This one is being published earlier in the month than usual. I am concerned that TikTok may be banned, and I want to share all of them before they are removed.
Also, my intuition told me to post this one a little earlier…
We’ve recently had a female cardinal visit our camera feeder, and it’s felt like a rock star dropped by.
Then some sand cranes stopped by one day.
Side eye…
Ella has been letting her birds out of their cage in her locked room to give them some space. They are enjoying it, as is she. She facetimed me from the other room so I could see.
Mike got this from his dad. It came from an old log passed down through his family in Ireland. This aunt passed away generations ago. However, the “lunatic” moved me to tears and stayed with me for a long time.
I love this picture of me. I am glad I began taking selfies this year.
Minnie Ripperton is Maya Rudoph’s mother. I couldn’t believe how much they looked alike when this picture of her appeared on the screen
“For all of these simple things and much more, a flower was born It blooms to spread love and joy, faith and hope To people forlorn Inside every man Lives the seed of a flower If he looks within, he finds beauty and power“
Speaking of resemblances, I came across this photo of Anna and me that we recreated in 2019.
Last week, my friend Melanie, my mom, and I were treated to something special. We attended a “feed your soul” event at a farm 45 minutes away, where we were able to connect with other women and horses. It was such a meaningful evening. We will definitely be doing this again.
This post was born out of grief and continues to sustain me each month. Thank you for taking the time to read my words (and others). It is a privilege to share them with you. ❤️
“He was ignorant of my other faults” Oh that’s the best comeback yet. I’ll be chuckling about that all day. I’ve been wondering about how you were taking the possible end of TikTok. You’re the one person I know who has really taken to it. I hope you realize it’s nothing personal if it is banned. 😉
It makes me sad. Nothing personal. But it’s the only social media platform I enjoy. The good news is that if it goes away, I’ll be able to get a lot more done.😂
I had to scroll through this fast because I’ve got such a day barreling toward me and I’ve got to dive into it. (I know that mixed metaphor makes no sense, but that’s where I am.) I am looking forward to diving deeper this evening, when I will have time and likely need some repairing. I just wanted to say, from a fast dip, that what I feel coming from this post is love. Love for others, for the world, for all the creatures in it. And it feels good, and I’m grateful to have that good feeling at the beginning of a day that’s going to have lots of hard. Thank you.
It makes complete sense. I’m very happy about the idea of you diving into this later. I also like the idea that this post will help you repair yourself (I hope it will).
The underlying theme is love. Also, loss. Also, new birth. Lots of themes. ❤️
I’m glad I listened to my intuition when it told me to publish this today.😘
My woodpecker hasn’t been visiting lately. We’ve had grackles in the morning, and they’re bullies. I don’t believe in deterring nature, but I said something to the universe that seemed to make the grackles back off a little. I’m missing my woodpecker pal. He’s not as bad as the grackles.
One of my favorite experiences ever was stopping by a dive bar in Sheridan, WY, late in the afternoon. When Minnie Riperton’s “Loving You” started playing, all the locals—most of them real Wyoming cowboys—started singing along, impossible high notes and all. It was so damn unexpected, we were on the lookout for hidden cameras.
So much good stuff here Kari, but I’ve picked out two items to comment on. The first is the pub crawl but to bakeries reminded me of that bit in Eat Pray Love where the Italian football fans who supporting the losing side went out to commiserate and ate pastries rather than get drunk and rampage around. The second is that list where you’ve marked the word Lunatic. So many woman back then were sectioned because they refused to kowtow, some insisting on speaking the truth of family abuse, others simply argued with the menfolk. Such a very very sad part of history.
I agree. When I was writing my book on menopause, I discovered that women were once institutionalized for perimenopausal symptoms. It was heartbreaking to think that someone like me, going through what I was going through, would have been locked up. Females carry this trauma in their cells, which is passed down from generation to generation.
I appreciate these posts born out of grief, but filled with a collection of love and joy. I never did join TikTok, but I know you’ve loved it and will miss it if it is banned.
I love that picture of you and your dad. I have a soft spot for dad and daughter pictures.
This is my favorite post, and I look forward to it more than any other. Even though, to be honest, I enjoy writing all of my posts. This is near the top of the list.
I will miss it so much if that happens. I hope it doesn’t.
A fellow blogger and I were just talking about a bakery crawl this past week or so and I honestly thought it sounded like a genius idea! And I would be all over a book club vacation– I typically pack at least 2 for any vacation and spend both my mornings and my evenings reading anyway!
Lots of good stuff, once again. The kids watching the snow reminds me of the time my son called me from college during a snowstorm and said his best friend (a girl from Texas) was beside herself with joy, as she’d never seen such a sight. That Turkish Proverb is SO relevant to today’s world. Your birds have such expressive faces. I would be so pumped to see a sand crane in my area.
Ok, Mommasboyofficial is amazing! The son taught his parents to play the instruments?? I love that. I listened to a few different songs and they play my kind of music. Now I want to be in a band with my son. The disappointing affirmation is also my kind of humor. Things like that always crack me up. The kids watching the construction trucks is adorable. My grandson would have been amongst them.
And that photo collage of you and your daughter is beautiful. Thanks for sharing so much great content this time around. XO
Kari, that first photo of the sunlight coming through the window is gorgeous! And I may have already told you this before, but I collect Buddha statues, so my eyes immediately went to the one sitting on your table.
And OMG, I literally LOL at the giselle_dekel post!!!! Such a perfect response!
designcrush — BRILLIANT quote!!
Your capture of the cardinal is stellar!
I know I’m in the minority here, but I’m envious of your March snow because we got all but FIVE snowflakes (total) this year in Philly. I love winter (including the cold, snow, and gray days). I’m weird, I know. HA!
I strongly believe in that quote from Einstein. And that’s pretty much how I live my own life. Intuitively.
My all-time favorite Minnie Riperton song is “Lovin’ You.” Reminds me of the 70s.
FAB post, my friend! Filled with LOTS of goodness!
Isn’t it lovely? These kinds of photos are my favorites. Even if I wanted to, I couldn’t plan that.
I had no idea you had a collection of Buddha statues! I’d love to look at your collection! Funny story … I bought it at HomeGoods several years ago. So, last year while cleaning, I removed the tag on the bottom and discovered a Goodwill/tag sale number. Earlier that month, there was a TikTok video about HomeGoods reselling Goodwill and garage sale items in their stores. I was actually thrilled to discover that my Buddha was less capitalistic and had a PAST!
I absolutely love Giselle Dekel’s prints. Putting into words what we’re all thinking.
I am grateful for the snowfall we got this year. It’s the first year I truly appreciated it. I am sad you didn’t get a lot of it.
I strongly believe in that Einstein quote as well, Ron. I instill in both my daughters to think intuitively at all times. Society (and schools) don’t place emphasis on this and it is very sad.
I love that photo of you too! I love selfies, I love seeing other people’s faces so much.
That Mary Oliver/ moss quote. YES. I love it so much.
What do you mean about TikTok being banned? I haven’t heard anything about this. I mean, I’m not on TikTok so that’s probably why, but I’m curious!
I think I need to get A Mindful Year!
I think you would like it! I also think you would like Mark Nepo’s book The Endless Practice, since you are already reading his other daily affirmation book.
Yeah, I thought of you when I heard about the TikTok ban possibility. But, if it is banned you can bet there will be a replacement app ready and waiting to step in.
I must live under a rock – I have not heard that tic toc is getting cancelled. I enjoy the video of the girl dancing on the table and laughed at the thing about worrying what other people think . . . have you met other people? So funny. Also I’m on board with the bakery crawl vs pub crawl. GF bakery preferred. How ’bout those sand cranes. Is there a body of water nearby? The bird in the bedroom facetime reminded me of when we set up facetime on an ipad from the living room so we could see whether or not Finn would stay in there as we were trying to train him to do so. Epic fail. Oh, and I laughed at IT’S BEEN A TWO PAW ON KNEE MONTH. I hear you, sista.
What a lovely collection!!
Minnie’s voice: GORGEOUS!
Dog pics, Bird pics, Plant pics…they always make me smile.
The old and new of you and Anna is just remarkable. Happy day to you. XO
I tried to comment on this post earlier and got an error message. Ugh. Trying again. So many wonderful little nuggets of wisdom and fun in this post. The Tik Tok videos you post are the only ones I watch. I took the app off my phone several months ago because I got way in over my head with it and was spending too much time mindlessly watching videos instead of doing something productive. Or reading a book.
I just ordered A Mindful Year. 😉
Wasn’t that Feed Your Soul wonderful? I’m so glad you and your mom went with me. Definitely want to go again in April or May.
Ugh is right. I hate it when my blog behaves this way.
I’ve been spending less time on TT in preparation for its departure. Similar to weaning. 🤣
Seriously though, I’d like to spend more time reading, talking with my family, and doing soul homework, so TT being banned wouldn’t be the worst thing in the world.
I’m so glad you told me about Feed Your Soul. I can’t wait to do it again with you. xoxo
Many mentions of spring in here. Helped me to look forward to its actual arrival! During summer and spring I hope to start exploring Lake Michigan more. Maybe we could meet up somewhere/sometime?
So much goodness! Gonna have to return when I have more time to savor. But for now… Ponies, Bird Mugs and Paws. You are speaking my love languages. (Totally curious to hear more about the Pony Outing btw!) 🙂
The horse outing was so amazing. It was a women’s circle where we shared personal experiences. The leader is a Gestalt therapist who uses horses in her healing practice. It was so wonderful that I plan to return in April. It was less expensive than therapy, and I was able to connect with other humans who felt safe. 🖤
Oh wow what a wonderful thing to experience! When I was younger, my family volunteered in a local riding therapy program – but that was for people with physical disabilities. How brilliant to connect with horses for healing of body *and* mind. They are the world’s best listeners and being around them… you can’t help but stay in the present, exist in a safe space of trust and empathy. Or at least that has been my experience. Can’t imagine the magic of an entire group of women & horses gathered together to share this. I’m so happy for you that you found this! Like a really great horse barn to ride at/hang-out but with intention!
YES! It was a wonderful experience. The horse was literally picking up on the energy of those present. I’ve never seen anything like it in my life. It was an honor to be a part of it. 💕
A Grace Full Life 
“He was ignorant of my other faults” Oh that’s the best comeback yet. I’ll be chuckling about that all day. I’ve been wondering about how you were taking the possible end of TikTok. You’re the one person I know who has really taken to it. I hope you realize it’s nothing personal if it is banned. 😉
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Isn’t that good??
It makes me sad. Nothing personal. But it’s the only social media platform I enjoy. The good news is that if it goes away, I’ll be able to get a lot more done.😂
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I had to scroll through this fast because I’ve got such a day barreling toward me and I’ve got to dive into it. (I know that mixed metaphor makes no sense, but that’s where I am.) I am looking forward to diving deeper this evening, when I will have time and likely need some repairing. I just wanted to say, from a fast dip, that what I feel coming from this post is love. Love for others, for the world, for all the creatures in it. And it feels good, and I’m grateful to have that good feeling at the beginning of a day that’s going to have lots of hard. Thank you.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It makes complete sense. I’m very happy about the idea of you diving into this later. I also like the idea that this post will help you repair yourself (I hope it will).
The underlying theme is love. Also, loss. Also, new birth. Lots of themes. ❤️
I’m glad I listened to my intuition when it told me to publish this today.😘
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Love everything about this post and especially love your selfies!
Deb
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Aww, thank you! I love them too. 😘
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Lots of treasures you kept in March. I love your bird photos. Our woodpecker doesn’t like the other birds, either.
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My woodpecker hasn’t been visiting lately. We’ve had grackles in the morning, and they’re bullies. I don’t believe in deterring nature, but I said something to the universe that seemed to make the grackles back off a little. I’m missing my woodpecker pal. He’s not as bad as the grackles.
LikeLiked by 1 person
One of my favorite experiences ever was stopping by a dive bar in Sheridan, WY, late in the afternoon. When Minnie Riperton’s “Loving You” started playing, all the locals—most of them real Wyoming cowboys—started singing along, impossible high notes and all. It was so damn unexpected, we were on the lookout for hidden cameras.
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Mark, I LOVE this. So much.
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So much good stuff here Kari, but I’ve picked out two items to comment on. The first is the pub crawl but to bakeries reminded me of that bit in Eat Pray Love where the Italian football fans who supporting the losing side went out to commiserate and ate pastries rather than get drunk and rampage around. The second is that list where you’ve marked the word Lunatic. So many woman back then were sectioned because they refused to kowtow, some insisting on speaking the truth of family abuse, others simply argued with the menfolk. Such a very very sad part of history.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love that! Pastries over wine any time!
I agree. When I was writing my book on menopause, I discovered that women were once institutionalized for perimenopausal symptoms. It was heartbreaking to think that someone like me, going through what I was going through, would have been locked up. Females carry this trauma in their cells, which is passed down from generation to generation.
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So true, that was an important one I missed in my comment.
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😘
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I appreciate these posts born out of grief, but filled with a collection of love and joy. I never did join TikTok, but I know you’ve loved it and will miss it if it is banned.
I love that picture of you and your dad. I have a soft spot for dad and daughter pictures.
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This is my favorite post, and I look forward to it more than any other. Even though, to be honest, I enjoy writing all of my posts. This is near the top of the list.
I will miss it so much if that happens. I hope it doesn’t.
I love that picture too. ❤️
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A fellow blogger and I were just talking about a bakery crawl this past week or so and I honestly thought it sounded like a genius idea! And I would be all over a book club vacation– I typically pack at least 2 for any vacation and spend both my mornings and my evenings reading anyway!
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My friend Kristen’s family and ours have discussed doing a donut crawl. We went on a custard (ice cream) crawl last April and had a great time!
That book club vacation sounds like a slice of heaven. This is something I need in my life this year. Even if I do it by myself.
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Lots of good stuff, once again. The kids watching the snow reminds me of the time my son called me from college during a snowstorm and said his best friend (a girl from Texas) was beside herself with joy, as she’d never seen such a sight. That Turkish Proverb is SO relevant to today’s world. Your birds have such expressive faces. I would be so pumped to see a sand crane in my area.
Ok, Mommasboyofficial is amazing! The son taught his parents to play the instruments?? I love that. I listened to a few different songs and they play my kind of music. Now I want to be in a band with my son. The disappointing affirmation is also my kind of humor. Things like that always crack me up. The kids watching the construction trucks is adorable. My grandson would have been amongst them.
And that photo collage of you and your daughter is beautiful. Thanks for sharing so much great content this time around. XO
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I love seeing people’s reactions to snow for the first time! I can’t even fathom it because I was born and raised in the Midwest.
I have a lot of fun with my bird camera. I told my husband I wanted to move it somewhere so I could post the videos on the blog.
YES HE DID! Isn’t that the coolest thing? During the lockdown, he taught them.
One of my favorite Instagram accounts is Disappointing Affirmations.
I love the kids watch construction trucks! We all started out that way, fascinated by the simplest of things. I still am. 🤣
Thank you for reading and commenting, my friend! 😘
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Kari, that first photo of the sunlight coming through the window is gorgeous! And I may have already told you this before, but I collect Buddha statues, so my eyes immediately went to the one sitting on your table.
And OMG, I literally LOL at the giselle_dekel post!!!! Such a perfect response!
designcrush — BRILLIANT quote!!
Your capture of the cardinal is stellar!
I know I’m in the minority here, but I’m envious of your March snow because we got all but FIVE snowflakes (total) this year in Philly. I love winter (including the cold, snow, and gray days). I’m weird, I know. HA!
I strongly believe in that quote from Einstein. And that’s pretty much how I live my own life. Intuitively.
My all-time favorite Minnie Riperton song is “Lovin’ You.” Reminds me of the 70s.
FAB post, my friend! Filled with LOTS of goodness!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Isn’t it lovely? These kinds of photos are my favorites. Even if I wanted to, I couldn’t plan that.
I had no idea you had a collection of Buddha statues! I’d love to look at your collection! Funny story … I bought it at HomeGoods several years ago. So, last year while cleaning, I removed the tag on the bottom and discovered a Goodwill/tag sale number. Earlier that month, there was a TikTok video about HomeGoods reselling Goodwill and garage sale items in their stores. I was actually thrilled to discover that my Buddha was less capitalistic and had a PAST!
I absolutely love Giselle Dekel’s prints. Putting into words what we’re all thinking.
I am grateful for the snowfall we got this year. It’s the first year I truly appreciated it. I am sad you didn’t get a lot of it.
I strongly believe in that Einstein quote as well, Ron. I instill in both my daughters to think intuitively at all times. Society (and schools) don’t place emphasis on this and it is very sad.
I am so glad you liked it, my friend. 😘❤️
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A bakery crawl? I’m so up for that..
*waves hello to the up close and beautiful cardinal*
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ME TOO.
He sings hello! 😘❤️
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I love that photo of you too! I love selfies, I love seeing other people’s faces so much.
That Mary Oliver/ moss quote. YES. I love it so much.
What do you mean about TikTok being banned? I haven’t heard anything about this. I mean, I’m not on TikTok so that’s probably why, but I’m curious!
I think I need to get A Mindful Year!
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I love that too! I am seeing more of my blogging friends taking selfies and it makes me so happy for them. ❤️
Here is an article explaining it further: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/tiktok-ban-whats-next-company-purchase/
I think you would like it! I also think you would like Mark Nepo’s book The Endless Practice, since you are already reading his other daily affirmation book.
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Love the selfie of your beautiful self!
Yeah, I thought of you when I heard about the TikTok ban possibility. But, if it is banned you can bet there will be a replacement app ready and waiting to step in.
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Thank you, my friend! 😘
That’s what I think will happen.
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Maybe i’ll do an apple pie crawl in Vermont on May
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If you do, I hope you write a blog post with pictures!
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Of course
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❤️
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I must live under a rock – I have not heard that tic toc is getting cancelled. I enjoy the video of the girl dancing on the table and laughed at the thing about worrying what other people think . . . have you met other people? So funny. Also I’m on board with the bakery crawl vs pub crawl. GF bakery preferred. How ’bout those sand cranes. Is there a body of water nearby? The bird in the bedroom facetime reminded me of when we set up facetime on an ipad from the living room so we could see whether or not Finn would stay in there as we were trying to train him to do so. Epic fail. Oh, and I laughed at IT’S BEEN A TWO PAW ON KNEE MONTH. I hear you, sista.
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It’s okay that you’d not heard. You don’t have it, so it makes sense.
Yes, we have a lovely little lake right across the street where the sand cranes live.
Sending you a hug for your two-paw month. 😘
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What a lovely collection!!
Minnie’s voice: GORGEOUS!
Dog pics, Bird pics, Plant pics…they always make me smile.
The old and new of you and Anna is just remarkable. Happy day to you. XO
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I love her voice.
Dogs, birds, and plants. Add in butterflies and we are in lala land. ❤️😘
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I tried to comment on this post earlier and got an error message. Ugh. Trying again. So many wonderful little nuggets of wisdom and fun in this post. The Tik Tok videos you post are the only ones I watch. I took the app off my phone several months ago because I got way in over my head with it and was spending too much time mindlessly watching videos instead of doing something productive. Or reading a book.
I just ordered A Mindful Year. 😉
Wasn’t that Feed Your Soul wonderful? I’m so glad you and your mom went with me. Definitely want to go again in April or May.
xoxo
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Ugh is right. I hate it when my blog behaves this way.
I’ve been spending less time on TT in preparation for its departure. Similar to weaning. 🤣
Seriously though, I’d like to spend more time reading, talking with my family, and doing soul homework, so TT being banned wouldn’t be the worst thing in the world.
I’m so glad you told me about Feed Your Soul. I can’t wait to do it again with you. xoxo
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Many mentions of spring in here. Helped me to look forward to its actual arrival! During summer and spring I hope to start exploring Lake Michigan more. Maybe we could meet up somewhere/sometime?
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OMG, I would LOVE that! You’re in Michigan, right?
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Yep, in Kalamazoo.
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Let’s definitely meet up sometime!
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So much goodness! Gonna have to return when I have more time to savor. But for now… Ponies, Bird Mugs and Paws. You are speaking my love languages. (Totally curious to hear more about the Pony Outing btw!) 🙂
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The horse outing was so amazing. It was a women’s circle where we shared personal experiences. The leader is a Gestalt therapist who uses horses in her healing practice. It was so wonderful that I plan to return in April. It was less expensive than therapy, and I was able to connect with other humans who felt safe. 🖤
LikeLike
Oh wow what a wonderful thing to experience! When I was younger, my family volunteered in a local riding therapy program – but that was for people with physical disabilities. How brilliant to connect with horses for healing of body *and* mind. They are the world’s best listeners and being around them… you can’t help but stay in the present, exist in a safe space of trust and empathy. Or at least that has been my experience. Can’t imagine the magic of an entire group of women & horses gathered together to share this. I’m so happy for you that you found this! Like a really great horse barn to ride at/hang-out but with intention!
LikeLiked by 1 person
YES! It was a wonderful experience. The horse was literally picking up on the energy of those present. I’ve never seen anything like it in my life. It was an honor to be a part of it. 💕
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