Hello Stamplings!
Happy New Year! Is it February yet?!
Hopefully by February 2021, we will start to see the positive changes that we have been anticipating for this new year in terms of delivering Covid vaccinations and all things political. This is the start of my ninth year bloviating blogging! Congratulations to me! I really enjoyed my break which went on longer than anticipated, but more on that below.
Twas Twofer Card Challenge #34 that brought me back because today is the start of our fourth year as a challenging card challenge! We are starting the new year off with the ever poplar prompt: F🌹L🌻O🌼W🌷E🌹R🌺S!
Here is my Twofer to perspire you:
That was a hard one to photograph! The NBUS stamp that both my cards have in common is "Whimsical Flowers & Quotes," from Altenew.
Onefer
For my encouragement card, I heat-embossed the stamp in white and used my Posca and Kuretake metallic pens to color the flowers and stems. Then I heat-embossed the sediment (from the same stamp set) in white, but you couldn't 👀 it, so I blended some antique linen Doxie in the background.
Then what happened was, the act of blending on the ink pulled some of the color from the flowers into the background. It looks a bit dingy in the photo, but in real life the result is quite shiny and pretty. I think you can tell that Hammy was delighted to get back to work winking the flowers!
Twofer
This second design is quite different. It was made by heat-embossing just a bit of the frame stamp in gold and coloring it with my Ziggies and a water brush. I'm not sure where the sediment comes from, but it was also heat-embossed in gold. A sliver of gold Altenew WT was added to keep your eyeballs from rolling around all over the card and up into your head.
Here's the inside:
The whole design is uber QACAS. Here on the inside is a WPlus9 sediment heat-embossed in gold. Two strips of matchy-colored and gold-striped WT were added to the sides.
If you have low MOJO right now, I do hope you'll be able to use this month's challenge as a way to jump start it. If the prospect of making two different designs stymies you, you may just be overthinking it. I've put a coupla tips on the Twofer Card Challenge blog that may help you, in addition to the wonderful Twofer inspiration you will find there from our Guest and Team Designers! Thank you for your ongoing support!
I Stepped On a Crack 😵
I was able to get a lot done during my bloggie break. It's always revitalizing for me to go through every nook and cranny of the Playhouse, clean it and take stock. I'm always shocked by the amount of dust that can accumulate, but paper has a way of linting about like crazy. I reduced my cache of dies by half (HALF!) and the same with my ribbon and quite a few stamps, all of which have found new and happy homes. Well except for that one box that got lost on its way to the Midwest. Sigh.
And then, just as I was ready to come back and see you last week, my back started hurting. Bad. I have an old compression fracture at T-6/T-7, so I assumed I had irritated it because of the manual labor. After a few days without improvement, I went for x-rays, even though I didn't want to leave the house because our Covid numbers are outrageous and scary.
Anyway, it turns out that I didn't aggravate the old break, but instead I broke my damn back again! This time the compression fracture is at T-10. It's due to osteoporosis from genetics and years of taking steroids for Crohn's Disease. These breaks can happen just from twisting, reaching wrong, or lifting a little white 13-lb Nellie dog. Sniffle.
I'm wearing a brace, taking medication, and the Mister is an excellent caretaker. The pain should go away in about three months. Fortunately, I am still enjoying making cards between resting, but I will be less active on the computer because it hurts to sit and type too long.
So that's my rodeo days over then.🤠
~~~
Enjoy your day! No, seriously, enjoy! Life is too short! Keep safe and don't let your guard down!
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 soon as I can!
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 soon as I can!
MWAH!
77 comments:
Hi Darnell,
that isn't good news about your back. It must hurt a lot. I wish you a quick recovery and I do hope the pain is gone soon, within 3 months I hope...
Your cards are marvelous as usual!
Really nice to read your post, you are a good writer.
Lovely to see you here with us and with a couple of super flowery twofer cards, very pretty. Sorry to hear about your back - do take care and rest as much as possible.
Oh Darnell - that sounds so painful - broken ribs were bad enough, but a back!! Take care. Your covid numbers are frightening... we are so blessed here with life carrying on much as ever.
Loving your cards - they are gorgeous, as usual!! The gold embossing and the way you coloured that card is exquisite, and the colourful one with the white embossing is so very pretty.
I could have done with Hammy's help the other day with some winking I did - just to keep him out of mischief, you know.
Stay safe
Blessings
Maxine
These are both so very pretty, Darnell ... that first one couldn't possibly look dingy btw ... the soft colouring and amazing shimmer create just the opposite effect actually! QACAS loveliness on your second card ... so crisp and clean with a yummy luxurious feel to it ... delicious ... and such a fabulous surprise inside! You know I'm thinking of you ... and praying your recovery will be as pain-managed and rapid as possible. LYAMYEDMA ... big hugs and bisous, Anita :)
Oh no, so sorry to hear about your back. Three months sounds like an awful long time to have to wait to get better. Look after yourself!
Jane
First Dolly, your cards are BOOTIFUL!
Second - my Ma In Law also eventually diagnosed with 2 broken bones in her back after simply trying to make her bed!
Her body brace was with her for 6 months and it looked sooooo uncomfortable even though she said it eased her pain. She just got back on her feet when our friend Mr Corona came calling and she has been shielding indoors ever since. She's in the first group to be vaccinated but in some areas in the UK administration of the jab is not as quick as others. Can only hope it's not too long before she gets it.
(Himself and me aren't scheduled for our first dose until June.....!)
I really hope my friend you're not in too much pain - but the Mister will relish being able to wait on you hand and foot and tidy up after you in the Playhouse I'm sure!
Keep taking the tablets! xxxx
I'm so sad to hear about your pain. Take care, listen to the instruction of the Mister, take medicine and get well soon! Blogland needs you healthy! :-)
Your flower twofer is fantastic! I like the wonderful flowers frame on the first card. Motive is fabulous colored. Birthday card is so clever designed with the part of the sentiment inside the card! Just to love it!
Hugs and positive thoughts to you!
Sonja
I have to comment on your back first, what an awful thing to happen, at least you had it sorted before it got worse, although 3 months of pain isn't good! I hope your being sensible, it sounds like, but be careful ay? Your cards are just beautiful and the sentiment on the first is very uplifting and so true, love the colours of the card too. Your second gold one is just great and the gold strip is perfect. with the gold embossing. A Beautiful insert also. Love both.
Keep safe.
Faith x
Hi Darnel....lovely to see you back in blogland, we've been missed along with your wit that always gives us a smile...
So sorry to hear of your back problems, take it easy and do as you're told..Love your selection of cards, all so different but equally gorgeous.
Anne x
So sorry to hear about your back! Take it
easy and let it mend. You aren't missing much
in the Covid 19 world outside!!!!
Hope everything is ok !
Great cards !!!!
groeten Ineke
Your twofer is fabulous and I don't know how you managed to make it in the midst of your pain! I am SO sorry this happened to you and it's not the best way to start off a new year. You'll always be in my thoughts and prayers and I hope your pain will be gone soon! Take care of yourself in the meantime!
So impressed with your gorgeous cards, especially after hearing about what happened to you! I'm so very sorry that you are in pain and I truly hope it dissipates sooner than 3 months. I'm sure the Mister will be very good to you (as long as you listen). Please take care and know that positive, healing thoughts are being sent your way. Gentle hugs!
Oh, Darnell - I'm SO SO sorry to hear about your back! Oh my gosh!! What a huge bummer. I hope you recover as quickly as possible and it's not TOO painful along the way. I'm glad you can still craft along the way, and I'm so happy that your Mister will take such great care of you. Your cards are beautiful and well-done. "Flowers" is the perfect theme to get us crafting again. Welcome back, and best wishes.
Happy New Year Darnell! Love your cards!
Well that is scary! Breaking your back doing hardly anything! At least you can still create - 2021 is off to a great start NOT. Hang in there. I'll still be looking forward to your cards :)
Let's start with the damn broken back...OUCH!! I've had back problems for years (PsA, Osteoarthritis, & slipped/torn disc surgery) so I feel for you knowing what kind of pain that is!! And to have to deal with that when it feels like the world is already falling apart...life is just plain painful at times, isn't it?!! I hope you heal quicker than the 3 months, but take it easy and enjoy the Mister taking care of you! And now to your Twofer...both of them are FABULOUS! I love the flower frame stamp you used and the beautiful way you used it in your 1st card with the full frame and all those colorful flowers, and love just as much the portion of the frame you used on the birthday card too! Great way to get two distinctively different cards! Thanks for the extra info on how to achieve different design layouts too...a good refresher for me and hopefully everyone else out there joining in on the challenge!! Take care my friend and I'll be sending some extra prayers and hugs your way! :0)
I am loving these two cards. The designs are awesome and the touch of gold is so elegant. I don't see dingy at all, just lovely flowers and an uplifting sentiment. You need that sentiment since the trouble with your back. Back pain is a terrible thing that you feel with everything you do. Pamper yourself while hubby helps out. He is a keeper for sure. Thank you for the opportunity to guest design this month. It makes me nervous but it is an honor.
I am so sorry to hear about your broken back Darnell. Pain can be so debilitating, so take it easy and take time to heal x.
Your first card is not at all dingy and I love the design of it and of course the winking. Such a pretty second card with the prettiest of colours x.
Sending hugs (carefully) Darnell x.
Two lovely cards and very different to each other despite it being of course the same stamp. Love your uplifting sentiment too...we all need to find the good in each day right now...even if it is hiding. So very sorry to hear about your back...I know how painful and frustrating this will be for you. So glad the mister is making a good nurse and I wish you a speedy recovery with love and hugs. xx
Your cards are beautiful!
I am so sorry to hear that happened to you. You know that Hubby and I will be praying for you.
I knew something was up and I was worrying about you. I so missed seeing your wonderul posts, and I know it wasn't like you to be absent from blogging for so long. Please, Please take care...Sending you hugs...Jill
Happy new year to you Darnell and what a lovely start with your cards they are both so lovely as always ....so sorry to read you have a sore back and with time it will get better the brace l am sure will help lots and knowing the mister is on hand should ease things for you take care stay safe sending lots of virtual hugs 🤗 xx
Two beautiful cards with the pretty flowers! Great design and love the wonderful gold! So sorry to hear about your back! Take it easy and I’m happy that your good hubby is helping you out! Sending warm hugs and prayers for you! Take good care!!
Oh, Darnell! So sorry you broke your back again. I sure hope it heals up fast so you can feel back to your self again. I know the feeling of missing what I used to feel like but hope it will change for me soon too. As to the Twofers, they are both awesome. You always find such fun and wonderful ways of making yours. I am still not doing a lot of card making so not sure if I can join in as I am using mostly digitals when I do make a card. I just don't want to put a lot of things on my kitchen table where I craft these days. Too hard to transport them back where they belong each time. But my dear, you get well soon. So glad we both have such wonderful husbands who can care for us so well.
Beautiful cards Darnell and I love the flower stamp you used.
I hope your back improves soon and it's good to see you back in blogland!
Take care
Kath x
Oh Honey, what a pain in more ways than one-it never seems to stop-sending virtual hugs your way and don't do too much! As for your cards-a joy-how different they are-love the CAS version with that strong gold strip and that powerful sentiment in the second is so true! xx
Oh Darnell, poor you, am so sorry Tom read of your back. Be a good patient and do whatever it takes to stay comfortable. You’re doing well.
Flowers were my first stamps and my love for them and I’m still drawn to them, this will be a nice twofer. Probably. Coz I know it’s not meant to be stressful! In love the encouragement sediment too, really useful.
Ouch!!! The pain should go away in 3mos? I sure hope the doc gave you good pain killers. Your cards are fabulous as always.
Oh so sorry to hear you have back fractures. Take it easy and heal. Your cards are both pretty. Like the colors. I am taking that encouragement card to heart and trying to find good in every day. Thanks for that inspiration.
Oh poor you Darnell, that all sounds painful, and such a log time to heal, you must take it easy.
I love your two cards, so beautifully designed and coloured, and the heat embossing is wonderful.
Keep safe, and your chin up hugs Kate x
Oh no!...I certainly hope you are taking it easy and that your recovery will be faster than expected. Living with pain all the time is exhausting. It must be heroic effort just to sit down. Happy you can manage to continue making cards to distract you a bit. These two are lovely. Get better soon.
So sorry to hear your rodeo days are over, but I suppose I join you in that - no participating in rodeos is something else that should be on my list of "never can do", along with contact sports (I always wanted to play in the NFL), bungie jumping, sky diving, zip-lining, going to Finland to join in the "sauna followed by rolling in the snow" obsession, etc. - they gave me a very long list when I left the hospital back in August. But seriously, I'm so sorry about your back - take good care of it and don't overdo anything.
I love your cards (of course I do since I love flowers) - especially the first one. The subtle colour coming out of the flowers into the background is perfect when blended with the Antique Linen. Since the challenge is flowers, maybe I'll try to get my brain to come up with a Twofer - mostly it just doesn't want to work that way!
Oh my gosh, Darnell! I don't know how in the world you were able to create those beautiful cards while being in such pain!!! Love the flowers & all the gold. Now, go sit down & rest!!!
Ouch Darnell, so sorry to hear that you are suffering and I wish you a speedy recovery. Seems that cleaning up has a lot to answer for, as I once slipped a disc taking the vacuum cleaner out of the cupboard!! I love these pretty cards and what a lovely sentiment too xx
I'm so sorry you are having back issues and I pray you will heal quicker than three months. Luckily you have a kind, caring Mister to help wherever he can. Take it easy getting the rest you need. Congratulations on nine years of blogging that we so enjoy. Your cards are so pretty and the recipients will be thrilled to receive them. Take care. Sending prayers for a smooth recovery.
Awww, Darnell, I'm so sorry about your back and your fragile condition in general. I'm familiar with your condition as I have a friend with the same problem from years of steroids for ulcerative colitis. Fix one problem, create another. She was not aware of that particular possible outcome. I surely hope you feel much better even before fully healed. You somehow managed to carry on and create two beautiful cards with a stamp set that looks so cute! Love me some whimsical flowers! I see nothing dingy about your encouragement card. It looks amazing to me! Hugs and healing wishes to you.
Both Twofer cards are beautiful Darnell and love the floral frame you made on the first with a great sentiment and coloured so prettily with you metallic pens, and the Antique Linen works brilliantly in the background, and then the more CAS card with the gold embossing and coloured in wonderful shades of blue, and the inside is just as gorgeous as the outside. So sorry to hear about your compression fracture and hope that the pain soon lessens, and you must take it easy in the meantime. Hubby sends his best wishes to you too. x
I'm so sorry you are hurting, my friend! But glad to know your sense of humor and creativity aren't damaged. Take care, be careful, and keep moving. Love your whimsical flowers and both wonderful sentiments! The big gold embossed birthday is wonderful and a perfect surprise when you open the card!
So sorry for your poor back fracture! Best wishes for a speedy recovery! Despite your pain you have been able to do two fabulous cards! Great works!
Hugs
Gosh, such terrible news about your back. Dear Friend, I hurt for you and hope you don't take three months to heal. Sending love and a hug. About your cards, I love the second one the most as I love CAS and gold embossing.
Oh no--so, so sorry, Darnell! Hoping you heal quicker than expected & thank goodness for The Mister! So interesting to see the same images look completely different in your 2 lovely cards! Sending hugs, Greta
Two really super creations, great images and really lovely colours. Take care, I am sure you will and hope it gets better sooner than anticipated.
Kath x
I am so very sorry to hear about your back but happy that you can still do a little crafting to take your mind of things! I hope the pain eases before the end of three months and that the brace continues to help you.
Your cards, as always, are beautiful and they have certainly brightened my day my friend. Big gentle hugs, Annie xxx
Oh my gosh, Darnell...your cards are absolutely beautiful! I LOVE your sparkly flowers and fabulous sentiment on the first card...so pretty! Great way to include WT on the inside of your birthday card, too! I can't possibly choose a fave this time...both cards are so striking!
Hope your new year is off to a great start...Big hugs! Barb xx
Ugh - you poor dear; sorry about your back and any other contributing ailments! Wishing you a speedy recovery!! Just love both your flowers cards - looks like another fun challenge. Take care, you!!
Happy New Year!
Lets hope the 3 months whoosh by like they tend to do and you up at the rodeo again soon. Seriously wishing you a speedy recovery.
Such lovely cards.
Darnell, I'm so sorry to read about your fracture! The pain must be intense - and three months is quite a long time! Your two cards are beautiful! Hope you're able to rest and create without to much pain! Sending healing thoughts and prayers your way!
So sorry to hear about your back, wishing you a speedy recovery. Your cards are fabulous, looking forward to playing along. Take care. Donna
So sorry to hear about your back, you might need to double up on the Ca tablets. Take care :(
Two wonderful cards Darnell, I love your little smudge card the colours blended so well :)
It's good that you are still enjoying making cards with your injury ... as long as they don't take too long. QCAS are perfect for you right now. The two flower cards are gorgeous, my friend. What a fantasic challenge to get the year going.
I hope you get lots of rest and that helps lesson your back pain. Take care, my sweet friend! Love, Lolly
Happy new year! Both your cards look great! So sorry to hear about your back. Praying for a full and speedy recovery and that you are comfortable over the next several months while it heals.
Both of your cards are so pretty! Sorry to hear about your back! Hopefully you will feel better soon. Sending prayers for speedy healing
Have a great day!
Marilyn❤️
Yikes, please take it easy, Darnell! As always, your cards are beautiful
Oh my, that is not good news about your back Auntie! Getting old sucks, meds that are supposed to help you, but also cause other problems sucks. Excuse my terrible word, but right now so much sucks. I am very sorry to hear about your back, back pain is not fun and debilitating. I have strong bones, well except my ribs, and I hope it stays that way! Sending healing vibes and big gentle hugs to you Auntie!
I can not believe it this is the start of the 4th year for the Twofer Card Challenge! Where did the time go?! I am glad it is still going strong. I am loving your twofers, that stamp you used is amazing! Your first card with the flowers going around is so beautiful with those soft colors, love how the background looks, but it is that sentiment that I really love because it is so true! I love how you use part of the stamp for your second twofer, a CAS birthday card that is so beautiful! Take care Auntie and keep resting that back!!! Love and hugs, Brenda
Hello! First let me say that those cards are stunners!! I love the colouring, absolutely wonderful!
Oh your back... I am so sorry to hear that, I know how hard it must be for you and just how painful. It's no fun and to try and sit Yuk! Just rest and take good care of yourself... We'll all still be here just waiting for that crazy lady who makes up words and writes posts that make me pee my pants. Sending real gentle hugs your way...
DANG!!! I am so sorry you're in pain, and so sorry that that silly old T-10 had to go and act up like that! I'll trade ya. Do not go and overdo anything, and don't go and be all brave and try to endure it all, that just won't do! Glad the Mister is there to help you whenever you need it. Heal fast dear friend. LOVE your cards. That stamp is incredible. LOVE those blooms and how you've used them on both of your cards. In the double photo, it has a cast that looks similar to the background of your blog! Beautiful coloring on both cards. Great designs, too. You've shown how one stamp has such versatility on these two cards. So very pretty. xo Miss you. xo Bev
My jaw has dropped and I had to stop everything to tell Gene about your terrible injury! I am so sorry, Darnell! Oh how I wish I could come over and help you somehow. I'd bring Gene because, you know, he cooks. Your cards are gorgeous, and I love both designs. Rest rest, dear friend!
Gorgeous cards as always Darnell! And what a shock about your back! Sheesh, Len says we should form a club together! Take care and once you're 'back' to normal I'd love you to be a Guest Designer. We did have a good chuckle at your family Christmas card :)
Hugs
Di xx
Two pretty cards! But oh my goodness... another break! I'm so sorry to see this. Glad you have your incredible Mister. Sending gentle hugs and healing prayers your way <3
Oh, no! I'm so sorry you are in pain and now need to limit your activity in order to heal. I hope the healing happens fast and the pain subsides quicker than expected. Your cards are wonderful. I love the bright flowers and am imagining the sparkle layered on by Hammy. I know our cameras just don't show the sparkle like they should!! Healing thoughts are being sent your way. Stay away from that nasty virus!!
BEautiful cards. Sorry to hear about your back. Please take care.
Lovely fresh cards Darnell. So sorry to hear of your back breaking. Sending gentle hugs and hopes for speedy healing.
Your cards are beautiful - thank you for the inspiration! I was so sorry to hear about your back, I do hope your pain can be easily managed. 2021 is not off to a great start is it! Take care and stay safe!
Oh these are great, Darnell! Love the flowers, and your shimmery coloring. Your second one is such a wonderful design -- very intriguing, and great design inside too
So sorry to read about your back Darnell, I hope that it soon begins to feeel better. I'm glad that you are still about to craft though. I love your two cards and you would never guess that it it the same stamp too.
Take care
Sue xx
Happy New Year Darnell. So sorry to hear about your back, but I'm glad to hear you're taking things easier and that you're on the mend.
Two gorgeous cards to start off 2021 ..... I love flowers!
The white embossing looks fab, a lovely frame for that perfect sentiment. The twofer is so beautifully CAS.
My mojo has been packed away with the Christmas decorations I think, although I should have plenty of time to find it as we're in lockdown again on our little island.
Keep smiling hun and take care. Sending hugs xx
So happy to see a floral Twofer. Beautiful cards, my friend colored with your Metallic pens. Hope you are feeling better each day.
OMG! Dear Darnell so sorry to hear about your back. I will stop feeling sad about being stuck at home and not seeing my friends or especailly grandkids. We have a friend in the hospital with covid and that brings things closer to home and as such we will be even more cautious. Also a card friend's husband was hit by a truck while crossing the street. So knock it off Barb, so what if you can't go out to eat (boo hoo). I am sick of cooking. We qualify for the vaccine but who knows when (I just made this tier).
Your cards are lovely, of course. You are one tough cookie. Mwah B
WOW I am so late in getting over here to see what happened ... Diane Hover mentioned your injury to me and I just have popped in right then because life got in the way and here I am ... LATE to visit ... apologies!
I am so sorry to hear of the pain you're going through but glad you got immediate care and are slowly on the mend. Happy too that you can continue to inspire us with your little stories and beautiful creations!
Please take care of yourself and know I will keep you in my thoughts & prayers. HUGS from OHIO!
I really do like your twofer cards and the very clever way you have used that frame stamp. my favourite is the second one, I love how you have masked and inked the background on that lovely textured card base. Gorgeous god embossing too. So sorry to hear about your back. I realised I completely misinterpreted your sore back in my email, what a blow to find you have a fracture, but as you say it will get better in time. My husband has osteoporosis as a result of taking medication long term for acid reflux. Everything has a consequence unfortunately. Congrats on your ninth year too xx
I'm praying for you. It's so hard to have chronic pain. Only those that have it know how bad it can be on your body and your nerves. I hope that pain stops sooner rather than later. Sorry to hear your days of riding Fumanchu and other bulls is over. The play house is much better for you. Wait.....that's where you got hurt. Hmmm......
I'm still waiting for my mojo. It seems like January hit and I just can't stand this frapping COVID, being cooped up and etc. Then I have to get a grip and remember that I'm blessed so far.
Kudos to wonderful husbands who take care of us. I'm sure it was scary going to the hospital. Take care. [Bunny]
You poor thing! Osteoporosis is nasty but I am glad you can do a little crafting in between but maybe lay off the heavy cleaning. I love your 2 cards which really showcase how artistic you are.
OMGosh, Darnell! Your back sounds like it's really painful. I hope you are getting all the pain relief you need and you make a good and speedy recovery.
Your two cards are just beautiful. I love the designs. xx
Happy New Year, Darnell!
So many blog celebrations, happy blogiversary!
Unfortunately I just read about your broken back, so sorry. Hope you have a speedy recovery... I'm sure you are in the best hands :).
Until there, flowers will also be a good therapy, like the lovely ones in your Twofer challenge.
Hugs,
Cris
Oh no Darnell, I am so sorry to hear about your back. How awful for you. I can only imagine how painful that is and three months of pain doesn't sound like much fun at all. I hope it feels better quicker than that. As always your pretty cards make me smile, along with your wonderful prose. You are a blessing to so many of us! Take good care of yourself. Hugs xx
Goodness me Darnell - your poor back, I am sooooo sorry! How awful you will be in such pain for so long. I have everything crossed that it will ease quicker than that. I am glad the Mister is taking such good care of you, bless him. Its also good you are still able to and are enjoying, making awesome cards like the two here today! Take care and stay safe my friend. Huge gentle hugs. xxxxxxxx
I missed commenting on this which is just plain wrong! Both cards are gorgeous and I love the soft colours and the folksy look. Great sentiment which we should all take to heart, particularly now. Thinking of you all in the US. x
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