Water Babies
Happy birth time you lovely Pisces people! I hope you are having fun in life. Today I came across some beautiful watery images that I just had to share. A collaboration between photographer Natasha Wiseman and model Alexa Jones, this series “In Bloom” uses simple colour themes and amazing flora to make a cohesive series that is dreamy and youthful. I hope you enjoy it too.
Beauty in Chaos
While taking a break from my menial copywriting jobs, I saw this stunning piece by Alexandra Levassuer. I love her. Like a lot of artists I love, I sometimes forget about them, so it is great when social media re-alerts you to something aesthetic that makes your heart warm. I just had to share it. I also would like to eat it. Hah. Enjoy your days beautiful people xxxx
Merry Christmas
Wishing you all a safe and happy Christmas and festive season! (It’s already Christmas here in New Zealand! The sun is shining and it is super quiet and peaceful)
This is my ‘Virgin of Guadalupe’ artwork which seemed more than appropriate for this time of year.
Thanks for all your support. Stay cool, artful and open.
Move Monday: Earthly Delights
Mmm loving this fashion film. You will too! Check it out below.
Beth Hoeckel
I’m loving these fun, feminine collages by Beth Hoeckel. Each piece connects femininity and sexuality with everyday objects like waffles and plants to create super powerful imagery with an understated connection to the goddess. Oh yeah, what more could you want? Plus, you can grab them for under $20. Links below each image. Peace and love x
It’s all an act…
Okay, so I have some news. I’m in love with Emma Roberts. She’s not aware of this fact yet, so things aren’t moving as quickly as perhaps you’d like… But seriously, she’s pretty damn cool and just watching her on my humble television screen makes me smile. I recently came across these divine pics of her rocking a 70s vibe which reminded me of a shoot of Mia Goth I adored too. So on your Tuesday I give you a little mash-up of two fresh, talented women who rock the camera – as killer actresses and smoking hot vintage babes. There’s also some moving Mia down the bottom. Stay cool. xxxxx
Read more at Dazed
Frances Sousa
Toronto-based artist, Frances Sousa, has many talents. Her diverse portfolio showcases a range of art styles and mediums ranging from photography to paint to wool (yes, stitching). Dreamy colour palettes and feminine energy present across her portfolio. Here are a few pieces I really liked, but to see more go here.
Lina
There’s something really powerful about this image by Marco Michieletto. The whole series (available here) has a very sensual energy but this image has a darker side that made me love it. The black and white colouring, amazing setting and pose and expression model Lina delivers all work together to make a piece of art. I just had to share! Hope you are all having a good week and getting through Mercury Retrograde… My computer keeps restarting itself with no warning…better post this lest I lose it! xx
Sandra Chevrier
I love this mixed-media artwork by Sandra Chevrier. The mix of sultry women and pop-art imagery really works, making striking art that I would love to have in my home.
From her website: “She exposes the limitations within our world, our self-imposed expectations and the cages we have allowed to bar us from fullness of life’s experience.”
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Move Monday: Chelsea Wolfe
Chelsea Wolfe is the perfect addition to Move Monday. Her music is right up my alley and her hauntingly beautiful videos are the icing on the cake. Here’s Carrion Flowers to help you through your Monday. Enjoy.
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Move Monday: Young Girls, Move Monday: If Only, Move Monday: 212,
June – Elsa Isabella
Visual Female of the Month for June (yes, it’s still June) is Sydney-based artist, Elsa Isabella. I featured Elsa on The Visual Female many moons ago, showcasing her amazing skills at drawing tiny beauties. Since then, Elsa has been dedicated to her craft and journey as an artist. I wanted to get to know more and, of course, share it all with you. You can read the inspiring interview here.
Louis Ghewy
I came across Louis Ghewy today and discovered he is a hairstylist. Never before have I showcased a collection of work from a hairstylist or make-up artist, as I usually focus on the photographer or sometimes the model. But there is always a first for everything. So today I have selected some beautiful images connected by Ghewy’s mad skills with hair.
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Beauty + Magic
Here’s two more videos from the ‘Making Art’ series by Jesse Brass. Beauty looks at Melanie Norris while Magic gets us closer to Jen Mann. These are great videos to watch for some inspiration, whether you are an artist of just a lover of art.
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Erik Jones
I love the vibrant artwork of Erik Jones. His work combines realism with abstraction and surrealism to create striking statement art that revolves around women. Here’s a few pieces I like, but check out a whole lot more here (it’s worth it, I swear).
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June Print Picks
June is here and I am loving the energy of the new month after a pretty sluggish May! To celebrate, I am sharing some uplifting print picks with the common theme of music. So, click on the link under each image to redirect to affordable prints that combine the joys of art and music. Go on, spoil yourself!
Sophie van der Perre
Sophie van der Perre is a photographer from Belgium who, being a free-spirited Gemini, may be experiencing the effects of Mercury Retrograde (read more on this here). Her portfolio showcases a range of styles and subject matter with a general ethereal nature and freedom. I have selected some black and white photographs (with a slight horror vibe) that I think work well together from various series on her website. You can check out more of Sophie’s work here.
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Amanda x Eli
I’ve shared Amanda Charchian‘s photography on The Visual Female before and could possibly share it everyday if I had the energy. I really love her style and what she chooses to capture. I recently discovered a collaboration between Charchian and Eli Craven which I adore and just had to share with you. Here’s a few snaps I liked, but to see more and also get to know Charchian better you can check out this interview at Oyster magazine.
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Genital Panic
Valie Export’s photograph Action Pants: Genital Panic shows her sitting with genitals exposed while pointing a gun at the viewer. Export’s work draws attention to the ideas of phallic power and whether it truly comes from biology or can be attained otherwise. Export showcases her lack of penis by exposing her own vagina but reclaims the gun as her phallic object and power. It was rumoured that this photograph came after a live performance, where Export walked around people seated in a theatre, her vagina at their eye-level, and pointed a gun at them while offering sex until the theatre was empty. This imagery reminds me of the film Magic, Magic where, post-hypnotism, the female protagonist walks into the room of a man who has been sexually harassing her (verbally) and rubs her naked vagina in his face, all while being asleep. The woman has no recollection of events the next day and appears mortified when the man confronts her about it. This scene acts to remind us that such overt sexuality is not ‘acceptable’ in a woman with both male anger and female humiliation driving this. Export’s photograph works in the opposite way, purposefully pairing femininity with macho aggression (common in a lot of her work) to blur set gender boundaries.
Performance artist and photographer, Claire Doyle, recently paid homage to Export’s work in her performance piece Habitual Body Monitoring: The Costume. Doyle draws attention to female body hair through her performance which you can watch above. The acceptance and freedom of female body hair has been gaining support in recent years with other artists like Petra Collins and Rhiannon Scnhiederman springing to mind.
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Land
I fell asleep
in the land
and when I woke
it had consumed me.
I wrote this super tiny poem about this image ‘Winter Migration’ by Belgian artist Sammy Slabbinck. Sammy’s collages are always really lovely and combine people and nature seamlessly.
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April – Marta Julia Piórko
Visual Female of the Month for April is the amazingly talented Marta Julia Piórko. Marta’s art is really fascinating. Her realistic style showcases animals and humans, sometimes interacting in interesting ways, and allows us to remember our own creativity as humans. You can check out the interview here.
Elena Kulikova
I love these beautifully spiritual photographs by Russian-born photographer, Elena Kulikova. So much magic in the poses, colours and duality of the images. Kulikova moved to California when she was 10 and began modelling at 17. Working the in the industry, her attention soon shifted to behind the camera where she taught herself the art of photography and launched her career in 2006. Almost ten years later I come across her work, but better late than never! I hope these add some sparkle and serenity to your Monday. Happy weeks ahead! xx
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Elleree Fletcher
Elleree Fletcher is a multi-faceted artist who works in paint, photography and collage. I was instantly drawn to her collages that pair young girls with older women to expose sexuality, femininity and the notion of influence. During my university days I studied subjects like the objectification of women in media and how society is so influenced by what we are exposed to, visually and otherwise. My sister, who has such a strong sense of self, still struggles to fully understand that people really could be so influenced by the media. I certainly remember striking poses as a young girl and wanting to be glamorous. In many ways it seems cute and innocent, but when Fletcher pairs these images with sexually-driven photographs from another era, innocence is lost and the more sinister nature is exposed. Now we see girls in training, smiling and striking a pose for the man behind the camera. A father who will one day be replaced by boyfriend, then husband – men forever infatuated with the female shell, intent on restricting it under the male gaze.
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Laura Makabresku
Polish photographer, Laura Makabresku, creates some stunning imagery with a strong, dreamy energy. Inspired by fairy-tales, Laura’s work is truly breathtaking and leads the imagination into new worlds. Here’s a few images that spoke to me, but do take a look at her portfolio for much more!
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Wonder
“You can’t let your curiosity die”
As The Visual Female developed I began including videos under the Move Monday section to embrace the moving image as well as the still. While those clips are highly driven by the visual – largely music videos – today I have something different (and amazing) to share. Wonder is a short documentary about last months Visual Female, Gina Martynova, directed by Jesse Brass as part of his ‘Making Art’ series.
Wonder is put together really well, allowing viewers to form a connection with Gina and gain more understanding of what she (and Starry) believe in. For Gina it is all about curiosity, the beauty in the fact that there is always more to discover in this world. You’ll have to watch to learn about Starry, but she seems pretty cool too. Wonder shows us Gina in her work and living space as well as beautiful close-ups of her art, something you can’t experience by simply seeing her work on the internet. This tasteful documentary is definitely worth a watch. And the best bit, Jesse has already made a bunch of films about other artists, some of which I am going to get stuck into now – the pink hues of Jen Mann are calling me in. So make a cup of tea (even if it’s hot outside) and relax while you get to know a few of the many amazing artists in the world bringing us joy through beauty.
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March – Lizzy Anderson
Visual Female of the Month for March is the lovely Lizzy Anderson of And Lizzy. Lizzy’s music and film inspired illustrations have a beautiful dreamy nature to them and each piece uses colour and line to create a strong mood relating to the artist involved. With soft hues and a general yumminess, Lizzy’s art is something you definitely must check out. Get to know more about her and her art at this months interview! xx
Sofia Bonati
I love Sofia Bonati‘s work. Her whimsical, sultry ladies and clever inclusion of weather make her beautiful style something to remember. Each time I see a new work I am just blown away and reminded how good her work is. I’ve chosen four images I wouldn’t mind having as art prints in my home. If you want to grab yourself an affordable print, click the name under the image to be directed to her shop where you can buy these ladies. Have fun – and the good news is, it won’t send you broke!
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Swallowed
Here’s another poem I wrote inspired by a piece of art.
Swallowed.
When I met the lion
he told me it was love
so I allowed him
to swallow me
whole.
Inside the lion
there was little to do.
And so his ribs
became my cage
and the lion
my master.
It is lonely at his zoo.
This image is by Ana Teresa Barboza. I also did a This vs. That on this image last year which you can take a look at here.
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Move Monday: Bitches Brew
Today’s Move Monday is a little hit and miss for me but I wanted to share it anyway. I’m more in love with the video than the song itself, although it does grow on me – and isn’t bad to begin with at all. What bothers me the most is the band shots. You know, silhouetted men have never really got me going. So in an ideal world they wouldn’t be there, but then again it is their song so they have all the right in the world to be there. The stunning women, grungy imagery, fun rituals and skipping (you have the love the skipping) are the parts that make this video worthwhile to me. In fact, they are so superb that I had to share it here, so if you can overlook the men take a look below.
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Move Monday: Young Girls, Move Monday: If Only, Move Monday: 212,
Vitalik Dumyn
Vitalik Dumyn is an artist from Ukraine who works mostly in water-colour and pencil. While I can’t find too much information about the artist, I stumbled upon these red and blue pencil drawings which I find quite cool. The layering creates an anaglyph 3D effect – I wonder if you looked at them with 3D glasses if anything would change? The energy each subject exudes is strong and feminine making the collective series quite powerful. It would appear that Vitalik is relatively new to the art word (online, anyway) so I look forward to seeing how his art develops. From my experience, the first few years can be quite varied and experimental as you are waiting to find your distinctive style and aesthetic. I’m two (serious) years into my art and, while always experimenting and trying new things myself, my style is definitely formed and recognisable. For any of you reading this who don’t know what my art looks like, you can take a look on my recently updated website to get acquainted! For those of you that know my work already you can just relax and enjoy these striking images below.
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Hannah Adamaszek
Living in Christchurch, New Zealand has its downfalls. After the February earthquake (22/2/11) a lot changed – buildings were gone and the perks of city life diminished. Places to eat, drink and spend the early hours of the morning are hard to find and they aren’t what they used to be – although the new scene that is (slowly) building is pretty nice. All it needs, in my opinion, is some more creative, unique people to occupy it. In terms of post-earthquake perks, the addition of visually spectacular street art has to be at the top of the list. Around the city are huge pieces of art scattered on old, brick walls as well as resting on slick walls of the very newest buildings. Street art is truly a wonderful type of art. It brings joy and creativity to otherwise bland landscapes and is always united by its distinct style. I recently discovered Hannah Adamaszek (online unfortunately, her work does not grace my city yet) who is both a street artist as well as painter and drawer. Her work is incredibly delicious. Bohemian energy and whimsical colours connect in her feminine art that focuses on the female face. Whether big or small, her women look pretty damn enticing. Here are a few pieces that stood out to me, but do check out her website for much more – it’s a lovely website and you can also get the link to her blog there. We might be two peas in a pod, as while Hannah makes all this amazing art she also co-runs an art blog to help support other artists. Pretty cool, huh?
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February – Gina Martynova
Visual Female of the Month for February is the beautiful and talented Gina Martynova. Not only a total babe, Gina is involved in both art and fashion with her whimsical energy translating to her feminine artwork that blends fantasy and reality. Gina is the creator of ‘Starry World’ – a place for her to express her unique cultural upbringing and ever-present day dreams. To learn more about Starry World check out this post, for this months interview click here.
Nadia Lee Cohen
London-based photographer, Nadia Lee Cohen, recently embarked on her ‘100 naked women’ project which has been met with mixed opinions. Her amazing photographic style is a little surreal and the opposite of natural – her subjects looking like Barbie dolls or mannequins after all – but I really love it! Cohen uses a bold colour palette, pop-culture iconography and striking composition to capture her subjects in a very ‘plastic’ state. The result is contemporary photography with a nostalgic energy that takes us back to the 50s, when pop culture and mass consumerism began to overwhelm our lives. Here are a few images from the series that I like but I would definitely recommend visiting her website to see a whole lot more goodness!
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Move Monday: Young Girls
I just adore this music video by Princess Nokia. Not only is the song really cool but the video is incredibly powerful and a good reminder about the honest connection and respect between women and nature. Living in my technology driven world it is a refreshing change to see women celebrating life with each other and our Mother Earth. Listen to the lyrics because they are really good. And then maybe watch it again. Beauty and power. x
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Move Monday: If Only, Move Monday: 212, Move Monday: Games for Girls,
January – Janine Shroff
Visual Female of the Month is back for 2015. To kick off the year I talk with the super talented Janine Shroff. Her amazing artwork and illustration is packed with opinion, politics, humour and colour. So take a look and enjoy this thought-provoking interview here.
Move Monday: If Only
Maya Payne is an up-and-coming singer/songwriter from Christchurch, New Zealand. At only 17, Maya is making a big splash in the music scene with her distinctive vocals and contemporary sound. She has just released her first video, shot in Santorini, which is a kaleidoscopic look at both Maya and the architecture of the island. Of course, the song is pretty fantastic too, so have a listen and support Maya as she begins her career as an amazing musician.
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Move Monday: 212, Move Monday: Games for Girls, Move Monday: Woke up as a Wolf,
The Number 8
2015 means the world moves into an eight year, which is a good thing! Eight represents abundance, especially with finances. So we can hopefully expect pay-rises and general improvement when it comes to the material world. To acknowledge the eight year, I have selected eight pieces of art to show. All are different (and don’t relate to money) but let’s hope they bring some good fortune to us all!
In order: Charmaine Olivia, Ewelina Skowronska, Marianna Rothen, Jensine Eckwall, Joshua Pekter, Jenny Liz Rome, Dylan Forsberg, Jessica Singh
Three Wise Women
Who needs Three Wise Men when you can have Three Wise Women? In preparation for Christmas, here are some images that can help to get us into the season in a more contemporary fashion. Yeah, that’s right, with female power! I hope you are all looking forward to a great Christmas, whatever way you choose to celebrate! xx
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Kelsey Beckett
Kelsey Beckett is an amazing artist who works both digitally and in acrylics. She masters both mediums really well to create art that is provocative and a little bit dark. Here is a selection of digital pieces that really caught my eye (the first image is just brilliant). But be sure to take a look at her portfolio to see her paintings and much more work!
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Ellen Rogers
Ellen Rogers has to be one of my favourite photographers. Her amazing work is always feminine and evocative, with subject matter often acquiring a dark, haunting beauty. Rogers work is entirely analogue, using traditional methods in every photograph she produces, which is an impressive feat in this modern age. This series has a lovely Virgin feel to it which is somewhat fitting with December 25 upon us. Check it out and see what you think.
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December – Lucy Yu
Visual Female for the month of December is the talented illustrator and artist, Lucy Yu. Originally from New Zealand, Lucy now lives and works in Melbourne. But I thought it would be nice to end the year with an artist from my homeland, and Melbourne is still pretty close. What a year it has been – so many amazing interviews each month as my Visual Female’s continue to impress!
Lucy’s work is ultra feminine and dreamy, with beautiful women and animals combined to perfection. Take a look here. I look forward to sharing more great interviews in 2015! Until then, stay cool and keep supporting artists in any way you can! xx
Blood E
Here is a small selection of photographs with an evocative use of blood and the human body. While technically the final image may not have blood in it, the red colouring of the flowers and the way the flowers are bleeding themselves, ties this image in with the others. It’s a fascinating photograph and one you could get lost in. So do.
Interestingly, all these photographers first names start with the letter E. (Hence the journalistic pun for the article name. Forgive me).
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November Print Picks
Here’s a selection of art prints I think are pretty cool. If you also think these are cool then click on the link (the talented artists name) to be taken to the magical place where you can purchase them. All are really reasonably priced, so why not spoil yourself or a loved one? With Christmas coming it’s pretty much the ideal time for shopping and supporting artists. They all really appreciate it, I guarantee you. xx
November – Meloncholy
Visual Female for the month of November is the talented artist that goes by the name Meloncholy. Her work is fun and creative with a psychedelic energy that will let your mind wander. Connecting music with detailed illustration, Meloncholy’s artwork is truly captivating. Take a look at her style, as well as her engaging interview here. You won’t be disappointed! xx
Howard Tangye
Howard Tangye is an Australian-born artist who creates some amazing work, despite finding the life of an artist quite demanding. As an artist myself, I can relate to the demands of the job, the emotional highs and lows and the constant battle for something always out of reach. Tangye loves the body and line, using his skill to create expressive drawings with a depth of emotion and intrigue. I really love these two pieces because they remind me of Egon Schiele, who, as I’m sure you all know, I simply adore. If you check out his website you will see a lot of the Schiele influence, especially in the male figures (which I couldn’t include here!). I would easily put both these pieces on my walls. Much love and appreciation for Tangye! x
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Say it with Words
From top to bottom: Cara Delevingne wearing Self Evident Truths ‘We are One’ campaign t-shirt, Amanda Charchian portrait by Ben Cope in Discount Universe dress and Shae Acopian Detar photography.
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October – Babi Tubelo
Visual Female for the month of October is the talented artist and illustrator, Babi Tubelo. Babi’s art is whimsical and wonderful, with a dreamy, feminine energy. Born in Brazil, Babi incorporates her own culture into her work as well as drawing inspiration from Japanese prints and her love of Cubism. Check out the interview here.
Abbey McCulloch
Australian artist, Abbey McCulloch, describes her art as simple, illustrative and quirky. These three pieces I have chosen fit that mould, but also have a strange femininity attached to them, and in some ways, connect to my last post on Martine Johanna. Each woman is a little warped through the amazing painting style McCulloch uses. Their energy seems to be zapped, like they have given up trying. Yet, at the same time, I see a mischievous energy that lets me know they are not dead, but simple sighing at the world, enjoying some relief before battling on as Woman once more. The amazing hues of pink and yellow as well as the interesting compositions make these pieces of art well worth investigating. I certainly love them and hope you do to. Spend some time to absorb their energy and see how you feel. Happy Monday everyone! x
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The Grand Illusion of Sanity
The amazing Martine Johanna is currently exhibiting at Walls gallery, Amsterdam. Her exhibition ‘The Grand Illusion of Sanity’ looks at the history of women being made to feel like they can’t speak, that their minds are not sound and the misconception of female hysteria. These issues are really important as (sadly) many women still battle with them today. When we speak up it is easy for men to say we are ‘crazy’, ‘on the rag’ and other grossly untrue comments used to try to ‘put us in our place’ (The kitchen? The bedroom? Certainly not in front of a microphone or keyboard. I should get a wrist slap right now!) I have always enjoyed Johanna’s work and especially love these pieces from her current exhibition. I hope you do too! Oh, but whether you do or don’t, make sure you don’t say something hysterical, it’s only art after all!
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Move Monday: Games for Girls
Today’s Move Monday is a video clip for the song Games for Girls by Say Lou Lou x Lindstrøm. Stylish, stunning twin sisters make up Say Lou Lou and I wanted to showcase them as much for their 70s vibe as their music and playful video clip.
Life should always have room for fun. Enjoy this clip below xx
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Move Monday: Woke up as a Wolf, Move Monday: Tongue Tied, Move Monday: Animals,
Self-Centred
It has been a while between posts, but I’m using my 26th birthday as an excuse. The celebrations kicked off on Saturday with a birthday brunch with my family, followed by a sunny day with friends and bubbles. For my actual birthday on Monday I had a combination of work, short-story editing, beer, amazing food, more bubbles and great company. Considering it has been all about me, I thought I would showcase some of my artwork this week. It’s been a while since I’ve showcased my personal work so here’s a look at a range of my more recent work. To see more you can check out my website or follow me on Facebook for regular updates. That would make me happy. Peace and Love xx
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