Laura

Donโ€™t Tread On Me

What is your favorite hobby or pastime?

One of the things I canโ€™t stand is feeling stifled.

Let us not unleash the rage as it boils overโ€ฆ

Especially as it relates to my creativity.

I put up a post this morning, which was all in comedic jest and good fun based on some funny AI creations I had generated.

A friend had given me an idea in a comment a few days back, so instead of answering this tired, worn out, repetitive prompt with the same old song and dance over and over, I decided to do something a little different.

Well, you can see how that went!

Itโ€™s one thing if you have different beliefs than me.

Not a problem at all.

I donโ€™t share exactly what my beliefs are, as I believe a lot of prayer and sacred practices should be kept private and are a personal decision on whether or not someone wants to reveal that aspect of themselves.

Plus, itโ€™s no oneโ€™s business, really.

You donโ€™t have to include my rant in your weekly post, Kevin – but the photo was too appropriate not to use ๐Ÿ˜‰

There shouldnโ€™t have to be any justification on that. Ever.

I write poems with erotic undertones (heaven forbid if you ever got a glimpse of what I write behind closed doors!) I write short stories with other fantastic writers which sometimes feature what may be classified as unsavory characters (depends on your take, I suppose).

My point is this:

I donโ€™t disrespect others. My ask is always that people show me the same respect and courtesy in return.

And if you know me, or youโ€™ve been reading me for a hot minute, you know most of my content is a lot of times mixed with humor.

Especially AI fails.

Why is it even a question, especially if Iโ€™m not harming anyone or posting anything egregious?

Worrying about censoring myself and what I post is not something I want to go through as it relates to my writing.

As Iโ€™m sure a lot of people go through when they have to decide whether or not they should post something.

If I donโ€™t like a post or its content, itโ€™s simple – I donโ€™t have to โ€œlikeโ€ it.

I work pretty hard on my endeavors, Iโ€™d say, and itโ€™s also supposed to be a fun experience (ignore those hands) ๐Ÿ˜†

I move along with my day, I keep it moving. I donโ€™t let it affect me or think less of that person, or feel the need to shout all my views from the rooftop.

We are all different. Not robots.

And guess what? I still support otherโ€™s posts and writing that are different than mine.

Anyways, rant long enough.

Thanks for reading. You are always appreciated.

Hope you have a great start to the week!

132 comments

      • Ahh so you saw it before I posted my comment lol ๐Ÿ˜† thank you lovely ๐Ÿ™ I think most โ€œgetโ€ my humor and some of it can be a little out there ๐Ÿ’™

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      • Thanks for explaining. I am still getting used to links and posting things. I love your images, and I read when Ernie was looking for the blue dress. I was looking forward to the post you deleted. Sorry you got a foot in your face. I look forward to your next post of fluid you-ness. Don’t hold back. ๐Ÿ’

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      • It can be a lot to start getting used to. If you ever need any help, I can try my best, donโ€™t hesitate to reach out ๐Ÿ’• Iโ€™m definitely no expert tho! ๐Ÿ˜† And thank you, that means so much ๐Ÿ™ I love your images too! ๐Ÿ˜Š and yes, Iโ€™m sure Iโ€™ll have more crazy posts out there ๐Ÿ˜‚ itโ€™s nice I think especially when youโ€™re just trying to have a bit of fun with something thatโ€™s outside the norm๐Ÿ’—

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    • It was a bunch of goofy AI images of a devil in a blue dress. I got accosted with a lot of โ€œrepentโ€ bible verses within a few minutes of posting it.

      No disrespect at all to anyone who believes in God and the Bible. ๐Ÿ™

      But I want to tell themโ€ฆ please donโ€™t speak of things that which you do not know (know what I mean? Of course you do, youโ€™re enlightened) ๐Ÿ˜Š

      I did link it so it goes to a YouTube video if youโ€™d like to see. Itโ€™s not so bad, I get it might not be everyoneโ€™s โ€œflavorโ€ but I do let people know I have lots of dark humor in posts and writing at times.

      Thanks for caring โค๏ธ

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  2. I’m sorry if someone hurt you or was rude, Laura. I just had that on one of my posts, as well. You have a large following because the majority love you and your writing and your images. Hugs to you, my friend.

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    • Oh no! Seriously, Mary? You are such a light โœจ and a beautiful and kind caring soul โค๏ธ I canโ€™t imagine that but some people feel the need to go on. Sorry that happened to you ๐Ÿ™ hope youโ€™ve enjoyed your weekend. ๐Ÿค— *hugs*

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    • Hell yes! You can say that again ๐Ÿ˜† especially us old souls, we need that to stay peacefully insane โœŒ๏ธโ˜•๏ธ ๐ŸŠ thanks for your support, Ernie! ๐Ÿ˜Š means a lot ๐Ÿ™

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      • I definitely wonโ€™t! I think I was just so tired from working last night that I just didnโ€™t feel like dealing with the BS this AMโ€ฆbut Iโ€™m more calm and centered now ๐Ÿ˜Œ โ˜•๏ธ ๐Ÿฆด โœŒ๏ธ

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  6. I saw the b.s. that led to that post being taken down, and personally, I don’t blame you for not wanting to deal with it at all. That said, you and I both know there was nothing that offensive in that post at all. It was funny, plain and simple.

    I, too, have taken a couple things down in the past because frankly, it’s not worth the effort.

    But it sucks when people take something way too seriously or way too far.

    Don’t like it? STFU and move on.

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    • Itโ€™s just aggravating especially when youโ€™re coming off 12 hours overnight. Itโ€™s fun and for people to enjoy, donโ€™t like it? Move on. Exactly. Thereโ€™s plenty of shit I see day in and day out even on here that I think is ridiculous and I just keep it movin. Ainโ€™t got time.

      I suppose this is why I have 90 something drafts. Or at least, part of it.

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      • This all goes back to what we’ve both talked about on and offline before. It gets tiresome feeling like you have to walk on eggshells for fear of pissing someone off or causing a fight.

        I’m not talking going all out and being an ass to people, obviously, but when you have to second guess even little things that are supposed to be meant in good fun, there is an issue.

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      • It does. It feels like eggshells at times. I want to say something but who and what will offend. Some things are surprising, others not I suppose.

        I definitely donโ€™t want to fight with anyone. I try not to argue with my patients, why would I want to come onto a platform to argue with people? Thatโ€™s why I stay farrrrrr from politics as well if I can. Do. Not. Want.

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      • Same here. Since my default mindset isn’t “what can I do to piss everyone off”, I tend to think most of my posts wont do just that. But then if I stop and think for a second, I find myself sometimes backing off because you never know.
        Re: Politics
        Yeah, I’m good, thanks. Not opening that Pandora’s Box no matter what anyone’s ideals are.

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    • Thanks Michael ๐Ÿ™ I do appreciate your support ๐Ÿ˜Š Iโ€™m open to whatever religion or paradigm someone practices, but donโ€™t start spamming me with pages long of verses that Iโ€™ve probably studied longer than you have, you know?

      I agree with you there, thereโ€™s something about judgment and all that, isnโ€™t there?

      Anyways, I do so appreciate your words ๐Ÿ˜Š they mean a lot to me ๐Ÿซถ

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  10. You do you, Laura… we respect and appreciate what you write and share….just as we appreciate your time over and words at our own blogs. thank you for this…
    and a most magical week your way…๐Ÿค๐Ÿ’ซ๐Ÿ™

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  16. Yikes. I wondered where your post went, because at first I thought WP was glitching me while trying to comment. It was a fun post!!

    Sorry you had to deal with that. Agreed that some of us are vocal about beliefs and some not, nobodyโ€™s business what balances we choose there. Follow or donโ€™t. ๐Ÿ™‚

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    • Thank you! It was up for a bit and I thought I would leave it but Iโ€™m sure the frustration of being thrown off sleep and not wanting to โ€œdealโ€ with it exacerbated the taking it down bit.

      I think Iโ€™m pretty open. Not always open about which practice or what I choose, but I know I wouldnโ€™t go putting a ton of my own beliefs on someone elseโ€™s comments from a holy book. That all should be sacred texts anyways. Not just used for when you want and at what discretion? But yeah, thank you ๐Ÿ˜Š I do appreciate it, and I think if anyone wants to open up any kind of conversation about religion, Iโ€™m open. But donโ€™t just start throwing that out at me like Iโ€™m a heathen lol ๐Ÿ˜†

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  17. Totally with you on this. Being you is super important and we should just share what we like. Why focus on what others like? Youโ€™re rightโ€”if you donโ€™t like something, just donโ€™t like it or donโ€™t subscribe. Itโ€™s that simple.Plus, Your creative humor always brings a smile. Keep being you, and let that creativity flow.๐ŸŒผ๐ŸŒ™โœจ
    Hope you have an awesome week ahead, Laura๐Ÿค—๐Ÿ’•โœจ

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    • Thanks Sia ๐Ÿ˜Š ๐Ÿ™ glad it came through as intended. I just want to share whatever humorous or creative thing is thatโ€™s going through my brain at times, I understand thatโ€™s not always everyoneโ€™s cup of tea, so to speak. Glad to know I bring a smile ๐Ÿ˜Š you do as well with your beautiful writings! ๐ŸŒน๐ŸŒ• โœจ hope you have a great week ahead as well and do something you truly enjoy! ๐Ÿ’•๐Ÿค—

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  19. I feel like my “time management” struggles have me living under a rock! LOL! I hope whoever seems to have tried to get you down, gets the message. Haters gonna hate, gurl! That just means you’re doing something right ๐Ÿ˜‰

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    • Haha!! ๐Ÿ˜† No worries, you are focusing on yourself and thatโ€™s whatโ€™s important! And thatโ€™s so appreciated, youโ€™re right! Thank you ๐Ÿ˜Š ๐Ÿ™ And also, happy birthday!! ๐Ÿ’•

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      • ๐Ÿ˜… I am not doing well! I keep telling myself I’ll get there, though! Working out the kinks.

        You’re most welcome! ๐Ÿ’—๐Ÿ˜Šโœจ

        and thank you ๐Ÿ˜Š๐Ÿ’•

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      • Hahaha! Gurl! Tomorrows “Time Management” post… already says “I’m over this. I wanna do what I want. This may be coming to an end”. ๐Ÿ˜… I’m not saying I was managing well, but… at least I didn’t feel “forced”. LOL!

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      • There has to be a balance. You already know that ๐Ÿ˜‰ since you are the โš–๏ธ but seriouslyโ€ฆI get it. Can you take some from Column A, and some from Column B? (And maybe even Column C if needed!?) donโ€™t forceโ€ฆnothing will ever stick, no habits will change if it is forcedโ€ฆgradual *breathe*

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      • *sigh* Well, I’m trying to figure that out. The issue is that a lot of this stuff I try to get done while the kiddos are at school. That doesn’t give me many hours to do the things, but… I think I’m working it out. I knew there would be hiccups, some trial and error, but… like today, I’m so tired and I just want to sit here and read everyone’s blogs. I’ve learned I can only get through a few blogs within an hour ๐Ÿ˜…. Like dammit! Times up! Son of a…. ๐Ÿ˜…

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      • It depends too on how many times someone posts, ๐Ÿ˜… how long the posts are lol ๐Ÿ˜† Kevin and I talk about this a lot, thereโ€™s only so much time in a day you can read so many posts. You wanna interact, of course, but itโ€™s hard to do it with everyone, all the time, consistently! Almost can become like work if you let it. Itโ€™s still a fun time and leisure activity, but it also has to feel like such.

        I get it. Thereโ€™s days where I feel like I wanna sit and am unmotivated too. The wiggle room of time is not a lot, Iโ€™m sure!

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      • ๐Ÿ˜… I won’t lie here… if someone posts A LOT, I will skip over several of them. Not ALL of them, but several. It’s not that I don’t want to read all of them, but as you said: only so much time in a day.

        I haven’t even been writing my own here lately, because I have been trying to keep up with people. Yes, I’m doing the time management, writing prompts (usually), and now I’m sharing crochet items, but…. those aren’t… like posts, you know? I don’t know if that makes sense. Haha!

        It is not! You figure, I’ve been trying to do 2 workout sessions… well, that’s not working, because I need cool-down time, right? My MS says so. Then you have days like today, when we were like an hour late! Missed the 8am workout! LOL! So today, I did it all around 11, but… it went for like 1.5 hours or better. Then I’m frantically trying to jump in the shower and whatnot ๐Ÿ˜… Trial and error!

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      • I feel you. I try to average maybe 1-2, and 3 is kinda rare. I get it, photos and short stuff donโ€™t take long, but if itโ€™s lots and lots then thereโ€™s just not a lot of time extra to dedicate to it. And yes, when youโ€™re trying to keep up with everyone else, you donโ€™t get a lot of time to write too. Itโ€™s a job for real ๐Ÿ˜†

        Yeah itโ€™s all over the place, trial and error is the best bet, to find out what works for you. Youโ€™ll get there. Iโ€™m still trying to work out a gym schedule too, I like morning workouts but getting up isโ€ฆsoโ€ฆdangโ€ฆhard

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      • ๐Ÿ˜‚ I have been so adamant about morning workouts, but… as we were late today; which is not completely uncommon (not usually an hour, but hey), and then I usually have morning appointments. I tried to do evening workouts (after the kiddos go to bed), but then they’d fight to stay up, and I’m not working out at 10-11pm… it was leaving me whooped and I was dragging the next day. I don’t think 11am is too bad. I’m thinking I might stick with it, but… with cold weather fast approaching, I may have to invest in a hair dryer for after the shower ๐Ÿ˜…

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      • Thatโ€™s my dilemma, I prefer an early morning workout, otherwise Iโ€™m stuck going to the gym later (Iโ€™m not doing the after hour rush, no thank you) and as much as I love it, itโ€™s just too late sometimes. 11am is pretty good! Definitely invest in that hair dryer! ๐Ÿ˜†

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      • Yep! It’s a tough thing to figure out, for sure! I’m with you!

        ๐Ÿ˜‚ You know… I think I have a hair dryer in a box somewhere. I purchased one for some crafts I was doing, but I don’t think I ended up needing it. Hahaha! I should go look in my crafts stuff.

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  20. I didnโ€™t see the negative comment, but I just read the post that generated it through your link. I always appreciate your creativity and sense of humor, Laura. The negative commenter needs to look within and do their own self-work. Or better yet, mind their own business. Love your writing and the way that you express yourself. ๐Ÿฅฐ๐Ÿ˜๐Ÿค—

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    • Thanks MM! That means a lot to me ๐Ÿ™ I think we can all appreciate something from one another, even if itโ€™s different ๐Ÿค— I respect all others beliefs even if I donโ€™t agree. I think youโ€™re right too! Always grateful for your presence and I so do love your beautiful work as well! โค๏ธ ๐Ÿ˜ ๐Ÿฅฐ

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      • I sure do appreciate your friendship and presence in the WP world. Like you, I have many drafts that might be too radical to post. ๐Ÿ˜‚ I hold back quite a bit to temper the subtext in a few of my stories. Maybe weโ€™ll let one or two of our drafts escape one day. ๐Ÿ˜„๐Ÿ‘๐Ÿ™

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      • Hahaha ๐Ÿ˜† ๐Ÿคฃ love that!! ๐Ÿ‘ ๐Ÿ‘ wild drafts unite! Lol weโ€™ll have to make a plan to do it at some point. ๐Ÿ˜œ And I do appreciate your friendship and presence here too! โค๏ธ ๐Ÿ™

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  21. I don’t know why people try to censor some religious or erotic texts, which they deem ‘unsuitable,’ but fail to do the same with animal cruelty on YouTube. That’s just ridiculous.
    Don’t take this to heart; I believe you are a great writer, and the erotic genre is just as deserving of being called literature, and be published openly.
    And as for religious beliefs no one has a right to tell you what to believe or to share, at least on WP.

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    • Thank you! ๐Ÿ˜Š thatโ€™s true, oftentimes things that are โ€œoffensiveโ€ are censored, but not the really bad stuff which is so sad ๐Ÿ˜ญ oh, and not at all, I definitely think erotic writing could be a definite form of artistic literature and should be included like everything else. ๐Ÿ˜Š thank you so much for your kind words ๐Ÿ™ youโ€™re a great writer too!

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    • Thank so much for your kind comment ๐Ÿ˜Š I truly do appreciate it ๐Ÿ™ and yes, I agree it should be fun and enjoyable for us all, and we should be able share what we like โœจ

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  24. Jealousy and envy often drive people to criticize and undermine othersโ€™ happiness. Iโ€™ve dealt with plenty of criticism and judgment over what I post. Instead of reaching out to me directly, some people choose to create social media posts calling me out, or they silently judge what I share. ๐Ÿคจ But when they like or approve of something, they donโ€™t say a word. This is one of the reasons I started distancing myself from Facebookโ€”most of the negativity came from friends and family, and it became hurtful. These are the same people who wonโ€™t support me, not even when it comes to my book sales. They canโ€™t be bothered to spend $12.99 on a book but have no problem criticizing, judging, and making fun at me. What’s even funnier, is that most of what I write is about God, yet they still attack me instead of supporting or encouraging me. Frustrating ๐Ÿ˜ก๐Ÿ˜ก

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    • Iโ€™m so sorry Willie. โ˜น๏ธ I know youโ€™ve said that before you had issues with Facebook based on what youโ€™ve posted in the past. I hope you know I do appreciate the posts you put out and the effort you make, youโ€™re always very kind and respectful. No one should criticize or judge you at all, or make fun of you, especially friends or family. ๐Ÿ™ Iโ€™m sorry you had to go through with that. Very frustrating for sure.

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      • Thank you. Iโ€™m trying to accept things as they are, but itโ€™s tough for me. I keep pushing forward, which often leads to disappointment. Like todayโ€™s post, I shared it on Facebook first, where most of my old friends and family are, and only got one like (from my wife ๐Ÿฅฐ). But when I posted it here a few hours later, it received more likes and comments than all my previous posts combined on facebook.

        Eventually, I hope to stop worrying about it and, like Ernie, maybe even give up on Facebook altogether. But it is what it is. I donโ€™t create to seek attention or Glorify myself; I do it to Glorify God and share His message. I want those who are struggling to know there is Hope, that God sees and hears us, and He will guide us through the valleys. Itโ€™s encouraging to know that His Word can touch someone, even if they donโ€™t speak up. Iโ€™m holding onto the Hope that they see it and reach out to God, which makes all the time and effort worthwhile.

        Sorry for taking over your post with my rants.

        God Bless You Dear Friend.

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      • No worries Willie! Sorry just getting back to this. I think as a whole community WP is much more appreciative of creative and endeavors and the passion behind them. And yes, words absolutely can touch someone, and we may not even ever know it ๐Ÿ™ continue doing what you do best

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    • Haha, interesting from my post you pick up on both things! Yes, I went to a religious school for a time, and my mother was strict but not in a good way.

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  27. Hi Laura
    Well, critique enhances creativity. It helps to reflect what you don’t see or want to see. Therefore falsification is basic in scientific methods. Affirmation doesn’t help to get new ideas, actually it’s contra-productive.
    The Fab Four of Cley
    ๐Ÿ™‚ ๐Ÿ™‚ ๐Ÿ™‚ ๐Ÿ™‚

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    • Thank you! ๐Ÿ™ thatโ€™s true as well. And even with me ranting, this post ended up being pretty engaging for discussion which is what I love ๐Ÿ˜Š so, perhaps I should be thankful for the reasons behind it

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  28. I wouldn’t call it a rant. By the way love the extra digit on the left hand. As a leftie I appreciated that one. I have a problem writing erotic anything, and I put it down to my Catholic upbringing. I am trying hard to overcome it with my romance stories but often find I fail miserably, maybe I should write under a pseudonym or pen name?

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    • Ahh, a leftie! Love that, my grandmother and brother are lefties.

      Erotic either comes naturally or it doesnโ€™t I think for some reason. Perhaps a pen name helps, then? That might not be a bad idea! Do what comes naturally to you and your ideas ๐Ÿ˜Š

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  35. Being told what to do…takes the freedom out of our lives…true freedom comes from true love and trust in ourselves…as a babies we love who we are…it’s just judgements that create our stifling and comparisons..
    You are an inspiration!!

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    • Thank you! ๐Ÿ™ thatโ€™s very kind of you to say and really so appreciated ๐Ÿ˜Š youโ€™re right, it can most certainly be very difficult. Your words me a lot! Happy weekend to you!

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