Meet Influencer Cindy Hattersley who Reinvented Herself After 60

ByCindy Hattersley Hours Posted on Hours Updated on
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Hi Cindy! We are flipping the script a bit and I’m going to interview you for the January 2025 edition of Ageless Style Series – this will be a great way for your loyal audience to learn some new things about you while also introducing yourself and giving a bit of background to your newest readers. Meet Influencer Cindy Hattersley who Reinvented Herself After 60.

You landed in the world of blogging, completely by chance, in 2012, which has expanded to an online presence on social media to include Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest. Tell us what prompted you to start blogging and where you gain most of your inspiration. 

I find inspiration everywhere and in everyone. Often, nature sparks an idea—like a beautiful color combination I want to bring into my home. I might admire the petals of a rose, noticing their delicate blend of hues, and think, ‘I want to recreate that in an outfit.’ Nature never fails to inspire. My readers here are a constant source of inspiration to me as well.

cindy hattersley's roses

What has surprised you most along this unsuspecting journey and what has changed completely since you started? What do you love most about inspiring women over 50 to feel empowered and confident in their lives, their wardrobes, and their homes?

This blog started as a way to share my design projects and the creative process behind them. Then, Lisa Bayne—the former CEO of Artful Home, whom I deeply respect—asked me to be a brand ambassador. I was convinced she had the wrong person! I told her I didn’t do fashion, but she encouraged me to give it a try. While I’ve always loved fashion, I was never entirely comfortable in front of the camera. What began on a whim has since become a major part of the blog—and a journey I never expected to love.

Meet Influencer Cindy Hattersley who Reinvented Herself After 60

Residential interior design was your career path prior to blogging, and you have since “retired” in the sense that you are no longer taking on design clients. What do you miss most about your interior design days? What are some of your most memorable projects?

I truly miss the relationships I had with clients. Blogging is a much more solitary process—just me, my thoughts, and my computer, hoping to create something that resonates with others. Two projects stand out in my memory for different reasons. Not long before I retired, a couple from Carmel Valley reached out to Steve and me for help with their home. When I first pulled up, I thought they had lost their minds! But the moment I stepped inside, I understood. The house was nestled among the trees like a hidden treehouse, and I knew immediately that the interior needed to reflect and embrace the beauty of its surroundings

 You can read about the transformation of that project in this post  Before and After Family Room Reveal here.

neutral living room cindy hattersley design

You can read the Before and After Kitchen Reveal here.

Another project I absolutely loved was updating Morgan Winery’s Carmel Valley Tasting Room. Working with their wonderful family was a joy—they not only produce incredible wine (a must-visit if you’re in the area!) but also made the entire process seamless. From start to finish, we were completely in sync on the vision for the remodel, making it one of the most enjoyable projects I’ve ever worked on

You can read about that project Morgan Tasting Room’s Fresh Modern Look here.

morgan winery tasting bar designed by Influencer Cindy Hattersley who Reinvented Herself After 60

Meet Influencer Cindy Hattersley who Reinvented Herself After 60

You often refer to the decor in your home and wardrobe style as “the collected look.” Share with your readers some simple ways for achieving this and why you default to this aesthetic.

The collected look is all about layering timeless pieces with character, vintage finds, artisan treasures, and well-loved classics that  tell your story and make your home and wardrobe feel effortlessly curated over time. I think my aesthetic embraces an earthy, organic  mix of old and new. I like to create spaces and outfits that feel warm, lived-in, and uniquely personal.It is all about owning your own style.

coffee table arrangement-leaves vintage box candle

Many of your readers might not know that in addition to cultivating your own garden, you also used to arrange flowers for events. Tell us about some of your most favorite floral events and why. 

 

Oh boy, one of my past lives! It all started when my hairdresser asked me to do her wedding, which led to many more. The most memorable? Creating the florals for my beloved niece’s wedding, and of course, my son’s and daughter’s special days. You might enjoy this post on Jenna’s wedding:Three Weddings and…

In 2021, after raising your children in the home you and Steve built from the ground up, you decided to sell and move to the Paso Robles area. Undoubtedly a tough decision, how did you come to the decision that it was time to move, and what have you enjoyed most about your lifestyle in this new area that you call home? 

We knew we’d be selling our property in a few years, and with the market booming, our children encouraged us to take the leap. During COVID, our son and daughter-in-law had to temporarily close their business, and every weekend, they helped us clear out years of accumulated ‘stuff.’ To anyone considering a move—do it! The moment we pulled out of our driveway, we never looked back. Now, we’re part of a wonderful community filled with active, social people who love to entertain and enjoy good wine.

cindy hattersley's home front entrance

You have two grown children, Colin and Jenna, who live in California, but no longer in the same town as you and Steve. Share with your readers how you continue to connect with your children and their families, including traditions that have held strong year after year.

Most holidays are spent here in our home with our family unless they are traveling. We all love to cook and entertain so holidays are a lot of fun. Thanksgiving is our big holiday where we welcome Steve’s family , all of their kids and their in laws. Our daughter-in-law’s dad usually joins us as well. They are all so much fun and we treasure this time together.

Thanksgiving 2023 Hattersley's

Speaking of family – tell us more about Summer (your granddaughter). You light up when you talk about her – what are you loving most about being a Grandmother and what are you looking forward to as she gets older? (what does she call you?)

I am incredibly proud of Summer. She started calling me Gabi when she couldn’t  say grandma. She’s not only a wonderful granddaughter but also a loyal friend with a remarkable intuition for knowing when someone needs support. A true animal whisperer, she has a heart full of kindness and a spirit full of joy. I couldn’t be prouder of her and have no doubt she’ll do great things because of her generosity and compassion.

Summer fall 2024

Share with us your favorite haunts in and around Paso Robles – from food and wine, to fashion and fun. 

Oh my there are way to many to mention. We have so many great wineries, restaurants and shops. I am working on a paso favorites list. For dinner, we love, In Bloom, Les Petites Canailles, Il Cortile and newly opened Saranella. If you love wine you must try Somm’s Kitchen, and The Wine Merchant (they are opening a restaurant as well soon). For lunch, Finca, Jeffrey’s Barbeque, Fish Gaucho, Thomas Hill Organics, Etto Pasta Bar, Mcphees and Pig Iron in Templeton,and a funky place in Creston called the Longbranch.Paso is filled with interesting independent boutiques. For clothes shopping, Bijou, Ambiance, Roux Collective, Firefly,  the Shoe Tree, Wildflower Women and Hayley and Co. My friend Kelsey has a great resale shop in Atascadero called Ernest Grace and also shares space in Paso with Hayley and Co. 

You are a tremendous cook and host (I know this to be true from life experience!) If you had to pull together a dinner party for a small group of people in a short period of time, where would you shop, what recipes would be on the menu, and what wines would you pair with the food?

This is a great question. I would go to the Farmers Market in Templeton and buy whatever is fresh. I would grab charcuterie ingredients from Vivant Cheese. If I were doing seafood I would head to Pier 46 for fresh seafood. Etto Pastifico for fresh pasta . We do not have good grocery options in this area (other than Trader Joe’s). Etto is a small shop with filled with items you can’t find anywhere else. Proof and Gather for Artisnal breads, Just Baked for dessert.

Fashion and Style! From jackets, to jeans, boots, bags, necklaces, scarves, and and everything in between, your readers love your unique sense of style and look to you for classic, timeless outfits that will hold up to trends year in and year out in any wardrobe. You have always had an eye for mixing and matching higher-end essentials paired with more budget-friendly accents (and vice versa). It’s time for a quick rendition of  “What’s In Cindy’s Closet?”

Well way too much! I love mixing the high and low in my closet and home. Anyone that reads this blog knows that I am a huge accessory person. I am not big on patterns. I prefer natural fabrics over synthetics. I am not afraid of color but often revert to neutrals especially while traveling. I collect vintage and Native American jewelry, and I am a “scarfaholic”.

5 Signature Pieces You Will Never Part With

The lily skirt from CP Shades has become my signature piece. A great cashmere sweater, statement jackets, a great blazer,  and my vintage jean jackets.

5 Favorite Accessories You Can’t Live Without

A great hat, vintage scarves, a great belt, native american & vintage jewelry, and artisnal handbags.

5 Things You Should Get Rid of But You Haven’t

Synthetic anything, anything overly trendy, anything with a large pattern, trendy items I have purchased for my home.

5 Splurges You Don’t Feel Guilty About

Antiques, fresh flowers, a great meal and wine shared with friends, anything for the garden, 

5 Budget-Friendly Items That You Never Expected to Love

Small inexpensive drinks tables, inexpensive hats (there are some great ones), anything made from (sustainable water buffalo)bone (frames, jewelry etc.), vintage cowboy boots (I am on the hunt for a great pair), inexpensive wines from TJ’s and Grocery Outlet.

What current fashion trends are you loving and incorporating into your own wardrobe?

I try to stay abreast of trends, but I think the beauty of being our age is we don’t need to be slaves to trends. I am thrilled that skirts are back in a big way. They are much more flattering than dresses on my long-waisted frame.I love leopard (I never quit wearing it-it’s a neutral in my closet),  and sustainable fabrics.

Meet Influencer Cindy Hattersley who Reinvented Herself After 60

Describe your own personal style – how has it changed with age and how has remained the same?

I should ask you this question Leslie since we have known each other since you were 15. My style is very casual. I love my jeans (always have). I have never worn a lot of dresses, but I do love my Cp Shades Maxi skirts. I am not into sparkles, bows, or ruffles. I would say my style is classic, collected with an artistic edge.

Positive aging is a term that has become more popular in the past few years. How do you focus on staying positive with age and what would you encourage others to do if they are struggling during the aging process?

I think everyone has their own definition of positve aging. I try to embrace aging with confidence, grace, and authenticity. I believe we should celebrate life at every stage by focusing on staying active, and surrounding ourselves with beauty  through fashion, our homes, and meaningful relationships. It is important to embrace our age and the wisdom that comes with experience. Aging isn’t about fading into the background—it’s about evolving, staying curious, and continuing to live vibrantly and with purpose. 

You have been rocking your gray hair for some time and it always looks healthy and chic. What are some of your favorite gray hair products and what would you tell someone who is considering going gray?

If you want to go gray go for it! Don’t listen to anyone else. I had the support of my family and I never regretted it for a second. Find a great hair dresser that embraces your gray hair. I couldn’t recommend my hairdresser, Edward Tedeschi at Salon Roux more highly. You can find all of my current gray hair product recommendations here.

What wisdom do you have to impart on your readers when it comes to keeping your marriage strong as you get older. 

Prioritize communication, embrace change, listen, forgive and keep your friendship alive.

Give us a snapshot of a normal day for you balancing life as a blogger, a wife, mom, and labrador retriever owner. Tell us about your minimal requirements for sleep along with your sense of humor. 

I don’t need much sleep—about six hours does it for me, though I know that’s a bit unusual. I spend countless hours working on this blog. I love this community of like minded women. Finding a better work-life balance is something I’m still working on, but I’m getting there. We love taking Scout to the beach and wherever we go. Whether it’s wine tasting, lunch, or dinner, we always aim to eat outside so Scout can join us. 

Share the perfect girls day

Shopping unique boutiques, chatting about life,  savoring a delicious lunch, and enjoying a great glass of  wine together.

Meet Influencer Cindy Hattersley who Reinvented Herself After 60

Tell us five fun facts about you that you have never shared with your community.

I was a tomboy, I loved to waterski, I was raised by my single dad from the age of 13, I was a cheerleader, I am an uber-researcher, I met Steve when I was 15. Whoops that was six.

In 2025 you want to work smarter not harder, move more, read more, and enjoy life more. What steps are you taking to ensure you make these goals a reality this year?

I am doing pilates and really enjoy that. I hired  you ! I am trying to take specific days off. It is a work in progress.

If you could give your younger self any words of advice, what would they be

I could write a book on this! I would advise my younger self to embrace every stage of life with confidence and curiosity, to never be afraid of change, and to trust the journey. I would encourage my younger self to take more risks—both creatively and personally—and not to worry so much about the small stuff. I wish I used more sun protection!

Share your words to live by

Live your life with authenticity and grace. Embrace each season of life with with gusto. Focus on what truly matters—relationships, kindness, and creating a life that feels good to you. Surround yourself with beauty, inside and out. Life is too short to wait for the perfect moment. Make the most of every day. Age confidently, age vibrantly, age fashionably.

You might also enjoy this post about Cindy:

365 Days 365 Women-Meet Cindy

Meet Leslie

From Cindy: This post was written by my amazing assistant Leslie. I had the wisdom to hire Leslie in May of 2023. I think she may have been a little nervous working for me. I have known her since she was 15. Leslie has a background in marketing, organization and project management. She handles all of my collaborations, develops the questions for all of the Ageless Style interiviews, handles my Pinterest and Facebook accounts, writes the monthly wrap up newsetter, attempts to keep me on task and organized, and anything else I need help with. She is everything I am not  and is indispensable. Please officially welcome Leslie!!

Leslie and family

Thank you for reading Meet Influencer Cindy Hattersley who Reinvented Herself After 60. Please give Leslie a much belated welcome. I couldn’t achieve what I do here on the blog without her.

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78 Comments

  1. Great to meet Leslie – super job on the interview. You are always inspiring Cindy, and its nice to share yourself with your readers. Love your style, always authentic. – and sharing tips that encourage us to put our own touches on everything. I appreciate all the work it takes to provide such a great variety of content for us! I look forward to each post!

  2. Welcome, Leslie! And great job interviewing Cindy. I learned new things about her and picked a some great nuggets. Fun! xo

  3. I enjoyed reading more about you. I was a tomboy also. And I met my husband at 13yrs young. Been married for 51yrs. Thanks Leslie for the interview.

    1. Nancy! Another tomboy!! This will be our 50th this year!! How did that happen? Through thick and thin!!

  4. Hi Cindy,
    What a great post. Leslie asked all the right questions, and you gave all your readers a glimpse into your life. That was fun to learn and so many things mentioned are topics I feel the same about. I knew you were one of my favorite people. 😊💙🤍💙
    Karen B.

    1. Hi Karen

      It was all Leslie…she did ask all the right questions! I deserve no credit!! You are one of my favorite people too. I think you know that.

  6. Loved this blog. So much fun learning more about you.I want to know even more. When you get your act together would you please let us now how you did it. I think you look better than anyone in your CP Shades skirt. You’re always stylish no matter what you do. I can’t tell you how much I relate to you. Bravo. Keep it up. We all adore you.

    1. Hi Sandra!

      I will never get my act together Sandra you know that!! Thanks so much pal for your support!!

  7. Cindy – such a great article about YOU!
    Loved reading all these things, and getting to know you even better.
    Even though we don’t know each other that well, you have been so lovely and encouraging in helping me get started with my own blog. You are so inspiring to me.
    I am really hoping to get back to it in 2025. I consider myself very lucky to have crossed paths with you. ❤️

  9. Having been a longtime follower on your blog, it was nice getting to know you a little better! Your description of positive aging was spot on! Thank you for the reminder, and welcome Leslie!

  10. Omgosh!

    Cindy!

    I love this!

    I am so very pleased to meet your assistant, Leslie!

    I must admit I am relieved that you have acquired an assistant as you are one of the most dedicated, giving and inspiring women in my feed. For years, you have reliably shown up to educate, encourage, guide and entertain!
    The community of talented women you have built over the years is immeasurable.

    As a long time reader and admirer, I loved learning more about you!

    ***Thank you, Leslie for writing so eloquently about our amazing Cindy. By assisting her,
    you, too enrich our lives.

    Best love from The PNW!
    Lynne

    1. Hi Lynne

      Leslie was needed that is for sure!! I feel exactly the same about you pal!!

  11. This was a great idea! I think I smiled all the way through it. It is fun to see Leslie and her family too.

  12. Thank you all for the warm welcome! Cindy really does have the best readers and community around. I must note that this photo is several years old – we find it harder and harder as a family to get any photos outside of when we are together at sporting events these days. Wishing you all a wonderful weekend!

  13. This was a great idea. I smiled all the way through it. It was great to see Leslie and her family too!

  14. Hello Cindy, great to meet you. I’d heard a lot about you and I can see it’s all real.
    What chimes the most? A happy marriage. Beautiful.

  15. Hi Cindy !

    It’s so great getting to know more about you!! because of you I found out about the CP shades Lily skirt, which I have bought several of and really enjoy! I’m also so interested to read your blog. See the things that you suggest and figure out which are best for my life! It was also fun to learn about Leslie!! how smart of you to bring her on!!

    1. Hi Martha!

      Wasn’t that smart of me? I am so glad you love the lily skirt. I am a bit obsessed!!

  16. Hello Leslie, and thank you for this! Great read!!
    Cindy, it would be interesting to hear more about your childhood with your dad and about how you and Steve met. Were you high school sweethearts?

    1. Hi Sarah

      My mother was a bit troubled. She wasn’t a horrible mother or anything like that. She had a terrible childhood growing up with alcoholic parents and a stepbrother that abused her, I found out many years later. I wish I had known, I probably would have been much more sympathetic with her. At a young age I realized she just wasn’t capable of being a good mother. She had an affair with an older man, and later married him for the security she never had. Anyway, moving in with dad had it’s own set of challenges. He had been single for several years. It was a learning experience for us both, and difficult at times. I have great respect for my dad. To be honest many were not divorced and barely any raising their teenagers.We learned how to be a family together. FYI my sister was 5 years older and off at college by this time. Steve and I were not high school sweethearts. We had a few dates in high school. He was two grades ahead of me. He went on to Purdue University, and I followed two years later. Didn’t mean to share my life history with you Sarah!!

  17. Like Brenda, I didn’t know the fact about you that you were raised by your father during your crucial teenage years. This was a fun turning of the tables to learn more about Cindy even though I know her for real. Thank you, Leslie, for bringing the idea to fruition and for freeing up the hard-working blogger a bit.

    1. Hi Wren

      I can’t believe we never talked about this!! For those of you new to this blog and those of you that have been here awhile. Wren and I met (right after Covid, or before?) via this blog. Wren decided to let her hair go naturally silver and we formed a friendship around that. When I knew we were planning to move down here we met up and have been fast friends ever since.

  18. Cindy—what great facts and insights into what makes you tick. Love the artistic bent you show in your home, your fashion and your garden. It was a pleasure to “meet” Leslie. Looking forward to all that’s ahead!

  19. Welcome Leslie! I love this blog. This was so much fun reading this interview with Cindy. Cindy, I am so happy you took the leap to start blogging.

  20. Welcome, Leslie I have thoroughly enjoyed this post.I enjoyed learning more about Cindy, one of my favorite bloggers.
    Thank you
    Nancy

  21. Hi Cindy, and Leslie,
    I so enjoyed this post. It’s wonderful to learn more about “Wonder Woman.”
    Cindy, your outlook on life is so “right on.”
    You grew up fast probably looking after your home, and always moving forward and being in charge. I was in a similar situation growing up as a very young little girl. Wow, you and Steve were little kids when you met. I love this, being best friends is everything. You make a unique couple. I can see a newspaper picking up your story for Valentine’s Day.
    Great family picture.
    Leslie, you have an adorable family. Also this was a great idea doing this interview.
    Thank you.
    Have a WONDERFUL weekend.

    1. Hi Katherine

      Your comments are always so insightful. You are right I did grow up fast. I had to learn to cook at a very young age, “in self defense” as my dad would say. Steve and I did not really date at that young age. We had a date or two!

  22. Wonderful article! I enjoyed it so much. Cindy you’re even more special than I even thought. Thank you. Welcome Leslie great job keep up the excellent work!

  23. WELCOME LESLIE! Over the years I have read many blogs. I’ve whittled my reading down to two, the best ones – cindyhattersleydesign and 1010 Park Place. You and Brenda never disappoint.

    1. Hi Virginia

      Thank you so much. Brenda and I did “this ageless style gig” together for awhile after The Contessa retired.

  24. I thoroughly enjoyed your interview Leslie of Cindy. And Cindy what a brilliant way to introduce Leslie.
    Thank you both for sharing.

    1. Hi Diane

      Leslie has been working behind the scenes for several months…I had to do a little coaxing to get her to be front and center.

  26. I was so excited about reading this with my Friday morning coffee . Our prolonged sunshine has gone after a crisp but bright January here , so it’s good to sit for a while longer and enjoy your post. One line that struck me was… “aging isn’t about fading into the background- it’s about evolving, staying curious, and continuing to live vibrantly and with purpose.” Presently, I am writing a long letter to my daughter, who back in 2010 decided I was no longer required , which has been heartbreaking …so after 15 years , it’s a difficult thing to do . I only have an address , so it’s my only way of reaching her. I will explain that I have moved on after leaving my husband ( not her father) after a 30 year relationship, and some of the things that have happened in these intervening years. So much! I will definitely end with this excellent sentence, Cindy, because besides being something you live by, I have found that I do as well. I wonder if she might see her Mum in a new light…now turning 75 and more resilient.
    You always continue to inspire me, and today is just another example, Cindy. Great job, Leslie!
    “Strength is not a stranger…I take it day by day…I take it day by day “. from a song I play.

    1. Hi Cath

      I so hope you can reconnect with your daughter. This must be heartbreaking. I have such respect for you, I know she is missing out by not having you in her life. There have been many times that my daughter has wanted to “kill me”, but we have a strong love and (I hope) mutual respect for one another. I am so thankful that she has allowed us to be such a big part of Summer’s life. I wish I could speak to your daughter….

  27. Cindy, this was such a fun interview to write. Thank you for introducing me to the world of blogging, this truly inspirational community, and for trusting me to keep you organized. Every day is something new and it’s certainly never dull.

    1. I thank my lucky stars every day that you came to work for me! I must share a funny takeaway about Leslie working for me. I have had many blogging friends that have asked if she would work for them. I asked her, her reply…I think one of you is enough!!

  28. WELCOME LESLIE!
    I did hear about YOU from the GET GO!
    Great questions and write up.SO, happy selling the house you built with STEVE and moving has worked out so well.PILATES, is a wonderful form of exercise have done for years on the reformer…………….
    Your LIFE is FULL thats for SURE!
    Well done YOU TWO!

  29. Gosh you sure have worn many hats Cindy. Your creative talents always shine through. That perfect girls day sounds well, perfect. Love that you have a houseful on Thanksgiving. Family is everything. Love following along.

  30. Great article, Cindy and Leslie!
    I love your style, Cindy and I appreciate your authenticity about life. I’ve learned so much reading your blogs – thank you for inspiring me.

  31. Thank you Cindy and Leslie. Cindy, I have ben following you for a looong time, but I loved learning more about you. And I can see that Leslie is the “secret sauce” in helping you distill and present so much information.

  32. wonderful, fun interview! I find women our age have such amazing stories and wisdom andCindy, you are proof.
    Leslie, you sound like a perfect wing woman and this article and the questions were so enlightening.
    Thank you for your inspiration and joie de vivre
    Cheers!

  33. Love this article!! Been following you for a number of years. Having just moved to Paso, now 10 months ago, I love your local suggestions for food, shopping, etc. Most of your favorites are mine too but you have suggested some that are new to me. Thank you! You suggested Edward to me when I desperately needed a good cut just after we arrived here and I love him!! Great guy, great cut always! Love Salon Roux and rarely leave without picking something up in their wonderful well curated boutique. So now I need a recommendation for PILATES STUDIO. Where do you go? I have been doing Pilates for years and miss the discipline. Suggestion greatly appreciated! Lastly agree on the dearth of good groceries here. Fingers crossed that Paso will see the light/need soon and encourage a more upscale grocery to open it’s doors. Whew, longwinded here but thank you for this great article!

  34. Hi Leslie welcome!! Terrific job interviewing Cindy thank you. So wonderful Cindy to hear more about you; especially your energy and wisdom in moving on to a new location and exploring a new place, so relatable. I adore your style! Happy weekend xo

  35. Very well done article which I enjoyed. I wanted to see the before and after pictures for the Carmel Valley project, but could not get any links to open by clicking on the bold type or the photos. Thanks.

  36. Welcome Leslie!! Great article! You are learning from the best! Enjoy, I’m sure there is never a boring day.

  37. oh how i love this post and getting to know you better Cindy and of course meeting Leslie! xoxo, Nancy

  39. Hi Leslie: Thanks for all you do. Maybe you could teach us some of your skills and write a few articles on tech. It changes too fast for me to keep up.

  40. I loved this Cindy! We should all do a post like this. I learned some new things about you like being raised by a single father. I’m with you about synthetics and prints and whenever I see “Lily Silk,” I think of you. xoxox, Brenda

    1. Hi Brenda

      I interviewed you waaay back when for Ageless Style!! Yes I moved in with my father at a young age.

  41. This is my favorite post, and I’ve loved them all. Thank you Cindy & Leslie. Truly inspirational.

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