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How I first discovered MLT
I was reading some old journals I have been keeping over the years, and I came across a few entries from 2017 where I wrote down in my rough handwriting what I felt when I first heard them. I thought It would be fun to share that, and hope others can share their stories and impressions when they first discovered MLT here.
From journal entry 1 (Sunday March 5, 2017):
https://youtu.be/kiJ9mob9veU?si=rKA1AYdk2XI8hEX5
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26 Replies
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Journal entry 3 (March 2017):
At the time I was going through some tough times with changes at my work, still grieving for my mom, and just feeling down and blue. Nothing Is In Vain really stood out. In the video, the light bulb scene at the end reminded me that despite the chaos in the universe, there is order and meaning, and nothing is in vain.
Through our creativity and imagination too, we can create order and hope out of the chaos, like beautiful music, art, literature, a beautiful home and life etc… MLTs song inspired me to feel this way. I find myself floating up in the clouds when I hear Nothing Is In Vain, such a beautiful, dreamy, uplifting song….
https://youtu.be/h3JnZBz0Zro?si=1wBEnHuCoaDGp30p
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For nearly 7 years now since I first discovered Mona and Lisa, Michaela and Rudi, their beautiful music continues to enrich my life song after song, week after week, month after month, year after year. What an amazing musical journey, we are all so lucky to be a part of.
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Hi Jung …Lol…I feel ancient now, I’m not sure but I think I’m the longest standing fan, or at least close to it…. it’s been 16-17 yrs niw since I came upon and got gobsmacked at MLT’s version of “California Dreaming ” on YouTube as I was curious at that tine if there was a cover equal to “Mamas & Papas ” version…Yesssss.. MLT hit the jackpot and I still stand by that , in that for my own personal perspective, their version is the only one for me that Equally, Unequivocally, delivers that essence of which Mamas & Papas did, but I will say that I prefer their take on Scott MacKenzie ‘s ” San Francisco ” over his, sorry Scott but their version just works better …
There ‘s no mistaking the instant Aura of MLT that gravitates/overwhelms one in Awe with whatever song one has discovered them by or means thereof, whether YouTube, radio, word of mouth, etc.
The generational affect/effect too… no matter the age one is that becomes a fan, that indescribable Aura beyond words that draws you to their music, etc it’s special….. and as it’s been repeated time and again by all whom have discovered MLT…. It’s a Welcoming Gift to be Uplifted, Have An Impact, Make A Difference, all #MLTBUZZLUVGROOVIFIED-ingly bar none …💎🤘🏻🫶👌👍🏻👏💯💣💥👱♀️👩🦰
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Hi Jacki
In the time I’ve been on this incredible MLT music journey, you are the one constant in the fan side, a real trooper, the best, MLT are so lucky to have you, and I’ve always appreciated the warm welcome and friendship and things you’ve shared with me over the years. ❤
For me similar to you, it was one of the songs from their California Dreaming EP that I first discovered MLT. I believe their cover of California Dreaming was MLTs first official music video, followed by San Francisco which was the magic that caught me forever. For many songs they covered like all 3 California Dreaming EP songs, California Dreaming, San Francisco, Hotel California, and many others like God Only Knows, Mr Postman, Walking In the Air…etc and all their Beatles covers, Mona and Lisa’s version has become the gold standard for me. Even better than the originals. For example the Beatles latest song “Now And Then”, I prefer to listen to Mona and Lisa’s version, it’s just better and more moving, the gold standard. Sorry Paul, Ringo and all the Beatles fans out there.
And their originals, wow, I love even more. WHY? is absolutely brilliant, and it just keeps getting better!!!
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I’ve told my MLT discovery story before, and it isn’t particularly unique, but maybe I can embellish it a little.
I was watching some Beatles videos on YouTube in March of 2019, and some cover by the MonaLisa Twins (I honestly don’t remember which one) showed up in the sidebar. My decision on whether to click on such a thing is generally based on what the thumbnail looks like, and clearly I approved because in I went, and it turned out to be one of the best Beatles covers I had ever heard.
So I clicked on a couple more, which were also excellent, and that led me to go to their main page, where I found they had covered dozens of Beatles songs (so clearly they were big fans), plus lots of other 60’s groups. I scrolled down and saw they had done both When I’m Sixty-Four and Maxwell’s Silver Hammer (which have long been closeted favorites of mine), so I knew at that point that they covered what they liked, not just what they thought would sell well.
Eventually I summoned up the courage to check out some of their original songs (including June and I Don’t Know Birds That Well), and found to my surprise that they were great composers of “new” 60’s songs, which is something I had been desperately looking for since I first discovered 60’s music.
Their having passed every test and roadblock that I could come up with, I realized I had to make them a permanent part of my life, so I joined the MLT Club, not just to gain access to more stuff but to talk with other people who had fallen under their spell and learn how to, as I phrased it in my introductory post, “manage the euphoria”.
Nearly five years later I’m still here, and Mona and Lisa and Rudi and Michaela continue to put a smile on my face every day. Even without the music, they’d still be the most positive and inspirational family I know.
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Hi David
Thank you for embellishing 🙂, really enjoyed reading what your wrote. You hit the nail on the head about MLT that make them so special, they make music that they like, not what they think will sell. They are artists first and foremost, and they see music like that, and I love they won’t sacrifice their artistic integrity with their music. They carry on the spirit and tradition of the great 60’s legends, and take their music in the direction they feel is right. It reminds me of Mozart in the movie Amadeus when the prince who knows nothing about good music, tells him to modify his opera because it is too long.
https://youtu.be/H6_eqxh-Qok?si=AtHLusKJT13WGWbT
Because they are artists, when they do a cover, they add their own artistry into it, creating something refreshing, unique and all their own, but at the same time understanding musically what makes that song great in the first place, and remains true to the essence. They add value to the covers they do, not merely mimic it like most others who cover songs. It’s like their cover of “Walking In The Air”, they took a classical piece, and completely revamped it into a rock version, something completely new like I’ve never heard before, but at the same time all the beauty that I loved about that piece retained, and taken to the next level, better than any previous version I ever heard. That is genius.
I also love their philosophy of never repeating themselves when it comes to their creativity. When I first heard Orange, what an amazing progression from When We’re Together (another great album), new styles, new sounds, new instruments. And then when I first heard Why?, the richness and depth went another level. They are musical pioneers. It is like listening to the Beatles progression from Help, to Rubber Soul, to Revolver, to Sargent Peppers, to Abbey Road….just keeps getting more amazing.
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I mentioned it in one of the livestream chats and have it in my profile that I found the MonaLisa Twins by being a fan of Amy Slattery’s. Amy is an English YouTube artist that records a lot of Beatles covers using the correct instruments. Her and her Dad are massive fans of the Beatles and other 60’s artists. Me, being a fan of the Beatles is what drew me to Amy’s channel. I still enjoy watching her videos, I like her light, mellow style and heavy British accent.
It must have been in September of 2022 when I watched 3 videos on Amy’s channel of her playing in the Cavern Club with a band I had never heard of called the MonaLisa Twins. These videos made me curious to check out some of the Twins own videos. I started watching the Cavern Club videos and I was dumbfounded. Hearing the unique cry in Mona’s voice and just watching Lisa’s stance and mannerisms while playing, I swear, I could see the spirit of John Lennon and the same magic the Beatles had on stage. It just stemrolled from there. According to my shop records I bought my first CD “Live at the Cavern Club” on October 5th 2022. “Beatles and More” 1,2,& 3 on October 20th and The 2007 concert cd and “Duo Sessions I” in November 2022. On December 16th I joined the MLT Club, I had no choice, there was no way I was going to miss that 2022 Livestream. I have been totally submersed in everything MLT since then. I was about 5 years old when Beatlemania swept the U.S, and the whole world really, and remember how us kids could not get enough of their music, pictures and appearances. I feel the same way now about Mona and Lisa. I am experiencing MonaLisamania. I could go on and on about everything I like about these girls but this thread is supposed to be about the beginning so I’ll stop here and just say I’m thankful for These girls, their parents and Amy Slattery.
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And if they ever wanted to put an all female Beatles cover band together well, Amy is a good left handed bass player.
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Tim, David & Jung,
Your experiences discovering the MLT’s on YouTube pretty much mirror my own. I found them after seeing Amy’s videos first, when I was looking for more Beatle videos. I enjoyed their Beatle covers, then started watching the videos of their own original songs. It took me just a short amount of time to appreciate their own songwriting, which is very sophisticated!
Then I was amazed at how many DIFFERENT artists that they covered, including especially all their California videos! There are other good young musicians out there covering Beatle tunes for sure, like Amy. I really like to see that and hats off to Amy Slattery too!
Mona & Lisa stand out among the crowd now and are the leaders of the pack! They do so many things amazingly well! This video of “You Can’t Do That” has the best authentic Beatle Scream I’ve heard outside of the Beatles. And that is Lisa’s vocal cord shedding scream at minute 1:33! You have to do that with some control in order to not hurt your vocal cords!
So I guess we’re all of one mind on appreciating the MLT’s talents! (And Amy is very good too!)
CHEERS! — Bud
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Hi Bud
You are so right about the Twins original music. They don’t just write good songs, they create wonderful pieces of musical art. The lyrics are so intelligent and well put together and there is always interesting things happening with the musical arrangements. I like everything they do including all the great covers and would be a fan if that’s all they played, but it’s their own songs that make me think of them as true artists and very good ones at that. They are among the best I’ve ever heard. I can’t wait to hear what they create next.
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Tim,
You are so right. And I can’t wait to see their new videos!
Well, time to head out to work. — Bud
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Hi Tim
MonaLisamania indeed, I like that! 👍😊 I missed Beatlemania because I was still in diapers when they came to America, so I am glad I am able to experience that same passion and love mania for a musical group in Mona and Lisa in my life time. If I attend a live MLT show, I promise though I won’t scream in a frenzy like those 16 year old’s did at the Beatles shows, but no guarantees. 😁
I remember in one of the Q and A’s Mona and Lisa mentioned performing with Amy, and they kept in touch for a while. It is great to see that video of the 3 of them together, 3 amazing musicians rocking to the Beatles is priceless.
Mona and Lisa brought back to life a lot of Beatles songs and songs from the 60s that I have long forgotten, and they also let me discover so many Beatles and other rock gems I never even knew of like Hey Bulldog, that I really like. They opened my eyes and ears to the magnificence of “God Only Knows” for example. I remember listening to that song in my teens, and thought it was a good song, but it was Mona and Lisa who really made me understand how it could make Paul McCartney cry. The same with While My Guitar Gently Weeps. It was a good song, but when I heard Lisa’s guitar work on it, oh wow, the guitar does really weep, it never sounded so goooood. They have a true magic with music, able to bring out the greatness and potential in a song even the original artists did not quite hit to the maximum potential.
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Hi Jung,
I was only about 5 when Beatlemania hit so I don’t remember a lot of particulars, I just remember the impact they had. I still have a few Beatles bubble gum cards I bought back in the day. They were from the Hard Days Night movie. Mostly I remember all their big hits getting played on the radio and the 45s my sisters had. When I was older I bought quite a few of their albums, 8 tracks, cassettes at one time or another but was never real familiar with some of the earlier album cuts and B sides. A lot of the Beatles songs that Mona and Lisa cover are these types of underrated, lesser known tunes. They do such a great job with them, they really impact me more than the Beatles versions. Same thing with some of the other 60’s covers they do , like you said, I had long forgot about some of these or never really cared a lot about the originals. I am so glad I found the MLTs and I do love their original songs. It’s so fun to once again have an artist that you can look forward to their next creation.
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I remember the day before the official album Orange release on Sept 29 2017, as CDs were in transit around the globe, I heard Orange for the first time the day before. It felt like the magic of Christmas morning to a child. I found what I wrote in my journal that day, and the subsequent day of Orange release. I heard piano for the first time in their music, strings, and the most beautiful singing ballad. It’s different from anything they did before. I expressed it best how I felt in my scribble below.
It’s funny the handwritten scribble feels like a piece of that time, as I physically wrote it down making the ink bond to the fibres of the paper. I wrote…….
(click the images to see full view, as they are cutoff in the preview)
https://youtu.be/QsiKXfFkRoA?si=jbbJDDvJWaekQZ0e
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Thankyou Jung , for your kind sentiments in your reply to my reply to you on how I came to discover MLT eons ago …..
I’m enjoying this thread , and all the replies as to how/when all have discovered MLT, and all coming to same conclusion …. A #MLTBUZZLUVGROOVIFIED Happy Discovery that’s lead to a Unequivocally Unique World that’s proven its Positivity Potency Power and firming Kindredness amongst All and creating wonderful friendships Globally … 💜☮️😎🕊
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I was overjoyed to see this thread! I am such an MLT rookie compared to all of you! But the commonality of what drew us all to this incredible musical world is uncanny!
I stumbled on MonaLisa Twins by accident (or fate?) one day about 3 years ago and something just drew me into their music like iron filings to a magnet. The very visible love of the Beatles and 60’s era music was so evident in what I was watching and hearing I couldn’t help but become entranced by them. Sure, they are really easy to look at, but the musical ability and their obvious joy in performing was what snared me completely.
Soon I was feverishly looking for more and more covers and then pow! Original songs and even whole albums! I had already purchased The Cavern Club and Orange CD’s (thank God for Amazon sometimes) when I learned about the MLT Club. Then, I had the world’s worst time trying to become a member of this unique clutch of avid fans. Every time I tried to sign up I hit a road block with the computer, the sign-in process, or some silly button I didn’t click (likely my own admittedly limited web skills) that somehow prevented me from completing the requirements of joining up. Then about a year and a half ago I hit pay dirt, and I’ve been hooked ever since. I won’t call it a shrine, but I am fast acquiring a fair jag of MLT regalia down in my little guitar cave. And I’m not sorry for it in the least!
No matter where the Club goes from here, or how much it grows, there is the core group of you long time devoted members that does so much to make this place very special. I’m so very thankful to be part of this, and it is your open welcomes that have made it even more special. This is a place where we all come together for the same reason and share our passion for wonderful MLT music.
Thanks Jung, once again you absolutely nailed it!
Stay Groovy all!!!😍-
Daryl, I feel the same as you about the long time club members like Jung and Jacki always being so kind and friendly. I had a lot of problems navigating thru the club when I first started (still do at times) and they were always eager to help. I had trouble posting comments, pictures, videos you name it. Some of it had to do with the very slow internet service I had and some of it was my own stupidity and reluctance to look for or ask for solutions before making the mistakes on my own, Lol. I’m also one who will make a statement that I believe to be a fact and then later find out I am not exactly right. I usually don’t google information until after I realize I’m wrong but I’m not afraid to admit my mistakes.
After 13 months I really feel like now this is more a community than a fan club. Especially the ones that participate in the forums and the comment sections under the weekly posts. Not only leaving comments but also leaving replies to comments by other club members. It really means a lot. Once I left a comment under a post about the upvotes and replies meaning a lot to me and Lisa replied to it. It was the first time one of the Twins replied to my comment and it felt so good. Every time Mona or Lisa left an upvote or comment or a “like” on Facebook or a little heart on YouTube, it felt so cool, still does actually. I submitted quite a few questions to the Q&As in the first couple months and eventually one came up at the end of a Q&A video. I was so happy, even though it seemed like a dumb question when I heard it. In the next few Q&As they answered a bunch of my questions and I felt a little embarrassed, I didn’t realize I had submitted so many questions and also didn’t think they would answer them all, but they did. Now I try to think of more intelligent things to ask but there may be a few more dumb ones coming. I have trouble trying to sound intelligent so I generally try for humor in my questions and statements. However, I am finding out that many things that are funny in Wisconsin farm country are not always funny in the U.K. or Canada or Germany or New York, sorry for that.
Anyway, a lot of the club members, new and old, seem more like friends than just members of the same club. I enjoy sharing videos and ideas with everyone and I enjoy just reading everyone’s comments. I love seeing everyone’s questions get answered and seeing Lisa and Mona responding to other members. And I am genuinely happy to see my club friends win the give away prizes, well except the bobbleheads, I really want those, Lol. No just kidding, I have a special treasure from MLT, but those bobbleheads are cool.
That’s all for now, take care and be cool, and of course, stay groovy.
And Daryl, I’ve edited this comment a few times but there’s probably still some errors.
Coming soon: part II of Me And MLT.
Oh we need a video too. How about a great “Lisa” cover tune.
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Thank you Daryl for the kind words, it’s amazing people like you who make the Club so wonderful. The Club really attracts remarkable people, and that is obviously because MLT are so remarkable.
When I first discovered MLT, social media was really foreign to me. I used the internet mostly for work, shopping, and internet banking, and the occasional youtube video. I created my Facebook page years before with one post on it, because someone I knew wanted to send me a picture or something via Facebook, but it was in order to subscribe to and follow MLT that I joined Instagram, Youtube, Twitter (now X), and activated my Facebook. I did not even know what a re-tweet or hashtag was and what it did. A real social media rookie. I still haven’t figured out how to get notifications from Facebook or Youtube to me, it got blocked somehow because we use Google at work, and they blocked it on my account.
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Thank you Jung, and yo echo much of my thought processes. I stayed away from FB and IG for a long time but finally relented when I actually got work pressures years back by most of our leading manufacturers. They insisted we use our personal social media to reach out to more prospective buyers. Unlike my financially wizard-ish brother I have been online banking for what seems like forever, at least as long as my institutions have offered it anyway. Roy eschews modern technology with a vengeance. “I don’t understand none of that s**t!” is his usual comment.😄 He has been my business mentor all my adult life, but he really needs to take some advice from his kid brother on a few things more contemporary.😉
Shame about your YouTube account, I’m no tech guru but you may have to start another account under a different email account. So far I’ve managed with just my gmail and another personal email which is my primary. I’m not very well versed on the YouTube system, but I need to get more involved and comfortable with it for my recording purposes. I managed to get it done with that live stream submission, but it was way outside the envelope for me. Time for this auld dood to learn some new stuff… It wasn’t all that long ago I had trouble figuring out patches and various programs and hookups for my modeling amps. Since I got that new to me Pod board I’ve stepped into a whole new world of sounds!
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I’m posting this one just for fun. It’s been more than a year since Amy Slattery has posted a video on YouTube but she has posted this one in the last month. The song should be very familiar to MLT fans. I know Amy and her Dad in the video but don’t know the guy singing lead in the middle but I do notice a nice rock on Amy’s ring finger. They are clearly miming the song and having a good time doing it. But I think it sounds pretty good and Amy’s voice sounds really good, more mature. I hope they keep making music and posting videos.
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I haven’t really followed Amy at all, but I think I need to! Cool video, thanks for sharing that Tim!
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Thanks for sharing these journal entries, Jung. “Ink is nice” That made me laugh. My first was Wish You Were Here. I usually hesitate clicking on Pink Floyd covers. There are a lot of mediocre ones. So when this video popped up as a suggested “You might enjoy” I hesitated for a minute. I have a CD somewhere that is a collection of female artists covering Pink Floyd songs, and that was kinda kool, so clickety-click. Holy crap, after the intro I had to start it again. Hey wait, what? Let me hear that again. I am trying to recall my thought process (perhaps a little embellished). Hmm, capo? Well they do have high voices. Wait a sec, that blonde can sing a little deeper. Holy crap, play that again. This is fantastic! That is really what I think. What’s this Once Upon A Time? An original? I have never heard this song. Click, Holy Crap, this is good. This video must have cost a fortune to produce. This is something special. Where can I see more? As I started exploring their website I noticed a lot of kool members only stuff. Thirteen dollars a month? Ok, that’s not a lot. That’s when I found She’s Leaving. Again, Holy Crap! As tears welled up, I realized I had found something very special.
I just found an email I sent four years ago, replying to their email with three free songs. I hadn’t joined the club yet, but felt the need to to go on and on about how great MLT is. I was so impressed by this cover of one of my favorite songs, I wanted to thank them for sharing it. I figured no one would probably read my reply, as I was replying to an automated email, and they are probably too busy to read all of their fan mail. I was dumbfounded when Lisa replied two days later. Wait, I think I didn’t see her reply right away, because it landed in my junk folder. Junk? imagine that. Why why says the junk in the folder. She commented on a couple of things I had mentioned so I knew she had read it. It wasn’t a canned reply, she was actually corresponding with me. How do they have that much time for their fans?
So I joined the club because I wanted to see it all. Who what where when Why? It’s all here, and if you can’t find it, just ask. I began exploring the forum. At that time I was frequenting a Roger Waters fan club where we met some great people. There was a group of about ten of us who would meet up for shows and stay at the same hotel. We had some great times. So let’s see what this forum has.
The MLT family is very unique. Everyone is so friendly and polite here. It’s a direct reflection of the Wagners. Their love of family and music is has attracted a lot of nice people with similar values. We love being a part of this family and how it’s become part of our everyday life. Just last night Marlo was showing me something she found that “the girls” might like. It was the same way last year. She Christmas shops all year round. Marlo deserves credit for the adult coloring book and the yoga chime. I mean the coloring book for adults. I had an embarrassing phone call telling our son about Lisa and Mona’s gifts.
I am sure that the next time MLT has a live show, there will be a lot of meet-ups. Don’t we all have a version of what we will do and say. Jung promises to not jump and scream like a girl at a Beatles show. I for one don’t think he will be able to restrain himself. Mine includes a pre show chant. Years ago I saw Warren Zevon a couple of times. The audience started a slow chant, “War-ren,War-ren?” It grew in intensity as we awaited his entrance. Those were some kool shows. Now everyone listen up. A few minutes before curtain call, we all start chanting,”Leeee-sssa,,,,Mon-na…” growing a little louder each time. As they enter the stage and the lights go down, all the deep voices can shout, “MLT-MLT-MLT!…..” make sure to bring tissues, we old guys tear up pretty easily. I am sure there will be tears of pride and joy.
MLT FANS ARE THE BEST!
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Well, you’d have no problems, on finding me, the #MLTBuzzLuvGroovified Purplefied WeeJax smiling and Positivity-fied at a MLT show if /when we could all meet-up… at 4’6″ tall …. I’d be an easy standout ….lol 😉😊🙃
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Wow that was awesome JP, thanks for sharing your experience of discovering MLT! 👍 Their warm and personal welcome was incredible.
Leeesa!!! Mohnnna!!! I’m with you all the way JP, when those curtains drop. And then the screaming starts LOL…MONALISAMANIA.
MLT FANS ARE THE BEST indeed, and you are one of the BEST JP!
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Thanks, Jung.
Jacki, Marlo is only five feet tall. She is looking forward to meeting you. LOL
JP
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