ESPECIALLY for those of us at HOME during this NON TRAVEL period………..within less than a minute WE can be overseas exploring, chatting or finding new friends!
I do not recall how I found ALEXANDRE or if he found me………..I think he found me!
Maybe he will remember how we became to be!
It’s not often I allow Men to follow me………I actually spend many minutes each day now BLOCKING BOTS.
“A ‘bot’ – short for robot – is a software program that performs automated, repetitive, pre-defined tasks. Bots typically imitate or replace human user behavior. Because they are automated, they operate much faster than human users. … Internet bots can also be referred to as spiders, crawlers, or web bots.”
They come across as Men who are using INSTAGRAM as a dating APP……..Usually, very few photos if any!
There is your TECHY FACT for THE DAY!
BACK TO ALEXANDRE AND HIS HOMELAND of FRANCE WE GO!
ALL PHOTOS BY ALEXANDRE
Let me tell you a little bit about ALEXANDRE.He LOVES DOGS.
Owns THREE and walks them on the beach in front of his house every single day.
WHICH he and his partner are RESTORING in FRANCE!
He knew I would LOVE it and he was RIGHT!
How did he know this……Because he follows my INSTAGRAM!
What he did not know is that was MY DREAM to buy an old ruin in ITALY or France or England anywhere for that matter and restore it!
In ITALY I had a friend she was BRITISH……….who had restored an old BARN and I was SMITTEN!
I also had a DUTCH FRIEND WHO DID THE SAME THING!
Could have been the HOG HOUSE as long as it was OLD and had potential; I would have been all over it!I donot have the energy to even think about doing that NOW in my 60’s……….not that I would be doing the LABOR but I would have to be a GOPHER and ASSIST the WIZARD in my household now known here on the blog as THE ITALIAN!
I had an esthetician for over 20 years who would say to me,” Elizabeth, you are wasting away here!”
THAT HAS NEVER LEFT ME AND I’m AFRAID SHE WAS RIGHT!
That in its self is worth another BLOG POST!
I believe ALEXANDRE walks across the street to the OCEAN of the ATLANTIC?
I hope he will correct me on that if I am wrong!
He has sent me a couple of short videos like 40 seconds of an installation!
Worth watching just to HEAR the FRENCH!
He promised me it was all polite chatter!
THE HOUSE.
I believe the FORGE is on the RIGHT SIDE?
ALEXANDRE, can you tell us a little bit more in the comment section?
HERE WE GO!
Look at those sliding barn doors!
Look at the DEMIJOHN WiNE BOTTLE.
I would dig these out of the TRASH CANS in ITALY before they became A THING in the USA!
Demijohns were used in Europe as early as the 1400s for fermenting wine and beer.
I still have THREE!
Do not miss the TWO BEASTIES IN THE CHAIR BELOW!
1. What made you buy this ANCIENT BLACKSMITH SHOP?
TO FIX UP AND BE YOUR HOME?
I was not really looking for anything, but since two years suddenly I had this feeling living in a town was not very satisfying.
As for the first lockdown, I found myself in a very privileged position, enjoying my time by the ocean, I realized how nice it was to be living in the outdoors. Walking down the street where I stayed, I saw this house for sale, facing the ocean. Not a beautiful house (to my taste) but a fantastic location. When I finally was able to visit it, the broker showed me first the forge, and I fell in love immediately with such a unique place!
24 ft under the ceiling…. All untouched from the 1920’s. The house had enough comfort to move into immediately.
So we bought the house, and I had the forge renovation in my mind.
TILES FOR THE KITCHEN FLOOR.
24 FEET TO THE CEILING!LOOK AT THOSE STONES!JUST MAGNIFICENT!
ALEXANDRE IN HIS PEARLS!
I ADORE THIS………..what else is hanging around his neck?
Looks like a petite chandelier!
What is that ALEXANDRE?
Close up PLEASE!
I may NEED ONE!
BIRTHDAY BOY DECEMBER 12.
HOW GORGEOUS ARE THESE EXPRESSIONS!
2. Were you creative as a child?
I was very creative as a child, a very good dancer, and was drawing all the time.
FANTASY STUFF!
BEAUTIFUL LITTLE BOY!
LOOK AT THOSE DARK EYELASHES!
THAT COAT WAS A HEAD OF ITS TIME!
Then again maybe NOT after all this is FRANCE in the 1960’s!
3. Do you find people enjoy your JOIE de VIVRE or do they feel awkward around you?
People can be shocked by my freedom, but they love coming over for endless dinners, drinks, and picnics.
I like to dress up in a very striking way not to shock but to spread JOY!
(Another CONTESSA TRAIT!)
THIS RUIN IS EXTRAORDINARY TO ME!
DO you think the CONTESSA could CAMP OUT HERE?
4. What are your favorite things to collect?
I have a lot of forms of interests.
So I like to go to antique shops, as well as garage sales …
I never know what I want, but when I see it I know if it’s coming home with me ….
(THIS IS EXACTLY HOW YOUR CONTESSA WOULD OPERATE!)
5. Do you enjoy cooking?
CAN you share a recipe with us?
A SIMPLE ONE!!!
Love cooking! I even cook for myself. One of my favorite recipes is making risottos as I lived in Italy for a while. I hope the COUNT (the Italian) will agree with me (HE DOES!). First I make my own chicken, fish, or vegetable broth.
Olive oil in a sauté pan, risotto rice ( a glass for two) and a chopped shallot, stir, a glass of cheap white wine, broth on top, put anything you want in it, I like to combine something green with something creamy: like morels at the beginning, and raw spinach at the very end. Always make sure rice is al dente, and still a little bit liquid. Never boil it until it dries out.
Add some grated parmigiano at the end. If it’s a fish base, don’t ………….
Contessa says…..(PAT R. GOT THAT!!! THIS IS A FRENCH MAN TALKING NOW!)
NEVER ADD PARMIGIANO TO FISH SAUCES.
THE ITALIANS WOULD BE HORRIFIED and THIS FRENCHMAN TOO!
6. How do we find you on social media?
7. Do you have a website for your ARTWORK?
Instagram is my only public social media TAP HERE @glasc649
along with whatsapp ( for my private life only).
No website for my artwork only Instagram again TAP HERE! @glasc_art
THE 1930’s HUGH OAK BED.
The INSTALLATION of the two tiered Chandelier is below in TWO short videos.
Listen for the FRENCH!
THE CELEBRATION OF THE INSTALLATION OF THE CHANDELIER!
A WALK WITH HIS THREE 4~LEGGED LOVES……..BELOW.
8. Where were you born ALEXANDRE?
Pays Basque , Bayonne
9. How old are YOU?
Sixty!
As always … happy to be!
10. ARE YOU married with kids?
Damn Elizabeth, I thought you would be more insightful…happy relationship for 10 years with a wonderful man, so no kids even from a previous life where it could have happened.
SO a Countess with a Pig, that’s my kind of universe!
12. What kind of work did you do in your 20’s…
Hubert de Givenchy’s assistant, Paco Rabanne´s assistant,
then antique dealing for 7 years, back to fashion in my 30´s Gianfranco Ferrés assistant.
My Italian experience for a year and a half in Milan.
And Fashion Director in a house which does not exist anymore: Jean Louis Sherrer
..40’s?
New York City and Los Angeles for 7 years as a manager of high-end fashion and eyewear store:
Bond 07 for SELIMA OPTIQUE (NYC) and Selima Optique on Rodeo Drive , Beverly Hills,California.
13. Have you traveled to the United States?
YOUR ENGLISH IS EXCELLENT………..HOW DID THAT HAPPEN?!!.
SO NOW YOU KNOW!!!
CONTESSA HERE……..OH MY GOSH!
WHAT A LIFE YOU HAVE LIVED AND BEEN INVOLVED IN!
PACO RABANNE, I recall well and as I told you GIANFRANCO FERRE WAS MY ALL TIME FAVORITE DESIGNER!
I still have earrings from his collection!The ONLY reason that happened was I worked in the DESIGNER area for NORDSTROMS and we got 50% off the clothing and jewels!ALL my money went RIGHT BACK TO NORDSTROM’S!
It was quality and I still have some of the clothing which is over 35 years old now!
Escada was THE NEW KID ON THE BLOCK back then and they did a collection of WHITE & GOLD LINEN!
Which I HAD TO HAVE!
FOR WORK OF COURSE!!
Well this was a WONDERFUL SURPRISE FOR ME AND FULL OF JOY!
I had NO IDEA when YOU started Following me that your LIFE was SOMETHING of FAIRY TALES for this GAL!
We were in ITALY at the same time only you in MILANO and me a FIRENZE!
What a small, small WORLD!I hope we can meet one day as YOU are a MAN with VISON and LOVE ALL THAT I LOVE!
NOW tell me were you dealing in ANTIQUES in that FLEA MARKET in PARIS?
I did not get there until later in life,but I can see you having a booth there chatting it up with the customers!
I probably would have never left your SPACE!
BELOW A LITTLE TRIBUTE TO A MAN WHO LEFT US LAST WEEK
WHO YOU KNEW AND I ADMIRED FROM A FAR……..
MR. ANDRE LEON TALLEY
“PHARAOH OF FABULOSITY”
says a Vogue editor.
With The passing of ANDRE LEON TALLEY this week I had a text with ALEXANDRE which said,
“Here goes my youth…so many fun moments with ALT….at #lepalace or #club7.
Last time I saw him.
He was at the REGENSBURG FESTIVAL,orgnaized by
PRINCESS GLORIA VON TURN AND TAXIS.
But he was already in bad condition.
Extremely inflated in a wheelchair…you knew this couldn’t last forever….he was
SO CREATIVE!
AND VERY FUN,SUPER BITCHY FUN!
I LOVED THAT!
ANDRE OPENED SO MANY DOORS FOR NEW FASHION DESIGNERS!”
HE HAD A VERY BIG HEART!
AND SO WE SAY GOOD BYE TO YET ANOTHER WONDERFUL BEING!
Who went after a LIFE he wanted and the likes of Diana Vreeland saw his potential.
JANUARY has had so many passings of the people we grew up admiring…..
THE CROWNING GLORY TO ALL THOSE THAT GAVE US JOY!
THANK YOU ALEXANDRE………MERCI and MILLIE GRAZIE for sharing your piece of this world!
XXX
TO LEAVE A COMMENT or SUBSCRIBE KEEP SCROLLING DOWN!
Such wonderful, interesting and fun photos! What an exciting and challenging opportunity to buy an old blacksmith shop and restore it. And that risotto!!— I know what I will be making for dinner tonight! ;))
C’est très interessante, Alexandre. Your chandelier raises some questions — it is beautiful but how does one change the lightbulbs?
Can it be pulled down or does one need a scaffold? a ladder? It looks like ship’s anchors — very appropriate. Definitely send updates –– I love the blacksmithery and would like to follow your progress… I dream of spending a few weeks there just to write and take photos. Bonne chance dans tous!
Contessa… you have met your match!! What an incredibly handsome, charming, interesting man! Tell him that he should write a book. Have a wonderful week, dear Contessa! I am going over to follow him on Insta!
Such wonderful, interesting and fun photos! What an exciting and challenging opportunity to buy an old blacksmith shop and restore it. And that risotto!!— I know what I will be making for dinner tonight! ;))
Only got to read this post today. What a fascinating man Alexandre is and what a wonderful life he lives.. Thank you so much for introducing him to us.
What a wonderful world Instagram is to bring two fascinating people such as the two of you together! I loved reading about Alexandre. As for this house and blacksmith shop this will be amazing to watch come to fruition. The three pups are adorable and obviously loved. And his career….wow. I am a huge fan of all of the people he worked with, especially Givenchy.
Oh my goodness I am in love with that structure! That tile perfection. And I love his dog! We had his brother from another life. He showed up on our doorstep when we were first married. We kept telling him go away doggie. Next thing we knew he was sleeping in our basement then upstairs in bed with our two Irish setters. Small world. This was absolutely fascinating. What a great find Eliz!
Thank you Elizabeth for introducing Alexandre , what an interesting and eventful life he has lived. The renovation will no doubt be quite something with his eye for detail. Hopefully you two will one day meet in person to compare notes.
Alexandre’s place will be magical when the renovation is complete! From the 24-ft-high tip top to the black and white tiled bottom, I can’t wait to see the finished project. Magnifique! Thank you for sharing.
A fabulous post featuring a fabulous man! Alexandre is so very handsome and I just love his outlook on life! Keep ’em guessing, “what will he wear next?”. We need that kind of color in our world these days. Thanks for sharing this dashing man here, LA CONTESSA. You two are definitely kindred spirits. What a house, too! Thanks for sharing some of your life with us, Alexandre!
Thank you so much for the introduction to Alexandre.
You are absolutely right – he is definitely a kindred spirit of yours with his flair for fashion and love of all things unique and beautiful.
His “forge” is breathtaking; I especially love those kitchen floor tiles. I’m happily following him on IG now!
Merci beaucoup…
xo
Stephanie
YES, YOU AND ME COULD FIGHT OVER THE KITCHEN TILES!!!I THINK A FEW MORE PEOPLE HERE WOULD AGREE!
BLACK AND WHITE ESPECIALLY IN EUROPE IS ALWAYS STUNNING!!!
XOXO
ALEXANDRE! What a delight! Those ceilings, that checkered tile … the chandelier!!! Magnifique! Contessa … you find the most fascinating people … and they find you. His black lab and fox terriers remind me of our Sasha and our tiny Jack Russell (she has shorter legs). What is a life without dogs?! Thank you for this spot of joy on a Monday morning. As for Andre, such a shame. His life was BIG. He LIVED. I adored his Vogue column … the documentary and his last book. He will be missed. xo
I LOVED THE CHIFFON TRENCHES………….I wish we knew how he came up with that TITLE!
I bet ANNA W. KNOWS!
I plan to re-read his book in HONOR OF HIM!
SAD BUT EXCELLENT READ!
XOXO
Hi Elizabeth,
Well this was a treat! I enjoyed reading all about Alexandre, the photo on your instagram got me right away. I love a well dressed man! He has so much flair! His renovation will be fabulous, you can see it already, and that double chandelier, oh my!
What an interesting life. I admire how varied his career was and that he uses his talent daily. Inspirational. It’s my dream to renovate something someday, there was a building on the marketplace in Coburg, Germany where my great aunt had lived that kept me up at night for a long time, dreaming and plotting. Alas that was not too be. But who knows what the future holds?
No surprise you two found each other!
Xo Heidi
GERMANY WAS BEAUTIFUL I REMEBER CRUISING DOWN THE RHINE RIVER AT 17 years of AGE!!!
I was in COLOGNE…….that CATHERDRAL!!!!MADE AN IMPRESSION ON ME!
HE FOUND ME!!!!LITTLE OLD ME…………
STILL BLOWS ME AWAY!!!
XOXO
Thank you for that very fun interview. Love his style and creativity. Following Alexandre now- can’t wait to see the progression of the renovation. That stone wall is magnificent! Loved the shot of them up in the loft with wine admiring their chandelier handiwork!
Yes, ALT was a force. Sad to see his passing.
Loved everything about this post.
I love this and will follow Alexandre. My father’s name. It has always been my dream to have a house by the sea in France and looking forward to seeing the ongoing renovation of that wonderful old forge. The picture of his dogs is beautiful. Thanks for another great post Elizabeth. Always a treat to see this in my mailbox and you never disappoint.
YOU ARE TOO KIND……….
I AM ALWAYS NERVOUS WHEN I HIT THAT PUBLISH BUTTON FOR FEAR ITS NOT UP TO EXPECTATIONS!!!
THANK YOU THANK YOU……
YOU HAVE BEEN WITH ME FROM EARLY ON TOO!!!
XXX
Any man who adores dogs, dance and fixing up old places is number one in my book. What a wonderful, refreshing and delightful blog on such a creative man. Would so enjoy seeing the end result of all the rennovation. I too always wanted to fix a place up in Portugal, Italy, France and even Morocco, but that will need to wait for a 2nd lifetime at my age. How I admire such endeavors. When next in France, perhaps I will have the pleasure of meeting such a charming man and his partner, and perhaps even do a dance or two.
Dear Mary,
That’s a lovely message!
Absolutely, do come over , i’ll show you my rocks, my Atlantic ocean, my forge. We wll oit a fire, drink a little and then Dance!
No life is dull if you are happy with it !
MARY………if anyone will get to FRANCE it will be YOU and HE would LOVE TO HEAR ABOUT ALL THE PLACES YOU HAVE LIVED OVER YOUR LIFETIME!!!
KEEP IN TOUCH WITH HIM ON INSTAGRAM!
XXX
What an amazing life he has had ….. mind is so boring in comparison !! ……. Such style in fashion and interiors. I loved reading this ….. you have definitely found a new soulmate Elizabeth. XXXX
MY LIFE IS PRETTY STAND STILL AT THE MOMENT HAS BEEN FOR AWHILE……………SO WHEN SOMEONE LIKE ALEXANDRE POPS INTO IT IT BROUGHT A LOT OF JOY TO ME!
BOY YOU HAVE HAD SOME EXCITEMENT OVER THE POND IN ENGLAND WITH THAT PRIME MINISTER!!
AND PRINCE ANDREW!!!!!!!!!
GEEESH………………..
I HOPE YOU ARE DOING WELL.
XXX
Hi there
Thank you for introducing us to Alexandre – it’s so nice to see and read about people from other countries – what they are interested in and what they are doing – and now a man = refreshing! (All the blogs that I have been following always feature women.) I like his style of dress – especially the robe and hat.
The fireplace wall is magnificent. Now I’d like to know more of how the building will be heated or would the wood fireplace give off enough heat in winter?
This will be quite the transformation of the building – will it be open space or will you create rooms with walls?
Hope there will be a follow up in a year or 2.
I was writing a huge reply! And i lost it…
So it will be shorter now ! ( i am too lazy !)
About the heating process: it will be a huge wood stove, the kind you find in east of France, Germany or Russia.
Write me on my Instagram and i will reply if you don’t mind . I’ll show you the kind
Thank you for your interest!
Hope to read you soon
How fun and fascinating. First I must say those dogs by the sea are adorable. That stone wall so impressive. He is doing an incredible job of restoring or renovating his forge. Just gorgeous;.Also he worked for the creme de la creme of designers. What an obviously talented man he is. I can certainly understand why he appealed to you. All the stuff you love.
So sad to see Andre Leon Talley leave this earth. He truly was one of a kind. Lovely tribute to him.
THE TALENT IS THERE…………AND WHAT I FIND SO UTTERLY BREATH TAKING IS HE IS LIVING MY DREAM!
I NEED ANOTHER LIFE OR THREE!!!
THANK YOU THE BLOG IS HOW YOU FOUND ME AND NOW I CAN SAY I KNOW AN 81 year old INFLUENCER!!!!!!
XXX
Well, if you and The Italian could be one person, that would probably be Alexandre! The same flair for the theatre known as life with your dear Italian’s practical can-do-ness. Why should you not be friends?!! It’s very nice to see a modern man pulling off pearls, for you need not be a bygone Maharajah to do so …
Many thanks, too, dear friend, for your adorable Christmas card which arrived at last!!!
FINALMENTE!!!!
THAT TOOK ONE MONTH MAYBE MORE!!!!!!!!!!
LOVE THE ADD THE ITALIAN AND ME AND WE HAVE ALEXANDRE POINT WELL TAKEN!!!!
THE ITALIAN had to have a sore tooth pulled yesterday!ALL IS GOOD TODAY!
BIG HUGS,
XXX
It is a wonderful way to explore the world when when we can see and hear about the choices others are making in their lives. I loved that Alexandre fell in love with a ruin and decided to call it home! He is a beautiful man with 3 wonderful dogs living his authentic life! Bravo!
Un forte abbraccio,
Diana La Zingara
It was a pleasure to “ meet” Alexandre, a kindred spirit of yours for sure. I would love to know more about the region where he lives. The house is amazing, so poetic. You both have the gift of creating beauty and living life with flair which inspires us all. Merci beaucoup!
Hey hey hey … here is a little spy!
I am famous for my comments! But if someone post interesting things, of course i always take time to comment . Because you don’t post something for nothing. You post what makes sense to you. My friends are sometimes a little bit scared of my words, they know i will always look for something else than the obvious. LIFE IS IN DETAILS
What a delightful post on a man living what looks like a dream. And what a gorgeous place to do it.. with a man by his side and dogs by the sea. I love the sound of that! Thank you for the introduction, I can see why you are so fond.. xx
What delightful people you find in Instagram Elizabeth. I have to agree it’s very hard to f ind genuine men. Most of them are bots. Should I be blocking them? I usually just ignore them but not sure whether that is the right thing to do or not. The online world is so crazy and we have to constantly keep on our toes. I am not sure I can keep up with all the algorithms and changes and everything for very much longerbut I do enjpy meeting fabulous people like you. so I may persevere.
I BLOCK THEM…………which requires THREE taps!!
I do not know the right answer either………….but they aren’t people you would want to follow back so for me its a FAKE FOLLOWER……
I KNOW I AM not getting the people I want to follow these days……..more ADS it is FRUSTRATING!
XXX
DO BLOCK PEOPLE! Privacy is important. Only share what you want, make sure to open all accounts when you see a new one following you. If it’s suspect or you find something weird, block!!!! I block so many.
Having zillions of friends on Instagram is like being rich at Monopoly. It’s not relevant
What’s important is to share the same joy or interest and learn from others
What luck finding the talented and charming Alexandre. He could be your male twin! I love his joie de vivre and that he is taking this beautiful location and fixing it up. Adore the video too. I have to work on my French. Sweet doggies. What a life too- Givenchy ?? The best man there ever was, no wonder he’s so cultured and lovely. Thank you for this and I look forward to following his adventures on Insta. Is Pays in the Loire region? It’s on my list to get to..xo Kim
Actually the loire region is in the center of France. I am more on the west coast. By the Atlantic ocean . Loire region is very quiet and magnificent . Where i am is very wild and rocky! Look for the rochers de saint Guénolé. Or penmarc’h. Britanny.
You will find your answers.
Please let me know it you ever travel in this part of France! And join me for a drink or two !
What a wonderful interview!!! He is so inspiring I now want to go and buy an old home to renovate…its always been a dream of mine but I was not as brave as Alexandre. I loved everything about this interview….thank you for writing it! xxxxx Donna
NIENTE………..MY PLEASURE!
I Am OUTSIDE TODAY FERTILIZING THE GARDEN AND FINDING A HOME FOR THAT STEPPING STONE!!!
IF YOU DO FIX UP AN OLD CASA IN ITALY I GET DIBS ON COMING FIRST!!!!!!!!
VA BENE?
XXX
I adored your story and your new home, ooh la la. Alexandre, where in France do you currently reside? My heart remains in your country and have had the pleasure to explore all regions
It’s Britanny, precisely South Finistère, facing the ocean . Look for Les Rochers de Saint Guénolé.
When this place will be finally finished it will be a residence for friends and artists. Sharing is important
I will post more of the process of renovation
Alexandre is fantastic. What a treat to share a peak into his world. And his dogs are adorable. I think the two of you are long lost cousins.
As for cheese and fish, The Italian told me I can eat whatever I like, and I will always listen to The Italian when it comes to food and wine! ; )
Hahahahahahaha!
This is so lovely!
Of course when it comes to food, everybody makes choices. And italians know something about food, that’s for sure, but hey, have you tried the basque cuisine! Heaven is not far. ?
Hahahahahahaha!
This is so lovely!
Of course when it comes to food, everybody makes choices. And italians know something about food, that’s for sure, but hey, have you tried the basque cuisine! Heaven is not far. !!!
Cultured, interesting men of vision and talent who follow through and make things happen! My kind of man! I loved your interview with Alexandre. xoxox, Brenda
YES AS YOU KNOW SO WELL BEING ANOTHER FRANCOPHILE LIVING IN FRANCE!
THANKS FOR THE VISIT……….whenever I open a certain drawer in my jewelry chest I think of YOU those collar necklaces are just too too FABULOUS!But as you know I have-not gotten out much in the last few years to wear them!!
XXX
Alexandre is soooo FASCINATING! Love that he worked with Givenchy, he may know my model friend Sandi Bass who was one of Givenchy’s Models & close friend to Andre.
Adore his taste for their new home by the SEA! The double chandelier & the brick on the wall by the fireplace is AMAZING. Thank You Elizabeth for sharing Alexandre with us & now I am following his Instagram page!
Brenda Welch
SEA SO YOU ARE TELLING ME I HAVE THAT WRONG!
WHY DO I THINK THIS IS THE ATLANTIC?MUST LOOK AT A MAP!!THAT WOULD HELP!
ALEXANDRE, Brenda was one of those FASHION MODELS working back in THE DAYS you were in FASHION!
Its a small small world!SHE NOW MAKES FABULOUS JEWELRY……….BE SURE TO FOLLOW HER BACK!
XXX
INSTAGRAM IS A WORLD OF ADVENTURE AND FUN!
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