Where I'm From


         
 Where I'm From...                                                


I'm from a old dusty red handled flour swifter, from fried okra, and sweet bread.



Mom's red-handled swifter and Grandma Queen's skillet


I’m from a remembered 4 story home, with a barn, ruled by my Mother’s voice and by my Father’s presence.

I’m from home grown variety gardens full of Collard Greens, Peppers, and Tomatoes. Acorns and Leaves. Azalea bushes, fresh cut grass; along with Honeysuckle lamb in summer.




my true roots
Aunt Sarah, 100. Prepping Collard Greens. 

I am from big hearted, big eyes, high cheeks, with smiles long as the Mississippi River, all from a Granddaddy we only heard about, thru his Son J.E. and his wife Tinnie.

I’m from a lineage of Slaves, Sharecroppers, Civil Rights Advocates, Soldiers and Intellectual People of Wisdom.

From, “When one life was taken, another was Given”,  now you better “Run with it”.

I’m from a heritage of “We Baptist up in Here”, foot-stomping, hand clapping, singing Ol’ Time Religion songs, Chairman of the Deacon Board, Reverends,Doctors, Lawyers and Teachers all out of a small school called Merritt School for the Colored.






I’m from a small town called Oberlin. With parts of  Midway, Alabama and Bonaire, Georgia with a touch of  South Carolina. From Ancestors who were West African, Yoruba, with deep European roots that stretch along from the eastern shores all the way down south to Florida.



Africa in 1600's

From mealtimes that included rice and something fried along with a piece of some 2- tiered cake Mom made of chocolate or coconut. 

From, trips "Down Home" in the summer, were all my family gathered to have a good time, even in sorrow. We always had a feast spread out by the Elders. I come from barefoot walks to Ms. Mary Thomas’s candy store where 1$ could by you a small brown bag full of goodies.

I’m from the Slave, Ike Ivery, and his unbeknownst slaveowner. From Lizzie Jordan a Slave woman who bore children from the Irishman and her born into slavery husband George Daniel. She was a Woman of her time. Rumored to be a BlackFoot Indian and African. I’m from a Patriot from Pa with the Barrick name. 

I am from a crowd of beautiful faces of all shades of color from white to latte, honey to chocolate. From Love and Hate, from a place where you can’t put a price on our soul or our body. From a place were we are all counted and a place where we are Somebody to Everybody. That’s our Treasure of Worth.

From my friend Lisa D. Cooper. She showed me who she was through writing her story.  I want to share and show you some of ME. Thank You Lisa!


George Ella Lyon  Thank YOU! for this! 

This is where this Originally comes from. George Ella Lyon Writer and Teacher.  

I made my Version. 


Where are you from?

4 Generations of Military all Firstborns

Please click the LINK to see my Story:

http://www.blackpresence.co.uk/african-american-soldier-family/



I was honored to Guest Blog on "Black Presence", about my Family's Military History. I wanted to share with you that didn't get to see it on other sites.

 Hope you Enjoy!


4 Generations of Military all Firstborns 

EvEryThiNg is EvEryThiNg



Well..... what do you want to know? My answer is always, I want to know EVERTHING !


Me and Granddaddy Ike
I got to try to find as much as I can. I think of EVERYTHING about Granddaddy Ike Ivery born in 1853. I want to know what his dreams, his hopes, his fears, even what his prayers were if that would be possible. There is no one thing, or a few things to get straight. I look for clues everywhere. I want to know EVERYTHING!

Last night Rev.Al Sharpton interviewed and asked Mrs. Mrylie-Evers Williams, she is the widow of Mr. Medgar Evers. What did she want everybody to know about Medgar Evers? She is giving the three minute Convocation at the Inauguration. 

Her answer was: EVERYTHING!, EVERYTHING!, EVERYTHING!

Learn EVERYTHING. Learn about the whole person as much as you can. Examine every aspect of their life to get a full story. 

Since 1870 Granddaddy Ike you have been leaving your footprints in Alabama. I've sort of been let on the loose to find them. Put my feet in your shoes, to walk the walk. I knew exactly what Mrs. Evers-Williams meant.

I want to know what they did to you when you walked the 434.5 miles from somewhere in South Carolina to Midway, Bullock County, Alabama, were you would eventually grow up and make your home. I hope it wasn't to much of a struggle and they let you jump on the wagon or a ol'mule from time to time along the way. How many weeks or months was that trip? They didn't smart mouth or beat you for any reason, did they? Did you meet other slaves along the way? What was it like at night along the route? What did you see? What was on your mind about the future? Did you think you'd ever be free? What happened the day Freedom came for you?

I'm glad you got to be with your Parents, William and Minty, after 2 census's I can't find them nowhere. 

Granddaddy Ike, I want to ask you where in South Carolina we come from? The oral history from your Children passed to Grandchildren keep passing that info on. I'm always trying to find the documents.
 I advanced myself taking a DNA test just to get closer to you. That opened up a whole new World!  But don't worry! I prayed over it. I was gonna be satisfied with whatever the outcome was gonna be. I had you on my mind the whole time.



Grandma Eddie Lee Ivery Lewis Resting Place
This is all I thought I had of you, from the ground. In reality, your blood runs through me and you left me so much more.  I see you through your Grand children's eyes. I didn't get to meet your 23 children.  Even my own Daddy. He's passed now, he kept you and your Daughter Eddie Lee alive in all of our hearts all the time. That is why we know ya'll so good.

Why you had to be born so long ago? I didn't get to sit up on your lap, smell your snuff, help you shave, or keep you toenails trimmed, bring you some of your daughter Eddie's sweet potato pie. Just a simple walk around the land hand in hand on Pruitt Place.  I just know I would of been your favorite, sitting around listening to your stories of slavery.


1912 Deed


In 1908 The state of Alabama did an Assessment Report for you and I saw your Pocket Watch value.Who you were staying with on Pruitt Place. You left me a lot of goodies to play with. Marriage licenses, death certificates, census's. I loved the deed where in 1912 you bought land from J.L. and Winnie Thomas. I'm still trying to find them and the coordinates of your property to see exactly where it's at. I'll get that done next trip down home.


Your two sisters. Isabella and Rosanna. It took me forever to find Belle! Named on a application of marriage, she was getting married on your Father William's property, so that told me he was still living at least until 1881. She was marrying Charles Haynes. Was he related to my grandma Mary Haynes, your 1st wife of three legal marriages? Was he her brother? Rosanna married Charles Ford and I couldn't locate them also. What happened to your sisters? Did they leave Alabama?

Can't find your brother's also. How long did your Parents live? Where are they buried?

Aunt Sallie Bea your Granddaughter told us of the story of when you passed. You was sick for a short while and you passed in your sleep. They had you laid out in what they called the parlor room. Everyone had to go through the front room to get back there. Aunt Sallie Bea said she couldn't see you as she had to babysit the children. But she remembers you lying up in there in state for a few days. The bells of Mt. Coney which you helped get built, were released into the community to let them know death was in the family. Daddy was 19. He had to be strong for his Mother, who was so close to you. I know this about your relationship and find it befitting she is buried next to you in death.

We didn't see it as a suffering or lost. You passed away in 1937 well before any of us where born.We got to spend time with other grandparents. Sam and Queen Daniel Miles. They did the best they could in loving us. It hit me in 1977 when Grannie Queen died.  I saw the pain and grief. My Mother never got over that, no matter how many celebrations we had, that hole was in her heart from that day forward. That is how I feel now that she is gone. 

Everybody is just about gone now. I have to try to put the pieces together one by one. So that our future generations can have as much info as they need to get to know you too. There will be times when I don't have EVERYTHING, but that will be suffice. 

I'm dedicating a lot of time through research, trips to courthouses, mail requests,oral history interviews to keep your memory alive. No matter the struggle or hard it was. Your Living was not in Vain. Not while I have a VOICE!

As far as you Granddaddy Ike and the rest of the Ancestors, ones I find, the ones I don't know yet. I want to know EVERYTHING!

I expect you to be on the other side of Heaven along the Jordan River, I know you can't help me to cross. But I put my hand up over my eyes as the sun is ever so bright, but I can see you Granddaddy Ike, with your Momma and Daddy, Grandaddy William born in 1812  waving me over.
I know then I'll get all my QUESTIONS answered.

Talk to you soon in my Dreams or while I'm Awake. I know your just short, around the bend for me.


Truly Yours.
True!
Your Great Great Granddaughter

Sidenote: Happy Anniversary!
http://geneabloggers.com/geneabloggers-celebrates-years/




Funeral Card Friday #1



Rev. Obie L. Lewis.......... My Daddy's big brother........Daddy kept Uncle Obie alive by this photo. I think this might be one of the "oldest" obits I have. Hopefully not, but at the moment it is. It wasn't until Daddy passed, I found this obit in his WW2 footlocker. He was 13 years older than Daddy and more of an influence on him then Uncle Obie would ever get to know.  There is so much I have to learn just from his Funeral Card Obit. 




Poole Funeral Home  is still in business since 1936 and they have been Thanked and Helpful in so Many ways.  They have served the community through many trials and tribulations. 






Poole Funeral Home 






Especially during Civil Rights. I know Uncle Obie is buried in Mason City Cemetery which is now New Grace Hill Cemetery in Birmingham, Alabama. I have to get more history on the church and a lot of other unanswered questions. I will keep moving forward and adding notes to his bio as I learn. Also his Mother Eddie Ivery Lewis had a brother named Obie Ivery who had no children. Ironic. 


On March 1st, 1946 my Auntie Lela Belle died, she was just 34 years old. Her and Uncle Obie died within a day of each other.  


Daddy took charge and made sure he was at both funerals in two days. Going from Birmingham back to Midway.  Daddy was always running making sure things where taken care of when it came to times like these, He was in Charge of the Lewis Family. 








Uncle Obie's Funeral Card
























Daddy said his Momma heard the "Rooster crow 3 times" and she didn't know she would be next on June 22, 1946. So I would say that 1946 was a hard Year for my Daddy. In my Family they always say DEATH comes in Three's. They always take two other people with them. Well in 1946 Death Came 3 times....






Rev. Obie L. Lewis




You are truly missed and I wish I could sit and talk awhile with you.


Love your Grand Niece, 


Hats Off 👒


This was MY favorite HAT that embodied all of her Southern Charms. The Gardening Hat. Down by the Shore Hat, with it's Seashells that sparkle in the Light. The Floppy Hat.



Mom was always in Style with a Good Hat. That was her staple, her signature.


I need to get ready for a New Hat...........


You'd see her everywhere with one. As it comes close to Christmas and a New Year is upon us. It's like putting a new HAT on. I'm sitting at my little desk and I'm looking up at Mom's hat. She use to hang them on a door handle to the closet that was right by her seat at the kitchen table, she could just grab it if she got a quick visitor at the front door or if she felt her hair was out of place. It would be there if she was running out the door to go to "Tha STo", in her Southern accent!


 She had a hat everywhere in that house for every occasion.



Her hats would be up in the closet as you walked in the door on the top shelf of some old phonebooks always ready for a quick grab. Layed across my bed in my "old room" for ready on Sunday morning, even on a Styrofoam head just to keep that Tam in place. When she passed she had old hat boxes from Hess's, John Wanamaker's. It was hard to let it go. 
Me and my sister Bettye, after she passed, Laid them all out in the Living Room we called the "Front Room",we weren't allowed to be in as kids, as her friends would stop by and look the hats over and choose what memory they wanted to keep. We wanted them to have something of Mom's. Hats were important in a Southern Lady's wardrobe they stood for different things. Work~ Grieving~Celebrations. IT's an inspiration for me, for starting over in a New Year.

 Daddy just sat quietly over the coming weeks..... as we were settling all of Mom's personal things. He was the Leader in Mom having so many Hat and Purses and her Pins. He spoiled her with them. Me and Bettye kept several but that was the last hat I saw Mom in, and Bay graciously bowed out to let me have my way. The other thing I think of the most is Mom's pin hats. She had plenty. I love to just open my box and glance at them. The hat pins never went out of style for Mom, she had them all around in different rooms just for etiquette. That's what a Southern Lady does.







Mom at her Best. Our favorite.




She went out with Style no matter what time of year or occasion. Her biggest moment for me, was when Mom stepped out in her Church hat. She knew how to wear it, she wore it well! and It didn't wear her. Church hats were my Mom's Crown and Glory!

 I was always so Proud.


 I walked like a Peacock knowing my MOmma had the baddest hat in town on. When she passed in 2008 that is what all this reminded me of: LIFE. A New Year is starting so we have to take the old off and put on the new to start anew.......Hat's off to you Mom, "Sis. Tinnie" and to 2012! We Welcome 2013 as we put our New Hat on For the Year! See you next Year........







Back of the card with Final Bill
Mom's  "STEIN'S" Hat Bill from 1965

My SanKofa to AlaBaMa



I wanted to re share this Note I had laying aroundI wrote this back after I took a trip back to my Ancestral Home, I was reflecting. Before I had a inkling what "Blogging" was, I had shared this on Facebook with my Genning group, Our Black Ancestry. A friend from D.C. named Annette encouraged me to write a NOTE abt my trip. So here it is.......

I wanted to share my trip back to Alabama. I had been pondering what to do with all my genealogical research. I had helped create the family website along with my cousin Lisa at www.ike-iveryfamily.org , I wanted to take it to another level where people could see the work besides me. I was always talking to them one on one trying to explain individually. I needed a format to keep the conversation going, find a visual where all can see the names and dates. I wanted them to see the "DASH". The Life in names "We Speak".  So there I went and searched on the Internet for someone who specialized in documenting family history. I wouldn't have been satisfied with my 8mm video camera which is out of date!

On a sunny Monday morning, October 3rd, 2011 I started my journey to Sweet Home Alabama. My trek, prior to all this, I took a lot of mental notes on index cards and did much preparation as I could, there was so much I needed to get done. 

Sometimes in our research one has to go to their Ancestral Place of Origin to get information that you just can't do over the Internet. On top of everything it was a personal journey for me also after my Parents passed in 2008 and 2009, their Souls are resting.
It was a time of getting things done along with reflections. I arrived in Birmingham which is in Jefferson County, I went to the New Grace Hill Cemetery, which on a 1946 death certificate was called Mason City Cemetery.  3 weeks of trying to find its location and the history. I was there to locate one of Daddie's brothers, named Rev. Obie Lewis. 

Next it was on to Bullock County, Midway and Union Springs! This is where my earliest ancestor William 1812 and Minty 1834 (Ivey) Ivery where to make their roots. They seemed to start using Ivery after Emancipation even though I have both spellings on documents. At times during my visit I felt like was taking a step back into time. Not much had changed. If it wasn't for my family I would of  had to stay in Montgomery, Midway is my Color Purple. 

I went to our family church Mt. Coney Missionary Baptist, which was founded in 1875. It's 137 years young! 
Ike Ivery is my Great Grandmother's father, I find it ironic Granny Eddie is buried right beside her father. Which was befitting from all the stories I have been told about how close their relationship was when they were living. I had written permission a month in advance prior to my arrival for  video taping the church. Pastor Robbins was more than welcoming and very accommodating, he gave the history on the church and cemetery which a lot of my ancestor's are buried.
Bullock County Courthouse Union Springs, Alabama
I got to stand outside Bullock County Courthouse which houses a lot of my family documents and I got to spend 2 wonderful days just beyond belief research, I felt as if I was finally at home. I have so many letters and envelopes from the courthouse I was in what my Mom would say "Hog Heaven"! I was taking in every moment and just enjoyed myself walking around and going thru all the index and map plat books, marriage registers and old Union Springs Herald from all the way back! All the times I had been down home I was seeing it thru a different pair eyes this time. I thoroughly enjoyed the rich history and town.


Inside Bullock County Research Room
I rummaged thru a lot of books that you  had to actually walk to flip the page over they were so big and huge. I saw books I wouldn't have been exposed to over the Internet or mailings, it was something you have to go there to experience. I was a dust bowl by the time the day was over, my calves were sore from climbing the ladder to get at some book tucked up high, I just had to see, even if it didn't have anything to do with my Ancestor's. I couldn't get enough. 

ADAH= Alabama Department of Archives and History was on my Bucket List. I finally made it! Beyond Words I shed a tear when I got there, how silly!


Me and Mr. Spratlan
After almost 8 years of seeing this man's name and corresponding over snail mail and numerous amount of phone calls and a missed visit in 2009 because of a storm, I finally got the pleasure and honor of meeting my Mentor Mr. Dean Spratlan, 72 who is also the President of the Bullock County Historical Society, which next month I'll officially be proud to say I am a Member of ! This man has taught me patience above all else in doing family research. He guided me, showed me things and shared so much with me over this time I will be eternally grateful. I really feel a kinship to him now that we have met, and he expressed the same to me also. That made me know for sure I was doing the right thing with my life and research. 

I got a lot of work done. I was given documents on my family that I wasn't expecting. I learned things from all 4 of my Aunts over the ages of 80-95. The oral history they gave me was invaluable, all the talking over the phone was nothing compared to sitting and fellowshipping with them in person.
Even one of my cousins just through a casual conversation led to finding out a family member had written a book which I ended up ordering on Amazon.
Issac Robbins published a 50-page book on Life thru a Black Soldier's Life in  Midway, Alabama. Called: Glimpse of Providence: A Black Boy's Experience in Foreign Lands. Who Knew?

Another highlight was when I happened to mention my own father James E. Lewis, he was mentioned in a book about all the soldier's in World War 2, in a book called "In Freedom's Name": The War Years 1941-1945 WW2 Bullock County Veterans. There was Daddie's name! 

Any person from the county doing war service is mentioned there in the back of the book which will be a genealogical gem for researchers in a book called Soldier's and Sailor's Discharge Records for Bullock County and it tells you what page they are on, so now I can order it from ADAH, another document to add to my Fathers history. A added bonus is I can give and share also if you have an Ancestor in Bullock County and you need to know the page number to order for yourself. Mr. Spratlan personally signed the book for me which he was a part of the research in 1996 when this book was written.

I have been wanting to make this trip for a long time and came to a point in my research as I mentioned before where sometimes you have to make that trek and just pack up and go.It was not only good for my research but it did my Soul good as well. I needed to go walk the land, see and smell and get a feel for what life mighta been like for my Ancestors but also for the family who haven't left there.

 As I was leaving Alabama on Sunday after a whirlwind week for me and I was on County Road 82 which leads to HWY 110 out of Union Springs on to Montgomery a truck full of cotton was leading the way. At first I didn't know what it was blowing all over the place like snow. I realized it was cotton. I pulled over and took some home with me, along with a bag full of pecans from my 91 year old Aunt Sallie Bea. I also got some Alabama red dirt, that in the following week I took to Pennsylvania to place on my Parents grave. They were born and raised in Midway, Alabama, they might have been part of the Great Migration and left Alabama but Alabama never left them. 


As the sun was going down, I'm leaving town. I hated to leave. There will be another time. I started reflecting, I felt a inner peace like no other, like the Ancestors where riding with me. I started to see their faces in everything driving down that highway. What Sun was left on the horizon blaring in my eyes, I felt like my "People" where smiling on me from above.

A song came on my Sirrius radio called "Secret Place": by Jai Reed and Bishop Love that was right on time and appropriate for my Documentary it was just what I needed to make it complete. 

I just let the tears fall from joy....








It was an Honor.

I am grateful for Susan. She helped me with my vision and saw what I was thinking and helped me bring it to fruition. She guided me with grace and patience, allowed for me to learn and make mistakes. She encouraged me to  go with my instincts. You can see a 4min excerpt at her website undering Samples, called Honoring Ike.You can let Susan help you also to leave your family a heirloom as a gift at www.familylinestudios.com

Finished Work on my Documentary can be found at: Granddaddy Ike to True's Story!
  









"BLOG CAROLING" - Silent Night









Silent night, Holy night All is calm and all is bright Round yon virgin mother and child Holy infant so tender and mild Sleep in heavenly peace Sleep in heavenly peace Silent night, holy night Shepherds quake at the sight Glories stream from Heaven afar Heavenly hosts sing halleluia Christ the savior is born Christ our savior is born Silent night, Holy night Son of God Love's pure light Radiant beams from thy Holy face With the dawn of redeeming grace Jesus Lord at thy birth Jesus Lord at thy birth Halleluia! Halleluia! Halleluia! Christ the savior is born
I feel real honored to be participating for my first time and continuing tradition online, you should visit www.FootnoteMaven.com for further instruction on how you can participate also. Footnote Maven started this online tradition.

I always loved the TEMPTATIONS, they always put your mind and heart ready for the Season. Silent Night was always one of my favorites. I hope you Enjoy my choice and have fun "Blog Caroling"!

The CoLor PuRPle



Coming to the Table posted this
 photo of a trip in which my Circle of Family Historians took. This was just a small ThaNk YoU NoTe on that Day.



There it was ............a field full of cotton.



At first glance, I noticed the "COLOR 

PURPLE"!  It was just this one small photo 

standing alone.



 When I saw the COLOR PURPLE, It was like a 
dew drop from Heaven.



It meant so many things to so many of us.
 Just like a small little PRICK on my finger,there was also a willowy COTTON brush on my heart at that moment.



There it was, a sweet  reminder from Our Ancestors, of the blood, sweat, and tears,  all those steps by steps, one by one, foot in front of the other, stooping low, back bent, to remind us how far we have Come and Lest we Forget!



Naturally one of my Sister's said the quote from the film by the actress who played Shug Avery: " I think it pisses God off when you walk by the "Color Purple" in a field and don't notice it".

Well that's what happened that week this original photo was shown, we made sure when we saw the Color Purple in the field, we noticed it!

We didn't piss God off! or Our Ancestors!

I Thank You!  Ancestors above. For sending that sweetness to us all in one small detail in a photo that kissed our souls in only your way! 

You've done your Work, Well Done.  We will do the Tending now.


With All our Heart, Your Descendants.





I OfTen WoNder.......


Me and My Slave Granddaddy Ike

I OFTEN WONDER..... about "1870"....... just 7 years after the End of Slavery. It's the 1st Census most "Black Folk" are to be counted as citizens. I've been researching my Family, both sides of Me for 13 years now. I feel like I only have a smidgen of it done. The enormous task is a masterpiece of our lives  that never is completely done. It's all done with a labor of love.
As I stare at the * 1870 Alabama census that my SLAVE Granddaddy Ike first appears on he is 17. Born  February 14th, 1853 according to his official death certificate in 1937. He is still living at home with his sisters Rosanna and Isabella along with their Parents.
1870 Census of Granddaddy
 Ike w/Parents and Siblings


Then I take a glance, I look at Pennsylvania's 1870 census and see my White Grandmother Rosanna, same age as Ike of 17, living with her Parents. She is always FREE.
They were both 17 in 1870. Grandma Rosanna was born on April 3rd, 1853. 115 years later, her Granddaughter True would be born on that same day in 1968.
The contrasts in 2 lives so far apart and yet oh so close, thru one child.

I wonder if Granddaddy Ike and Grandma Rosanna would meet just half way somewhere? Being kind and respectful of one another and just having a talk abt the days to come in the future and what their lives where just a few short years ago.

I know he wouldn't be able to just come upon a White Woman and talk. He would have to bow and remove his hat and hang his head low in reality.There would be a chaperone or White man accompanying her. 

But just for a moment in time, away from all of the ugliness, a meeting of respect between two lives "Crossing Paths". I want to imagine what that conversation would be like? Just "supposing" in my mind. Would she know all of what Granddaddy Ike had to go thru being under a White man's control like animal chattle just for the color of his skin? Being mistreated and to go thru it all for his children's children's children's wouldn't have to?

I know he would be considerate and thoughtful of her being a Woman. Having just about no Rights herself, with the attitude of staying in her place, just to be seen and not heard. Being barefoot and pregnant and the other half of her life always taking care of children. Was she truly able to realize and make her dreams and hopes come to fruition.

It's 2012 and that Question is still trying to be answered.





My Grandma Rosanna with Grandpa Levi Alexander Watson
I OFTEN WONDER.......If Granddaddy Ike and Grandma Rosanna met together this would have been my "Coming to the Table" moment, just for me. Talking abt days gone by and what is to come? Would they smile a while and talk over some sweet southern tea?  I just "suppose", When all this hurt and shame is over and they are gone and can no longer be here to share and talk, and to think on a True moment that they have "SHARED" that Grandbaby True Ann?  What they would of thought if they could of known and seen that I was coming?  I'd like to know in my heart that they had some of these thoughts.

That is what they have in common! THEIR common bond! Not so many differences at all. That the baby in 1968 would tie them all together one day, with the realization that all their hopes and dreams are on that "SHARED baby"? It's not the COLOR of our skin, but the BLOOD that runs thru her veins, is from "Former Slave to Free White Woman".



I OFTEN WONDER......


* Source Citation:  Year: 1870; Census Place: Ridgely, Bullock, Alabama; Roll: M593_4; Page: 271B; Image: 545; Family History Library Film: 545503.

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