Caedes

Artist Spotlight # 48

Submitted by Samatar 02/19/10 7:54 AM GMT

As Mimi is having trouble with her computer this week it is my pleasure to present on her behalf this months artist spotlight: PatAndre!

I thank you all for this honor. Caedes has meant a lot to me ever since I discovered it in Feb of 2006 while exploring the Kim Kamando website.

My proper name is Patricia Andrepont but if anyone calls me anything other than “Pat” I’ll get my shotgun out. I was born in Dayton, OH in Nov of 1944. My parents moved to the country when I was a young teenager so I could have a horse. I have always loved horses. On Saturdays, I would throw a pair of saddlebags and a bedroll on her along with a packed lunch and “head out” for parts unknown. I also participated in rodeos (barrel racing) and could stand up on my horse’s back while galloping thru the pasture. Nowadays, I am lucky if I can just stand up.

I graduated from Brookville High School near Dayton, OH and went to college at nearby Cedarville University and majored in Public Address. I graduated in 1969. I moved to Windham, Oh where I taught school for awhile. I decided to go for a Masters Degree so I started graduate work at Kent State University. I happened to be there when that infamous shooting and riot dubbed “The May 4th Massacre” (1970) broke out. I’ll never forget that day.

To help pay for this education, I took on part time work at Ravenna Army Ammunition Plant in Ravenna, Oh, where grenades for the Viet Nam war were being assembled. I was making more money there than teaching so I gave up teaching and began working full time at the plant. It was there that I met my husband (Ernie) who had retired from the Air Force. He was working there as a government inspector. He came along one day and started criticizing the way I was handling black powder. I told him where he could stuff his criticism. We decided not to let lots of good fights go to waste so in 1970 we married. I’ll never forget it-he gave the preacher five bucks and took off with me.

Ernie was from Louisiana so we moved down there in the early 70’s where we ran two service stations for awhile. On a wild whim (long story) I joined the Air Force in 1974 and spent 12 yrs as a Services Officer in charge of dining halls, billeting, mortuary affairs and Search and Recovery when airplanes crashed- all in all a thankless job. I had intentions of staying in till eligible for retirement but that did not happen-another long story.

I can remember always being fascinated by big trucks for whatever reason, so when I got out of the Air Force, I went to truck driving school and hit the road for the first time in August of 1986. I stayed at that for 19 plus years and loved every minute of it. I drove coast to coast and Canada. My husband’s health kept deteriorating and in Nov of 2004 I had to give up truck driving and take care of my husband. I lost him to COPD in April of 2007. My own health was getting bad as well (back trouble which started in the Air Force). I have been pretty much disabled with that ever since and have to get around with a rolling walker.

As for photography…………I remember taking lots of pictures in the Air Force. I really enjoyed photography when stationed in Japan for four years. Ernie bought me a Canon A1 and also a Canon AE1 (film). I don’t know when digital cameras first came on the scene or when I got my first digital but I have a Canon Rebel XT (350D). I also have a Canon 40D, two Canon 50D’s (all for sale by the way, stateside only) and a Canon 5D Mark II. I’m contemplating buying the Canon 7D for it’s 8fps but am still undecided.

The Caedes website has definitely made me a better photographer. I loathe the C-score system but I’ll have to admit that when an image gets a low score, it pushes me to try to understand why and do better.

Who has inspired me? From a photography standpoint that would have to be owd Bob. He took me under his wing not long after I joined the site. Thankyou so much, Bob.

Favorite images? Oh my gosh, that’s a tough one. “Oak Alley”? “Alone In A Watery World”? “Fall On The Bayou”? “Chicot State Park Fall Beauty 2009”? “Almost Done”? I think I can nail one particular one down called “Window Through The Cypress”. That has to be my favorite.

Now, you have no idea how many of your images (Caedes members images) I have saved as “Favorites”. I have 157 pages of them. You might want to look through my “Favorites” if your trying to find an older image that scored well. It’s probably in there.

Thank you all for your many wonderful friendships, support in tough times and just being a great bunch of people. Caedes, you have done a great thing here in your development of this site. Whatever you do, keep it up and running.

Owd Momma (Pat)

Comments

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.LANJOCKEY
02/19/10 9:02 AM GMT
Hello Pat...Many,many congratulations on receiving the Artist Spotlight Award,fully deserved...I'm always very impressed with your work, Pat. You have indeed, got a fine gallery of pictures....You are a respected (and respectful!) and humble member of the Caedes community.....Once again Pat,many congratulations.......................................Mick.

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::Hottrockin
02/19/10 10:13 AM GMT
Hot dog!! 'Bout time!!

Way to go momma!! You bring such nice things to the table here at Caedes and are a breath of fresh air!! Congrats on your spotlight, you deserve it BIG time!!
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Why do the pictures come out square when the lens is round??
::casechaser
02/19/10 11:28 AM GMT
Congrats Pats - I have been a fan of yours for years.
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braces
02/19/10 1:07 PM GMT
Well done Pat you deserve this so much. Enjoy your moment in the spotlight!

Steve
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"If at first you don't succeed, try again. Then quit. There's no use being a damn fool about it." W.C. Fields. So, keep trying to see My Gallery.
::Ramad
02/19/10 1:08 PM GMT
You have been a real all-rounder Pat. Standing up on the back of a galloping horse! I have seen that only in circus! I won't call you Momma any more because you are quite a few years younger than me. Hearty congratulations on becoming AOTM. You really deserve it. I have always admired your photos - particularly the swamps and the sunsets. Just keep them coming and ignore the C-Index.
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If practice makes perfect and nobody is perfect, then why practice?
::SEFA
02/19/10 1:49 PM GMT
Congratulations Pat! Your images has been an inspiration to me for a long time.
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SEFA
.Catharina1
02/19/10 3:10 PM GMT
Congratulations Pat, so well deserved and I am happy for you! Enjoy the great words : )! Mich
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::0930_23
02/19/10 4:28 PM GMT
About time I say Owd Momma. You have really led an interesting life. I think you have always grabbed the "bull by the horns" to learn so many things. I admire your work ethic and straight forwardness. People do not always need to agree to respect one another.

Glad to see you standing on top of the horse again. Congratulations.

TicK

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Hopefully my photos and stories will let you know what makes me Tick
::allisontaylor
02/19/10 5:53 PM GMT
Congratulations Pat! Thoroughly enjoyed reading your bio. You are truly an amazing woman! Impossible to pick a favorite photo of yours although I do have a special fondness of the bayou images. Thank you for sharing your story and photos.
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+purmusic
02/19/10 6:16 PM GMT
(*does cartwheel ...*)

:o)

Congratulations, Pat.

I've long admired your work behind the lens and more so, and in some respects ... your dedication to your art. (Add to that, our beloved site.)

You've graced our pages with some gorgeous imagery from your neck of the woods. And have always been a straight shooter on the discussion fronts.

Take a bow ... or two, you deserve this accolade. Enjoy your time. :o)
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"There is always something waiting at the end of the road ... if you're not willing to see what it is ... you probably shouldn't be out there in the first place."
::100k_xle
02/19/10 6:58 PM GMT

Holy Cow! Or should I say Holy Horses. Either way a BIG Congratulations to you Pat. Very Much Deserved.

I'll have to bring over a bottle of the bubbly to go along with the Apple Fritters next time. LOL!

You are a Fine Photographer as your gallery well shows. But more so a wonderful down to earth person and friend.

Congrats again and I hope you enjoy your 15 minutes of Fame.

Your Lou-z-ana Buddy,

E J
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This Image GRABBED my EYE. That's Why I Stopped By. Thanks For Sharing ! Never argue with an idiot. They drag you down to their level and then beat you with experience
.Toto_san
02/19/10 7:37 PM GMT
My compliments. God bless you, Pat.
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For the invisible things of Him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, His eternal power and Godhead;... Rom 1:20
.mesmerized
02/19/10 8:30 PM GMT
CONGRATULATIONS, Pat! 'Bout time is right! Fascinating bio...you've sure lived the life and it has no doubt contributed to the character, humor, and great photography that have made your presence here at caedes something special...no wonder we all love and get one hell of a kick out of our gun-totin' Momma. With so many wonderful images in your gallery it's hard to limit my favorites but I think I especially enjoy your bayou and sunset shots. Looking forward to what else you have in store for us in future. Enjoy the ROOOOOAAAAAARRRRR of applause.
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::jswgpb
02/19/10 10:00 PM GMT
Holy crapola Momma.......you did good. :) Bout damn time too. You've taught me a lot about them there swamps ya got down there and your images always please me. You are top notch in the Owd Lion's book.......and I think you know that. ((Hugs)) You've done a lot of things in your life and have the down home humor and wisdom to prove it. I'm proud to call ya my friend.......I truly am. I will always call ya Momma, or Pat, or maybe .....no....put the shotgun away. lol I'm sooo glad you got a little recognition for all the great photos........You truly deserve it..........trompin' through gatorville like that, not to mention snakes. :) They are snapshots of wild America........and ya done good too. Take care my dear friend. I hope ya got a big O' smile on that crusty cajun face. I know I got one on mine. :) Luv ya Momma....John
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Always remember - Follow the Yellow Brick Road, it will lead you to OZ and the Emerald City. A very nice place to live. Trust me on this one, I live there. The Lion **** MY CAEDES GALLERY****Another Site I'm AT - MY DA HOME PAGE
::Genver
02/19/10 10:47 PM GMT
Congratulations,it is well deserved,overall your photos are really good.
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::Inkeri
02/19/10 11:36 PM GMT
Big Congratulations,Pat..Well Deserved.Your photos are all Fantastic.
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.nigelmoore
02/20/10 2:09 AM GMT
Congratulations Patricia! I have never met a more inspirational crocodile-wrestling shotgun-tooting swamp hugging truck driver than you and believe me I've met a few. None of them had cheeks quite as smooth as yours though, I'll give you that ;-)

Enjoy your time in the spotlight, you've earnt it.
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"A camera is an instrument that teaches people how to see without a camera." Dorothea Lange
.bean811
02/20/10 2:56 AM GMT
Congrats Patricia...just kidding, I mean Pat...don't shoot!!!! :)

I have always enjoyed following your work and the now the spotlight is well deservedly shining on you. I'm a fan of your entire gallery, but if I had to pick a favorite I think I'd go with Oak Alley...really like that one.

Anywho...congrats and enjoy your time in the spotlight.
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Check out my website
.gabi_h
02/20/10 3:57 AM GMT
Congratulations Pat! Well deserved. Enjoy your time in the spotlight.
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To see a world in a grain of sand and a heaven in a wild flower.............. William Blake
::Dunstickin
02/20/10 9:14 AM GMT
It's about bloody time too!....

I always knew you would get to the top sweetheart!....I think we became very good friends from the beginning, when we 'met' on Caedes! .. .. We both have journeyed through good times and the bad!...The 'Icing on the Cake' was when you and Andre came over to visit us!....We all had a 'Hell of a Time' eh! ... It's is such a damn shame that we cannot be 'together' more often!....
I can honestly say, that you are at the top of my Xmas tree (No, I don't mean the fairy either!...*Now that's a thought?*).of my list of a dear friend, and love you loads!...Ann does too!

Reaps the rewards Darlin' you are truly worth!....

~~Now you can take that shotgun from my back!!~~ lol

Lotsa love

Bob n' Ann
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* Owing to the deterioration in my hands, I find that I cannot comment as much as I should..But please know...I do look at all your posts!..and will leave my 'moniker' >OB< when I do so!...Thank you all * OwdBob'sGallery
::corngrowth
02/20/10 9:55 AM GMT
Dear Pat,

For well-known reasons I haven't much time to spend on Caedes now.
Like to use it however to offer you my sincere congratulations.
Very well deserved Owd Momma. You can take your shotgun now, but please realize that it will not hit me on the other side of the big pond, lol
Enjoy your time in the spotlight!!
Regards, Cornelius.
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Cornelius was here either to enjoy your image or say 'thank you' for your interest in my work. Please CLICK HERE to see my journal!
::tigger3
02/20/10 12:10 AM GMT
Pat, How very cool to see you in the spotlight. My congrats to you, it is well deserved! You have led an interesting life, and I sure enjoyed reading your profile. Again you deserve this honor and kudos my friend. sandi =^..^=
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Nature in all her glory is my uplift on life and so is my love of photography. sandi ♪ ♫
::marcaribe
02/20/10 2:54 PM GMT
Congratulations Pat! You absolutely deserve the spotlight! Your wonderful images are always a joy to see. I am having trouble to choose only one of them as my favorite, there are so many that I really love. You sure do work your magic on Cypress trees and swamps, showing all the hidden beauty of them too many people often miss. Plus when I see a horse I think of you. enjoy your wonderful honor!

your friend,

Diane
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Please Join The Caedes Kiva Team
+nmsmith
02/20/10 4:23 PM GMT
Way to go, Pat. Congratulations (well deserved, by the way)!!!
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::danika
02/20/10 9:05 PM GMT
Congratulations Pat ... a well deserved honor & I enjoyed reading your bio. I enjoy your work especially your images of the cypress trees / swamps ... plus you always bring out the best in each & every capture. Enjoy your time in the spotlight.
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"I Love Lab's!"
.Shewolfe
02/21/10 5:43 PM GMT
Congratulations Pat :)
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"Everyone has a photographic memory...some just don't have film." ~~My DA Gallery~~
.snapshooter87
02/21/10 7:15 PM GMT
Hi Pat:
I'm still chuckling and thinking about where Nigel might be hiding out after calling you Patricia. Oh well, it could have been Patsy :-).
Enjoyed your Bio as much as your body of work, so just keep that trigger finger exercised.

Doug.
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::fogz
02/21/10 11:39 PM GMT
Congratulations Pat! very well deserved! I have to thank you for pushing me in the right direction and recommending cameras when I first joined! You gave me inspiration and still do! well done my friend! big hugs xx
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..thanking you in advance for your comments. Please know that all your comments are appreciated....." Live well, love much, laugh often!" .... mygallery
+photoimagery
02/22/10 6:58 AM GMT
Grats Pat. You deserve it very much. After looking through your gallery I've added several of your images to my "Favorites Gallery".
Best Wishes,
Michael G.
(PhotoImagery)
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.scorpie
02/22/10 2:29 PM GMT
What a fascinating life you have led so far, congratulations, an honor well deserved.
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Why not go out on a limb, that is where the fruit is.... Frank Scully
::JQ
02/22/10 11:51 PM GMT
yay girl!! it was a pleasure to meet you in Bradford and big congratuations for the artist of the month! well done you!
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.rozem061
02/23/10 9:42 AM GMT
Congratulations, Pat !
Well deserved honor !
John
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-*A Wallpaper is worth a million words - And I leave them Speechless!*- ...
::egggray
02/23/10 4:11 PM GMT
Of course you deserve this award Pat. Your photos and stories of the swamp lands, the crocs, cypress trees always make me feel like I am in the boat right there with you. Many of your photos are in my favorites. And I thank you for the good advice you always give in in your pm's about my camera gear I want to buy (Momma usualy gives me a scolding if I make a wrong decision) And the comedy and friendship you share with Owd Bob is priceless. I am glad to have you as a friend and hope to meet you some day. The story behind the shotgun lady was a great one, thank you for sharing your life and talents with all of us. Gregg
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If you wish to purchase framed photos, prints or greeting cards of my work please visit my website .http://www.redbubble.com/people/ziggy7
.gerryp
02/23/10 6:47 PM GMT
All the best Pat...I am happy for you!!...gerry
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"The more we come in contact with animals, and observe their behaviour, the more we love them, for we see how great is their care for their young." - philosopher Immanuel Kant
::Roseman_Stan
02/23/10 9:48 PM GMT
Congrats to you Pat!!! Great to see you get this honor as well!

Stan
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“Won't you come into the garden? I would like my roses to see you” - Richard Brinsley Sheridan
::jeenie11
02/23/10 11:24 PM GMT
woo hoo! i thought you got this long ago. (you should have) you do wonderful work. i love seeing louisiana through your eyes. jen
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AVATAR BY PJ...............i've been visiting a friend who has a "sometimes connection". so sorry for the lack of comments. i am always extremely grateful for the kind comments and suggestions that you make. Please Visit My Gallery
::Stevenn120
02/24/10 12:28 AM GMT
My congradulations on Artist of the Month, PAT, inpressive gallery,lovely lady, an its your time in the spot light. :)
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"A Photographer does not operate a camera in order to merely take pictures. Photographic work is always personal.. A photograph reveals the photographer "
.Logun7
02/25/10 4:50 PM GMT
▁▂▃▄▅▆▇★★★Congrats Owd Momma★★★▇▆▅▄▃▂▁

Shazam Pat I was amazed at all the things you have done in life. What a great and interesting story and I enjoyed reading every word of it. I also love your photography and have lots of your posts on my hard drive. I know I have said this before, but I'll say it again..........I sure do appreciate your kindness in sharing your photography and generosity in allowing me to use your posts for screen savers and wallpaper. I stand in awe of your talent as a photographer. You have posted some of the most beautiful places I have ever seen!!
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every day is a gift......that's why it's called the present!!
=ppigeon
03/03/10 8:04 PM GMT
Hello Pat!
Congrats and thanks for being a nice pal here on the site :-)
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-Pierre-
::PatAndre
03/06/10 2:23 AM GMT
Well thanks to everyone who responded. What an honor. It's been an absolute ball being with you all since 2006. Here's hoping we have many more. Pat
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::phasmid
03/20/10 1:45 PM GMT
I'm going to slip my congrats in here too, Pat. I know you more than deserve this and I'm glad I had time to come on and see you honored in this way.

:)PJ
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.jacked
03/22/10 12:47 AM GMT
Well shut my mouth, the old truck driver landed the big load, now i hope you handle it with care. What am i talking about? So glad to see you get this honor Pat. I can't think of a nicer person to win it. Peace and happiness girl, see you later down the road. Dwight.
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::wheedance
03/22/10 7:39 PM GMT
Congratulations on the well-deserved honor!
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All of earth is crammed with heaven And every bush aflame with God But only those who see take off their shoes. - Elizabeth Barrett Browning<p> mygallery
.LynEve
03/25/10 2:00 PM GMT
Dear Pat, how delighted I was to see this when I popped in tonight.
Sincere congratulations - the honour is so well deserved.
Your photography is always inspirational despite the you-know- whats that give me nightmares lol

Loved reading your bio as well.

Take care my friend .
LE
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The question is not what you look at, but what you see ~ Marcel Proust
::Flmngseabass
03/29/10 8:30 PM GMT
Hi Pat. What a pleasure to learn about you and your life:) Sorry about the loss of your husband though. I enjoyed reading about your love for horses and truck driving and you experience's in the air force. A lot to reflect on huh?:):) Congratulations on being in the 'spotlight' as they say. I do enjoy your pictures. I need to go back through your gallery though:):) Take care. Bruce
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BB
::Flmngseabass
03/29/10 8:33 PM GMT
oops!!
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BB
::verenabloo
04/11/10 5:25 AM GMT
Oh Pat! I hope you can forgive me for not writing sooner! I've had a 'few' weird things come into my life, but that's not an excuse. You know how much I adore the photos you post, considering I lived in the ol' swamp country of Louisiana for 14 years! I love the Spanish Moss, the Bayous, the gorgeous Cypress trees and stumps! Now if you could just start posting the awesome seafood they have down there. Well, I'll tell ya what, one day I WILL come for a visit and go over ol' times of living there. I think being in the caedes 'spotlight' is so kewl. I knew it was 'bout time for yu to be there!! Congrats to one tough, fun lady! You seem to be everyones Moma! Which is pretty darned kewl!! You are also one very strong woman when it comes to life and health, and that means a lot to me. "been there, done that." You are an inspiration to many of us here in the caedes family circle. Thanx for all the smiles you've given to so many, and you've been the brunt(in a great way) of many silly things thanx to Owd Bob etc...but isn't it great to be cared about in such a fond way?!! Keep on truckin' lady!! Verena
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I have no special talents. I am only passionately curious.
.cynlee
06/04/10 6:52 AM GMT
Way to go, Pat! Always knew you'd be in this spotlight. Your images are top notch, always. This was the perfect way to say so.
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?Life is precious; therefore, do not waste it by doing things mechanically without love. We should try to put love into everything we do.? - Amma

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