think the casting director at their schools probably wont be moving into theatre, movies or tv anytime in the near future!! I will say though, I was filled with huge pride. 
Christmas to me is all about the children. To see them all so excited about the coming of Santa, and indeed more importantly, the understanding of baby Jesus being born and all he brings to the world. Im not one to bible bash, but I do love that at this time of year, we all take stock as to what and who we are. I also feel that, whether your Christian, Muslim, Jewish or non fate, its a time for all. A time when you can meet up with those you haven't seen in  along time. Whether through distance or indifference. A time that you can use to set aside any ill feeling, and a time for helping those who may be less fortunate than yourself. Many think it important to donate time or money to charity, of which I concur. However I also think its a time to consider those who are lonely. Many sit a lone on Christmas day. Some through their own fault, many because thats just how life dealt them the cards. Either way, I always think Christmas is a time to reach out to them. To show them, they are not alone. In fact it can be said that there are some who are surrounded by many, but are still very lonely. All that is needed is for someone to show they care. That can be the difference to many between a sad time of year and a great time of year. 
Not being home this year for Christmas is proving to be tougher than I thought it would be. Indeed in the past I have been away from my family for Christmas, but only occasionaly. In fact quiet rarely. What I will miss is the smothering of attention that my mom showers on me. She always always made Christmas special. There is always music on in the house. The fire lit. The tree's glowing and indeed the kitchen smelling of everything you can dream of. Coming home after midnight mass and having her pull the ham from the oven covered in honey and brown sugar and helping ourselves to what can only be described as the best sandwich in the world! Then on Christmas morning going to visit the rest of the family and seeing all the toys the kids got, or catching up with family you havnt seen in a long time. Of course the best part was always going to visit Grandma and Grandad. They lived in a small house in Dublin, and when you rang the doorbell, Grandad's huge towering frame would welcome you with the biggest of smiles. He was always so happy to see us. He was proud that his family were all around him, and he got great pleasure in being the host. He would make sure everyone had a drink, young or old, and then a toast would always be made. Indeed as a child, you always assumed that he would be there for ever. That he would always be there to welcome you at the door. That things would never change and you would always be the apple of their eyes. Of course now Im older and time has taken Grandad from us. Although there is rarely much time that passes that I dont think of him.In fact I always carry a picture of him with me. But every Christmas, I wish I was going over to their house and for him to be at the door again. Im sure many of you reading this have very similar stories and memories.Indeed I know Im not the only one who wishes tomorrow they were spending it with loved ones who have passed. Im so proud of the fact my grandma is still with us though. 92 years and still rocking around the Christmas tree! I have always had a very close relationship with her. A bond that is very hard to describe. She often tells me of the day I was brought home and she held me in her arms on the couch in her living room. She feels the same as me, and for that, I feel very blessed. 
I know they will miss me as much as I will them. However,, with the world as it is today, we will be talking to them tomorrow on SKYPE. Or as my Grandma says.....through the telly! 


This year has been a very eventful and exciting year for me. To say I am eternally grateful to you all would be a massive understatement. I hope we will continue to share many more wonderful memories in the years to come, but in the meantime. Enjoy Christmas, create new memories and love the ones you love. 




My warmest and most heartfelt wishes of peace and happiness goes out to you all. 
Keep well 
My Loves 
My Doves 
My Eggs 


Paul 
xxx      

41 comments:

  1. May God bless both you and Dominique. I am so glad you have each other. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you both!

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  2. Paul I'm sorry you and Dom have been going through such a rough road. God Bless you both and keep you safe! I think you are well matched from what I have gathered and wish you both the best in life and love! Please tell Dom I love her tweets and miss hearing about her life.

    I'm old enough to be mother to both of you, so I get to see NY and much of the US through your posts. I've lived in the US most of my life but haven't been to far in the last few years but here in my little community.

    I wish you and your families a safe and Happy Christmas. I pray that the New Year brings you much success and lots of love!

    God Bless,

    Jane

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  3. Dear Paul,
    As always your blog fills my eyes with tears because of the full on emotion with which you write. To say you wear your emotions on your sleeve is an understatement. As someone that is now in the elder generation of the family I have many loved ones that I miss on holidays. However, I also have many young ones that may only know me as the oldest generation of the family and that is a pretty serious responsibility.

    I wish you and Dom hadn't had to deal with such a vicious attack but am glad you are dealing with it through the authorities. Too often people get away with things like this because it's easier to ignore than take action but that is what they are counting on. I hope they can be taken to account for the horrible things they said. I have personally met Dom and found her so friendly and kind but could also see the shyness in her. She certainly doesn't seek the limelight at all. For anyone to be so ugly to her is criminal.

    I wish you both peace and joy for Christmas and do hope we'll be seeing you both back in action soon. If not, I will still know you love and appreciate your fans, but Dominique must come first.

    Happy Christmas and safe travels to you both.

    Patxx

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  4. That was lovely, Paul. I could actually see your Grandad open the door with a big smile. I wish you a very Merry Christmas.

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  5. Merry Christmas and thank you. Your words really touched me today.

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  6. Paul, good for you, standing up for your lady and yourself, and going after these idiots that harass you. I was lucky enough to participate in one of your live chats in which Dom joined in for awhile. I found her to be prettier, nicer and funnier that I had assumed her to be. The two of you responded to what I wrote about "something that would surprise me about you". I was delighted. Please tell Dom that the love and support she has from us includes complete understanding if she decides to stay off Twitter. Between her work and her big job of dealing with you and your job {LOL}, she doesn't need anymore stress.
    I hope you both have a Merry and a Blessed Christmas.

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  7. While you won't be with your biological family, except through technology, your wider family embraces you and Dom in this blessed time of year. Thank you for being you, for sharing your talent with us, and for showing us the example of the reason for the season. Thank you to DOM as well, for sharing you with us, and for giving up total privacy. She's one very special lady - one I'm so very glad is part of your life. Merry Christmas to BOTH of you.

    ~Dusty~

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  8. PAUL. What a lovely blog ..Merry Christmas to you and Dom... Besides it being my birthday it is Christmas Eve and the Italian 7 fishes that my grandmom past down to my mother and my mother past it down to me ... Hope one of my 3 children continue it ...
    Once again Merry Christmas to you and Dom and may God bless you both always ...
    Charlotte ..(MomMomCharlotte)

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  9. I am spending tonight with my papa and grandma on my mom's side of the family. Christmas eve with them and then Christmas with my dad's family (minus grandma this year, she passed in March) But I'll get to see my cousin's baby boy who is a year and a half... It's hard to believe that I'm 21 and until he was born I was the youngest in my family. Christmas will be interesting this year though, we've had two people in my family pass in the last two years. But family is still important to all of us too.

    And as for what is going on with the cyber bullies on twitter I for one am glad that you have taken a stand against them legally. I am so sick of these people getting away with hurting kind and giving people such as yourself and (from my experience though it's only been online) Dom and so many others. Taking a stand against someone that is hurting you or yours, in my opinion, is fantastic and I applaud you for it. I do hope that it all stops with the actions that you have taken and that, even if Dom doesn't come back on twitter, she knows that many of us find her to be a wonderful, charming, kind and beautiful woman.

    Merry Christmas, Paul. To you and all of yours.
    Kathy Nason

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  10. Paul, I would like to pass on Beannachtaí na Nollag to you and your family at this time of the year, may it be joyus and may you have a Prosperous New Year in 2012. I am glad to hear that you are back on twitter.

    Sam

    P.S. If you are still touring with CT, can't wait to see in Canberra in Feb.

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  11. Thank Paul and Merry Christmas. Dom is sweet and caring . I am so sorry people have to be mean. Give her our best, from Jim and Sheialh

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  12. Paul,
    Your absence is understandable under the circumstances, but I'm thrilled you will be returning. I miss throwing football comments at you:) I'm also happy to hear the authorities are taking this situation seriously so nothing further occurs. Having a stalker myself I understand the fear, anger, and anguish you go through and it's not to be taken lightly. I wish you both the best and hope this get resolved quickly. I think it just shows what a true gentleman you are for standing up for Dominique;)

    Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. I hope next year goes well for both of you.
    Safe journeys,
    Brenda

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  14. Dear Paul,
    Your lovely way with words is always so uplifting! Christmas Eve is a bittersweet time for my family, as we lost our oldest son some years ago. We called him our Christmas Boy because of his great love for the traditions that go with this wonderful time of year. And, while there's always an empty place at the table, we are now blessed with two beautiful grandchildren, and seeing the wonder in their eyes brings joy where we never thought it could be again. I, too miss my grandparents and that special bond I had with them. How they would have loved seeing their great-great grandchildren! Ah, but life goes on, and the sad times only make the joyful times that much more sweet. I hope the coming year brings nothing but joyful times to you and Dom and your families. Thank you for being the open, giving person you are. I look forward (hopefully) to attending one of your solo shows in the new year. May peace be with you...
    Debbie Spies

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  15. Paul i dont know what has been going on but, to have stranger's badmouth you or someone you love is unexceptable! even though we don't know eachother in person you have been a part of my life for 4 years now and I adore you(in a motherly way)and how could I not adore your Dom just as much. give her a hug and a hang in there from me!

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  16. Nollaig Shona Dhuit. I wish both you and Dom a very Merry Christmas, Paul. I'm glad to hear you have gone to the authorities about those tweets that Dom has been getting. I hope they can do something for you.

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  17. Sorry you had to go through that paul!! The loser's that did it were probably jealous of your fame and fortune!!!:-)

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  18. Merry Christmas Paul and Dominique. I hope that the person(s) who were posting all that nasty stuff on Twitter are suitably punished. Meanwhile remember that there are many of us who love you and that beautiful voice. Christmas Blessings to you both and may 2012 be a great year for you.

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  19. Thank you Paul, for an uplifting blog. May you and yours have a happy and jolly Christmas! :)

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  20. Thank you Paul for that beautiful letter, may you both have a wonderful Christmas together and I look forward to your tweets in 2012.

    When are you coming to Australia. 30deg C and thunderstorms ! your probably glad to be in the traditional Christmas setting.
    I do have your signed CD "This s the Moment" to keep playing and also the CT Christmas CD/DVD.
    Love Judy.

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  21. So happy to hear back from you and know that you and Dom are okay. You have written a beautiful blog and I am glad you won't take the kind of attack you have suffered lying down. Wishing both you and Dom a very merry Christmas in Massachusetts. We look forward to another even better year in 2012 from you both. Remember - YNWA

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  22. Paul A very Merry Christmas to you and Dominique. I am waiting the arrival of my youngest daughter tonight after a three hour drive for her. After reading your blog, the anticipation is even more heartfelt. I am so glad you are spending it with good friends and know you are missing home tremendously. I am so very sorry that someone has chosen to take malicious behavior out on Dom. I have always enjoyed her posts and hope she will continue them in the near future. I sincerely hope your success continues and am looking forward to attending one of your performances this coming year. God speed, health and happiness in the coming year to both of you.

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  24. Paul,

    I would like to wish you a Happy Christmas and thank you for sharing your personal Christmas memories with us. Most of all, however, I would just like to thank you for being you.
    Safe travels and Merry Christmas to you and Dom!
    Marsha

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  25. Paul,
    As usual your blog made me cry. Your words of love for your precious Lady are so heartfelt. I've only said hello briefly in person to Dominique, but have so enjoyed her comments on Twitter. I'm glad youve taken action to rectify the unpleasantness.
    Thank you for sharing your sweet memories of Christmases past. I felt as if I was in front of the hearth listening to your Granddad. What a marvellous childhood you had! Merry Christmas to you and Dom! Safe travels & God bless.
    Susan Edwards & Donna Jo Painter ( she still has no Internet!)
    Atlanta

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  26. Paul, Just getting home from church, always a good feeling. Happy to see that you have blogged and are with us again. There is sometimes no rhyme or reason why bad things happen to good people. Shake it off, let the authorities handle things and move on. You and Dom are the couple of the year! I could see how she has supported you by finding homes for all of those Swanky monkeys! What a darling girl, you are so lucky! Loving the grandpa story. Joe & I had dinner tonite with my 97 year old Mother in law, who is sharp as a tack! Lots to be said for the generations spending time together. Hope we get to see you sing the anthem tomorrow and commercials are held for that! Have fun at the game, and have a very Merry Christmas. Even though you are away from home, you still have each other. Hoping to see you onstage in the Philly area again soon!
    Cheers!
    Mags

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  27. Look forward to following your progress in 2012. You made a bold move striking out on your own, I'm sure your timing is right. Hope the coming year provides a larger platform for your talent. Navigating through social media has it pitfalls to be sure, but goodwill prevails. Your determination and talent will guide you...all the best!

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  28. Merry Christmas to you and Dom! :)

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  29. Wishing you and your dear ones here and at home in Ireland a very Happy Christmas and a year filled with laughter, good health, sunshine, success, peace and happiness. Thank you for the beautiful blog and sharing your thoughts and feelings with us. We care and are so glad that u are back with us. God Bless

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  30. Joy and blessings of the season to you and Dom. Glad you're dealing together to stop cyberbullying. Clearly someone jealous of Dom, but you are wise to be careful. I'm glad the authorities are taking it seriously. Don't let it keep your Christmas from being a happy one.

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  31. You and sweet Dom are beautiful blessing to all of us. You give so much of yourselves and we just love you for it. Sending many warm wishes and blessings to you both. Hugs! Francine and Gia too!!!

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  32. God has blessed you both with each other. A match made in Heaven. Merry Christmas and a most Happy New Year. Glad to hear that the "situation" has improved somewhat.Thank you for letting us know. Carol and Debbie.

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  33. Merry Christmas to you and Dominique! You too are so darn cute together :) I'm sorry you are having to deal with such ugly,hateful people. But I'm glad the authories are taking control. I consider you and Domi apart of my family. When you are hurting, I'm hurting :( but you will always have my support. Have a wonderful Christmas and a very Happy New Year! Bring on 2012 :)

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  34. Thank you for your wonderful Blog as always Paul. As I was reading about your memories of your Grandparents,it brought back the very fond times I shared with my wonderful Grandparents, to whom I was "the apple of their eye" ;)
    Though I am a grown Mom of 6 children, and enjoy my Christmases with them immensely,this is the time of year I really miss those days spent with my Grandparents. The memories of my Grandma's kitchen smelling of everything yummy,my Grandfather's jokes,teasing and mischief!! And getting us started on the fun and festive Christmas Carrols!!!
    Seems like only yesterday and like you, I so wish I could see my Grandfather opening the door and greeting me with that larger than life smile and booming voice of his!!! The memories I have will always be there and I thank You for allowing me to recall these wonderful memories once again and to know that there are others out there, you included feeling this way!!!!
    I wish you and Dom & your families, the blessings of Christmas and a New Year filled with health,success and happiness!!!
    God Bless You!!!
    Sincerely,
    Karen Green & Family
    Cape Breton,Nova Scotia,Canada

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  35. What a wonderful blog, Paul. I wish you and Dominique a very Merry Christmas.
    Paul I hope 2013 will be even more successful for you and your career.
    See you in January on the cruise :)
    Hugs,
    JuttaI
    I am gad you are able to deal with this rather ignorant group of cyberbullies. Unfortunately there are too many nasty people in the world.

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  36. Thank you so much for your blog. It is so good to hear from you on Chistmas. I had been thinking about & you & your Mom,knowing she is missing you today. I am not with my grown son and so know somewhat how your Mom is feeling. I am glad you have Dom with you to love you and be with you. Christmas is almost over now here in Tennessee, so I will wish you, Dom,your Mom and all of your family a very happy New Year. I will be praying for all of you as we go into a new year. I look forward to seeing you on tour again in 2012 and much success for you in your career. GBU = God Bless You always and in all ways. Love, Nelliebelle1936

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  37. Dear Velvet Voice,
    Thank You for the Christmas blog and letting us know what has been going on. Sorry you could not post but hope you felt the love coming through every day for you and Dom.
    Hope you had a wonderful Christmas with your friends and were able to "see" your family.
    Praying that the new year will bring you nothing but happiness and all good things.
    Love and Hugs,
    Jean

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  38. Dear Paul
    Thank you for the very informative and heartfelt blog you posted. While you mentioned the post directed at Dom and the hurtful comments made about her I so wish people would learn to shut up if they do not know the person they have no reason to make comment about them. I mean really people get a grip you do not know them or anything about them. How sad that people feel the need to make trouble or cause other people pain. I wish to extend an apology to you and to Dom tho I did not make the comments or see the content of them. Someone should apoplgize to you both for them if no one has then I will. I wish you both nothing but the best it has been a real plesure and treat to read your tweets I follow you Dom and your Mom. Reading your Mom's tweets make me realize how much I miss my Mom. Your memories of your Grandfather were wonderful memories and I am happy you shared them with us. How very blessed you are to have such a loving family not everyone is. Thank you for sharing your memories your life your music with us your adoring fans. While I am a fan I so wish I were a friend. I wish there was some way to make it up to Dom she is a lovely person I do not know her personally but I can tell from what pictures I have seen of her please apologize to her for me. Hope your Christmas was bright, merry and may you have a joyful New Year. On the side I wanted to let you know that I have purchased your latest CD This Is The Moment and love it. I also have it on my I touch. Your voice and you are a constant inspiration to me and I am sure many others. I hope you both stay on Twitter I ad many others enjoy your comments and your thoughts.
    Thank You
    God Bless Both of You
    Jeannie Rose

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  39. Paul and Dominique, God Bless you both and I wish you a very Happy and Healthy New Year to come. Cry yes, sad yes, but 'tis the way of the world these days. God will keep you safe. I just know that. all of the comments are what I say and feel. Two wonderful kids in this world that show love and caring..give us the gift of beautiful music...oh how blessed we are to have you in our lives. Faith

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  40. Paul and Dom, I am so very sorry about the Twitter unpleasantness and I am happy to hear it was being dealt with. I want to wish you both a very Happy New Year and may 2012 bring you both peace, happiness and the sucess you both deserve. Paul, I miss you with CT but I adore your solo CD! The voice of an angel! Thank you so much for sharing your beautiful talent! Blessing to you both and best wishes!

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  41. All the best for 2012 for you and Dominique! I was looking to buy your CD's in my home city in South Africa, but could not find any. So I went to the internet and that is where I learned about the xenophobic incident. The public eye is a very dangerous place to find yourself in, because there are always people who are jealous and then become rude. Do not focus on them, but rather on the thousands and thousands of people who appreciate your outstanding talent, velvet voice and perfectly correct singing. My son in law is as old as you are and American. My daughter had to go through the adjustment of a new country and it was not always easy. You and your lovely lady surely did not need this unnecessary thing to happen. Just remember that if you ever decide to come to South Africa for a holiday or a concert you will be so, so very welcome! In my city you already have lots of fans through Celtic Thunder. I pray that this year will be a perfect year for a perfect couple. Thersia Theron. Port Elizabeth . South Africa.

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