Sometimes there are words that describe what you see and feel; other times there are no words that can express what you see and feel. For me, there seems to be a bit of both happening as I look back at the last few days of wonder and awe as our friends, along with Barb and I, continue to travel on this incredible journey out west ... we have traveled hither and yon, and wherever we are, we see God's creation and handiwork.
Of course, as we left Colorado, we also left the majestic Rocky Mountains behind us, and began to see the rough and wide hills and plains of Wyoming and South Dakota. When we arrived in Keystone, we had a quick supper, and ventured off to Mt. Rushmore. The evening light display was on as we arrived. At first, we thought that the Park Service kept crowds away for us as we had a private showing! We were the only ones there! The quietness along with the cold, soft breeze added to the experience. The monument was smaller than I thought, and it wasn't until a few days later when we went back and saw it after breakfast with full sunlight, plus reading the informative literaure provided (and seeing the movie presentation on its construction), that we realized the immensity of this beautiful and patriotic monument. For instance, I learned that George Washington's lips are eighteen feet wide! Sure puts a lot into perspective when you also realize actually how far we were away from the monument -- even when we got as close as one can get. Towards the end of our visit to Mt. Rushmore, I sat on a bench inside the pavillion and looked up at the four faces of the presidents carved there. I thought about what they did as presidents in making a difference not only for our country, but for the preservation of our country - whether it was in battle or through government to protect the beauty that is still ours to this day. Each had a hand in history that made it possible for all of us to enjoy many, many places across this land of ours.
The Badlands offered vistas of unparalelled beauty at every turn we made. Who would have thought that rock formations and the occasional grass and tumbleweed could offer such a sight? Of course, it was as far as the eyes could see. Mountain goats, prairie dogs, and other small critters brought us to a point of gleeful excitement - wondered if ANYTHING lived out in this desolate place!
Custer State Park, just outside of Keystone, was the pinnacle of the trip when it comes to seeing animal life. Our final day in the west brought us to several herds of bison, some very close to the road. I had never seen bison in the wild that close. Their size blew my mind. At the same time, they were grazing on the grass in the field, and enjoying the warmth of the sun as a few cars rolled by snapping pictures as vehicles continued down the road. Our stopping offered the chance to not only see them, but as I listened closely, you could sense a lot of history. For at one time, millions upon millions of these beautiful beasts roamed North America. By 1900, there were less than 1,000 remaining. Through careful conservation methods and the help of some good people, this particular area now hosts between 1,300 and 1,500 buffalo just in Custer State Park alone.
The West is like no other place in our country. I'm not sure that I am satisfied with the word magnificent to describe our experiences out here. That's where I get to a point where there are no words to describe the feeling -- save that I can scratch off some things on my bucket list. I can truly say I have experienced another part of God's creation, and it makes me realize how much I need to appreciate God's handiwork more. Each day has been a blessing as we uncover another place to celebrate and experience.
Our travel now take us across to Minnesota, and we reunite with Erin, our daughter, and share her church and town with our friends with us. Thank you, God, for all we have seen and felt. Thank you for the wisdom and insight of those who saw fit to preserve and protect what we have before us here. Thank you, too, O God, for stirring our thought process as we determine what it is WE need to be and do in our little corner of the world that will make a difference and preserve and protect what we have there. You have truly moved me, O Lord. I am blessed beyond words.
Thursday, October 30, 2014
Sunday, October 26, 2014
It's Halftime!
Colorado Springs, Garden of the Gods, and Manitou Springs brought back many memeories as we toured the area yesterday and today. We lucked out by visiting the Farmer's Market in the Old City of Colorado Springs where we found various vendors in the tree-shaded park selling not only fruits and vegetables, but all sorts of interesting things. (Didn't see any of the "special" smoking products now prevalant in Colorado!) However, we did find a cheese vendor and one who provided some wonderful breads stuffed with all sorts of goodies.
The days have been warm and sunny which provided a beautiful backdrop to the scenery around us. We also took some alone time later in the afternoon yesterday and finished off the day at a fabulous Mediteranean restaurant that took our taste buds for a whirl!
Today's experiences took us back to a French bakery for breakfast and a wonderful tour through Garden of the Gods. Barb and I remembered fondly the many youth groups we brought here from work camps of the past. There were several places in the park where groups would pose for pictures amidst the huge boulders and rock formations. Again, the sky was a radiant blue with a few clouds billowing in the distance. Pikes Peak shown off its snow-colored peak and the majestic hills and valleys that make up the mountain were showing the trees in various colors.
We were inquisitive about the Flying W Ranch to see if there was any progress. As we approached the area, we realized the devastation from the terrible fire that wiped out the complex as well as most of the mountainside all around the area. Forest fires can provide re-creation to the land; however, this particular forest fire wiped out the Flying W as well as some homes in the immediate vicinity. I understand there is an effort to rebuild the Flying W Ranch as it is a hallmark of Colorado Springs. It was a disappointment not to be able to share the Flying W Ranch experience with our friends. However, Barb did discover a wonderful place, The Elephant Bar, whic provided a savory meal topped with an exquisite dessert.
As you can tell, we became quite the foodies these past two days! But I also was able to get some reading in, and the memories of this beautiful place aside the mountains provided completeness to these two days. Tomorrow takes us further north in Colorado and a chance to meet good publisher friends whom I would like to share my progress in writing. Not sure they will publish my manuscriopt; it's not their type of book. Sure would love some sort of endorsement, if possible.
So now we have completed half of our journey with cooler weather forcasted at least for part of the time. We'll be digging out the warmer clothes now and putting away those shorts and short-sleeved things we have been accustomed to wearing. I suspect the cool morning walks will offer a different look to the day. I know the scenery will be as spectacular as ever. I also know that God has something special in store with each new day and I am excited to see just what it is going to be.
The days have been warm and sunny which provided a beautiful backdrop to the scenery around us. We also took some alone time later in the afternoon yesterday and finished off the day at a fabulous Mediteranean restaurant that took our taste buds for a whirl!
Today's experiences took us back to a French bakery for breakfast and a wonderful tour through Garden of the Gods. Barb and I remembered fondly the many youth groups we brought here from work camps of the past. There were several places in the park where groups would pose for pictures amidst the huge boulders and rock formations. Again, the sky was a radiant blue with a few clouds billowing in the distance. Pikes Peak shown off its snow-colored peak and the majestic hills and valleys that make up the mountain were showing the trees in various colors.
We were inquisitive about the Flying W Ranch to see if there was any progress. As we approached the area, we realized the devastation from the terrible fire that wiped out the complex as well as most of the mountainside all around the area. Forest fires can provide re-creation to the land; however, this particular forest fire wiped out the Flying W as well as some homes in the immediate vicinity. I understand there is an effort to rebuild the Flying W Ranch as it is a hallmark of Colorado Springs. It was a disappointment not to be able to share the Flying W Ranch experience with our friends. However, Barb did discover a wonderful place, The Elephant Bar, whic provided a savory meal topped with an exquisite dessert.
As you can tell, we became quite the foodies these past two days! But I also was able to get some reading in, and the memories of this beautiful place aside the mountains provided completeness to these two days. Tomorrow takes us further north in Colorado and a chance to meet good publisher friends whom I would like to share my progress in writing. Not sure they will publish my manuscriopt; it's not their type of book. Sure would love some sort of endorsement, if possible.
So now we have completed half of our journey with cooler weather forcasted at least for part of the time. We'll be digging out the warmer clothes now and putting away those shorts and short-sleeved things we have been accustomed to wearing. I suspect the cool morning walks will offer a different look to the day. I know the scenery will be as spectacular as ever. I also know that God has something special in store with each new day and I am excited to see just what it is going to be.
Saturday, October 25, 2014
Sometimes, it's Healing ... Sometimes, it's an Awakening
You are never the same after you leave Ghost Ranch. This has been my second experience here, and I have to say that I have come away from there with a sense of healing. After having been retired now for a little over a year, there still were twitches of needing to be "at work." The time I spent at Ghost Ranch afforded me the opportunity to spend time alone and contemplating things about life and such. For better or for worse in all of the work I did as a Director of Christian Education, it REALLY was time to let go. I have asked for forgiveness from God for all that I failed to do. I also thanked God for all that I accomplished. Having done that very thing has now given me a sense of healing. But it has also called me into an awakening of sorts as well.
As many of you are aware, Barb and I have been down-sizing our home with the anticipation of moving into something all on one level and smaller in size (as well as less to take care of!) We also have declared for ourselves that we need to travel some ... something obviously we are doing right now! We want to do this while our health permits. I also believe there is so much to see and experience in our country. So the reason for this loop out west we are on with good friends. I am always in awe of the beauty of God's creation - whether it is the beautiful mountains right there in our back yard, or the majestic sandstone mountains, mesas and more of New Mexico. Then there are the rugged beauty of the mountains of Colorado we are now viewing. But I am discovering even smaller, yet important things. A stream of water ... the turning colors of the cottonwood trees ... the wonderful people we have encountered along our sojourn ... they all help paint the tapestry of this experience that re-awakens my soul.
A highlight on the last day at Ghost Ranch was a one-hour massage. I gave a present to myself! I don't count it in the selfish category, because I realized how important it is to take care of myself as well. For years I have been taking care of other people, especially young people ... always looking out for their well-being, nurturing them and doing for them what I felt God wanted me to do. I was led to have a massage, and it truly was a bridge between healing and awakening. Not only did I physically feel great, but so was my mental and emotional state as well. I now have a new understanding, and am compelled to discover what will be next on my life journey. I do know as Barb's ear disease progresses, it will provide some challenges that may be difficult. I am just thankful for the days and time we have where we communicate as normally as we can. A lot can be said about a simple touch of hands together, her grabbing my arm as we walk for support, her wit even though I know she is frustrated because she cannot hear most of the conversation around her. I want to make our time together fun but also meaningful. So our travels hopefully will lend that.
It's good to be healed. It's even better to be awakened.
As many of you are aware, Barb and I have been down-sizing our home with the anticipation of moving into something all on one level and smaller in size (as well as less to take care of!) We also have declared for ourselves that we need to travel some ... something obviously we are doing right now! We want to do this while our health permits. I also believe there is so much to see and experience in our country. So the reason for this loop out west we are on with good friends. I am always in awe of the beauty of God's creation - whether it is the beautiful mountains right there in our back yard, or the majestic sandstone mountains, mesas and more of New Mexico. Then there are the rugged beauty of the mountains of Colorado we are now viewing. But I am discovering even smaller, yet important things. A stream of water ... the turning colors of the cottonwood trees ... the wonderful people we have encountered along our sojourn ... they all help paint the tapestry of this experience that re-awakens my soul.
A highlight on the last day at Ghost Ranch was a one-hour massage. I gave a present to myself! I don't count it in the selfish category, because I realized how important it is to take care of myself as well. For years I have been taking care of other people, especially young people ... always looking out for their well-being, nurturing them and doing for them what I felt God wanted me to do. I was led to have a massage, and it truly was a bridge between healing and awakening. Not only did I physically feel great, but so was my mental and emotional state as well. I now have a new understanding, and am compelled to discover what will be next on my life journey. I do know as Barb's ear disease progresses, it will provide some challenges that may be difficult. I am just thankful for the days and time we have where we communicate as normally as we can. A lot can be said about a simple touch of hands together, her grabbing my arm as we walk for support, her wit even though I know she is frustrated because she cannot hear most of the conversation around her. I want to make our time together fun but also meaningful. So our travels hopefully will lend that.
It's good to be healed. It's even better to be awakened.
Tuesday, October 21, 2014
It's Ghost Ranch
Apparently, the 21st Century has arrived at Ghost Ranch! On my last visit, they did not have wi-fi or free use of cell phone service. Things have changed. That also means that one cannot quite get away from all of the technology and communication trappings we have created for ourselves and are so engrained to use at a moment's notice.
The ride from Albuquerque to Ghost Ranch took us through some marvelous terrain and vistas. Though tired and trying to get settled, we were witness to a marvelous sunset over the mountains and mesas. I am eagerly awaiting the sunrise to take place tomorrow in order to take in the beautiful colors of all the rock formations surrounding the building we are in that sits on the top of a mesa.
I have patiently tried to take in as much as I could today of what I could see while driving; even the rain that took place in and around Santa Fe had its beauty. I am not one who enjoys driving in the rain, but it was not as bad as first thought today.
My time at Ghost Ranch and the surrounding area is meant for reflection, thinking, sharing, and perhaps even some outward responding through writing as I continue this segment of a bucket list journey we are calling "Out West!" I am praying that those who are on this journey with me enjoy this area at their own level, so that when we leave, they are rich for the experience. I am also hoping for some peaceful solitude - even for an hour or so - that I might sense the Spirit's presence even more than I do now. Kind of like Morning Watch - those fifteen minute periods we had at the beginning of each day to reflect on what God might have us think about. Who knows? Perhaps someting may come from this time ... God always has ideas to stimulate your soul. You know what I mean?
The ride from Albuquerque to Ghost Ranch took us through some marvelous terrain and vistas. Though tired and trying to get settled, we were witness to a marvelous sunset over the mountains and mesas. I am eagerly awaiting the sunrise to take place tomorrow in order to take in the beautiful colors of all the rock formations surrounding the building we are in that sits on the top of a mesa.
I have patiently tried to take in as much as I could today of what I could see while driving; even the rain that took place in and around Santa Fe had its beauty. I am not one who enjoys driving in the rain, but it was not as bad as first thought today.
My time at Ghost Ranch and the surrounding area is meant for reflection, thinking, sharing, and perhaps even some outward responding through writing as I continue this segment of a bucket list journey we are calling "Out West!" I am praying that those who are on this journey with me enjoy this area at their own level, so that when we leave, they are rich for the experience. I am also hoping for some peaceful solitude - even for an hour or so - that I might sense the Spirit's presence even more than I do now. Kind of like Morning Watch - those fifteen minute periods we had at the beginning of each day to reflect on what God might have us think about. Who knows? Perhaps someting may come from this time ... God always has ideas to stimulate your soul. You know what I mean?
Monday, October 20, 2014
Finally West!
Finally West! I had forgotten about the absolute beauty and awe of the southwest. I am enamored by the sheer vastness of Texas and New Mexico as we traveled over 500 miles today in order to reach our destination for a wonderful dinner with new friends.
We are now settling in for the evening. All I can think about, however, was the beauty of God's creation that I saw along the way. I remembered how important it is to take in the simple beauty of what is all around me, and every curve or hill pass created a new vista to take in. The buttes and mesas offered a variety of memories of other times seeing this part of our country with young people in churches I was privileged to serve in.
In my weekly message to my college and post-college friends alike, I offered an idea about taking in the miracles of nature each day. This trip is offering me more than a daily dose of doing just that. This experience is making me stop taking for granted the every-dayness of how I have been living my life -- you know, letting the usual conversations between friends, unique places, things, and scenery around me just exist, and try to find a message from all of it. I want to savor each of these moments out west with a fresh look, to help me find a new way of experiencing things, and knowing all the while that God is sharing something really special with me and those along for the ride. I say that because there have been some incredibly special moments on this trip where I have felt God's presence. There have been several sobering conversations in the car that have given each of us something to really think about. Yes, there have been some funny moments where the jocularity reaches an interesting peak! Through it all, we have grown closer, have learned how to give space so we don't kill each other, and a new-found respect for how each of us want to experience this sojourn.
For instance, yesterday morning, I suggested we stop in Oklahoma City to see the site where the bombing took place of the federal building. Everyone along thought that would be okay; however afterwards, there was a time where we all felt that we were led to see this place. The peaceful setting and an outdoor memorial that was created made me remove my cap, for I felt we were in a reverent space. As we quietly walked around the reflection pond, I at first remembered what had happened on that day; then, I began to feel and understand the process of healing that needed to take place there, and how each part of the memorial had ways in which that could be done. Then I saw the American Elm - a large tree that survived the terrible blast. It, even showing its age, was still standing and reminding all of us that even during the most difficult of times, you CAN survive. Not only that, you can become a living testimony and be a sign of hope for others because of it. For me, I felt at peace there, and allowing myself to look at my own life and things I can be doing now to make for a more peaceful world in my own little corner of my world.
I cannot reach out to everyone I know, but I can take into account those who I think need me in some capacity wherever we are at in our relationship, and try to give what I can to be an encourager, a supporter, a comrade in ministry, a good friend, and most of all, a loving spirit that will enable those I know to be the best they can be.
In the meantime, as I feed my soul on this sojourn, I am most grateful for all of the times I have shared with all my valued friends I have come to know over the years. I sort of feel their presence in some way on this trip. If you are reading this, my hope is that you are beginning to give thought about how you can do something similar -- to feel what it is like yourself and create an opportunity to travel, be away from home, or perhaps even just get away for a little while -- for contemplation, for re-creation, (yes, I meant the hyphen), and for maybe even some cleansing of the soul. Wouldn't that be exciting? We could share notes!
Our next few days will be at Ghost Ranch. Some of you who have seen the original City Slickers will recognize the terrain. Part of the movie was filmed there! It really is in the desert, but there is this oasis in the 20,000+ acres where we will be staying. Looking forward to the remoteness. There are no good connections to the outside world, so I will report back as we move on to Colorado Springs.
Hard to believe that after three days I am at this level of feeling and understanding already. And I hardly can believe what might happen on the rest of the sixteen days to come.
We are now settling in for the evening. All I can think about, however, was the beauty of God's creation that I saw along the way. I remembered how important it is to take in the simple beauty of what is all around me, and every curve or hill pass created a new vista to take in. The buttes and mesas offered a variety of memories of other times seeing this part of our country with young people in churches I was privileged to serve in.
In my weekly message to my college and post-college friends alike, I offered an idea about taking in the miracles of nature each day. This trip is offering me more than a daily dose of doing just that. This experience is making me stop taking for granted the every-dayness of how I have been living my life -- you know, letting the usual conversations between friends, unique places, things, and scenery around me just exist, and try to find a message from all of it. I want to savor each of these moments out west with a fresh look, to help me find a new way of experiencing things, and knowing all the while that God is sharing something really special with me and those along for the ride. I say that because there have been some incredibly special moments on this trip where I have felt God's presence. There have been several sobering conversations in the car that have given each of us something to really think about. Yes, there have been some funny moments where the jocularity reaches an interesting peak! Through it all, we have grown closer, have learned how to give space so we don't kill each other, and a new-found respect for how each of us want to experience this sojourn.
For instance, yesterday morning, I suggested we stop in Oklahoma City to see the site where the bombing took place of the federal building. Everyone along thought that would be okay; however afterwards, there was a time where we all felt that we were led to see this place. The peaceful setting and an outdoor memorial that was created made me remove my cap, for I felt we were in a reverent space. As we quietly walked around the reflection pond, I at first remembered what had happened on that day; then, I began to feel and understand the process of healing that needed to take place there, and how each part of the memorial had ways in which that could be done. Then I saw the American Elm - a large tree that survived the terrible blast. It, even showing its age, was still standing and reminding all of us that even during the most difficult of times, you CAN survive. Not only that, you can become a living testimony and be a sign of hope for others because of it. For me, I felt at peace there, and allowing myself to look at my own life and things I can be doing now to make for a more peaceful world in my own little corner of my world.
I cannot reach out to everyone I know, but I can take into account those who I think need me in some capacity wherever we are at in our relationship, and try to give what I can to be an encourager, a supporter, a comrade in ministry, a good friend, and most of all, a loving spirit that will enable those I know to be the best they can be.
In the meantime, as I feed my soul on this sojourn, I am most grateful for all of the times I have shared with all my valued friends I have come to know over the years. I sort of feel their presence in some way on this trip. If you are reading this, my hope is that you are beginning to give thought about how you can do something similar -- to feel what it is like yourself and create an opportunity to travel, be away from home, or perhaps even just get away for a little while -- for contemplation, for re-creation, (yes, I meant the hyphen), and for maybe even some cleansing of the soul. Wouldn't that be exciting? We could share notes!
Our next few days will be at Ghost Ranch. Some of you who have seen the original City Slickers will recognize the terrain. Part of the movie was filmed there! It really is in the desert, but there is this oasis in the 20,000+ acres where we will be staying. Looking forward to the remoteness. There are no good connections to the outside world, so I will report back as we move on to Colorado Springs.
Hard to believe that after three days I am at this level of feeling and understanding already. And I hardly can believe what might happen on the rest of the sixteen days to come.
Friday, October 17, 2014
Adventures Out West!
It has been a long time since I have added to Musings on the Road. I last posted during my sabbatical in 2008! It's the evening before the Bucket List Trip Out West! Taking care of last-minute details; packing is being done in earnest now; checking the list of things needing to do before we leave.
Now that we are both retired, it's time to really seriously look at the Bucket List - you know, the things you would like to do or accomplish while you still can. I was always envious of Barbara's parents when they retired: her dad's sister and husband along with her parents, decided to do a "trip out west." Well, they packed their bags; threw 4 sets of golf clubs in the trunk along with their luggage (I know: how did it all fit? Barb's Dad had a big old Oldsmobile 4-door vehicle - the size of the trunk could fit the state of Rhode Island!) And off they went for seven weeks! Seven weeks! Some days they traveled a hundred miles, some four hundred miles. Each day, however came to a screeching halt at 4:00 PM. It was time to hunker in at some motel; have some booze and Coke, have dinner, play cards, and go to bed. The pleasure of hearing their stories and escapades was neat as they went hither and yon all over the country, making a giant circle from Pittsburgh to the west coast, up through the northern Rockies, and back home again.
Barb and I are being joined on our trip by good friends, John Cummings and Kathleen Wright. They have been married for a few years now, both retired, and able to venture with us. The four of us have traveling history together. Besides a lot of day trips, we spent one week right after one Christmas in Savannah, Georgia. We have traveled for a week in New Orleans (we were there after the crowds of Mardi Gras). Another spectacular time was a week in Chicago, IL. If you knew the four of us well enough, we always look for unique places to eat - leaning towards Diners, Drive Ins, and Dive locations when possible or at least the Food Channel recommendations. As a rule, we try to stay away from chain establishments. The local fare and local folks always have the upper hand. My fondest memory of our Chicago experience was that we must have hit at least 5 ethnic bakeries while we were there!
Starting up this blog again was an idea by my sister, Barb, (yup- same name as the Mrs.) and I thought it would give me an opportunity to express feelings about not only what I saw and experienced, but to share more in depth why it is so important to fulfill your bucket list. Of course, on this trip, we will not have 20 teenagers in tow as we have had on all of the forty eight work camps we have been on all these years! I hope that perhaps my musings may foster ideas for the reader to pursue some lofty goal of visiting the places we are going to; or, perhaps create their own list and pursue them.
So, for now, it is getting through this day without allowing the anxiousness of the event overwhelm me. I need sleep for this adventure. Soon, it will be "Westward Ho!"
Now that we are both retired, it's time to really seriously look at the Bucket List - you know, the things you would like to do or accomplish while you still can. I was always envious of Barbara's parents when they retired: her dad's sister and husband along with her parents, decided to do a "trip out west." Well, they packed their bags; threw 4 sets of golf clubs in the trunk along with their luggage (I know: how did it all fit? Barb's Dad had a big old Oldsmobile 4-door vehicle - the size of the trunk could fit the state of Rhode Island!) And off they went for seven weeks! Seven weeks! Some days they traveled a hundred miles, some four hundred miles. Each day, however came to a screeching halt at 4:00 PM. It was time to hunker in at some motel; have some booze and Coke, have dinner, play cards, and go to bed. The pleasure of hearing their stories and escapades was neat as they went hither and yon all over the country, making a giant circle from Pittsburgh to the west coast, up through the northern Rockies, and back home again.
Barb and I are being joined on our trip by good friends, John Cummings and Kathleen Wright. They have been married for a few years now, both retired, and able to venture with us. The four of us have traveling history together. Besides a lot of day trips, we spent one week right after one Christmas in Savannah, Georgia. We have traveled for a week in New Orleans (we were there after the crowds of Mardi Gras). Another spectacular time was a week in Chicago, IL. If you knew the four of us well enough, we always look for unique places to eat - leaning towards Diners, Drive Ins, and Dive locations when possible or at least the Food Channel recommendations. As a rule, we try to stay away from chain establishments. The local fare and local folks always have the upper hand. My fondest memory of our Chicago experience was that we must have hit at least 5 ethnic bakeries while we were there!
Starting up this blog again was an idea by my sister, Barb, (yup- same name as the Mrs.) and I thought it would give me an opportunity to express feelings about not only what I saw and experienced, but to share more in depth why it is so important to fulfill your bucket list. Of course, on this trip, we will not have 20 teenagers in tow as we have had on all of the forty eight work camps we have been on all these years! I hope that perhaps my musings may foster ideas for the reader to pursue some lofty goal of visiting the places we are going to; or, perhaps create their own list and pursue them.
So, for now, it is getting through this day without allowing the anxiousness of the event overwhelm me. I need sleep for this adventure. Soon, it will be "Westward Ho!"
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