Celeste @[^_^]@ Ramos

Sketchbook Project

2011-03-01T19:39:00.000-08:00

Hi There .... ooh oh I have been neglecting this part of the world! I have been busy as! Lots and heaps of things have been keeping me off blogging about them. Traveling, celebrating, and dealing with new beginnings! Most are very exciting, but with a hint of frustrating moments all of which has given me little time to scratch my bum.
But this I can share: As part of the Art House Co-op sketchbook project, I submitted a piece I put together that was inspired by my trip through LA and Vegas in December and January. My theme is "I'm Sorry I forgot You". The exhibition will be touring through many cities in the U.S like

Brooklyn, NY Austin, TX San Francisco, CA Portland, ME Atlanta, GA Chicago, IL Washington, DC Winter Park, FL If you're in the neck of these woods please check them out! More information on the website - www.arthousecoop.com/projects/sketchbookproject.

It's still bloody cold miserable winter here, and I am OVER IT!! But one thing that's given me hope are the tiny little buds that's trying to grow on the ends of tree branches - oh so tiny but they're there!

I'm going to do another small trip to NYC in a couple of weeks, I was there in January for my birthday, but I need to go again. I love that city, I feel so "belonged" - did I just make that word up. hahaha, I'm off to bed I am getting delirious! xxx

Tag - you're it!

2010-12-21T09:26:00.000-08:00

Because it's the time for giving - here's my gift to you beautiful people watercolour / lace inspired gift tags, you can download and print them yourself (do them at work before you go on holidays *wink wink*).
Best to:
a) print them on hard stock or
b) on normal then glue on hard stock
... then write on the back, if you have a hole puncher then punch on the top or just stick em down with tape.

Spread the word around and you might get one with your name on it.

I used similar style to my Calendar I have on Etsy!
I myself am trying to avoid all malls! I'm kind of allergic to them this time of the year, I'd rather make things for people in a relaxed environment, listening to music or watching classics on the telly, while the world outside buzzes about.
Have fun with these, if you end up using them let me know! Peace out xx

Heart Warmer

2010-12-17T10:55:00.000-08:00

A couple of weeks ago I was all flustered in preparing and anticipating the Parkdale fair, when mr postman dropped me a surprise - An awesome parcel from a sweet dear friend Tamzine. I was yelping in glee like a chihuahua - well almost but my cat definitely looked at me funny.
How I love snail-mail!! And Even more just the thought of Tamzine taking the time to knit this beautiful scarf! It feels so good and will keep me even warmer knowing it's handcrafted by her. The photos were totally adorable! Jeez I can't remember the last time someone sent me a tangible photo, I love it all!

This is by Tamzine's gorgeous kids Amelia and Ethan, Amelia did a baby cino and Ethan I guess a "whatchamacallit" ... how cuuuuute!!! Watch out - artists in the making!!

Being away from home really put some things in different perspective, it's not a good or a bad thing it's just something you would not have felt otherwise. It's been almost 2 yrs since leaving Brisbane, and alot has happened, even this year alone! The traveling, the job/career changes, meeting new people and surviving without being dependent on anyone else, and the feelings that come up that you have to deal with and decipher - it all makes me grow up faster and quicker really. I thought it's all going to be same same but different as when I moved to the UK in my early 20's, but it is definitely not the same at all. I have different needs and standards that has to be met since then, and that's a huge player!

So while I'm living the usual life-jenga, I feel it's so much more fun of a game if I have wonderful understanding people around! I know "der" I didn't just wake up to this, but it becomes more evident and more specific when they are out of physical reach. Sometimes I wonder if I've been forgotten and fear that certain close connections will be lost, but then something like a small email, a package or anything out of the blue just snaps me out of that miserable thought! Then I give myself a reality check and credit that I would never choose friends that aren't like family to me.

All I gotta do is remember to live in the now, appreciate my loved ones and stay true to myself! ba-da-bing ba-da-boom!

Thank you Tamzine I love you so much!! xx

Ok that's my sentimental rant!
I added a shop to my website check it out here.
Hope you had an awesome week! Increase the peace xx

Mommy Lola

2010-12-16T06:47:00.000-08:00

This is a small drawing I did of me and my Lola (Granma) I just sent off to her.

Used watercolour and graphite. I've only met her a handful of times but we've always kept in touch with snail mails since I was very little. She makes the best jams and I adore her.

Happy to report my Holiday Greeting cards have been sold out and will be reprinting more - grab them from my Etsy!
Hope you're having a fab week! It's been snowing here most of the week, and I feel like I am living in a snow globe, now it has stopped and the street snow looks like coffee frappes! Yuk!
Ciao Lovelies! Increase the Peace xx

Originals up for grabs

2010-12-12T08:03:00.000-08:00

Just want to let you know I've added some more things to sell on my etsy page.
My calendars and a couple of 2 originals are up for grabs! I'll be adding more so get used to this :) Hollaaaar! xx

I have a thing for tiny worlds...

2010-12-07T18:40:00.000-08:00

I love gardening and now that I am bound to indoor culture most of the year thought this would be a great idea to use my green thumb - experimenting on these Light Bulb Terrariums, well I'll add it to my to do list. Wanted to share because they make it look so easy anyone can have a go.

Enjoy! xx

first fair is fair!

2010-12-06T17:21:00.000-08:00

Hi! Lots have been going on lately! I did my first ever market fair last Saturday at the Parkdale Bazaar Vintage and Craft Market, and it was absolutely fun and a hit! Let me paint a tiny picture, the fair is a community based project in the Parkdale area which is just on the edge of downtown, so I wasn't sure what to expect, but it was all such a positive experience. Simply put I made and created stuff, set the stall, sold them and made profit - hurrah!!
The best thing however was meeting people that truly appreciated my work, I had so many kind lovely comments that will energize me to power on and create more! I got asked a lot of questions about my painting techniques and digital design techniques which am always happy to share, as well as swapping cat and squirrel stories. I even got to meet a couple of nice art directors that complimented me on my work, am super chuffed about that. My boyfriend decided to come with me after seeing I had so much stuff to carry and stayed all day and chatted to lots of people, he was such a champ that day! Don't think it would have been as fun and successful without his help, he took this photo...

This was before it got busy, 5min would have been the longest of time without talking to a visitor/customer - time flew! My neighbour Elizabeth got me wearing her beautiful handmade fascinator for the day, I took my scarf off after realizing it's a bit much with the headwear. I had another illustrator sitting behind me Ken Turner, he was pretty busy too with his printed tees, cards and comic books. It was a better experience to have lovely neighbours. It's nice of Jack Dylan to lend me his table cloth as I would have forgotten - he is a pro at these fairs!
I sold my Greeting cards in 2 different sizes and the small 4 pack, calendars, prints and I made canvas book covers with illustrated iron-ons > every group had buyers even my yummy date slices! yippee! I also brought with me an original - "Mademoiselle Chameleon" something to prop up and attract people over, the painting helped sell the 11x17 prints.

I must say the Greeting cards were a hit! I had to bundle more of the packs as they did run out. This stuff is seasonal, so I am in the middle of brainstorming some ideas for the next fair I do. Yes there will be a next time!! I could have applied for more fairs, but I just wanted to test the waters, it takes 3-4 weeks at least to apply for markets but I'm going to keep my eyes peeled for future ones.

In the meantime I've opened up an etsy shop to sell the cards and calendars, So come have a squizz! Hope the holiday buzz have hit you, it is such a fun season and colourful too!
loves and doves xx

Dating Bacon Jam - a cook off

2010-11-24T18:17:00.000-08:00

Bacon Jam recipe @Not Quite Nigella

I just found ^this^ quirky Bacon Jam recipe, I had to post up, just in case you're a bacon addict as I am. Yes I agree bacon is the root of all evil. I call myself a non-practicing vegetarian because of bacon, 90% of my daily food intakes is vegetarian if not 100%, for health reason and for the cute animals out there. However I am human and have many weakness, bacon is one (I have many many many more), so going back to the recipe, I am going to try this out this weekend, I am just too curious! I can also imagine it as a perfect condiment for a non vegetarian salad sandwich (-huh?!). I will let you know how it goes!

In the meant time I totally am obsessed with these Date Crumble Slice recipe. So easy to make I found it on www.taste.com.au , but I changed the ingredients up for my liking.

(Photography by Louise Lister)

Ingredients :

2 cups chopped pitted dates
1 cup water
185g butter, chopped
1 cup brown sugar
1 1/3 cups wholemeal flour
1/2 teaspoon bicarbonate of soda
1 1/2 cups granola or muesli

Method :

Preheat oven to 180°C. Grease and line a 3cm deep, 20cm x 30cm (base) lamington pan.
Combine dates and water in a saucepan over medium heat. Cook, stirring, for 10 to 15 minutes, or until dates have absorbed liquid. Set aside to cool to room temperature.
Cream butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Sift flour and bicarbonate of soda over butter mixture. Stir until well combined. Add granola or muesli. Mix well. Press half the mixture into base of prepared pan. Spread date mixture over the top.
Crumble remaining granola/muesli mixture over date mixture so dates are completely covered, pressing on with your fingertips. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until golden. Cut into slices. Serve warm or cold.

...and ta-da! I just wrapped them up individually with baking paper for keeps sake. I will be making plenty more in the future so if you're within a tea or coffee meeting distance, don't be surprise Mr Date slice might just show up!

Loves and doves xx

redbubbling again

2010-11-24T07:25:00.000-08:00

I've added 2 more artwork on my Redbubble.

Owl Mail

I thought I might upload this Owl Mail illustration I did for my greeting cards series onto
tshirts and printable canvas, and it looks cute!

Revolverette

I did this illustration a while back, you can purchase this with a bunch of other colours too.

Hope you are having a fab week! Increase the peace xx

Greet and Treat

2010-11-19T06:31:00.000-08:00

Choose Sizes

Originally created with Graphite and Pastels

Pack of 4 Fauna Greeting Cards (size : 108mm x 139mm) $10.00

Payment Option :
If you would like to order off the beaten track and not through Paypal
Just shoot me an email geope.cr@gmail.com
A) If you're in Toronto you can buy in person, I'm situated on College and Bathurst
B) If you're in Australia you can transfer money

Have a special day! xx

gallery hopping... boing boing

2010-11-08T07:09:00.000-08:00

Good Morning Good morning! It's a lovely Falls day. So ok, yes i have been missing in blogland action, real life seems to get in the way of web things! So I'll let you know what's been in the haps of late.

Gallery visits - Team Macho opening at Narwhal Art Project, also the lovely Ashley Barron and Leeay Aikawa group show - woohoo!

This photo was from the Team Macho show at the Narwhal Art Project, one of the owners called us "The G ary Taxali Team", you have Ashley on the left current PA, me the casual helper and Melinda Josie on the right the previous PA for Gary(Melinda recently winner of TD Canadian Children's Literature Awards). I'm just smitten (and humbled) that I am surrounded by wonderful artist to look up to here in Toronto. I also love any openings at the Narwhal Art Projects, Steve and the folks from Magic Pony runs the place, such a lovely colourful bunch! Always interesting shows that keeps your mind jumping for joy.

These are Ashley's and Leeay's group exhibition. I feel really blessed meeting new artists that are willing to guide me into the arts and illustration industry. Ashley's been such an amazing friend introducing me to her world. I love their artwork too! Ashley does these gorgeous paper cut out pieces (i adore her patience to cut those little colourful bits to make artwork). Leeay has just recently been featured in the new IDN magazine which I have been an avid collector and always dreamed of being featured in one day - total congrats to her!!

Upcoming Exhibition --- on the 18th of November Jack Dylan will be having his opening at Type Bookstore.

I have been Jack's helper for a month now, and learned tonnes! Now it's just a matter of implementing these business ideas. He's taught me a different way to look at my work just by being around him. I've learned marketing procedures with mail outs and postcards and where to find these contacts, business proposals in how to create more revenue, and also techniques and different ways to look at illustrations. It's been great to have someone to bounce concepts with as well, I get quite lonely with my artwork at times I am not happy with it and don't know why and where to go next, I'm always open to other people's perspective especially those that knows where I am trying to get to.

I'm in the middle of creating some Holiday Greeting cards - they're very north American winter inspired, for the first time it doesn't feel "fake" to draw snow for cards --- because it will be snowing REALLY!!

I've been super busy with some graphic design freelance work too, designing prints for Mens and Ladies organic tees for next year. I really need the munzas ($) for our upcoming holiday to LA and Vegas for Xmas and New Years, and also my 30th in New York in Jan.

I've been on a quest for another full time work, I have big plans for the next couple of years here in Toronto, so I am on a look out for some positive transition that would support my art and design direction.

Stay tuned as I will upload some creations I've been working on lately. Increase the peace! loves and doves xx

Redbubble toil and trouble

2010-09-28T20:34:00.000-07:00

I finally did something with my Redbubble account! It has taken me far too long to pull my finger out but finally I have. ok ok at this very moment there's only 1 artwork ready for purchase but this is the first of many to come! oooh yea watch out!
Check me out here : http://www.redbubble.com/people/geope , as you can see very preliminary!

So here's Bird of Paradise - Nessie Girl

Do you have a Redbubble account? Tell me what it is and I'll look you up. I'll follow you and you can follow me too! Oh the fun ... ... But seriously if you are a Redbubble veteran let me know if you have any tips or advice for a skippy like me!

Increase the peace! over and out xx

Star Portraits : (Ep. 201) "David Suzuki" : Clip 1 of 3

2010-09-23T15:16:00.000-07:00

Star Portraits : (Ep. 201) "David Suzuki" : Clip 1 of 3

If you have some spare time do watch these clips of the show "Star Portraits".
It's a coincidence because I am reading the autobiography of David Suzuki and since i'm an ultra slow reader (especially when i'm not traveling), i'm still reading the parts where he's self conscious about the way he looks and having a Japanese background.
I'm happy he chose what he chose in the end - because that is how i see him with his achievements.
But of course the other artist work are crazy amazing too!
There really needs to be more David Suzuki in this world, however he is who he is. His book is so very interesting!
Increase the peace xx

so bold and beautiful

2010-09-14T12:33:00.000-07:00

My talented high school friend Cristina Pires has been busy establishing her gorgeous fashion creation. Living and working hard for her label in EU., she has gone a long way me thinks! Her designs are refreshing, bright and bold. To think she makes these beautiful pieces on her own, I salute her! Check her etsy page might treat yourself to a new wear for the new season. Can't wait to get my paws on that bomber jacket - so MIA! ex-ex-ex-oh!

stick it to the man

2010-09-11T12:38:00.000-07:00

Check out these cutie patooties! Another homage to the talented Kat Teamkitten Cameron, doing what she loves to do and doing it quite well. I love her babushka doll and owl sticker and girl with mushroom hat ... well let's put it this way it's very hard to choose a favourite. Great idea for your own home or a gift to a newbie in this world - The Wall Sticker Company.
Hope you're having a great weekend ... ciao for now xx

homage : Yulia Brodskaya

2010-09-09T13:59:00.000-07:00

This girl's work is incredible! I remember experimenting with quilling when I was in wee school, but Yulia Brodskaya just took it to a complete other level. Some crafts must live on. Feast your eyes and check her out:

Leopard Queen and 2 hrs in a coffee shop

2010-09-07T12:32:00.000-07:00

Howdy!
If you were up here in the Canada or U.S area you would have just had a long weekend. Hoorah! I love long weekends. It's a 1 guilt free day to do nuddah if you so wish to. Since I got drunk spending Sunday at my co-workers beautiful wedding, Monday I needed to do nothing by the tv, also did a hot chai latte from cafe and walk down the park with bf and cook vegan lasagne, but it was back to veg out in front of the tv again then passing out early.
Ok so here's some drawings and artworks of lateliness.

Leopard Queen

(Graphite, Balsa-wood, pen ink, pastels)

This is of my lovely girlfriend, sista from anotha mista, lover in another lifetime Venus. I know no one else who loves herself more then Miss Venus, spiritually, physically and emotionally. She loves the spots she was born with, and because of that she attracts many good people and good luck in her life like magnet to steel.

Graphite and Coloured Pencil

Little gift for the wedded couple on Sunday - Daisy and Wallace. It was a fun evening indeed with lots of cocktails and dancing... and food. oh and embarrassment! I had to sing / hum the tune to a chinese song that i could only hear - the teams had to guess what the song was - in front of 250 strangers! I almost died with embarrassment!

Pen work - before bedtime

Graphite work - 2hrs at a coffee shop

Ok I really want to illustrate for $$$ now. All I do is draw and draw ... I want to draw for something, someone, some sort - some some. It's like when I started graphic design, needed that lucky break. Now need it for my illustration side. Planning to get my illustration out there! Anyone for advice?? anyone? please? ANSWER meeeeeeee............

ok *sigh*.... still gonna keep trying :P
ciao peace out! xx

Nerdy nerdy nerd

2010-09-03T09:42:00.000-07:00

I heart this poem i had to share!

This past year I have been alone a lot more then back home, considering I don't have my loving circle of Aussie friends and where there's always some one up for hanging out even just to do nothing. Do nothing together. But I've embraced my 100% alone time, my nigelness my nerdiness , it's actually somewhat selfish, and it feels good to be selfish sometimes. In my selfish times I get to do stuff that's productive, and create shit, and also rest, and think deep thoughts and write about deep thoughts people don't like to address. It's ME time, dig it while you can still have it.

Although hanging out with nice cool peops are also quiet awesome. Good to have a bit from column A and a bit from column B. Dibble dabble.

Happy friday! ciao xxxx

Published by Worn

2010-08-20T08:16:00.000-07:00

I got another freebie in the mail! - A Worn magazine, with a page full of illustrations i did in the beginning of the year. To be honest I'm slightly tinsely embarrassed by my drawings, i feel my drawing style has gotten better the past couple months let alone 5 months ago. However keeping in mind they had a very specific brief, they wanted to keep it slightly technical because it's an informative copy. Also my main aim as a growing illustrator is to be better then yesterday's work - always!!
So thank you Worn Magazine for choosing me and printing my illustrations! Do visit their site, they are all volunteer based, and very passionate about fashion.

Graphite and charcoal

Peace out! Ciao! xxx

Think twice be nice

2010-08-20T08:03:00.000-07:00

I try my darnest to be nice. When i am not feeling as good as i should, i make something for someone. When i am on top of the world i try to share my happiness. Sharing is caring! It's just what i love to do.
Lately i've created some things for a good few people.

Graphite and pastels

Nessa & Gemma / Mumma & Dotta

This is for Nessie's mum Gemma, she's really sick, in the past few months she's been doing alot of doctors visit, it's serious. I wanted to do something special for her.

Purple Elephant

Prints on hexagon balsa wood, packaged in graphite drawn tracing paper.

I sent this away as an application for an internship. Yes just an INTERNSHIP, but I wanted to make an impression, i usually try to do something that makes my work stand out abit and be remembered in a fun way, plus i just like making shit and it's the best excuse. What's the outcome? I got a call that day and i start on Monday.

Quick book cover

Graphite and other mix media stuff

This is for my girlfriend Raquel, she's moving away soon (*cry*). She's been such an awesome friend here in Toronto, she's my up-for-mostly-anything buddy! So we're going to the Toronto Zoo today and hoping to draw and photograph some animals.

Pencils and pastels

Venus' tattoo plan

One of my best mate who lives in south korea has asked me to help her out designing a huge back to arm tattoo. "Wow" that's first thing i thought! Secondly i felt very honoured to be the one helping her out with something she will have forever. Since i'm not a tattooist and it's a completely different set of rules of what can be drawn or not, and also the fact she is living on the other side of the world, i wanted to give her just the basic starting point. With this outline Venie still has creative control and the tattooist can say at that point yay or nay on certain ideas. I also suggested she use a similar style to Audrey Kawasaki's girls, because I think she is as sensual and delicious as those girls. Looking forward to the final outcome!

The other side of giving is receiving. So i'm pretty thankful for some stuff that the universe gave me.

Lillies from Matty (heart heart heart)

Book - Caffeine for the creative mind - from Matty (yippee)

Free live music from Urban Preachers, Kevin, and Mechanical Flowers (with free CD)

Book - Magic books and Paper Toys - from Me!
Free music to download from Urban Outfitters

I know this is very hippy of me, but it makes me feel good! I'm not embarrassed to give and be thankful, it makes people feel good. I don't care if i may be sending the wrong message when i do this i don't want to get jaded like that. Jaded *shudder* that's my worst nightmare. I don't ever want to feel that I am too good and high up to give and appreciate.

Do you ever feel like that? Tell me if there's something you've done for someone or someone has done something special for you.

Well better get to this zoo! Ciao! Peace xx

Mademoiselle Chameleon

2010-08-06T10:13:00.000-07:00

I just finished another portrait of a dear sister Billie.
Named after Billie Holiday. Nickname Bilbo. Absolutely multi-faceted in talent and in ways she can transform herself into anyone she so desires - especially at dress-up parties, like a chameleon (guess what type of skeleton this is).

She's a magician when it comes to her artistry of make-up, beautifying anyone she works on.
I think she is amazing at it because she finds the beauty inside people and brings them out, and that's what she holds onto. And i just adore that, she ignores all negative projection and has this amazing power to love. Making her so much more stunning.

Using mixed media on birch wood canvas. (Pencils, graphite, ink, acrylic)

I based this artwork on a photo someone took of her whilst she was in her element.

I'm just taking photos of these canvases, my scanner is too small, so the colours aren't true to the original, and i don't think it's 100% focused either. If anyone has any tips to get these canvases to digital better - let me know! pretty please with cherry on top.

I've got so many more ideas to work on! It's been absolute fun experimenting and having such a nostalgic subject to focus on. i just want to keep going and going and going and........

Happy friday weekend summer time awesomeness! Yay!! xx

garance doré » Archive du blog » My First Times…My first real job

2010-08-03T08:03:00.000-07:00

garance doré » Archive du blog » My First Times…My first real job

Beautiful inspiring story by Garance (a demi god to me!)

Cat eat cat world

2010-07-23T09:04:00.000-07:00

This is a Taz painting i just finished up, another fave girlfriend Tamaryn Goodyear. She's super awesome because she's just a go get-em-tiger girl! I used to be a shy so 'n so, until i realized i am missing out on so much fun in life! Then i started thinking "what would Tamaryn do?". When I waited on tables and had to talk to strangers, when I went to parties and didn't know anyone, when i went to gigs on my lonesome when I wanted to meet people ... i needed more push so I asked ... "What would Taz do" and it gave me super powers! I see the gorgeous Taz face the beast of fear within and say "You Eeeediot!! Move aside I'm going to have fun!!" whilst squeezing it's nose!

Mixed media on birch canvas. (Using graphite, pencils and inks)

I'm having a great time working on these canvases and bringing this project into action. I've been thinking about doing it for a while, I thought why use pictures of models to base my illustration on when i have real beauties in my life. It helps me reconnect and reminisce down memory lane of good times, I don't want to forget how beautiful and inspirational they are to me.

I'm also learning alot with every painting i do, what medium works with what, and learning not to over complicate the design... it's a toughy! And i feel my style is gelling, just a little more every time. It's like Gary Taxali said something along the line of - Artistic style is like a language, a way of speaking it, everyone has different way of talking, the more you practice this language the more you become fluent at it.

So the more I do and the more i am open to improving the more i get it. get it?

Well it's Super Friday, the weekend is almost nigh, good times is waiting around the corner. Matty's mumma Cathy and husband Mick are visiting from Oz, later this afternoon. Soooo looking forward to showing them around Toronto! Toronto in the summer time - living is easy!

Enjoy yourselves! xx Peace and Peas!

Bird of Paradise

2010-07-21T06:18:00.000-07:00

Been loving being consumed by the energy of the Summer vibe. We've been doing all sort of stuff, seen some bands, first baseball game, afrofest, gardening and i've been happily working on those empty canvases, bit by bit one by one.

Here is a portrait of one of my favourite girlfriend - Vanessa Mulkearns. An exotic genuine beautiful bird of paradise she is! The bird i used is native to Papua New Guinea "Bird of Paradise", which is Nessie's background, and if you know her she is a work of genius when it comes to hair design (http://vanessamulkearns.carbonmade.com/). I hope i portrayed her as beautiful as she is in real life.

Using mixed media on birch wood canvas. (Pencils, graphite, ink, acrylic)

This is just the beginning, i am working through concepts and ideas using images of my beautiful friends who reminds me something special and interesting about life or whatever.
Nessie's a cool genuine gal who reminds me never to forget who i am and to always be true to yourself no matter how crazy in the coconut you may seem to others, because there's always somebody who understands you.

Peace out! xxxx

In betweensies...

2010-07-20T20:08:00.000-07:00

Apart from the outdoor adventures i've squeezed in some sketches...

Biro sketch before bedtime;

A Rhino for Matty's birthday;

A Venus I am working on... still work in progress. To be honest I would like to start all over again. Oh these internal creative turmoil.

Smell ya later gator ... xxx