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Yeast

Families are a bit like yeast. Living things that grow in the right conditions and die off in prolonged heat. Sometimes the starter lives for years, and other times it goes off without regular care and attention.  It combines with other ingredients to be greater than the original form. It drives change and transformation. Gentle. Percolating. Needs to be put in its place every now and then.  Generally, it lives peacefully and doesn't cause problems.  And then there's the unexpected outburst requiring treatment from stage left.  It's a magical substance when used according to the manufacturer's instructions.
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