Grateful for each precious breath
New chapter begins
May 15, 2021
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Free of things not meant for me
A joyful new path
March 13, 2021
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One of my favorite Thurgood Marshall quotes seems fitting, today, in the light of the stunning mob-violence at the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021:
"Where you see wrong or inequality or injustice, speak out, because
this is your country. This is your democracy. Make it. Protect it. Pass it on."
Still shaking my head this afternoon after watching the insurrection unfold, along with the continuing fallout and damage to our democracy. It is a dagger to the heart of most Americans to watch a mob storm the Capitol Building during what is normally a peaceful certification of Electoral College votes by Congress. Though I am ashamed that American citizens chose to become domestic terrorists, I am proud that Members of the House and Senate returned to the floor to do their part in what historically has been a “peaceful transfer of power.” I am grateful that more people were not harmed or killed. The loss of one life is one life too many.
**
Having lived through 9-11 in Washington, D.C. — when Al-Qaeda murdered thousands of innocent people on U.S. soil — I along with other citizens of D.C., gladly endured massive security, for years, to keep both people and U.S. Government Institutions safe. I have a pit in my stomach, as I write this, after watching security at the Capitol crumble so easily under the mass of “American” insurrectionists. That beautiful building is a symbol of what we as Americans stand for. The United States is the most powerful nation – and democracy – on earth. What happened? I am heartsick, but confident that this question will be answered, and corrective steps taken . . . but at what cost?
**
As I sit here, still immersed in this news on a Saturday afternoon, I am heartbroken that we have come to this place, and concerned about what comes next from potential future terrorist acts (foreign and domestic). Will there be more violence and loss of precious lives? I have worked in journalism and politics my entire career (most of it spent in D.C.) and “there was a day” when our elected officials worked together to find common ground on behalf of the American people. I was there. I worked for Members of Congress who respectfully debated, reached across the aisle, worked together, and then had a beer together at the end of the day, “even when they strenuously disagreed.” We can disagree on issues and still fight for what we believe in “together.” Sometimes we win. Sometimes we lose. But we must respectfully, peacefully, legally, continue the fight for what we believe in within the norms of government and society. We must find our way back from the abyss.
**
On the morning after Inauguration Day, January 2017, I marched with tens of thousands of other peaceful protesters in Washington to make a stand for my core beliefs and issues on which I have worked for decades. I vowed to respectfully, peacefully, legally work on behalf of those beliefs and issues during the next four years. If you want to make change (or as in the case of the past four years, to “defend”), you “persuade” and you “vote.” If it is the will of the people, hopefully, your candidate will win in the next election. I swore an oath "that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies foreign and domestic . . ." as the holder of a Security Clearance, while working in the U.S. House of Representatives, at the White House and the Pentagon. I love this country, our constitution, and democracy, as do most Americans. Though the events of January 6 are stunning, frightening, and devastating, we "all" — Democrats, Republicans and Independents — must work together, in good faith, to find common ground and compromise during the next four years. The alternative is just not acceptable or sustainable for a strong democracy.
]]>Clawing, climbing toward the light
Seeking joy and peace
May 3, 2020
Copyright © Kim M. Simpson * All Rights Reserved
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Heart filled with melancholy
Beats, beats wistfully
April 19, 2020
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Followed by the first breath of Spring
Reawakened soul
February 9, 2020
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To travel the path of dreams
Summon the courage
February 2, 2020
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Venturing into the future
Owning my whole truth
January 26, 2020
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Grief and joy can coexist
In a broken heart
January 19, 2020
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Remember to feed your soul
Live, love passions
January 12, 2020
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Causes enormous changes
One thing at a time
January 5, 2020
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Seek windows of light and love
Embrace emotions
October 27, 2019
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Who you'll meet along the way
Many surprises
October 20, 2019
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Exhale the changing seasons
Soak up the beauty
October 6, 2019
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Rich with possibility
Filled with gratitude
September 22, 2019
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Grateful for another day
Another sunset
September 15, 2019
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Venture forth to far off lands
Nurture heart and soul
September 8, 2019
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Cool breezes and falling leaves
Autumn is coming
September 1, 2019
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What you don't hear speaks volumes
Silence is telling
August 25, 2019
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Make you so you and me, me
Revel in the quirks
August 18, 2019
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Wondering, you see it too?
Sending you much love
August 11, 2019
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Universe will unite us
Trust in the magic
August 4, 2019
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Grateful for life's lovely gifts
Never judge value
July 28, 2019
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Silently stalks and breaks hearts
Stay strong and move on
July 21, 2019
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To see, to say, to feel . . . be
Waste not precious time
July 14, 2019
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Push to the edge of limits
Success will be yours
July 7, 2019
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Stealthy love, silent, unseen
Tattooed on my heart
June 30, 2019
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The past informs the future
Embrace the lessons
June 23, 2019
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And all the days of my life
Will always love you
June 16, 2019
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Pause and ponder with wonder
Live a joyful life
June 9, 2019
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One of the biggest lessons I have learned, as I grow older . . . is “not to hold back.”
Every moment we get in this life is precious, as are the people, animals, passions, and creations that we hold most dear.
We are not assured of any moment beyond this one. Make the most of it.
No regrets . . . ever.
Felt God gazing down at me
Secure in that love
June 2, 2019
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Pipe dreams fade, forever gone
Lessons earned and learned
May 21, 2019
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When rejection makes you bleed
Joy always returns
May 18, 2019
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Say it, I love you so much
Me, myself and I
May 12, 2019
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Sunshine, flowers and green grass
Filled with gratitude
May 5, 2019
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To what comes next in this life
Possibility
April 28, 2019
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It was over, forever
A new beginning
April 21, 2019
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Waiting for the birth of Spring
Sunshine, blooms and new growth
April 14, 2019
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Adventure awaits us
Embrace the unknown
April 7, 2019
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Thinking of you right now
You, thinking of me?
March 30, 2019
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Calm the mind, answers emerge
One by one by one
March 23, 2019
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Uncanny connection
Believe in magic
March 17, 2019
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Siren song to depths within
Creative magic
March 10, 2019
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Nothing can stop what's ahead
Embrace the future
March 3, 2019
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On the path to destiny
My legacy
February 24, 2019
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Focus, follow through, finish
First small step today
February 17, 2019
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Bodies and souls blend as one
Eternal lovers
February 10, 2019
Copyright © Kim M. Simpson * All Rights Reserved
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Unseen, they impart goodness
Trust and be open
February 3, 2019
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No more sleepwalking through life
Embrace each moment
January 27, 2019
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Excited about what's next
Surprises coming
January 20, 2019
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Breathe deep, see, hear, smell, taste, touch
One with all senses
January 13, 2019
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Embrace joy, sorrow, love, life
Nothing guaranteed
January 6, 2019
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365 new days
Opportunities!
December 31, 2018 (11:59 PM)
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Far more than what you receive
Happy Holidays!
December 24, 2018
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Grateful for this day, this life
Lovely tomorrow
December 16, 2018
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Embrace each experience
Miracles happen
December 9, 2018
Copyright © Kim M. Simpson * All Rights Reserved
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So grateful for this day
Make the most of it
December 2, 2018
Copyright © Kim M. Simpson * All Rights Reserved
Max adds so much joy to life
I love him so much
November 25, 2018
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Two souls joined this life and next
Bound through thick and thin
September 30, 2018
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Woven together in life
Gorgeous tapestry
September 23, 2018
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Closes a chapter in life
Complex emotions
September 16, 2018
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Avoid living in the past
Lessons learned, onward
September 9, 2018
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No wishes what could have been
Squeeze joy from sorrow
September 2, 2018
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Deep, deep breath and take the plunge
Success can be yours
August 26, 2018
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Embrace each joy-filled moment
Fall delights coming
August 19, 2018
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Sipping cold, cold minty tea
What more could I ask?
August 12, 2018
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A lifetime of summer days
Such a lovely dream
August 5, 2018
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Melts on waning summer day
Sweet, simple pleasure
July 29, 2018
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Oh such gorgeous surprises
Seize every one
July 22, 2018
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Amazing sights you will see
The little things count
July 15, 2018
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Small things make me so happy
Living this moment
July 8, 2018
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Buh-bye social media
Living in the flesh
July 1, 2018
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Summer, the hare, races by
Not enough beach days
June 24, 2018
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Stop talking, soak in silence
Rejuvenation
June 17, 2018
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Often taken for granted
Drink up for good health
June 10, 2018
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Anticipate their sweetness
Seasonal delights
June 3, 2018
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One with its environment
Beautiful treasure
May 27, 2018
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Milk rolls across the table
History, move on
May 20, 2018
Copyright © Kim M. Simpson * All Rights Reserved
Babies love and adore Mom
Truly unique love
May 13, 2018
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Wind whipping across my face
Mind's eye Italy
May 6, 2018
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Procrastination kills dreams
Small daily steps rock
April 29, 2018
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Opportunities abound
Thankful for each one
April 22, 2018
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Winter gone in a blink blink
Look at all the pink
April 15, 2018
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https://www.socialworkers.org/…/nasw-social-work-talks-podc…
https://www.socialworkers.org/…/social-…/ep5-nasw-foundation
Photograph and Podcasts © Copyright National Association of Social Workers (NASW), All Rights Reserved.
]]>Winter overstayed welcome
Craving warm breezes
April 8, 2018
Copyright © Kim M. Simpson * All Rights Reserved
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You are so pretty and bright
Spring is my best friend
April 1, 2018
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Roar of silence deafening
Calm heart, mind, soul
March 25, 2018
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Blooms dance on gentle breezes
A heart filled with joy
March 20, 2018
Copyright © Kim M. Simpson * All Rights Reserved
"Today" is the first official day of Spring - March 20, 2018!
For The Record: I am daydreaming in my Haiku. It is raining, snowing, and cold, cold, cold.
Patience. Spring will soon arrive!
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Enjoy in moderation
Choose wisely, live long
March 11, 2018
Copyright © Kim M. Simpson * All Rights Reserved
*Nine Days Until First Day Of Spring - March 20, 2018
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You add a bit of delight
To everyday life
March 4, 2018
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*16 Days Until First Day Of Spring - March 20, 2018
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So important to good health
A very wise choice
February 25, 2018
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*23 Days Until First Day Of Spring - March 20, 2018
Why did we crumble to dust
Answers deep within
February 14, 2018
Copyright © Kim M. Simpson * All Rights Reserved
This weekend's Vibe #8 a few days early . . .
In honor of Valentine's Day, an ode to ghosts of relationships long, long past.
Always carry with you valuable lessons learned. Never repeat the same mistake twice.
Happy Valentine's Day To All My Friends!
*34 Days Until First Day Of Spring - March 20, 2018
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Imprinted on the mind's eye
Essence of pure joy
February 11, 2018
Copyright © Kim M. Simpson * All Rights Reserved
*37 Days Until First Day Of Spring - March 20, 2018
Daydreams of walks in sunshine
Spring will soon arrive
February 4, 2018
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*44 Days Until First Day Of Spring - March 20, 2018
Live dreams with joyful purpose
Cheat fear and regret
January 28, 2018
Copyright © Kim M. Simpson * All Rights Reserved
*51 Days Until First Day Of Spring - March 20, 2018
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Thinking dreaming just being
Thankful for this life
January 21, 2018
Copyright © Kim M. Simpson * All Rights Reserved
*58 Days Until First Day Of Spring - March 20, 2018
Warm hearts beat in raw beauty
The gift of friendship
January 20, 2018
Copyright © Kim M. Simpson * All Rights Reserved
Photograph Copyright © Rosemary Badame
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Seconds turn to memories
Spend each one wisely
January 14, 2018
Copyright © Kim M. Simpson * All Rights Reserved
*65 Days Until First Day Of Spring - March 20, 2018
]]>Now just a sweet memory
New birth soon to come
January 7, 2018
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*72 Days Until First Day Of Spring - March 20, 2018
]]>Serene powerful beauty
Spring patiently waits
January 1, 2018
Copyright © Kim M. Simpson * All Rights Reserved
*78 Days Until First Day Of Spring - March 20, 2018
]]>Love freely, no strings attached
The right thing to do
December 12, 2017
Copyright © Kim M. Simpson * All Rights Reserved
]]>Tulips emerge wistfully
A breath of fresh air
December 9, 2017
#101 Days To Spring 2018
Copyright © Kim M. Simpson * All Rights Reserved
]]>Some kiss the shore over and over, for a time, then disappear.
A few evolve, enduring and timeless.
They become sparkling gems dotting wave-splashed sand.
Buffed and beautiful, rainbow-colored bits of precious sea glass.
Treasures forever . . .
November 27, 2017
Copyright © Kim M. Simpson * All Rights Reserved
]]>Scented blooms ride soft breezes
My heart swells with joy
April 2015
Copyright © Kim M. Simpson * All Rights Reserved
English Haiku is one of my favorite forms of poetry.
Simple verse, three lines, 5-7-5 syllables, seasonal, often with a nature image.
I wrote this in the Spring of 2015 for a young friend that I have been mentoring.
No surprise - since I usually begin counting the days to Spring in November - this Haiku is about Spring.
As I write this, just 115 days to the first day of Spring, March 20, 2018 . . .
Thinking about writing a 'Haiku A Day' in 2018.
Now that would be an enormously fun New Year Resolution for a creative like me!
]]>it's because there's thunder inside me.
Or I'm just chilling, it depends.
May the odds be ever in your favor."
Author Unknown
*Fell in love with this quote surfing Pinterest this weekend.
Fits me to an absolute tee. I would love to give credit to author . . .
]]>So what. I can't always be like Dr. Seuss."
Kim M. Simpson
]]>Wanderlust . . . A State Of Mind.
]]>Let it serve as your guiding light . . . each and every day.
Every step of the way . . . throughout a life well lived.
Excerpt "Just One More Day"
Copyright © Kim M. Simpson * All Rights Reserved
]]>the mythical phoenix rising from the ashes.
When you believe in yourself, keep hope alive and refuse to give up,
enormous joy will eventually flow from the depths of despair;
for you are safe in the knowledge that you will soar
to ever greater heights with each rebirth.
Excerpt "Haiku Resolve"
Copyright © Kim M. Simpson * All Rights Reserved
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Wanderlust is overtaking me again . . . #ThrowbackThursday
]]>Celebrate each step in the journey with purpose, joy and gratitude.
Harbor no regret.
A life fulfilled . . . cheats the inevitable.
Excerpt "Just One More Day"
Copyright © Kim M. Simpson * All Rights Reserved
]]>February 8, 2006
Copyright © Kim M. Simpson * All Rights Reserved
]]>No release. No peace.
Sometimes . . . words, like hurricane winds, engulf me.
Release. Peace.
Wisdom.
Copyright © Kim M. Simpson * All Rights Reserved
]]>Time to dig deep.
Finish what I started so many years ago . . .
Copyright © Kim M. Simpson * All Rights Reserved
]]>As I sleep, your fingerprints dance across my dreams.
When I wake, they disappear in the morning mist.
Miss you in the light of day.
Copyright © Kim M. Simpson * All Rights Reserved
]]>Time to start planning new adventures. #SundayMorningCoffeeDreams
]]>In my case, I marched to protect the U.S. government, our way of life and the American people. I will continue a lifelong pursuit of grassroots and organized political activism. Each one of us has the ability to make a difference and I intend to stand up and be heard during the next four years. To view more images from this historic show of grassroots activism, visit my portfolio for the Women's March D.C. 2017.
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Transatlantic Cruise 2013 - Celebrity Equinox - Lisbon, Spain.
Transatlantic Cruise 2013 - Celebrity Equinox - Spain To Ft. Lauderdale.
Walking the streets of Beverly Hills, October 2015. Look what we found: "YUM".
Sprinkles Cupcakes, Los Angeles, October 2015.
Saddle Ranch, Los Angeles, November 2016.
Santa Monica Pier, November 2016.
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