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Monday, November 24, 2014

I should have been cleaning . . .

We have company coming in 3 days, so you would think that I would be using my time wisely, 


but I finished the crocheted edge on my embroidered Christmas table runner last night


and I wanted to see how it will look on the table.


That got me thinking about the Christmas Link Party I am joining at Have a Daily Cup of Mrs. Olson and I headed to the cupboard to dig out all of the Christmas decorations I have bought so far this year.


I should have been cleaning, but instead I played with my decorations and took pictures.


When I looked in the garden for greenery, I was surprised to find that the asparagus fern not only had little white flowers, but also red berries - how have I missed that each year?


I gathered together all the new gift wrapping items I have purchased


and found the mercury glass ornaments I bought months ago.


A few tin hearts and a wicker heart are new this year and those hearts gave me an idea.


I goofed up when stamping bags for my future daughter-in-law's "Girls' Weekend" - they were filled with yummy salt water taffy.


I added hearts to two of them and you can't even tell the bags were rejects.


I am looking forward to decorating for Christmas on Friday,


but the rest of this week, I need to be busy preparing for Thanksgiving.


The new flatware I ordered arrived today, but I didn't finish embroidering all the napkins.


So although I should finish cleaning tomorrow, it looks like I will be playing again - this time with plates and napkins until I come up with the right table setting.

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71 comments:

  1. A Whole Lotta MagicNovember 24, 2014 at 11:15 PM

    LOL! Love the blue flatware. Cleaning is never any fun, is it?

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  2. JunkchiccottageNovember 24, 2014 at 11:28 PM

    Cleaning can wait. Have the fun with your decorations.
    I did Jann's fun party last year you will love it. Have a great time creating.
    Kris

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  3. Patty AntleNovember 25, 2014 at 1:08 AM

    Isn't it nice to have the time to play? I love your decorations Carol. Wishing you a Happy Thanksgiving!

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  4. Vicky HuntNovember 25, 2014 at 3:04 AM

    Oh...I can't wait to see your home all decorated this year! I also look forward to seeing your tablescape. I love the new flatware. That's one thing I haven't started collecting and need to. Have fun tablescaping today. PS...you're not the only one who SHOULD be cleaning. LOL! I had to make myself do some much needed cleaning yesterday and didn't finish half of what I needed to do. Oh well, maybe today!

    Hugs, Vicky

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  5. AnonymousNovember 25, 2014 at 3:35 AM

    I love all your decorations! Looking forward to seeing
    your home all decorated for Christmas. Happy Thanksgiving.

    Kathy

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  6. Betty November 25, 2014 at 3:45 AM

    I love that flatware. Can you tell me where you ordered it from. I have been wanting a set like that for sometime. It looks so pretty.

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  7. DawnNovember 25, 2014 at 4:02 AM

    I think what you did sounds funner than cleaning any day, and it looks so festive.

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  8. DawnNovember 25, 2014 at 4:02 AM

    I think what you did sounds funner than cleaning any day, and it looks so festive.

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  9. Rita C at PanoplyNovember 25, 2014 at 4:26 AM

    Oh Carol, this little post just makes my heart sing! I have never seen asparagus fern with either flowers or berries - it's beautiful! I love the soft fern, but it's an annual for us. Looking forward to your portion of the link party - your decorations are adorable. (and I've been wasting a lot of time doing the same thing, only with dishes! ;) )
    Have a Happy Thanksgiving!
    Rita

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  10. ANNENovember 25, 2014 at 5:33 AM

    I love EVERYTHING! I really want those mercury glass ornaments except that my crazy cat would break them in an instant.

    Sigh.

    xox

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  11. StaceyNovember 25, 2014 at 5:39 AM

    OK I've always wanted some Mailegs but now I REALLY want them. You have the ability to make everything darling. :)

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  12. francisNovember 25, 2014 at 5:47 AM

    well you are having a fun time .
    here in Holland november is all about
    Sint Nicolaas .
    Celebrated on december 5 .
    all the children will get lots of presents . It is a wonderful holiday overhere .
    after that Christmas can come .....
    Thank you for showing all this .
    Happy last of novemberdays

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  13. chateau chicNovember 25, 2014 at 6:14 AM

    I'm already loving what you're planning for Christmas, Carol! LOVE the asparagus fern with the berries!! And all the festive ribbons...which I'm using a lot of this year too. You blue handled flatware is gorgeous!!
    Have a wonderful Thanksgiving with your family.
    Mary Alice

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  14. Vickie @ Ranger 911November 25, 2014 at 6:32 AM

    I'm just like you, Carol! When I should be preparing for Thanksgiving, I'm playing with Christmas stuff and knitting mittens! Your table runner looks lovely and I can't wait to see your feature for the party!

    Happy Thanksgiving!
    Vickie

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  15. Linda @ A La CarteNovember 25, 2014 at 6:33 AM

    Cleaning is not nearly as much fun as playing with Christmas decorations!! I need to get things cleaned up around here, but Friday it's all about Christmas for me also!
    hugs,
    Linda

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  16. PoppyNovember 25, 2014 at 6:55 AM

    I'm so glad you were not cleaning, as we are the beneficiaries of your beautiful Christmas decorating!

    Happy Thanksgiving, Carol!

    Poppy

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  17. Butterfly 8)(8 Bungalow November 25, 2014 at 7:10 AM

    I love what you have done so far! Happy Thanksgiving. xoxo

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  18. bobbieNovember 25, 2014 at 8:27 AM

    The little bags turned out SO cute!

    I hear you on the procrastination! I was thinking of changing my seasonal decor on Friday, but now I'm thinking I'll put it off till Dec. 1.

    Too much fun to play!!

    Have a great Thanksgiving!
    Hugs ~

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  19. Dana BishopNovember 25, 2014 at 8:36 AM

    I love it all but those bags are way cool! I think cleaning will always wait. Christmas decorating creates dust, so always clean AFTER.

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  20. ConnieNovember 25, 2014 at 8:52 AM

    Carol what you did was much more fun than cleaning, and your house is always clean. I'm looking forward to the Christmas Link Party. I follow all of those blogs so this will be a real treat. oh, speaking of treats your little bags are adorable:)
    Have a lovely Thanksgiving.
    Connie :)

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  21. angieNovember 25, 2014 at 8:58 AM

    soooo süß ist ihre dekoration!!! danke für die wunderschönen inspirationen!!! liebe grüße von angie aus deutschland

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  22. Dreaming of VintageNovember 25, 2014 at 9:36 AM

    Love your decorations! So pretty!

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  23. MelanieNovember 25, 2014 at 10:10 AM

    Playing with decor is a lot more fun than cleaning! Love your embroidered table runner.

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  24. SusanNovember 25, 2014 at 10:57 AM

    I think you were born with Christmas in your heart.

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  25. The Junque SeekerNovember 25, 2014 at 11:00 AM

    All your decor will be so wonderful that no one will notice if you don't clean! Love all your new pretties. They're making me want to decorate!

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  26. SusieNovember 25, 2014 at 11:29 AM

    Carol, It is beginning to look a lot like Christmas at your house. I love the little bags with the hearts. Those would make some of the cutest gifts, especially in emergencies where you may have forgotten the post man or paperboy. Blessings for a wonderful Thanksgiving. xoxo,Susie

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  27. Canadian ChickadeeNovember 25, 2014 at 12:32 PM

    I think you spent your time in just the right way. This time of year is all about sharing, and about joy. I know your table will be beautiful, and everything will be done on the day. But even if it's not, your decorations are so beautiful, people won't notice if someone forgot the green beans, or the gravy is a bit lumpy!! All adds to the fun. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving! xoxox

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  28. Castles Crowns and CottagesNovember 25, 2014 at 1:14 PM

    And I should have been home for the last two days enjoying my holiday preparations, but I was at two district meetings and conferences! But I am FREE NOW, to play like you have been! There are very few things as fun as decorating for the holidays then taking photos. Your new flatware is GORGEOUS in it's blue glory and resembles mine, only mine is ivory. ENJOY CAROL! Happy Thanksgiving, Anita

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  29. DebbyNovember 25, 2014 at 2:23 PM

    I am the same way. I get so distracted then it's a rush to get done. This year I can relax about the cleaning. This house is really clean since it is on the market. I'm not hosting and it feels like I am on vacation, hah.
    Your wrapping is going to be fun with those goodies.

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  30. cathy@my1929charmerNovember 25, 2014 at 2:37 PM

    Aww,I kind of wish you were cleaning cause I would of slipped in and stole few of your Christmas items! I love the twig heart, where did you get it. Playing is always more fun than cleaning. Love you embroidery work! Happy Thanksgiving!

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  31. KellyNovember 25, 2014 at 3:39 PM

    I really like all of your vintage Christmas décor. Those elves are my favorite! I'm sure you will come up with a beautiful table setting for Thanksgiving.

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  32. Susan EvelynAndRoseNovember 25, 2014 at 4:31 PM

    I hear ya, Carol. I'd much rather be getting ready for Christmas right now, but company is coming Thursday...
    Your tablecloth came out AMAZING. Have a wonderful THanksgiving!

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  33. ~Lavender Dreamer~November 25, 2014 at 4:56 PM

    It's so much for to decorate and prepare for the holidays! Happy Thanksgiving my friend! Hugs, Diane

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  34. ReneeNovember 25, 2014 at 5:55 PM

    I am glad you weren't cleaning because I enjoyed looking at everything else. The table runner and bags are lovely.

    Hope you have a great Thanksgiving.

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  35. My Garden DiariesNovember 25, 2014 at 8:17 PM

    Your Christmas box up there made my heart flutter!!! How lovely are all of your beautiful decorations Carol!! You have inspired me friend! Wishing you a very Happy Thanksgiving!! Nicole xo

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  36. karen@somewhatquirkyNovember 25, 2014 at 8:49 PM

    looks to me like you are already decorating for Christmas! That's some cute stuff you've got going on. Me, I've been making desserts all day. Two cakes and a cheesecake - which the cat got into while it was cooling. Guess that's where my piece will come from! Enjoy your holiday!

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  37. LorrieNovember 25, 2014 at 8:51 PM

    How much fun you'll have on Friday decorating with all your pretty bits and pieces. Meanwhile, Happy Thanksgiving!
    No decorating here yet, but I hope to get some things organized by next week.

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  38. KathyNovember 25, 2014 at 9:40 PM

    It sounds to me like you have your priorities exactly right and your guests will enjoy these efforts much more than the cleaning efforts. Love your holiday decor!

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  39. Row homes and CobblestonesNovember 25, 2014 at 10:03 PM

    Carol your decorations look really fun and festive. Have fun decking your cottage on Friday. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving celebration.
    xo

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  40. fiona andersonNovember 26, 2014 at 1:22 AM

    'Playing' is the best way to spend a day. I love every single one of your decorations and how you've displayed them, everything looks so festive. Loving your embroidery too, it's something I used to do a lot of, but don't have the patience anymore.

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  41. Maria ElenaNovember 26, 2014 at 4:29 AM

    Your decorations are sooo beautiful! Happy Thanksgiving!

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  42. RhondiNovember 26, 2014 at 4:37 AM

    Everyone will appreciate a happy, contented hostess and a pretty environment, more than a clean house. So must enjoy yourself and prepare for Thanksgiving in a way that pleases you.
    Happy Thanksgiving

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  43. Helen PhilippsNovember 26, 2014 at 4:56 AM

    I loved everything in this post, Carol! The new Xmas decorations you have bought look lovely, and so do the sweet little 'rescued' bags.....how pretty they are.
    Wishing you a very Happy Thanksgiving!
    Helen xox

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  44. podsoNovember 26, 2014 at 7:35 AM

    Love your table runner. Beautiful work. I did not know asparagus ferns had flowers or berries. Must be a good year! Have a happy thanksgiving,

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  45. Magali@TheLittleWhiteHouseNovember 26, 2014 at 12:49 PM

    Christmas decorating wins over dusting and mopping, of course!

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  46. Ivy and ElephantsNovember 27, 2014 at 3:51 AM

    Don't worry about cleaning, we have vintage pieces. Everyone knows you should never wipe away the patina! LOL
    Wishing you a happy and blessed Thanksgiving with your guest. Hope all goes well and you have a wonderful time!
    Hugs,
    Patti

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  47. Betsy@My Salvaged TreasuresNovember 27, 2014 at 6:41 AM

    Love what I see so far, especially the beautiful Christmas table runner.

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  48. Botanic BleuNovember 27, 2014 at 10:32 PM

    Oh, what fun to play instead of working or cleaning! I say, "Enjoy the moments while you have them." Your beautiful projects are much better results than cleaning. (But I do love a clean house, a paradox, I know.)

    Judith

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  49. Jessica@CapeofDreamsNovember 28, 2014 at 5:01 AM

    I hoped you had a blessed Thanksgiving with loved ones. I look forward to seeing the rest of you Christmas decor.

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  50. BarbaraNovember 28, 2014 at 10:06 AM

    I love every single one of your photos, your decorations are just so pretty. I hope you had a happy Thanksgiving.

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  51. Mimi SueNovember 28, 2014 at 2:25 PM

    Fluffing is so much more fun than cleaning! But I need to clean a bit myself! Hope your Thanksgiving was great. Mimi

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  52. Kathy @ Creative Home ExpressionsNovember 29, 2014 at 4:40 PM

    I love all your decorations, Carol! Even your wrapping bits look so festive and pretty on display. I got started today and have more to do tomorrow. My time is mostly being spent on deciding what I want to use and then carting the bins back up to the attic as I go. I hope to have it all done by tomorrow evening so I will be able to sit back and enjoy the season.

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  53. must love junkNovember 30, 2014 at 10:19 AM

    But what you did is SO much more fun than cleaning! Everything looks fantastic!
    Susan

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  54. Linda @ Itsy Bits And PiecesNovember 30, 2014 at 4:30 PM

    Hope you had a lovely Thanksgiving, Carol! Love all of your Christmas goodies!

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  55. Joy JunktionNovember 30, 2014 at 5:45 PM

    I hope your Thanksgiving was wonderful and I'm sure your guests didn't care about the house being clean or not. I'm sure their focus was on time spent with friends/family. You are so creative, I love those oops bags, adding the heart was perfect! You needlework is really impressive! Blessings to you, Cindy

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  56. Ricki TreleavenDecember 1, 2014 at 4:12 AM

    LOVE your table runner!!! I know what you mean about cleaning….I cleaned the house from top to bottom, washed Thanksgiving linens, ironed them, did the same with Christmas linens, decorated for Christmas, wrapped presents…I was up until 2AM….I'm still tired!

    Your blue flatware is fun, BTW…..

    xo,
    RJ

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  57. Jacqueline~Cabin and CottageDecember 1, 2014 at 2:01 PM

    Oh my you have some wonderful things working here! Love the new runner. I'm sure your busy at the decorating by now. Happy December!

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  58. Sherry @ Thrift My HouseDecember 2, 2014 at 8:26 AM

    Carol! You have the prettiest stuff! I love how you arrange things together. Oh my gosh... I can't wait to see your Christmas reveal!

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  59. Celestina MarieDecember 2, 2014 at 9:46 AM

    Hi Carol, everything in your home is always an inspiration. So looking forward to your Christmas tour!
    XO

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  60. Carla from The RiverDecember 2, 2014 at 12:26 PM

    I am glad you played. You gave me some great ideas already. :-)
    Looking forward to the Christmas tour.

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  61. A Joyful CottageDecember 2, 2014 at 12:57 PM

    I love it all, Carol. Covering the stamp "goof" on the bags with a heart was brilliant. They look so sweet. It will be fun to see how you finish your Christmas decorating. I hope you had a nice Thanksgiving. ~ Nancy

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  62. Down by the seaDecember 2, 2014 at 1:07 PM

    I always enjoy seeing the results of you playing. You give me some much inspiration. Sarah x

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  63. Doreen@househoneys.comDecember 2, 2014 at 4:32 PM

    Make no excuses for not cleaning Carol. Have you not heard the expression, 'boring women have clean houses'?

    ;)

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  64. The Quintessential MagpieDecember 2, 2014 at 11:44 PM

    It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas at your house! Loved seeing all of your cute decorations. I haven't done the first thing because I have just really gotten my sea legs under me after being sick for two months. But I am better now and even got to go to my niece's wedding.

    Sending you warm hugs across the miles...

    XO,

    Sheila

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  65. The Quintessential MagpieDecember 2, 2014 at 11:45 PM

    P.S. I am in love with those cuter than cute little elves! How adorable are they!!!

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  66. UnknownDecember 3, 2014 at 4:49 AM

    Oh Carol - you NEVER disappoint - everything looks beautiful !!!
    XOXO

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  67. Leslie HarrisDecember 3, 2014 at 10:00 AM

    Carol I've been thinking about you, wondering how the Thanksgiving holiday went with your guests ...I just know you guys had a great time. And I love your little peek at Christmas here. Boy I could so relate to that feeling that I 'should be cleaning' too but I've realized how important it is to follow those creative urges. Those are such soul replenishing times...and I could tell you were loving your 'play time.' I hope your health is well, we're leaving town again for Salt Lake City--for the hubby's company Christmas party. One of these days we're going to be able to hook up hahaha...
    hugs,
    Leslie

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  68. AnaDecember 3, 2014 at 12:37 PM

    Oh Carol all your Christmas decorations are wonderfull. Love the little cloth elves on your vintage scale. So sweet. Hope you had a lovely Thanksgiving my dear friend. Sending warm hugs. Happy decorating.

    ❤️Ana

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  69. UnknownDecember 5, 2014 at 9:35 AM

    Playtime and decorating is THE best for the soul dearie! Lovely everything! I love the bags with the hearts! Such a creative way to fix a goof up! xoxo Jen

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  70. CatieAnDecember 9, 2014 at 1:59 PM

    I always love your sweet vignettes and your holiday decorations are too sweet. Your embroidery is lovely.
    Play away!

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  71. CarlaJanuary 7, 2015 at 12:49 PM

    Playing is always more fun than cleaning. Love the new table runner and the little bags. I'm sure those pixies are glad you put them on the scale before the holiday and not after. LOL

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