Hey Folks,

How was your New Year? Did you ring in the moment full of cheer, good intentions and a little bubbly like me?

Be prepared, this is a long one and I thank you in advance for indulging me. Grab your coffee and sit back. I hope my efforts will be an inspiration for any of you also trying to change things this year.

For years and years now I’ve refused to make ‘New Year Resolutions’ because in my experience they are bound to fail for one reason or another then you spend the rest of the year feeling like a failure and you know how that works right? Yup, you ARE what you feel so…….

I don’t know what’s different this year. Maybe its that I’ll be 50 in May and that’s a pretty big deal. Perhaps its the Mayan Calendar thing though I don’t think the world will end, just change and, lets hope, for the better. Maybe its just time to start living, believing in oneself, being the person you feel you are inside. Whatever the reason, this year I have decided to make that New Year Resolution and its this.

I promise myself to be all I can be, all I was born to be, all I know I can be and I promise to do this for ME.

Ok, that’s a pretty big resolution, especially for little old me lol BUT… when you think about it, its only what we all want and strive for every day of our lives. We want to be the best parent we can be for our kids. We want to do the best we can at work. We want to be the best spouse we can be, be more accommodating, understanding, thoughtful and so on….. don’t we? I know I do but often I tell myself “I’ll do that tomorrow” or “well, life gets in the way”, and I find myself down the line having done none of the things I felt so passionate about. That’s sad. Life is too short not to try for those dreams. I believe most of our dreams, if not all, are reachable if only we believe in ourselves to get there so this year, that’s my goal. I know I’ll stumble sometimes. I know I’ll make mistakes and I know it won’t always be easy but I’m determined that this year I will try.

Why am I sharing all this with you guys? Well my first and probably my most difficult challenge this year is to become a Non-Smoker.

That might seem like a pretty easy challenge to some but to those of you who are like me (and if I’m honest, I am a HEAVY smoker) its going to be a real tough nut to crack.  I first started smoking when I was 12, yes, 12. You know how it goes. The most popular girl in school challenged me to one and then laughed herself silly as I coughed my self silly. In my humiliation I vowed I’d show her and so I practised and practised until I felt I was accomplished enough to take up her challenge again. Little did I realise back then that not only did I look like an idiot but I was setting myself up for a life long journey of failure.

Despite numerous punishments metered out by my exasperated mother in her effort to stop me smoking I continued to smoke and continued to take my punishments believing I was now one of the ‘cool’ set.  On one occasion my mother made me smoke a pack of cigarettes one after the other until I was literally sick thinking that would put me off for life. Half an hour after taking to my bed I climbed out of the window and, armed with her last Green Shield Stamp book, I sneaked off to the woman across the street who sold single cigarettes in exchange for the stamps. Hmmm, so much for that lesson.

Suffice to say, smoking has been a life long sentence for me and, I now realise, for my family who have all had to live with the evil weed whether they wanted to or not.

In an effort to prepare myself I’ve secretly been visiting a hypnotherapist and getting some subliminal help. I don’t know if this is working but I can honestly say I feel more determined then I might have done without that help.

The other thing I plan on doing and my main reason for sharing my story with you all today is this. Experts advise you avoid areas where you usually smoke and since I only smoke in my office at home I have decided to take a little vacation from my pc. After today I will be gone for a couple of weeks while I concentrate on home life and getting free of the dreaded cigarette so there will be no new releases for a little while. I hope you’ll all understand and bear with me while I make this life change and be sure, when I return, hopefully with a smoke free mind, I’ll have lots of new and exciting things on offer.

I suppose you could say this is the start of my 2012 365 Project. Here’s hoping its full of great adventures, new discoveries and not too many hiccups along the way. Wish me luck?

Catch up for Newsletter ‘Out with a Bang’

I know a few of you had some problems accessing your NL downloads for this issue. This was due to a technical problem with mail Chimp which has now been fixed. I’ve tested the links and they are working fine for me so you should now be able to grab your goodies. If you should have any further problems please do email me but be aware I won’t get to answer any until I return in 2 weeks.

New Collections and Goodies

Before I go, I want to share with you my latest New Collections. One is currently in store and available now and the second will be released on Wednesday (thanks Studio Boss Toiny for sorting that for me) and of course, I have some lovely goodies for you both here and on the BLOG so lets not waste any more time and get on with the show.

Introducing Winter’s Bride

the second in my Winter Themed Series and available now at the Studio

coming soon to all my stores

and your Winters Bride Goodies

DOWNLOAD HERE

DOWNLOAD HERE

DOWNLOAD HERE

Introducing Winter’s Edge

Due for release Wednesday 11th Jan 2012 at the Studio

coming soon to all my stores

and your Winters Edge Goodies

DOWNLOAD HERE

DOWNLOAD HERE

Don’t forget to sign up for our Newsletter for exclusive goodies and I will be back in a couple weeks with a lovely new set of collections and goodies for you.

Meanwhile, thank you all so much for your continued support and understanding. Please wish me luck, I’ll need all your good wishes.

Take care and enjoy life

Hugs

Boo and the Blossoms xxx

looking forward to meeting the new me soon

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It’s almost here

New Year Countdown

Hello dear Friends,

I have no idea if the clock you see above will work according to YOUR time but I’m hoping it will. If not, then you will at least know when it turns 2012 for me lol. It’s all good fun.

Before the big moment though, I wanted to share one last collection with you. I honestly did not think I’d get this one done in time but I’m chuffed to be able to share my newest collection with you today. Winter Tide (Available now at the studio with 40% off for a limited time only) is the first of several Winter Themed Collections I have created to see in the New Year and coming winter months. I don’t know about you but I always find that winter falls flat after the Christmas festivities and seems to be unbearably long and dreary before we see the first colors of spring again. Recently though, since really getting into my design work, I’ve begun to form a real appreciation for Winters stark beauty and I hope each of the new collections in my mini winter series will bring some beauty into your lives to brighten an otherwise bleak period before the sun shines again. What a great way to end the old year and start the New.

Here is Winter Tide

on top of your 40% discounted rate for a limited time only.

All available in individual packs or super saving discount bundles to suit every need.

Don’t forget, Winter Tide is available at the Studio with 40% OFF for  a limited time only HERE

Your Winter Tide Goodies

and to finish the year the way we like to at Booland here is a fab little giftie to mark this special occasion

Out With A Bang

Well folks, that’s all from us for the year. Thank you all so much for your fantastic support and friendship and especially for all your super comments which we love to read. We hope you’ve enjoyed the journey as much as we have. Please join us next year for another fun journey of creativity, discovery and laughter and of course, great goodies.

Until then, all that remains is for us to wish you all the very best for a wonderful, happy and peaceful 2012.

and let Booland give your Imagination Wings.

*News just in* I’m a Nana again. My beautiful 2nd Grandson was born 30th December 2011 to my eldest son Daniel. Congratulations Danny and Sam and little Courtney. I’m soooooo happy for you.

Now that’s what I call going out with a BANG! Wohoooo!

Hugs

Boo and the Blossoms xxx

BooLand Stores

You will find ALL my products at the Studio

thank you for your patience as I slowly fill up my new stores.

coming soon to

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Hey friends,

Did you all have a wonderful Christmas? Mine was awesome, not because I got tons of gorgeous goodies (which I did) but because I got to spend time just chilling with my family, Elly had a fantastic day and loved everything she got. Jay cooked the best Christmas Dinner to date and I got to sit back and put my feet up for a while. What more could anyone ask for?

Jay, being a Virgo male, is very well organised and a perfectionist to boot so leaving Christmas Dinner to him was the sensible thing to do. He planned every detail from the shopping list, to the actual shopping (yes girls, he went and did the Christmas food shopping) to the prepping and finally, the cooking and serving of dinner and every bit of it was like a Christmas present for me.

His organising was so good (he had his iPad propped on the work top with his step by step timings) that I talked him into giving me the list so I could share it with you. Trust me girls, if you want a smooth running Christmas Dinner next year with no hassle or stress just follow Jays guide and you’ll have a winner for sure.

I really enjoyed reading about your own family traditions at Christmas time and I must admit, Christmas is made all the sweeter when I see my own children continue our traditions with their own families.

Jay and I have even created a new tradition that is just ours. On Christmas Eve, once Santa (via NORAD) hits the UK we open a lovely bottle of Champagne and exchange our own gifts to each other. Its a really magical time for us. Doing things this way allows us to have some romantic time together and means Christmas Day is all about the kids, which is as it should be. We’ve been doing this for about 5 years now and it really works for us.

Thinking about all these little traditions inspired me to create my latest collection. Traditions is perfect for scrapping both vintage and modern layouts with its gorgeous festive colors. Its packed solid, just as any good Christmas Stocking should be, with beautiful elements and gorgeous papers so you’ll have plenty to keep you happy as you create all those wonderful keepsakes of your own Christmas Traditions.

Its available NOW at the studio and coming soon to my other stores. As always, you get a super 40% off its usual retail price for a limited time only.

Here is Traditions 

The Page Sprays

The Unique Pattern Papers

and the Coordinating Pattern Styles

All available as individual packs or in super saving discount Bundles to suit every pocket.

and a little Inspiration from our good friend Simplette

Your Traditions Goodies

DOWNLOAD

DOWNLOAD

DOWNLOAD

100% view of BLOG Bonus

and if you are subscribed to our Newsletter you will now be enjoying these

If you are not yet subscribed, sorry, you missed these but to be sure you don’t miss any more Newsletter Exclusive Goodies just sign up here. Its FREE

That’s all for now folks.

We hope you continue to have a wonderful, safe and peaceful holiday and we’ll be back real soon with more gorgeous goodies

Until then, take care

Hugs

Boo and the Blossoms xx

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Hello everyone and a very merry start to the Christmas Holidays. I’m sooooooooo excited.

Elly and Jay have gone to collect the Christmas Turkey and trimmings and I am busy giving the place a last tidy before the Big Guy arrives tonight (we don’t want him thinking we live in this chaos all the time lol). Elly has her own little shopping list too, Chocolate Chip Cookies for Santa and a big carrot for Rudolph. I must admit, I feel a little guilty that we don’t buy a sack of carrots so all the Reindeer can have a nibble. After all, its a long journey.

We already have our NORAD Tracking Santa on the pc. He hasn’t set off yet but its imminent. If you have not visited NORADS site before I urge you too, even if you don’t have kids. Its great fun to watch Santa’s progress as he travels the world giving out gifts.

The site has some great games for the kids to enjoy as well.

Visit NORAD Santa Tracker HERE

Of course, as I said in the last post, I wasn’t sure I’d get my next collection out in time for the holidays and I was right. There is just tooooooo much to do at home BUT I didn’t want to leave you all with nothing to enjoy over the holidays so here is a little gift from me and the Blossoms.

Just click the stocking to find out what’s inside. Ermmmm, if there’s nothing it means you’ve not made it to the good list I’m afraid

Hope you’ve all been good

DOWNLOAD

Have a wonderful, safe and peaceful holiday and we’ll be back soon with more lovely goodies. Thank you all so much for your amazing support, custom and friendship. You are all STARS.

Hugs from

Boo and the Blossoms xx

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Hey Friends

I don’t know about you guys but I’m in crazy mode right now trying to get everything ready for Christmas so forgive me for things running a little late around here.

And this is a biggie so grab your Hot Chocolate and take a seat……….

New Release out Today

I wanted to just let you know that I have a brand new collection in store today and for today only it will be DOTD at the Studio so if you are super quick you’ll get a fantastic better then usual new release deal.

White Christmas

Its DOTD today only (Thursday 23rd Dec)

and then 40% OFF for a limited time only

Available HERE

and the Page Sprays

and the fabulous Pattern Papers and Coordinating Styles, perfect for hybrid and adding some extras to your layouts. Every pattern is unique.

the discount bundle

the discount bundle

Some close up samples. These are at 100%

the pattern styles

the elements

Phew……. and that’s not all

With all the Christmas activities at home I missed sending out the NL or doing the Blog last Friday so Yule Tide, released last week to all my stores is still on sale at 40% OFF just in case you missed it in the store.

Of course, I have goodies for you.

Yule Tide Goodies

DOWNLOAD

DOWNLOAD

and White Christmas Goodies

DOWNLOAD

DOWNLOAD

and if you are signed up for our Booland newsletter you’ll be enjoying these right now

Sadly, if you are not signed up yet you’ll have missed these but if you sign up today you can be sure of never missing any of our Newsletter Exclusive goodies again.

You can subscribe here or via the subscribe box at the top of this page.

Is it beginning to feel like Christmas yet?? 

because we’re not finished yet….

Our Fantastic friend and fellow Studio Designer Julie C has done it again and created a couple of gorgeous QP’s from some BooLand Products

Thank you sooooooooooooo much Julie, we LOVE getting your treats don’t we folks!

DOWNLOAD HERE

DOWNLOAD HERE

and don’t forget to pop into Julies Studio Store and check out her gorgeous products.

What’s Next?

Well, I am hoping to have just one more new release before the BIG day BUT, in all honesty, I am not sure I will make it with all the stuff going on at home. You know how it is, everyone wants your attention like yesterday lol. So, if I don’t make it on time, please forgive me and look for it after Christmas weekend. I think you’ll like it

So for now, that’s all from me and the Blossoms.

Be sure to check out the BLOG for more goodies and please do come join us for some Christmas fun in the Studio Forum

Until next time, have a wonderful, safe and peaceful Christmas everyone and a huge thank you to you all for all your support and friendship. It means the world to us at Booland

Hugs

Boo and the Blossoms xxx

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Hey All,

Have you got your tree up yet? Is your household all ready for the coming holidays or are you up the wall, drowning in tinsel, glitter and wrapping paper?

Every year I promise myself I’ll be better organised next year and next year comes around and I find I’m still frantically wrapping gifts or clearing away discarded decorations or worse still, trying to get them up lol but somehow this year, I seem to be on target. Don’t ask me what’s going on but hey, I’m not knocking it. It will make a lovely change to be able to celebrate the whole of the holidays without fretting I’ve forgotten something.

Last night Elly and I managed to get our Tree up (well, one of three anyway lol). This year I’ve gone for gold, red and green. Quite traditional for me, but I like the way it turned out. I bought a couple of new pieces like a big heart and the word ‘Joy’ for Jay which I placed right at the centre but he hasn’t noticed them. Oh well, I think its about as much as he can handle to have my Styled Tree up. If I left it to him he’d have all the local kids doing it because that’s the part of decorating the tree he likes. I couldn’t cope with that though, not the kids, but the messy looking tree lol. I have to live with enough mess, I want my tree to look pretty, KWIM?

These are not great photos but it gives you an idea anyway. Elly looks huge against the tree doesn’t she lol but its just the angle I took the photo. Its actually quite a bit bigger then me. I will try and get some better shots later when the light is a little better.

Anyway….. Lets get on with our news for today.

I have a brand new Collection in store for you today. Well, its actually my Vintage Berry kit from last year that I have completely revamped so its massive now lol. Well, I like BIG kits hehe. This collection has not only undergone a total makeover. its been added to until I literally couldn’t stuff any more into it so if you have the old version, trust me, its nothing compared to this one.

You’ll find them all available individually or in a super saver bundle at my Studio Store right now with a super 40% OFF for a limited time only and then in my other stores from Friday

Special Offers

My 10 for $10 is currently running at my Studio store through December and has 10 fantastic full sized page kits, all with a festive flavour so you can stock up and add to your stash and scrap to your hearts content. A real Bargain. Check it out HERE

Special Events

I’m the Studio Spotlight Designer for the next couple of weeks. this is a fun challenge run via the Studio forum where you get to play with a mini from the spotlight Designer and have the chance to win the complete Page Kit. What’s more, while the Designer is in the spotlight, you get that page kit at a knockdown price.

Check it out HERE

Festive Fun Activities @ the Studio

Lots of fun and festivities going on in the Studio forum right now with some awesome gifties and goodies. Don’t forget I’m running the Dress Your Avatar Challenge this year and we’ve had some great entries already. Check it all out here

Challenge Fun

Don’t ask me how I managed to find the time to participate in a couple of the Studio challenges but I did and here are the results.

Sing a Song for Me Challenge in the Christmas Forum

I did this layout featuring my beautiful baby Grandson Leon and my Christmas Carol Blog Hop mini ‘Silent Night’ (You can still grab the mini on the previous post, scroll down)

and

Decembers Color Challenge

As you all know, I used to run the color challenge when I had more time and I loved it. I LOVE how the girls are carrying on the tradition of folk having a go at creating their own little minis to give away. I couldn’t resist Linda’s Holiday Treasures theme so here’s my little giftie for you.

DOWNLOAD

and now for your goodies

DOWNLOAD

DOWNLOAD

Hope you’re signed up for my newsletter because this is what our subscribers got today

These have already gone but if you want to be sure of never missing an exclusive Newsletter goodie, sign up here or in the subscribe box at the top of this page.

What’s next Miss Boo?

Well, I have yet another gorgeous new Collection (a fabulous revamp of a prior page kit) for you on Friday and both todays and Fridays Collections will be available in ALL my stores so you can shop in the store you most enjoy.

Here’s a sneaky look at the old version for you. How will the new one stand up though? You’ll just have to wait until Friday. ( I know, I’m such a tease hehe)

There will be more fun and frolics (and hopefully more eggnog) with our Challenge forums and I’ll be doing some scouting of my other stores to see what festive fun and goodies they have going on.

Well folks, much as I’d like to I’m afraid I can’t sit around chatting. I have a garland to put up and decorate (sorry,I mean ‘style )   but we’ll be back soon with lots more so be sure to check us out then.

Hugs

Boo and the Blossoms xx

My Stores

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Wohoooo. It’s that time of year again.

Yup, It’s the first day of our Studio Annual Christmas Carol Blog Hop and this year I’m going with Silent Night. I sure hope you like it.

As always I like to add a little music to the festivities so here’s my favourite version of this song for you all to enjoy.

DOWNLOAD HERE

Don’t forget to visit our next fabulous goody at eqrAveziur

And please remember, if the mini isn’t yet up to come back later as we are all in different time zones. The Blog Hop will be available for at least a week so you’ve plenty of time. Here’s the complete Blog Roll if you missed any.

Nibbles Skribbles
Shelly Marie Scraps
Snips N Snails
Scrappy Cocoa
Aimee Harrison Designs
Snickerdoodle Designs
Let Me Scrapbook
Deli Scraps by Min
Booland Designs
eqrAveziur
Darlene Designs
JW DigiScraps
Feli Designs
SKrapper Digitals
Ambowife Designs
Ruby Lane
Digilicious Designs
JanetB Designs
Julie C Designs
Monika Designs
Piggy Scraps

Christmas Fun at the Studio

This year I’m hosting the Dress Your Avatar challenge and I can’t wait to see what you all dress up as. Did you guess from my last post who I was? I have to say, it wasn’t easy getting Santa to part with his favourite outfit for the day but hey, I can be very charming when I want to be hehehe.

You can join us here for fun, festivities and some awesome prizes and goodies so don’t be shy. We can’t wait to see you.

Pssssttttt: I have a little something in my challenge thread for you too so be sure to pop along and take part.

Late goodies

I promised you last week I’d be back with the Poppy Goodies I missed giving you when my Poppy Collection was released so here they are. Enjoy

DOWNLOAD

DOWNLOAD

And if you are subscribed to my Newsletter you’ll have got a few extra bits today.

I’ll be back later this week with a brand new collection and more goodies. Meanwhile I hope to see you in the Studio Forum. Lets get the Egg Nog flowing and have some fun.

See ya there

Hugs

Boo and the Blossoms xx

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Hey Dear peeps,

How are you doing? Right now, apart from the sneezes, I’m pretty good all things considered. Of course, it helps that the sound of music coming through my window from the town musicians is helping get me into the festive spirit.

This has to be my favourite time of year. I love all the sparkly lights and Christmas decorations. The smells of tangerine and mince pies. The excitement of the children all eagerly awaiting Santa’s arrival. Ok, you got me, yes even I eagerly await his arrival. I’m such a big kid at Christmas lol. I still hope I’ll get my Christmas Stocking filled every year but for a long time now it’s remained empty. Either he forgot me or I’ve not made it to the good list….. hmmmm?

Even my boys, both grown up as they are, still hang their stockings out. I love that I’ve created a tradition they enjoy so much they’ve continued it into their adult lives. They say it wouldn’t be Christmas without one.

Do you still hang on to your childhood Christmas Traditions? I’d love to hear about them so do leave your comments on the Blog for me.

Now, although I’ve tons of great little stories I could be telling you it would make this newsletter way too long and I know you all have other things to do so I’ll get on with todays news.

New Stores Open

First I wanted to let you know that My stores at Digitals, GDS and Digirioo are now all open and have the same great offers as my home store, the Studio so you can shop in your favourite store and still pick up our special offers.

Its all been very exciting and crazy around here trying to coordinate all the new things going on and it’s going to take some time to get everything right and running smoothly but bare with us, we will get there lol. Its just wonderful to know I am finally in some of my favourite stores and among even more of my favourite Designers.

Digiridoo News

Sing up for the Digiridoo Newsletter and grab yourself some awesome goodies. Go here for more information.

Studio News

We are mad busy behind the scenes creating some fun festive activities for you. Bet you can’t guess what my activity is going to be???? Here’s a clue

Keep your eyes peeled for this challenge coming soon to the Studio

I will keep you posted as I hear about stuff going on in all my new stores and forums so watch this space.

Also, we start our fun Christmas Blog Hop on Monday 12th December so be sure to pop back then for my portion of the great Carol Hop. Wonder what I’ll be doing this year??

New Collections – In store and Arriving Soon

Yayyyyy! I have a brand new Collection in store and at a fab 40% OFF for a limited time only.

Here’s Christmas On Ice.

And coming soon

Make a Wish

and lots more.

Available from tomorrow in my Studio Store and Next Week in my other stores.

AND

I have a Super Special Bundle on offer too.

Here’s what you get

Available HERE

Yes, I know we missed our Poppy goodies with the Poppy Collection Release. I’ll be posting those with the next Newsletter so if you’re not signed up yet, now’s the time to do it

For today though, you get not one but two lots of goodies.

Christmas On Ice Goodies

DOWNLOAD HERE

DOWNLOAD HERE

And Make a Wish Goodies

DOWNLOAD HERE

DOWNLOAD HERE

DOWNLOAD HERE

Here’s a little look at what our Newsletter Subscribers got this week

Be sure not to miss out on Exclusive Goodies via our Newsletter. Sign up today

Well folks, that’s all from me this week. I sure hope you enjoy your goodies and the great savings on both new collections. Remember to check the BLOG for even more goodies, blog hop and other fun things next week.

Until next time, take care and enjoy the merry season

Hugs

Boo and the Blossoms xx

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Ok, so I was looking for a neat Drum Roll Sound effect to announce our lucky winner when I came across this amazing child. Come on folks, indulge me a little here. You have to admit this little guy is incredible…. so, without further ado, and to announce our lucky winner of the $100 BooLand Shopping Spree….

WOW, isn’t he fantastic. Elly is green with envy. She so wants to learn the drums but honestly, she already makes enough noise in the house. I sure don’t need drums added into the mix lol.

And the winner is…. Comment 16

Congratulations Comment 16 Sherri

You just won yourself a fantastic $100 Shopping Spree to my Studio Store.

Just email me at booboo6204@hotmail.co.uk for your special code

Thank you everyone who took part. I loved reading all your thoughts on the new logo, and Sherri, no need to worry about missing my flutterby.

He’s not going anywhere, you’ll still be able to see him signing off our posts each week

BooLand News

A little update for you all. There will be no new release this coming Wednesday as I’m busy loading my new stores but Poppy will hit the Studio and Digitals on Friday next and of course, we’ll have some luscious treats to share with you all then.

Don’t forget though, you still have time to enjoy my fantastic Bonanza Sale and 50% OFF my Studio Store through November.

Here’s a sneaky peek at Poppy. Release Date Friday 25th November

A little extra goodie for you all

Since we don’t have any new releases this week I thought I’d share my little Quality Sampler with you all. Enjoy

DOWNLOAD HERE

That’s all for now folks.

Be sure to pop back real soon for lots more fun and frolics at Booland

Until then, have a wonderful week

Hugs

Boo and the Blossoms

xx

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