☺ 2013 in Review - and my Jar of Happiness ☺

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{New Year Inspirational Kick-Off!}

 Kicking off this new year only feels right to be boasting with enthusiasm and inspirational to get things running all the more smoothly, so, I welcome you to the New Year Inspirational Kick-Off! The next several days will be dedicated to sharing fun projects and resources you can use to keep your own life bustling with gratitude and awesomeness.

New Year Positive Power! Huzzah!

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The end of this year was a bumpy road. So bumpy that I couldn't wait to get 2013 done and over with… as if the whole year had been a disaster, merely because the last month or so had been particularly rough. 

Fast forward to today. I emptied my Jar of Happiness and now I can see what a wondrous, truly blessed, and fantastic year I actually had. So many fantastic memories were created, so many laughs and smiles were shared, so many beautiful moments experienced, and so many accomplishments made. Reviewing all the positives of this past year has renewed my outlook of that year and, therefore, given me an extra boost to my life in general; reminding me that life truly is beautiful and that I have so much to be thankful for. Truly truly. 

So, once again, if you didn't do the Happiness Jar last year, it is a Must for your New Year. I promise you will love it! 

In expressing gratitude, I thought it would be fun to share some of the highlights of my year :) 

2013 Gratitude Highlights!

Personal Highlights:

• So many amazing Hikes, including my first of the year with my bestie up Pulpit which still makes me smile so widely! And the epic hike in the fog after Garlic Fest (which I do believe was also my last hike of the year).  
•   Building our Garden from scratch. It was such a fun adventure and getting so many fresh organic veggies was simply the best! Getting the logs for the garden beds really stuck out as well, it was such a funny hippie moment that will always make me laugh. 
• Doing yoga with my hubby
• Ice skating at Kokanee park with Cory. 
• Enjoying our new home in the summer time with our own space, lawn, and sharing the beach with our amazing landlords. The level of gratitude I feel for our home cannot be put into words. 
• Playing "tag" with my landlord when I got her a present and then she sent me flowers with the words "tag". Heehee 
• Listening to vinyl and drinking wine during the holidays last year with our landlords. 
• Family Gatherings, potlucks, moments at the park, birthdays, holidays, and so forth. My family has often been a rough journey, but there were so many amazing moments I'd been forgetting lately--was very happy to be reminded of all I have to be grateful for from the year. 
• Seeing family in general. :)
• The first time I made my niece, Makaia, laugh for the first time. For some reason this memory really sticks out for me, it was a precious bonding moment. ^_^
• Our good friends, Mike and Dana, visiting us for the first time! It was such a fun and amazing week with them and I cannot wait for more moments like this! Midnight swims, Sociables (shnaw, shnaw lol), Potluck, beach days, campfires, and bonding. ♥
• Roadtrips! Kelowna/Vernon trip, and Portland (twice) with my bestie. Sooo much fun and sooo much yummy vegan food! Gay Pride Parade, singing in the car, wandering, and the fun drive.
• Getting tattooed in Portland. 
• Getting my nose pierced (third one)
• Catan board game nights. 
• So many amazing Vegan Potlucks! 
• Several ridiculous and fun birthday parties--two of which were dress up parties, including my birthday. Cuddle couch, bathroom vortex, and so many funny random moments. 
• Skate park days in Kaslo, for May Days and Cory's birthday. 
• A few fun bonfires.
• Camping
• Mushroom picking.
• Canoe adventures across the lake with Cory.

• Completing the David Suzuki 30x30 Challenge.
• Our two kitties becoming cuddlier, especially Lyla who comes to constantly for cuddles and follows me around alllll day long and greets me at the door when I come home. ^_^
• So many tea dates ♥
• Getting my cintiq!
• Following my dreams and passions and diving into story writing and producing artwork. :) 
• Having the courage, in general, to follow my heart and make my dreams come true. 

ReLove Plan.et Accomplishments:

• Reaching my 2k like milestone on the ReLove Facebook page! 
• My artwork appearing in a newspaper in Switzerland.
• Summer Markets!
• Reaching 30,000 views on the blog for a single month!
• All the positive and inspiring words from my amazing readers and viewers! xo ♥
• The Polar Bear adoption thanks to my amazing customers! 
• ReLove Plan.et continuing to grow every month :) 
• Finally figuring out making some income off the Video Blog ;) 

I hope you all had an amazing year and start your own Jar Full of Happiness and take lots of photos to capture memories and moments :) 

So much love and wishing you all the best in 2014! xo

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☺ Being Me, Being Ageless! ☺

Okay, so this is really a super short post, but I began writing this out on tumblr as a little expression of gratitude that I had to get out, but then, as I continued to write, I realized that I wanted to share this on the blog after all. ;)

So, my expression of deep Gratitude today…

I just have to say that I love being ageless! And being the lovely person that I am today--accepting all parts of myself!

I can be an adult. I can be totally down to earth, intelligent, "wise", and full of life experiences that I've learned ridiculous amounts from. And I can continue to grow and learn from all the bumps along the road.

I can still be a child; playing, drawing, watching cartoons, rolling down grassy fields, loving cute stuffed animals and throwing pictures all over my walls. 

I can be silly and ridiculous; laughing and dancing in the pouring rain, running through sprinklers, be open to the moment, go on adventures. And I can poke fun at myself.   

I can sit and meditate... and do yoga. ;) And take peaceful walks or sit by the lake in silence, listening to the sounds of nature and reflecting. 

I am the healthiest I've ever been in my life and have way more energy than when I was younger! And I am the happiest I have ever been! 

I love music; from Machine Head and Slipknot, to Flyleaf, to Dub FX, to A Perfect Circle, to P!nk, to Die Mannequin, and everything in between!

I'm a dork, and I love that I'm writing and drawing again! And I love that I'm back to watching anime shows. ;) Like I said, accepting all parts of myself instead of shying away from them.  

Life is just beautiful, and I am so grateful to have accepted all the quirky and lovely parts of who I am that I denied for years. I hope everyone can do the same thing that I have, because life truly opens up when you do. ;) 

Much Love and Gratitude! xo

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♥ First Downtown Market ♥

Market season has begun! I have a drop-in spot at the downtown market this year here in Nelson B.C. which I am super excited about. The first one was on Wednesday (the 13th) which I got to take part in. I have to admit I am a terrible last-minute kind of person. No matter how many times I tell myself I'll be ready far before a due date, I'm always scrambling in the moments leading up to it. So this week was filled with scrambling, especially the day before and couple days prior. I didn't have any of my display figured out for my jewelry, cards, magnets, etc--only my lovely bamboo clothing racks I used last year was ready. I didn't even have a fold-up table--oops! So I ran around town and everything eventually came together. The husband went with me thrift-store shopping in attempt to find something creative for display items. We ended up finding this awesome wooden case that was meant for cutlery, mint condition and positively perfect! I absolutely love it and so glad my display is unique and second-hand instead of buying some cheap plastic necklace displays or something. You know me, picky eco geek over here. Anyway, I managed to gather other bits and pieces and it all turned out nicely. I still need to find a better display for my faux-feather earrings and hairpieces but I was more focussed on the rest this week. 

Moving on to the day of the market… I was nervous all week because the weather was consistently saying rain and even possible thundershowers. The night before it still said the same thing, so I mustered up all my manifesting and positive energy and thanked the Universe for having a magnificent successful perfect fun outcome to the market day. I actually dreamt of different scenarios of how it would turn out with the weather, all different dreams of rain or sunshine. Bizarre. When I woke up in the morning it wasn't raining and that was going to be my decision maker. It was clouded to be sure, possibility of rain, maybe, but I felt good so I was going for it. I picked up my lovely friend Andrea who helped me out at the market and sold some of her adorable sugar skulls--next time she'll have more and finished painted ones, which I am excited for and I think people will absolutely love! :) She was so much fun to spend the day with, she has a beautiful magnetic energy about her that I love. 

And as it turned out, we actually got bits of sunshine. We got a few bits of rain as well, but it waited to pour until we were loading up the car. A lovely day to be sure, which makes me super happy for not backing out. People loved my items too, it was so much to see all the different reactions, laughing, and aww-ing at my prints. 

I have to say, I definitely more "together" this year as well. Last year was fun but doing Alter-Eco Clothing at markets was always messy, one of a kind pieces just don't work that well in my opinion. People are lazy by nature and it's too overwhelming. Plus, ReLove Plan.et drew in ALL types of people, it was really quite fantastic. Sales were made even though it was a slower day, and I had a ton of people asking if I'd be there every week, taking business cards, and wanting to return at some point this summer with their daughters or to get gifts for others. Overall, a fun day and a success. Yayy for markets! 

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♥ Blog Line Up ♥

Just a little peak into my walls, and my "blog line-up" that I'm trying to stick to as a more regular blogging routine ;) 

Hope you are all having a beautiful day! And if you're not… Create a Nice Day! xo

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♥ What's in my Closet: SpiritHoods ♥

"There is a transformation that takes place when you wear a SpiritHood.

This experience is un-definable, and completely unique to you . . ."

I could not agree more with this statement. In fact, if I could use one word to describe SpiritHoods… well I simply couldn't, I don't think an awesome enough word exists out there. Radiculously Fantabulistic Awesomeness? Nope, still doesn't do the trick. Okay, let me just tell you that they are the best things ever and you must own one. 

I fell in love with SpiritHoods about two years ago and have wanted one ever since. They became my obsession for a good long while. Since then, they have boomed like crazy, and for good reason--they're radiculously fantabulistic awesome, remember? Celebrities are popping up in them everywhere, not that I care about the celebrity world but it just goes to show that this trend is an awesome one, and it is so much more than a trend, and I believe it is here to stay. 

"We all want to be unique and appreciate the love and bond we share with our family and friends, our BrotherHoods, our SisterHoods, and our Tribe. SpiritHoods are more than just a wild accessory, they represent this bond and connection we have with our wild natures. Whether you love fashion, adventure, animals, music, festivals, nightlife, the outdoors, or are simply wild at heart – SpiritHoods are a NECESSITY for your life style. It’s simply about letting loose, being wild, and having a good time."

Aside from the pure gorgeousness of these beautiful furry hoods, I fell in love with the message that this company stood for; a love for animals and the promotion to save them. SpiritHoods is a super positive and inspiring company, doing good and spreading love. What more could you possible ask for?

Sadly, fur has been popping up again here and there, and so it's nice when a company like SpiritHoods steps in to promote faux-fur instead of the real thing. I live in a small "hippie" town where these such "hippies" tend to be hypocrites at times, and one trend I have seen popping up are fox tails. Real fox tails. And other various animal fur clothing, accessories, and products. I don't know what compels people to these hideous fashions at the expense of animal's lives, but it is sad and it needs to end. SpiritHoods promotes the end of that industry and the preservation and value of animal life, standing up against the filthy murderous fur industry and proving that faux-fur looks so much better than wearing some poor animal hide anyway. "Fur is green" is a new trending promotion, but if you're falling for this then it's time you do some research (or let me do that for you and you can read my article coming later this week), as it takes more than 60 times as much energy to produce a fur coat than a fake fur one. 

Anyway, I'm getting a little off topic, what I really want to emphasize is how amazing SpiritHoods are! Not only do they use Faux Fur, they also support animal preservation. Their "PRO BLUE" SpiritHoods is an initiative that donates 10% of net profits to a non-profit organization dedicated to helping the particular Spirit animal the Pro Blue Logo represents. Meaning, if you buy a Panda SpiritHood that 10% goes to Panda International, an organization dedicated to saving Pandas. But a Wolf Hood and it supports WolfHollow, etc. etc. You can see their PRO BLUE page Here (http://spirithoods.com/problue/) to see which SpiritHoods support which conservation organizations.   

In 2011, SpiritHoods donated $35,00 to help protect wildlife. Thank you SpiritHoods! :)

"We believe in inspiring positive change, and the truth is we can all help, this is why we have created PRO BLUE! …

 A major goal of ours is to educate people on the importance of helping these animals and empower them to make a difference."

One last thing that I have to boast about SpiritHoods is that they may do awesome work for animals, but they also make some hella' amazing Hoods! I absolutely love love love love love my Grey Wolf-Warrior! They were kind enough to send me it for a review and support ReLove Plan.et (again, have I mentioned what an amazing company they are?!). Of course, I had to go with the "Warrior" hood (in case you don't know, the book "Way of the Peaceful Warrior" changed my life) and since I've always had a soft spot for wolves (especially living up here in Canada) I couldn't refuse this particular one. I think each SpiritHood is very unique, they have a story and I feel as if certain ones call to different people. You don't so much choose them as they choose you.  

The quality and fit of these Hoods is absolutely spectacular. You have probably seen the cheap knock-offs hitting stores and I will tell you right now--it's Not worth it! They are exactly that; cheap! Plus, those cheap knock-offs don't support animal conservation or practices either. ;) I've been around and tried on various of the cheaper brands, and even one more expensive brand I got at Shambhala last year (you've perhaps seen me wearing it in one of my Podcasts) but none of them compare and none of them fit as perfectly as SpiritHoods do. I don't want to bash other companies, but I am just going to say that there is nothing quite like a SpiritHood. Even when I owned my other furry hood, it was simply not a SpiritHood and I still found myself wanting the amazing hoods I'd had my heart set on for so long. 

There is an entire line of SpiritHoods for women, men, and even kids! How wonderfully fun is that?! They are super warm, built with beautiful craftsmanship (I'm a seamstress, remember? I know these things ;)), and fit like a charm. The gloves in the paws are a dream, perfect for keeping yours hands cozy warm or using them as pockets. The detail in each hood is superb and unique! No two are exactly alike; each one being handmade with particular attention to detail with the best quality faux fur to give them their unique characteristics and charm. They are ridiculously comfortable, beautifully luxurious, handmade with love and care, will last a lifetime, and are wonderful in every single way imaginable!

Enough said, what are you still doing here? Go treat yourself to a wonderful SpiritHood! ;) Remember, it's the gift that helps animals too!  

"Buy a SpiritHood, Help an animal." 

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☺ Goodbye 2011, you were wonderful ☺

I think New Year's is a little cliche, however I also thoroughly enjoy it. Bit contradictory I know. But I don't mind. I think setting resolutions don't usually stick. What I do like to do instead is set personal "self" goals and intentions for the New Year as opposed to resolutions. I think resolutions are too attached to an exact outcome and I've written before about not having expectations (in a good way!), so these intensions leave some openness to what could actually come while still keeping positive goals in mind. 

Before I get to that, I want to take a look at this past year. Why? Because, well, it's fun to reminisce, but also because I want to share some personal experiences as inspiration. My life was pretty "boring" I suppose you could say. I wasn't particularly happy, I was depressed for years, unmotivated, insecure, and had a ton of other personal issues. I've worked through them over the years, and while there have been a ton of breakthroughs I can't say that any year has been quite like this one. I began this New Year with Positive intentions after a disappointing New Year's Eve (and having my own expectations blow up in my face). 

So I started 2011 armed with a Positive Attitude, and the rest seemed to fall into place and come more easily. I began to say Yes to life. I also learned about the Law of Attraction and the power of a Positive Mental Attitude (PMA). These three things made this year incredibly fantastic. I have experienced more new and wonderful things than I swear I have in my whole life. Or at least, that's what it feels like because this year has been absolute bliss and joy. Almost every day was exciting and happy. I still had "bad" days, but they were mostly quick to pass along the road. The difference was I learned how to deal with the bad and see the positive so I could come out with something constructive and to allow myself to grow when the "bad" did rear its face. 

If you haven't, read up on my previous posts; "Be a 'Yes' Person" "The Law of Attraction" and these two posts about having  Positive Attitude: One & Two.

This is what I got up to in the year 2011…

• Been the Happiest I have ever been in my life.
• Dyed my hair Blue!
• …and finally stopped dying my hair. ;)
• Went to Edmonton for two weeks to visit friends and do photoshoots.
• Got a few new Tattoos. 
• Traveled the Oregon Coast with my hubby.
• Vended for the first time, doing several Markets in Nelson. 
• Went to my first Shambhala Festival (after manifesting my $300 ticket!).
• Discovered and used the Law of Attraction to manifest sooooo many things.
• Met the most amazing friend, who is genuine, like-minded, and wonderful. 
• Met so many new and amazing friends and people. 
• Floated down the river for the first time. 
• Had a bunch of campfires out at Cottonwood lake with friends.
• Grew our first garden (mostly Cory teaching me ;)). 
• Went to New York; met Nicole and Jackie, went to Farm Sanctuary and Woodstock Animal Farm Sanctuary. 
• Camped in the middle of the forest with natural hot springs and wonderful company. 
• Got a new kitty, Buster. 
• Got out more! And now have a very active social life. :)
• Helped friends and family out through hard times.
• Been reaching and helping more and more people with their lives, through my work <3. You guys are amazing and wonderful! xo 
• Had the best Birthday ever!
• Took part in my first protest. 
• Started driving again. 
• Had an awesome Halloween! … and punched a guy in the face. 
• Went Snowboarding for the first time! 
• Became more active in politics and the elections. 
• Became more active in changing the world.
• Started my Jewelry line.
• Learned how to Silk Screen (which I've wanted to do forever!)
• Made ReLove Plan.et all that I want it to be, with growing success and love. 

Generally, I discovered, and am continuing to discover, more and more about myself. And discovering more about myself as a woman; giving my body and mind the respect and love it deserves. I've also been learning about getting in touch with the moon cycles. I've grown more than I can say. And I experienced the best year of my life, all because I changed my attitude and committed to that PMA and personal growth. 

So for 2012, these are my new intentions:

• To have a kick-ass year! Filled with a ton more smiles, laughter, excitement, friendship, love, and silliness. 
• Experience more new things! 
• Heal relationships and bonds that need healing and seek out only the positive in my family. 
• Read more books! 
• Start my New Silk-Screen line and it become a super success! ;)
• Make more of a living off ReLove Plan.et.
• Continue being Vegan and committed to the Earth. 
• Go back to NY.
• Visit somewhere outside of North America. 
• Keep growing, learning, and experiencing all that life has to offer. 
• Design mine and Cory's dream home. 
• Move into a new place where we can grow a garden actually in our own yard. 
• Build our dream home. 
• Receive money effortlessly. 
• Smile every single day and appreciate all that is around me. 
• Continue to affirm Perfect Health. 
• Sing in a band. And get my voice back up to what I want it to be. 
• Relearn to play guitar. 
• Get a dog. And a piggy. 
• Be open to whatever else is coming into my life. 

Well, that's all I can think of off the top of my head. Those are my intentions for the New Year, along with a general love for life and continuing Happiness and Positivity in my life. I will see Life as Beautiful every single day! And I hope you do too! Here's to a New Year! What are your Intentions for the New Year?! :) 

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♥ In my Closet: Lil Jungle Monkey Crochet ♥

I got a lovely gift in the mail today that has me ecstatic! I mean, not only are surprises in the mail absolutely wonderful, but it was from a very talented lady and a person I adore. Stacy has been a customer of mine for some time, so I have gotten to know her through the lovely online world (and hopefully will get to meet her one day!) and she rocks! She also has an etsy shop (Lil Jungle Monkey Crochet) and makes beautiful crochet items. As soon as I saw the package from her I had a huge grin on my face and got a warm fuzzy feeling inside. :) I seriously have the best customers in the world, you guys are amazing and I am so incredibly grateful to have you in my life. ♥

When I opened up the package I was even more excited. There was a lovely heart-warming card and two crochet items. A beautiful purple and white dolly with cute little beads, and an awesome beanie (in Canada we call them toques but since most of you would have no idea what I'm talking about, beanie will do ;)). The beanie is amazing! It's black and purple (which just so happen to be my favourite colour combination!) with "Vegan" and a heart on it! It is so absolutely adorable! And I have to say, Stacy's craftsmanship is amazing! She is super talented and this beanie is super cozy and comfy. I love it!! Thank you so much Stacy! You are so lovely and wonderful! You're the best!

   

Now go check out her etsy shop and buy yourself something special! 

Lil Jungle Monkey Crochet

Oh, right, and of course, this lovely vegan lady doesn't use wool in her work so you can have a peaceful conscious ;). 

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☺ 25 -- Then and Now ☺

Today I am 25. And I had the best Birthday of my life. All weekend long, filled with so much epicness, laughter, smiles, awesome friends and family. I am a super Happy Girl!

People are too afraid of getting older, and too afraid of birthdays because of that. It makes me a little sad. What is it so frightening? Last year I stopped having this bad attitude about it and embraced it. Every year of your life should be celebrated, you are growing and changing and transforming into a more and more wonderful person with every day. Life should be celebrated. Birthdays are a celebration of your coming into the world, a celebration and appreciation of your life. So get excited about birthdays! 

Life is such a wonderful thing, guiding us along the journey when we pay attention to the signs and don't resist it. 

Friday, I actually accidentally stumbled on the post that I wrote on this day a year ago: http://www.reloveplanet.com/2010/11/inspirational-24-reset.html

It was fun to revisit, to see where my mind was at a year ago and to reflect back at this past year and see where I am now. It has seriously been the most amazing year of my life. So it makes it extra cool to look back a year ago and see how much I began affirming having this beautiful happy life and how it became reality. I have done nothing but focus my attention on positive thinking and thought habits this year and it paid off in every way possible. People will always make up excuses for themselves as to why their life can't be wonderful and happy but while you're off allowing those excuses to make your life mediocre or miserable, you are missing out on what it truly could be, and that is happy. So if nothing else, today, on my 25th-quarter of a century-Birthday I have this message for you: Be Happy! Because you can be and you can absolutely choose what you want your life to be. 

I went from severe depression and suicidal thoughts to my gradual healing. Yes, it was a journey, but positive thinking got me through it and to the place that I am today. If I had told myself a couple years ago that I would be the immensely happy and positive person that I am today I probably would not have believed it. I would have been hopeful and wanting it, but I probably wouldn't believe that it could happen. My story is not unlike so many others. Yes, we all have different trying circumstances but in the end the choice to be happy is ours and we get to choose what it is we are going to do with our lives. You write your own story. Mine went from a very dark place to what it is today and I hope that that is inspiring and gives hope to those who have doubts that their lives can be a beautiful wonderful brilliantly happy experiences. 

So what I did one year ago, on my 24th Birthday, is I said I was hitting the reset button. And I absolutely did. Not on everything that has happened in my life, those past experiences shaped me and made me who I am today, but a reset button on my attitude, putting negativity aside and letting positive thoughts enter my life and be the focus of my attention. No more dwelling on the negative. It took practice and persistence but it was a wonderful journey and I truly enjoyed this year immensely. Of course there were ups and downs but such is like, and really, just wow! 

I wrote this a year ago on my 24th Birthday and I think it is relevant to say again now: 

If I am not smiling, laughing, and feeling genuinely Happy inside then the journey has no point. There is no destination in life. There is only a journey and that journey is simply this: Happiness.

The last words I will say today on my 25th Birthday is this…

Happiness is Now.

Learn from the past, manifest your future, and Live in the Present.

Don't take life so seriously. Enjoy it. 

Smile. Every single day.

And Thank you so much to everyone who has joined me on this incredible adventure, you are so wonderful and I am grateful for you and for everything. 

And one more revisit to my 24th Birthday...

Who am I? Happy. Here. Now. Loving. Grateful. Appreciative. Open. Honest. 

I am Me. I Love who I Am. I Love my Life. I am Happy.  

I am the Happiest Girl! And I'm excited about my year as a 25-year-old. 

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♥ World WildLife Fund "Species in Buckets" Gifts ♥

Okay, so I made a "Birthday Wish List" on my Lifestream, but I found these this morning and felt that they were worth sharing, especially as the holiday season approaches. 

I am always willing to share World Wildlife Fund with people, they are just such an amazing organization that has done so much good in this world. 

What I especially love are their "Species Adoptions" which make great gifts for any occasion--or a treat for yourself--and support such a great cause. The Gift that keeps on Giving! 

Here are their new "Species in Buckets, Tubs & More"

So now I have the "Pail of Primates" on my Wishlist and their super cute Vintage T-Shirt! Anyone want to treat me? ;) 

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