...because there is a little country living in all of us



Monday, December 5, 2011

The Most Wonderful Time of the Year


Hello again.  I am very sorry that I have been absent for a bit, but life sure has a way of keeping you busy, doesn't it? 




But before I go on any further with the details, I have to pause and say a huge THANK-YOU to Jennifer at The Old Painted Cottage.  She featured some of my photos as well as several other gorgeous homes in her latest post, Honorable Mention.  Feel free to go check them out. 






After the Thanksgiving holiday, I rushed home from our family celebration downstate to decorate for Christmas in time to email several photos for The Cottage of the Month search deadline.  Then it was off to Chicago for a little vacation with friends.   Back home again now, I can finally show you some of my Christmas decorating.  Out with the pumpkins, in with the glitter and garland! 




I found this antique, french sleigh at Yasmine's shop, Maison Reve.
















I love to fill these vintage grain scoops with antique ornaments.



























This lighted tree was our Christmas tree from several years ago.  All the needles have long since fallen off.  I cut it down and spray painted it white, then decorated it with silver and gold glass balls.

























Are you ready for Christmas?  Is your tree up and decorated, your garland hung, and your seasonal decor put out?  Have you started Christmas shopping?  Sometimes it all can seem so overwhelming, but I enjoy every bit of the Christmas preparation.  The days are shorter and the nights are cold, yet I love all the cheer.  When we were visiting Chicago last week, I couldn't get enough of all the twinking lights everywhere in the streets and storefronts.  Even though it is easy to get caught up in it all, we must remember the greatest gift of all is God's Son sent to save us from our sin.  And He is the Reason for the Season!




Well, I won't take anymore of your time for now, so go turn up the Christmas music, make yourself a cup of hot chocolate, and get busy enjoying this wonderful season!



Maria ~Rusty Hinge 


I'm joining these parties:





Faded Charm's: White Wednesday

Common Ground's: Inspiration Friday

French Country Cottage's: Holiday Vignettes






It's Overflowing

Cottage & Vine






Posted by rusty hinge at 9:27 PM

74 comments:

  1. Rachel Noelle PallasDecember 6, 2011 at 2:08 AM

    OH my Maria!! Your house looks stunning!! You need to be in a magazine for sure! ;)
    LOVE all the little details~ xoxo Rachel

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  2. summersoulDecember 6, 2011 at 10:01 AM

    Maria,
    Breathtaking! Wow you have quite an eye. I love the pics of the bed! (cute NR pillow ;)) May I pin it? the three wreaths and the letters are awesome!

    xo
    MC

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  3. AnonymousDecember 6, 2011 at 11:07 AM

    Holy Moly Maria,
    I am drooling all over my computer!!!
    Can you please come to my house and decorate it like yours?!!!
    You need to give me tips on what I need to get your style. I already told you your style is exactly how I want my home!
    I was so excited for this post, and you definitely didn't disappoint! :)
    Have a beautiful day my friend!!
    Sincerely,
    Melinda

    ReplyDelete
  4. A Cozy Cottage in the CityDecember 6, 2011 at 11:24 AM

    Maria! Your home is just absolutely GORGEOUS!!! Love all the holiday decor and vintage items scattered throughout!!! I am in love with all the lovelies & eye candy in there!!! Come to my house & decorate please! :) And congrats on being featured as one of the honorable mentions @The Old Painted Cottage {really, yours could have been the main feature!}! :) Hugs & Happy Holidays, my dear!


    XOXO's,
    Jessie

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  5. Fresh Vanilla For CDecember 6, 2011 at 11:35 AM

    LOve it all Maria~~I especially love the sleigh filled with the vintage ornaments! Gorgeous!!
    Thanks again for giving me my good news yesterday!
    xo~Cheryl

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  6. Heaven's WalkDecember 6, 2011 at 9:44 PM

    Hi Maria - I was sitting here tonight paging through my new issue of RH, and my eyes fell on your feature in there AND your grain sacks. Since I'm obsessed with grain sacks, I just had to log on to check out your beautiful blog! We share ALOT of the same loves and treasures. I adore your home and will definitely be spending alot of time visiting here! (I pinned a few of your gorgeous photos....) I live in a Michigan farmhouse, too. Where abouts are you?

    Congrats on the feature - and I'll be back soon! :)

    xoxo laurie

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  7. Heaven's WalkDecember 6, 2011 at 10:19 PM

    Just me again, Maria! As you can tell, I'm having a BALL visiting your beautiful home! :) I must ask you where you purchased your French Postal pillow? I just love it!

    xoxo laurie

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  8. Lauren @ My Wonderfully MadeDecember 7, 2011 at 7:35 AM

    Maria -- I just can't stand it!! Your house is over the top beautiful and I am pinning just about the entire post to my Christmas decorating board! I love all of the vintage ornaments and the fact that you saved your old tree and painted it! Genius!! Just love it all!!

    ReplyDelete
  9. Julie MarieDecember 7, 2011 at 11:12 AM

    Hello... I am partying also with Patti and Paula at Ivy and Elephants... your home looks just stunning... I love how you have displayed your vintage ornaments here and there... Merry Christmas to you!... xoxo Julie Marie

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  10. Lou Cinda @ Tattered HydrangeasDecember 7, 2011 at 12:07 PM

    Oh Maria....stunning, stunning, stunning! Beautiful photos...love your style....

    I am your newest follower and I will be back!

    Lou Cinda :)

    ReplyDelete
  11. A Cozy Cottage in the CityDecember 7, 2011 at 1:53 PM

    Maria!!!

    OMG! Congrats on being in the recent Romantic Homes mag! I knew your home was mag worthy!!! :) Congrats to both you & Cheryl @Fresh Vanilla For C! :)


    Hugs,
    Jessie

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  12. Rosemary@villabarnesDecember 7, 2011 at 4:22 PM

    Hi Maria. Your home is so beautiful. I don't think I could pick just one fave thing. Thanks for visiting my blog. I'm following you.

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  13. UnknownDecember 8, 2011 at 8:51 PM

    You have some a.ma.zing treasures and all photographed so beautifully! am following you now!

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  14. Faded PlainsDecember 8, 2011 at 9:25 PM

    Wow...your photos are so beautiful...as is your home.

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  15. Jane@Cottage at the CrossroadsDecember 8, 2011 at 11:03 PM

    I love how you've displayed your vintage treasures. I saw so many things in your photos that were stunning.

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  16. Fishtail CottageDecember 9, 2011 at 12:12 AM

    love your style! i can't believe i've never been here before! i'm about to be your newest follower & will post you on my side bar so i don't miss a post! lovely!!!! xoox, tracie

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  17. Gayle Page-RobakDecember 9, 2011 at 5:51 PM

    Your display is amazing. So many stunning decorations. Love it all. Thank you for sharing and Merry Christmas. I have joined your followers list and would love to have you join me as well. Hugs, Gayle
    http://atastefultouch.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  18. Laura @ 52 FLEADecember 9, 2011 at 7:51 PM

    Hello Maria,
    I have been collecting for a long time and am amazed at all the treasures you have gathered while you are still so young! You are very talented at arranging your things and I have enjoyed my visit here! Your farmhouse is a beautiful place!
    Enjoy the Christmas season...you surely have the perfect setting! :)

    ReplyDelete
  19. di@cottage-wishesDecember 9, 2011 at 8:09 PM

    So beautiful, I did see you in The Cottage of the Month runner up's...love it. I am a new follower. Di@cottage-wishes

    ReplyDelete
  20. KarenDecember 9, 2011 at 8:15 PM

    Maria your home is beautiful, your photography is wonderful, I love the idea with the painted needle less tree...brilliant. I'm in awe of your talent and deeply inspired, and your new follower.

    ReplyDelete
  21. she dreams big!December 9, 2011 at 8:55 PM

    I'm drooling! Lovely home Maria! I'm your newest follower.

    ReplyDelete
  22. UnknownDecember 9, 2011 at 9:25 PM

    visiting by way of alabaster rose designs. oh my...STUNNING home you have. love your xmas decor! sigh...i am your newest follower! happy to meet you!

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  23. UnknownDecember 9, 2011 at 9:27 PM

    Just found your blog. It's fantastic and your decorating is amazing! Have a great weekend!
    Roselle

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  24. Elegant EconomiesDecember 9, 2011 at 11:29 PM

    Maria, what a beautiful blog! Lovely and serene! New follower.
    Blessings, Audrey

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  25. Elegant EconomiesDecember 9, 2011 at 11:30 PM

    Maria, what a beautiful blog! Lovely and serene! New follower.
    Blessings, Audrey

    ReplyDelete
  26. Debra@CommonGroundDecember 9, 2011 at 11:33 PM

    Just came by from Alabaster Rose, your photos are wonderful, love your style! just joined as a follower, come by for a visit, xo

    ReplyDelete
  27. Karen ValentineDecember 10, 2011 at 12:51 AM

    Hi Maria! I just found your blog through Pinterest! I am so happy to find you! I must say I have spent quite a bit of time looking through your posts. Your photos are wonderful! You take the kind of pics I have always wanted to, but have not yet been able to achieve!
    You are going in blogroll now!!!
    Merry Christmas!

    ReplyDelete
  28. Irma@CosasBellasDecember 10, 2011 at 3:51 AM

    Hi Maria, I'm popping in from my good friend Melinda's blog(ARD).
    I can see why she fell in love with your blog, it is amazing!

    I am now your newest follower,
    Irma

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  29. Sandi~A Cottage MuseDecember 10, 2011 at 6:59 AM

    OMGosh...your home is just beautiful! Your holiday touches are fabulous! So much to pin here, thanks for sharing!

    Following along now!

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  30. Burlap LuxeDecember 10, 2011 at 7:31 AM

    Love every inch of your style :)
    I could move in and not change a thing :)

    Love the picture of the bare tree all dressed for Christmas, I will be posting mine this week come for a visit :)

    Keep inspiring your beauty.
    xoxo
    Dore

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  31. www.MaisonStGermain.comDecember 10, 2011 at 7:53 AM

    WOW! What a gorgeous home. LOVE it!!! I am your newest follower. Found you through Melindas blog:)
    ~Debra xxx
    Capersof the vintage vixens

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  32. Kristin @ My Uncommon Slice of SuburbiaDecember 10, 2011 at 10:34 AM

    My goodness, everything is so pretty!!Thanks for sharing your gorgeous home with us!
    XO
    Kristin

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  33. UnknownDecember 10, 2011 at 10:44 AM

    You're ready for a magazine shoot! I'm glad you came for a visit earlier because finding your blog is such a treat! I'm your newest follower and would love for you to return the "LOVE" on your next visit!

    XO, Aimee from ItsOverflowing!

    PS I'm having my first linky party on 12/13. It will be "Christmas Scape" themed, tablescape ~ landscape or anywhere else in you home that you've added a touch of Christmas! I'd LOVE for you to link up! My blog is http://www.itsoverflowing.com/.

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  34. RhondaDecember 10, 2011 at 10:47 AM

    Bonjour Maria, found you through Melinda's blog. Everything on your blog is simply gorgeous!

    New follower and Merry Christmas to you!

    ReplyDelete
  35. stefanieDecember 10, 2011 at 11:28 AM

    oh, your home is sooooo gorgeous!!! I am soooo jealous!! I think I am going to have to copy you!!!!

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  36. pballardDecember 10, 2011 at 2:16 PM

    Hi there Maria,
    sent by Dreamy Whites. So glad to have found you... Right up my alley. Just became a follower.

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  37. Dee ⚜️⚜️⚜️⚜️⚜️December 10, 2011 at 9:21 PM

    Your home is beautiful! I love all your decorations. Stunning!!!

    Dee

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  38. Free Art PrintablesDecember 10, 2011 at 10:45 PM

    Your pictures look beautiful! I love that mirror! You have a great eye!

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  39. Junk FairyDecember 10, 2011 at 11:43 PM

    Your blog is beautiful! Xmas decor is wonderful!
    Wishes & Kisses
    E

    ReplyDelete
  40. the old white houseDecember 11, 2011 at 6:20 AM

    I just came over from Melinda's and am so happy that I did! Your home is absolutely beautiful! I haven't really even started our decorating, just the advent calendar, and you have just given me a wealth of inspiration! I am your newest follower... t.xooxox

    ReplyDelete
  41. Heart Vintage Design December 11, 2011 at 8:52 AM

    I came via The Vintage Inspired Home. I love your blog already and subbed by e-mail and Google Connect. I'm looking forward to seeing more of you creative eye!

    ReplyDelete
  42. Lori @ Katies Rose Cottage DesignsDecember 11, 2011 at 8:53 AM

    Maria your home is just gorgeous gorgeous !!! I am so excited to have found you !
    I am off to read some more of your blog :)

    xoxo
    Lori

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  43. BristolDecember 11, 2011 at 10:54 AM

    Maria,
    Love your blog! Love that your from Northern Michigan. From Kentucky but our family cottage is in the UP, my favorite place to be!
    Bristol

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  44. ReviDecember 11, 2011 at 12:29 PM

    How lovely and eclectic everything looks! I just found you via White Wednesday. (I LOVE White Wednesday!)
    Now, I am a new follower. We're on the same page!
    -Revi

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  45. UnknownDecember 11, 2011 at 5:15 PM

    Hi Maria! I just found you in blog land and love your style. Because of you I had to do some tweeking around the house, you gave me so much inspiration. And I need(want) that Montana trophy!!!
    Why did I get rid of my vintage grain scoops?!
    It's so nice to meet you~xoxo~SueBee

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  46. UnknownDecember 11, 2011 at 5:25 PM

    With the amount of treasures you have you have been collecting a long time so I don't see how you could copy someone else. I believe we are all here for inspiration to each other. I guess some people are just jealous!!

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  47. Linen and BurlapDecember 11, 2011 at 5:46 PM

    I love discovering new blogs. Your's is a real treat for me today. Lovely photos. I love all your vintage things. Thanks so much for sharing.

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  48. Gracefully VintageDecember 11, 2011 at 6:46 PM

    OMG - I just love your blog-love your home-love your pictures- so much Inspiration for my home.. Love it...Happy New Follower
    Karryann-cant wait to see your next post..

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  49. TriciaDecember 11, 2011 at 7:27 PM

    Everything is so pretty! I really love all your grainsacks. Can I ask where you found them? On etsy maybe? :)

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  50. MariaelenaDecember 12, 2011 at 5:58 AM

    Good morning...what a wonderful home and talent you have...I'm a new follower and look forward visiting your blog often!!...come on over for a visit too...in the middle of a kitchen reno...I know crazy to do this now...lol...Happy decorating, Mariaelena

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  51. JudyDecember 12, 2011 at 9:17 AM

    Your home is lovely! I love your simple, yet beautiful way of decorating! Just gorgeous! Thanks for sharing. Found your blog in the January issue of Romantic Homes! Congratulations!

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  52. SLRDecember 12, 2011 at 12:04 PM

    gorgeous home you have! love all the red stripe feed sacks in your decor!
    i'm a new follower :)

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  53. Passionate for WhiteDecember 12, 2011 at 2:40 PM

    I just became your 100th follower and I am SO looking forward to going through your archives!

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  54. DebDecember 12, 2011 at 3:47 PM

    Beautiful ♥ So happy to have stumbled upon your lovely blog ~ looking forward to returning again.

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  55. Tanya December 12, 2011 at 11:05 PM

    You had me at the photo of the Shiny Brite ornaments in the sleigh - BEAUTIFUL blog...new follower...Happy Tuesday - Tanya

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  56. AnonymousDecember 13, 2011 at 12:33 AM

    Oh my your home is stunning..And the vintage ornaments that are everywhere..I am loving everything I see..
    Merry Christmas..

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  57. Anne MarieDecember 13, 2011 at 9:41 AM

    I came by yesterday, but wasn't able to leave you a comment...
    your items in your home are so amazing! that photograph of the bedroom is magazine worthy...love love the style you have going on here!!
    Merry Christmas-
    Anne Marie

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  58. AnonymousDecember 13, 2011 at 10:00 AM

    Oh, my! Your home and decorations are so beautiful! Looks just like a magazine spread! :)
    You're very talented in making pretty!
    Be a sweetie,
    Shelia ;)

    ReplyDelete
  59. Mary @ Sea QuiltsDecember 13, 2011 at 11:35 AM

    I'm blown away by your blog, your home ... your linens! I'm a new fan and a new follower

    Thanks for letting me drool ~
    Mary @ SeaQuilts

    ReplyDelete
  60. MimiDecember 13, 2011 at 11:52 AM

    Simple and elegant. Just the way I like it!

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  61. timsarmywifeyDecember 13, 2011 at 1:16 PM

    LOVE! your blog and the entire look .... you have a new follower and I am soooo going to fill my wooden bowl today!

    Christmas Blessings! (if you wouldn't mind I'd love a visit to our "house" too... http://www.timsarmywifey.blogspot.com)

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  62. VSDecember 13, 2011 at 9:20 PM

    Your house is amazing....everything in it! I adore all your vintage Holiday Wonder, truly PERFECT!!!
    Thanks for sharing your Seasons Greetings with us & have a very Merry Christmas!!!
    Smiles,
    Susie

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  63. a little love affairDecember 13, 2011 at 11:45 PM

    I agree with everyone else.. your home is stunning! Everything has come together beautifully. Oh and I want your coffee table :)

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  64. Free Art PrintablesDecember 14, 2011 at 1:44 AM

    Thank you so much for joining in on the holiday tour! Your home is just beautiful! I have to come back after the tour and look around more!

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  65. RuthSMac.December 16, 2011 at 10:23 AM

    Your house is beautiful in so many ways! I adore your vintage ornaments. I'm your new follower :)

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  66. Courtney // 12th and WhiteDecember 18, 2011 at 1:31 PM

    Maria, your blog is so beautiful! I am so thrilled that you came over to say hello so that I could find it! I am now following along (I follow in google reader and not friend connect, but please know that I am here and a follower!)
    What beautiful Christmas images!! I absolutely love your home!! Thank you so much for sharing!
    Blessings to you and your family this Christmas,
    Courtney

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  67. My DuongDecember 20, 2011 at 12:02 PM

    Your home is so beautiful. I am drooling over everything you have! Your newest follower! Would love love love for you to share this at our party going on now http://space46.blogspot.com/2011/12/co-hosting-pinteresting-link-party-week.html. Happy holiday!

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  68. RenéDecember 20, 2011 at 2:39 PM

    SO many beautiful ideas! Your home is lovely! Thank you so much for joining the party!

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  69. ROSANNA POLOJanuary 8, 2012 at 5:54 PM

    maravilloso todo todo todo
    rosana

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  70. Jennifer SpadaroJanuary 23, 2012 at 9:19 AM

    Your house is gorgeous!

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  71. Ashley KayNovember 26, 2012 at 12:56 AM

    Where did u find those large letters over your bed? Im in love with your home.... it is beautiful!

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  72. LisaNovember 26, 2012 at 1:58 PM

    LOVE, LOVE, LOVE everything about this post. The photos are incredible. It looks as if you've been shopping in our store!

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  73. UnknownNovember 26, 2012 at 9:56 PM

    you must tell us where you got the beautiful garland! love it all!

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  74. AudreyDecember 30, 2012 at 7:47 PM

    Seeing your beautiful decorations makes me want to start all over and copy you. I have a lot of the same collectables (antiques) as you do, but did not use them as nicely as you did. Love how you have used them.
    Blessings,
    happy new Year.
    Audrey Z.
    Timeless Treasures

    ReplyDelete

Thank you for stopping by! I love hearing from you and appreciate all of your comments. It's a treat to read each one!
Love,
Maria

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