Hello!
Today marks the second day of March, and it also marks the beginning of my month long blog give away! :D This is the print I will be giving away this week ------>
So let's get this started.
My question for this week is...
If you could live anywhere in the world, where would you live, and why?
I think most of you know my answer to this question.
I would live in Portland, Oregon. My home is in Portland, along with my friends, and that is really important to me. I also feel like Portland is just where I belong.
If I were given a second choice, maybe a second home (which I can do because it's my blog and my rules, ha!), I would love to live in this little suburb of Paris, Monmarte. It just looks so cute! And living there would really help me with my French. I think it would be a very inspiring place too. It looks like a place that I could walk around for hours, just taking things in. Maybe I would find a sweet little cafe I could call my second home, and I could have a small studio that would look out over the street. Sigh. Yes! Montmarte. :)
Or....New York would be pretty awesome too..I think for obvious reasons ;)
Anyway, those are the places I would like to live :)
Now it's your turn!
Just leave your answer in the comments section, and on Thursday night I will draw a winner and post it on Friday's blog.
84 comments:
Montmartre looks like a beautiful city! :)
I honestly don't know where I'd live. I love Colorado - it's absolutely beautiful out there - but it's so far away from all the people I love back here in NC! I think ideally I'd love to go back to Raleigh or live in a small town outside of there. :)
Italy. My family is from there but I've never been there. I like the mild climate, and I'm a vespa rider so I'd fit right in. Plus it would be pretty easy to travel around the rest of europe from there.
Toronto, and after many years, I"m making it a reality. Or at least trying too. It's got all of the great things about a big city, but it's cleaner, safer, healthier and (most) the people are nicer.
And then maybe Ireland, but I've never been. I want to fly into the Shannon Airport, over the Shannon River and go and kiss the Blarney Stone.
Cortona, Italy. I went to art school there 20 years ago and fell in love with everything about the place! The food, the people, the town, the landscape. I haven't been back, but I will one day...
I'd have to split up my time between where I am now from May - Dec right after new years. And then head out to my home in Italy!
It is so nice there full of history and beautiful scenery.
At home(here in ON Canada) I would love still the 4 seasons, only have 2 months of winter instead of 6.
That's the plan for the future anyways. Also yearly trips to NYC of course!
Cheryl
Hmm...tough. I've always been drawn to California...probably northern CA somewhere. Not sure why? My second choice might be Japan. I visited Hokkaido twice in my teens, and it was breathtaking. Big city, but countryside access is very appealing.
Emiko ;)
I love living near New York City, but I am thinking somewhere in Europe sounds way more romantic and fanciful. I am imagining Madrid, Paris, or somewhere in Greece or Italy, even though I've never actually been to any of those places! Someplace, though, that has lots of old architecture and/or pretty scenic vistas. Siiigh.
I think my cop-out answer would be to live out of a backpack. But I suppose after a year (most likely sooner) I'd get terribly homesick. My wife and I took a six week trip through Europe for our honeymoon and I was moody after just two weeks... and badly craving peanut butter.
I'm happy where I am now, but that doesn't prevent my incurable case of wanderlust. I can hear the Amtrak miles away at night and my feet begin to twitch. I once spent an evening with a six-pack and Google street view, on a pretend road trip through Interstate-395. I can't think about the Cinque Terre without sighing, so I just call it the Cinque Terre Sigh.
Then there's the Montmarte withdrawals. It was a miserably wet and rainy day when I was there, hiding in a cafe - maybe that's why I still remember how the coffee tasted two years later.
Speaking of which - Michele, you'd enjoy Les Deux Moulins, the cafe where Amelie was filmed. They use a strange design for their coffee cups... the handle is meant to be pinched on the top and bottom side rather than putting your fingers through a loop. It'd make a great subject in one of your paintings.
First choice would be Firenze! Italy because it is so beautiful and it's hard not to be inspired by the buildings.. wine.. food.. and countryside and then my 2nd choice would be New York City- because it's one of the few places in the world were the city moves around you.
Your print is awesome... It reminds me of a photograph that my sister used to have at her previous home. Her husband had colored it in with markers, and it was sooo beautiful. I have to ask her what became of it.
As for where I would live... If I could, I would live in different places for different periods of time. I love living in Barcelona, Spain, where I've been living most of my life. But there's this awesome little town in the northern coast of Catalonia called "Cadaques" (where Dali used to live), that is so cute and peaceful and beautiful. I would also like to live in New York: I stayed in the US for a year, but in a little town, in the suburbs, and I felt so damned lonely. I could go out for a walk and not cross anyone on the street for minutes and minutes on! I missed Barcelona so much! And then I went to New York for a couple of weeks... Oh, it felt sooooo good... It was like being back home! But I would also love to live in Copenhaguen for some time, and also in Hye-on-Wye (am I spelling it right?), the book town in Wales.
I guess that's way toooo many places to be living in :-)
if i could live anywhere in the world, it would be in London. I've heard its beautiful there and It's very metro and i would love love love it...or at least that's what everyone tells me. :]
elaine R.
I love love love this piece...
In my own country I would love to live in Wellington if I didn't live in Napier.
As for the rest of the world there are too many places to choose...
I think Wales might be nice.
I love where I live in the Blue Mountains of NSW Australia however I do often imagine what it would be like to live in other places.
Like last weekend we went to the art gallery in Sydney for lunch overlooking the harbour and I started to think about how great it would be to live close by so I could come and wander through the gallery more often and perhaps then wander down to the botanical gardens for a picnic lunch, and to read the paper, glancing regularly at the harbour and the ships passing by.......
A couple of weeks ago we visited a quaint little town on the South Coast of NSW called Milton, it is a lovely historical town, semi rural, gorgeous country views short walk to the beach and 5 minute drive to Ulladulla which is a working fishing port....I imagined a life where I would have sunrise or sunset walks on the beach and regular excursions to watch the fishing boats arrive back from a night fishing.
And don't even get me started on Bellingen in northern NSW which is known as the promised land........
I love where I live in the Blue Mountains of NSW Australia, it truly is a place of great beauty, abundant wildlife and friendly villages, however I do often imagine what it would be like to live in other places.
Like last weekend we went to the art gallery in Sydney for lunch overlooking the harbour and I started to think about how great it would be to live close by so I could come and wander through the gallery more often and perhaps then wander down to the botanical gardens for a picnic lunch, and to read the paper, glancing regularly at the harbour and the ships passing by.......
A couple of weeks ago we visited a quaint little town on the South Coast of NSW called Milton, it is a lovely historical town, semi rural, gorgeous country views short walk to the beach and 5 minute drive to Ulladulla which is a working fishing port....I imagined a life where I would have sunrise or sunset walks on the beach and regular excursions to watch the fishing boats arrive back from a night fishing.
And don't even get me started on Bellingen in northern NSW which is known as the promised land........
So much great creative stuff seems to come out of Portland, it sounds like it would be a great place to live! And Montmartre is very beautiful and dreamy. I live in Amsterdam, but I dream of living right back in my home town of Brisbane, Australia. Kinda sleepy and backwater, compared to the wonderful cities of Europe, but there it is!
Your work is stunning, I'm so glad to have found it!
I have always wanted to live on an island. The tropics would be nice but I am a New Englander born and bred and would miss the seasons. Martha's Vineyard trumps Nantucket in my book or Isle au Haut off the coast of Maine - one of the most remarkable places I have been. Of course, a second home on the coast of Scotland to spend half the year would be nice too. Oh to dream... Thanks for the mini break in my mind :)
I love the print! I would love to live somewhere in Tuscany where I could relax, paint landscapes and drink some amazing Italian wine!
Hello Miss Michele! I would live in Tuscany. Italy is my favorite place on Earth!!
I'm not entirely sure since there's so many places I haven't been to! But for now I would love to live in San Diego, CA
New York would be awesome too though!
A small island off Thailand called Koh Tao.
It's beautiful and the weather is warm and sunny year round (there is the "rainy season" but it stays warm and sunny or at least tropical so still beautiful).
The people are amazing and kind, simple in how they do things, but not of simple mind.
The sounds of the ocean every day got me out of bed by 5am when I had only slept maybe two hours.
I never felt as alive as I did when I was there - a single backpacker exploring something unknown to me, on a true adventure. I'd live there if I could - in a heart beat!
Love these water towers!
I'd love to live in a cottage overlooking a lake in New England - think "On Golden Pond". I'd have to have one of those ChrisCraft's though!
Even though I'm not a big fan of freezing temperatures, I'd love to live in Montreal. I've been twice
and I think it's an amazing city.
Maybe it would teach me to love the cold and snow. Or maybe in my Montreal fantasy I'll just be a summer resident!
Love your print! It's gorgeous.
I, too, would want to live in Portland. It's where I live, now. I moved here from Silicon Valley in California because I was attracted to the value this community places on artists and the arts in general. When I got here, I realized that this is just part of a larger community value that also emphasizes quality of life, family, animals, and environment.
I love it here.
I would choose the Portland suburbs, however, which is where we're moving in May. The only t hing I'd change is to make our home with a little bit of land, and a farm, so that I could have a few animals and lots and lots of seclusion. That would be utopia.
Pick me!!!
xox
If money were no object, London. I asbolutely love the metropolitan feel of London, the climate and the fact that I'd be a cheap Easyjet from amazing destinations (including Aberdeen, where my first and only neice is growing up far away from us in Calgary)
Thanks!
Mmmm...this question makes me all daydreamy.
If I could live anywhere without worry of having a job nearby, I would move across the sound to be near the Olympic Mountains. But I do adore my current location of Seattle -- I consider it home, although I am originally from Wisconsin.
My second pick would be Ireland, where I lived for a month several years ago. It was the best month of my life, for reasons only my heart knows.
Today I would have to say Santa Monica CA. I live in the mid-Atlantic and have spent a lot of time in Santa Monica for business over the years. I haven't traveled extensively but I have been around. I love Paris, Rome, NY and other real cities. I've been all through the Caribbean also. But something constantly draws me back to the Santa Monica/Malibu area. Weather, water, great food, creativity. Don't know why. Maybe I want to be discovered one day.
This is a tough question for me because for most of my life I moved every 3 years or so.
If I could live anywhere right now, it would be in Germany. Which is where we're moving to sometime in the next year.
If I could have a house anywhere, it would probably either be the Isle of Skye in Scotland or in the Philippines.
If I had to settle somewhere in the U.S. it would either be Washington DC or Chicago.
I would live in Marrakesh. Beautiful city, amazing food, lovely weather, friendly people...Heavenly.
I'd love to live in Florence, Italy. To breathe its art, culture and history every second would be divine (and already makes my heart beat fast ;-))!
I would live in Montreal. I love living in Toronto, but Montreal is a cultural hotbed and the arts community is dynamic, supported and well-respected. Oh and let's not forget about the cuisine!
I would live in Hawaii! NOt sure which island though, but I would love to walk barefoot and surf and go to the beach!
Well, no one named Yachats, Oregon which is where I want to be in a few years. It's a tiny (600 pop.) town on the Oregon Coast with beautiful views of mountains, sea, and river. And it's arts focused and liberal, lots of gay folks. Every time I am there I feel like it's home.
It was so fun reading everyone's ideas. good post!
Great art work and blog.
I have lived in many places in my life. I am pretty happy right where I am right now in sunny CA
Monaco - in a flat on the cliffs overlooking the sea, just like Cary Grant in "To Catch a Thief."
Although, i do agree. I am very curious about Portland. I've heard the art world there is incredible, how inspiring it is, and well, there are to many amazing artists living there for it not to be a grand place.
But since i've never even been there how can i say i'd love to live there?
So i chose to near my family and chose to live in Florida. Friends come and go in our lives, and our families may not always be wonderful, but they will always be there.
If i could live anywhere it would probably be northwest Ohio. Thats where Im originally from...and truthfully, I kind of hate California. I am a midwest girl that doesn't belong here.
If I could pick a second place it would probably be Tennessee. I love it there.
I would love love love to win a print. It would be like winning the lottery.
difficult question...
I have MY answer because I sked myself this many times...I used to live in Spain, Venezuela, Canada (Québec and Vancouver) and now in France...I have been also in England and Australia and in the USA.
So...I think the "ideal" place it doesn't exist..even if everything is "perfect" there.
I would say I would like to leave in a place where there is not a war or not human rights respect. I would love to have family and friends with me, lots of nature and culture around (but prefer nature if have to choose) and a nice weather and kind and open people.
I don't know exactly where you can find all that together...but it could be in some places in Venezuela or in France. :)
asked
live
(sorry for the bad spelling...)
Montmartre is gorgeous and it's in Paris, so you just wander down the hill and you're in the big city!
I would live right where I am in the south of France in the wonderfully named Villemoustaussou where I make wine. The only thing I'd change is that I'd make my vineyard smaller so I could grow organically and do all the work by myself (with my parents) and not have to worry about the machines and equipment that go along with the full-sized vineyard.
I have vines and I have woods up on the hill to trek through and map and there's an equestrian center next door and I made a kiln out of stones and I can make clay out of the dirt and I can cook it in the kiln and glaze it with grape musk and wood ash and it's all just too wonderful to leave behind.
I was in Montmartre the other week :) Lovely :)
I would live in Japan in the countryside. Some quite backwater somewhere. Half of my family are Japanese so I would like to spend more time there rather than just a quick holiday every now and again (although the holidays are good too!).
The Caribbean. Bright sun, clear sea and blue sky every day of the year. I think St. Martin would be the best of the Islands to on which to live. Or maybe I would stay in the U.S. and live on St. John. The people there are so fantastic, kind and laid back. If I could make art and sell it on the internet and make a living, I would definitely live on a Caribbean island.
Here in the U.S. I would pick Washington or Oregon (the coast) because I love the fact that it stays warm and I love the idea of living around so many like-minded people. I have always dreamed of moving to Tuscany. That would be my overachiever dream :) Of course now that I'm reading the book "French Women Don't Get Fat" I'm thinking France would be dreamy. Of course I can always take a trip from my home in Tuscany to visit France!!!!
Columbia, SC. Where?? You might ask! The capital of SC. We lived there years ago while my husband was in grad school at the U of SC. I did not appreciate the closeness to the beach, the mountains, the low crime rate, the cheap cost of living, the warm year round climate, and the great coffee shops until just a few years ago!
You know that I as well, call Portland my home. I guess I didn't realize when I moved away how much I was meant for that city. I used to have a studio apartment (an old victorian that I'm almost positive was haunted, converted into apartments) downtown, that I somehow scored for only $400 a month. It was perfect. I can't even remember the classic nights spent on my porch. When I met Christopher we moved from my romantic studio into a one bedroom on SE Morrison, right by Zupans. I consumed enough smoked salmon bagels to keep them in business. I miss the rain. And my friends. And the bins. And drinking pbr until the sun came up. I'm allergic to the stuff now, but the memories still hold strong. Sometimes we pray that we'll get orders to Mccord AFB in Tacoma, but even that wouldn't be quite the same. Blah. I hope I win.
I would go to Vancouver Island. It is one of the most delightful places on earth, with organic farms, beautiful weather and kind people. There's always surfing and hippies, and that would be my kind of place.
I moved to Colorado because it was the place for me. I love living here by he mountains.
I do have fantasies of living in St. Lucia in the carribean. We went on our honeymoon and we fell in love with it.maybe someday...
Puget Sound and southern France. I'd just have to fly back and forth.
Bagel one day, brie the next.
Starbuck's one day, Au Lait a la cafe the next.
Salmon one day, Tilapia the next.
Barefoot in the hills. Sexy, yet comfy outfits. My hubby and kids with permanent smiles.
Now you've got me dreaming big!
I have always wanted to live in Lake Arrowhead, California (or Big Bear, or anywhere around those parts). I love being up in the mountains and the cool air ... near Lake Arrowhead is a street or pass called "Rim of the World" ... I just love that. It's away from everything, but if I wanted to go to LA or the city, it's a short drive down the mountain.
I would also very much like to live in a city somehwere and, because I have Italian heritage, Italy would be nice too.
From Jenny in Ohio:
Santa Fe, New Mexico, would be my ideal spot. I love everything about New Mexico, but the art in Santa Fe and Taos inspires me. On the other hand, Ohio is pretty good.
Ah! NYC! I've been dreaming about it for 14 years, since I was 6 years old and my dad left us to make money in America. There is so much to do, so many things to see: art, fashion, food, buildings, diffrent cultures and people from all over the world! And the best thing of all you don't need a car to go and buy milk! It's truly a wonderful city and hopefully people are making the best of it before something terrible happens, like global warming! It's incredibal how people connected after the 9/11, it seems the whole country really united.
Ok, it took so long for me to respond because it took so long for me to figure out where I want to live. I guess if I had my perfect fantasy world, I would have an apartment in Venice, a cabin in Northern California, a beach house in Hawaii, and a summer home in Viroqua, Wi. Can you tell I have a hard time deciding things :)
Montmartre looks lovely! I'd love to live in D.C. You would have access all the lovely things of other countries right at your finger tips... it's like traveling without the crazy airfare! (Of course traveling is way better!)
Rome, Italy. I would eat, drink and enjoy the lovely people the whole time. Walk around, draw the beautiful things that the city is full of and have espressos...
i dont really know for sure since I've only been to Mexico and Florida. I think I would like California a lot though because it has everything.. mountains, beaches, cities.. how could you not find something there you love. Plus I need to be someplace where winter isn't so severe like it is in nyc. I always dream on my life like the movie Under the Tuscan Sun but with my hubby of course. But I think I have what it takes to pick up and go.. to try to make a new and better life for myself someplace where the quality of life is better than in nyc.
maria
I would love to live in San Francisco. I haven't even visited but I feel in my bones that I'd love it there. I've lived in New York for years, and my base of family and friends are here, so it feels like home. But I'd love to do a West Coast stint (and I have a few friends and family in SF too, which would be fun.)
mine is not a specific location. my dream is to live on the beach. my house would be small and rustic. i would be able to walk down my front steps onto sand and watch the waves as a drank my morning cup of coffee.
It would be in Bali, Indonesia. I have been there once and the beaches are just pristine, the hills rolling in rice fields and warm weather everyday with tropical thunderstorms, my cup of tea! The place has a magical feel about it because the local folk believe in the supernatural and it forms a large part of their everyday living. Everywhere you go, there are "offerings" to spirits in the form of flowers, saffron rice and seeds tucked away discreetly by the streets.
In January I had the rare privilege of helping a friend move to California. It was my first time that far from the east coast, and man, it was a horrible trip. But after spending a few days there we drove out near Santa Barbara to the wine country and my heart was captured. On the drive home I swore to myself that if life should ever hand me a pile of bricks, a bad break-up, getting laid-off, that I'd pack up and move out there, it was gorgeous.
In Italy somewhere because I've always wanted to go. Or Las Vegas because it's always alive. Or maybe San Francisco. It's beautiful there!
I'd live right where I live & love right now - a small arts co-op near the Pike Place Market in Seattle. I'd still travel of course - but right here right now is my home - my family.
Great question!
I'd choose Venice as my main residence and a little house in deepest Transylvania ( maybe even Maramures) for my holiday home !
As an aside, I'm doing a project this year where I'm photographing 12 European cities, so I've been thinking a lot about what makes a place somewhere you would like to live.
Great answers from you and your other commenters :)
i think there the fantasy element is the attraction of the query particularly being the end of winter??!!....but in the end we need to interact and form part of a community...not as easy as it sounds...but to go with the fantasy for me it would be almost anywhere in sountheast asia
If I could live anywhere where would I live?
Easy answer. Portland, Oregon (like you). Growing up in SE pdx was amazing. I love the culture, I love my family nearby, my friends, the easy trips to the coast, desert, mountains, forests, hiking, everything. Yes, even the rain. I can't wait to get back. I'm currently living in Madison, Wisconsin, but visit home often!
There are many wonderful places I could travel to, but only one place I can truly call home.
Wow, thanks so much for the chance!! I would live in the Twin Cities. Even after being in California for more than 8 years now, I get the best feeling of "I'm home" once I see the skyline as my plane is about to land in Minnesota.
Love, Love, Love your work! In answer to your question, I'd be happy living anywhere as long as I was with my family (except maybe Frseno, CA- No offense to any Fresno people out there! My husband and I lived there very briefly before the kiddos came along, and I was miserable!)
-Kelly
Honestly, i think i would stay where i am in Oregon. The beauty of the area is amazing and the proximity to other climates is great.
Then my second choice would be to have the money to travel to other locations, where family is and other countries but always coming back to my home base.
Gorgeous print! All of your pieces have a serene, unique feeling to them. I love in SoCal and would love to move to the Northwest, I need to be near nature!
Well, seeing as I how I just left the fair state of MI to move to NY, I'm going to be positive and say there isn't any place I'd rather live than where I'm living right now ... Binghamton, NY. But, if I had my druthers I might pick somewhere a bit warmer, say Charlotte, NC.
I think somewhere warm, I live in Minnesota like Michigan it's freezing a big part of the year. I went to Arizona once and loved it there. Although my sister and nieces are in Colorado so that would be great too. And I would just settle for a trip to Europe, that would wonderful!
What a great print. I would love to win it. My answer is hands down, Portland, Oregon. I lived there for three years right after high school. I moved away in 1990 and that decision has haunted me ever since. I've lived in Costa Rica for two years and I really loved it there as well but I think my heart will always be with Portland. I currently live in Eugene and definitely do NOT belong here. bleh.
What a great print. I would love to win it. My answer is hands down, Portland, Oregon. I lived there for three years right after high school. I moved away in 1990 and that decision has haunted me ever since. I've lived in Costa Rica for two years and I really loved it there as well but I think my heart will always be with Portland. I currently live in Eugene and definitely do NOT belong here. bleh.
Perhaps Sedona Arizona for a while.
I visited there and really thought the place was magic. I remember feeling so happy and alive. But also maybe the Netherlands. One of my best friends lives there and the pictures she sends look so lovely.
I do also have a soft spot in my heart for Oregon. And I also dream of England... Oh.. this is hard to choose.. then there is Morocco and Italy....Oh Man...
What a great print. I would love to win it. My answer is hands down, Portland, Oregon. I lived there for three years right after high school. I moved away in 1990 and that decision has haunted me ever since. I've lived in Costa Rica for two years and I really loved it there as well but I think my heart will always be with Portland. I currently live in Eugene and definitely do NOT belong here. bleh.
I would live in Marin County in California. Still close enough to take part in the culture, food and fun of San Francisco but also immersed in the natural beauty and calm of life in the bay area and in close proximity to the wine country.
Anywhere in the world....I think I would have to choose Florence, Italy. I traveled all around Italy in college for a month to study art, and Florence was my favorite city. Or maybe I could stay in one of those charming hill towns...so peaceful and beautiful!
For me it's somewhere in Guatemala, not a city but a smaller place where you can get to know the people. I've been there three times now and feel comfortable with the people and like the culture. I feel more at home speaking Spanish (I'm intermediate level) than English. My mother tongue is Italian, so go figure! I love your work!
If money wasn't a problem, I'd choose Victoria. I really love the quaintness. Plus, Vancouver Island westcost is so nearby for lazy weekends and getaways.
I'm pretty happy with my life in Boise, ID.... It is, for me, the perfect balance of all things of greatness! It's city, but not too big. It's country, but not big country. It has life, culture, low crime, four seasons and great schools. Plus, it's clean! Everything I could ever want recreation-wise is within a two-three hour drive (Except the ocean, but then we wouldn't have our fun weekend trips to Portland :) However, most of the things we enjoy are blocks away! People here are friendly, and what more could you want? My big dreaming tendencies would push me to San Francisco.. I grew up in the Bay Area and there is something about nostalgia! If only I could afford it.
All I know is that My friends are in beautiful Rhode Island, my family is in gorgeous Portland and I have only seen a little of the rest of the world, so it's a tough question. As a citizen of the world, I respectfully refuse to decide.
oh i hope i'm not too late!
i would love to live in amsterdam! when we were younger (!) my husband and i used to go there for long weekends from london - it was just beautiful in the spring time and i have ALWAYS wanted to live on (in?) a houseboat
xx candice xx
France(southern). Santa Fe. Seattle.
I have tried bribes and threats to get my family to leave the midwest. Really, who here has chosen Chicago? Hmm. Sorry if you have, I'm sure you'll love my family. Tell them Hi for me if you see them.
I've got my running shoes on.
I just want my daughter to grow up with family. So I need to drag them with us.
I lived in seattle - loved it
lived in Albquerque N.M loved it- would love santa fe even more for the art and feel.
Atlanta I could have lived without.
Portland was lovely, I didn't live there, but the visits were warm and genuine.
So we are bound for france next.
hope to see you there!
I would choose to live in Malaysia, my homeland!
aikychien@yahoo.com
I live in green, grey with a hint of blue England and often imagine living somewhere as colourful and imaginative as India. The smells, colours, noises and beliefs are so far removed from my everyday experience, to live there could lead me to open up another part of my soul.
Joanna :~)
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