Publicado por Gemma Mondéjar : SECRETOS DE VESTUARIO: DETRÁS DE ‘THE CHEETAH GIRLS’
In January I discovered that our amazing Fashionista Resa McConaghy was soon to be interviewed by Gemma Mondéjar with the fabulous “Escribe La Moda”. To my delight the interview has taken place and can be read it in its entirety below. I apologize for not including the Spanish version of the interview but I was pressed for space. Read it all you Resa McConaghy fans and enjoy! Congratulations dear Resa, you are fantastic.


Cause we are sisters, we stand together… It’s hard to read it without singing it, isn’t it? This is not the first time we talk about Disney productions (nor will it be the last), but the occasion deserves it. Aesthetically, Disney Channel movies are very well crafted, although we have to admit that there is one that stands out from all the others: ‘The Cheetah Girls’.
Let’s face it, ‘The Cheetah Girls’ is the wonderful culprit that many of us are in love with animal print and it’s no wonder. Those of you who grew up watching this movie, already know what I’m referring to:
We could spend hours talking about how spectacular the outfits of Galleria (Raven-Symoné), Chanel (Adrienne Bailon), Aqua (Kiely Williams) and Dorinda (Sabrina Bryan) were, but I think it’s much better to know firsthand how these looks were created. To that end, I had the pleasure of talking to Resa McConaghy, the costume designer for ‘The Cheetah Girls’.Resa McConaghy was in charge of creating true works of art for this film, but it was not the only one. ‘The Good Witch’s Destiny’, ‘The Good Witch’s Charm’, ‘The Best Laid Plans’, ‘True Confessions of a Hollywood Starlet’, ‘Hendrix’, ‘Keep the Faith, Baby’, ‘Sensitive Skin’ and ‘Michael: Every Day’, are some of the productions that can be found in the artist’s portfolio.

The designer continues: “Third were the actors’ visions of their character. The girls were all very thrilled, filled with ideas and they were very inspiring to me. Not only did I have fittings with each girl individually, but we had group presentations and brain storming. Fourth, I had to keep them young looking. They are aMer all young teens. Yet, the girls themselves were already fairly sophisticated. For this purpose I used lots of colour, and lots of fun in styling“.
As we have already mentioned, accessories were a very important part of the cheetahs’ wardrobe. Not only because they gave personality to each character, but also because they made the looks even more unique: “Accessories were very important. The first accessories I bought for the girls were in Soho, New York City. Each Cheetah girl had a special touch. I remember Aqua loved hearts. I recall one day Kiely came to me with a sparkly heart she bought, and asked if Aqua could wear hearts. Being from Texas, she wore faux cowboy boots. Galleria, being the leader of the group wore stars. She had a great Star buckle, star necklaces and earrings. Chanel was more anything goes, as she was the shopper. She liked big hoops and big rings. Dorinda was from a poor family. She was styled in a fun young biker look. She had a lot of cuffs and belts with studs or chain like feel“, the designer tells us.
he outfits worn by the protagonists in their day-to-day scenes are a real wonder, but the looks from their performances are completely iconic. If you have noticed, in each performance there is a common aesthetic thread, something that makes them all wear the same style but adapted to the personality and taste of each one, which is what makes these looks so special. This fact leads us to an inevitable question: Were these outfits created especially for them? Resa’s answer is clear: “Yes!”. Pay attention to the details that the artist gives us about each performance:
TOGETHER WE CAN
https://www.youtube.com/embed/VGXr-Brh1kk
Cinderella
“I designed each outfit especially for each Cheetah. Of course I worked very closely with the girls to ensure their characters remained true. The outfits were made in our studio. The Cheetah print was bought on Canal Street, New York City. Of course the boots were bought, as well as the stockings. They were bought in Toronto. All of the accessories were made in our studio”.Girl Power”This was a mix’n’match styling and building job. Chanel’s skirt and head piece were custom made, Galleria’s jacket is a Versace. It was so cool, that I couldn’t resist putting out the money. I added the sparkly ‘Cheetah Girls’ to the top under it, and her sash was made in our studio. Aqua’s skirt and sash were custom made. Dorinda’s outfit was entirely made especially for her, except the motorcycle boots”.https://www.youtube.com/embed/V9IKHFHA9DA
Cheetah Sisters
Believe it or not, it’s been 18 years since the film was released, which brings us to the last question: What trends would the cheetahs follow if the film were shot in the present day? “I would go more with sustainable fashion trends. It’s one of the ways we can help our planet for the future. So, this would mean as many fabrics as possible that are without synthetics. We like to think that we are recycling when we donate our old clothes to charities, or put them in a shop’s bin for repurposing. It’s not working out very well. Of course the ideals of this idea could not overrun the look of the Cheetah Girls. Yet, it would be fabulous to leading the way to a greener future. After all, I always saw the Cheetahs as youth cultural leaders. I would also use paint. I would paint Cheetah print and other designs on some of the clothes, make art out of them. I would make it so cool, that the pieces could be cut up, framed and become art you could hang on a wall”, Resa explains.
Knowing how some of the outfits that have been a reference for a whole generation were created is something indescribable. The fans of this film and of Resa’s incredible work will agree with me when I say that the costumes in this production are not unique, it is unrepeatable. The cheetah girls would not have been the same, nor would they have reached the soul of so many people without those outfits so original and full of personality that helped many of us to find our identity and get out of our comfort zone. Undoubtedly, and although we will continue to talk about the costumes of some more Disney productions, there is (and will never be) a wardrobe as iconic as the one Resa McConaghy gave us.
Dearest Holly,
Thank you so much for this! I was thrilled to read Gemma’s article, and I am even more thrilled that you are sharing it with our friends on WP.
One of the many beauties of you is that you care. You are honestly happy for others, and share in their joys, sorrows and creative endeavours.
No wonder such sublime poetry comes from you.
No wonder you are my PBH, RR, AGM Holly and the one and only Boogapony!
xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo
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I’m so fortunate to know you Resa, not to mention getting to be all my favorite characters. Seriously, I am more than delighted to happen on the many projects you are involved in. You are so gifted and it has paid off in recognition and I’m so happy about that! I’ve enjoyed watching the many movies/projects that are so perfect and there in the credits “Resa McConaghy”, costume designer! You have more energy than anyone I know, I have no idea how you do all the things you do but don’t want to miss anything.
Sending you so much love !
xoxoxo
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Dahling!
Trent’s “Hendrix” comment lured me to go back and look at the post.
We did a fab job. Boogapony was never better!
Egads we have fun.
LOVE
xoxoxoxo
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So much fun it’s probably illegal! Love, xoxoxo
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xoxoxoxoxoxo
I’m a love bandit!
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We are! 👯xoxoxo
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Yes!!!! 👯xoxoxo
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🥰
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Congrats Resa. (And Heart of Fire for being such a great friend) 👏🏻
Happy week-end to both.
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Thank you so much Brian! Have a wonderful week-end, sending hugs from both of us!
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🤗🌹
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🤗🌷
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Whoa! I knew you designed Mickey Mouse’s white gloves and red shorts, my dear Resa, but had no idea you’d clothed practically the entire Mouse Kingdom!! If I ever buy a designer label, it will have to have your name on it!! Congratulations, epic, well done!! 👍 💪 😊
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Wonderful comment, thank you!
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How cool is all that? This is such a cool post, Holly. I’m in awe of Resa’s talent. She is so creative and comes up with the most imaginative outfits, posts, drawings, and stories. I feel honored to be part of her virtual being.
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Indeed you are so right Tim. Resa can create a magical gown from her cache of collectibles. Men ties, scraps of leather, silk roses🌹 . She casts some kind of magic spell. 🧚🏼🧵🪡
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An amazing post. Any kind of production is incomplete without the vision of those who put the finished article down on the screen. Characters are formed by the little things, the shoe lace, the hairband, hat, whatever. Yes, there’s the words of the script but it is so much more than that. xxxx
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I agree Shey, I’m awed by the talents and creativity of Resa. She’s left her brand on the fascinating world of costume design and deserves so much credit for her contribution to the world of Fashion. Thank you for the lovely input, I know You are a very special friend to Resa ( and me!). You are so appreciated!
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You are both wonderful very special friends to me. Truly. I adore your writing, I adore all Resa’s creations. Her drawing live and breathe for me.
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Tis true dear Shey, you are pretty fabulous yourself!
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YOu are always too kind. Truly xxxxxxx
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Great interview! She sounds like such a wonderful talented friend.
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When I first met Resa Tom, I recognized her beautiful face and soul, little did I know she was a genius…not to mention a celebrity among fashion designers ! She’s a gem 💎 .
The Cheetah Girls project is one of many video/movies that she has left her creative mark on.
Thank you for the lovely comment!
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She’s very multi-talented! Great tribute to a true friend 🙂
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Thank you Tom!
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Cool Interview. Going back to the introduction, I’m curious about the Hendrix movie she worked with!
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You will find that among my post…search for Hendrix or Resa, they will all come up! Thank you Trent.
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I’ll take a quick look, though will have to come back later for more indepth
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Anytime Trent. Resa project “Hendrix” is a favorite of mine.
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Cheers to Resa and the Cheetha Girls and of course to you Holly for a great post! 👏👏👏❤️❤️
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Thank you Cindy! ❤️❤️
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You’re so welcome! 💖
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⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
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Thank you ! Stars back Phil. ⭐️
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You’re welcome! Wishing you a wonderful weekend…🙂☀️🏖🌴☀️🙂
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Thank you Phil,same to you,I hope your day is wonderful ☀️🌴🌼
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Thank you 🌹
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O my o my o my!!!!!!
Great interview of our extra multitalented, gorgeous, creative, AMAZING friend!!!!!!!
I’m so very very proud!!!!!!!
Thank you, my sweet Holly for posting it. I will be rebloging as soon as I get to a computer!
WOW!!!!!!!!
❤🌷❤🌷❤🌷❤🌷❤🌷❤🌷❤🌷❤
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Hi dahling Marina, lots of love from our way ❤️🌹❤️🌹❤️🌹❤️🌹❤️🌹❤️🌹❤️!
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Mouah!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ❤️🌺❤️❣️❤️🌺❤️
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🎈❤️🌷🌸🤗💫🌷❤️🎈
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❤️💖🤗💖❤️
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🍰🍰☕️☕️👯♀️💐 🤗
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Oh, yes please!!!! ☕🍪🍩🍰💐💐
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We are hungry! 🍰🧁☕️☕️😍
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Oh yes, we are!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!🍰☕️🍩🍪🍩🥜🍫🍰🍦🍨
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❤️🌷💖🤗🥰
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❤️💖❤️
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❤️💖❤️
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❤🥰🤗🥰❤
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💖🤗❤️🌼🌹⭐️💖
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💖🌟💐🌟💖
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🍀🌼🥰🤗🍀
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💖❤🍀❤💖
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🥰❤️🤗💖
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😍❤😍
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🌷🐣🦄🐮🦩🐇💖
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🍹🍭☀️🌙🎵🐦
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🍹🍹cheers! Happy Saturday 💟
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Happy Saturday to you too!!!! 🎵💞🎵
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Way cool! Resa is so talented!
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So very. Thank you Merril.
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You’re welcome. Thank you for sharing!
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I’m glad you liked this Merril, it was my pleasure.
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Reblogged this on Marina Kanavaki and commented:
Proud and overjoyed to reblog Holly’s post with our one and only Resa, interviewed by Gemma Mondéjar! ENJOY!!!!!
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Thank you Marina!
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Thank YOU, Holly for posting our beautiful friend’s interview. xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo
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It was a joy for me ! She’s awesome ! xoxoxo ❤️🥰
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Oh, I know it was, because you are so sweet and kind and caring! xoxoxoxoxo
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Cheers, Resa! I had no idea you were one of the Cheetah Girls – but then I read the interview. 😉 Fabulous – and I’m glad to know more about your successes. Clink! …. Holly, thanks for posting this.
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Thank you Frank , I hope you are enjoying your beach walks and all is beautiful out there.
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Holly, thank you for sharing this. So proud of our Resa. Three cheers for our fashion genius.
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Definitely Drew, she’s a gem. Thank you so much . Have a wonderful day!
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You too.
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So far so good 😊
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Laughing
Great. Hope it continues that way
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Smiles. Here’s hoping. Have a great night Drew.
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Aaaaw really wish the same for you
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Well, I’m looking forward to your podcast later so I have that going for me. Big smile!
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You are so sweet. Thank you for saying that.
You and Resa have supported me in a wonderful way that I expected from so many others only to have been let down. It really means a lot. You ladies are fabulous.. The very thing this guy needs.. Thank you. Eternally grateful. 🌹🌹🌹
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Your videos are delightful, I’m thoroughly enjoying your poetry, recitals, and meeting awesome poets I’ve been missing out on. You folks need to jump on the Lonely author bandwagon at YouTube, I highly recommend it. 🌹
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You looking to make this guy cry? Sigh🌹
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Never 🌹😊
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Haha
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Smiles
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Reblogged this on The Reluctant Poet.
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Thank you Chuck xoxo
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Always an honor and pleasure to read and share your posts, Holly!
Hope you are having a great weekend??? 😊💕💖🌹
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Thanks Chuck, so far everything is great. Hope all is good there. 😊☀️💖🌷
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So happy to hear it, Holly! Yes, everything is good here. I’m actually going to be visiting a friend next week for the first time in a year. We both have all our vaccinations! Yeah!
xoxox 😘💖🌹🌹
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That’s wonderful Chuck! Enjoy! ❤️🥰
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🧚🏼🪡🧵⭐️🥰
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I reblogged it. Thank you for writing it. I wouldn’t have done such a fabulous job. ❤ Hugs to Tide.
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Thank you Gigi, you’re beyond beautiful, Tide is hanging in there , sending belly rubs to Emily 🐶🐾🐾🐾🐾 🐈❤️
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Reblogged this on Art Gowns and commented:
Dear Holly has honoured me by posting the English part of an interview for Escribe La Moda magazine. Gemma Mondéjar asks me about the Costume Designs I did for The Cheetah Girls.
Dahling Holly, Thank You! Adore You! xx 💖
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It’s my pleasure and a joy to share Dahling. Adore xx💖
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Dahling!!! xx 💖
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Dahling, it’s true! xx
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Loved reading the interview with Resa. This is a world I know very little about, and I find it to be intriguing!
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I so agree. It’s beyond my imagination and creativity but she has the gift! Thank you so much !
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You’re both very gifted in your own ways:)
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Becky that’s so sweet. Sending hugs your way!
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influence!
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😊thank you.
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One of my daughters loved that movie…and all the clothes, of course! I’m going to send the link for this to her!
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That’s Terrific. I’m sure it was tremendously popular with the young ones, now she can see who designed all the great outfits. 😊
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😊
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A wonderful share and insight of Resa’s many talents. Thanks to House of Heart for posting this.
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Thank
You. I’m glad you liked this. You can call me Holly.
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Thanks, Holly 😊
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Thank you! 😊
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Resa deserved this post, Holly,
because she is talented , kind and beautiful.
Thanks for this post
Love ❤
Michel
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Thank you for reading and your words Michel. Love, ❤️
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Reblogged this on By the Mighty Mumford and commented:
YOWZA-!
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I heard the good news. Yay!
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YAY-YAY-YAY0-YAY-! 😀
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Your a happy man! 🌷
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YOU BETCHA!!!!!!!!
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I’m happy for you two!
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(EXTREMELY BIG SMILE)
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💖
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❤ ❤ ❤ ❤
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Back at you ❤️💖💖💖
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i love how you think! ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤
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hey–what are you doing up this late? :d
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I don’t know. Night owl.
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ME TOO. “HOO-HOO-HOO”
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🌼🌼
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A NIGHT OWL CHEER!!!
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🦉🦉
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😀
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Loved this, Holly. Resa is multi-talented, as well as a fabulous person. I’m so happy for her and glad we can all cheer her on. Thanks for the awesome post.
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I agree completely. Thank you Diana!
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This is super cool Holly you and Resa are both stars to me xx
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You and Resa are the shining stars dear Charlotte , I hope to see you back out there again very soon, meanwhile we love your recordings. Your voice is a true gift! XX
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