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Wataru Kousaka performs with Stereo Sanshin and Sarod

October 23, 2009

CIMG1776

Dear Omers

Japanese musician Wataru Kousaka performed live for us at Om on the 17th of October. He played a traditional Japanese instrument called a Stereo Sanshin. The instrument is a simple 3 stringed instrument that almost resembles a banjo and uses nylon strings. He played the Sanshin with a delay pedal producing a unique sound. He had extraordinary control over his rhythm. He also played a classical Indian instrument the Sarod and is completely self taught. He used the bow of a Chinese instrument, the Erhu, on the Sarod to produce an exquisite haunting sound.

We packed the upstairs with over 20 people and it was a very meditative and enchanting evening. There were two sets where the Stereo Sanshin and the Sarod were played with a 20 minutes interval in between. We had people spending their last cent in their pocket just to come watch the performance and loved it so much that they wanted to buy the CDs but had no money!!! So they borrowed from others to pay for the CD! hehe… you know who you are….

It was a very cosy evening with food and drinks served throughout the performance and the audience were very respectful as in knowing when to slurp and munch, so there was no disturbance to the entire performance nor atmosphere. People then stayed on and hung out till late in our newly refurbished ‘upstairs’!!!

CIMG1771Thank you Wataru for your beautiful music and unassuming position.

Thank you Yuzuru Maeda for helping us arrange the concert for Wataru.

And Thank you to all who came and made it an enchanting evening…

If you want to know more about Wataru Kousaka and his music his myspace address is http://www.myspace.com/watarukousaka

Love and blessings from all of us at Om

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An evening with Musical Peace Ambassador Jason Carter

October 23, 2009

Jason and Aravind

Dear Omers,

We were fortunate to have a Musical Peace Ambassador, Jason Carter, perform for us at Om with his wonderful Harp Guitar. He even invited a Veena player, Aravinth Kumarasamy, to perform an Indian composition that they did together at a concert in the Esplanade. It was a magical performance and we were all moved by his remarkable compositions. Before playing a song, Jason shared with us an anecdote story about the inspiration behind each piece. He played a piece for us called “Recreation” which was inspired by how he accidentally chopped off the index finger on his left hand with a kitchen knife 2 years ago. This happened on an island off the Baltic Sea with 40 people and no professional medical help. To cut a long story short, the finger was sowed back on after 12 hours at a hospital on the mainland, but it was too late. A week later it fell off and he chucked it in the bin. It grew back after a period of 2 months but he wasn’t able to use his index finger to play guitar for half a year. So “Recreation,” a marvelous track, was composed from using the remaining fingers that he was able to use to play guitar.

Jason Carter

If you want to know more about Jason and his music you can visit his myspace at http://www.myspace.com/jasoncarterguitar

Thank you Jason for your celestial music and your charming disposition, and to all those who attended for making it  such a magical evening…

Love and Blessings from all at OM!!!

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Flea N Fun Raised A Very Well Done

September 27, 2009

flea n fun 2

Dear OMers

We manged to conduct a road closure on Haji Lane on the 29th of August to have a flea market fundraiser to support Sunshine Home, a small establishment in Changmai, Thailand for less privileged hill tribe orphans. The day was filled with joyous smiles radiating from all corners of the street and some wonderful live musical performances, the highlight being the Voodoo Drums group. First of all we want to say a huge THANK YOU to all the people on Haji Lane who came and supported the Flea and Fun Raiser and made the event possible. A big thanks to Barry Tan barry black n white from Going Om for conceptualizing, organizing and making the event a success. Thank you to all the stall owners and tenants on Haji Lane for supporting the event and helping to raise funds for Sunshine Home. For those of you who came for the event, we would love to hear some feedback from you on your thoughts about the event. Any general comments, suggestions or criticisms are more than welcomed for the team at Going Om. Let us know if you had fun, if you thought certain aspects could have been improved or whether you want us to organize another one. Please do share your ideas and thoughts with us and a big THANK YOU once again to everyone who made the Flea N Fun the successful fun event that it was.

black n whitejoshtian 2sunglass crewblack n white 2

Thanks to Stephen Lew for all the Photos

Love & Blessings

The Om Team

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‘Flea & Fun’ Raiser

August 14, 2009
Just Another Excuse to Partay!!!

Just Another Excuse to Partay!!!

~ 29th August 2009, 12pm -10pm ~

Hosted by: Going OM @ 63 Haji Lane
Collab with: JAE2P & Positive Projects

Dear Go OMmers!

From the crew that brought you ‘Schools In Nepal Fundraiser’, we’re back with a bigger and better all-day event: ‘Flea & Fun’ Raiser!

Greta and Daphne went over to Changmai and came across Sunshine Home, a small establishment run by a local school director for less privileged hill tribe orphans.

The hill tribe people considered 2nd rate citizens, but by law, all children are given free education by the Thai Government. However, many stay in remote inaccessible places where dirt trails become muddy rivers over the monsoon.

Sunshine Home currently houses 8 hill tribe girls aged between 12 to 16, most of whom are too poor to afford daily meals, school materials and uniforms. It is encouraging though, that under the car of Mr Wit Chai and his wife, the two 16-year-old students have received scholarships for further education.

Mr Wit Chai and his wife shelters and feeds these girls for the duration of the school term (9 months). They have 2 daughters of their own. Mr Wit Chai pays for everything out of his own pockets and receives no funding from the government.

The future plans for Sunshine Home is to expand and eventually house up to 60 hill tribe orphans, but for now, we will do what we can to help with feeding them first.

Let’s put things into perspective here. This is how much it would cost to feed a child – approximately SGD$1 a day. It’s ridiculous isn’t it?

6 Baht – Breakfast
12 baht – Lunch
12 Baht – Dinner

So please do come on over for our ‘Flea & Fun’ Raiser! if you wish to set up a stall, it’s only $47. If not, just come on down and enjoy the great deals and all the activities we’ve got lined up for the evening!

The entire Haji Lane will be closed for us to hold our flea market. All the flea market stalls will be along the entire Haji Lane, and they’re now available for booking!

Each stall costs $47 and it will be funding the causes we support and future events like organizing educational trips and workshops for orphans.

The time will be from 11am (startup) till 11pm. When the sky turns dark, and we’ll be having even more activities after that! Drinks special, date auctions, musical performances, tribal drummers and fire spinners then take center stage.

Each stall will be 2m by 1m and whoever makes payment first gets dibs on stall location. No tables or chairs will be provided. Stall owners are to bring their own mats/tables/racks.

Stall booking will be confirmed upon payment. Deadline for payment: 15 August 2009 2359hrs.

To book, email Weiyan at cheeweiyan@gmail.com

Please note that we do accept donations and official receipts will be issued for those of you who wish to contribute monetary donations. Thank you!!

Love & Blessings
The OM Team.

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罗生门 Rashomon – Movie Night!

August 14, 2009

 

坠入真相的迷宫… Enter the labyrinth of the human mind...

坠入真相的迷宫… Enter the labyrinth of the human mind...

 

 

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Dear OMmers!

The Theatre Practice have been busy with rehearsals and the upcoming staging of ‘Rashomon’ in September. Meanwhile, they are taking time out to get together to watch Akira Kurosawa’s 1950 award-winning film adaptation!

Come and join the director, Kuo Jing Hong, and other cast members for an evening of good film and casual chit-chat @ Going OM! .. Admission is free!

All are welcome, and looking forward to seeing you!

Love & Blessings!!!
The OM Team

Date: 19th August 2009 Wednesday
Time: 8pm (film duration: 88 mins)
Venue: Going OM @ 63 Haji Lane
Admission is FREE!

click here for more information: http://blog.omy.sg/ttp

** Attendees of the screening will also enjoy 15% discount off $39 and $49 price categories.
(category 2 and 1 respectively, excluding $3 sistic surcharge)

About RASHOMON, the film:

Director : Akira Kurosawa
Accolades : This film won the Golden Lion at the Venice Film Festival, and also received an Academy Honorary Award at the 24th Academy Awards.

Synopsis : The film depicts the murder of a Samurai and the rape of his wife through the widely differing accounts of four witnesses, including the rapist and, through a medium, the dead man. The stories are mutually contradictory, leaving the viewer to determine which, if any, is the truth.

Language : In Japanese, with English Subtitles.

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A warrior and his wife are ambushed by a bandit in a bamboo grove. The warrior is slain. His wife, raped. A hundred years later, at the ruins of the Rashomon, a medium calls out to the lost souls. 

Will the truth be known? 

From the team who brought you the sold-out musical If There’re Seasons…, The Theatre Practice returns with the acclaimed suspense thriller, Rashomon. 

Based on the classic short stories of Ryunosuke Akutagawa, this literary masterpiece dwells largely on the subjectivity of perception of the witnesses surrounding an episode of rape and murder in the bamboo grove. Rashomon is a timeless classic with a strong cultural resonance, inspiring and influencing countless adaptations on stage and screen. The most famous screen version won Akira Kurosawa the Golden Lion and the Academy Honorary Award.

With arresting visuals, a new structure of suspense, and stunning manga-inspired character designs, this reworking of Rashomon by The Theatre Practice’s Resident Director Kuo Jing Hong promises to be an entertaining and exciting theatrical experience not to be missed!

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Performance Title: Rashomon 罗生门
Date: 03.09.09 – 13.09.09
Time: 8pm (Tues – Sat), 3pm (Sat & Sun)
Venue: Drama Centre Theatre
Ticket Prices: $29, $39, $49(excludes $3 SISTIC fee)
15% discount for OCBC Cardmembers! (NOW till 31 July!)
10% discount for PAssion, POPULAR & SAFRA Cardmembers (NOW till 2 Sept!)

Performed in Mandarin with English surtitles
Advisory: Some Mature Content

Grab your tickets from SISTIC now!
http://www.sistic.com.sg/portal/dt?dt.isPortletRequest=true&dt.action=process&dt.provider=PortletWindowProcessChannel&dt.windowProvider.targetPortletChannel=JSPTabContainer/sEventsCalendar/Event&dt.containerName=JSPTabContainer/sEventsCalendar&dt.windowProvider.currentChannelMode=VIEW&dt.window.portletAction=RENDER&contentCode=rasho0909
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一个武士带着妻子远行,途中被强盗骗进竹林,妻子被强盗强奸,武士被杀死……百年之后,古老的罗生门年久失修,一片衰败。一位灵媒潜入竹林,重新召唤所有死去的灵魂。 

真相就此会大白吗?

继音乐剧《天冷就回来》26场座无虚席后,实践剧场为你带来另一钜作——《罗生门》。这是一出逻辑推理反思人性的演出,揭开百年命案的面纱,让你坠入真相的迷宫!《罗生门》改编自日本鬼才作家芥川龙之介的小说,也曾是著名導演黑澤明引領日本電影走向世界的作品,历经半个世纪依旧光彩夺目,激发出各种改编作品不断被搬上荧幕与舞台。

这一次,实践剧场的驻团导演郭劲红将接受挑战!以全新的悬念安排、独特的形体展现,加上充满视觉冲击的人物造型和舞台设计,重新诠释这新奇诡异之作。你绝不容错过!

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剧目:罗生门
日期: 03.09.09 – 13.09.09
时间: 8pm (星期二至六), 3pm (星期六、日)
地点: 戏剧中心剧院
票价:$29, $39, $49 (不含 $3 SISTIC 订票手续费)
从即日起,OCBC卡会员可享15%折扣!(至7月31日)
百胜卡、大众书局卡及战备军协卡会员可享10%折扣!(至9月2日!)

华语演出,附英文字幕
注意:本剧含有少量成人议题

现在就前往购票!
http://www.sistic.com.sg/portal/dt?dt.isPortletRequest=true&dt.action=process&dt.provider=PortletWindowProcessChannel&dt.windowProvider.targetPortletChannel=JSPTabContainer/sEventsCalendar/Event&dt.containerName=JSPTabContainer/sEventsCalendar&dt.windowProvider.currentChannelMode=VIEW&dt.window.portletAction=RENDER&contentCode=rasho0909
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Understanding and living with Mother Earth : A Global Meditation

July 28, 2009
True change begins with each individual becoming accountable, not only for what is happening now but what will happen in the future.

True change begins with each individual becoming accountable, not only for what is happening now but what will happen in the future.

Join us, as we join the rest of the world in the hundreds of thousands, in a collective and conscious effort to heal Planet Earth.

We will sit in contemplation of the world that will be, in an hour of earthly creation with the highest degree of pure intention.

The time is to act now, especially when we know that the winds of change can be directed and this is our opportunity to consciously choose that direction of peace and abundance for Mother Earth and all its inhabitants.

Meditate, visualize and manifest peace and abundance for all.

This is the time when we see the world we choose to live in. See it in its entire splendor; and seeing even that which you could not believe to be true. Imagine in your mind a community sharing and caring for all. Imagine a world aplenty, utilizing systems that work hand-in-hand with our Earth for sustainable co-existence with humanity. See people’s needs and desires met in a loving, peaceful manner, co-operating in all so that it mutually benefits.

See it! Feel it! What does it look like? How does it feel like?

See the people in your life living in harmony. See the children of the world in comfort and delight, blessed with abundant choices. A co-operative humanity sharing a journey and seeing to the needs of all, including our great Mother Earth.

This is a movement for change, and it comes from a place of love and integrity. It demonstrates how many we are and that there is great strength in numbers. It brings a united front for those who know that we can make a difference in this world.

True change begins with each individual becoming accountable, not only for what is happening now but what will happen in the future.

When you align with others, you become a collective of very powerful creators. There are many changes coming for this world. The energy we hold as a collective will influence the outcome of those changes, but before we manifest more for ourselves we must put time and energy into manifesting a healthy planet and healthy people so that there will be things to enjoy in our future. We must unite in our similarities, and not dissolve our differences. Unite in the knowing that there is more-than-meets-the-eye.

Know that you can influence this time and space through your own actions and intentions.

Put your best foot forward; lay the plan of your intentions. It is up to each individual to find the way to incorporate living with selfless love and purity of intention everyday. =)

Love & Blessings!!!
Barry
p/s: If you can’t make it down, please participate wherever you may be, even if it is for a a shorter period of time.

The timing of Global Meditation:
Wednesday, 29th july at 0619hrs (6:19am) to 0719hrs (7:19am)

We are meeting at Going OM at 0530hrs and we will start the guided meditation from 0610hrs to 0710hrs. Complimentary Tea & Coffee and some light snacks will be served.

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=135029374988

Let our collective consciousness, consolidated in an awaking hour, create a new world of untold possibilities.

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TAKE A BREATHER WITH KUNDALINI YOGA!

July 25, 2009
Kundalini Yoga, as taught by Yogi Bhajan

Kundalini Yoga, as taught by Yogi Bhajan

Do you happen to be one of those who ‘fight’ for time to sleep a little longer, meet deadlines at work, be with loved ones or do the things you love, and wish you have more than 24 hours? Or are you feeling you play ‘catching up’ on most days?

As a yoga teacher, passionate about living a balanced life and doing whatever I do with joy and aliveness, I too face challenges like everyone else with commitments. I too need reminders about taking a breather and letting myself relax. Whenever I surrender to the flow, trust and relax, I can clear my mind and listen to the voice of my intuition and inner guidance. It is also a reminder that to take a breather is having faith in the divine order of life.

Yogi Bhajan, my teacher, said “If nothing else … teach people to breathe and to relax.” I am blessed with tools that support me to manage in a calmer and balanced manner so that I create a peaceful environment, sustain loving relationships and connect to meaning in my life.

I am teaching the next set of 4 sessions of Kundalini Yoga at Going Om and I invite you to give yourself a breather. Whether you have done yoga before or not, come and give yourself an experience of Kundalini Yoga,(as taught by Yogi Bhajan). We meet every Monday at 7.15 pm for 1.5 hours at Going Om.

Kundalini Yoga is focused on awareness and we use breathing, mudras (sacred gestures), asanas (postures), mantras (sound vibrations), and meditation. Like all other forms of yoga aimed at union of body and mind, you get to learn to relax, feel better physically, have the energy and enthusiasm to handle what you need in your life, gain emotional balance and mental control in challenges.

For more information on Kundalini Yoga as taught by Yogi Bhajan, please visit the following websites
International Kundalini Yoga Teachers’ Association (IKYTA),
Kundalini Research Insitute,
3HO,

I have also appended a short write up of myself so you can get a sense of who I am and what I bring to a class. If this speaks to you, then I invite you to give Barry a call at 9635-6353 and reserve your space for the class.
I look forward to serving you and growing together.

Gratefully,
Gennet

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Class details:

Every Monday (from 27th July), 1915hrs-2100hrs

To register:

Please come down personally to Going OM (open everyday, 1400hrs til late) to make payment (class fee) and confirm a place in the class, first- come, first-served basis. Alternatively, please call Gennet @ 90258219 or Barry @ 96356353

Energy Exchange:

SGD 100 for 4 sessions, Drop in sessions at SGD 35.

Class Details:

This block of classes is for beginners and for those kundalini yoga enthusiasts who have been with Gennet in previous classes and workshops.

Preparation for Class:

1. Eat 1.5 hours before your class time, if you must eat. Recommend a fruit or
something light.

2. Wear loose cotton clothing that allows you to stretch comfortably, preferably
white.

3. Bring your Yoga Mat, your own water bottle and a small towel, and yoga blanket
(a shawl) will also do. The yoga blanket is optional and is used either to provide
support when you are sitting or as covering when you are meditating. As far as
possible, use either silk or cotton. This allows energy flow.

******************************************************************

gennet

About Gennet Song

Gennet is a warm, compassionate woman. Some may describe her as an ambitious go-getter but friends who know her intimately will say that she is defined by her care for people. She is passionate about walking her talk and creating meaning in her own life and others. She lives her dream of touching lives through her time in workshops in schools, yoga classes and healing work, and goes to bed each night satisfied that she’s given all she can or know how. The eldest of a family of 3, Gennet took care of her younger sister and brother when her parents died. She became their mother, father, brother, sister, friend and confidant. This family responsibility put her own dreams on hold till her siblings were independent. After her first taste and experience of transformational workshops, her passion for the healing arts and personal growth was ignited. Now 15 years later, she sees all the tools she has gathered and her own life experiences as her treasure chest which she wants to share with those who wants to grow and live fully and passionately. The yoga mat is just one of the ways she brings life lessons to her students. She often reminds her students it’s not what they can do on the mat, but who they become and are in the world using what they learn on the mat. And when her clients walk out of her door knowing they have a right to live their dreams and go passionately after them, it makes her heart sings. Her heart-song is that each of us deserves to shine and when we do so, we allow others to do the same.

Qualifications and Experience

Registered and Certified Yoga Teacher with Yoga Alliance, USA and The International Kundalini Yoga Teachers Association, USA.

Professional Member of the Australian Traditional Medicine Society, Australia and certified in Body Therapies with the Queensland Institute of Natural Science, Australia.

Isis Lotus Healing Levels 1 with Ferlin Jeyatissa, healer and Authorized Teacher of Isis Lotus Healing System and Isis Lotus Healing Level 2 with Elisabeth Jensen, founder of the Isis Lotus Healing System

Certified Master Practitioner of Neuro-Linguistic Programming® approved by The American Board of NLP, USA

Varied working experience in the last 15 years including facilitating transformational work, managing holistic retreat, graduate relations and leadership coaching

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Seeing Light in Darkness (Letting Go Workshop)

July 25, 2009
moving on from resentment, regret and rejection.

moving on from resentment, regret and rejection.

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In the chamber of secrets I dwell
The dungeons of gloom I rattle my chains
The chains that hold me not
My mind that enslaves me within
Show me the inner light to transcend it all
Shine the path
Salvation is near
Lead the way
Salvation is here
Light in the darkness
Gloria illumina

————————————————————————–

Have we not all met with regrets, feelings of rejection and resentment? Do we choose to live in that cheerless past? Or do we decide to move out that dim arena and embrace the future? Sometimes the past may cling like a serpentine noose, the more one struggles, the tighter it grips. Be it grief that cuts through the heart, may it be broken promises, fading faith in all. Let us be free from such constraints; let us find peace within ourselves once again, and may that peace be for others as well. We invite you once again to join us, the waltz has not ended, it has only just began…

The Program

Promise me no more empty promises
Give back my dreams
Grief beyond grief
The heart song
Finding our souls again

————————————————————————–

“We must be willing to let go of the life we have planned, so as to have the life that is waiting for us”

Energy Exchange : SGD33 (admin fee) + Love Donations for subsequent sessions
*Prerequisite: Participants have attended ‘My Way With Beliefs’ Workshop & the 1-on-1 session that preceded.

“Knowledge is learning something every day. Wisdom is letting go of something every day.”

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My Way with Beliefs

July 25, 2009

belief

eliminating self-limiting beliefs

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“The mind is not a vessel to be filled but a fire to be kindled.”

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Our beliefs should be tools that empower ourselves instead of a limitation to achieve our highest potential.

Dearest friends, do you feel at times being stuck and unable to move forward, having arrived at a situation where you are faced with limited choices that don’t even serve you at all.

Are you defeated, or have you resigned to its will? Tucking it all beneath your comfort pillow, and hoping for the miracle fairy to arrive won’t improve the situation. Is there even a solution?

We would like to bring you on a journey of soul-discovery, to acknowledge your realities, your hopes and fears; what starts your day with a sparkle on your face, and what gives you those sleepless nights. Empowerment starts from within and our very beliefs that shape everyday of our lives.

Discover who you can be.
Discover who you are.

Let us walk together and leave our regrets behind.

The Menu:

~ Our Journey through Life
~ Beliefs that blind us
~ Having Awareness
~ Invisible Options
~ The Golden Soul

Workshops dates:

Every fortnight, please call Barry @ 96356353 to check proper dates =)

Energy Exchange:

SGD 24 (admin fee)
+ freewill LOVE donation

To register:

Please come down personally to Going OM (open everyday, 1400hrs til late) to make payment (admin fee) and confirm a place in the workshop, first- come, first-served basis.
Alternatively, please call Barry @ 9635 6353.

There will be a complimentary tea session after each workshop to help you address some issues that you maybe facing. It will be a time of sharing for everyone and an opportunity for one-on-one healing.

Choices that are presented to you should never be few but infinite and abundant.

Decision-making should never be difficult and tiresome but fun, engaging and simple.

Love & Blessings
The OM Team

Do check out the past workshops comments on the wall!
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?sid=e105665e57cb5f55e6086af4293a785e&eid=112560005970&ref=search

As ‘My Way with Beliefs’ is the first in the series of three workshops, do look out for the next workshop on the subject of ‘letting go’!

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Movement Thursdays

July 24, 2009

~ Have no expectations, as the best moments are of spontaneity!~

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fire1

Movement Thursday is a get together of fire shapers, poi spinners, staff twirlers, skill toy artists, object manipulators to hang out and practise and mind meld with one another in Singapore
Exchange skills, tricks and connect with your inner Jedi, playground gymnast, urban ninja and superhero every thursday, from 8pm. Spandex outfits optional. Toys, good vibes, open minds mandatory.

fire2

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At Going OM, fun is an understatement.

..and yes, it is of love and blessings, too!!