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Discover lifestyle reviews and news at The LDN Gal. Whether you’re looking for the latest film or TV series, health and relationship advice, home and décor inspiration, music reviews or technology news, we have you covered.

The Bone Roots by Gabriela Houston

Vedma Kada and Sladyana both live in fear of the fox. Kada keeps her daughter, Secha, hidden, hoping to keep her safe. Thankful to goddess Zemya for gifting her and vehemently praying and offering to her bone roots. On the other hand, Sladyana has spent the last 15 years searching for her daughter, Luba. Snatched by the fox. Each desperate to protect their child, only one can succeed and only one knows why.

The Bone Roots by Gabriela Houston illustrates the tale of two mothers, both desperate to protect their child.

Vedma Kada lives in constant fear. Her brother was stolen by the fox 40 years ago, and she keeps herself hidden, terrified that her daughter, Secha, may be next.

Kada must keep her daughter close, especially when she starts to exhibit powerful and strange behaviours.

Secha is a product of goddess Zemya’s child-bearing tree, a bestowed gift to Kada. Each year, she gives thanks to Zemya, with an offering via her bone roots. Additionally, in her role as a Vedma, Kada ultimately serves the goddess, as well as the local community.

Sladyana, a rich noblewoman, is mother to Luba. Snatched by the fox, Sladyana has desperately spent 15 years searching for her daughter.

When Kada and Sladyana are reunited, both seek answers that may save their children.

The strength of a mother’s love

Inspired by Slavic folklore, this fantasy novel explores the lengths a mother will go to protect her child.

The focus on motherhood is particularly poignant in this story and it’s predominantly told in a dual narrative. Both Kada and Sladyana are strong and complex characters, with troubles aplenty.

Not only must they fight for their beliefs, they must also balance societal expectations for their own protection.

You will find yourself cheering them on or being disappointed in their actions. Some are understandable, others questioning morality. Ultimately, they are human and flawed – and their predicaments are not easy.

Houston is masterful at her atmospheric descriptions, her beautiful prose brimming with emotion, mythology and lore.

A particular example is witnessing Kada in her role as a Vedma (Moss Witch). Her interactions with the weird and wonderful mythical creatures are fascinating. Whether seeking their favour and/or destruction, each conversation is vividly brought to life.

Ultimately, this novel draws you into the fantasy world of Fiesna alongside the harrowing struggles of its female protagonists. It’s a wonderful tale of motherhood, love, desperation, magic and secrets.

The Bone Roots by Gabriela Houston was released on October 10, 2023, via Angry Robot.

I personally have read The Bone Roots. However, I did receive a complimentary copy of this book via Netgalley and this post does contain affiliate links.

Read more book reviews on The LDN Gal

Gorgeous Gruesome Faces by Linda Cheng

Gorgeous Gruesome Faces by Linda Cheng

Sunny Lee is a disgraced former K-pop icon. Her world has fallen apart after a scandal and the tragic death of her co-star, Minnie.

The aftermath of these events is brutal. In the depth of a well-illustrated depression, Sunny ruminates on her past success and obsesses over her remaining co-star Candie’s distance.

Seeing an opportunity to join Candie in a competitive idol workshop, she seeks redemption and the truth.

Gorgeous Gruesome Faces is an enthralling debut novel by Linda Cheng.

We’re introduced to a defeated and disgraced Sunny Lee, a former K-pop icon in the US. Her world fell apart after a scandal and the tragic death of her co-star, Minnie.

The aftermath of these events is brutal. In the depth of a well-illustrated depression, now eighteen-year-old Sunny spends her day reflecting on her former glory and cyberstalking her ex-bestie and remaining groupmate, Candie.

Once closer than ever, the death of Minnie changes everything. Candie is now unreachable, and the distance between the remaining groupmates is colossal.

On seeing Candie’s latest venture online, Sunny sees an opportunity for redemption and reconnection. Despite her hesitation, she auditions for the same competitive idol workshop, tackling her trauma and the rift head-on.

However, things are not quite what they seem. Sunny is haunted by more than just past mistakes, co-dependant relationships and complicated sapphic love.

The rise and fall of Sunny Lee

The novel is told from Sunny’s perspective with past and present timelines. These contrasting chapters increase tension, pace the story and allow for vivid world-building.

These alternating timelines also illustrate the depth of the co-stars’ relationships. When at their worst, they are explosive with teenage hormones, mean-girl cattiness and complexity.

The toxicity of K-pop culture

The novel presents a brilliant portrayal of idol culture’s appeal, pressures and toxicity. Combine this K-pop glamour and ruthlessness, a thrilling story full of twists and a dash of occult horror, and you’re in for a magnificent debut (novel).

Gorgeous Gruesome Faces by Linda Cheng will be released on November 7, 2023, via Roaring Brook Press.

I personally have read Gorgeous Gruesome Faces. However, I did receive a complimentary copy of this book via Netgalley and this post does contain affiliate links.

Read more book reviews on The LDN Gal

The Night Side by M.M. DeLuca

The Night Side by M.M. DeLuca Cover

It’s been twenty years since Ruby left Stoneybrook, Montana, having vowed to never return.

Throughout her childhood, her manipulative mother Ida forced her to join her schemes, exploiting Ruby to ravage the local community with false mediumship and psychic scams.

With her mother missing and presumed dead, she’s forced to return to settle her affairs. However, Ruby has her doubts – what really happened to Ida?

The Night Side by M.M. DeLuca is a mystery thriller that focuses on the life of thirty-something Ruby.

On receiving a call from her old flame, Aidan, she must go home to settle her presumed dead mother’s affairs.

It’s been twenty years since Ruby Carlson fled Stoneybrook, Montana, and she vowed to never return.

A teenage runaway, she has lived an idyllic life in England since she was eighteen and enjoys a successful career as an archaeologist.

Now she’s back in a place brimming with disturbing memories and horrific secrets. Here, she must uncover the truth, what really happened to Ida?

Additionally, she also hopes to rekindle her bond with Aidan and then get as far away from Stoneybrook as possible.

Escaping a nightmare childhood

The novel is told from Ruby’s perspective throughout with dual timelines, each chapter offering either a present or past account. This allows the reader to understand the extent of Ida’s manipulation, coercion and control of Ruby in her childhood and the damage it’s caused in adulthood.

Essentially, Ruby must now unravel the truth amidst half-truths, whispers, lies and secrets. DeLuca knows how to keep the reader interested, masterfully revealing snippets of information throughout to guide us through the mystery and keep us hooked.

As we reflect on the chapters set in the past, we see that ultimately, Ruby’s life was very lonely. Her only childhood joy was her friendship and courtship with Aidan. Thankfully, DeLuca weaves a blossoming and charming relationship between them in their youth.

As a teenager and spurred on by Aidan, we see Ruby’s confidence develop. Eventually, rebelling leads to her ultimate goal, freedom.

Uncovering the mystery of Ida’s disappearance

However, on her return to Montana in the present, we can almost sympathise with the community in Stoneybrook. Understandably, feelings haven’t changed toward Ruby and her mother. Ostracised by most, their past contempt is a feeling Ruby remembers all too well.

In turn, this treatment also seems unfair. Essentially, Ida forced a young Ruby into her fraudulent schemes, exploiting her ‘gift’ to ravage the local community, especially those she perceived as vulnerable. DeLuca creates a myriad of complex relationships due to this, which has the reader questioning who is right and wrong.

Despite this disdain, Ruby seemingly had little choice as a child, controlled by the manipulative and narcissistic, Ida.

She must navigate these hostile reactions, unlock difficult memories and deal with current emotions, all charging at full speed. In doing so, a realistic character is crafted, imperfect and complex. One we root for, hoping she gets the answers she seeks.

In order for Ruby to overcome her past she must fully embrace her present situation. She must solve the mystery and untangle her trauma if she hopes to enjoy true freedom in the future.

Overall, The Night Side is a thrilling read. It offers complex characters, well-illustrated environments and twists aplenty throughout its well-paced narrative.

The Night Side by M.M DeLuca is due to be published on 5 December 2023.

I personally have read The Night Side. However, I did receive a complimentary copy of this book and this post does contain affiliate links.

Read more book reviews on The LDN Gal

Taking a toddler to the Oxford Bus Museum

Oxford Bus Museum - Entrance Exterior

The Oxford Bus Museum and Morris Motor Centre guide you through 130 years of Oxfordshire’s transport history.

The museum contains around 40 vintage buses and coaches, the earliest dating to 1913.

It features two large exhibition halls alongside two bus-running sheds and a restoration workshop.

Not only are you going to see lots of buses through the ages, but you’ll also see historic cycles and Morris cars. You can even take a free heritage bus ride on select dates.

What can I expect to see in the Oxford Bus Museum?

Inside the Oxford Bus Museum exhibition hall, you can see around 25 historical buses and coaches, some of which you can even board!

You can see a Governess cart, single-deck horse tram, CommerWP3, DaimlerY, AEC Regent and FordTransit190D vehicles, to name a few.

You’ll be provided with a thorough history of each and can even board some vehicles as you make your way around the exhibition hall.

In addition to transport history, there is also a play area for younger guests.

This features colouring, soft play, various bus toys and the adorable ERN1E playbus.

ERN1E is a scaled-down replica of a 1960 AEC Reliance that can be found within the museum.

Restoration projects are ongoing at the museum.

As part of the experience, you can get a sneak peek of the restoration workshop and vehicles being restored via the viewing gallery.

What can I expect to see in the Morris Motor Centre?

Within the Morris Motor Centre, you can discover the history of William Morris and his work.

Starting from humble beginnings, William Morris changed the face of transport in Oxford, alongside boosting the local economy.

There are lots of prolific vehicles on offer. These include the Morris Oxford ‘Bullnose’, Morris Minor and Morris Minor 1000 ‘Panda’, to name a few.

In addition, you can see cycles through the ages via The Faulkner Cycle Collection.

You can compare the erratic designs of the past in comparison to the modern-day bicycle.

View the full Oxford Bus Museum fleet list including buses, cars and cycles.

Is the Oxford Bus Museum toddler-friendly?

If supervised throughout, yes! This is a museum brimming with heritage, so you have to be mindful as you explore the exhibition halls.

However, there are plenty of toddler-friendly activities within. You can enjoy:

  • Seeing 130 years of transport history
  • Going aboard a selection of vintage buses
  • Playing in the toddler play area
  • A 20-minute heritage bus ride (on select dates)

Onsite, there are baby changing facilities within the female toilets, a cafe and shop.

Please note, that buggies and wheelchairs cannot be taken aboard the heritage bus rides due to the nature of the vehicles.

Oxford Bus Museum events in 2023

The museum runs events throughout the year, here’s what’s left in 2023:

  • Wednesday 25 October – Halloween and half-term bus rides at 12.15pm and 2.15pm
  • Sunday 29 October – Halloween and half-term bus rides at 12.15pm and 2.15pm
  • Sunday 10 December – Father Christmas and bus rides at 12.15pm and 2.15pm
  • Sunday 17 December – Father Christmas and bus rides at 12.15pm and 2.15pm

Admission costs

  • Adult (over 16 years) – £8
  • Child (5 to 15 years) – £5
  • Family (2 adults and 2 children) – £17
  • Concessions – £7
  • Under 5’s – free

Opening times and location

The museum is open on:

  • Wednesday – 10am–4pm
  • Saturday – 10am–4pm ( July and August only)
  • Sunday – 10am–4pm
  • Most bank holidays (ring ahead)

Location: Oxford Bus Museum, Hanborough Rail Station Yard, Main Road, Long Hanborough, Oxfordshire, OX29 8LA

Discover how people in Oxfordshire would travel in the past in this insightful and interesting day out. It’s perfect for enthusiasts and families alike.

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Sold on a Monday by Kristina McMorris

sold on a monday by kristina mcmorris

Summary

When struggling journalist Ellis Reed stages a photo of children for sale, his actions and ambition to succeed lead to some horrific consequences for the pictured family.

Review

Sold on a Monday by Kristina McMorris is a historical fiction novel set in the Depression era in America.

It’s 1931 and Ellis Reed, a struggling journalist, is trying to make a name for himself at a small newspaper in Philadelphia.

On the off chance, Ellis snaps a picture of two grubby children while on the beat. Sat on a farmhouse porch, the pair hold a sign saying 2 CHILDREN FOR SALE.

Not thinking too much of it, Ellis is surprised when the picture causes a buzz at the newspaper. He’s encouraged to chase the sensational lead. However, on returning, the children are long gone – but the sign remains.

In ruthless desperation, Ellis stages the photo with two local children, hoping for his big break. It soon comes.

Ellis secures the prominent feature and a new job in New York. However, It doesn’t take long to realise the devastating cost of his ambition. Ellis finds himself at the centre of a national debate on child welfare.

Alongside former colleague, Lillian, the duo face a moral dilemma when the story snowballs the lives of the impoverished family. Did Ellis’ desperation supersede their needs?

His actions and desire to succeed lead to horrific consequences for the fractured family. It’s a bleak and hopeless time. Families struggle to make ends meet, and children are often sent away or sold due to financial hardship.

Determined to put things right, Ellis and Lilian must work together to redeem their wrongdoing. Along the way and wracked with guilt, they must face their reality and traumatic pasts in a bid to find peace.

Inspired by a historical photograph from the Great Depression that stunned America, the novel features themes of poverty, loss and redemption while highlighting the resilience and strength of the human spirit.

I personally have read Sold on a Monday. However, this post does contain affiliate links

 

Interactive toddler dance with Second Hand Dance in Bicester, Oxfordshire

We Touch, We Play, We Dance, Second Hand Dance by Zoe Manders

Second Hand Dance are currently touring with their latest production. We Touch, We Play, We Dance is a celebratory dance performance for 0-3 year olds!

We went to see their performance at the OYAP Trust in Bicester via the The Mills Art Centre Banbury.

What happens in the We Touch, We Play, We Dance performance?

The four dancers made use of all the space within OYAP Trust. Moving around, the children are invited to join in throughout the interactive performance.

A live DJ plays music as the dancers respond to each child in turn. They gently encourage everyone to get involved, with big smiles, fluid dancing, high fives and direct interaction.

The show lasts 45-50 minutes with two performances. One for babies (0-12 months) and another for toddlers (1-3 years).

We Touch, We Play, We Dance, Second Hand Dance by Zoe Manders

So, what did we think of We Touch, We Play, We Dance?

We absolutely adored our experience at We Touch, We Play, We Dance. We plan to see more Second Hand Dance performances if they tour within Oxfordshire or local counties.

The show was something truly special. It was wonderful to watch each child slowly come out of their shell. They quickly developed their confidence thanks to the gentle encouragement of the dancers.

The music featured changes in pace throughout, accompanied by beautiful choreography.

Our toddler adored the performance. It was quick to engage and the children are keen to get involved quickly.

It was a truly wonderful performance with lots of obvious thought and consideration in its production and execution. We’re very excited to see what Second Hand Dance do next.

Have you been to a performance at the Mills Art Centre?

Stephanie xox

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Burning energy by trampolining with a toddler at Jump Inc Bicester

Burning energy by trampolining with a toddler at Jump Inc Bicester - trampolines

Toddler trampoline session in Oxfordshire

Jump Inc Bicester is a trampoline and inflatable park in Bicester, Oxfordshire.

The urban playground offers open jump, SEN, unlimited bounce and toddler sessions.

We visited for the unique Toddler Sessions.

Burning energy by trampolining with a toddler at Jump Inc Bicester - inflatable course

Is Jump Inc Bicester toddler friendly?

The Toddler Sessions are very much tailored to little people.

Located within a giant warehouse, Jump Inc Bicester offers toddlers (mostly) free roam of their 18,000 square ft site.

They can enjoy the trampolines, performance zone, ninja obstacles, basketball hoops, foam pit and inflatables.

However, for safety, certain areas are closed during the session and parent supervision is a must throughout. Please note, the giant leap platform and wipe out area are not available.

This trampoline and inflatable park is the perfect place to burn off some energy in a safe and controlled environment.

Burning energy by trampolining with a toddler at Jump Inc Bicester - basketball court

What can we eat and drink?

The onsite café sells a selection of refreshments and light snacks. 

When is it open and how much does it cost?

Jump Inc Bicester is open for toddler sessions on the following days:

  • Monday from 9 – 10am (1 hour)
  • Friday from 10am – 12 pm (2 hours)
  • Weekends from 9 – 10am (1 hour)

All sessions cost £5 for a toddler and two free adults. Please note, you must purchase hybrid grip socks at £2.50 each for your session. However, these are reusable during future sessions.

So, what did we think of the toddler session at Jump Inc Bicester?

This urban playground is simply a great time. It’s affordable, fun and a stimulating environment with plenty to do.

The toddler session is definitely worth trying. There’s lots of space to roam and it’s accessible for confident little walkers. Our soon-to-be two year old was immediately jumping and running around.

In addition, numbers are limited so it wasn’t too busy which was nice. Saying this, I’d expect more people on weekends.

It’s simple, if you’re looking for a unique and fun thing to do with a toddler in Oxfordshire, look no further than Jump Inc Bicester!

Would you go trampolining with a toddler?

Stephanie xox

Burning energy by trampolining with a toddler at Jump Inc Bicester - trampoline and inflateable park

? £5 for a toddler and two adults (£2.50 each for reusable hybrid grip socks)

? Open for toddler sessions: Monday and Friday from 10am–12pm and on weekends from 9–10am

?️ Located in Bicester with limited parking available onsite

? Jump Inc Bicester, Unit 5, Talisman Business Park, Bicester, OX26 6HR

✅ Pushchair friendly

☕️ Onsite café

? Toilets and accessible toilets, as well as baby changing facilities

⚠️ Must sign a waiver and watch safety video beforehand

?Book a toddler session

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Allegedly by Tiffany D. Jackson

Allegedly by Tiffany D Jackson Book Cover

Allegedly by Tiffany D. Jackson is a gritty, intense and at times, shocking read.

This book tells the story of Mary B. Addison, a young Black girl who allegedly killed a white baby when she was nine years old.

Mary is now 16, pregnant and living in a group home after years in ‘baby jail’. She is fighting to clear her name in a desperate attempt to keep her baby. As an ex-convict and notorious ‘child murderer’, her chances are slim. So, she must act quickly.

We soon learn about Mary’s disturbing past and the heart-breaking abuse she faced in childhood.

It’s evident that Mary has been betrayed by many who were meant to protect her. Most importantly, her mother. Their relationship dynamic is harrowing, detailed in brief 15-minute encounters and via Mary’s own narrative and reflection.

Fighting for her future

Mary’s always seemingly kept it together, silently tormented. However, as Mary’s baby grows within, cracks begin to show. Her years of pent-up emotion start to unravel in her desperation. Her hormones work against her. You feel her pain first-hand, often sympathising with her actions.

In addition to Mary’s perspective, snippets embellish the story. We read police interviews, witness statements, character references and book excerpts. These broaden the story but often go against what we know about Mary. A gifted young woman who may or may not have done the unthinkable.

Mary is complex and determined to succeed and her attempt to change the horrific narrative is almost admirable. The characters she engages with have depth. Sympathising with Mary’s judgement of them throughout, you are often left happy or frustrated by her experiences with others.

Allegedly is a disturbing and emotional read with themes of child murder, abuse, racism and mental health. Saying this, it’s an important one. It touches on heavy subjects without being afraid of its target audience as a young adult novel.

I personally have read Allegedly. However, this post does contain affiliate links.

How to make acrylic place cards for your wedding

How to make acrylic place cards for your wedding - sage green acrylic place cards

If you’re a DIY bride, you’ll probably have spotted a plethora of wedding place card options. It’s no surprise that people love acrylic place cards.

They’re versatile, coming in a variety of shapes and size. Plus, they’re super easy to customise with a few materials and tools.

How to make DIY acrylic place cards

To make your acrylic place cards, you’ll need:

How to prepare your vinyl names

Firstly, you’re going to want to prepare your vinyl. You can buy pre-made vinyl names for place cards on Etsy or make your own using a Cricut machine and buying Cricut vinyl.

I appreciate a Cricut machine is a serious investment for many but with machines starting at £150 you can make some serious savings if you’re planning to DIY a lot of your wedding.

If you opt to use a Cricut machine to make vinyl names for place cards, here are some tips:

  • Check the size of your vinyl name in Cricut Design Space against the size of your acrylic sheet
  • Reduce the letter space by 0.3 for italicized or thin lettering to allow for a smoother cut
  • Apply the more pressure setting in the make it window if your having trouble weeding
  • Use masking tape to lift and transfer your vinyl to the acrylic if you’re having trouble with transfer tape

Once you’ve got your vinyl names in a bundle, you’re going to want to carefully weed them.

You can do this using the weeding tool. Until you’re confident, go slow! Some people try reverse weeding. This is where they apply transfer tape to the vinyl and then peel the backing paper from the vinyl.

You can also use the weeding tool to tidy up any odd nicks on the vinyl before application.

I used font Bickley Script Com on Cricut Design Space for all of these place cards.

Applying your vinyl to your acrylic place cards

To apply your vinyl, simply use transfer tape or masking tape (my preference). You’ll want to use the Cricut scraper tool and gently lift to ensure a successful transfer. This may take a few goes.

Once the design if on the tape, you’ll want to place it on your acrylic place card carefully.

To ensure it’s secure, you’ll then want to brush over it before gently peeling to make sure it’s stuck. For this, you’ll want to use the scraper tool again.

Painting your acrylic place cards

When painting your acrylic place cards, you’re going to want to do so with acrylic paint. You’ll paint on one side and use your vinyl names upon the other.

Firstly, you’re going to want to peel the protective film off both sides of the acrylic.

Next, you’ll add a small blob of acrylic paint. I tend to use this blob to dot around the entire sheet and then paint from left to right evenly.

You may choose to paint the entire sheet, or leave areas bare. You can decide whether you want to only do one coat for a rustic feel or apply another.

To match my wedding colours, I used the following sage green acrylic paint which I can highly recommend. These flat acrylic paint brushes were also brilliant for painting.

Save money by DIYing your wedding

You can save a lot of money by DIYing your place cards.

To do all of these, materials cost less than £40 to make 70 place cards! This included the Cricut white vinyl, the paint brushes, the acrylic paint and the acrylic slices.

Plus, there was plenty of material left over for future wedding projects!

What do you think of these DIY acrylic place cards? Would you make them for your wedding?

Stephanie xox

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I personally have used all items within this post. However, it does contain affiliate links

Pumpkin picking at Rectory Farm Pick Your Own, Oxfordshire ?

Rectory Farm PYO welcomes visitors to pick-your-own pumpkins in Oxfordshire this Halloween season. It offers five acres of pumpkin fields, with over 25,000 pumpkins grown this year!

Be sure to wrap up warm and get into the Autumnal spirit with your family and friends at Rectory Farm PYO’s Pumpkin Patch. At £3 to enter (and free for under 18 months), you pay for what you pick. 

Pick-your-own pumpkins in Oxfordshire

You can grab a wheelbarrow or come armed with your own carrier bags. The pumpkin match is muddy – so be sure to wear some wellingtons or old shoes!

Pumpkin prices vary depending on weight. Traditional orange pumpkins are charged at £1 per kg or 80p per kg if over 8kg in weight. All other varieties charged at £1.50 per kg.

Cute Autumnal adventures at Rectory Farm PYO

On route, there are lots of fun Autumnal photo opportunities so get snap-happy on the pumpkin-adorned hay bales dotted around. You’ll also meet a selection of Autumnal characters to get you in the pumpkin picking spirit.

Once you’re done, you can:

  • Go for a ride on the tractor and trailer
  • Bounce on the onsite bouncy castle and slide
  • Be creative and decorate your pumpkin onsite in the undercover craft space
  • Take part in face painting (additional cost)
  • Enjoy the wooden play area and sandpit
  • Indulge in cake and coffee at the Rectory Farm Tractor Shop Café

You can enjoy this fun family day out in Oxfordshire until October 30! Additionally. Rectory Farm PYO hosts pick-your-own pumpkins each year, as well as seasonal produce from April – October.

A fun family day out in Oxfordshire

Whatever the season, Rectory Farm is a fantastic family day out. It offers plenty of PYO opportunities and an expansive adventure playground.

Be sure to grab a few treats from the Farm Shop as you leave, you won’t regret it. 

Want to join the fun? Book tickets for the Rectory Farm PYO Pumpkin Patch this Halloween

Have you been pumpkin picking yet?

Stephanie xox

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