Having a tough day?
Place your hand over your heart.
Feel that? It's called purpose.
Your alive for a reason.
Don't give up.
(Found on the Web - No author listed.)
I read this saying on those days I just want to go back to bed and hopefully get up to a better day. Then I remember what an old friend told me years ago - "always remember to do one good thing for yourself each day even if it is only having a stick of your favorite gum." So I place my hand over my heart, remember what I think I'm here for and decide on one good thing to do for myself that day. I hope this works for you too.
LETS VISIT RITTENHOUSE NEEDLEWORK IN PHILADELPHIA, PA
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| "Borrowed" from their Website |
The owners of this superb needlepoint shop are two extremely personable gentlemen; Stephen Janick and Russell Palmer who began this business ten years ago in a different location but as March of this year are now located at 1216 Arch Street - Suite 2A (2nd floor), Philadelphia, PA 19107, and as Russell puts it, "to multiply our foot print by almost 10 times."
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| Get the whole real deal on their Web |
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| CHARLEY HARPER CANVAS |
If you need to call them their phone number is: 215-563-4566 or toll-free: 877-point80.
THE HISTORY OF THE HANDKERCHIEF IS NOTHING TO SNEEZE AT! (This is an updated reprint of an article I wrote in the Summer issue of my former Needle News newsletter of 2010) (discount code: Mary)
I must confess I never thought anything much about the handkerchief until I talked to Loris Klingbeil from New Mexico some eight years ago. Loris and I have discussed many interests over the years; we both share a great love of history among many other things. One day we got to collecting things. Since I've lived in Egypt - four wonderful trips to research my love of ancient Egypt and for my historical novel that takes place in 4th century AD in Egypt then under the control of the Roman Empire. I've got over 100 books on Egypt and I have a very large camel collection. Yes, camels, in honor of my camel rides across the southern desert in Egypt.
She told me she collected handkerchiefs. At that time I had no idea handkerchiefs were collected. In short order she filled me in on the amazing history of the hankie. The more she told me, and the more I researched handkerchiefs on my own, the more fascinated I became. This simple piece of cloth has been a sign of wealth and prestige, has been printed with ads or beautiful designs, was (and still is) a fashion symbol, was included in with greeting cards, been imprinted with states and presidents, and even created into what were called "flutters" - hankies with flowers or birds or butterflies in a corner made from a stiff, soft fabric so they actually fluttered. In fact, there are so many categories of hankies, if you decide to collect, Loris said, it might be helpful to pick a particular category to focus on.
Now before I give you a timeline on handkerchief history I have a little hankie story of my own. As I said Loris and I had this discussion eight years ago but she never forgot my love of Egypt. A short time ago when I brought in my mail, I noticed I had mail from Loris so I opened it up first thing. Inside was a folded hankie and this note, "Dear Ruth, Just this past weekend I was "gifted" with a multi-dozen handkerchief collection! While going through them all, one by one, I thought of you when I came across the enclosed hankie - a subject dear (or close) to your heart. It is clean, just washed and ironed. But it is old (has age spots and a bit faded). But note, it has the name of the silk screen artist. Pretty neat, eh? Enjoy! Sincerely, Loris"
Of course, I was thrilled. In fact, I am going to mat and frame it to hang in my Egypt room (my office where I write). And loving research, I had to investigate the silk screener, E. Leonard. Turns out he is very famous. I viewed some of his other work and was delighted to have not only a piece of Egypt but of his work as well.
Thank you, thank you. Lores for such a special gift.
Now for the timeline of hankie history:
1000 BCE - The emperor and upper classes in China used rectangular pieces of cloth decorated with fringes.
50 BCE - Both the Greeks and Romans used handkerchiefs - at least the men. Women didn't use the hankie for another 100 years.
350-500 A.D. - With the decline of the Roman Empire handkerchief use fell as wll. During the dark ages (500-900 A.D) shirtsleeves were used for sweat and well, runny noses.
1000 A.D. - The handkerchief is now a gift of betrothal like we use the engagement ring.
1400 A.D. - By this time the handkerchief is used throughout Europe by both sexes and many classes. By 1500 A.D. the hankie is predominate in royal circles. In 1570 A.D. Queen Elizabeth I orders the sleeves of soldiers' uniforms to have buttons every few inches along the arms to discourage the use of the sleeve for "unfit" purposes.
1600 A.D. - Lace is used on the hankie to distinguish the hankies of the wealthy from those of the "less desirables".
1679 A.D. - zthe Milan Council decrees that Venetian needlepoint should be used ONLY for handkerchiefs. Why? Again, to distinguish the hankies of the rich from those of the poor.
1780 A.D.- In France Louis XVI decrees all handkerchiefs should be square but no one paid attention.
1785 A.D - Invention of the roller printer allows hankies to be printed with pictures, slogans, logs, maps, flags, and anything else that could be printed on paper.
1956 -65 A.D. - This is known as the Golden Age of Handkerchiefs. We all have them. In fact, the hankie was probably one of the most popular gift items during that time.
During this time the tissue was growing in popularity and sounds a death knell for the popularity of the handkerchief. Yet in spite of pop-up boxes of tissue the hankie still has a place in the world.
Want to learn more about the handkerchief? Here are some books for your perusal:
Kurella, Elizabeth: Whitework Embroidered Lace Handkerchiefs - This wonderful collection these handkerchiefs is shown in photo close-ups to show how to judge the merits or demerits of the work. This book also serves as a wonderful inspiration to enhance ideas on new hankies. $18.00
Milhalick, Roseanna - Collecting Handkerchiefs (Revised) - Hundreds of handkerchiefs are featured in over 300 color photos, representing over 30 states, major cities, popular tourist destinations, and many continents. Examples date from the 1940's to the early 1960's and include handkerchiefs by designers Billie Kompa, Faith Austin, Tammis Keefe, Frederique, and others, lovely floral prints, holiday motifs, with hand-rolled or neatly machine-stitched scalloped edges, fine lace trim, and original paper labels or tags. $24.95
Wilson, Betty - Printed and Lace Handkerchiefs: Interpreting a Popular 20th Century Collectible - This identification and price guide will be useful and fun for all vintage linen enthusiasts. Over 400 color photos and a lively and factual text presents hankies from both historical and design points of view. The examples are arranged by decades and by their geometric shapes. Helpful information about displaying your collection and general care are provided. $29.95And Two More Handkerchief Books for Fun and Interest:
Cooper, James Fenimore - Autobiography of a Pocket-Handkerchief - This satirical short novel displays a side of this famous author of the 19th century probably unfamiliar with modern readers. Set in Paris and New York in 1830 it is told from the point of view of an actual handkerchief; its origins in a French flax field, how it was passed around New York City society in the 1830's and its eventual return to its maker. In this story Cooper makes a point of looking down on Victorian materialism - which placed value on consumption, not production. $6.99
Donadelle, Aubrey, et al - Santa's Lost Handkerchief - Everyone has childhood memories but sadly, they aren't always good ones. This book is the authors attempt to effect a good childhood experience. In this era of blogging, tweeting and interactive gaming, the authors said why not interactive reading. Any child will be swept away as he/she follows Santa across the globe in preparing his big night. Then when it seems there will no Christmas, the reader has the special honor of being the ne to literally recover Santa's handkerchief and return it to the North Pole in time to save the day for everyone. This is a colorful and neat lesson in "no effort is too small, and anything is possible." $12.95
POTPORRI OF NEW BOOKS
BOOK NAME ALERT!
For those of you who ordered the book, Stitch People by RSN trained, Jo Dixey, it's street date in the USA has been moved to September 2018 and even more importantly the title has been changed to: Creative Thread, but the price $19.95 and content is the same. If you already pre-ordered it, this book will be shipped in September as soon as I received my copies. Thanks.CAROLE LAKE DOES IT AGAIN!
New book in the Take-along Series for needleworkers, Just in the Nick of Time: Dozens of Last Minute Stitch Ideas, is Carole without Michael Boren her partner for the first two books in the series: Desert Island Stitches volumes One and Two. All are small spiral-bound books that fit into a suitcase, tote, or large purse.
In this new book Carole shares how to pick the stitch, the threads that works particularly well for a particular spot in a design and variations on that stitch that will make it very
special. Even if you are an expert stitcher Carole comes up with some great tips for you. This book has gotten great reviews from stitchers. $30.00
In case you are familiar with her other books with her partner Michael Boren I've included them here:
Twisty Stitches: String Art for Needlepoint: Vol. 1: Amadeus - Jessica - They write that these stitches are often referred to as "Hilton stitches", referring to the talented designer and teacher Jean Hilton, who many people credit with creating these stitches. She is largely responsible for taking stitches from curve stitching, string art and macramé techniques and moving them to the needlepoint canvas. This is certainly needlework at its most creative and fun aspects. I love the graphs are large and steps are numbered and each stitch is shown in color. Have Fun! Book is 8 /1/2 x 11 and spiralbound for easy use. $52.95
Twisty Stitches: String Art for Needlepoint: Vol. 2 - Mistake Stitch - Walneto - This book is in the same great format as the first book with a step-by-step stitch journey for each twisty stitch. Again the book is 8 1/2 x 11 and spiralbound for easy use. $52.95
Desert Island Stitches #1 - In this handy take along book, Michael and Carole include many wonderful ideas on the many different types of stitches suitable for small spaces. From the very basic to the more advanced stitches such as Oblique, Knitting and Wavy Stitches this is the book you would want if you were stranded on a Desert Island. $29.95
Desert Island Stitches: #2: Creative Borders - This second volume of Michael and Carole's makes adding borders to enhance any needlepoint design fun and easy. Learn how to make a border fit any size design, and indulge in a myriad of options! As I mentioned above both of these book are small and compact for easy carrying and chock full of ideas. $29.95AND SO DOES CAROLYN HEDGE BAIRD!
When I received an e-mail from Carolyn I was thrilled to learn she has a new book to ship out. It seems just the other day when she published her: Field Guide for Birds - another of her bestselling titles - $54. 95. 
And we can't forget another of her bestselling books: Teeny Tiny Stitches - $30.00.
Now she has come out with her latest book: Needlepoint Stitchpirations, Inspiring Stitches for Inspired Stitchers - $54.95 She calls it, another BIG book with lots of information. I have no picture of it yet but it is already selling!
NOW MORE GREAT BOOKS
Blomkamp, Hazel - Crewel Creatures - This is her third book in her successful series on crewel embroidery with the first two books: Crewel Intentions and Crewel Twists which introduced embroiderers to needle-lace and loom-weaving techniques in her designs. Animals and birds are popular subjects in crewel embroidery, and in this new book Hazel introduces needleworkers to the beautiful, exotic creatures found in the African wild. Using the Jacobean embroidery style she incorporates the subtle influence of the fractal designs found in zentangle art, Hazel also brings beads and other 3-D elements into her designs to capture the stunning and colorful art that is traditionally associated with Africa. Those new with her work will find the essential crewel stitches, needle-lace and needle-weaving techniques needed in an easy-to-follow how-to section and stitch gallery inside the books. With every project step-by-step instructions and gorgeous photos are included, along with a template of the design. all the projects are stitches and embellished on natural colored linen. She is amazingly original. $24.95 Due in June but can be preordered now. 
Cartwright, Lynn - Lifelike Artist Dolls: How-To and Inspiration from Lynn Cartwright's Studio - Learn one-of-a-kind polymer clay-doll-making tips from an award-winning expert! Her amazingly realistic dolls celebrate diverse cultures and ethnicities, from Native American to African. Follow her step-by-step guidance through key parts of the process, from material choices to armatures to facial modeling to accuracy in costuming. $24.99
Enginger, Veronique - Retro Cross Stitch: 500 Patterns, French Charm for Your Stitchwork - Enter this vintage universe and add a touch of nostalgia to your stitch work. Recreate designs from the1800s and 1900s fashion houses and milliners' catalogs, travel motifs like trunk labels of exotic destinations and railroad advertising posters. Other sections of patterns feature tea and coffee motifs, and daily life in vintage terms. Many of the designs include multiple scenes and motifs, offering you hundreds of components. Throughout, be inspired by completed motifs, along with photos of projects that will show off your creations. Color images and patterns. $29.99 
Enginger, Veronique - Fables and Fairy Tales to Cross Stitch: French Charm for Your Stitchwork - Create neat "once upon a time" keepsakes with these 44 cross stitch patterns, blending the traditional style of France with a contemporary simplicity. The designs ore eye-catching lovely with their subtle colors, gentle humor, and delicate lines. They're all here: wily foxes, big bad wolves, city mice and country mice not to mention princesses, enchanted worlds and fun rhymes. Many include multiple scenes and motifs, offering you dozens more components to use. Enjoy instructions for 22 projects to show off your stitchwork; luggage tags, mobiles, cookie tins, quilts, a cuddly toy with its own sleeping bag, and more. Color images and patterns. $24.99
Franziska Ebner and Romana Hasenohrl - Natural Dyeing with Plants: Glorious Colors From Roots, Leaves and Flowers - The luminosity of colors from plants can be easily transferred to wool, silk, or other materials at home. Necessary materials, picking, the preparation of fibers or substances, and different dying materials can be felted or turned into woolen pictures. The traditional coloring of Easter eggs with natural colors or the coloring of the sun is also explained. Last but not least, the authors deal with trendsetting ecoprinting. $26.99 Due in May but can be preordered now.
Janas, Jan and Diane Tuckman - The Fine Art of Painting on Silk: Inspiring Methods and Techniques for Beginners and Expert-Level Artists - Painting on silk, in its millennia-old traditional form and also in contemporary form, has become increasingly popular. With this guide, be inspired by the nearly 500 images, the visual demos and more. Starting with the basic skills and techniques, this is a guidance on every element of this art, including setting up your studio space, painting on pre-constructed clothing, and framing your art. A special chapter, "Color: The Workshop Experience", offers exercises for harnessing the variety of silk dye hues. Complex layered looks, plein air painting and landscapes, critiquing, seeking authenticity, intuitive improvisation, and more. The authors are the founders of Silk Painters International. $34.99
Olson, Lisa Marie -Felt Wonderland - Transfer wonderful wool fibers into 12 gorgeous felt items using easy-to-learn techniques. The author teaches us how to create beautiful felt items using the art of wet felting from basic flat-felting techniques through to using a resist and working around a 3D mold. She includes 12 great projects, ranging from decorative teacups, a teapot and a tea light holder to such items as a handbag, lampshade and cozy slippers all inspired by her love of fairy tales and fantasy stories including Alice in Wonderland. You can embellish these lovely felted items in many different ways and create your own fabulous works of art. She also includes other techniques such as needle felting, hand stitching, embroidery and applique to further embellish the projects. There are full-sixe templates provided on a separate, foldout sheet. $14.95
Pile, Jessica Jane - Fashion Embroidery: Embroidery Techniques and Inspiration for Haute Couture Clothing - Add a unique touch to your clothes with this inspirational guide to fashion embroidery embellishment by Jessica Pile, the Production Director at Hand and Lock (the youngest director they ever had). This book features hand-drawn designs, catwalk photos and step-by-step-guides, along with stunning examples of embroideries and embellishments by major couturiers. She demonstrates the basics of goldwork, tambour beading, and decorative stitching, along with projects and advice on fabrics, tools, and terminology. $34.95
Stanton, Andra F. - Dimensional Cloth: Sculpture by Contemporary Textile Artists - Sculpting in fabric is shown in ingenious detail here, with more than 350 lavish photos of 3-D cloth configurations along with insightful profiles of the 78 artists who created them. These works are approached through five themes: Investigating nature, capturing the ephemeral, playing with space, telling a story, and "Take Heed". In her forward, renowned fiber art expert Josephine Stealey helps us put this art form in context, from its origins in 1880 England's arts and crafts movement to today. What a great book of inspiration! $50.00Due in June but can be preordered now.
Weillin, Yuan - Silk Ribbon Embroidery Chinese Style: An Illustrated Stitch Guide - This ribbon embroidery book breaks through the traditional style of western silk ribbon embroidery by incorporating traditional Chinese elements such as simple layout with liubai (leaving blank) as well as incorporating the contemporary Chinese art to create silk ribbon embroideries that are unique and ethereal. The book includes dozens of basic stitching techniques with detailed steps and illustrations that are ranging from small scales decoration on mirror and handheld fan to large scale stitch art. The patterns include flowers, trees, fishes, prawns, architectures and more. Among the different stitches, the prawns, peony and lotus leaf are originated by the author who has years of experience. $24.95MYSTERY CORNER
Adler, Rebecca - Cinco de Murder - Its fiesta time in Broken Boot and lt; Texas, and tourists are pouring into town faster than free beer at a bull roping for the mouthwatering Cinco de Mayo festivities. Tex-Mex waitress Josie Callahan, her feisty abuela, and even her spunky Chihuahua Lenny are polishing their folklorico dances for Saturday's big parade, while Uncle Eddie is adding his own spicy event to the fiesta menu: Broken Boot's First annual Charity Chili Cook Off. But Uncle Eddie's hopes of impressing the town council cook go up in smoke when cantankerous chili cook Lucky Straw is found dead in his tent. Josie's uncle is accused of fatal negligence, she, Lenny, and Detective Lightfoot must uncover who ended the ambitious chilihead's life before another cook kicks the bucket. $7.99
Chen, Vivien - Death by Dumpling: A Noodle Shop Myst #1 - The last place Lee thought she would ever end up is back at her family's restaurant, But after a brutal break-up and a dramatic workplace wash-out, she figures that helping wait tables is her best option for putting her life back together. Even if she has to put up with her mother who is dead-set on finding her a husband. Then Mr. Feng turns up dead after a delivery of shrimp dumplings from Ho Lee. But how could of that happened when everyone on the staff knew of Mr. Feng's severe, life-threatening shellfish allergy? Now with the whole restaurant is under suspicion for murder and the local media is in a feeding frenzy it is up to Lana to find out who is behind Feng's killing order. $7.99
Dyer-Seeley, Kate - Natural Thorn Killer (Rose City Mystery #1) - Brita Johnston might be a later bloomer, but after leaving her deadbeat husband anSinced dead-end job, she's finally pursuing her artistic passion at her aunt Elin's floral boutique, Blooma, in Portland, Oregon. It's on the banks of the Willamette, in a quaint district of cobblestone paths and cherry trees. The wine bar featuring Pacific Northwest vintages, is a tasty bonus, offering another kind of bouquet to enjoy. But things aren't as peaceful as they look. For one thing, someone has been leaving dead roses around - and a sleazy real estate developer who wants the waterfront property has put a big-money offer on the table. Then after a contentious meeting of local business owners, he's found on the floor of the shop, with Elin's pruning shears planted in his chest. And before police decide to pin the crime on her beloved aunt, Britta will have to find out who arranged this murder. $7.99 
Ehrhart, Peggy - Murder She Knit (Knit and Nibble Mystery #1) - Since her only daughter left for college, widow Pamela Peterson has kept busy as associate editor of a craft magazine and founder of the Knit and Nibble Knitting Club in quaint Arborville, New Jersey. Now she's trying a new hobby - solving murders! Pamela is hosting the next Knit and Nibble meeting and can't wait to enliven up her otherwise empty house with colorful yarn, baking, and a little harmless gossip. She even recruits an old friend, Amy Morgan, an old friend who has recently moved to town, as the group's newest member. But that night Amy doesn't show - not until Pamela finds her friend outside with a knitting needle stabbed through her hand-knit sweater. Someone committed murder before running off with Amy's knitting bag, and Pamela realizes that only she can spot the deadly details hidden in mysterious skeins. But when another murder occurs, naming the culprit - and living to spin the tale - will be more difficult than Pamela ever imagined. $7.99
Fee, Vickie - Til Death Do Us Part (Liv and Di in Dixie Mystery) - Las Vegas knows how to party, and for once, event planner Liv McKay won't be entirely behind the scenes. The Dixie gang is in Sin City to celebrate Mama and Earl's rockin' Elvis-themed wedding. And between juggling the botched bachelorette party and a problem-plagued soiree back home, Liv's ready to double down on some fun. When they get to the Burning Love Wedding Chapel the Elvis-impersonating minister has left the building permanently. And even worse, Liv's cousin, Little Junior, is suspected of his murder. $7.99
Maron, Margaret - Take Out - From the N.Y. Times bestselling, award-winning author Margaret Maron - winner of the Edgar Award, Agatha Christie Award, Anthony Award, and Macavity Award for her classic mystery, The Bootlegger's Daughter - comes a stunning new mystery. NYPD Detective Sigrid Harald is still reeling from the untimely death of her lovers, acclaimed painter Oscar Nauman, when she is called to investigate the poisoning of two homeless men in the West Village. As she examines the mysterious deaths, Sigrid uncovers a grim neighborhood scandal surrounding two influential women; one a haughty mafia widow, the other a retired opera prima donna, both with dark secrets they've kept under wraps for decades. Was the poison really meant for the homeless men, or were they merely unintended victims as the decades-long feud between the two women comes to a head. And still, Sigrid can't stop wondering what brought her late lover so urgently across the country to the winding mountain road that took his life - until she meets a man who may hold the answers she seeks. $7.99
Maron, Margaret - Bootlegger's Daughter: A Deborah Knott Mystery - #1) - I couldn't resist adding this to the list since it won so much praise and awards. Deborah was expected to be a conventional little girl then a conventional woman marrying a conventional husband. Instead, she became an attorney, infiltrating the old boy network that still rules the tobacco country of Colleton County, North Carolina. She knows that the power of the past - her family's long history in the area is a major asset in her campaign for district judge. Then again, as the strong-willed daughter of Kezzie Knott - notorious bootlegger, ex-con, and political string-puller -history is also one of her greatest problems. But it is an episode from the more recent past that threatens to derail her campaign. As a teen, Deborah used to babysit little Gayle Whitehead for her mother Janie. One rainy spring day eighteen years ago, both mother and daughter disappeared. When found three days later Gayle was dehydrated, dirty and hungry and Janie was dead. The unsolved murder became a local legend and an enigma that continues to haunt Gayle, who begs Deborah to investigate. $14.95
McKinlay, Jenn - Wedding Cake Crumble (Cupcake Bakery Mystery) - For the Fairy Tale Cupcake crew, wedding bells turn to death knells. With Angie and Tate's wedding just around the corner, it's a happy time for Melanie Cooper and the bakery crew. Not only are they fine tuning the last minute details of the big day, but their bakery, has just been hired to bake cupcakes for the blockbuster book signing of a controversial author who wrote a steamy bestseller filled with juicy local gossip. But one by one, the people Angie has hired to work at the wedding begin turning up dead. As the body count rises, the bestselling author is the next to bite the dust. Mel quickly realizes she needs to figure out how the murders are connected and why - before the killer brings the entire cupcake crew crumbling down. After all, Angie and Tate deserve their sweet happily ever after. $7.99
Sennefelder, Debra - The Uninvited Corpse - Leaving behind a failed career as a magazine editor and an embarrassing stint on a reality baking show, newly divorced lifestyle entrepreneur Hope Early thought things were finally on the upswing - until she comes faces-to-face with a murderer. Hope's schedule is already jam packed with recipe testing and shameless plugs for her food blog as she rushes off to attend a spring garden tour in the charming town of Jefferson, Connecticut. Unfortunately, it isn't the perfectly arranged potted plants that grab her attention - it's the bloody body of a reviled real estate agent Peaches McCoy. $7.99
Swanson, Denise - Tart of Darkness (Chef-To-Go Mystery #1) This best-selling author brings us a new series and once again delivers murder, intrigue, and romance as she introduces us to Dani Sloan and a lively cast of supporting character. Just when Dani thinks she's hit a dead-end in her career, she unexpectedly inherits an enormous old house in a quaint college town. This gives her the perfect opportunity to pursue her true passion - cooking and opens up Chef-to-Go and takes in boarders to fund this business. But when one of her boarders, but when one of them is murdered and she becomes the prime suspect, she must serve up the real killer to clear her name and save her business. $7.99Thanks For Visiting Ruth Kern Books
I hope your visit was a pleasant one. If this is your first visit I'd like to introduce you to our business of over 25 years. We have set up book shops for the ANG, EGA, and a variety of other needlework organizations and have this on-line blog.
Can't find a certain book? Give us a call whether the title you want is in or out-of-print.
Give us a call Monday through Saturday at 602-943-738 If the phone is on message please don't be shy about leaving a message. I'll be back to you ASAP! Or you can send me an e-mail at rkern3@mindspring.com. By mail: Ruth kern Books 7235 N. 9th Avenue Phoenix, AZ 85021.
MOST IMPORTANT! Look for the discount code hidden somewhere in this blog that gives you a 20% discount on any new books you order from any blog.
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