I am truly honored…to have received five incredible awards from four incredible friends with amazing blogs themselves! I am behind a bit on these and for that I apologize. I received the One Lovely Blog Award and the Thanks for Writing Award from Mondrak at http://kattermonran.com/ . The Very Inspiring Blogger Award from Kay Lynte’ at http://thinkingiswrite.wordpress.com/ . The Sunshine Award from danbalva at http://hurdlestohappiness.wordpress.com/ . And last but most certainly not least – the Reader Appreciation Award from Neil at http://ngtolentino.wordpress.com/.
I thought it would be nice to focus on something bright for this post. I have changed my Gravatar, the reasons why and more on that in a bit. I am just so very thankful for all of you. This has become my sanctuary for healing, hope, encouragement, laughter, shared journeys, and inspiration. I love how incredibly unique everyone is and how that gets expressed through each of your blogs. It is just truly awesome in every sense of the word! 
This past weekend a lot of my life was laid bare and all of your response was so much more than I ever would have imagined. The love and care, concern, and genuine support was so overwhelmingly wonderous I’m still awed by it. 
One confession before I talk about the awards….I haven’t cried this much in a long long long time. What happens when I cry that much? Migraine lol. It’s okay…it was so worth it!!
Each of these awards is like a big hug…blog love….from all of you!
Things are still topsy-turvy and each day brings new challenges….and new rewards! I believe I am finally on the path to the future….with no one dragging me back to the past or ready to rip the rug out from under us when we least expect it. My children are all doing so much better, sleeping through the night…mostly… and well you all know about my mom! 🙂 
So, as you can see…there is lots of love (awards) going on here…in an effort to not overwhelm myself I’ve decided to not decide! There are so very many amazingly fantasic friends…those who have been with me from the beginning and those who’ve joined my journey along the way….and those who have just found me. You all have brightened my darkest days and made me feel so very welcome here.
So, what I would very much like to do is ask you, each of you, to chose one you don’t have –one you would like–or even one (or more) you would like to share with some of your amazingly fantastic friends! I so want to share these awards (love) with all the amazing people who have really truly made my life so much brighter! And hopefully make yours brighter in return. If I could chose I would give each of you ALL of these awards. So please, please make yourself at home and grab one…or more!!
Also, Please grab — if you like, as always no pressure — the IBeLOnG award….it just signifies community and likeminded people who care for one another. No rules, no pressure. Just a beautiful statement about this incrdible wonderous community that is what it is because of each unique person that is part of the whole. Thank you for understanding and a most special thank you to those who thought of me for these awards. They are so very special to me.
~*~*~*~*~*~
~7 Things About me ~
1) You’ve seen a current picture of me – I’ve changed my Gravatar to a picture that is better suited to the new me.
2) I’m downright GIDDY at the thought of my ex-in-laws moving to another state.
Thinking of planning a party to celebrate my new freedom from them.
3) I’ve become addicted to blogging & interacting with my cherished new friends here.
4) I’ve written poetry for the first time here recently…It is my hope to become even braver and expand my writing.
5) Despite my shattered past, I’m actually quite feisty, quirky, and love love love to laugh.
6) I could have entire conversations with lines from movies…or in song lyrics.
7) Two words – “I’m ready” to take on life again. No holds barred.
~*~*~*~*~*~
I would love if it if you choose to share the 7 things about you because I think we all find that truly fascinating! 🙂
Again my sincerest gratitude to you all for being such a bright light in a very dark place…for helping me rediscover myself and for helping me to be braver than I thought I could be for me. I have been strong for my family, but not for me. Thank you so very very much!
∼ Reconstructing Christina ∼ 
Well deceived awards Christina :). Congratulations on them all and I know many more are coming your way. Your best days are ahead of you. Hugs
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Thank you boomie!! So so much! You’re so sweet…I am ever prayerful that the bestest days are on their way! 🙂 I’m ready to embrace them! Hugs sweet friend!!
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addicted to blogging ……..
……… as we would all know !!! 🙂
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lol Yeah :p I know the rules say “7 things people don’t know about you” I guess everyone already knows about my blogging addiction!
I’m guessing there was a good laugh on your end between the ……… spaces 😀
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Congratulations on your awards! I am so happy that things are looking good for your family. I actually kissed and hugged our porch post when I found out some certain relatives had decided not to visit us that year… I felt like home was a haven again!
~ Wendy
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Thank you Wendy, truly gifts like hugs!! It is an inexplicable feeling of so so so much relief to know ‘they’ will be far enough away to give us true freedom!
Lol hugged your porch! Man…I can TOTALLY relate to that one! I’m very glad you got to keep your haven….such a precious thing! 🙂 Hugs and blessings ~
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Congrats quintuple! 🙂
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Thank you so much!! Such wonderful wonderful gifts…I never thought I would get so many so fast. It is such an appreciated honor x 5 🙂
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Wonderful to hear the optimism and excitement in your voice. Congratulations on all your awards, and may the sun shine on you all .
Yes, I too know the relief and the freedom when you are freed from relationships that blight your life ! Never regret it! happiness is our birthright.
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Thank you Valerie! It is a wonderful feeling to be able to look to the future with optimism and know that the ugly battle is over! I’m very very appreciative of your wonderful encouragement and sweet words!
Having this distorted diluted tendril of ick around us for so long….it is quite amazing to be free from it!! Thank you for the reminder of happiness…it IS something we all deserve now! You are appreciated friend! Hugs and Blessings!
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So excited for your “new beginnings” Christina… love your new gravitar too – you look confident and bold – and gorgeous!! xxoo Much Love sweet beautiful friend!! RL
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Thank you so so very much Robyn!! Love that “new beginnings”…definitely! LOL thank you for your sweet praise about the new picture…was going for bold…you made me blush with the rest 😀 !! Sending so so much love ♥♥♥ sweetest friend!!!!!
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Congrats a lot !
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Many many thanks and appreciation!! 😀
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Most Welcome !
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Great, positive, enthusiastic post … congratulations on some very well deserved rewards 🙂
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Thank you so much Dory!! These are definitely HUGE hugs more than awards for me 😀 ! There are tough days to be sure, but I like to LIVE in the happy place…I have a better time there 🙂
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AnElephantCant always share his feelings, but you bring a tear to a jaundiced old eye.
This time a tear of happiness.
Every award is well deserved.
It is an honour and a privilege to be counted among your friends and if AnElephant in his foolishness has helped in any way then his life has been worthwhile.
And if a grumpy old pachyderm is not out of order here, wow, you look beautiful!
Love right back at you, sweet Christina, and thanks for everything.
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One of most fondest memories of childhood was reading ALL of the Dr. Seuss books…even the more uncommon ones. Since my mom was a biblivore (I prefer that term than bibliophile), whenever we would go to the bookstore it was to Dr. Seuss I ran and read and read and read. “I Had Trouble in Getting to Solla Sollew” was/is my ALL time favorite!! Another seceret about me? I LOVE the smell of books, I’m so weird haha! —–The point of all this rambling? AnElephant reminds me of Dr. Seuss, it’s like a cup of hot cocoa on a winter day – cozy, safe, fun!
So yes, you are most definitely counted amongst my most special friends…and it is my honor and privilege to do so! 😀
I’m just flattered and blushing beyond the beyond at your very very sweet compliment about my gravatar! 🙂
Sending so much love and hugs to my favoritist quirky oh so sweet Elephant!! xoxoxo
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To be thought of in the same universe as Dr Seuss is praise beyond
praise.
And as for the gravatar, we always knew you were beautiful inside and out.
Now just even more so on the outside.
Hugs
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Then I am most sincerely glad I shared my thoughts with you! Your fun, whimsical writing does take me back to Dr. Seuss and my childhood and I LOVE it! 😀 As far as the gravatar….I will graciously say thank you and then blush some more! :p
P.S. I have a new mission now….I KNOW I had my favorite Dr. Seuss book around here somewhere….I must find it and read it to my children with their wonderful imaginations I know they will love it as much as I did. My mom’s mom…she was so patient with a little 8 year old Christina reading that same book over and over and over and over! 🙂 Hugs sweet friend!!
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ps Re your very kind comments, once wrote a couple of additional verses to Puff so that it had a happy ending!
How sad – and dumb – is that!
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OH!! I would love to see that sometime…again Puff was one of my favorite reads as a child. So not sad nor dumb! I think it proves that despite AnElephant’s desire to come across as satirical and grumpy…he’s just a big sweetheart!!! 🙂
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You will remember it ended in tears:
A dragon lives forever but not so little boys
Painted wings and giant rings make way for other toys.
One grey night it happened, jackie paper came no more
And puff that mighty dragon, he ceased his fearless roar.
His head was bent in sorrow, green scales fell like rain,
Puff no longer went to play along the cherry lane.
Without his life-long friend, puff could not be brave,
So puff that mighty dragon sadly slipped into his cave.
So AnElephant, in a rare moment of compassion, added the following:
Puff, the magic dragon, had slept for many years
Since Jackie Paper went away Puff had cried a million tears
He missed their great adventures and all the fun they had
But little Jackie had grown up and now he was a dad
Now Jackie’s son was called Jack and he’d heard of rascal Puff
One day he climbed the mountain with new games and fancy stuff
He looked inside the dark cave and it was cold and gray
He shouted in his loudest voice ‘Oh Puff come out to play!’
Puff the magic dragon let out a mighty roar
He saw young Jack and he was glad he had a friend once more
Puff the magic dragon let out a mighty roar
And with young Jack upon his back through magic skies he’d soar
Altogether now!
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Oh!!!! I love love love your ending sooooooo much better!! That’s how it should have been…love, fun, imagination, and adventure for all generations to come. Yes….that is so much more than awesome!!!! 😀
Thank you for sharing this with me, I shall no longer be sad for Puff!! 🙂
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I would be honoured if you would share it with your own children or any others. Puff is like Santa, too precious to lose too soon.
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I totally agree!! Thank you 😀 !!!!!
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all the awards goes to show that you are loved and appreciated, christina. we are truly privileged to have you here blogging and continuing to inspire. again, congratulations!
and between watching you and your family enjoy the best of times and marveling at your scorching new gravatar, i am definitely grabbing that IBeLOnG award to remind me always of the wonderful blog community which i now belong 🙂
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Neil, thank you so so very much….it is such an unexpected incredible honor that my presence here could inspire even one person….that it has fills me with joy. 🙂
I’m so very glad you will take the IBeLOnG award…you so deserve it! Along with the others!!!! 😀
As for your most generous compliments about my gravatar….well…um………speechless! 🙂
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So truly deserved Christina. I am pointing my daughter, who is going through her own issues at the moment, in the direction of your blog. You’re an inspiration 🙂 P.S. Luv the look!
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Thank you so much, these awards (love) are most definitely an incredible honor!! I wish I could just list everyone for each one of these!! 🙂
I’m further honored that you would share my place with your daughter…for inspiration. It is quite a HUGE compliment…thank you again…so so much…and again for your sweet comment about my new look!! 🙂
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Congrats on your many awards! 😀
Celeste
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Thank you Celeste!! I’m hopeful you will grab a few (or more) of these for your place….like I’ve said before I wish I could just give them all to all of you…to share the love 🙂
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Wow – That’s Fabulous – Congrats on all of them! 🙂
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Thank you Rosy…so so very much!! I’m still just so blown away by the thoughtfulness and genuine care from everyone…like you! Hugs!
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Bravo Christina…..you deserve them all….you’re so brave….very inspiring…and love your new gravatar…xomeryl
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Oh Meryl, you are too sweet…seriously! I’m more than honored and flattered you would think me brave and inspiring….so so many thanks for your sweet, kind encouragement and praise!! Huge hugs and love your way!!! xoxoxoxo
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Congratulations! Love your new gravatar. 🙂
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Thank you!! So so much appreciation for your kind, sweet thoughts! 😀
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Congratulations, Christina. You more than deserve them all. Blessings to you.
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Thank you so very very very much! You are so sweet to share your sweet thoughts and blessings!! And most appreciated 🙂 Blessings sweet friend!!
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Congratulations for the awards, Christina! – And I am happy to sense so much balance and healing happening for you!
Much love, dear!
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Stefanie, thank you so very very much!! You have wonderful insight…I do feel so much better than I have in a very long time…too long. 🙂 I know with everything there is balance…good and bad, happy and sad…and still lots to go through (still wish there was a way around, but there isn’t sigh)…but for today, today I am happy and enjoying it! 😀
Hugs and love you and wishes for a wonderful day!! xoxo
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I can’t think of anyone who deserved these awards more. Congrats Christina! With your beautiful spirit in tow, I certainly think you are ready to take on life! Blessings to you and your family!
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Oh LuAnn, thank you so very very very much! Your sweet encouragement has just added so much brightnes and joy to my days. You are so appreciated friend! 🙂 Hugs and Love ~
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Wow!
Congratulations Christina! So many all at once, well done.:-)
If anyone deserves them you certainly do.
You know the best part of your entry…
7) Two words – “I’m ready” to take on life again. No holds barred
Its’ time for you now, time for yourself, and you deserve that too.
Congratulations again Christina, I hope you laugh a lot now.
love n hugs
xxx
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Thank you so VERY much…this whole experience, blogging and interacting with so many beautiful souls (like you) has just truly been so healing and encouraging…there aren’t enough words or ways to say Thank You!
It was for my family I did everything…this piece of me here with all of you, has helped me to focus some time on me and for that I am eternally grateful to you…all of you!!
I know how you feel about awards, but it would truly honor me…a special request…that you grab the IBeLOnG badge/award. As I said it is just a symbol of belonging and being part of an amazing community which you have and continue to do to very exceedingly well!!
Love and Hugs sweet friend!! xoxoxo
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Yeah! Yahoo! Yippee! & Congratulations!
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sheesh, look at all those bling blings 🙂 Huge Gratz to you!
7 things about me thats facinating? naaa. you already know my facinations…lol
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Lol bling…now I HAVE to make a new page & instead of naming it Awards will HAVE to call it…..wait for it…………..”Blog Bling” lol! :p
Thank you for the congrats! 😀 They do make me feel special! 🙂 Yes 7 things!! Even if it’s just a top 7 fav video games :p C’mon you know you want to :p
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you are oozing style today! “Blog Bling”, that is just too good 🙂
kk, I like all the favourite things per Julie Andrews’ Sound of Music. No way I’m getting into games again while your mom could be listening, can’t make her think I’m a terrible follower…lol. I’ll stick with sound of music stuff 🙂
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Lol! Oozing style…gonna use that sometime!! And no worries about mom listening…she’s a hoot…that’s where I get my love of humor from!!! Sound of music….you crack me up!! :p Soooooo bring on the list of 7 things or games haha!
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booo! I hope you are not putting down sound of music! anyway, her favorite 7 things which I happen to like: blue curtain, a whisker, sunday outfit, gift box, a cat, something velvet,…forgot what the 7th one was, but I’ll get back to you in the morning.
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Lol! Cheater…but since you made me laugh I’ll let you get away with it…….this time! 😛
Gonna hold you to the 7th thing in the morning 😉
(and for what it’s worth wasn’t putting down sound of music :p )
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Alright, I now realize I butchered her favourite things… I’ll go back to answering the video game question.
You know what I dream about every night, daydream everyday at work, I come home and its the 4th love I see everyday…Diablo3. Infact, I’m staring at it right now 🙂
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Diablo 3….well well welll….will have to put that on the list of games to check out…still trying to figure out how to blog, chat with my fav peeps, learn the techy stuff so I can add some more pizazz to my blog!! “Then there’s my country’s 500th anniversary to plan…..” lol sorry line from a movie!!! :p Wonder if you know which one?!?
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lol, I don’t know, it might have too much blood and gore for chic blogger like you. Still trying to figure out how to blog? I don’t usually give out too many rofl’s but that comment is definitely deserving of ROFL! I wouldn’t change a THING if I were you. You and your mom definitely have the “it” factor in blogging.
I love movie lines, but most of my favorite movie lines involve Mel Brooks movies…lol. I can’t think of any past quality movie that would have a line like that, and be popular….I bet its some sort of a chick flick.
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Naaa, I can handle a little video game gore now and then!! :p Though Gaunlet was cool in that the baddies just disappeared/disintegrated teehee….
You, good sir, know how to give a most excellent and incredibly amazing compliment!! 😀 LOL The ‘it’ factor…you are waaay too kind!!! I guess I’m still on my quest to learn css — I am a wanna be technogoob :p
The line was from The Princess Bride…love that movie!! And You just moved to the top of the list of my favorite people…I love love LOVE Mel Brooks movies…shoot me any line and I’ll bet I can guess which Mell Brooks movie it’s from! :p
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oh man, gauntlet was very cool. I would love to buy the original upright machine if it came up on auction. Wizard’s fire ball was awesome!
I like giving out complements that are earned and deserving 🙂
Hmmm…Princess Bride…yes, now i remember. I watched it once with my date because she convinced me it had Andre the Giant in it…lol.
You LOVE Mel Brooks movies? lol, you are one rare speciment of a lady…lol. One of my favorite lines is,
“we are not doing this for the money….we are doing this for a shit load of money”…lol. That line cracks me up every time.
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Aww!! Well that was one heck of an amazing most appreciated compliment!! 😀
Love Gauntlet!! Remember Sinstar? Another fav arcade game!! haha maybe I am a geeky girl! lol :p
Oooooo Spaceballs…one of my absolute favs!! Oodles of great lines!! 😀 I’m rare?! Is that a good kind of rare or the not good kind rofl! :p
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lol, I vaguely remember that game. I think the game Defender came out around the same time and thats where I invested my hard earned quarters…lol
spaceballs…lol. that has got to in my top 3 faves. I can’t believe you nailed it! Spaceballs3 had so much anticipation, I don’t know what happened to it 😦
Your rarity is definitely good kind of rarity because Spaceballs and Mel Brooks are freakin awesome!
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Ooooo I remember defender! I think at that time my fav was Centipede :p LOVED the nickel arcades!! Yay…a good kind of rarity…I like being unique….and quirky!! :p I grew up watching and loving Mel Brooks….all his movies never ever fail to make me laugh! I quote History of the World to my eldest all the time “Don’t get saucy with me Bernaise…” lol yeah….I’m def weird!! 🙂 Speaking of quirky… I liked the movie 300 also…probably why I don’t have many girlfriends haha
OH! And LOVED what you said on mom’s blog…she’s gorgeous and doesn’t hear it often enough!! 😀
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lol, too funny. It must be a riot when your girlfriends want to go see one movie and you want to watch something their male signifcant-others want to watch…lol
If you think about all your mom’s traits and stats, she is a VERY marketable person. Her current blog is only the beginning and I think sky is the limit for her.
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LOL It is sort of a riot re: the movies…I like all kinds of movies, but really only want to go to the theatre if it’s awesome special effects/action type movie!!
Re: My mom….yes a huge YES to everything you said….she just needs some encouragement…and you are helping me with that! Along with some other amazing peole here who follow her….I do believe she is expanding exponentially and am so excited to see where this takes her!!!! 😀 She deserves HUGE doses of happy and encouragement!!
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