Hello Stamplings!
How's things? My goodness, we've had a sensational weather week here after another very hot weekend. I want to be outside deadheading and whacking and cutting and snipping in the yard (by the way, who knew gardening was such a violent activity?), but I'm not released yet from the doc to do that, so I guess I'll just have to spend time in the Playhouse with the windows open, making cards with the furball. Poor me. 😄
Even making cards inside, I still got to play with flowers!
Even making cards inside, I still got to play with flowers!
Challenges
- Cards in Envy: Yellow and black.
- CAS Watercolour Card Challenge: Sunflower.
- Retro Rubber: Tic-Tac-Toe. Diagonal upper left to lower right. The sunflower stamp is © 2014 Technique Tuesday.
Twofer
On watercolor paper I washed a sky background using my Zig KGT paints. Then I stamped a trio of birch trees using a Purple Onion stamp. Then I stamped the trees again on another piece of watercolor paper, fussy-cut them, and added them to the right of the stamped image for some dementia. Then I added a tiny sediment and three tiny gems. Now what? Where's the pizzazzazz? Where's the personality? Shouldn't we have Santa? Or at least a reindeer?
Pawing through the possibilities, Hammy chose this old impish SU reindeer. He has the exact face of a fun-loving peek-a-boo playing deer! I stamped him on a snippet, colored him with my Ziggies, and fussy-cut him. Getting him to stand still with his antlers "just so" between the trees took forever, but it was all worth it! Just look at that smile! I couldn't get mad at him if I tried.
Challenges
- CAS Christmas Card Challenge: Tree.
- The Holly and Ivy Christmas Challenge: Anything goes.
- The Merry Christmas Challenge: Anything goes.
- Pixie's Snippets Playground: Use your snippets!
Postlogue
I was looking through my folders for something and came across photos of our stay on Galiano Island, British Columbia a few months ago. I realized I never did share them with you so I did a quick collage of shots taken from the deck of our cabin:
And I can't believe we forgot to share this one!
We were so tickled to find that the owners had left their own little furry friend to greet us in the cabin and be a playmate for Hammy! His name was Bradley and he was so sweet and tender with Hammy, making sure he didn't hurt him when they were messing around. It was an unexpected treat on the trip!
[BTW, some of you noticed Hammy's lighter coat in the last photo of him. I was sorta hoping you wouldn't catch that because I feel awful about using too much bleach to clean him after he rolled in my smooching ink the last time. It's okay. His hamber told me it will grow in darker in no time and now Hammy knows that it's okay to roll around in Tim's inks, but not in alcoholic inks!]
~~~
Enjoy your day! No, seriously, enjoy! LITS!*
As always, thank you for coming by to visit the Playhouse and special thanks to you if you take the time to join as a follower! Please let me know you came by so I can be sure and return the flavor!
As always, thank you for coming by to visit the Playhouse and special thanks to you if you take the time to join as a follower! Please let me know you came by so I can be sure and return the flavor!
*Life is too short!
To open the pop-up comment box that let's you jump to the end w/o scrolling: Click CTL + Home. Click the Home tab under my blog banner which resets the post. Click Page Down to reach the end of the post. Click Comments and a pop-up box opens. Click "Jump to Comment Form" and wallah, no more car pool tunnel! Mwah! (p.s. If you ask me a question in your comment, please remember to leave me your email address so I can respond. Thank you!)
85 comments:
Two stunning cards Darnell. I adore that cheeky little reindeer peeking out from among the trees.
Your reindeer behind the birch trees is adorable. I like his smiling face too. :-) Also the sunflower card is fabulous. Great colouring of wonderful motif.
Thank you for sharing fotos from Bitish Columbia. Wonderful landscape.
Enjoy the day!
Hugs,
Sonja
I can see from your photos where you were inspired with the deer... love him hiding behind the trees with that goofy grin!
Glad to see Hammy is helping you with the WoS again - and that he survived the washing... naughty boy rolling in the wrong schtuff! How wonderful that he had a companion while on holiday!
Blessings
Maxine
Two gorgeous cards Darnell, I love them both. I love your amazing photos too, I think BC is one of my favourite places in the world, your views were fantastic.
Sue xx
Such beautiful cards, sunflowers are so cheery, the moose peeking out from behind the trees is fab, like you sky wash. Glad you are taking it easy!
oh had to comment on that gorgeous sunflower, it popped out at me! Stunning. Love the cheeky reindeer!
Fabulous photos
xx
Cute cards especially the one with the deer peeking through the trees!
Have a great day!
Marilyn❤️
I love the smiles and giggles I get after reading one of your posts! I can't stop laughing at your adding dimentia to your card LOL Love the gorgeous sunflower card, but that deer behind the trees is just genius! I will be chuckling over that image all day and trying to duplicate it in what's left of my mind :) LOVE the views from your getaway in BC - WOW! What impressive photos! So glad Hammy found a friend to play with and that his fur will return to normal again soon! Keep smiling, the world loves a good laugh :) (hugs)
Two wonderful cards Darnell. Beautiful sunflower on your onefer, and I love the reindeer hiding in your twofer xx
The cards and photos are gorgeous, as always. As I'm sure the one waiting on my mantle will be when I open it Sunday. It arrived yesterday (Wednesday) but I'll wait until the day itself. THANK YOU! xoxo
Flowers are lovely, but the impish deer is a hoot! you never cease to amaze me. Love the trip photos. What amazing scenery! TFS.
A real treat of a post and so glad Hammy had a tender friend for him to play with whilst you where away. Thank you for sharing the montage of photos, loved them. Such a sunny first card and what a great sunflower stamp. Such an impish and fun second card. Remember to take it easy and stay in the cabin and craft.....Yey xxxxx
Your flower is stunning but your reindeer had me spluttering coffee all over. Such a demented look and I really hope he can get his head back out of those trees. I think this is a perfect xmas card. Hugz
Great photos of your trip and your cards are awesome! Love that huge sunflower and the deer poking it's head through the trees is so cute. Guess he was trying to make sure no hunters were around.
Lynn
Your classy sunflower is perfectly framed to focus on it's beauty! Thanks so much for sharing it with us at CAS Watercolour! Your peeking deer is adorable and makes this card super fun! Nice touch, my friend! Beautiful views of the island too. And Hammy...I can't forget Hammy!
Beautiful colored sunflower!
Whoa, that is a beautiful sunflower. I love the coloring of it. The deer is just adorable. Who knew they could be so cute! I really like the extra dimension of adding more trees and it gave the sweet deer a place to hang out. Thanks for sharing your BC pictures. What a beautiful place to stay with such a stunning view. I think your deer is cuter but otherwise it's great. I bet Hammy was delighted to have a friend to play with on vacation. I'm sure he'll think twice before rolling in the inks again.
Beautiful sunflower image and gorgeous coloring too Darnell...love it!! Love your Christmas card too with the peeking reindeer...love his expression!! Great pics from your vacation...what a beautiful place to stay and so glad Hammy had a friend there too! Great post my friend and thanks so much for sharing your lovely sunflower card with us at CAS Watercolour!! :0)
That sunflower is a stunner! That reindeer had to be in that stand of trees for sure. Your retreat pics are fabulous, it looks so nice and peaceful. Glad hammy had a playmate.
What an absolutely stunningly colored sunflower. A winner in my book! Wow! Love both cards showing your creativity. Looks like your garden's loss is a win for us who read your blog! Thanks and a hug for you.
Oh wow! Love the sunflower and that cheeky deer is too cute. What gorgeous pics of your trip to B.C.! Oh my a big bro for hammy. Bet he was thrilled. Hey I’m trying something new....posting directly on bloglovin’. I’ve emailed you a link. I’m listed as Nan G. Would try a search first see if my post comes up? Thanks Darnell. Take care follow doc’s orders and you’ll be out galavanting around in no time. Hugs
Both cards are great! The sunflower is a burst of colour on the white background and the hint of green is picked up by the leaves. The second card made me smile with that goofy reindeer which I love! I can see it would be tricky to get Gus the reindeer in behind the trees. Love your pictures and I do see the Bald eagle. This looks so relaxing and i bet Hammy loved it. Hammy looks good and I bet, he will make sure he won't roll in the inks again. Oh, I don't think anyone is getting dementia and your card don't show it...If you double check, I bet word did an auto-correct:)
Gardening on paper is lots of fun! The sunflower glows with all that fun winking. Kinda cool with the green accent to the left also. We see a lot of deer on our hillside, (8 recently at once) so love that smirk peeking out of your birches.
Darnell, what a joy to come visit you this morning and read your story and see the awesome cards. I am glad that you can be playing with Hammy even if you can't be cutting and pruning things in the garden. Stay patient friend..that is my moto as I continue to lay on my back and ice and ice and ice! Heart Hugs,Col
Beautiful cards and both so well designed. I especially loved that reindeer smiling as he peeked behind the birch trees. He had me smiling too, so it goes to show a smile is contagious. And, I am glad you are obeying the doctor and waiting to get the go ahead first before overdoing it with outdoor things. No sense rushing it and having a set back.
The rather large sunflower looks striking on this clean layout, the green offset frame is a nice touch to bring in some additional color without ruining the clean look. Fun reindeer card too, I love reindeer on Christmas cards.
Love your cards Darnell, I especially love the sunflower, it really pops! Thanks for joining Retro Rubber's challenge.
I love your beautiful sunflower. Such a beautiful CAS card! I adore her. The second card, the Christmas card, made me laugh. That shameful reindeer, what's his name? Which one from the Saint's team? I love how you designed this card. Wonderful and so funny :-)) Thank you for these moments of joy :-)
Hugs,
BożenA
Oh no, poor you indeed! I cannot imagine how awful it must be to be making cards in the Playhouse.... ha, ha, ha! Good for you, taking note of the Doctor's orders!
The sunflower is stunning (my favourite summer flower) and I simply adore the reindeer looking through those beautiful trees. Two fabulous cards!
So pleased to hear that Hammy has a 'big brother' figure to take care of him when you are off doing other things! Hugs, Annie xxx
These are lovely Darnell, sunflowers are among my favourite flowers, so cheery and remind me of when we planted seeds every spring for the boys. The deer with his cheeky grin finishes that birch copse brilliantly. Your pics are amazing, what a wonderful place to stay xx
I knew Hammy looked different. Initially thought he was a ringer but it's good to know he's just clean (insert smiley face). Seriously, though...love today's cards. Sunflowers are my second favorite flower and this one looks gorgeous. offsetting that green CS really adds a lot. But that reindeer really made me smile. Perfect amongst those birch trees. Such a darling Christmas card.
You certainly had your share of wildlife hanging out during your BC trip. What a joy to look at that gorgeous channel and be surrounded by eagles and deer. Serenity undisturbed.
Hi Darnell, Fab cards. I really like the Christmas one.
Thanks for sharing those photos. What a beautiful spot.
Thanks for stopping by my blog. Sue
I got so delighted with your second card and the accompanying story that I almost forgot to appreciate your sunflower card, which I love because it's all CAS and flowery, and "just because" is one of the best reasons to send a card. So glad you shared your BC pics, too. We used to love visiting Vancouver Island, but haven't been there since Wally and LuLu. It's so nice that Hammy had a little friend while you visited. His white tummy looks very pretty.
I adore your gorgeous sunflower and beautifully coloured Darnell, and the mats and layers with that touch of green behind the image layer looks great. I also love that cute reindeer peeping out through the trees and the soft blue sky is perfect as a background so it doesn't detract and distract from the fun image. I love your photos and BC looks amazing, I would love to visit it some day, and lovely to see that Hammy had a friend to play with whilst you were away. x
OMG..Dolly...your gorgeous sunflower really pops and is so beautifully colored with your zigs. Love the bit of colored CS peeking out from the left corner too.
Your 2nd card with your deer peeking thru the birch trees is so serene, beautiful and cute!
TFS your island photos too. No wonder you did not want to leave. Loved the cute photo of hammy and his new sweet friend. Loved your sweet, fun and beautiful post, Dolly. Love and hugs...Nancy
Beautiful sunflower, Darnell - such a wonderful frame to it!! Especially love the peeking deer - such a darling expression! Looks like you had a fun trip too!!
Beautiful cards and gorgeous scenery at the cabin you stayed at. It looks so peaceful. What a shot with the deer :) I hope you are doing well, it's busy up here :) Hugs xx
Oh Darnell, I'm so delighted you shared this gorgeous Sunflower card over at the RETRO RUBBER challenge, the colors are so rich and the way you framed it inside that beautiful stitched die showcases it's beauty perfectly.
Thank you for sharing it over at RETRO RUBBER, we hope you come and play again next time.
Hugs.
Maria.
Oh, by the way, I'm so happy Hammy had a friend to wrestle around with while on vacation, that picture shows how careful little Bradley is while holding Hammy in his arms.
Sending big hugs to both.
XO
Maria.
Both of the w/colors are just exquisite & I liked the green offset mat. Clever detail idea & Hammy did great on his winking too. The sunflower is just so beautifully done. Now the deer had me smiling. His expression is precious. And loved enjoying those fab photos....how amazing you had such wildlife to view as well as that magnificent water view! TFS & BIg hugs
Your sunflower is just so pretty. Love the range of colors you used. The little reindeer in the christmas card is a fun addition! Hope you are feeling a lot better and can do that violent gardening soon! Unless you were wanting to put it off longer, which I might be guilty of that!
Two gorgeous cards Darnell, a super sunflower and a cheeky looking deer peeping through those tree trunks.
When I looked at the second card first of all I saw what I thought was pale blue surfboards, lol.
Kath x
Love both your cards Darnell and they're both so beautifully coloured. Its too hot to go outside to garden anyway so you might as well stay in and craft all day ;), I hope you get better soon though. Galiano Island looks like a little slice of Heaven,h ow lucky you were to spend your vacation there. Thanks for popping by my blog and always finding just the perfect words to make my day! Hugs, Gwendolyn
Darnell, I just love your cheeky reindeer playing peekaboo in the woods like that. The soft watercolour background is just right for him. Thanks for joining in my tic-tac-toe challenge at Retro Rubber Challenge this week.
Two fabulous cards, Darnell. I love the cute reindeer in your Christmas card and how could I not love your wonderful sunflower card. TFS the photos of your trip and glad that Hammy had the opportunity to make a new friend. Hope they didn't get up to too much mischief! xx
Your sunflower is beautifully coloured and it's a gorgeous CAS design! The little deer poking his head through the Birch trees is perfectly precious - it really made me smile:) Thanks for sharing at the CAS Watercolour Challenge.
ps sorry about the stencil bloop in the Twofer!
:D Thanks for the smiles you gift us with your fun posts! Reading is so fun! :D
Amazing cards, so serious and classy the first one, really gorgeous. But the second one is just delightful!! Love your creativity!!! That cute and fun deer makes me smile so much!
Fabulous photos, too!! Seems you have had a wonderful vacation!
Hugs
My goodness...what a GORGEOUS sunflower! Your coloring is absolutely beautiful, Darnell and I love your CAS design! I am also really impressed with your fussy cutting on the birch trees...what a great way to highlight your peek-a-boo reindeer!
I hope you are feeling well and that your Dr will release you for 'violent duties' asap :) Thanks for sharing all those lovely photos from your vacay with us...such a beautiful view :)
Two great cards Darnell, that sunflower is spectacular. Awesome colouring with the ziggies, I love all those shades of yellow and that offset mat is perfect.
Now I must admit, the Christmas card is a stunner, OMG look at that little deer peeking out from those birch trees:). thanks for joining us at CAS Christmas.
P.S your vacay pics are stunning, makes me glad I live in BC.
Your big beautiful sunflower gave me a big smile and your peekaboo reindeer and little giggle, he's fun! Wonderful cards Darnell!
Getting inky in the playhouse is much more fun that deadheading, whacking and hacking!! :)
LOVE your sunflower ... it's gorgeous. And I love the little sliver of green offset from the inside panel. Great artistic element, my friend! And letting Hammy wink until he was all winked out is perfect for any flower. Thanks for sharing with us at CAS Watercolour!
The second card is ADORBS ... LOVE the expression on that deer's face. Like you, I couldn't help but smile when I saw him. Great design having him weaving among the trees!
Great pics of your vacation on Galiano Island ... it's our fav place to be. The ferries are fun to watch as they head through the pass ... it's very narrow, so that the point where the ferry is the closest you'll ever be without being on one. :) Active Pass is the best place on Galiano Island. So happy you had a chance to see a bald eagle (there are lots here) ... and a deer came to visit too. Love, Lolly
Stunning Sunflower, but just really love the cheeky reindeer, and fabulously constructed card with all that fussy cutting. Fab cards, fab pics, and fab giggles xxx
Your Christmas card is so cute. I love the way the deer is peeking out of the trees. So cute and clever. Thanks for sharing over at The Merry Christmas challenge.
Billie A
The Merry Christmas Challenge
Catch The Bug
Creative With Stamps
Aud Sentiments
Sunny Day Crafting
Pause Dream Enjoy
Craftaholic R US
Always Happy Birthday
Always Fun Challenges
Colour Crazy Challenge
Creations In Pink
Two great cards! And I love the Galiano and Hammy photos! Your sunflower card is beautiful - fabulous colouring with your Zigs! Thanks so much for joining us at CAS Watercolour!
Gorgeous and powerful sunflower, Darnell! Your Zig coloring is fantastic and I love that you offset the green mat.
The reindeer card is so adorable! That smiling face peeking through the birch trees makes everyone smile! Such a happy Christmas card! Thank you so much for joining us at CAS Christmas!
I'm sorry that I didn't leave a message/comment earlier but I'm so glad to hear that you and Adam are recovering well. You two have been on my mind since I heard about your surgery and his accident.
Hideko xx
Two beauties Darnell! I absolutely love the deer peeking through the birch trees with that cheeky face!! Your cards always have your personality written all over them, fabulous! Hope you are continuing to get better and are back to,full strength soon, sending hugs, Lisa xx
Hi Darnell, what a wonderful sunflower, they always make me smile, beautifully designed and coloured card.
Lovely winter foerst scene with the quirky deer, absolutely love it.
Beautiful scenery, and lovely little fireballs, keep well, Kate x x
What a gorgeous sunflower card Darnell! Beautifully painted and that reindeer peeking out of the birch trees is just fabulous!! Take time to heal and just enjoy playing... I loved seeing those photos - what a beautiful place and a wonderful view!
What a pair of great cards Darnell - LOVe the sunflower, what a happy card. And of course your snippets card cracked me up - love his head poking out like that - a bit like, if I close my eyes I can't see you so that means you can't see me either! :)
Glad to hear you're coming along fine and also that young Adam is doing so well.
I hope you didn't really bleach Hammy - but I love that he gets to go on holiday with you!
Hugs
Di xx
Came here to comment on your Christmas card and got spoiled with a stunning sunflower card, too! Gorgeous watercoloring of your sunflower, Darnell. It’s a standout. Your Christmas card is adorable... love the deer peeking out among the birch trees. Thank you for joining us at CAS Christmas Tree challenge. x
Love your Galiano Island pics... Bradley was the perfect playmate for Hammy. And so happy to know that you and Adam are recovering well. Sending hugs and continued wishes for a speedy recovery!
💙Trina
Gorgeous twofer .... love the beautiful sunflower, but I have to say the cheeky reindeer is my favourite.
Stunning photos too ..... what a view.
Have a fabulous weekend my friend xx
A big bold sunflower. Just the way I like them, Darnell. And then there's that playful deer. He's perfect peeking among your wonderful birch trees. I love the picture of Hammy with his new friend.
I love your sunflower card. It's perfect for our yellow and black challenge at Cards in Envy. Thanks for entering! I also love the other card too! Looking at your wonderful photos wants me to go visit the Galiano Islands in Canada. Just lovely!!
Just back from gorgeous Maine so super late with blog visits. Your sunflower design is gorgeous and I'm in love with your darling deer! TFS your photos. We were briefly in Canada on our trip and need to see more!
Hi, Darnell. I really love your birch card. So refreshing to see stamped and fussy-cut instead of automatic die cut. I agree, that cutie pie cannot be gotten mad at! Thank you for joining in the challenge at The Merry Christmas Challenge xoxo, Aimeslee @ TMCC
Two great cards but I'm afraid that grinning reindeer tops these two... he just looks so perfect nestled within the birch trees. I can totally imagine his naughtiness x
Darnell, your sunflower is stunning! I love how you colored it. This card is CAS in style but that is what enhances the beauty. Thank you so much for playing with us at Retro Rubber and hope you will join us again soon.
You are a HOOT!! Poor Hammy having to be bleached!! What lovely photos. I want to visit B.C. so badly. Not on my husband's bucket list though, so might have to phone a friend!!
I LOVE your cards. That sunflower is STUNNING!!! I like the mounting of the double stitched borders. Your second card is just adorable with that deer peeking out. Your fussy cutting is spectacular. I am too lazy to do that!!!
Hope you can get outside and wack and dead head to your hearts content. In the meantime your time in the playhouse looks fruitful :)
Love your pics and Hammy's play mate. So good to hear his fur will grow back :) and he hasn't been in the alcoholic inks.
Ooh gorgeous happy Sunflower card, beautifully coloured! Love the cheeky reindeer peeking through the trees, such fun! Fab photos and I am glad Hammy survived the bleach and had fun with his friend! Fabulous photos! Enjoy your time crafting and hopefully it won't be long before you will be let loose in the garden again! Take care my friend! Hugs xxxxxxxxxxx
I am in love with this sunflower card Auntie! That sunflower in particular so will have to try and see if I can find it. So pretty and I love how you have colored and matted it. The green mat peeking out is a fun surprise! The birch tree scene is fabulous and I love the added whimsy of this cute little reindeer with that adorable expression! Glad you are having amazing weather after all the hot you all have had. We too, are having a few amazing days without rain and low humidity. So nice and will be a mowing day for me, then it is back to the 90's with high humidity and dew points. Just makes us enjoy these beautiful days even more! Glad you are listening to the doctor and taking it easy with hammy. Love the photo collage, what beautiful views you had! As well as the wild life visiting. Love the eagle photo! I'd love to go to some of these places one day, but if I never get to any, it is so fun living them through people like you Auntie! Oh no, poor Hammy, glad it his darker fur will grow out. lol Hugs, Brenda
Two super cards Darnell and your cheeky little reindeer made me smile...Your sunflower colours are amazing
Anne
Hi Darnell! So glad you are feeling well enough to enjoy crafting! I love both of your cards! Especially the pretty sunflower one--I'm a sucker for florals anytime! Your adorable Christmas card is another jolt of reminder to me that I have NOT begun any Christmas card! Gah! I need to get on it! That deer you have peeking through the trees is so funny! Love! Hugs to you!
Oh, I think that crafting is much more fun than working in the garden..but then, that's just me! Besides, not only did you get to work with flowers in your playhouse, but even did some tree trimming. Your deer is hilarious. When I first saw him, all I could think about was when my son got his head stuck between some bars in a fence when he was about 3 years old. Fortunately, some clever maneuvering got him loose so we didn't have to call the fire department. Hope this sassy deer has the same luck! I'm glad to hear that you're continuing to recover and am sure you'll be back hacking and smashing in the garden in no time!
Lovely card makes shared with us today and gorgeous holiday pix too - welcome to your new addition in the form of Bradley too
Happy Sunday
Kathyk
A superb sunflower and gosh your reindeer peeking between the birch trees is so stinking (not that I could smell him mind) cute!! Hope you get your release papers soon and can get to whacking the plants in the garden (oops backyard). Hugs Mrs A.
Such fun cards Darnell. I really love looking at your photos you do a great job.
Hi Darnell, Came to see your great cards, but got pretty photos and funny Hammy stories as a bonus! Hope you're continuing to get better.
Wow - I love your cards. Great flower card and super fun deer in the birches. Lovely work!!!!
Fun pictures too!
Goodness, that sunflower is stunning, Darnell ... gorgeous colouring ... and so beautifully winked by Hammy! Cute, fun, happy little reindeer playing peek a boo between those dimensional birch trees ... he's a smiling sweetie! Wonderful photo's ... sure looks as though it was a chilling out kind of place! LYAMYMA ... OFWTG! Big hugs & bisous, Anita :)
Your sparkly sunflower looks fabulous with the offset green layer! And that Christmas card has me chuckling! Love how that curious reindeer peeks through the trees! So fun!
According to your photos it looks like you found paradise! It looks so peaceful!
Love your blogging as much as your cards. The sunfower is beautiful but the reindeer peeking through the trees is just too cute. As for gardening, not for me - love the beautiful flowers but don't want the work. Hubby does that.
Oh my goodness, that deer peeking out from behind the birch trees is precious. What a fun card! Thanks for joining us at The Merry Christmas challenge.
sue n.
Oh I want to be at that cabin--just the scenery we love! What a shot to capture the Bald Eagle! The sunflower card is beautiful, Darnell & oh what an adorable Christmas card!
I just love the deer peeking around the trees
Thanks for joining us at Digi Choosday
Julie T
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