Boomerang

As I've mentioned on multiple occasions, I love ABBA. Almost as much as Una does. One of the greatest Christmas presents I ever received was the DVD "ABBA: The Definitive Collection." What makes this collection so definitive? According to the text on the DVD cover, it "features every official ABBA video in one package for the first time, including three Spanish clips that have never been commercially released before." I don't even speak Spanish, but that doesn't stop me from loving the Spanish clips.

Most of these videos were made before bands were making music videos. Consequently, they're not uber-imaginative, but they do feature some spectacular costumes. Dying to see Bjorn wearing silver knee-high platform boots (Bjorn is one of the boys by the way)? Look no further than "Waterloo." Would you like to see all four ABBA members dressed in 18th century formal clothing while singing "Dancing Queen?" Then watch their performance at the Royal Swedish Opera, one of the bonus tracks. I know, it's almost too good to be true. If there is an ABBA fan on your Christmas list, you now know the perfect present to give.

One of the gems I unearthed while watching this video was the song "Bang-a-Boomerang." I wasn't familiar with it prior to watching the music video. The lyrics to the chorus are priceless (I could not make this up, people. This is what makes them the international singing sensation that they are):
Like a bang, a boom-a-boomerang
Dum-be-dum-dum be-dum-be-dum-dum
Oh bang, a boom-a-boomerang
Love is a tune you hum-de-hum-hum
So give it away, I think you'll learn
You'll get love in return
So bang, a boom-a-boomerang is love
A boom-a-boomerang is love

That boomerang concept comes to my mind this evening as I've been thinking about the day. Today I made lunch for a friend of mine whose husband just got laid off. She came over with her daughter and we feasted on pasta. After that, I made frosting and the girls decorated some sugar cookies that Bert made last night. Everyone had a great time and when they left 2 hours later with full bellies and a plate of cookies in hand we all had smiles on our faces. Except Duet. She was sleeping. But when she woke up she was calling for her friend "Fofie" (Sophie) so I can only assume that she enjoyed herself as well.

Back to the boomerang. So I put the Christmas love out there and had a friend in need over for lunch. Well guess what happened not 4 hours later? Another friend of mine said she was running to the grocery store and when I mentioned I was on my way there to pick up some paper plates that I had neglected to get when I was there this morning she offered to pick them up for me and bring them to my home. Bang-a-boomerang. And just like that the Christmas love was returned.

Truer words were never spoken (or sung, as the case may be): So give it away, I think you'll learn/You'll get love in return.

Thank you friend, thank you universe, and thank you ABBA.

Now I'm off. I've got some leftover tinfoil and Bert and I are going to attempt to recreate this timeless ABBA image. Maybe if we can get the girls to cooperate, it will be our Christmas card picture this year. Wish us luck.