Thursday, December 30, 2010

Shabby Carport Turned Breezy Patio

This is one of my favorite posts, I think, with one of my 
favorite comments ever...
Tricia Rose said..."The bravest 'before' photos I have ever seen!

So, here I am, being brave all over again...


I'm not sure why no one I know tried to stop me from buying this house.  Why was there no intervention, no nice men in white coats to, ah, "detain" me until I recovered from whatever it was that possessed me?  Was there a name for what ailed me?  Because, this pathetic little view of the carport on the house is pretty much representative of what the rest of the house looked like when I brainlessly fell in love with it.

I walked past this scene, I am mortified to say, for more than a year, while working on the inside of the house. It was just down right disgusting, I know. 


The old door was rescued and donated by a friend to cover the 
ginormous utility box and those lovely, protruding wires. 
The little table, I love.  It was built by the previous owner and used as the telephone table.  
I think a good cleaning was in order.


I painted the old door with the trim color and hinged it to the outside corner so it swings free 
for easy access to the utility box.  I think the baskets on hooks fill in an otherwise
awkward area.The chairs and plants pretty well disguise the wires that run everywhere. 



Am I really showing this before picture?


If you notice in the before picture there were poured concrete steps leading into the back door.  They were sturdy, I must say, and ugly and were not going anywhere.  My solution?
Build over them.  One of my favorite changes so far!

  

The simple curtains I made from 6'x9' painters drop clothes purchased 2 in a pack from
Home Depot for only $9.99.  They were the perfect size.  I held the panel up to determine where 
to put my cup hooks on either side of the carport opening.  I loosely pleated the top edge 
of the curtain then poked a hole through the layers with an exacto knife.  
Then, I just threaded the holes onto the hooks.  



I think the panels are what make the carport 
into the outdoor room of my dreams.


Just put staining that floor on my to-do list!

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++


Hookin' up with Donna @ Funky Junk

If you enjoyed this post (and, gosh, I hope you did) please BECOME A FOLLOWER!

110 comments:

  1. I absolutely love the little basket hanger and the curtains from drop cloths.

    Kelly

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  2. Wow...talk about turning a liability into an asset! I've wanted a covered patio for ages. It gets so hot on our back deck. This is so cute. I love the curtains, the color, and the step redo is great!

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  3. Wow, what a wonderful transformation. It looks fabulous. I love the curtains too and the new steps and railing. Very pretty. Hugs, Marty

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  4. Ahhhh...I just love what you did to this space...the curtains top it off...they make it a feel like a room!!! The steps look much better now...that was a super duper idea!

    Blessings,
    Linda

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  5. It looks great, that's a wonderful transformation and I hope you get a lot of joy out of it! :0) I also love the hanging baskets.

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  6. OMG...amazing! What an amazing transformation! When you have the eye for beauty, nothing (or noone) can stop you. I just love EVERYTHING you've done to that carport. It's now a romantic room to relax in. Stopping by from SOYCM.
    -marie

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  7. I love it!! You did a great job, my favorite part is the transformation of the steps!!
    Amy

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  8. Happy BLUE MOnday
    Oh wow...you cleaned up everything so beautifully. I in particular love what you did to the front which you walked by for so long. It is sooo sweet! Love pics...good for you.
    I will have to check to see if you have any after indoor pics.
    have a wonderful day
    and come by and visit when you have a moment.
    Judi

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  9. You did a fantastic job. I wish I had a carport now! My deck is so blah, and hot too.

    Congratulations on making a silk purse out of a sow's ear! Love the steps.

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  10. Beautiful job, Lindy! What a difference!

    Sue

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  11. What a nice inviting, relaxing and cool place to sit. You did a wonderful job!!! ~~Sherry~~

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  12. That's incredible. You made a carport into something actually attractive. My house came with a carport too....I'm in the middle of tearing it down. It was built on to the front of my cute little garage. But seeing this transformation almost (almost) makes me think I could have made it into something cute.

    No...really it was terrible. But I love yours, especially with the curtains.

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  13. You did an amazing job transforming your carpot!!! I love the comfy feel you gave it, just a delight.

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  14. That's just WOW! What an amazing job. All your little additions came together beautifully. It really is soemthing to see now.

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  15. What a sweet little area! It looks great. Still can't wait to see the rest of the instructions on your satellite dish chicken coop!

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  16. a really nice transformation; some good ideas too!

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  17. Hi Lindy! Oh, I love the change! How lucky you are and I'm sure you're enjoying this very much.
    be a sweetie,
    Shelia ;)

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  18. What wonderful and cleaver solutions! It looks like a totally new space. Love the use of the drop cloths for curtains. It's amazing what can be done with old doors...I have used several of them out in the garden for accent pieces. Job well done!(-:

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  19. What an amazing looking transformation-I just love what you did!

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  20. What an awesome job you did! It looks wonderful!

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  21. Lindy,
    This is just the best little outdoor room now! Wow, it looks super!!!

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  22. Beautiful re-do. You did a great job. Thanks for sharing.

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  23. Nicely done! Bravo! It's so inviting. I'm over here from New Nostalgia. Thanks for sharing your beautiful home!

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  24. Amazing...I never would have thought of that. LOVE the curtains.

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  25. Beautiful transformation!!!
    Just darling!
    *hugs*deb

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  26. Shut the front door! That's a darling transformation.

    I'm having a giveaway on my blog. Stop by and enter if you can. http://froufrugal.blogspot.com

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  27. What a great before and after girl...I just love this cool area...and the drop cloths turned drapes WOW!! Hugs and smiles Gl♥ria

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  28. Uh...WOW! I literally did a double take on the after pics. You did a great job! I can tell you worked hard because it looks amazing!

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  29. What a great idea to cover what you can't change and enhance the positives. Thank you for the ideas. The Carport even looks welcoming- that's the neighbor and friends entrance and they deserve to be greeted warmly too.

    Thank you for sharing!

    Always, Teresa

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  30. What an amazing transformation! ~Sheilla

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  31. You did a great job, it looks very cozy now-congrats!

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  32. You brought the inside out, and made a completely new room=)) Love it!

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  33. Popping over from New Nostalgia...
    This is just beautiful!
    What a wonderful place to relax.
    thanks for sharing and inspiring
    Enjoy the day

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  34. Wow! That is a great transformation! Love the hanging baskets & your drop cloth panels!

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  35. WHOA!!!!!! That could go in any magazine. What a lovely tranquil new spot for you. you did an amazing job.
    Ann

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  36. WOW, LINDY! What a transformation! I can't believe that's even the same Patio! It looks so inviting -- you did a lot of work -- and a great job!!

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  37. Wow! what a great transformation! I love what you did to this area!

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  38. Fabulous! I love it!
    You have done such a great job. I am so inspired and I think I will now head over to Lowe's:)
    ~Hugs~
    Denise

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  39. You really must have used that year of walking past this mess to do a very good planning of this transformation.
    It looks absolutely wonderful and all I could think of was how I would love to come and visit with you and just sit outside there with a good book and a big cup of coffee.
    Absolutely wonderful and my husband agrees as I just had to show this to him.

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  40. You are totally amazing!! You need to be on HGTV!

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  41. How sweet! Love the drop cloth curtains ~ very creative! So happy I stopped by!

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  42. What a transformation!! Love it over, stopping over from Twice Owned Tuesday!

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  43. wow, this is really a great transformation! Great job!

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  44. WOW, WOW, WOW! I love what you did. It is so lovely and your steps are awesome. Clever, is an understatement Lindy. Aren't you glad you own this sweet space? Smile!
    Hugs, Jeanne

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  45. How cute! What a great little place to hang out! It's gorgeous!

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  46. Stunning changes! Love the ferns the fresh coat of paint, the stairs. Everything. Way to go!

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  47. wow! an eyesore to EYE CANDY! you did a fab job lindy!

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  48. I'm in love! I think my carport is in serious danger now...

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  49. This is an amazing jaw dropping project. I actually said OH MY GOSH out loud. Wow oh wow. I LOVE the baskets on the hanger, but seriously the whole things is outstanding. It looks like a magazine photo now.

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  50. Wow. what a fantastic transformation! I love love love the curtains and the basket and the door! Adorable all around.

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  51. OMG! That is just GORGEOUS! What a transformation!!! Incredible!

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  52. This really IS a transformation! It's a livable room space now. :-) Love the use of the painters drop cloths- Just another fun use of them- and they weather extremely well.
    ~ Sue

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  53. Hi Lindy,
    I love your new carport area!! I've been tossing the drop cloth idea around in my head for my back porch curtains and you've sold me on it. I also just spent quite a few minutes reading your older posts and I love your blog, too. It is so inspiring! I've just become a follower.
    Hope you have a wonderful day!
    Fondly,
    Ann
    @
    The Tattered Tassel

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  54. Oh my gracious! What an amazing transformation!! It's gorgeous! I love those baskets! Great idea to hang the drop clothes from cup hooks! So smart!

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  55. What a transformation! It looks amazing!

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  56. wow! what a beautiful transformation! thanks for sharing.

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  57. I enjoyed it and will be following. You did a marvelous job! What a CHANGE!!! Stop by my place if you have a minute.

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  58. What a fantastic transformation this is!! I love the drapes and that old door you used!

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  59. AMAZING! This project was so wonderful I am speechless really. Great Job!

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  60. WOW! This has got to be one of the best transformations ever. Where did you get your vision? You really turned a liability (sorry) into an asset. I love the curtains and how you re-did your steps. Super job!

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  61. You did a BEAUTIFUL job!! I just LOVE it!
    Thanks for linking up today! ♥

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  62. FABULOUS! The steps...OMG! I hope you're enjoying your new gorgeous space - it looks amazing :-)

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  63. Hi Lindy~
    I love the transformation!! Your patio area looks really charming! I hear you about not knowing what came over you with buying the house... same with me and our house! But you really did a great job making the patio feel more like a room! Love it!

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  64. that is amazing, and looks fantastic. i love how you made it a completely usable outdoor space. kudos on a job well done!

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  65. Oh my this is such a wonderful transformation! I love the carport curtain and the basket on the hooks has given me some inspiration...now to find the time!
    Hugs,
    Olivia

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  66. Lindy, you have the knack. No wonder no one tried to stop you. They knew what you could do.

    BTW - we have a unique kitchen or laundry backsplash giveaway that might be useful to you or a friend. Please stop by our Giveaway Friday! Jane F.

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  67. WOW! This blew me away! I was thinking of what to tell you my favorites were, but I loved everything about this redo. I especially like the railing and what you did over the stairs. LOL at "I can't believe I'm showing this before," I know I've felt that way MORE than once!

    Thanks so much for sharing, love what you've done, new follower
    -Ann Marie

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  68. Truly amazing. You turned it into a cozy and inviting space.

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  69. How inviting...beautiful...who would have known it could be like this.

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  70. Wow what a difference. It must put a big smile on your face and in your heart when you look at it.

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  71. Love your new graphics! Very cute.

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  72. Great transformation! Love it... very inviting!

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  73. You did a GREAT job! It looks so much better, and very pretty!

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  74. Okay, that is one fantastic makeover! I kept scrolling back and forth. You did such a great job and it looks so darn cute now. I can see you've done a lot in the landscaping department too!

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  75. YOU have talent! smiles.

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  76. That is a trasformation which really makes a difference to your pleasure and comfort - I feel cooler just looking at the lovely space you have created - 'cool' in every sense of the word!

    (And the bravest 'before' photos I have ever seen!)

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  77. What a difference! Love the door trick, the little seating area and the built-over stairs. I'm your newest follower.

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  78. Now THAT is the BESTEST room makerover! Your vision was just the wonderful.
    smiles, alice
    I will be following you!

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  79. Just blog hopping this morning & happened upon this post. Love the inspiration here... what a nice place to sit with a glass of tea... & just relax :-)

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  80. This is charming! I think it looks as if you made exactly the RIGHT choice in picking this house! Clearly, you and it have a wonderful relationship.
    :-)
    Cass

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  81. Wow! It's like you added square footage on to your home! Very very cute!

    ~Liz

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  82. Amazing...what a difference...it looks lovely!

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  83. i love everything you did! super cute and so pretty!!

    becky

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  84. WOW!!! THIS IS AWESOME!!! Great job!
    Bonnie :)

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  85. This is beautiful!! So chic and just my style (:

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  86. We are so glad you joined us for Anything Related! Come back tomorrow for another great party!

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  87. Okay- I officially LIKE you and I am signing up as a follower. You are my kinda girl-take something ugly and pretty it up! You did good girl! Diana

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  88. Visiting from Better After -- what an awesome redo! Never thought a carport could be beautiful, but it is! :)

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  89. Super cute, sophisticated and smart, I love this transformation! Thanks for some great ideas for my future fixer.

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  90. What a wonderful transformation! You are the envy of the neighborhood, I'm sure!

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  91. Wow!! What a transformation, absolutely stunning! Stop on over for a visit sometime...

    Cara

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  92. Wow! What an amazing transformation! Now, your carport is so inviting!!!

    I hope you don't mind. I linked your post to my Porch and Garden Party at firstadream.blogspot.com.

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  93. its an amazing transformation, the things you have done to make your house look good are just wonderful, what a pleasure it is to live in a house that you have redone yourself, too good

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  94. WOW!! I love this!! Very talented and inspiring!! This makes me want to go home and redo my porch ;)!!!

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  95. ADORABLE!!!! I am so inspired! I love old houses and am always saving ideas of how people turn something that is run down into something beautiful. You are definitely being saved in my idea box. : )

    Great job!!!

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  96. Lindy, that is absolutely one of the cutest carport transformations I've ever seen! It sasy "WELCOME" from the entrance-with those thrifty panels-right through to the backyard view. BRAVO!

    Liz @ the Brambleberry Cottage
    http://thebrambleberrycottage.blogspot.com/

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  97. I really like this idea. Actually have a carport too and I hate it! I need a garage to save my life. I am thinking of using the lattice on the side and drop cloths in the front just for privacy for when I am painting and it looks like sanford and sons!

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  98. This is really UNBELIEVABLE. I so know what you mean about the house buying thing. HELLO! A little help please?! But kudos to us for making these messed up houses into homes! Cheers! I bet these fall days you are really enjoying your patio!
    xx,
    Autumn Clark
    PS. I'm adding your blog to my blog roll!

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  99. This is wonderful! I can't wait to tell Rachel about the site she will love it too. Keep up the good work. When you finish your house mine is waiting and needs lots of help.

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  100. Just recently discovered your blog and read through the older posts. You've done a remarkable job on your home. You're a brave woman for taking on this house but it's turned into one sweet home.
    We had similar concrete steps out our back door and had a BBQ deck built right over them. No on is the wiser unless they peek underneath.
    Really enjoy your blog, will be back again. =)

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  101. I WAS going to say your converting your mother's rather beat up shelving into lovely foyer divider is my favorite project of yours. THEN I saw what you did with the carport/patio - this is my favorite.
    Great work

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  102. Oh my gosh. It is so cute! I want to hang out! And I love the color you painted the house too!

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  103. There you are again. I LOVE this little porch area! It's so country and beautiful. Lovely way to approach your entry. :)

    Donna

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  104. This is adorable! What a transformation :) Laurel

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