A Man Finds out His Snakebite “Wasn’t That Bad”…After He Chops off His Finger

There’s a lot of information out there about how to treat a snakebite in order to give yourself the best chance to survive. And if you grow up somewhere with dangerous snakes, you pay attention when you people talk about how to handle a bite.

After being bit on the finger, an unfortunate Chinese man from the Zhejiang province thought he was doing exactly the right thing when he cut off the afflicted appendage – only to find out at the hospital that it was all for naught.

He believed the snake that had bitten him was a “hundred pacer” (Deinagkistrodon acutus), a snake that’s believed to have venom potent enough to kill a man before he can walk 100 steps.

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Venom VS Poison. Venom, in most things… and all snakes (the venomous ones), is made up of proteins, which are large and high molecular weight. It cannot travel through the body freely like many poisons and needs to go into the bloodstream in order to work. In current medical and scientific literature, the word poison is not used to define venom. There is a scientific difference for anyone who cares to read anything published in the last 2-3 decades. Yes there are poisonous snakes, many of them also venomous, but the mechanism of building, altering, and storing the different toxins is very different and so is their purpose and function. Some people might be fine with Websters Dictionary for their definition of venom, and maybe they are ok with their doctor using 1988 Encyclopedia Britannica to learn about heart surgery. Now as far as the sign goes, I think it is out of date, but the general public is not up to speed on the difference and it probably is synonymous and not a confusion for them. In time I hope the general public ever cares enough about snakes to know the difference…but it doesn't matter to most people. People with type 1 diabetes go through a similar frustration with the everyday person's knowledge of the disease and they think two very different illnesses both come from donuts. It takes people caring enough to educate others to change that.. thanks @ronan_m_k for this pic of my very venomous sharp-nosed pit-viper.

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In some parts of China, the same species is known as a five-step snake, which would make it 20x more deadly than this man believed when he took such drastic action.

So, I mean…you kind of get his reasoning (and admire his grit).

He arrived at the hospital 50 miles away, only to be told by one Dr. Yuan Chengda that “the five-step snake is not that toxic.”

It turns out that, while the snake’s venom is dangerous and can cause symptoms like local bleeding, swelling, blistering, necrosis, heart palpitations, and even death, it’s not as rapid as people believe. Also an antivenin is available and, if received in 6 hours or less, usually effective.

If the man had brought his finger, doctors at the hospital said they could even have reattached it.

According to Dr. Yuan, this isn’t even close to the first case he’s seen of someone overreacting and losing a limb.

“Some bite victims used knives to cut their fingers or toes, some used ropes or iron wires to bind the bitten limb tightly, and some even tried to destroy the venom in their body by burning their skin. When they arrive at the hospital, some people’s limbs are already showing signs of gangrene.”

Officially, the advice when dealing with a snakebite is that the “wound should not be tampered with in any way” – i.e. you shouldn’t use tourniquets, you shouldn’t “cut, suck, or scarify the wound or apply chemicals or electric shock,” and most of all, you shouldn’t panic.

Easier said than done, of course, but I’d say allowing a doctor to cut off any limbs that need cutting is probably your best course of action.

And you know, not all of us have an axe at the ready, so it’s hard to say what we might do if we did. No judgement.

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Italy’s Schools Will Require That Children Learn About Climate Change Starting in 2020

It looks like Italy is taking a big step in the fight against global warming and climate change, and for that, we should be thankful…and we should hope that this kind of curriculum spreads across the globe.

Lorenzo Fioramonti is Italy’s education minister, and he is now requiring that, starting in September 2020, all children in his country will receive education about climate change. All students will be required to have 33 hours of lessons each year dedicated to climate change and environmental sustainability.

Fioramonti also wants to eventually make climate change education part of math and geography curriculum so students will take sustainability into consideration when they study these subjects as well. The lessons will teach students the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and will be formed with help from environmental experts.

Fioramonti said, “The entire ministry is being changed to make sustainability and climate the centre of the education model. I want to make the Italian education system the first education system that puts the environment and society at the core of everything we learn in school.”

Italy’s education minister also believes that older people need to educate themselves and play a role in this movement, so all citizens can work together toward sustainability. Fioramonti said he wants to “build a strong bridge between old and new generations around sustainable development as a social glue.”

An NPR poll found that 80% of American parents are in favor of their kids learning about the issue. Wouldn’t that be nice…?

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This Man Takes in Dogs No One Wants, Now Runs a Shelter with 750 Dogs

I love a wholesome story about animals and this one certainly checks all the boxes.

In the city of Niš, Serbia, a man named Sasha Pesic has been running a shelter for dogs since 2008. Pesic originally came up with the plan for the sanctuary after he discovered four abandoned puppies on his way home from work one night. Pesic enlisted six volunteers and opened a shelter in Niš to feed and give dogs a home. He runs his shelter from contributions and donations from around the globe.

In addition to feeding and sheltering the dogs, Pesic sterilizes them, vaccinates them, and microchips them. Today, the shelter has roughly 750 dogs. Here’s a video of Pesic rescuing some abandoned pooches.

Pesic’s shelter has taken in about 1,200 dogs over the years, and roughly 400 of them have been adopted by people around the world. Pesic said, “I receive zero assistance from the government and some vets are actually charging me more than regular prices because they think I have a lot of money from donations. I’m all on my own and I cover the veterinary treatment and everything necessary out of donations and my own pocket.”

He added, “These dogs just need a little love, food and care, many come to the shelter sad and scared but in time their joy is returned.”

Let’s take a look a video of Pesic’s shelter.

Finally, take a look at Sasha’s Patreon page and consider donating some of your money to this wonderful cause. I love this story!

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This Is What You Should Do If You Lose Your ID Before a Flight

If you’ve ever experienced that panic when you’re ready to leave for the airport, and suddenly can’t find your I.D., then you know the hopeless feeling of mentally watching your fun (or necessary, if it’s for work) trip go right down the drain.

So, what should you do when it happens to you?

First of all, it’s important to find and pack any other documents you have that can identify you or help your case (assuming you don’t have a passport or Global Entry card) – a Social Security card, birth certificate, bank card, insurance card, even utility bills – because you’ll likely have to explain your case to (a hopefully sympathetic) security officer.

If they approve what you’ve brought, you’ll be able to proceed through security with a boarding pass that proves you’ve shown some form of ID.

If they don’t, fear not – you can still complete the TSA’s “identity verification” process, which will include “collecting information such as your name, current address, and other personal information to confirm your identity.”

It will take up to an additional two hours, however, so make sure you arrive at the airport with plenty of time to spare.

Also, it can be a pretty intense process. From one redditor who went through it:

“I give him my name, date of birth, and SSN. He tells me he’s going to relay some questions to me, then proceeds to ask some general questions (credit report-type stuff) then some non-general questions (what cities my parents were born in). After I answered all the questions they gave me the enhanced pat-down and then sent me to my flight.”

If you’ve got copies of your id, you’ll want to bring those, just in case.

Also, with the advent of READ-ID, all of this advice might soon be obsolete. So there’s that.

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Airplanes Aren’t Allowed to Fly Over These 5 Places

You’ve probably heard rumors about places you aren’t allowed to fly over (also, places that the Pope refuses to fly over), but it’s all just been speculation and hearsay for me up until now.

BUT NO LONGER. I did a little research and decided to learn about the actual places airplanes are not allowed to fly over and why, and here we are!

Some of these are probably pretty obvious, but some might just surprise you a little bit…

Here are 5 places in the U.S. that planes are not allowed to fly over. Enjoy!

1. Washington, D.C.

 

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It makes a lot of sense that there is a no-fly zone over D.C. Think about it: the president, congress, the Supreme Court, the seat of government is all centered in our nation’s capitol.

2. Camp David

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Have a great weekend! ––––– President John F. Kennedy and First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy (both at right) stand with their children, Caroline Kennedy (sitting astride her pony, »Macaroni«) and John F. Kennedy, Jr., at Camp David in Frederick County, Maryland. »Macaroni« is wearing a Moroccan saddle, which was presented as a gift for Caroline by King Hassan II of Morocco during his state visit on March 27, 1963. March 31, 1963 ––––– Photo: https://bit.ly/2K02uwj ––––– #MuseumTHEKENNEDYS #THEKENNEDYScollection #Kennedyfans #Kennedyfan #MuseumOnTour #JFKLibrary #JohnFKennedy #PresidentKennedy #KennedyFamily #Washington #CarolineKennedy #JackieKennedy #JacquelineKennedy #FirstLady #JohnFKennedyJr #Marocco #Maryland #CampDavid #tgif #HappyFriday #familytime #mylittlepony #November

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Camp David in Maryland is another residence for the president, so naturally it makes sense that the area around it would be a no-fly zone. The country retreat is about 70 miles from the White House.

3. Area 51

One of the most mysterious places in the United States, Area 51 sits in the Nevada desert and is the inspiration behind countless movies, TV shows…and memes. Area 51 is a highly-classified military base, so you know that no planes are going to be flying over this patch of land.

4. Disneyland and Disney World

 

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Okay, this might be one of the locations that you didn’t expect to see on this list. Why is it a no-fly zone, you ask? During the 1980s and 1990s, the theme parks were bombarded by aerial advertisements flying overhead and officials wanted to get rid of those nuisances. There’s also a safety component, as both parks are among the most significant tourist destinations in the country.

5. Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness

 

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This area covers over one million acres in Minnesota and was declared a no-fly zone back in 1949 when President Harry Truman signed an executive order. The boundary waters are one of the only few no-fly zones that are purely recreational.

Cool, right?

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Microsoft Japan Adopted a 4-Day Work Week and It Boosted Productivity by 40 Percent

Might this be a sign of things to come on this side of the Pacific Ocean? Let’s hope so.

Microsoft Japan recently trialed a 4-day work week and announced the results from the experiment.

Two big takeaways: the employees enjoyed the four-day week very much and productivity increased by 40%. Shorter, more efficient meetings were noted as one factor for the boost in productivity (DUH).

Microsoft called the experiment the “Work-Life Choice Challenge Summer 2019,” and it lasted for five weeks for the company’s 2,300 employees in Japan. Microsoft Japan president and CEO Takuya Hirano said, “Work a short time, rest well and learn a lot. It’s necessary to have an environment that allows you to feel your purpose in life and make a greater impact at work. I want employees to think about and experience how they can achieve the same results with 20 percent less working time.”

The employees of the company had to be more efficient with their time, which meant shorter meetings or remote meetings. That in turn led to more productivity. In addition to that good news, electricity use by the company dropped 23.1%, and employees printed 58.7% fewer pages of paper.

A whopping 92% of Microsoft Japan’s employees said that they enjoyed the shorter work week (surprise surprise). The company said it plans on repeating the 4-day work week trial next summer and might expand the experiment to other times as well.

I, for one, think this is a great idea if you work in an office or another job where people have to be present in order for things to be accomplished. I know that I would’ve preferred working four 10-hour days in my old office jobs as opposed to five 8-hour days.

What do you think? Share your ideas about this topic in the comments.

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A Cruise Dedicated to Chocolate Will Set Sail Around Europe in 2020

I have a feeling that this news is going to excite a whole lot of people out there. Combine two great things – chocolate and travel – and what do you get? The Eurochocolate Cruise.

The cruise is a collaboration between Costa Cruises and the annual Eurochocolate Festival, and it will set sail in April 2020 from Civitavecchia, Italy. The cruise will take guests through the Mediterranean for eight days.

Chocolate-themed cruise to set sail in 2020 It's every chocoholic’s dream come true. Travel https://ift.tt/2WfRW0P

Posted by Getlivenews on Thursday, October 24, 2019

If you’re lucky enough to book a spot on this excursion, you’ll be treated to eight days of chocolate tastings, chocolate workshops, a visit to the Chocolate Museum in Barcelona. Oh, and the boat itself is stocked with chocolate fountains, chocolate sculptures – even chocolate experts to answer all your chocolate questions.

The ship will also stop in Genoa, Palma de Mallorca, Malta, and Catania. Carlo Schiavon, Costa Cruises’ Italy country manager, said,

“We try to offer unique experiences to our guests […] and this is possible also thanks to prestigious partnerships like the one with Eurochocolate. [It] will allow us to have for the first time aboard a cruise ship the vibe, the fun and the tastes of the greatest international festival dedicated to chocolate.”

Make it a #SundayFunday to remember by booking your next Costa #cruise with our Fall for Savings deal! Receive up to…

Posted by Costa on Sunday, October 27, 2019

The annual Eurochocolate festival takes place in Perugia, Italy, attracting around 900,000 visitors each year. Next year’s festival is set to kick off on October 16 and run until October 25.

I really need to get in on this whole “chocolate tourism” thing…what have I been doing with my life?

This looks like an excellent trip. Let us know if you plan to go!

The post A Cruise Dedicated to Chocolate Will Set Sail Around Europe in 2020 appeared first on UberFacts.

A Brazilian Dentist Transformed All of These Smiles for Free

Sure, how we look isn’t the most important thing in the world, but there are two things Dr. Felipe Rossi (and his patients) know: First, you can’t put a price on confidence. And second, there are some people out there with teeth so bad that even eating the foods they enjoy becomes nearly impossible to do. After all, people actually do need teeth.

To help with both, Dr. Rossi and his NGO Por1sorriso travel the world putting smiles back on the faces of some of the poorest people on the planet, all for free.

Below are 18 of his greatest transformations – each guaranteed to put a smile on your face, too.

18. I bet she wants to smile all the time now.

17. It easier to make her laugh now, probably.

16. The look in her eyes tells the whole story.

15. He just lost 20 years.

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Se 75 % da nossa população idosa é desdentada total… temos um longo trabalho pela frente. Você faz parte desse processo de mudança. Uma grande oportunidade é se juntar ao nosso congresso onde sua inscrição será 100% revertida para @por1sorriso e suas ações . Não fique de fora e venha celebrar essa união da odontologia em prol do social!❤ 1º Congresso Odontológico 100% beneficente. Um congresso com um propósito nobre e um formato inovador. Palestrantes confirmados: • FELIPE ROSSI • LUIS CALICCHIO • FERNANDO SILVEIRA • THIAGO AVELAR • ROBERTO ZANGIROLAMI • VINICIUS MACHADO • VICTOR CLAVIJO • MARCELO CALAMITA • CHRISTIAN COACHMAN • RONALDO HIRATA • OSWALDO SCOPIN • MARISTELA LOBO • RAFAEL DECURCIO • PAULA CARDOSO • GUTO GIORDANI • THIAGO OTTOBONI • MARCELO GIORDANI • JOSÉ ARBEX • ANA CECILIA ARANHA • ANDRÉ CALLEGARI . MARCELO FONSECA e ROBERT COACHMAN Link pra compra dos ingressos estão na minha bio Já estamos no segundo LOTE! Corre lá! #odonto #dentista #dentes #facetas #odontologia #social #por1sorriso #antesedepois #congresso #dentistas

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14. That precious smile was there all along.

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Leia com atenção ? Arrasta o dedo ? Consultório PARTICULAR ou SOCIAL? Caso realizado por nossa equipe em Macururé,uma das 10 cidades mais pobres da Bahia. Pra chegar? 2 horas e 15 de avião de SP,mais 10 horas de ônibus . 30 min de deslocamento na cidade até chegarmos no sertão baiano. Sim ,é possível realizar tratamento de qualidade,mesmo com gerador a gasolina,cadeiras portáteis com compressor e toda essa logística. O social não vive apenas de ART e exodontias de raiz residual. Nós levamos o melhor pra quem já apanhou e apanha muito da vida. O social vai entrar é no digital. Aguardem…é melhor aceitar… os esquecidos serão lembrados e nós estaremos lá ❤ @por1sorriso #odontologia #odonto #dentist #dentistry #por1sorriso #social #odontologisocial #justiçasocial Da tempo de sair da bolha que habita a odontologia?

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13. Her eyes are sparkling.

12. She looks like her, only more confident. Go, girl.

11. His expression makes me want to give him a hug.

10. I love it.

9. I bet he becomes a dentist one day.

8. What a beauty.

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É com esse sorriso que anunciamos nossas agenda de ações 2020! O futuro importa e nossas ações não podem parar ?♥. . ?Janeiro Dia 27 a 31 – Ação Nova Olinda Ceará . ?Fevereiro Dia 10 a 14 – Ação Salvador Ilê . ?Março Dia 16 a 20 – Xingu/ Kisedje . ?Abril Dia 17 a 26 – Missão África/ Moçambique . ?Maio Dia 4 a 8 – Sertão Nordestino Dia 15 a 24 – Quênia / Nairóbi . ?Maio/Junho 30 a 6 – Amazônia 22 a 26 – Vale do Jequitinhonha/ Virgem da Lapa . ?Julho 13 a 17 – Vale do Jequitinhonha/Diamantina . ?Agosto 9 a 15 – Xingu Povo Pavuru . ?Setembro 21 a 25 – Sertão Nordestino . ?Outubro 5 a 9 – Sertão Nordestino . ?Novembro 16 a 20 – Sertão Nordestino . ?Dezembro 30 a 4 – Sertão Nordestino . #sorrisosolidario #transformeseulike #sorrisoquetransforma #transformacaosocial

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7. It’s hard to believe what a difference it makes.

6. You won’t even believe it.

5. This is such amazing work!

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Nosso desafio é manter a excelência nos tratamentos oferecidos e, partir disso, conquistar espaços para disseminar e impactar em vários cantos desse mundo. . Priorizamos a competência e atenção que nossos voluntários dedicam (entregam) em todas as ações. Além de contarmos com uma tecnologia avançada para atuarmos em comunidades carentes com baixa infraestrutura, graças aos patrocinadores e parceiros que confiam e apoiam nossa causa. Contamos também, com recursos doados por meio de diversas parcerias especializadas, mas necessitamos constantemente de materiais para suprir a demanda que cada ação do projeto nos exige. Acreditamos que todas as pessoas são iguais em sua essência, porém não em oportunidades. Diante disso, a nossa missão é oferecer odontologia e medicina humanizada, para que cada pessoa possa florescer todo o seu potencial. . SOMOS porque vocês são ! Obrigado por nos acompanhar em mais uma de amor. ??♥

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4. So handsome!

3. Wow, amazing!

2. Just looking at this picture makes me want to cry along with her.

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Daliene Souza, 26 anos ❤ . “Não consigo mais ver minhas fotos de antes” ? . E assim fechamos os números da ação de Nova Olinda: ? . ATENDIMENTOS ODONTOLÓGICOS COMPLETOS: 286 . PROCEDIMENTOS ODONTOLÓGICOS: . 658 Restaurações 286 Orientações de higiene 155 Endodontias 188 Exodontias 120 Radiografias 20 Aplicações de flúor 19 Selantes 47 Profilaxias simples 140 Raspagens supra e sub 4 Ajustes oclusais 11 Pinos 36 Facetas 32 Reconstruções em resina composta 7 Coroas 1 Remoção de núcleo metálico . . PROCEDIMENTOS PROTÉTICOS . 26 Próteses totais 53 Próteses parciais removíveis 2 Consertos . ATENDIMENTOS MÉDICOS (clínico, pediatria e ginecologia): . 220 . @fundacaocasagrande @sejasemente @2dedoadeprosa.soma #por1sorrisoemnovaolinda #sorrisoquetransforma #sorrisosolidario #transformeseulike

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1. This sweet little boy.

 

I couldn’t love this story more. Truly.

Have you had your teeth fixed or straightened? Did it change your life? Please tell us all about it in the comments!

The post A Brazilian Dentist Transformed All of These Smiles for Free appeared first on UberFacts.

15 Photos That Prove Japan Is Living in the Future

I haven’t had the opportunity to travel to Japan, but it is definitely at the top of my travel list. Why, you ask?

Well, all you really need to do is look at these photos. Not only are the people incredibly gracious, the food is great, and there are amazing sights to see, but the Japanese are really ahead of the curve as far as integrating technology into the day-to-day.

And these photos prove it. Take a look and start dreaming about your next overseas trip…

1. A robot restaurant!

2. That looks like a great dining experience.

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Just came to get sushi in Japan ?

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3. Coming right up!

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If all food was served like this… ??

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4. Or delivered by train.

5. Heated toilet seats.

6. Photobooths are on point.

7. Look at that vending machine.

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이건 뭐.. 거의 누들로드?: Afuri 라면편

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8. Tiny sleeping capsules.

9. Sparkling subway.

10. That’s gas station food in Japan.

11. Really nice desserts.

12. Food on the train is darn good, too.

13. That’s what you can get at a baseball game.

14. Fish for your dinner!

15. Museum design is fantastic.

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Borderless between art and science

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What year is it again? See what I’m talking about?

Like I said, way ahead of the curve…

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This Artist’s Embroidery Pieces Look like Paintings

A Russian artist named Vera Shimunia makes embroidery landscape scenes that are so impressive, they almost look like paintings. She said that it took her a while to put her work online, but the feedback was almost immediately positive. She said, “I started to publish my embroidery experiments in Instagram and people start to write me, ‘can I buy it?’ And I thought – why not.”

Take a look at her work and prepare to be blown away.

1. That is very cool.

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1 or 2? ♥?

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2. Sunshine over the mountains.

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ENG/RU ⠀ I have apartment repair now. ⠀ I live in repair and it seems to me it will be forever. Foreveeeeer. ⠀ All this dust and noise. ⠀ Only art saves my nerves. And chocolate. And memes. ⠀ How do you get rid of stress? ⠀_______ ⠀ У меня дома ремонт. Вечный. ⠀ Нет, правда. ⠀ Мне кажется он никогда не закончится. ⠀ Обожаю мыть полы по несколько раз в день. ⠀ Кто помнит попугаев на кухне, знайте, из больше нет. ? ⠀ Спасает только вышивка и шоколад. И смешные картинки. ⠀ Как вы спасаетесь от стресса?

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3. A pastoral scene.

4. A beautiful piece.

5. With a Hans Zimmer soundtrack.

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*any Hans Zimmer song*

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6. ‘Til the night closes in.

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??‍♀️

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7. Caught in a rainstorm.

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RU/ENG ? да, это не цветы, не беззаботный летний день и даже не облака? это настроение и краски жизни.. Однажды я вышью тот самый дождь, который у меня в голове, а пока пробовать, пробовать и ещё раз пробовать! спасибо всем, кому нравятся и такие мои работы ♥ ___ yes, it’s not flowers, not a carefree summer day and not even clouds? it is the mood and colors of life .. One day I’ll embroider the rain that is in my head, but for now I’ll try, try and try again! Thanks to everyone who likes my works like this ♥

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8. This might be my favorite.

9. Sunflowers for days.

10. Stay gold.

Be sure to check out her Facebook, Instagram, and Etsy pages!

Wow, this is really great work.

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