I remember when I was a little girl, the excitement I would feel when I saw a field full of daisies. Oh, how happy I was when I would pick one, pluck the petals – chanting, “He loves me, he loves me not, he loves me, he loves me not…” and how I would squeal and jump, “HE LOVES ME!!!!”

I also remember the times bending down to pick another daisy, and the last pluck would be, “he loves me not”, as I mumbled it under my breath, tears welling up in my eyes. I would try again and again, until it was what I wanted it to be. But, guess what? Life isn’t that way…we can’t always have what we want.

Back then, I had no pressures as a child except to make friends, learn in school, and enjoy time spent with my family and the close friends I did have. .

And today now, with children of my own (and a new family), the pressures of keeping a roof over our heads, putting food on the table, buying new clothing, paying the bills, the changes in society…the pressure nowadays as an adult – a wife, a mom, a stepmom. Pressures, I never understood as a child. But, also what I would never ever change, within my control, for a second, because as I grew older, I learned a lot. I am still learning. .

You see, I have done the daisies with my children, giggling like a little child. And I am doing my best as a mom, teaching them the good in life. BUT, I am also teaching them the “wrongs” in life and how to protect themselves, and be aware. To not allow people to hurt them emotionally or treat them badly, as well as teaching them that they should treat others the way they wish to be treated.

You see, sometimes our “dreams” seem like they are too far out of reach because we did not take the chance, or we were simply not given the chance. Sometimes our thoughts and feelings are shattered because of the way other people treated us, or treat us. Because of the way other people look down on us. Because of the way other people judge, not even giving us a chance.

BUT seriously, you cannot allow these people to take control, and make you feel this way. You cannot allow these people to just walk all over you.

How nice it would be if the world could be a place where we all felt equal and got along. How nice it would be, if everyone was treated equally. How nice it would be, if we could all have what we “wanted”, but more importantly, what we “needed”…

The fact is, we all face different challenges, whether it has to do with a relationship, mental health, a disability, a sickness, a death, or even poverty…we all at some point in our lives, are faced with obstacles that shift our focus.

I say – don’t give up!! I say find a way to stay focused.

To stay focused on your TODAY. Find your WHY, your REASON.

Your reason will help you to keep pushing forward, to avoid the negative thoughts and the negative people. It will help you to avoid the negative news that the media points out, and the negative feelings that make you feel worthless.

How nice it would be if the world was not so judgmental, and we didn’t take things for granted. Seriously, when was the last time you gave someone a chance? When was the last time you looked around and thought, “Wow, I better smarten up and enjoy today, and help make a difference – I am going to help that person because they are struggling, or, I am going to let my loved one know just how much I appreciate them. I am going to hug my child every day and just let them know how much I truly love them, and appreciate them, for all that they do.” All these little things are blessings in life…

When was the last time you just let yourself be like a little child, running around freely, pure and innocent, just like a daisy? When was the last time you felt the pressured weight lift off your shoulders…?!

There are many people who struggle and the last thing they need, or want, is someone telling them they’re not good enough, or they don’t stand a chance. Please – be kind, be compassionate, show love, show empathy.

Enjoy the time you do have, today, and be grateful.

It is only impossible if you make it impossible. ❤️

Below, I share a personal story ... subscriber-only content. I encourage newcomers to join Coil - it is truly an amazing platform with many beautiful, heartwarming, and factual articles!

“Let's untangle our mind, and set it free...”

“Hmm..How many of you actually talk to yourself?!”

PLEASE tell me I am NOT the only one! 😉🤣

Actually, I know I am not, and in fact, I have come to the realization that self-talk IS healthy, and that it is OKAY!

“Experts estimate that the mind thinks between 60,000 – 80,000 thoughts a day. That's an average of 2500 – 3,300 thoughts per hour. That's incredible. Other experts estimate a smaller number, of 50,000 thoughts per day, which means about 2100 thoughts per hour.” – Remez Sasson

YIKES!!!

I believe we all tend to have many negative thoughts. Have you ever thought – “Why me? Why, when things in my life start turning around, I get hit again? And again. And again. What is it that I have to live for? Who can I turn to? Who can help me? Argh – I’m just such a burden…”

Have you ever had these thoughts? Whether it is a separation or divorce? News of a loved one dying? A diagnosis of an illness, or mental illness, of yourself or a loved one? Loss of a job? Financial worries?

What have YOU done to overcome these thoughts? What resources have you turned to in order to help you? And if you haven’t, what WILL you do to make sure you don’t let yourself submerge into a little black hole hoping that no one will find you? What will you do to stay out of that?

Wait a second – “how does she know all this?” you ask. I suggest these things because I have had those thoughts. And trust me, I still do sometimes. But what needs to be recognized is that you really are not alone, and that it is OKAY to have these thoughts. You need to also realize that there IS hope. There is a light at the end of the tunnel. It may not happen overnight…in fact, it probably won’t. But, if you put some effort into trying to make your life a better life, then you will succeed!!

With the POSITIVE thinking (and I stress on the word “positive”), with the right mind-set, with the right resources, with the right people…you WILL achieve your goals. But YOU, are the only one who can make that happen. YOU, have to take control and take that initial step, find the courage and the strength to say, “I am better than this. This is not who, or where, I want to be. I can overcome this fear!” You must realize that you are NOT the only one going through a battle, and that you are definitely not going crazy or making the wrong decisions, even though your mind may be tricking you into thinking you are!

It’s the fear inside of us preventing us from doing the things that we want and need to do in order to find peace and happiness. It’s the little voice inside our heads feeding us negative thoughts, over and over. It’s the events around us that are discouraging us. It’s the wrong people that we choose to listen to that we believe are helping us that are in fact, putting us down into a deeper hole and pulling us away from the people we love, and our dreams!!!

Life is too short to be sitting around and not appreciating the little things you have right in front of you. Life is too short to take everything that you do have, for granted. Life is too short to hold grudges and not forgive. Life is too short to dwell on every little thing, which makes it even a bigger thing. And yes, life is too short to be hanging around and onto people who create negativity in your life!

Yes, I find myself talking to myself – all the time...and YES, I answer myself as well!

It does not mean we are crazy!

It does not mean we are weird!

It simply means that we have found a way to “untangle our mind, and set it free...”!!

Talking to yourself can help you understand yourself. Sometimes, there isn’t anyone around that you can talk to and share your thoughts with.

I suggest you talk, hum, whistle, sing. Whatever it is that makes you feel more secure and at peace, just do it. For your own sake! Don't worry about what other people think – give them something to talk about!!

You are stronger than you may think you are...just have trust in yourself and remember – you’ve got this (whether talking to yourself or not!!)! ❤️

For Subscribers – some tips on what you can do to train your mind, when you are struggling.

“Let's untangle our mind, and set it free...”

that was her magic, she could still see the sunset, even on the darkest days.

– Atticus

Sometimes, you may ask yourself questions. Questions as to why certain things happen the way they do, or the way they did. You ask yourself how much more can you really handle, and perhaps you ask yourself why your higher belief keeps testing you.

The thing is, at the end of the day, it does not matter why. Things happen. Good things. Bad things. And that’s what they are – “things”. There is so much that is out of our control, but it is how we handle it. It is how we fight it. It is how we react to it and what we do about it.

What will you do about it?

Make sure to explore all the possibilities.

Make sure to write things down if you have to.

Make sure to take the time you need...

Change does not happen unless you put the effort into making it happen.

Change does not happen unless you DO something about it.

If you’re not happy in a situation, you can’t keep sitting and wondering about what to do.

Do something about it...

If it’s that job you’ve always wanted – then go for it!

If it’s your relationship causing stress – then figure out a way to fix it!

If it’s that person looking at you funny and making you feel uncomfortable – confront the person or remove yourself from the situation!

Where there’s a will, there’s a way. And at some point, you have to take control so that you can pursue your happiness. It is your life and life is just too darn short!

As much as it may hurt at the time, if it looks promising and will help you to be happy in your current day, and perhaps your future, then you need to do something about it.

Even through all the hurt, the pain, the anger – find your courage to push through the darkness, TOWARDS the light at the end of the tunnel!

- Sandra Scala

This goes for everyone – men, women, and youth – because we ALL have our dark moments.

You really CAN do it...you just need to find a way to trust and believe in yourself! Don't ever give up!!! ❤️

Subscribers – read below to find out who Atticus is, as well as someone I believe is similar to him ...

“Let's untangle our mind, and set it free...”

I took some time out in the cool, crisp air this morning, by the river...well okay, late morning!

I admit, this morning was more hectic than “normal”; BUT, I'm smiling now, so that counts, right?!! 😉 And besides, we all have those crazy moments and crazy days!

It’s amazing how one thing can lead to another in such little time.

I’m up, making five sandwiches for lunches while Mark prepares the snacks...a little OCD?!

The kids are back and forth and I’m trying to maintain conversation with my eldest daughter as she talks about her thoughts. I say to her, “Untangle your mind baby, this is good, keep talking!!!”

It's our busy week this week, as we juggle various projects we have on the go. Basketball, horseback riding, cooking courses and volunteering – all for the kids.

It's funny though...we all get into routines. We find out what works for us, whether you are on your own or a family or even just pets (thinking of you here, Patty – for your pets!). We all have responsibilities and when one thing changes, it seems to change the whole routine. BUT IT IS OKAY!!

It is easy to swing back into motion. Let the moment pass, and figure out how to work with the change, that's all. For some, it may be easier said than done; however, once you have accomplished what you needed to, it is something you can check off the list! And you feel GOOD about it! Right?!

Here is a video I did today, while outside by the river:

https://www.cinnamon.video/theminduntangled/watch?v=181140086358803616

The river out back is my favourite spot now – it is a place where I can just take “me” time to relax and refocus my energy to POSITIVITY!!

I used to go to a place in my hometown where there is a waterfall hidden in the woods. It is now a common spot – Hoggs Falls. It is absolutely gorgeous and when I do have a chance, I still like to go there for a hike and some relaxation.

But now, this river is a spot where I go that makes me HAPPY! And, I still can do some writing as well.

Remember, even if the day starts off on the wrong side of the bed, there is still time to re-energize and enjoy what is left of it!!

Take the time you need, to focus and get back on track! ❤️

Coil Subscribers – remember to BE YOU! Read below for some more insight...

“Let's untangle our mind, and set it free...”

Have the maturity to know sometimes silence is more powerful than having the last word.

- Thema Davis

There have been many times when I had wanted to voice my last word, my last thoughts, my reasons.

There have been many times when I had thought, “Why don't you just understand?!!”

A friend of mine once told me, “Sandy. You must give yourself at least 24 hours. Let your emotions settle. Think. Don't react.”

Those words of wisdom stuck with me. Yes, I have let my emotions run a little wild at times, but that is only because I stood up for what I believed in. However, there have also been many times when I have controlled my emotions, and just let it be.

Have I lost friendships? Relationships? Yes. But at the end of the day, it is my mental health and my state of mind that matters. I do have children who look up to me and I need to be the best role model in their lives that I can be.

Every person has a right to their own opinion and there should never be the feeling that you have no control over your own feelings.

It simply does not matter who has the last word!

Maturity is when you understand that sometimes, it is better to just keep silent. There is nothing further to say. It's said. It's done. And there is nothing else you can do about it. So why worry? Why try?

What's part of the past, stays in the past. We learn from it, and we learn from the people who have crossed our paths – it is now time to move on.

Easier said than done, yes, but you can do it!

Pause, and take deep breaths.

Be grateful, stay humble, and look forward to a new day – a fresh start!

It's okay to take baby steps, nobody said “life” was a race. You must go at your own pace ... and be the mature person along the way.

You've got this! ❤️

Below, for Coil Subscribers, I will tell you a bit of my history where this article comes from...

“Let's untangle our mind, and set it free...”

If you focus on the hurt, you will continue to suffer. If you focus on the lesson, you will continue to grow.

- Unknown

We all hurt, and we all ask ourselves why certain things happen the way they do. The thing is, we can learn from the things that hurt us.

We can learn from that person who said something hurtful to us.

We look at the bigger picture and say – I am not going to treat someone else like that!

A lot of our emotion comes from the way we think, and the way we perceive things. But you know what? The longer you hold onto that pain, the longer you will suffer. The more you focus on the hurt, the more you shut people out of your life.

If you turn your negative focus to positive, you will realize that you have room to grow.

You have room to learn from it. You can in fact, be happy, if you just learn to let the past go.

I find that I dwell too much on the past sometimes, for it comes back to haunt me. I do have very happy and fond memories of my past, but I have also been hurt and knocked down. However, I cannot let that take over my happiness today.

Is life perfect? By all means, NO!

But it doesn’t mean I stop. It doesn’t mean I bring that past to my present. It doesn’t mean I can’t continue my life.

And the same goes for those who are hurting.

Trust me, I know it’s not easy just letting things go, but you can learn to grow from the hurt you have suffered from. You can become the better person for yourself and your loved ones, and just continue to focus on today!

“Let's untangle our mind, and set it free...”

And today, if all you did was hold yourself together, I’m proud of you.

- Charles Bukowski

Today, I am proud of me!

And I am proud of you all for what you have accomplished, thus far!

Sometimes, we are all faced with challenges we have no idea how we are going to overcome.

For the people who experience anxiety, thoughts run through our minds that make us believe that we are not going to make it. That we are not good enough. That it is our fault. That we are wrong. That we are not worth it.

I remember the morning when I had to call in sick for work. I remember it all too clearly. I didn’t want to get out of bed. I didn't want to face people at work, a place where I had been for 12 years at the time.

I had NO energy.

I had NO motivation.

In my head, I had NO reason to go to work.

I was tired. Tired of trying, tired of doing it all.

That morning, I had managed to get the kids off to school. But instead of continuing my regular route to work, I turned around and went back home. I crawled into a little ball and cried, my back against the wall. I remember it all too clearly.

I couldn’t breathe.

I couldn’t stop crying.

I was literally, a mess.

I couldn’t handle the stress anymore.

I couldn’t handle the fact that I was losing my vision.

The walk scared me – the fear of getting hit or bumping into something (or someone). The fear of not being a good enough mom for my kids. The fear of not being able to pay the bills. The fear of not being loved again. And yes, the fear of my ex-husband taking my girls away from me.

That was in 2014, and a lot has happened since then. I never was able to go back to work. My anxiety and depression overcame me. I constantly worried about my girls. Yes, perhaps a nervous breakdown, but wow, at 35 years old? Seriously? How do you figure?

I even tried reconciling with my ex-husband, for all the wrong reasons though. I thought we could find love again and do what could be best for the girls, but we were better parents apart than together. I couldn't be in a relationship for the wrong reasons – it wasn't right to do that – to myself or my girls.

Fast forward a bit, and I moved back home to the country with my parents, because in that moment, it was the best decision I made. And now, I don’t regret a moment of it! Married again, blended family, new friends, and new beginnings. You can see my article here about how I met my husband here.

You see, I was fearful of a lot of things, and even today, I still have fears. The fears won't truly ever go away; BUT, I can manage them better. I talk about it, instead of keeping it all bottled in, and I do what I can to fix the situation!

Although sometimes it may be hard to understand why I think the way I do; I still hold myself together.

I tend to worry too much. I tend to apologize too much. However, I’m not the only one, right?!

The thing is, I know there will always be “something”. And that’s okay. I can live with that. I can accept it. Because at the end of the day, life is too short. There HAS to be and IS a way to keep moving forward!!

I also know that not everything in life is perfect, and “stuff” happens.

The thing is, we cannot expect things to be “fine” all the time.

We make mistakes. We are human.

We just must do the best we can with what we’ve got, appreciate the time we have, and that’s all!

Keep breathing.

Take time to pause.

Go for walks.

Below is a poem I wrote a while back ... just for you Coil Subscribers, and those who want to join in on the Subscriber Content Only section...

“Let's untangle our mind, and set it free...”

The first part of this story was written because my daughter gave me inspiration and loved it, and I do not want to change the wording. The full story is written by me, and I am hopeful you will take the time to read it, and not “judge a book by its cover”.

Once upon a time, there was a little girl, and she was sad.

She was sad because she had no friends. Or so it seemed like it.

But really, she did, but she didn’t feel like it.

When she was sitting by the river, she looked out and saw a little fish jump. She thought, wow that is so cool!

Then, she was sure she saw the fish looking at her.

She smiled. The fish smiled back.

She laughed. The fish laughed back.

All of a sudden, out of nowhere, the girl started crying!

Wait a minute – fish can’t do that, she thought!!!

Then, the fish started crying.

The girl stopped crying and looked at the fish.

But the fish continued to cry.

In her delusional mind, the girl decided to ask the fish, “what’s wrong?” She waited, and looked at the fish curiously, as it swam up to her.

“I’m sad because I have no friends.” said the fish.

WHAT?! The fish actually spoke back?!!

The little girl thought for a moment, tears starting to stream down her cheeks, how can this be? That's how she felt today – sad!!!

“You know what, Fishie?” she asked. “I get sad too because I have no friends either. It feels like nobody wants to be my friend. You see, because I’m weird, no one wants to talk to me. No one wants to play with me. I try to make friends, but nobody ever really wants to BE my friend.”

The fish looked at her and said, “but you're not weird!! You're beautiful! And you are so nice and sweet.”

The girl couldn’t believe that she was actually having a conversation with this beautiful fish and so she said the same thing right back!

After a little while of talking back and forth, the girl asked the fish, “Would you like to be my friend? Sometimes, I just need someone to talk to, and you are such a great listener.”

The fish smiled and said, “I would love to, but you know I will not be around forever. I will be in your mind and your heart, but you should try to talk to someone about how you are feeling. One day, you will have a best friend, and sometimes they may not be able to talk to you, at a particular time when you feel you need them, but they WILL understand you – just like you will understand them. They will want to play with you. They will want to laugh and sing and dance with you too!!”

The girl looked at the fish in awe and started feeling better.

But the fish did not stop talking – it continued, “Life is not what we think it is. Life is full of many surprises, and people will judge you by the way you look, by the way you talk, and by the way you act. You must ignore those people and believe in yourself. Believe in your hopes and dreams. Believe that you are good enough, because you ARE!!”

“Let me tell you something” the fish said. “There was a very smart man, by the name of Albert Einstein, and he wrote,

Everybody is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid.

“What does that really mean?” the little girl asked. She was really intrigued by how smart this fish was and was very happy to be having this conversation with it!

“What it means, my friend, is that everybody has different abilities. Everybody is smart in their own way. Everybody is their own true self, and just because you “appear” different, does not mean that you are “stupid”. Just because it may take you more time to accomplish something that interests you in life, it does not mean you are “stupid”. Just because you do silly things sometimes, it DOES NOT mean you are “stupid”. You should NEVER let someone make you believe that you are. They are no different than you. And if anyone makes you feel stupid or is mean to you, then you have no obligation to be their friend.”

The little girl was really starting to feel better. She said to the fish, “you are very right. But why do I feel so sad? I know I am a good person. I know I have a good heart. Why do people want to hurt me?”

“Because it makes them feel better. It makes them think that they have “power” over you. If you let them take power and control you, they WILL control you. You must stand up for yourself!! You must believe in yourself!! You must not ever change for anybody and you BE you!!!”

“Thank you so much!!!” the little girl said. “I am going to take your advice! You are very right, and you know what? I don’t need a lot of friends! I just need to remember that I am who I am. And, you know what? I AM good at things that make me feel good! Some day, someone will see the real me, and will want to be a real friend with me. But, for now, it is OKAY. I have my family, and I know they love me very much.”

“SEE!” the fish said. “Now you’re getting the idea of it!!! Focus on YOU first. Because YOU are what is important!! And if you were to do the things that you enjoy, and try not to do everything for everybody else just so that you would be “accepted”, then you will start to feel better. You will see that people will learn more about you and will want to spend time with you. And if they don't, then that is not for you to worry about. They are not your true friends.

But also remember – people do get busy, and sometimes – they can’t do all the things that you want to and like to do. Maybe if you try different things, it will open a door to a new circle of friends. If you give yourself a chance, you will see …”

“Maybe there is something I can join at school?” the girl asked.

“Exactly! You never know where the path is going to lead you in life” the fish said. “You have a whole life ahead of you, and so much opportunity! You just need to realize that and take your time. Take it day by day, okay? Do you think you can try that for me?”

“YES, YES, YES!!!” the little girl said. And with that, she knelt to pet the fish. “Thank you so much, for everything! I am so happy I came down to the river today!”

“I am glad you came down to the river today, too” said the fish. “It made me realize things about myself, and for that, I am grateful.”

The fish started to do circles and jumps in the water, and the little girl laughed.

“You go now, and spend time with your family, and with the people who do care about you. Remember to keep an open mind and open heart. Remember that life is precious, and there is only so much that you can do and handle. Don’t let people bring you down, because you are amazing! If you are kind and treat people with kind, you will get that in return. Have patience and if you ever need to have some quiet time, remember to take that time for yourself, but remember that there are people who love you for you are, and they will always love you, no matter what.”

The fish then said, “I will see you soon, little girl. Keep on smiling!”

“Thank you Fishie, I will! Thank you so much!” the little girl replied.

As she stood up and started walking back towards home, the little girl had a great big smile on her face!

This story may be what most people would hope life was like.

But that is all we can do, is HOPE.

Subscribers, below is some insight as to my thoughts...

“Let's untangle our mind, and set it free...”

In the end, there doesn't have to be anyone who understands you. There just has to be someone who wants to.

- Robert Brault

And when that someone who WANTS to understand you...your good, your bad, your happy, and your sad...ALL of it – just show your appreciation. If it’s newfound love – try to give it a chance.

Talk. Listen. Accept. Trust.

They want to understand you because they care about you, love you, and want to stand by your side.

Find a way to really connect with your feelings and emotions, and just learn to trust yourself, AND them. Share your thoughts, share your fears.

GREAT things come to those who wait.

There may be some scars from your past, but those scars are a part of who you are, and no one else needs to understand that – just the one(s) who want to!! ❤️

Don't ever give up.

Don't ever let go.

“Let's untangle our mind, and set it free...”

Below is my short version of how I met my husband, as well as a little something extra!

One of those days, when your mind goes blank?! This has been me today, sitting at my computer, wondering what to write.

Definition of “writer's block” on Wikipedia:

Writer's block is a condition, primarily associated with writing, in which an author loses the ability to produce new work, or experiences a creative slowdown. The condition ranges from difficulty in coming up with original ideas to being unable to produce a work for years. Throughout history, writer's block has been a documented problem.

YIKES! When you read it like that, it makes you wonder – why can't I just think today?! But, it's expected, right? I mean, we don't ever really know what the outcome of any day will be ... and today, well, it was one of those days when things happened unexpectedly!!

Why was my day so off today, you ask? Because - I had to take two of my children to the hospital, and Momma was a little worried. I have always said, better safe than sorry, and truth be told, the children will listen to what a doctor says!! And, it will ease my mind!

End result? They are both fine (well, bronchitis and a sore foot), but they had to stay home to relax. NO BIGGIE, right?!

Here, I want to share a story with you, but before I do, here's a little tip:

It's OKAY to be thrown off at times. It's OKAY because life does get busy and sometimes, things need to re-shift so that you can manage your day accordingly!!

Table set, plates empty...

It was a night when I had the table set, ready to go, but dinner in the oven wasn’t quite ready yet. I couldn’t believe it…it was cooking for two hours, and it still wasn’t ready (it was a roast...)?!!

We had to be out the door for basketball, and I was to get grocery shopping done. This absolutely was not going to happen if we sat around any longer.

Frustrated, I said – Forget it. Just forget it.

Leave the plates, turn off the oven, grab the grocery bags.

Let the dogs out, get the kids in the van, and LET’S GO!!!

I could feel myself getting anxious, wondering what we were going to do?!

After a few minutes of thinking…

Dogs were taken out.

Kids got in the van.

And off we went.

The kids were fed (thanks to McDonald’s!!)

Mark got them to basketball.

And me, I got the grocery shopping done!

I was able to control the extremity of my anxious mind by turning my panic mode into calm mode. Like a TV, turning down the volume from all of the loud noise, and just taking a minute to !

The thing is…there are options…there is ALWAYS another way!!!

Even if it costs a few extra dollars, it can save you from a lot of stress!!

I made the quick decision that it was OKAY to just leave everything, make last minute changes, and pick up something quick for dinner!

I know for a fact, that I am not the only parent who panics and tries to balance everything in last minute intervals. Actually, that’s the story of my life, and if it’s yours as well, so be it!! You're doing awesome, and you should remember that as a parent, not everything is going to go according to plan!!

For all those parents out there who panic about last minute fast food outings – meh, don’t let it stress you out! If it gives you sanity in that moment, then go for it!!!

It's not a bad thing, and it's not bad parenting!!

Let me tell you, the plates were still on the table.

Dinner was ready for the next day!

And I felt great!!!

“Let’s untangle our mind, and set it free…”

And for those who aren't parents...a little extra below!