Spo-fans know I enjoy making Aloha style shirts. From time to time I post a picture of  some fabric I found or my latest creation. Last year, in September, my blogger-buddy Larry AKA Cubby proposed I send out a shirt on a charity tour:

I launched “The Shirt of Shirts” on September 9, 2010.

Here are the good folks who were part of the tour  9/9/10 – 5/25/12

(last to first)

Cameron and James

Tony

Mitchell

Jean

David of David’s Daily Drama

Ray(beard)

Walter

Corrie 

Peter of Tippin the Scales

Anne Marie of Philly

Beartoast Joe

Jeffrey Rich – and Jeff – of Little House

Doug T and Leon of Gossamer Tapestry

Shawn D.

D@vid of Another Mile Marker

Kelly  and Jeff  of “Rambling” 

Betty of Strelitzia

Buddy Bear

Erik R

Will and Fritz at DesignerBlog

Jim of Jim’s Stuff

The “Other Mark” of Portland

Mark and Rodger of Portland (and pooch) 

The Cajun

Ron T.  of Retired in Delaware

Hanuman

Sean/Jeffrey

RG (no photo)

JohnP

Blobby

RavenWing  

and

Cubby AKA Larry 

The Transcribed Contents of the Journal from the Spo-Shirt World Tour

9/25/2010

Dear Recipient –

I thank you very much for being part of this adventure. If you have a blog, please post a photograph of yourself with the shirt, and of course you can wear it! Please email me to let me know you received it so I can track its journey.

I ask you write a little something in this notebook. Tell me who and where you are, or what thoughts you had today – whatever strikes your fancy!

I gratitude, I will donate $5 to one of four charities. Please write in your note which one appeals to you –

DOCTORS WITHOUT BORDERS

THE HUMANE SOCIETY

TEST POSITIVE AWARENESS

PROSTATE CANCER FOUNDATION

Please pass the shirt and notebook on to someone you know or reads your blog. If you don’t have a taker, email me for the “next in line”. I have a list of people who want a turn!

In gratitude –

Michael AKA Urspo of Spo-Reflections

URSPO@yahoo.com

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9/29/2010

Today I received the most fabulous package in the mail – a Spo-Shirt! I giggled with excitement as I tried the shirt on for the first time. It fits! That’s hard to believe, as I thought Spo was much smaller than me.

Tonight my husband Greg and I took the shirt south to Cincinnati and met up with our friends Raven and JohnBear. We all felt its magic as we passed it around for our photo ops.

Tomorrow the adventure begins as the Spo-Shirt and I embark on a seven-day world tour. I’ll write all about it in my blog. I’m so excited!

Larry AKA Cubby of Patently Queer

Cubby@PatentlyQueer.com

Charity – Test Positive Awareness

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9/29/2010

Some days I think my colleagues are out-2-get-mí. Journals are good for purging. I am not overwhelmingly paranoid – BUT – Why is there a tracking code attached to this shirt?

The shirt is working its magic on JohnBear. He’s whoopsie!!

Another act of magic: I have no Bear Belly!

Mirabile dictu!

JohnBear looks fabulous in The Shirt! Raven looks significant in The Shirt! Can you say “MBTI in the workplace?” We love Larry & Slut; we are grateful that Spo brought us together!

Next year in Jerusalem!!

Raven~ (masquerading as a blogger)

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10/2/2010

The shirt has been very well behaved, merely complaining and holding some difficult poses. Magic indeed. And many adventures will follow. Oh – the shirt provides a very appropriate drape/disguise for the DuoDopa pump I’ve been wearing since January.

Felicurstations,

JohnBear

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10/10/2010

The shirt has been around Cleveland as you may have seen from my blog. Thank G-d for a good weather weekend to take the pics. Tropical shirts don’t translate in the cold & snow that easily – at least not outdoors, though it would get me some looks.

Had a great time participating – now the shirt is off to Boston.

Peace all!

Blobby

http://www.blobbysblog.com

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10/25/2010

As I was on vacation when the shirt arrived on my doorstep, I fear it has overstayed its welcome in my lovely home. 🙂 Fear not!! It has moved on to bigger & better things, namely RS’s pad.

We had a great visit, posing w/our scary skeleton friend & chillin’ w/my pup, Scooter. Thanks to my husband, Jim for playing photographer for the day. I couldn’t have done it w/o him.

Happy travels!

Xoxo – John

BostonBuzz33@yahoo.com

[ajohnp.blogspot.com] 🙂

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11/18/2010

I ran out of money before I could pass the shirt on! But now it should be with BreenLantern – Sean – who should be very creative in its visual application of display

Rob Gale

(RG)

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11/19/2010

The shirt has arrived – well, the Fed Ex guy (WOOFY!) delivered a fedex box from RG, so I’m assuming it’s the shirt! – no time to open it and find out. I’m busy taking naked pics by the fire – SB.

11/20/2010

I have a cold – box still not open – SB.

11/21/2010

Still sick – SB.

11/22/2010

Back to work. Came home sick. Box still not open – SB.

11/23/2010

Work then shopping & cleaning for T-day! So box remains unopened.

11/24/2010

EUREKA! The box has been opened and I have held the mighty Spo Shirt in my hands! (Why is it all sticky, RG?)

Took Spo shirt bowling with me tonight with hubby and seven friends. We had a great time!

12/18/2010

Well, after too long of a stretch, the spo-shirt is finally moving on and my shirt blog should be posted today. Sorry for the hold up. Enjoy the shirt, Mark.

Sean Breen aka Idle Eyes

(Oh & Spo: All charities are good. I’ll randomly pick the Humane Society in honor of Clyde).

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12/21/2010

My recent “procedure” has delayed the shipment of The Spo-Shirt on to its next location. It should be going out tomorrow!

Happy Holidays!

Hanuman Das

P.S. Charity: Humane Society

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12/24/2010

Well I got a very pleasant surprise when I got home from work this Christmas Eve, a Spo shirt! Wow! It is gorgeous and fits me perfectly. I hate to give it up but I must so I will reluctantly pass this beautiful Spo Shirt on to the next recipient down the line and that would be The Cajun who is headquartered in Rehoboth Beach. Delightful!

Charity – The Humane Association

Ron Tipton of RetiredInDelaware.blogspot.com

Ronstales@aol.com

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1/3/2011

What a great idea.

Received on 12/25/2010 – yes, holidays. Snow storm, non-stop work schedule, and a head cold, followed.

All’s well now, and so the shirt moves on from the Atlantic coast to the Pacific.

Oregon is the next stop on the Magical Spo Shirt Tour.

The Cajun

OnTransmigration.blogspot.com

Happy New Year to All.

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1/10/2011

Harper…

You sexy beast! Our masters won’t let us blog so I’m posting my photo here… I hoped my efforts here would lead to a date… a playdate.  I have been “tutored”.

Tell your “master”, Michael, my choice, obviously… is: The Humane Society. Were it not for them, I would never have found you!

Hey! I have a new pull-toy… IF you’d like to tug.

Woof –

Mac

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1/16/2011

I was so honored to show this beautiful artful creation Portland’s most famous Chinese… uh… place – the Hung Far Low.

It is most difficult to let this piece of art leave my place… I didn’t even like sharing it with Rodger & Mac.

Mark H.

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1/16/2011

After losing my father on Christmas Eve, the arrival of the Spo “shirt of shirts” was a huge lift of spirit.

Spo – this shirt is impeccably tailored! It’s impossible to find a shirt that hits the perfect spot… below the belt… above the basket! If you ever need a little pocket-money, give me a call… or make me a shirt 🙂

The tendonitis is making it difficult to write more so I’ll put the rest in my post.

I’ll join Mac in recommending the Humane Society as your Harper should agree.

Thanks so much for allowing me the pleasure to participate in this unique fund raiser.

Hugs to you, David & Harper! We need to meet soon!

Rodger

RodgerDodger.wordpress.com

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1/29/2011

SPO SHIRT! I love the Michael Rockwell label on it. I want one of my own someday!

I got the shirt the same day I got my new Manchester Terrier, Miles. I did not dress Miles in the shirt.

Today I took the Enneagram test and discovered that I am a 4, or “INDIVIDUALIST”. BIG SURPRISE!

Thanks for sending the shirt around. My wish for donation would be the Humane Society.

I am now going out for Hawaiian BBQ.

Mark –

CityWoof

ThisLittleRecord.blogspot.com

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2/14/2011

Hi Y’All!

The Spo-Shirt arrived a few days ago when Dallas was crippled by ice and nasty weather. Finding the box on my doorstep brightened my day.

Figuring out how to get some pics of me in the shirt on the bike trails was tricky. I wish I had a significant other to take the photos, but alas, I had to settle for a tripod. 😦

The shower dance was fun! I hope it brought a smile to all y’alls faces!

My charity: “Test Positive Awareness”.

Thanks for letting me share in this experience. Take care!

Jim xoxo

“Jim’s Stuff”.

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2/28/2011

Spo shirt, AKA the shirt of many shirts arrived late last week and, as good old theater men who have designed and worked with costuming, we looked attentively at the details of finishing. The workmanship is really beautiful, with neat stitching and excellent buttonholes. Our Dr. Spo is an excellent artisan!

We both had photos taken and although we have mountains of snow here, I even wore it outside and open front in the spirit of a good tropical shirt.

We are delighted to be part of the shirt’s grand tour to grand men all over the U.S.! Thanks, Jim, for forwarding it on to us, and it’s our pleasure to send it to Erik and the Husbear with our best wishes.

Charity: Prostate research

Will and Fritz

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3/10/2011

Dear Paper Blog:

I received the Spo-Shirt in the mail seven days ago, and I neglected to open it until today. My apologies. Sometimes work gets in the way.

Upon donning the Spo-Shirt, I instantly noticed it is difficult to tell where the Spo-Shirt ends and my tattoos begin. It’s so colorful! (Just like me… 😉 ).

Before I forget, I choose “Doctors without Borders” as the charity that appeals to me.

And I’d like to thank Michael for doing this. It’s nice to participate in something blog-related… yet different. Thanks!

Erik Rubright

Erikrubright.com

*Hugs* to you all!  And come see me in Arkansas sometime.

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3/21/2011

The beautiful Spo-shirt reached its first international destination on March 21st! Oh, Canada!!

Still in the depths of winter here, 0 deg. F, lots of snow and 18” of ice on most lakes. Chilly!!

I wore it wilderness hiking, to work (twice) where I received many dozens of compliments on it snowboarding; in the shower & bathtub.

This weekend, I chaperoned 35 17-year-olds on an overnight winter wilderness camping trip wearing the Spo-shirt all the while!!

Thank you, Dr. Spo, for this exciting opportunity!! Check my blog for photos.

Regards,

Alan (AKA Buddy Bear)

http://onestepatatime92.blogspot.com/

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4/10/2011

The Shirt of Shirts has dazzled many here in Indianapolis. I couldn’t wait to show off its beautiful colors and workmanship at church, where I work. Staff and volunteers were delighted and complimentary. A couple of days later the Shirt made its debut at the Damien Center, our HIV/AIDS support center. A fellow volunteer was jealous and wanted one for himself. (I don’t blame him.)

I’m so happy to have been part of the community of sharing. My boss liked the idea so much that we’re brainstorming how to turn it into a mission project for our upper elementary kids. Nothing stops an idea whose time has come. If we figure out a way to do this, I’ll write all about it and give credit where it is due.

Thank you so much for letting me participate. I eagerly await the day when I can meet the owner of the Shirt.

Betty Greene Salwak

http://strelitziamusings.blogspot.com

P.S. I haven’t written a note in longhand in years. This is not easy! Hugs & kisses –

Birdie

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4/22/2011

Good Friday! 🙂

I have done what others have seem to have done – I got the box a week ago & am now just opening it. One reason – I am off today & have the time. I took a couple pics but have not blogged it just yet – though I did make it my Facebook profile pic, with Bunny ears. The weather is a bit cold today, so I will try & get more pics over Easter weekend when sun is out & temps are higher. Will write more at that point. For now I would like Test Positive Awareness for my charity (for Laird).

TTFN!

KS

4/25/2011

The day after Easter. Finally made Blog Post w/shirt.

4/29/2011

Boxing the shirt up tonite. Good to see more folks want to join in. Look forward to seeing more pics w/more folks.

Kelly

http://www.ramblingalong.com

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5/1/2011

I went away for the weekend to Columbus for some R&R with some friends & when I got home there was the Spo shirt box waiting for me. I immediately opened it up & tried it on, but was more interested in reading this notebook of everyone’s experience receiving the shirt before me. I was overcome with emotion reading their stories, as well as realizing my part in this Journey (the sisterhood of the traveling Spo Shirt).

It’s been raining so much & I was waiting for it to stop to snap a picture of me wearing it with Pittsburgh in the background… but when it got sunny out I got busy with work (Landscaping) & never got that pic. I did, however, post some on my blog & one spicy pic went up on Sean’s Idle Eyes and a Dormy for Undie Monday. Thanks to Michael for putting this adventure together & for the donations!

D@vid@AnotherMileMarker

Pittsburgh, PA

Next stop… Shawn Dooley 🙂

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5/30/2011

Spo Shirt of Shirts arrived just in time for make it to a Rapture Party at a friend’s house and I was honored to wear it for the event. I & the Spo Shirt of Shirts both had a grand time!

I am honored to be a part of its journey.

I am thankful to Dr. Spo for his blog, his writing, his insight, his good looks and of course his fine sewing skills. Quite a nice shirt if I say so myself!

May the Spo Shirt of Shirts bring you blessings as it passes through your hands and on to its next destination. As its existence, and that of Dr. Spo, are simply a blessing.

Peace & Love,

Shawn

Shawn@ShawnDooley.com

http://www.ShawnDooley.com

Next stop… Doug T. Greetings from San Diego!

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6/29/2011

The Spo-Shirt Rules!!!

It’s fun to think of where this has been and who it has been on.

Doug Taron

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8/24/2011

Hello from Huntsville! What can I say? Life is forever changed by the Spo-Tacular SPO SHIRT! Even inspired the SPO-PER DOLL” 🙂

Jeff Wright

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8/24/2011

Dear Michael,

This has been a fun project to have a little of you & your art in our home (& on our bodies :-)) for a short while! Thanks for initiating such a fun excursion of this Spo-shirt 🙂 We’ve had fun with it & have told & shown lots of our friends.

It leaves Huntsville, AL today to go to Asheville, NC to BearToast Joe for its next stop after an (unfortunately) extended stay with us.

On to the Mountains!

Love,

RayBob (Jeffrey Rich)

Thanks also for your generosity in Donating to the charity of your choice for us.

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9/6/2011

The shirt has arrived! It got here about a week ago – but I’m remiss in checking my P.O. Box.

I am most honored to be part of the Famous Spo Shirt project! I’ll have to make plans for its wearing and display.

Today, I thought I’d colorfully begin my account and I read of all the other Shirt adventures!

BearToast Joe

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11/9/2011

Charity – Doctors w/o Borders

“A strange box has arrived”, I tell myself. Who can it be now (sings)

OMFG

It’s the magical Spo shirt!

A wonder to behold AND to hold!

I read through the notebook pages; some friends who have slipped on this fabric

Cubby (hawt!)

Sean

Kelly (hawt!)

Blobby

BuddyBear (rawr!) 🙂

Ron

Jim (!)

And some new friends I recognize from blog comments.

11/13/2011

Today the shirt and I go to Valley Forge National Park, a revolutionary war site near my home; my parents took me there when I was growing up.

Husbeast was the designated photographer.

It’s mos def NOT made for my rather robust body, but I play along.

Thank you, dear dear Spo, for

1. making this shirt

2. letting me participate

3. publishing my photos

Smooches and hugs and love to all who wear & read this after me!

Anne Marie in Philly

Now to Europe…

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11/27/2011

Hi all,

The “shirt of shirts” is now over a year on the road. It arrived in Amsterdam, the Netherlands on Thanksgiving Day (Nov. 24).

I think it’s very special that a shirt can connect the world. Maybe we don’t read all the blogs mentioned but we have a common source… Dr. Spo.

Tomorrow the “Shirt” will go to France, after that the UK and then…, who knows.

I’m glad to have joined and it’s a stimulus to lose more weight after I saw the pictures taken of me. The shirt will never fit but closing the buttons would be enough.

Wishing you all the best end of year celebrations.

Greeting from Amsterdam,

Peter Schröder

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1/2012

It’s been a special pleasure to be able to host the Spo-Shirt in France as we enter 2012.

I’m in awe reading all the witty and touching commentary in these pages.

All of the charities listed are worthy, but I’m partial to the people who care for animals, so they get my vote.

The shirt will now follow in the footsteps of William the Conqueror and head across the Channel to England – where I’m certain it will have a “Jolly Good Time!”

Best Wishes to All,

Walt Streeter

WCS – Another American in France

(www.wcs4.blogspot.com)

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1/23/2012

The justly-renowned Spo-shirt is now approaching the end of its residency in Worthing, West Sussex, England.

Tomorrow I deliver it into a good and capable, safe and trustworthy pair of hands in the eastern half of this same county, with a sincere wish that its possession casts blessings onto all those with whom it comes into contact.

To honor its stay in my humble abode, I have framed opposite a little verse which, I trust, may cause some slight entertaining diversion to future readers of this esteemed record.

I’m looking forward a great deal to seeing the shirt’s appearances in _________ new, draping the good frames of bloggers known to me and otherwise.

Hearfelt good wishes to all!

Ray (Raybeard)

IN PRAISE OF A CERTAIN ILLUSTRIOUS ARTICLE OF CLOTHING

(or Verbal Dancing Around the Name of ‘Sh… You Know What’ Without Actually Treading on It)

PRAY, GENTLE FOLK, REMAIN ALERT

AND DO NOT LET YOUR GLANCE AVERT,

PERMITTING EYES AROUND TO SKIRT

– THEN YOU’LL BE WISER YET, ‘TIS CERT!

BE MERRY WHEN THIS GARB YOU GIRT

AROUND YOUR BODY, FULL OR PERT.

TEMPTED THOUGH YOU’LL BE TO FLIRT.

BEHOVES IT YOU – RESPECT NOT DIRT

OR ELSE WE ALL AS ONE MAY HURT.

NOW I’LL AVAIL MYSELF, IF NOT TOO CURT,

“THREE CHEERS FOR DR. SPO” TO BLURT.

AND TO FULTIL REQUIRED PROPRIETY

I CHOOSE AS CAUSE – ‘THE HUMANE SOCIETY’.

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1/31/2012

I MET THE PREVIOUS WEARER Ray last week and took possession of the Spo Shirt over a beer.

I have loved being part of the journey and wearing the Shirt of Shirts. Such a great idea and my donation is being made to a local AIDS charity.

If you would like to see my photos wearing the shirt you can see them at http://www.davmcdngh.blogspot.com

Lots of love to the future lovers,

David

Davids Daily Dramas

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2/6/2012

I am thrilled to have been able to welcome the “Shirt of Shirts” to Derbyshire in the U.K.

I am now sending it back across the channel to sunny Spain.

The whole thing is a great idea and a marvelous way to raise money for charity.

With best wishes,

Jean x

“A Very Grand ______________” [sorry Spo, I cannot make out that last word. Try giving it a shot –Cubby]

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3/13/2012

Sevilla, Spain

The shirt-of-shirts has enjoyed a beer and the sunshine in Plaza del Prado, another beer and the sunshine in the Plaza de la Magdalena, and curious glances as I strolled the city. What a great idea, great shirt, and wonderful opportunity! Thanks to Michael & Cubby – and to all my fellow shirt-wearers!

It is now on its way to New South Wales in Australia!

Mitch

Mitchellismoving.glogspot.com

Charity: Doctors Without Borders

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4/14/2012

Sydney, Australia

Well, as others have written “the shirt has arrived” and what a wonderful shirt it is. I’ve enjoyed reading all of the journal entries. As others, I am honoured to be part of this wonderful endevour. I have to say “This is one damn good looking shirt”. I too will find it hard to give it up, but understand that in doing so I will pass the shirt on so that it may continue its worldwide journey. My hubby and I will go out and take some pictures and then I will pass the shirt on to the next lucky recipient.

SPO – Huge thanks for letting me be part of this and even more thanks for your kindness and generosity.  You will always be someone I call friend!

Cheers,

Tony

http://www.bnormal.blogspot.com

Charity: Test Positive Awareness

5/1/2012

So long “shirt of Shirts”. Safe travels.

Tony G.

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5/16/2012

…and so here is the Spo-Shirt at its penultimate stop: The Woods of Northern California, basking in late Spring sunshine, fresh breezes, and the scent of wild-flowers.

Spo-Shirt *LOVED* hanging out at our barn.

What an amazing journey this shirt has had, all over the world!

James and I picked up the shirt from the tiny town Post Office a few days ago. We fiercely debated who was going to wear the shirt first. We came up with a handy solution. We just cut it in half! Problem solved.

JUST KIDDING.

The Spo-Shirt has been in no rush to leave – this is such a beautiful spot.

Let’s not forget our cat Rupert!

I could tell that Spo-Shirt wanted to take a bath in the meadow, but I cautioned that it was too cold.

The shirt, along with many other honored guests here over the years, is smart enough to know a Good Thing when it sees it – let us tarry a few days and take in the sights!

Reading this journal, and seeing where the Spo-Shirt has traveled, has been a wonderfully touching experience for James & me. We are honored to be a small part of the community that has participated in this very worthwhile cause.

THANK YOU, Spo, for letting your beautifully-tailored shirt be our guest!

And Larry, wear this Spo-Shirt proudly and in good health. We have all enjoyed “breaking it in” for you.

Doctors Without Borders is James’ & my charity choice.

Typed on my tiny portable Brother “clone” made in Japan, 1971.

Love,

Cameron & James

http://cameronkopf.blogspot.com

Money raised so far

Human Society: 11

Doctors without Borders: 10

Test Positive in Chicago: 4

Prostate Cancer: 12


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