Click on titles for detailed course descriptions. You have several options for registration. You can register online and pay with a credit card. Click here to be taken to a site where you can do that. (Don't forget to hit "confirm" at the end or the registration will not process.) You will receive an email receipt after registration.

You can call us at 978 371-0469, leave a message, and we will get back to you. Or you can print out the registration form, fill it in by hand, and mail it with a check to:

The Women’s Well Registrar
Box 1410
Concord, MA 01742

Always call a day or two ahead to confirm the status of a class. Information about snow cancellations etc is included in our recorded message at 978 371-0469. Circles with low enrollment may be cancelled unless you let us know you want to come!

January
10    Awakening Dreams in the Alchemy of Transformation
18    Healing Oasis for Healers
22    Potluck Plus
23    Inner Goddess Yoga Journey for the New Year
24    Awakening Dreams in the Alchemy of Transformation
31    Buddhism for Women - Part I

February
7    Awakening Dreams in the Alchemy of Transformation
7    Women’s Drum Lodge: Elemental Rhythms Healing Circle
8    Healing Oasis for Healers
11  Aligning Energies for New Directions (multiple sessions)
13  Inner Goddess Yoga Journey: Opening into the Gift of Love
21  Awakening Dreams in the Alchemy of Transformation
23  Monthly Meditation Circle
26  Potluck Plus
27  Conscious Awareness Meditation Retreat
28  Buddhism for Women - Part II

March
1    The Wise Heart (multiple sessions)
3    Women in Buddhism: Wives, Consorts, Saints, Goddesses
4    Introduction to Meditation Mindfulness and the Shamanic Journey
6    Creating a Spiritual Practice Using Mantra
7    Inner Goddess Yoga Journeys: Opening to Spring
8    Healing Oasis for Healers
11  Practice of Meditation Mindfulness and the Shamanic Journey (multiple sessions)
13  The Ecstasy of Creativity
19  Spring Equinox Celebration
20  Aligning Energies for New Directions
21  The Container Project (multiple sessions)
23  Monthly Meditation Circle
26  Potluck Plus
27  Conscious Awareness Meditation Retreat
28  Sacred Dance Journey
28  Meinrad Craighead, Visionary Artist

April
10  Introduction to Meditation Practices
11  Simple Life, Spacious Life Clearing Circle
12  Healing Oasis for Healers
16  Grandmother Stones of Old Europe
18  Drum Lodge: Elemental Rhythms Healing Circle
25  Sacred Dance Journey
27  Monthly Meditation Circle
30  Potluck Plus

May
1-2  The Spirit of Play in Artmaking
7-9  Call of the Wild: For Women in Midlife and Beyond
10  Healing Oasis for Healers
18  Monthly Meditation Circle
16-17 Awakening Our Dreams
21  Potluck Plus
23  Sacred Dance Journey

June
14  Healing Oasis for Healers

Awakening Dreams in the Alchemy of Transformation
Hawk Dance Ceremonies of Transformation offer the creative means to discover your passions and create joy in your life. Each session holds a unique intention realized through ceremonies of creation and contemplation. Circle drumming, prayer stick creation, contemplative writing and artwork are some of the tools used to craft new intentions. Deepen your understanding of yourself, your fears and your dreams through discussion of hawk medicine, reading and writing stories related to the theme, artwork and a weaving meditation.  
    In each session we'll join together in safety, support, gentleness and beauty to enliven our conscious connection to sacred self and the world. Support the joyful unfolding of your own dreams through this transformative series of intention ceremonies. Come for any single class or immerse yourself in all three.
Compassion: Opening the Heart
Allowance: Freedom to Be
Discernment: Knowing What's What
Freedom: Being Alive
Annie Geissinger
Sunday afternoons, 1:00-5:00 p.m.
January 10 and 24; February 7 and 21
For any single date: $54 early/$60 regular
For three or more workshops: $48 early/$55 regular

Healing Oasis for Healers
Do you do healing work, therapy, massage, acupuncture, or any other holistic practice? Do you mindfully tend children, elders, others? Are you simply a really good friend to your friends in need? Spend a lunch hour in sacred space, meeting and sharing with others who tend bodies, minds, and souls. We cordially invite you to experience the deeply nourishing support of this monthly circle. Bring a bag lunch if you wish -- we'll supply tea. As a group, we will co-create the healing oasis that our wants and needs call forth.
   This is a monthly open circle – attend whenever you can.  Pre-registration is appreciated, but not required. This circle is offered as a gift. A suggested donation is requested each session to help cover Women’s Well costs.  
Barbara Adler and Edith Griffin
Mondays, noon to 2:00 p.m.
January 18, February 8, March 8, April 12, May 10, June 14
Suggested donation per circle: $10

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Potluck Plus 
An informal social gathering at the end of the week, with other women who consider spirituality important in their lives. Bring a dish and gather for dinner and conversation, sharing our stories in a friendly circle. This is new for the Women’s Well – together we’ll see where it goes. We invite you to join us!  We welcome diverse voices and varied seasonings.  
  This gathering is offered as a gift. Just bring something for the potluck. The Women’s Well is always open to donations if you’d care to make one.
Barbara Adler, Edith Griffin, and Ingrid Van Houte
Friday evenings, 7:00-9:00 p.m.
January 22, February 26, March 26, April 30, May 21
Donations welcome

Inner Goddess Yoga Journeys: Heart-Centered Explorations for Inner Renewal     
Come renew, nourish and fill the deep wells of your woman-spirit.  
These workshops will offer gentle practices and journeys to help soften your heart’s compassion and loving kindness, uplift your spirit, and open the flow of core life energy and peace, even in these challenging times. 
    Together we will create sacred space, invoke the divine feminine within, and enter our personal inner temples of body, mind, heart and spirit. Through gentle yoga postures, breath practices, mindfulness and compassion, meditation, guided journeys, chant and sound, relaxation, and council sharing, we will open doors to the inner presence and power of our hearts. 
     This workshop is open to women of all levels of yoga exploration, physical health, and body type. Every woman is a goddess!  
    Please wear comfortable clothing you can move in easily, and bring a yoga mat or large towel, cushion, blanket, journal and pen, water, and whatever else may help you feel comfortable.
Lynn Roberson
Inner Goddess Yoga Journey for the New Year: Opening to Our Woman-Light Within
Saturday, January 23, noon to 2:30 p.m.
Inner Goddess Yoga Journey: Opening Into the Gift of Love
Saturday, February 13, noon to 2:30 p.m.
Inner Goddess Yoga Journey: Opening to Spring’s Awakening Power and Shakti Energy of Joy
Sunday, March 7, 3:00-5:30 p.m.
$15 early/$20 regular per circle

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Buddhism for Women, Parts I and II
This winter/spring 2010, after six years running every semester at the Women's Well as a consecutive series, Buddhism for Women is being consolidated into two all-day workshops. This new format allows time for more in-depth discussions followed by meditations on the discussion topics.
    In accordance with the Tibetan tradition of the Lam Rim, we'll discuss the fundamentals of Buddhist thought and practice in a method that introduces topics separately, then weaves them together to provide an understanding of Buddhism's spiritual path. In discussions we'll share our stories and questions to explore the relevance of this 2500-year-old tradition in bringing benefit to our lives.
    Part I: Topics include mind, meditation and spiritual practice. We'll explore Buddhist views of impermanence, karma, suffering and the potential for liberation from suffering.
Part II: Topics include the path of the Bodhisattva, or seeking enlightenment to benefit others as well as oneself. We'll explore Buddhist views and meditations on compassion, equanimity and wisdom as methods to help us progress on the spiritual path.
    All are welcome – no prior knowledge of Buddhism is necessary. Parts I and II may be taken separately or together, although it is strongly recommended that they be taken together. Pre-registration is required. Class size is limited to 15. Please bring a bag lunch (several cafes in the area may be open).
Wendy Garling
Sundays, 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Part I: January 31
Part II: February 28
$75 early/$90 regular per workshop

Women’s Drum Lodge: Elemental Rhythms Healing Circle
Join your sisters as we call in each direction of the Medicine Wheel with gentle rhythms, drums, chants, sounding and toning. Please bring singing bowls, chimes, shakers, rain sticks, wooden flutes, and/or drums of all kinds. If weather permits we will be bringing the Mother Drum to aid us going deeper into the Mother Earth with the heartbeat. These circles will teach us the power of deep listening and knowledge that will help take us deeper into our journey together as we heal ourselves and the Mother Earth. A-HO!
Laney Goodman
Sundays, 6:00-9:00 p.m.
February 7, April 18
$15 early/$20 regular, per circle

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Aligning Energies for New Directions
Are you ready to make some changes in your life? Do you know what’s stopping you? Do you have the guidance, tools and support you need?  If not, read on. Our work together in this workshop will enable you to align your energies for healing, strength, insight, and effective action, using easy and powerful energy techniques drawn from energy medicine, energy psychology and other sources. We will focus on clarifying your highest priority goal, identifying and clearing limiting beliefs and obstructive patterns, and building inner resources. Working together in sacred circle, we will connect energetically with each other and with Deep Wisdom to guide and strengthen our process.
Cerridwen
Three Thursday evenings, February 11, 18, 25, 7:00-9:00 p.m.
OR
Saturday, March 20, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
$50 early/$60 regular for either option

Monthly Meditation Circle
Sitting in sacred circle, we will gather our group energy together in meditation. Meditation can help to relieve stress and bring more peace and balance into your life. Meditation methods from various traditions will be introduced, but the majority of the time will be spent in meditation with a brief sharing at the beginning and a brief reading at the end. No experience necessary. Drop-ins are okay, but pre-registration is preferred.
Jennie Sandberg
Tuesday evenings, 7:30-8:30 p.m.
February 23, March 23, April 27, May 18
$10 early/$15 regular per class

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A day-long meditation retreat in Conscious Awareness: Awakening to our True Nature
    Your vision will become clear only when you look into your heart…
     Who looks outside dreams. Who looks inside, awakens.    Carl Jung
In this day-long retreat we will learn to recognize the illusory nature of our identification with the body-mind-personality, and instead experience who and what we truly are—Buddha Nature. Retreat is an unparalleled opportunity to dive below the layers of the “constructed, put-together, False self” to make contact with and discover the timeless space of our Being, of our true nature, the place where Conscious Awareness lies in wait for us simply to remember it. The day will consist of : A gentle Mindful Yoga session; guided meditations (Vipassana, Metta, Advaita); spiritual inquiry into who and what we truly are; group sharing; and Reflection.
Nina Carmel
February 27, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
$80 early/$100 regular

The Wise Heart – An Exploration of the Universal Teachings of Buddhist Psychology
Jack Kornfield’s newest book The Wise Heart, a brilliant and transformative exploration of the universal teachings of Buddhist Psychology, will serve as a jumping-off point for us to look at how from a western psychological perspective we “construct a sense of self” and “consolidate our ego” for healthy functioning; and how from an eastern-based understanding we need to “deconstruct the self” to locate the “eternal Self,” conscious awareness, Buddha nature. This seminal work from today’s premier Western Buddhist teacher shows that we need both, and that freedom and peace in the absolute sense comes from identifying the proper function of each, and accepting the reality of both. As a group we will discuss such topics as: The nature of consciousness; Compassion—holding the world in kindness; Mindfulness of the body, of emotions, and the story-telling mind; the illusion of self; and our evolution from delusion to wisdom. Through a variety of guided meditations and our personal investigation during group sharing, we will practice embodying our own Wise Heart, and ultimately bring this ever-deepening awareness and spiritual maturity into our daily lives with all we encounter.
Nina Carmel
Ten Mondays, 6:30-8:00 p.m., March 1 to May 3
$150 early/$200 regular

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Women in Buddhism: Mothers, Consorts, Saints and Goddesses
Some are remembered, many are forgotten, but women and their stories can be found at the heart of the history and development of Buddhism. In the Tibetan tradition women's stories help us understand sacred sexuality and the feminine principle as wisdom-the entry point to the deepest levels of realization. We'll discuss and explore a handful of these stories to enrich our understanding of the Buddhism's spiritual path and to examine how they may serve as mirrors into our own lives, challenges and potential. Join us for a relaxing evening in conversation with other women in circle. All are welcome; no prior background in Buddhism is necessary.
Wendy Garling
Wednesday, March 3, 7:00-9:00 p.m.
$25 early/$30 regular

Introduction to the Practice of Meditation Mindfulness and the Shamanic Journey
This one-hour class is a free introduction to the series beginning March 11. It offers the opportunity to ask questions about the approach and get a sense of the classes.
Denise Koelsch
Thursday, March 4, 1:00-2:00 p.m.

Creating A Spiritual Practice Using Mantra
In this workshop we will explore how a spiritual practice can be created to serve our individual needs, sustaining us through the challenges of daily living as well as providing a foundation from which inner joy may spring. We will discuss the basic components for creating a spiritual practice and how those components can be personalized for individual use. Together we will practice sample breath and mantras meditations from a variety of faith traditions for attracting healing, cultivating strength and embracing transformation. Participants will leave with all that is needed to begin a spiritual practice for addressing timely daily needs.
Stephanie Rutt
Saturday, March 6, 12:00-5:00 p.m. 
$50 early/$60 regular

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Practice of Meditation Mindfulness and the Shamanic Journey: Grounding and Opening to Spirit
This ten-session workshop is for people with some meditation experience. It is not necessary to have previous experience with Shamanism. The focus of the workshop is to expand one’s capacity for sustained self-awareness, identify and address obstacles to the practice of meditation, increase understanding of techniques and processes of both meditation and shamanism, and open to the transpersonal through the Shamanic Journey. Using both discussion and experiential approaches we will explore breath, body awareness, formal meditation, mindfulness, and altered states (the “journey”) through drumming.
Denise Koelsch
Ten Thursday afternoons, 1:00-3:00 p.m., March 11 to May 13
$300 early/$325 regular

The Ecstasy of Creativity
In the business (busy-ness) of our lives our creative selves often get lost! In this experiential workshop, you will reconnect with your creative energy! Through exciting and stimulating exercises, you will begin to live your cherished dreams; stay centered and creative even in times of stress and change; clarify your Creative Goals; decide on ten exciting risks you can take; and learn centering techniques you can use every day. And you will leave with a CREATIVE PLAN OF ACTION for the next three months.
Jeannie Lindheim
Saturday, March 13, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
$95 early/$125 regular

Spring Equinox Celebration
The equinoxes and solstices, marking the Earth’s annual journey around the sun, have been celebrated throughout the millennia. They offer opportunities to attune our energy to the natural rhythms of light and dark, expansion and contraction. In this seasonal celebration, we explore our connections to the flowing energy of the Earth. All women and girls are welcome.
   This circle is offered as a gift, and no payment is required to participate. Those who are able to pass the gift along are invited to make a donation to the Women’s Well. Pre-registration is appreciated, but not required.
Women’s Well community
Friday, March 19, 7:00-9:00 p.m.
Suggested donation: $10

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The Container Project:  Creating a Vessel for Your Emotions as an Empowerment Tool for Women
Have you ever felt that you could heal the planet if only you had a vessel large enough to carry the tears of the world? As women, we are often called in our relationships to be the holder of the emotions of others. We are natural vessels for the sorrows of the world. But how we hold our own emotions often gets lost in the shuffle of caring for others. In this class, we will create a real physical container in which to symbolically carry our emotions. Each woman will create a container which will then be painted and decorated. We will discuss the symbology behind the vessel as well as experiencing different techniques for deepening our connection to our emotions.
    Pre-registration is required at least one week before class start date so that the instructor can obtain supplies.  
Jennie Sandberg
Two Sundays, March 21 and April 4, 1:00-4:00 p.m.
$125 (pre-registration is required at least one week before class start)

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A day-long meditation retreat in Conscious Awareness: Awakening to our True Nature – Part II
This retreat is designed to reinforce and deepen the experience, and insights gained in part one (see February 27 above). However, each workshop is complete in itself as an opening into deep meditative inquiry. 
Nina Carmel
March 27, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
$80 early/$100 regular

Sacred Dance Journey
Let the Intuition of Our Bodies be our Guides. 
Let our Bones, Muscles and Breath be our Release. 
Are you looking for answers to questions that seem to have no answers? Do  you feel like your mind is never quiet? Do you crave time to just be? Do you want to Dance?
    When we allow ourselves to move – in stillness or with music – we allow ourselves to connect to our deepest, wisest and most alive selves. During this two-hour workshop, we will follow our own kinesthetic knowledge of how to move – simply, what feels right – and connect to the unique and sacred voice in each of us which guides and protects us. We begin with a group circle and some guided exercises, and then move into the space to dance individually and together. At the end of the workshop, we will have time for a seated sharing.
Janet Farnsworth 
Sundays, 2:00-4:00 p.m., March 28, April 25, May 23
Sliding scale: $10-20 per class

Meinrad Craighead, Visionary Artist
This evening will be a showing of the new documentary film Praying with Images on the life and work of Meinrad Craighead. Meinrad is a visionary artist living in the Southwest. Her images of God the Mother have been an inspiration to anyone searching for the Feminine Face of God.  Before and after the film there will be time in circle to reflect on the implication of her words and images on our lives and on our own creative process.
    This circle is offered as a gift. A suggested donation is requested to help cover Women’s Well costs.
Anne Yeomans
Sunday, March 28, 7:00-9:30 p.m.
Suggested donation: $15

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Introduction to Meditation Practices
What are we doing when we meditate? How do we choose a form of meditation that resonates with our temperament and individual needs? In this workshop we will explore the how-to and purpose inherent to all meditation forms. In addition, we will practice together traditional sitting meditation, Sanskrit and Arabic mantra practices as well as Sufi walking and movement meditations. Come and sample the many ways there are to kneel and kiss the ground!   
Stephanie Rutt
Saturday, April 10, 12:00-5:00 p.m. 
$50 early/$60 regular  

Simple Life, Spacious Life Clearing Circle
What are your biggest obstacles to clearing the clutter in your life? Do you yearn for a simpler life but have no idea how to cultivate it or where to begin? Could you use an energizing boost of inspiration and a taste of what deep spaciousness feels like? Join us for an opportunity to observe and quiet down the (noisy) mind so that you can identify the areas in your home and life that are the most stuck; design a daily clearing routine that is easy, fun, and lasting; learn simple practices that you can do in one minute or less; feel supported, nourished, and in the flow.
    Through personal inquiry, guided meditation, and group sharing, you will discover that clarity and spaciousness arise naturally by simply listening and being heard without the need to do or fix anything.
     Participants are invited to purchase a copy of Your Spacious Self. Copies can be purchased on the first day for $20 (cash or check), or in advance at the Concord Bookshop or on Amazon by logging onto www.spaceclear.com.
Stephanie Bennett Vogt
Sunday, April 11, 1:00-5:00 p.m.
$60 early/$75 regular

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Grandmother Stones of Old Europe
Max Dashu shows slides of the female menhir-statues of France, Spain, Portugal, Italy, Sardinia, and other parts of Europe. This is a chance to see the ancient female monuments omitted by nearly all histories, and even archaeological surveys. These grandmother stones and communal funerary sanctuaries (womb-tombs, or passage graves) grew out of matrilineal and communal societies. We'll also see stone spirals, vulvas, the ancestor-face motif, and similarities to Algerian and Ethiopian menhir-statues.
Max Dashu
Friday, April 16, 7:00-9:30 p.m.
$15 early/$20 regular

The Spirit of Play in Artmaking:  A Women's Circle of Creating
Play is a state of being in which possibility is a constant, the end is temporary, and joy is a regular visitor. Play says "Yes" to life, to hope, to faith, to dreams. 
                 From Elijah's Palace , by Kate Ransohoff.
Come experience the joy of play which facilitates each of our unique ways of creative expression. This workshop honors the ability to play and create which is inherent in every human being. Within a safe, nonjudgmental environment, we will use the circle format to offer opportunities to nourish your connection to art and spirit.
    The session will begin with a "check-in" which encourages participants to share where they are in their lives and what dreams they have to develop individual expression. Selections of Elijah's Palace by Kate Ransohoff will be read and discussed along with opportunities to respond in writing to the material. Elijah's Palace is a book that introduces inspirational stories and methods to help the development of individual expression. Exercises will be presented to enable us to create playful works together. Additional time will be provided for participants to work in the mediums they feel drawn to work in, whether drawing, writing, or playing. Due to the spontaneity and temporary nature of play, we will be living in the moment, experiencing the changeability of creating playful works. Therefore, no finished works will be expected or produced. However, a camera will be provided to photograph the plays. We will close with a circle of sharing about the day. 
    Basic play, writing, and artmaking materials will be provided. Please bring a bagged lunch
Robin Comeau and Renu O’Connell
Saturday and Sunday, May 1-2, 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Sliding scale $50-125 (plus $24 for Elijah’s Palace paid directly to teachers)

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Responding to the Call of the Wild:  For Women in Midlife and Beyond
This circle helps women to define for themselves what “wild” means. (Don’t assume you already know!)  Many of us, too busy responding to the needs of others, have not allowed ourselves to be “wild.” For some, even knowing who we are, what we want, let alone allowing ourselves to enact that unknown part of ourselves, is threatening. For others, being “wild” is not difficult, but homing in on what we want to do – or BE – at this stage of our lives is a challenge. In this circle, building a bond between participants, we discover what we have in common and also learn how diverse our experiences of growing older are.  By doing a "soul profile" in the middle of the weekend, we discover our deepest soul longings. This tends to uncover what Jung called the "shadow," the side of ourselves we have neglected which is calling out for expression. 
    Each meeting begins with silent meditation and a poem, and all include group sharing.  Some sessions have guided meditations. This is a circle full of energy and glimpses of new horizons. (see an interview with Demaris on YouTube.)
Demaris Wehr
May 7-9
Friday 7:00-9:00 p.m.; Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 4 p.m.; and Sunday 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
The Friday evening can be taken separately.
Friday only $20 early/$25 regular
Full workshop $200 early/$275 regular

Awakening Our Dreams
Whether we realize it or not, we are all dreaming the world into being.  Alberto Villoldo
We are, all of us, co-creating our individual and collective reality. Western culture leads us to believe that reality is “out there” and beyond our control – governed by immutable natural and economic laws – a perspective that can be disempowering in a time when the news about that reality is so grim. Many of us respond by tuning out, hoping that if we simply stay focused our daily concerns, we will stay out of harm’s way.
    Indigenous cultures throughout the world teach that reality is interactive – a dream shaped by our beliefs and eager to respond to our heartfelt intentions and courageous actions. This perspective invites us to become conscious of our dreams in order to manifest a reality aligned with our highest purpose.
    In this weekend retreat, we will enter sacred space in order to awaken our dreams. The “Awakening the Dreamer, Changing the Dream” symposium, inspired by indigenous traditions of the Amazon region, offers a rich sequence of video clips from experts on the current state of the crises we face, and the ways in which awakened individuals are creating a new dream: an environmentally sustainable, socially just, and spiritually fulfilling human presence on the Earth.
    We will integrate this material with a variety of sacred practices, including circle process, interactive exercises, guided meditation, and ritual mandala-making. Mandalas – the Sanskrit word for circles – embody wholeness, unity, creation, and self, and offer portals into our deepest dreams and highest visions. Our weekend journey promises to inspire, energize, and empower each of us to an awakened dream for the benefit of the Earth and all beings for generations to come.
    This circle is offered as a gift – all proceeds to benefit the Women’s Well. Those who are able to pass the gift along are invited to make a donation to help cover Women’s Well costs and further its work.  
Katy Locke and Majida Miller
Saturday and Sunday, May 15-16, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. each day
Suggested donation: $75-150

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