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Building My “Life” Team

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Good Morning Everyone,

I hope you all had a wonderful Easter weekend. We kept things simple. I cooked a turkey, mashed potatoes, green beans, and made a caramel cake. We sat and spent time with our adult kids. We are now in the process of planning our summer trip. We are tossing around ideas and trying to figure out who wants to do what. I know that Lauren would like to visit Universal Studios in Florida, so we are trying to figure that out now. 

Also because of changes at my job and leadership, all of my work trips have been put on hold. It’s been very disappointing, but I am doing my best to trust that the Lord is working things out. Everything happens for a reason and that could be another reason why I am feeling lead to build my “life team”. 

 

photo credit: Mrs. Shockley 

 

As I am entering my mid-forties, my mind is changing and focusing on different things. At first, it was always the kids, my husband, this person or that person. I am now in a chapter where I want to focus on things that I want and need in my life for these next seasons. Health is taking a center stage in my life. Since I have started my perimenopause journey, I believe in building a team of professionals who are in my life to help me make it the best journey that I possibly can. 

I am starting with my primary care physician.  I have had her for over 10 years, but I am wanting to take a turn to a doctor who focuses more on functional medicine and who is willing to listen to me a bit more. Next is my OBGYN, again I have had her for 10 years, but I want someone “different”. Both of these doctors have been phenomenal; I just believe that I need new doctors in the next chapters of my life. 

I have a wonderful dentist. Our family has been going to her for almost 10 years, and I don’t want to leave her. She has been such a wonderful part in my life team and has guided me through my dental process and has been a wonderful asset. Next is my eye doctor, who again has been another great factor in my life team. I have been going to Dr. Shah for several years now and we are now discussing my options as I age and head into my 50s. She is open with me about her struggles as well because we are both in the same age group. 

Next is my dietitian who I started going to last year. She was a referral from my primary care physician after I complained multiple times about my hormonal weight gain. She has been absolutely heaven sent! I love my dietitian. She is so kind, informative, smart, and long suffering! Last month I was so upset with my hormonal weight gain I wanted to quit everything. She talked me off the cliff and gave me some info. She told me about an online doctor website called Midi that specialize in hormones.  Now I have heard of them before but didn’t think my insurance would cover it and it turns out they do!!! I have my first appointment coming up in the next few weeks. See that is what I am talking about…a life team!! 

 

 

 

In the next few months, I want to start looking for a dermatologist. I have never been to one and would love a consultation about my skin. I have had a facial but actually speaking with a dermatologist about my skin and maybe getting one of those skin scans would be a dream. So that is on my books to start to look for. 

I am still in Pilates class! I started in November, and I am still going. I actually love it. I go once a week for now and have my morning works the other 3 days of the week. I have added in strength training to my workouts as well. Meeting with my dietitian and listening to other podcasts regarding strength training and eating has had me change my workout routines. The other “life” team member that I have added is a therapist. I started therapy exactly one year ago and have not regretted it. I knew that I needed to add this person to my life team. Mental health is such an important part of my life in this chapter. It has helped me to “kick up the dirt” and clean it up. I love my therapist and our sessions. 

 

 

Friends are another group in my “life” team. As I stated in a previous post, I never knew how important friendships were until I saw “good ones”. As I spend time with other women, I am learning more about life, and the importance of trust.  I have been praying for “travel friends” or friend. I need a woman friend to travel with. I am not sure who the Lord will send but I need some girl trips in my life. A trip where we can antique shop, visit historical homes, travel overseas, and enjoy the gardens. I am also on the hunt for a business mentor. I have an entrepreneur spirit, and I want a female friend who has the qualities, discipline, and elegance to be a mentor to me in the business world. Next up is a garden mentor. Now there are a lot of people that say that they can garden but I want an expert. I think I may have one. David Strohmeyer is one of our designers as the show house and I spoke with him recently regarding my green house. I will be sending an email to him soon to set up a time for him to come out and guide me.

 

 

photo credits: Mrs. Shockley 

 

Next to last is an interior designer. Now I have started to meet interior designers at the show house since I am a member. Last year I was able to do a collaboration with one! That was one of the highlights of my year! I know that I can reach out to them to get ideas and maybe do a consultation one day. I would love to redo my laundry room, closet, and kitchen. And last but not least is a fashion stylist. Last week was Influencer Day at the show house and I was able to sit and talk with Nicole Busch with Nicole Blair Wear. I asked her questions about blouses and skirts, colors, patterns, and comfort. It was such a fun conversation. Let me know in the comments below if you would like to see a blog collaboration with Nicole and if so, what would you ask? 

I truly hope that this blog post was inspiring. Let me know in the comments below what your thoughts are about having a “life team”. Have a great weekend! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Scheduling Elegant Adventures

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Well friends, how is everyone? Are we ready for spring? The trees in our neighborhood are starting to bloom and my peonies are perking up through the ground. We are waiting a few more weeks before we install my raised beds, and I am ready to have some warmer walking mornings.

Oh goodness… my title. I tell you I have been having some deep life thoughts lately. Especially around how I want to live. There are so many ugly things going on in this world. I try to limit my news watching and doom scrolling. I am also trying to monitor my stress at work. That has been really hard with all of the changes that we have been having.

I came up with this idea “scheduling elegant adventures” when I was meeting with my doctor and therapist. Yes, I have a therapist, and it has been the best thing ever! I have been going for almost a year, and I believe it was one of the best decisions that I have made so far. I was discussing with her my idea about elegant adventures, and she loved it!

I was also discussing it with my dietitian as we talked about my stress management and weight. I mentioned to some of the girls in my Pilates class and everyone took it in like “wait a minute maybe I should try this”. What I realized is that taking a vacation once a year for one week is not enough for me. Not anymore. I need more beauty, more time alone, and more adventures.

So on my elegant adventures list, at least once a month, I go to dinner with my “Guild Girls” and last month we went duckpin bowling.

 

 

We had the best time! I had a blast. I really did. It forced me to slow down, play a game, and enjoy the moment. We went to dinner right after that and it was a wonderful adventure! 

 

photo credits: Mrs. Shockley 

I tried a non-alcoholic strawberry daiquiri. It was so good! We also walked around the Bottleworks hotel which was very beautiful. This past weekend I decided to have another elegant adventure. 

 

 

I have been wanting to go and see Swan Lake at the ballet for years now and I got a ticket and went. It was a beautiful ballet, and I am so glad that I went. I sat in the balcony. I sat with two couples. I went alone and had no regrets. The couples were so nice and funny. We all had a great time! Honestly, I have never read the story about Swan Lake and read it in the program. It is VERY interesting. I thought the Indianapolis Ballet did a great job. They are the same production that puts on the Nutcracker each year and the Indianapolis Symphony orchestra played the entire time. Talk about “seeking the arts”. 

For the month of April, I plan on going to Nordstrom Rack. I rarely get to go to that store. I also want to go to Consign by Design again, and this has just been added to my radar for this year. Isn’t this hotel GORGEOUS? This is about an hour and 45 minutes away from me and my supervisor told me all about it. I want to go and stay for a few days, tour the hotel, and have a spa day.  Now how wonderful would that be? My goal is to go and do something that I love each month and take that time to get away and just breathe. Stress and high cortisol levels are a real thing, and I just don’t want them to rule me anymore. Elegant adventures each month for me!

 

 

 

 

 

 

March Favorites ~ 2025

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Good Morning,

It has gotten chilly here again which is not fun because I just swapped over my closet to use my spring and summer accessories. Cleaning my closet every few months is so fun and important to me. It forces me to review my clothes and ask myself “are you wearing this”. It’s really good for keeping down the clutter. 

Oh my goodness, there has been so much going on. Next week I will be conducting my virtual training online. We are turning in our PowerPoint presentations this week and doing sound and edit checks as well. My nerves are starting to kick in, but it is exciting! 

Okay, now I have had a lot of beautiful finds this month and hope that you all enjoy them. 

First on my list is the beautiful Stoneware Cabbage Tea Pot, teacup and saucer set from Target. This sold out as fast as I could post it! They restocked it, then it sold out again! Keep it in your cart. They just might restock it.

 

photo credit: Mrs. Shockley 

 

 

 

 

Next are my recent Facebook Marketplace finds! I found these vintage nesting tables. The seller said that they belonged to his grandmother and then his mother. He sold them to me for only $20! I decided to move it to my office, and I love them so far. My second is the Bombay drawer chest. The seller actually has a store near me, and it is the same seller from my green chinoiserie inspired cabinet. It is so lovely. I love the shape, the color and all of the storage. I plan to move it to our future guest bedroom. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The FBMP finds continue. March was a big month for finds. In addition, to the two above I found this gorgeous round vintage table. I only paid $150 and again the owner told me that it belonged to her grandmother, and she had it for over 50 years. I told her that I would take good care of it. My family really loves this table. 

 

 

 

 

This next find has changed my grocery store shopping for me. I saw this on Instagram and knew that I had to get one. This magnetic phone holder can be used on shopping carts, strollers, and fitness bikes. I took it to the grocery store a few weeks ago and was so happy with it. I could keep my grocery list app opened while I shopped and checked off items. It was excellent!

 

 

 

 

Now let’s talk bags. I don’t know if I have mentioned that I have gotten a few new bags this month. I think that I mentioned the Coach Empire 48 bags that I got. I was not even looking for these because I knew that they were sold out, but my local Coach store had the black one in stock (it was the last one) then they called me to show me the maple and I could not resist. 

 

 

But my heart still wanted the Kisslock Frame Bag. When I saw Carrie from Sex in the City carrying it I just knew that I had to have it! The classic shape, gold hardware, and soft leather was the draw. I told my new Coach SA to call me if one surfaces. A few weeks later she did! A woman who I was talking to while I was getting the maple Empire 48 had both the black and dark brown Kisslock. Little did I know that she was thinking about returning them and she did! Katy called me immediately asking me if I wanted it and I said YES!! I am so happy and love it so much! I still want the black one and the honey Empire 48. If you are interested in my swan keychain you may find it here along with my Coach chain. 

 

 

Now if the Coach Kisslock is out of budget for you I did find this lovely tote from Caroline Hill. I have been on the hunt for a cream-colored tote and this hit the mark. I have gotten a lot of compliments on it. It has lots of room and the quality is pretty good. She has several more in different colors. 

 

 

 

Flowers are always a favorite. My husband got me these white roses for our 21st anniversary in February along with a copy of Aerin Lauder’s New Book Living with Flowers. This book is stunning of course, and I have just started to read it. I love Aerin Lauder’s esthetic and find inspiration in all of the pages. 

 

 

 

Target has been on point with their slingbacks. This is my third pair from them. These gorgeous slingbacks are perfect for spring and summer. I love the raffia design, in sole cushion and two-inch heel. The price is not bad as well. Order while you can. Target just keeps selling out of things. 

 

 

 

And my last favorite has been a new YouTube channel! I found Heather from Oh So Lovingly a few months ago and really enjoy her energy and the fact that she enjoys being herself. She has a cute home and has good taste. I am loving her antique adventures around Buckhead, Atlanta. You will enjoy her content, trust me! 

Well, that is it for March my friends. I hope that you found some wonderful inspiration this month and let me know in the comments below how you are doing. Have a great week! 

 

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Are You Growing Your Equity?

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Hello Everyone!

I tell you I have been breathing a lot heavier these days. There is so much going on from extra duties at work, to changing homeowners’ insurance and car insurance, to doctor appointments, keeping up the home, exercising, planning trips, and even planting seeds in the greenhouse. My planner is full every day. I am trying to give myself a day where I don’t look at my phone, planner, or t.v. Geez. 

One thing I am starting to focus on is building my career equity. I have not told you all yet but I am reading Career Forward by Grace Puma and Christiana Smith Shi. I got to hear both of these women speak at the Indiana Women’s Conference in November. Once I heard them speak, I knew that I wanted their book. 

I am in a season in my life where I am having a lot of change. I am also in a position where it can become stagnant if you let it, and I am a person who refuses to do that. With each job that I have had I sort of “made it my own”. Each person before me in the position did not do much with it. They rarely sought out training and rarely got out of the box. I always wanted to think about my position in a long-term fashion and it has worked for me. 

 

photo credit: A. Bryan 

 

The position that I have now (paralegal supervisor) has been my most challenging position ever. Not only am I assigned to my own attorneys, but I have a team to manage and cover. I am also still responsible for my growth which is where Chapter 3 Growing your Professional Equity comes into play. I know with each year passing by I ask myself “how do I keep growing, how do I stay relevant?” 

Christina and Grace said, “as you start focusing on building professional equity, let’s continue the analogy with this idea: think of yourself as a grow stock”. When I read that I thought, “oh okay. She said, “simply put, a growth stock is a company that is expected to increase in value at a faster than average rate. If you think of that stock as a person, it’s someone who is always looking to grow and develop and expand their career at a level significantly above average.” 

I have started this thought process already. I have been a supervisor for 4 years now and decided to branch out about 2 years ago into another program in the department. It is an extra duty on top of my current ones but provides SO much growth. I get to go to other districts, network with other supervisors on my team, and evaluate other offices. It has been such a rewarding aspect and a growth stock for my career. I recently decided to become an instructor at one of the departments biggest educational agency. At this very moment I am preparing a presentation regarding civil discovery for about 150 participants and will be teaching this presentation with another paralegal live! When I tell you this has challenged me in so many ways, I mean it! This presentation will also be recorded and saved to the department’s educational website. Which means my teaching will be a permanent video for other paralegals and attorneys to review year after year. Umm no pressure!!! I am also scheduled to be on a paralegal supervisory panel in September discussing our careers and ways to develop yourself in person in South Carolina. 

 

photo credit: Mrs. Shockley (Washington, D.C.) 

 

Another tip from Grace and Christina is, “when you think of yourself as a growth stock, it helps you get into the right frame of mind for driving professional success in the short and long term. As your stock rises, your company reaps the rewards of your performance. But just as important, you’re likely to experience a host of personal benefits, such as increased compensation, a greater ability to shape your role at the company, enhanced job security, and more opportunities to transition to a desirable role at a different company”. 

Christina and Grace also discuss equity. They said to think of it as value. They mention how to spot the equity players in your job. Equity players are promoted/selected for representation and messaging at company forums and meetings. They are often chosen to lead highly visible strategic company projects. They appear to get CEO, C-Suite, and board exposure. Are sought out behind the scenes by employees and peers for personal and professional opinions. They tend to advance quickly in role and scope; have input that carries weight and drives decisions or actions. Lastly, they are happy, energized and confident. 

If these individuals exist in your work environment, get to know them and how they tick. I hope you all have found these tips helpful. Our careers can shape our lives, but I think we can learn to build equity if we are strategic. 

Have a great week!

 

 

 

 

Tips from: Career Forward; Strategies from Women Who’ve Made it by Grace Puma and Christina Smith Shi- Chapter 3; page 32 

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Spring Plans for my Garden and Greenhouse

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Hello Friends,

Whew we have had some 70-degree weather here and it has been great! Not having to carry a coat has made life feel lighter. I have been opening windows and letting the fresh air in. It has been so nice. It will also be nice to see our electric bill drop. I hate our bill in January and February. It is horribly expensive. 

I have also been going out and checking on my flowers and front garden. I am seeing little buds coming in on my lilac bush, roses, and trees. I have also been going into the greenhouse to check on things as well and I have some progress to report!

 

photo credits: Mrs. Shockley 

 

So in the month of February, I was starting to see some of my tulips coming up. I planted these in November in the greenhouse and so far, it is going very well. My dream is to create a flower cutting garden in my greenhouse. I want to be able to grow my own dream flowers. It will be flowers that I can never find in my local grocery store. 

 

 

 

My dream flower that has been on my Pinterest board for YEARS has been the parrot tulip and I am so happy to report that they are coming in beautifully! Oh, my goodness seeing these has made me so happy! I certainly hope that I can continue to grow these in my greenhouse. 

 

 

My other garden tulips are coming in nicely as well. In fact, they are thriving. I was not sure how they were going to do but they are doing quite well. I also have lots of seeds to plant too. I have some stock, delphinium, sweet peas, mint and a few others. Also, my raised beds just arrived from Home Depot. I will be putting these together in late April or early May. I want to get out of March first. We always have one last snow in March. It’s awful! 

 

 

A bouquet that I made from grocery store tulips.

 

 

A few months ago, I purchased the virtual course called, A Year of Cut Flowers from Create Academy and it has been a dream! I am in the spring section of the course, and it comes with a guide for each section. I would highly recommend taking this course. I have learned so much about soil, equipment, seeds, planting, and patience. I do hope that having my very own flower cutting garden in my greenhouse will come into fruition. 

At this very moment our show house is being put together and I got to meet with David with Allisonville Gardens. He is a designer at our show house and works in the gardens. I stopped him this week to ask him about my greenhouse and the goals that I wanted to accomplish. He said that we will chat later this month to come up with a plan and connect me with someone. Fingers crossed that a plan for my vision can be made. I will be sure to give an update when I can!

Have a great week! 

 

 

The Hunt for Quality Accessories

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Good Morning Friends,

How is everyone doing? I have been trying to focus on my goals that I put in place this year and try to remind myself of who is in charge. And it is the Lord. That is where my heart is, and trust is still a part of my goals for life. 

This week we are celebrating a few birthdays. Lauren turned 20 on Monday, my stepson Ely will turn 25 on Thursday and my husband will be 50-something on Sunday!  I had brunch with my Guild girls last week and one of our friends brought in this beautiful strawberry cake that was so delicious! I got one for this week for us to enjoy for the birthday celebrations. 

Okay moving right into my hunt for quality accessories. I think that every couple of years I bring this up. Bogus shopping. I mentioned this post in 2019 and shared my thoughts again in 2023 as I learn to shop with discernment.  My desire to get better at this continues.

I was on the hunt recently for a quality leather bag. The Coach Empire Carryall 48 popped up in my feed. How? I am not sure, but I was smitten. Of course, I go to the website, and it is sold out. I then took to YouTube as I normally do to get a glimpse of it or watch an “honest opinion” video about it. That is where I found out that it went viral last year! I had no idea but here we are. I let it go but then had a feeling that I should go to my local Coach store just to see if I can take a peek and….

 

 

photo credits: Mrs. Shockley 

 

I FOUND ONE! UNBELEIVELABLE! I walked right into my local Coach store and there she sat on the top shelf! I held it and then was going to leave it until I realized that it was the last one, the quality was phenomenal, it has Hermes Birkin vibes to it, and I just knew that it was going to age well. So, I purchased it and have no regrets. Now I am not interested in all of the charms that people are putting on theirs. I love a classic looking bag, so I ordered this elegant leather swan charm. It is suppose to arrive soon. I will let you all know if the quality is good when it arrives. 

I am also on the hunt for a cream leather bag. I ordered this tote from Caroline Hill and it is beautiful in person. It is not real leather, but the size and color are perfect for me. I will still continue my search for a leather cream bag because I think something classic, and genuine leather will stand the test of time. 

 

 

 

 

Silk scarves are always on the list. Lately I have been trying to purchase vintage designer scarves from all sorts of places. One of my favorite shops on Etsy is called Pure Scarf Vintage. It is where I purchased my vintage Dior scarf that I am wearing in this photo. You may be able to find some at consignment stores, Goodwill, and even antique stores. Right now, my silk scarf collection is wonderful. I even love the scarves that I have in my boutique. I think the elegance that they provide in your everyday look is essential. I don’t just wear them to the office. I wear them on the weekends as well. If you need scarf tying inspiration, take a look at Jamie Beck’s Instagram page.  I believe that as time goes on I will continue to grow this accessory in my wardrobe. There are a few scarves that will be replaced, and I might even make the collection smaller. 

 

photo credit: Mrs. Shockley 

 

Next is jewelry. I have really been getting out of my element lately. I don’t know why but I have been drawn to different kinds of pieces. I was doing a search on Poshmark and this crocodile choker from Zara appeared in my feed. Now it looked like it was not my style, but the seller had it priced at $25 and I thought, why not! So I ordered it and it is quite beautiful in person. I wore it to the office and my goodness; I was not expecting so many compliments! I did find something similar on Amazon for the same price. Finding unique jewelry pieces has been on my radar in the last few years. I think having pieces that no one has that are classic, and different will set your wardrobe apart. 

 

 

Here is another unique jewelry piece. This is a gold leopard bracelet that I purchased from Garland Bags. I found this shop in Instagram and love their sophisticated designs. 

 

 

I wanted to share these gloves before it got really warm. Gloves are another item that I am trying to bring quality to. I found these on Amazon.  When I heard Nathan Rollison mention his story about the gloves that he purchased over 10 years ago it inspired me to look into this accessory and buy better quality gloves. I shared my long opera gloves a few months ago and cannot stop wearing those either. They are so beautiful! 

Now because I am going through my closet and I am beginning to post items for sale on my Poshmark closet. You are more than welcome to make an offer on any of the items. Thank you so much for reading and let me know how your quest for quality is going. 

 

 

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February Favorites ~ 2025

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Hello,

Well this felt like the shortest month ever! February always feels this way. We are celebrating our 21-year wedding anniversary this week. Lauren will be 20 next week! Can you believe it? Good gosh! I have a 20-year-old. We are already preparing for her junior year in the fall. It’s crazy how time is flying.

For Valentine’s Day, my husband and I went to St. Elmo’s. It was our first time, and I have to say that the food was really good. I was hoping that it would live up to the hype and it did. He also got me some lavender roses from Grace Rose Farms. Watching these open for the week was truly a treat.

 

photo credit: Mrs. Shockley 

 

 

First on my list is the new Aerin Lauder vanity collection. This collection is inspired by 19th century Italian decor.  I am in LOVE but it is a little pricey. I have it on my wishlist so we will see. 

 

photo credit: Aerin/ Instagram 

 

 

 

 

 

 

My second favorite are these cherry blossom trees from Amazon. I saw Nitra B. share these on her Instagram page and I had to take a risk and order them. They are a DREAM! I love them so much! I ordered two. One for my office and one for home. I love them and I am now on the hunt for some blue and white planters to place them in. 

 

 

My third favorite has been a pleasant surprise. Lydia Millen mentioned these faux collars that she ordered. Now I have seen these before but never thought about trying one. I have a few dresses that I have to use a brooch to close up the chest part because I feel like it is a bit too low. I decided to go ahead and give these a try and all I can say is WOW! They are a perfect fit for my dresses and look so elegant on. 

 

 

 

 

Oh my goodness! I am loving these spring scents from Bath and Body Works. I purchased the springtime greenhouse, backyard honeysuckle, and white cucumber & mint. I am looking forward to using them this spring season. 

 

 

 

I saw these gorgeous floral ginger vases and jars and HomeGoods a few days ago and had to grab one. Check your local store. They may not last long. 

 

 

 

photo credit: Mrs. Shockley 

 

 

These wonderful yogurt cups have been a wonderful luxury to my life. I add my favorite yogurt, granola, blueberries and pumpkin seeds and I am in heaven. If you love yogurt but want to add your favorite toppings to it, you should definitely try these cups! 

 

 

 

Now it has taken me years and I mean YEARS to find a shelf that would fit in the corner of my garden tub and this one seems to work. I wanted something to store all of my products near the tub and it has been so hard trying to find something. This stackable shelf from Amazon has worked wonderfully and keeps everything where I need it. 

 

 

Now I don’t know about you, but I love a good “What’s in my Bag” video. I recently saw Nicholas with this new bag in one of his vlogs and was dying to know what it was. In this video he finally shares it. I love being inspired to buy quality items and to be expose to beauty and elegance. That is one of the things that I love about vlogs. The exposure that you get from another person’s world. 

I hope you all enjoyed my finds for this month. I have been planning to post a video to my YouTube channel for about a month now, but have not gotten around to filming the intro. I will do that soon. Take care! 

 

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