Saturday, October 02, 2021

Weekly Mews: Is It October Already? (Please Vote in October's TBR List Poll!)

I am linking up to the Sunday Post hosted by Kim of Caffeinated Book Reviewer and The Sunday Salon (TSS) hosted by Deb Nance of Readerbuzz  where participants recap our week, talk about what we are reading, share any new books that have come our way, and whatever else we want to talk about. I am also linking It's Monday! What Are you Reading? hosted by Kathryn of Book Date where readers talk about what they have been, are and will be reading.

As part of my monthly wrap up, I am linking up to Nicole of Feed Your Addiction's Monthly Wrap-Up Post and Stacking the Shelves hosted by and Marlene of Reading Reality a meme in which participants share what new books came their way recently. 


In reading . . . 
Then

I recently finished reading The Rose Code by Kate Quinn, about three women working at Bletchley Park during World War II, which was really good. I found myself doing a little research as I was reading, matching truth with fiction--out of pure curiosity (and not for spoilers as my husband claims).


Now

I have made more headway with Nancy Marie Brown's The Real Valkyrie: The Hidden History of Viking Warrior Women. It has been slow going, but I am finding it interesting. I just started reading The Ex Hex by Erin Sterling, which I have heard is laugh out loud funny. I could use that right about now! 


Next

I am really looking forward to reading Alix E. Harrow's The Spindle Splintered, the first in her Fractured Fables series, and think I will be picking that up next. The Ten Thousand Doors of January by the same author is one of my favorite books. 



What I Have Been Watching

More Grimm. I am in the middle of season 4 now. I was not sure I liked the direction the show has taken early in the season, but it's growing on me. Rosalee remains my favorite character. New Amsterdam and The Masked Singer are both back and so my family and I have been keeping up with those shows via Hulu. Just one more episode of Ted Lasso to go this season. It's such a good show. 


Off the Blog

I still cannot quite believe it is October already. I think my brain is still back in September. My family and I seem to have found our fall rhythm more or less. Mouse and I both had dentist appointments recently and I am in the process of having a crown replaced. My TMJ Syndrome has flared up again and that on top of a 10 year old crown did not go together well, I guess. Mouse got to train under a visiting master ballet instructor this past week at her studio, and he gave them quite the workout. Nutcracker rehearsals are going well. My work is as busy as ever--even busier, really. We have had quite a few people absent due to illness, which has only increased everyone else's workload. The weather has been up and down. We had a really pleasant week and now the heat is back. I am already seeing Halloween decorations going up in the neighborhood. I do love the autumn season. 


 Surprise flowers from my husband celebrating the 
30th anniversary of when we became a couple. 

Tell me what you have been up to! What are you reading, listening to and watching? How was your week?

New to the Shelves

Recent e-book purchase with reward points: 


The Last Graduate (The Scolomance #2) by Naomi Novik

Recent bookstore purchases (thanks, Mom, for the gift card!): 


The Orphan Witch by Paige Crutcher
Clark and Division by Naomi Hirahara
Cemetery Boys by Aiden Thomas

Have you read any of these books? What books did you add to your TBR this past month? 


Monthly Wrap Up

Here is what I finished reading in September:
  • For a Few Demons More (The Hollows #5) by Kim Harrison
  • Witches Get Stitches (Stay a Spell #3) by Juliette Cross
  • The Rose Code by Kate Quinn
After my blogging break in August, I have been easing back in. My new work schedule does not allow for much time for myself, which means my blogging time has been impacted. It is a work in progress. My reading suffered this month too. I have not had the best of luck focusing long on a book.

How did your September shape up? Do you have a favorite among the books you read?


Challenge Progress:
The Summer COYER Challenge is where everything goes, with no limits and no conditions. I did not set a numeric goal, although I did hope to read more nonfiction during that time, as well as continue to try to catch up on some of my series and ARC reading. While I did not read nearly as much as I would have liked, I did not fare too badly. I just wish I had done better with the nonfiction part.
  • Witches Get Stitches by Juliette Cross
  • The Rose Code by Kate Quinn
  • Death at the Crystal Palance (Kat Holloway Below Stairs #5) by Jennifer Ashley
  • I'd Rather Be Reading: The Delights and Dilemmas of the Reading Life by Anne Bogel
  • The Stranger in the Mirror by Liv Constantine
  • Vanessa's Yu's Magical Paris Tea Shop by Rosselle Lim
  • A Fist Full of Charms (The Hollows #4 by Kim Harrison
  • Strange Beasts in China by Yan Ge
  • Be My Ghost (A Haunted Haven Mystery #1) by Carol J. Perry
  • For a Few Demons More (The Hollows #5 by Kim Harrison
With October comes the start of the Fall COYER Challenge (October through December). In this challenge, the rules are tightening back up a bit. Format and price do not matter but the books have to meet one of the Scavenger Hunt List categories (unlimited books per category). My goal is to read five books that met the scavenger hunt list requirements. Looking over the categories, I do not think that will be too hard. The goal, as always, is to have fun with my reading. 

For those participating in reading challenges this year, how you are doing? Are there any challenges you are struggling with? Which ones are you doing well in?


Thank you for helping me decide what book from my TBR collection I should read next: 

My TBR List is hosted by the awesome Michelle at Because Reading. It’s a fun way to choose a book from your TBR pile to read. The 1st Saturday of every month, I will list 3 books I am considering reading and take a poll as to which you think I should read. I will read the winner that month. My review will follow (unfortunately, not likely in the same month, but eventually--that's all I can promise). 

October always puts me in the mood for witchy reads (okay, so I am always in the mood for witchy reads) and these three are on my immediate TBR pile. Help me choose, please! They all sound so good! 


The Lighthouse Witches
by C.J. Cooke
Two sisters go missing on a remote Scottish island. Twenty years later, one is found--but she's still the same age as when she disappeared. The secrets of witches have reached across the centuries in this chilling Gothic thriller from the author of the acclaimed The Nesting.

When single mother Liv is commissioned to paint a mural in a 100-year-old lighthouse on a remote Scottish island, it's an opportunity to start over with her three daughters--Luna, Sapphire, and Clover. When two of her daughters go missing, she's frantic. She learns that the cave beneath the lighthouse was once a prison for women accused of witchcraft. The locals warn her about wildlings, supernatural beings who mimic human children, created by witches for revenge. Liv is told wildlings are dangerous and must be killed.

Twenty-two years later, Luna has been searching for her missing sisters and mother. When she receives a call about her youngest sister, Clover, she's initially ecstatic. Clover is the sister she remembers--except she's still seven years old, the age she was when she vanished. Luna is worried Clover is a wildling. Luna has few memories of her time on the island, but she'll have to return to find the truth of what happened to her family. But she doesn't realize just how much the truth will change her. [Goodreads Summary]


In the Company of Witches
(Evenfall Witches B&B #1) by Auralee Wallace
When a guest dies in the B&B she helps her aunts run, a young witch must rely on some good old-fashioned investigating to clear her aunt's name in this magical and charming new cozy mystery.

For four hundred years, the Warren witches have used their magic to quietly help the citizens of the sleepy New England town of Evenfall thrive. There's never been a problem they couldn't handle. But then Constance Graves--a local known for being argumentative and demanding--dies while staying at the bed and breakfast Brynn Warren maintains with her aunts. At first, it seems like an accident...but it soon becomes clear that there's something more sinister at work, and Aunt Nora is shaping up to be the prime suspect.

There's nothing Brynn wants more than to prove Nora's innocence, and it hurts her to know that even two years ago that might have been easier. Brynn, after all, is a witch of the dead--a witch who can commune with ghosts. Ghosts never remember much about their deaths, but Constance might remember something about her life that would help crack the case. But Brynn hasn't used her powers since her husband died, and isn't even sure she still can. Brynn will just have to hope that her aunts' magic and her own investigative skills will lead her to answers--and maybe back to the gift she once thought herself ready to give up forever.
[Goodreads Summary]

Cackle
by Rachel Harrison
All her life, Annie has played it nice and safe. After being unceremoniously dumped by her longtime boyfriend, Annie seeks a fresh start. She accepts a teaching position that moves her from Manhattan to a small village upstate. She’s stunned by how perfect and picturesque the town is. The people are all friendly and warm. Her new apartment is dreamy too, minus the oddly persistent spider infestation.

Then Annie meets Sophie. Beautiful, charming, magnetic Sophie, who takes a special interest in Annie, who wants to be her friend. More importantly, she wants Annie to stop apologizing and start living for herself. That’s how Sophie lives. Annie can’t help but gravitate toward the self-possessed Sophie, wanting to spend more and more time with her, despite the fact that the rest of the townsfolk seem…a little afraid of her. And like, okay. There are some things. Sophie’s appearance is uncanny and ageless, her mansion in the middle of the woods feels a little unearthly, and she does seem to wield a certain power…but she couldn’t be…could she?[Goodreads Summary]



Thank you for voting! I hope you all have a wonderful week! Happy Reading!

© 2021, Musings of a Bookish Kitty. All Rights Reserved. If you're reading this on a site other than Musings of a Bookish Kitty or Wendy's feed, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.

58 comments:

  1. I love fall too and same here- the Halloween decorations are going up allover the neighborhood. It looks like you've had a few Halloween- type reads already!

    I want to read Harrow too ever since reading a short piece by her at Tor.com a while ago.

    I voted for The Lighthouse Witches but I hope whichever wins is a good one! :)

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    1. Greg - Our neighborhood goes crazy over Halloween every year. We love to walk around and see all the decorations the closer it gets to October 31st. I am looking forward to reading more by Harrow. The Spindle Splintered sounds like it will be good and I love fairytale retellings. Thank you for voting and visiting!

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  2. Taking a dance class from a visiting master was always a highlight for my daughter so I am sure Mouse loved it.

    Happy Anniversary! And, I hope the crown replacement goes well and is painless.

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    1. Helen - Mouse was nervous at first but she ended up really enjoying having the visiting master teach her classes this past week. I have the temporary crown on now and go back in a couple weeks for the new permanent. Whatever they did removing my old permanent crown has done a number on my mouth--thank goodness for pain medication! Thank you for stopping by!

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  3. Autumn is also my favourite season, not too cold but also not boiling hot, with the occasional rain or thunder storm, which I adore! All your books look amazing as well, I do need to get a copy of 'The Last Graduate' and I love the look of Alix E. Harrow's new book as well! Fingers crossed the crown replacement goes smoothly! I hope you have a lovely rest of your weekend :)
    Juli @ A Universe in Words

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    1. Juli - The cooler weather will be so nice once it fully kicks in. I do hope we got some rain this fall and winter to relieve the drought, but I'm not holding out much hope. I am excited about reading both Novik's and Harrow's books. Thank you for visiting!

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  4. I'm fascinated with the codebreaking at Bletchley Park and the women who worked there. Here in the UK I loved watching The Bletchley Circle but The Real Valkyrie sounds interesting too, Wendy. I'll look out for your review.
    Hope you have a great week. x

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    1. Flora - I find the history fascinating too. I haven't seen The Bletchley Circle but I have heard great things about it. I hope to someday watch it. Thank you for stopping by!

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  5. I've heard lots of good things about The Rose Code. Glad you enjoyed it.

    The flowers are lovely. I think I need to get some sunflowers for my house.

    You did great on the COYER Challenge. My challenges are moving along smoothly this year. It helped me a lot to plot out my challenge reads for each month.

    And, yes, Cackle! I hope you will read that no matter what is chosen.

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    1. Deb - I love sunflowers. I thought the bouquet was such a nice mix of flowers.

      I am glad your challenges are going well this year! Plotting out my reading only goes so far given how quickly my moods can change. I may start out with the best intentions but then life throws me curve balls.

      Thank you for voting and visiting!

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  6. Great post. I have read Splintered Spindle, it was a enjoyable re-telling of Sleeping Beauty. And Lighthouse Witches is absolutely fantastic if you are a fan of gothic.

    Here is my link:
    https://twogirlsandtheirbookishlife.blogspot.com/2021/10/sunday-salon-sukkot-and-art-deco.html

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    1. Tee - I am glad you enjoyed both The Lighthouse Witches and The Spindle Splintered. I am looking forward to reading them. Thank you for visiting!

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  7. I'm hoping to buy some Halloween decorations when I'm out today and hopefully get them up. I haven't decided exactly what I want to do - I want to keep it simple and stick to decorating outside, I don't want the apartment any more cluttered than it is with Dante's toys.

    Love the flowers! I buy myself flowers regularly, I just love fresh flowers in the apartment :)

    I voted for Crackle, it sounds interesting - the spiders have my curiosity peaked too.

    How cool that Mouse got to have a visiting instructor. I hope it was a fun experience for her! Have a great week :) H

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    1. Berls - I hope you find some nice Halloween decorations! My daughter hasn't decided yet what she wants to dress up as yet--but she says she will be dressing up so we'll see! I'm like you. I'd rather go big outside and keep in simple inside.

      Thank you for voting and visiting!

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  8. Happy anniversary 🥂What a lovely bunch of flowers.
    I’m about halfway through The Last Graduate, which I’m enjoying.
    Nonfiction November might be the encouragement you need to catch up!

    Wishing you a great reading week

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    1. Shelleyrae - Thank you! Thirty years together and married for 23 1/2. I am glad to hear you are enjoying The Last Graduate. I really liked the first book. Thank you for stopping by!

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  9. How nice of an opportunity for Mouse and, those flowers from your husband are lovely. I voted for Cackle as I want to try that one as well. Glad u enjoyed Rose Code - I hope to read it at some point.

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    1. Diane - Thank you! I hope you get a chance to read The Rose Code at some point and enjoy it. Thank you for voting and visiting!

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  10. What beautiful flowers! The Ex Hex really looks good, I shall be adding it to my TBR list. Have a great week.

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    1. Louise - Thank you! I'm enjoying The Ex Hex. I hope you get a chance to read it too. Thank you for stopping by!

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  11. As much as I loved the cover, I abandoned Cackle. I do have The Lighthouse Witches and hope to get to it soon.

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    1. Jenclair - I am sorry to hear you couldn't get through Cackle. Hopefully The Lighthouse Witches works much better for you. Thank you for visiting!

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  12. Happy Anniversary!!

    Glad you're enjoying The Real Valkyrie - it sounds very interesting!

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    1. Eustacia - Thank you! Sometimes it is hard to believe he and I have known each other that long. :-) Thank you for stopping by!

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  13. You have several appropriately autumnal books, and I also LOVE those flowers.

    Enjoy your week, and here are my WEEKLY UPDATES

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    1. Laurel-Rain - Thank you! I hope you have a good week too.

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  14. So nice to see a post by you, Wendy! Glad to hear that you and your family are settling into fall. Beautiful flowers! Hope your TMJ improves. I have that as well and it bugs me at times. Have a good week!

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    1. Kay - Thank you. I appreciate the kind thought. I am sorry you sometimes struggle with TMJ too. Thank you for visiting!

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  15. How neat for your daughter! And the flowers are beautiful, and was very sweet of your husband! I hope you have a great week!

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    1. Vicki - It was a great opportunity for my daughter and her fellow dance classmates. Thank you for stopping by and have a great week too!

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  16. September really did go by too fast. I hope you have a great week! Oh, and I had to vote for Cackle. :)

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    1. Lark - I hope you have a great week too. Thank you for voting and visiting!

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  17. Rita - Autumn is my favorite season. :-) My mood is definitely hurting my reading these days. It can be frustrating. I am sorry to hear you suffer from TMJ too. It is miserable at its worst, isn't it? I think the work they did in removing the old crown has exasperated my condition.

    Thank you for stopping by! I hope you have a good week too.

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  18. Oh, my deepest sympathies to you on the dental issues! Crowns, TMJ, all of it…I have enough crowns to be a princess by now.😉 I even wear a mouth guard at night, now, which looks quite lovely but hopefully prevents further damage. Your books look interesting, and unknown, to me. It’s nice to learn of new titles while visiting fellow bibliophiles,

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    1. Bellezza - Thank you. I need to get a new nightguard, I think. I was hoping to avoid it, but I think it will be the only way to get relief this time around. I hope you have a great week. Thank you for stopping by!

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  19. Happy 30 years. That's awesome!
    The flowers are so pretty.

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    1. Mary - Thank you! Thirty years a couple and 23 1/2 years of marriage. :-) Thank you for visiting!

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  20. I have The Lighthouse Witches to review, too. It looks really good. Happy 30th!

    I hope you have a great week!

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    1. Yvonne - I am looking forward to reading it. Thank you for stopping by!

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  21. What beautiful flowers! Sorry about the dentist TMJ issue. I got my first crown last year and it was quite the experience. The Rose Code sounds amazing. I listened and really enjoyed The Alice Network and really want to read more books by Quinn. Have a wonderful week and I can't wait to see what book you get.

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    1. Katherine - Thank you. They were a nice surprise. :-) The Rose Code was really good--I recommend it! I hope and your family are well. Thank you for visiting!

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  22. I voted for Cackle because I've seen some good reviews for it. I read the Ex Hex and really enjoyed it, hope you do too!

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    1. Wendy - Thank you for voting! I really liked The Ex Hex too. Thank you for stopping by!

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  23. We rarely decorate for Halloween here, but our neighbors are already doing it. I do love the season even if my kids are grown and don't really care anymore 🤣 Have a good week, Wendy!

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    1. Tammy - Our neighborhood goes all out for Halloween. It's quite a sight. Thank you for visiting!

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  24. Yet more wonderful books with which to tempt me, I have to say of all of them it is probably In the Company of Witches that I'm tempted to add to my Wish List.

    What an opportunity for Mouse and her fellow dancers.

    Loving the flowers, congratulations on your anniversary.

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  25. Happy Anniversary to you! I know, how did we get to October already.

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    1. Nise' - Thank you! Thirty years dating and 23 1/2 years married. :-) Thank you for stopping by!

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  26. All your books other than the Kate Quinn one are new to me! We in the middle of rainy, drippy weather (which I like). In the minority on that one as no one else does. Although lockdown lifted, there is no compelling
    reason to go out. Still do most of marketing online though my husband does like to go for a ride somewhere, anywhere! I am ok at home though.
    Reading is going on very well. I just read two books by E M Delafield and now in the middle of a more historical fiction read by Susanna Kearsley. Absolutely yummy all of them!

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    1. Mystica - It rained here a little yesterday and I loved it. It doesn't rain nearly enough here. It explains the drought though. I am glad the lockdown there has been lifted. It's still good to be careful, isn't it? The pandemic rages on. Thank you for visiting!

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  27. I can't believe it's October already either. I don't know if it's me, but ever since the covid-19 started, I feel the time seems to pass by very fast. Perhaps it's because we've been staying at home most of the time so that explains why the time goes by much more quickly than before? Hmm...

    I voted for Cackle as it sounds like an intriguing read. Hope you've a great week, Wendy!

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  28. It can't be October! But I guess that is why we are getting some of the fall weather I love.

    Anne - Books of My Heart This is my Sunday Post

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    1. Anne - I am enjoying the cooler temperatures and being able to keep the windows open throughout the day. Thank you for stopping by!

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  29. I am shocked that we are almost finished the first week in October. Canadian Thanksgiving is this weekend. I loved The Rose Code and also found myself going down the google hole, it was fascinating. I have a few of the books on your list in audio (The Lighthouse Witches and A Spindle Splintered) and am looking forward to them. How exciting for Mouse to get that opportunity to dance under a master. Have a wonderful week, Wendy.

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    1. Carla - I hope you had a nice Thanksgiving! Thank you for visiting!

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  30. I hope you're feeling much better after the dental procedure! No fun having to go through that. That's a beautiful bouquet from your husband! And, I hope Mouse is enjoying all of her rehearsals - no doubt she's going to be a star at the show!

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    1. Iliana - I get my permanent crown this coming week, so hopefully things will be better after that. Thank you for stopping by!

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