Catling’s Bane, the first book in The Rose Shield tetralogy is nearing the finish line, and unless some unforeseen computer meltdown halts all progress, it should be out… next week!
The rest of the books are slogging their way through my list of double-checks including Book 4: Kari’s Reckoning. Below is a little snippet. I took out the important names – so no hints (and a few extra pronouns). Stay tuned.
Kari’s Reckoning
He carved woads into his own skin, scored his cheeks and hairline, sliced grooves into his chest and arms. He notched his ears and slashed his shoulders and thighs. Blood ran down his legs and arms, dripped from his chin and fingers. He flayed Guardian’s dagger from his forearm and would have found another place to carve if Lian hadn’t ripped his knife from his hands and flung it into the forest.
The Farlander heaved him up and carried him to the pond. The water glowed and whirled, rich with luminescence. He staggered into the freezing fluidity and lay down, sinking beneath the surface. The light retracted and surged back, clung to his skin, and burrowed into his flesh. His wounds burned. Luminescence swirled with his blood, entered his veins, and lit him like a brand. He rose for a breath and sank again, eyes open, his vision filled with divine brightness.
The world spoke to him, not with words but emotion, an ancient message extending back through eternal time. His blood leached out, blending with the planet’s soul, every fiber connected across the land and water and air, the living and dead. The world drew on his life, tasted its richness, and integrated him into the pattern. Life surged around him and exploded into him, unstoppable and larger than he and those he lost, all of them forever part of the whole. The sensation was love, but not the feeling of love. All the emotions, fear and sadness, joy and pleasure, anger, and passion blended into the rich and poignant elixir of life.
He gasped for breath and floated, his irises reflecting the three moons and a night drowned in stars. The fire in his veins abated and the sting in his wounds faded. The owl called its lonely song. He closed his eyes and rested in the cold light.
Next Week!
Myths of the Mirror 
! 🙂 And thanks for reading !
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Beautiful and vivid writing, Diana. I look forward to reading. You have a gift for intoxicating world-building!
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Thanks! This is an alien mourning ritual that hopefully captures the depth of the character’s grief as well as the mystical quality of the planet. Glad you enjoyed it, my friend. 🙂 ❤
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I love the world you have created Diana! I am so excited for you, and thank you for the look into Book4! Congratulations!
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Thanks! I’m so glad you enjoyed the peek ahead. Have a great weekend, my friend. 🙂
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Thank you, you too!
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I love the way you write. You really have a talent for weaving rich and intricate imagry
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Thanks for the kind words, Lisa. This scene is an alien grief ritual. I really like writing fantasy/sci-fi because I can make things up like this. Happy Writing!
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Very intriguing! Beautiful cover! You have a stunning artist:)
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Thanks, Erika. It will be out later this week 🙂
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You do a wonderful job with description. Best of luck on your new release!!
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Thanks so much, Stacey. It’s scary hitting that “publish” button, but I’m getting close! Have a great week. 🙂
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Congratulations and best wishes, Diana! This was a thoroughly powerful and beautiful excerpt. You are gifted at writing such majestic l prose. I use Google docs and a flash drive as a backup, I may need to check Dropbox. Thanks for that tip.
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I like Dropbox, because there aren’t any extra steps. When I save, my docs save to my hard drive and the Dropbox. It’s worth checking out. 🙂 And thanks for reading !
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Wow! That’s a powerful scene, D. Can’t wait until they come out. On my TBR list for sure 😀
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Thanks, Julie. So close now. I’m planning on blogging the big announcement on Friday. I’ll take two deep breaths and try to get the next done for two weeks after that!! Have a great week, my friend. 🙂
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I wish you the best with your writing!!! 🙂
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Thanks so much for stopping by and reading. I’m just about ready to it the publish button. An exciting time. Have a great week and Happy Writing. 🙂
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I’m glad to hear about the progress!
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Extraordinary excerpt, Diana! The language so rich and sumptuous – a real literary flair and joy to read, sense the words.
Good luck with the final work here and please tell me you’re saving these in various formats – computer meltdowns are banned!!
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I save all writing to Dropbox, so if I have any kind of crash, it still exists. A great free resource if you haven’t tried it. Thanks for reading, my friend, and have a lovely Sunday and week ahead. 🙂
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I heard about Dropbox here on WP and now have that for photos and some documents, as well as time-machine, iCloud and then I think Jacqui recommended emailing oneself documents/mss etc so I do that as well. Belts and braces! 😀
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I should probably add the emails on top of Dropbox. That’s pretty easy to do. A new laptop is on the horizon, so I’ll have to back it all up anyway 😀
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The imagery in the passage is filled with many different and powerful emotions – sadness, horror, beauty. It certainly will make the reader want to find out more. Great work Diana. Happy Weekend🤗
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Thanks, Bernadette. The series is partly about the false manipulation of emotions and the blessing of genuine feelings whatever they are. Have a great Sunday. Hugs.
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Very, very powerful!
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Thanks so much for the kind comment. This is an alien grieving ritual that takes place in the last book. I’m glad it moved you 🙂 Have a great Sunday!
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You’ve definitely piqued my interest. 🙂
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Oh good 🙂
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Great story. It’s nice to find good writers. Blogs are a good medium for letting people know about you! Best of lick for you! 🍀
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Thanks for the good luck and kind words. It’s a pretty exciting time as the book gets ready to launch. Have a great weekend!
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What a great writer you are, Diana. Congratulations on reaching the finish line as well 😀
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Thanks so much, Nathalie. Your compliment means a lot, as well as your cheers! I’m almost there 😀
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Reading as much as I do, I have found that some people have really good stories in their heads but are not that skilled when it comes to writing them down. Then, others are brilliant at the writing part but their imagination isn’t all that. It’s quite something when an author has both the imagination *and* the writing skills. You can guess where I’m going with this…you are one of those very talented authors.
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Thanks so much for the support and encouragement. Warms my heart 🙂 ❤
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I’m super excited that Caitlin’s Bane is nearing publication. xx
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Getting so close, Adele. I was uploading everything to Amazon last night (about 12 times to get it right). I’m hoping to push the publish button in a few days 🙂
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Looks like an intriguing series Diana. No doubt you will be giving your readers a riveting read with this one. Four books, wow! You are a true dynamo! Wishing you much success with the new series. The cover is gorgeous. 🙂
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Thanks, Debby. The first is ready to go; I’m just waiting on Amazon. And the rest will follow fairly quickly. Then, a big sigh of relief at the end. Thanks for the encouragement and support! 🙂
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You are a machine my friend. Good on you. Cheers to selling lots of books! 🙂
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Thank you ❤
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Would love to read your books someday.
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Thanks for the sweet comment, Arlene. The one coming out next week will only the 99 cents, as an introduction to the series. Of course, I’d love it if you gave it a try. 🙂 Thanks for the visit and have a great weekend. 🙂
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They’re e-books? I think I have to find them first. Thanks a lot.
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Ebook and print. 🙂
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Wow, I agree that this sounds like another winner series. I love your writing so much Diana!
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Thanks, Kathryn. I just spent a few hours uploading the first book for Amazon review. I’m on target for next week. 🙂 Thanks so much for your encouragement. This is an exciting time ❤
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YAY!!!
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That cover is wicked. Who’s the artist?
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Thanks Riley, I used a design firm that I found on the internet, Deranged Doctor Design. They specialize in fantasy/sci-fi/thrillers/romance. On time and very professional. Just browsing their portfolio is luscious! Lol.
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OK, I have to say to anyone who is reading this comment, I’ve been beta reading this series. And while I’m a voracious reader, I’m also picky about what I endorse. Especially as a writer myself, I have to be extra careful about putting my own “five-star” stamp on anything, because it reflects what people can expect out of my writing as well.
This is hands down a five-star series. Plan on losing sleep over it.
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Yay! I’m so glad you’ve been enjoying it, Erik. Makes me grin from ear to ear. Your support has been wonderful as a beta reader, blogging buddy, and friend. Things are moving along, and I feel like I’m actually starting to wrap up the first book. The second isn’t far off, either. An exciting time. Have a great weekend ❤
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… a weekend which will include more lissom juice. 😉
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😀
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Next week?! ❤ I love this. And you know I love the cover but I'll say it again. Though, okay, I just did. Very excited for you! Is it on pre-order?
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Seriously. I just enlarged the cover image and I’m completely in love with it. It is GORGEOUS!
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I found the design firm on the internet and stalked them. They were on time, fast, and responsive.
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They are clearly worthy of stalking. 😉 (Yes, you can do that for books 2-4…but I’m excited for your release!)
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No preorder, Sarah. I never seem to get my act together for anything in advance. Though… hm… I can do that for books 2-4. Thanks for the idea!!!!! I’m uploading the first book tomorrow and proofing etc over the weekend. Hope to hit the publish button on Monday 🙂
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😀 😀 😀
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Ohhh I must read more! I like how you changed the text a bit so as not to give away any secrets 😉
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I didn’t change anything when sharing snippets of the first book, but this is from book 4 and I didn’t want to give anything away. Thanks for reading my alien grieving ritual, Christy 🙂 Have a great weekend.
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I still think I know … and I’m not sure how to feel, unless … UNLESS … maybe … (how’s that for saying something without saying anything?)
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You can probably guess, Erik. But it’s a secret! 🙂
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Pretty exciting snippet here. Here’s hoping that all goes smoothly for next week, too.
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Thanks, Russell. Uploading starts tonight, so on track for book one. This scene is an alien grieving ritual. 😀 Something a little different. Thanks so much for stopping by to read. Have a great weekend!
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You, too!
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I am so pleased to read this. I can just imagine how excited you must be. Another baby is ready to leave the nest and fly out into the world. Well done my friend.
(PS. I am sorry I suck as a Beta reader)
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Thanks, Bridget. It always feels a little bit like birth. With the anxiety, but no pain (or no one would publish anything ever!) Ha ha. No sweat on the beta read – life happens. You’re a sweetheart in my book. Well, not literally “in the book” but in the heart. ❤
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Hugging you in my thoughts right now.
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“Like birth … with the anxiety but no pain” mirrors your words from the chapter: “The sensation was love, but not the feeling of love” (which was utter brilliance).
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Aww. Thanks, Erik. So glad you liked that line. It’s challenging to write about things that occasionally transcend words.
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Well, you rise to the challenge, Diana. (And in your heart of hearts — though you needn’t say so publicly — you must have times when you read what you’ve written and smile or laugh, thinking, That’s good writing, if I do say so myself.)
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Occasionally. Those are nice between all the “This needs a lot of work.” Ha ha.
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There are too many lines that struck me, to even choose favorites. Looking forward to the release! Congratulations, Diana!! Oh, and that cover! ❤❤
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Thanks so much for the sweet comment, Dorinda. I don’t know about your, but I get anxious with every post. So glad you enjoyed it. 🙂
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I did and, yes, I get anxious just working on a book, never mind the release date!!
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I am amazed at your speed Diana!! You are an epitome of inspiration! Many good wishes for the success of this new book and series. 🙂
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It may look speedy, Balroop, but it’s been in the works for a couple years now. Because its a serial, I just like to hold the first ones back until they are all close to ready. An exciting time. Thanks so much for your support 🙂
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That is a gorgeous cover. That alone would get me to take a second look (but I know the author, so I’m already planning to purchase).
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Aww. Thanks, Jacqui. I’m excited for this release. It’s been in the works for a couple years and is getting close. Thanks for stopping by and have a great weekend. ❤
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Awesome, as ever! I love how this planet and its water behaves and how it impacts on the characters. Mystical medieval sci-fi fantasy awaits…
🙂
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This is a grieving ritual among the Farlanders, Nick. Yes, it is a blend of mystical, fantasy, medieval, sci-fi. Ha ha ha. I guess I couldn’t decide. 🙂
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I love a good cocktail of genres – it leads to a bit of sizzle in the imagination of the writer and a lot of fireworks in the reader’s head!
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Awesome. I hope there’s more sizzle in your future 🙂
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Holy Hannah… Diana, you are one prolific writer. That’s amazing. Congratulations. Mega hugs!
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Thanks so much, Teagan. I have to admit, I’m a little worn out. Ha ha. The next 5 weeks are going to be a whirlwind, and then a little relaxing, garden, reading (and daydreaming about the next book). :-). Thanks for reading. Mega hugs and have a great weekend!
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I hope it’s the kind of worn out that comes with weddings and births. Have some lissom juice, get your second wind … and celebrate!
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Yes. Good worn out, just on time for spring. 🙂 I have my own version of lissom juice – watered down lemonade, with a splash of fresh-squeezed lime and grapefruit. Yum.
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I’m making it. It’s settled.
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Wow, there are so many favorite lines in this snippet, I don’t know where to begin, but this is one of them: “Luminescence swirled with his blood, entered his veins, and lit him like a brand.” This book sounds fantastic, Diana. Sending luck with your new release, and that there are no computer or any other glitches. Good thing you aren’t here. We’ve had a million without power with over a half million still without it.
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Wow. I didn’t even hear about a huge blackout on the news. We lose power a lot, so we have a generator. It’s my computer that’s iffy. It’s clogged with cat hair. Ha ha. Thanks for reading, Mary, and have a great weekend. 🙂
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A historical wind storm went through Michigan two days ago. It was awful, with gusts in my area up to 68 mph and it lasted for nearly twenty-four hours. Scary. I’m sure my computer is stuffed with dog hair. LOL TGIF. 🙂
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That’s so weird that I didn’t see it on the news. I’m glad you’re safe. 🙂
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Nice. And all very exciting, too. 🙂
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Thanks, Richard. I was working on this scene and decided to pop it in here even though it’s from the final book. 🙂 Have a wonderful Friday!
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You too 🙂
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Very lush writing! Beautiful.
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Thanks. It’s a lushier scene. 🙂 A grieving ritual for this particular race of beings. I’m glad you enjoyed it! Have a great weekend.
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Oh wow what an exciting time for you, D and what a snippet to share. Fingers crossed for no glitches and nothing but great success for you 🙂
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Thanks, Phil. I am excited to get these books out. I’m going to take a little writing break for a month or two to garden, read, and pay attention to my ignored family. 🙂
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You’ll deserve it, D 🙂
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I’ll still be blogging, of course.
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On first reading I was a little crestfallen but those four letters, ‘r e a d’ filled me with hope which you’ve now confirmed. 🙂 I mean family are fine and all but.. we’re talking blogging 😉
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Ha! I don’t know how long I’ll really be able to go without writing, but there are parts of the “real” world that I’ve been neglecting for 8 years… like dusting.
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Haha. Dusting was made to be ignored 🙂
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Love the flow of the sentence “The fire in his veins abated and the sting in his wounds faded.”
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Thanks for reading, Kara. I wasn’t sure about that line because of the rhyme, but ended up leaving it. Now, I’m glad I did. 🙂 Have a fabulous Friday and Happy Writing.
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I’m glad you left it too! Have a terrific weekend!
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