FAIRIES. IS THIS PROOF THEY REALLY EXIST?

 

 

Do you believe in Fairies????  No.  Not the tooth fairy.  REAL FAIRIES.  Like the ones that live in the forest and flutter around?  Huumm  That is a tough one for me.  I believe in ghosts so why couldn't there be fairies? Right? 

The definition of a Fairy is (also fata, fay, fey, fae, fair folk; from faery, faerie, "realm of the fays") is a type of mythical being or legendary creature in European folklore (and particularly Celtic, Slavic, German, English, and French folklore), a form of spirit, often described as metaphysical, supernatural, or preternatural.   See if the definition of a Fairy it does seem to have a lot to do metaphysical things and you know me, I'm into that! lol

I saw a video on TV the other day and it really peaked my interest in fairies.  I openly admit I do not no much about fairies and have not encountered a one.  But I like the idea of them.  Check out the video below and see what you think?

According to realfairies.net these are the kind of fairies you may encounter.  If you have encountered a fairy, please email me, I would love to hear about your experience. :)

The Well-Known Pixies

No taller than 6 inches,  the winged pixies can shape-shift the size of their humanoid form as needed. Although they can be very curious, fun-loving creatures, they do have another side. They feel a great responsibility toward other, similar-sized fairies (brownies and gherrings) and often become involved as peacekeepers.
Pixies love flowers and gardens and, like hummingbirds, they love to sip nectar from flowers like honeysuckle. They have a very high metabolism, so they frequently enjoy high energy foods like sweets, milk, and cream.
These hard-working, industrious people live in large colonies designed to ensure their safety. They build their cities high up in trees and magically cloak them, so they are unlikely to be discovered. When encountering danger, they like to face their enemy as a massive cloud of angry pixies, similar to a swarm of bees.
Despite their fierce defensive posture, they are very friendly, kind and helpful to many different types of beings, including humans. Pixies can live to be 100 years old and are ruled by a king or queen.

Trooping Fairies 

Trooping fairies are generally similar in appearance to brownies (see below) and do not have wings. In fact, a brownie we spoke to told us trooping fairies are actually brownies that troop together in long lines. This formation often happens when they are going to war.
Trooping fairies tend to be a bit different from the average brownie. They are more serious, organized and sophisticated in lifestyle compared to the more rustic, and friendly brownie.
To stay out of sight, trooping fairies prefer to travel through the woods where there is a lot of underbrush.  Some people also believe they inhabit trees which are often referred to as “fairy trees.”

Brownies

Brownies are brave, adventurous people that can reach a height of 6 inches tall.  In their world, they are also known as “nims” but are more commonly known as brownies from wearing brown clothing and living close to the earth. They do not have wings but are quite capable of getting to high places when needed, with the help of a bird or one another.  In the wild, brownies live in the woods or high grass where they often build hidden or underground homes.  They do this to protect themselves from beings who are larger and more powerful than they are.
Brownies are very social and prefer to live together in towns or large family groups. They scavenge to survive and spend their days hunting for food, household goods, and other items they can use for trade. When it comes to humans, they are usually friendly with those who are like-minded.

Fauns

With horns on his head,  a human torso and the body of a goat below the waist, the faun is a unique creature. Found in woodland forests, fauns tend to be alluring, seductive and quite compelling. To get what they desire, they often prey upon their unsuspecting victims by using mind control and magic they’ve conjured from their pipes or flute.
According to the elves, if you see a faun, you should avert your eyes because as soon as they have your attention, you are under their control.  They are neutral but can be very dangerous.

Merpeople

Commonly known as mermaids and mermen, those we have spoken with prefer to be known as mer, or merfolk.  Unlike humans, merfolk do not live in structures or houses. They swim together as a family unit but are also part of a larger community united under one ruler. Merfolk spend much of their day together hunting for fish, and other sea creatures to eat. They intentionally have large families because living in the sea is very dangerous and many of their young do not make it to adulthood.
Lately, the mer have been more visible in our world because they are concerned with the overwhelming number of oil spills and pollution that has seeped into their world from our world. They are generally unhappy about this pollution and destruction of their waters and they tend to hold humans wholly responsible. Right now, the point they are trying to communicate to us is that the health of the oceans affects us all.

Leprechauns 

Leprechauns are typically between 2-3 feet tall and are master craftsmen, often specializing in shoemaking. Legends sometimes depict them as loners, but that is not true. Found mainly in Ireland, they live together in villages well-protected by their magic. They have a great love for gold and ale and spend a good deal of time thinking about collecting and enjoying both!
Leprechauns are known to be information brokers, selling information they’ve acquired for a fair price. They have a reputation for being tricksters, but they are generally honest, good-hearted people that have a strong regard for honesty.

Gnomes

Shy and cautious by nature, gnomes seek only the company of their own kind.  At 9 inches tall, they believe their small size makes them vulnerable to bullies and always try to go unnoticed.  Known for their iconic red, pointy caps, they actually wear a variety of different clothing besides that single color and style.
You will find gnomes in most natural areas around the world in small isolated communities. They eat fruit, mushrooms, nuts, root vegetables, eggs, and meat only occasionally. Being deeply connected to nature, they are master healers and are known for healing sick and injured animals.

Grundels 

Frequently found in the homes of larger elves, grundels and elves have a symbiotic relationship. Grundels gladly work in service for the elves in exchange for a safe and happy home.  They are dedicated to their host family of elves and generally stay with the same family for generations, moving with them as necessity dictates.  For their part, elves have great respect and love for grundels and consider them family. Grundels are about 3 feet tall and often wear striped clothing. (Sorry, no picture yet available)

Hobgoblins 

The hobgoblin is a solitary,  dark brown creature who inhabits the forest and lives in trees.  In general, this neutral fairy is a peaceful fellow who enjoys keeping to himself (or herself). He is not usually aggressive unless provoked but he can get especially nasty when his tree is at risk. Since his temper can flare easily, it is wise to try and stay on his good side.

Elves

Elves are a very long-lived race found in many places throughout their world.  Gifted with sharper senses, grace, agility, and perceptions than humans, they excel in the arts and crafts. This also includes the art of magic which they define as the gathering, focusing and directing of natural energy.  In general, elves avoid technology and live close to nature in an idyllic setting, respecting and working with all aspects of nature.
Physically, elves are approximately the same height as humans but slighter in build. Their faces are similar to humans but noticeably different. They have high cheekbones, more angular features, mesmerizing eyes, and the pointed ears so often depicted in books and movies.
Elves belong to two main groups: the Seelie or light elves and the Unseelie or dark elves. In general, the Seelie elves want to work with humans to heal the planet we both share while the Unseelie would prefer to solve their problems by eliminating all of humanity.
The Elves of Fyn, the source of the information on this site, belong to the first group (Seelie) and you can find a bit more information about them here. To be safe, humans should try to avoid contact with the Unseelie altogether.

So, do fairies exist?  I believe they can.  Just like UFO's, ghosts, and Bigfoot there are things we may never be able to prove 100%.   Just like having "hope".  We can't PROVE that "having hope" helps us through life events, but we do it anyway.  So if we can have "hope" why can't we "believe"?

TOTALLY CREEPY HALLOWEEN COSTUMES FROM THE PAST

Have you ever wondered what kind of costumes there were way back when there weren't any Super Hero costumes or Edward Scissor Hands?  Yeah.  Me to.  So I just wanted to share with you some of the costumes that were worn for Halloween a long time ago.  Some are very creative for the times and some....well.....are down right scary for the times.

One thing that I noticed while researching for the old costumes was that, it is very rare to see any of the children or adults for that matter, dressed like policeman, doctors, nurses, sheriffs, cowboys, you know....I would think those might have been popular costumes but there is just not many pictures like that.  I am going to assume, that those kinds of costumes might have been a little more difficult to make for some reason.  I don't know...

In today's world, you see all of that.  Doctors, nurses, policeman, fireman, lawyers you know, more business or professional occupations mimicked at Halloween.

Anyway, I hope you enjoy these photos as much as I did finding them. :)  Twenty-one days till HALLOWEEN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  

RIP BURT REYNOLDS-BURTS CREEPY ABANDON RANCH

                                       

Well we lost a good didn't we?   Burt Reynolds, good looking, smart and funny.  What more would you want in a guy right?

One of my all time favorite movies was Smokey and the Bandit.  Boss Hog and Sally Field....I still laugh out loud just thinking about this movie....and that black Trans-Am!!!!! I'll get back to you guys later...I have to go watch Smokey and the Bandit! LOL

I wanted to dedicate this week's blog to Burt and say he will be greatly missed.  I hope that Burt will pay me a visit if he wants to say "hi".  Lord knows I have plenty ways for him to communicate with me.  lol  So, Burt if you are reading my blog, this is your invitation to say "Hi" to me in anyway you can from the "other side" or show me that shadow of the Black Trans-Am and I'll know it's you.  LOL

Below is Burt's abandon ranch and guess what?  He had a mausoleum built for he and his family and it was just abandon.  That's a little creepy.  I mean, I don't think I would want to be buried in a place that was made for someone else's body.  Know what I mean???  If they had sold the property to someone else.

Anyway, below is a video of some boys that was roaming the property.  And then, because Burt was really good at making us laugh, I included a couple video's that I thought really shows his personality and have one more laugh in his honor.  RIP Burt.

Burt's Abandon Ranch

The Match Game

Johnny Carson

ZAK BAGANS HAUNTED MUSEUM IN LAS VEGAS IS NOT FOR THE "FAINT OF HEART"

Zak Bagans-The Haunted Museum

"What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas."  Right?   Or at least you hope!  That is why you have to sign a wavier before you ever go into Zak Bagans Haunted Museum in Las Vegas stating they will not be responsible for anything that you experience or becomes attached.  Man, doesn't that set the mood? LOL 

Ghost Adventures is the number one paranormal show on TV and it's host Zak Bagans, Lead Investigator and an executive producer is no stranger to the "stranger things" in life.  With millions of fans watching weekly as Zak and the crew search for demonic entities and paranormal activity, Zak has came up with a way that you too could get up close and personal with haunted objects and have a chance to experience the paranormal all in one place for yourself.....a Haunted Museum. 

Now, anyone who has watched Ghost Adventures knows there is A LOT of "questionable" things that happened to Zak and the crew.  Is it fake?  Is it staged?  Look, if it keeps you watching for whatever reason it's great ENTERTAINMENT and I love any "ghost shows" of any kind!!!  My DVR is full of nothing but shows to do with the paranormal, strange, weird, mysteries.....wait.....I think I see a pattern here?????? LOL  I think I might be a "paranormal junkie".  Lol  Oh, back to Zak.  I am not going to sit here and "dog" the show or say I believe EVERYTHING you see in their investigations is real, but what I will say is......his museum was awesome!!!

Ever since I heard Zak opened a Haunted Museum I have been dying to go!  But I have to be honest, I was wondering how "corny" was it going to be or even was it really worth "all the hype" and money?  You know, I had my doubts.  Well, last month I got the chance to go when my boyfriend, Deak surprised me with a weekend in Vegas!  I had know idea!  He told me he wanted to do something special on our anniversary and he showed up at my house and we drove straight to the airport, and off we went.  I know, right??? 

Now, when you first pull up to the museum it looks like a normal big house.  Not a lot of flashy lights or anything like that, just a simple sign saying Zak Bagans The Haunted Museum.  There is a very narrow driveway not at all like you would think. It is definitely a bit of a problem getting in and out.   I guess I was thinking that you would pull up and it would be a huge parking lot or something with big flashy lights.....you know.....a little bit like Zak....the center of attention.  LOL  Well not at all.  Anyway, there is an employee standing outside the museum having you sign a waiver before going in.  When you first go in, you are stopped in a very small dark room with a video of Zak and the guys playing on a small tv screen and there are tons of haunted dolls lining the walls.  I thought it was really cool and sat the mood for what was to come.  

Now, I am not going to tell you everything about the museum and the way the tour is run, because that would ruin it for those of you who have not been yet.  First, let me say, it is very cramped inside the mansion and it seems you are a bit "rushed through" on the tour.  I think it is probably because there are so many rooms to see in a short time and also they are trying to get as many people through the museum as fast as they can.  I believe the mansion has like 33 rooms and you go through 25 of them I think that is what we were told.  Here's the problem, there is SOOOOOO MANY things crammed in such small spaces, and it is all really weird, bizarre and cool stuff you want to see, but you just don't get enough time to really check it all out.

And guess what?  You can't take pictures!!!!!!  I know right?  Here you are among some of the MOST HAUNTED OBJECTS in the world and you can't take pictures.  The very first room you come in, is kinda the waiting room before the tours start and has all the walls lined with haunted dolls.  This is the ONLY room you can take pictures in so take a bunch!!!   

Different rooms have different theme like objects.  Like Hollywood horror film stuff and the Dybbuk Box supposedly being the most haunted object in the world!!!! Just super creepy stuff EVERYWHERE!!!  And I will tell you, we had some people on our tour that was scared to death of different rooms and I wasn't sure they were going to be able to finish the tour but they did.  Good for them.  Before you go into each room, your tour guide will tell you a little about what you are about to see in the room and ask if you would like to "go in" or "not".?  So, if you are uncomfortable with seeing any of the objects in the rooms, you don't have to go in.  The tour guide will then step aside and let you go inside and I'm going to guess about 10-15 people at a time in the room and you have about 5-10mins in each room.  Ok.  Listen ya'll, if you are going to take the time, spend the money (And I do think it is a little pricey for the tour) on the tour .....don't NOT go in all the rooms!!!!!  Your there to see all the cool, weird haunted stuff, right?  So be brave when the tour guide is definitely trying to make you uncomfortable and freak you out a little bit or scare you before going into the rooms.....go see EVERYTHING!!!!!  Even the smallest of the creepy stuff is cool.  

One of the rooms is filled with circus stuff and like this really large miniature circus display all made of wood.  Of course, it is very old and I thought it was pretty cool.  Not super creepy but I liked it. Unusual.  There are lots of small hallways with crazy stuff all over the walls for you to look at. Stuffed animals, mannequins, dolls, skeletons, chairs, tables you name it, it's there.  Let me tell you, there is NOT an empty space on the walls or lining the halls.  This place is FULL of creepy, weird and haunted objects no doubt about it!!!!

So, let's talk about the Dybbuk Box.  One of the most haunted objects in the museum that most people want to see.  Before you go in they really build this one up. Of course, there is a lot of hype about the Dybbuk Box.  A Dybbuk Box is a wine  cabinet which is said to be haunted by a Dybbuk.  A Dybbuk is usually a restless, usually malicious spirit that is believed to be able to haunt or even possess the living.  The box gained notoriety when it was auctioned off on eBay with an accompanying horror story written by Kevin Mannis, an is the original inspiration for the 2012 film The Possession.  Ok. The tour guide kinda leads you to believe that something "bad" could happen to you JUST for looking at the Dybbuk Box.  For me, I couldn't WAIT to get inside!!!!  Are you kidding me????? The WORLD'S MOST HAUNTED OBJECT is just a few steps in front of me behind a door.....OH HELL NO!!!!!  I'M GOING IN!!!!!!!!!!!!  They have the Box in a glass case in a pretty dark room. I can tell you, it looks just like a box in a glass case.  LOL  Now, did I feel scared or creeped out??? Feel a BAD ENERGY around???  No.  Actually I thought I felt a bit more uneasy but I just didn't. I was a bit disappointed.....I thought for sure.....I would feel something bad or evil around.  Nope.  Not a thing.

Zak has done a good job at trying to make this an interesting tour when all you are doing is just walking from room to room in a very small space.  I can tell you, there are a few surprises that will make you jump or scream!!!  Just ask Deak!!! LOL  

There is a room with a doll named Peggy.  Now, Peggy supposed to be haunted and will move her head and talk to you.  They have a spirit box set up so that you can try to communicate with Peggy.  We tried to talk with her and asked if she could see us and we did get a response...."yes" but that was about all.

There's the stairs from the famous Demon House with dirt from that location and there is famous Jack Kevorkian's van where he would assist in suicides.  There is a chair that sat beside Michele Jackson's bed when he died (ok....that's just creepy that you would even want that, but to each their own right .LOL).  Charles Masions bloody handprint.  This place just has to many things to mention.

The cursed objects and the energy of the house is definitely "different." With all this haunted stuff in one place how could there not be a weird vibe?  I will tell you the place that I felt the most uncomfortable was at the staircase leading to the basement.  As we were walking from room to room, we walked by a staircase that led to the basement or bottom floor.  We weren't allowed to go down there but Zak had sat a doll on a chair in a doorway below.  The tour said that its head moves and the eyes blink.  For some reason, this doll just gave me the creeps!  And we weren't even close to her, we could just look down at her from the second floor.  But I swear I saw her blink!!!  Like a couple of times.  I didn't say anything because I was trying to figure out if I REALLY saw that or not. hhhuuumm  As we were leaving, they take you to the gift shop which doesn't have a ton of things because it is in a pretty small room but as I was looking around Deak whispered in my ear..."I swear...I saw that doll down stairs blink!!!"   I was like "no-way" and he said "yes I did"  I DID SEE HER EYES BLINK I knew it!!!!  He saw it to!!!!  HOW COOL IS THAT!!!!!!!

So, should you go see the museum?  Again, I didn't know what to expect but I was pleasantly surprised. It has some super weird and bizarre things in it.  Some things you just have to ask yourself why?"  LOL  Hands down I would say MOST DEFINITELY go check it out!!!!!!!!!!  It is something to see!!!  And it is just a fun time if nothing else. :)   

The video below shows the inside of the museum.  It gives you a good look at some of the bizarre objects inside the mansion.

THE MENGER HOTEL- GHOST SIGHTINGS AMOUNG GUEST ALMOST NIGHTLY!!!

The Menger Hotel in San Antonio is one of the most haunted hotels in Texas. It was built in 1859 on the site of Menger′s brewery and is haunted by a number of ghosts.

Gutson Borlum was the sculpture of Mount Rushmore and was known to spend many, many hours out in the garden of the Menger Hotel.  Let me tell you, I did my research paper on this hotel and I had to many experiences to list.  I loved it!!  I read tons about the "spirits" that linger here and from what I have read some of them are not very nice!!!!  But I have to tell you...I stayed two nights here alone in supposedly the most haunted room in the hotel and never felt any kind of evil spirits at all!!!!  But DID I FEEL spirits around?????  YOU BETTER BELIEVE IT!!!!!!!!!

The above picture I believe is Gutson Borlum. I think you can make out his facial structure, eyes, mustache, and even what looks like a hat.   I showed my picture to the manager and he instantly took me to the second picture and said" so, you met Mr. Borlum did you?".  

I want to tell you a couple things that happen to me at this amazing hotel and I'll try not to make them to long.  I experienced loud footsteps walking up behind me in a hallway where I was all alone.  I had an EMF Meter and I was looking down taking readings along the hallway baseline... and I could hear someone walking up behind me.  The footsteps were so loud, that I never looked up and just moved to the side of the hall and said out loud..."excuse me".  I 100%  thought someone was coming down the hall behind me!!!  Not to mention it was about 3am in the morning so if I am hearing "footsteps" at that hour so loud and clear more than likely it really IS someone.  I moved to the side and then looked up to see who it was passing me at that hour and there WAS NO ONE!!!! I was sooooo confused.......the footsteps were so loud I never doubted for a minute someone was walking up behind me.  hhhuuummm

By now it was around 4am and I decided that I had done enough for the night,  so I was going to head back to my room.  I had been interviewing the night staff so I was on the bottom floor.  I was so tired and I just wanted to lay down, so I went to the elevators.  At the Menger, they have the original elevators so at the top of the doors, you see the little needle going up and coming down, so you know exactly where the elevator is.  I looked up and it was on the top floor (not sure, but seems like it was the 12th floor).  So I just took a deep breath and said, "man, now I have to wait for it to come all the way back down".  This is NOT a fast elevator ya'll.  At that exact moment....the elevator doors OPENED!!!! I looked up and the needle was on the first floor.  YOU HAVE TO BE KIDDING ME!!!  NO WAY!!!  I had rode this elevator a dozen times and had watched it go up and come back down floor by floor!!!!  So I did what any good ghost hunter would do......I graciously stepped in..... waited for the door to close and said "thank you very much." lol 

There are many more stories I could tell about this hotel but for now, I'm going to stop.  Don't want to wear out my welcome you know.  By far, this hotel is one of my favorites. You got to check it out!!!!

THE HAUNTED HILL HOUSE MANOR IN GAINESVILLE,TX-ARE YOU READY FOR THIS??? RE-POST

I wanted to re-post our investigation we did about 3 years ago at the very haunted Hill House Manor in Gainesville, Tx.  I get asked all the time about it, so here you go for those of you that were wondering if it WAS REALLY HAUNTED or not. 

I have been here several times since then and each time have had an awesome time and collected great evidence.  And Linda Hill, she is so nice and gracious and has done a great job with putting together a great place for you to setup your equipment as well a period themed living area to take a quick break in between running up stairs because your REMPOD is going off and down to the back of the house to the murder room!!!  If your looking for something haunted to do this summer, then I suggest you grab your gear...and head out for a night of certain paranormal events.  http://hhmgville.com/

So....here ya go.  Let me know what you think about the video. :)

So, if you haven't heard of the haunted Hill House Manor in Gainesville, Tx let me tell you a little about it....The house is located in Gainesville, Tx just off one of the main streets on the square.  It has been there since 1883.  Gainesville has a dark past. I guess it is best known for The Great hangings of 1862.  In the Hill House, it has been reported that a spirit of a little boy and girl are there, along with a man and woman who know ones knows who they are.  It has also been reported that there is a "ghostly cat"....YES I said CAT....that roams the house.  Paranormal groups have reported to have been touched, orbs and shadows are seen, along with a mist or fog.  I have heard some GREAT EVP's from here, but now I have a few of my own to share with you guys.

Linda Hill acquired this house along with several others in May of 2004.  They have named it Hill House Manor because they have no idea who built it or owned it over the years so they chose to use the last name of  the current owners.   The house was a triplex when they bought it.  Two of the units were livable; one was and continues to be used for storage.  For over 3 years they rented out the units on a 12 month lease basis.  Not one tenant stayed for the full 12 months.  The downstairs unit has not had a tenant stay for 6 months.  The upstairs unit has not had a tenant stay 2 months.

It was a loooonnnnggg night for us investigating!  We got there at 7:00pm and left at 6:00am in the morning.  The house itself, for me, did not give off like a super creepy feeling.  I do think spirits were there, but nothing evil or bad that I picked up on.  Now through the course of the night we had several personal experiences.  Right off the bat....we sat up in what Linda refers to the "window" room where supposedly a young boy and girl play.  You know me, I LOVE animals...so I brought a cute, little furry mouse to use as a trigger object for the "ghost cat".  It is very sensitive, so at any sign of touch it would squeak.  As we were sitting in the floor about to start an EVP session....all of the sudden the mouse starts going off!  It was squeaking all by itself.  We all saw it.  That happened several times through the night. 

Then we had set up our motion detector or shadow detector with a "grid"(a little light that shines dots all over the room so that you can easily see someone pass through)in the hallway upstairs.  As we were in one room conducting our investigation, the "shadow detector" starts going off.  So I went to the hallway and started asking if someone was there, could they walk back and forth in front of me so that the shadow detector would go off....and guess what????? IT DID!!!  Then, in another room, the murder room(so it's called)one of our investigators starts crying.  She had no explanation for this, just that tears started rolling down her face.  She said she had a overwhelming feeling of sadness.  One of the EVP's we caught has a young female voice responding to our investigator by saying "don't cry".

We also used the dowsing rods and was getting a lot of communication that way along with flashlight communication.  At one point, I had even recorded some music resembling that in which would have been played in the early and late 1800's and well......just wait and listen to the EVP's to see what that produced!!!

What can I say about the Hill House Manor?  Well, I really enjoyed it and hope to make another trip back soon, but did we get over whelming evidence.......not so much this trip.  BUT.....the things that we did capture on video and audio along with our own personal experiences.......I think are pretty amazing .  You guys check out some of our evidence and let me know what you think.   Below is a clip with a few good EVP's.  PLEASE NOTE*** One of the EVP's is a BAD word in it, so please be aware of this before viewing the video.

  

Also, if you haven't already, check out the other video on the Haunted Hill House Manor on YouTube.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NOLy2kAYUa0 

Below are just a few of the pics we took where we were getting activity.

Upstairs where the children are heard.

Notice our little mouse over in the corner

right by the step that kept going off.



Room where mirror pic was taken.

Aren't they CUTE!!!!!

.

The Murder Room



In the murder room and the EVP that

told us to "get the F*** out!"





The arrows are pointing to his Eye, Cheek bone, nose, and mouth.

Kinda' has a "smirky" smile on his face if you ask me.... 

Original mirror photo unedited.

Until next week.....Happy Hunting.... :)