Yesterday was a triple-whammy for me. Not only was it the day that Master Guylty returned home after 11 months of living in Berlin, but in the morning I received two packages. As some may have seen on Twitter, Kate sent a big parcel of items for the auctions, and there was a bit of leakage in the process. A kindly included jar of canned cherries had burst 😱. The postman was apologetic and claimed he didn’t know how – but incidentally I found evidence outside my house later. He must’ve dropped it. But luckily, since it only happened on the “last mile”, the cherry juice did not have enough time to get spread across the whole package. The damage was limited to a couple of wrappings, and Kate’s handiwork and donations intended for the fundraiser are unharmed.
The other package, however,

… tension builds…
Yes. I can confirm that we have received a contribution from Richard to our birthday auctions. It was not a dream 😉. But in the interest of keeping the hinted at “surprise” a bit longer, I’ll draw this out a little bit. (Of course I shall disclose the item *before* the auctions, but it’ll be a slow release, for prolonged torture enjoyment.) For now, I’ll let you see this.
Richard is a dear! ❤️ I mean, this cannot be a coincidence!
I am sure he specifically used this box to secure his item in. Well done, sir, well done! That’s *almost* an auction item in its own right! – So, without any further specifics on the item in question (suspeeeeeeeeense), the donation was accompanied by a hand-written letter addressed to me, with some very kind words. It was basically the last confirmation that Richard is a class act. I have already thanked him, but just to reiterate by posting this in the ether and thus kicking off an avalanche of karma his way – Richard, literally thanks a million for your contribution. You are a star in more than one respect!
Are you excited? I am excited! The surprise is pretty cool, and while I *can* wait to show you, I also enjoy your suspense and guesswork. It makes the whole fundraiser even more fun, right?
So, as regards the next few weeks prior to the fundraiser kick-off, I will be posting more teasers. I’ll let you see some of the items we will have on offer, I will spotlight our supporters who donated and crafted, and I will eventually reveal the mystery item sent by Richard. At this stage, I would already like to thank everybody who has sent items or has contributed sale and auction items that they will dispatch themselves from their own location. You are stars, too. For anyone who wants to donate items to the fundraiser: We have reached the limits at this stage, so any items you might want to contribute, are always welcome but will go into a later auction (December fundraiser). This is only done for logistical purposes and not a deliberate way of excluding anyone from the now upcoming fundraiser. I hope you understand.
Keep guessing 😉!
*rubshands* The excitement!!!
I actually think making the box a separate auction item isn’t a bad idea at all. Even if they did spell
Portah wrong. 😉
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Yes, please, maybe I have a chance to win (at least) the box 😁
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I know, the box is cool, but 😬 – I think it belongs with the contents…
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That box is a winner. But I am of the opinion that it was packed by Mr A and should be considered as a “bundle” with the contained item. Hehe, I am a total pedant that way…
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While it might be nice to double the contribution and auction the box separately, I agree with Sonja that it should remain with the item. Our beautiful man especially packaged them together, so I’m all in favor of keeping them together.
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Yay, thanks for the back-up! It just kind of makes sense to me to keep it “as original” as possible. Ha! On that note, Mr Guylty said to me that I would have to leave the included letter to *me* in the box, too, for authentification purposes. 😡 Nope. That’s *my* reward. (Besides, the letter does not detail what the donated item is, anyway.)
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I’m not materialistic, but when it comes to charity I am mercenary. Extra money for the box was my first thought. 😁
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I know – and I am with you, usually. Just not in this box… eh… case.
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Sonja, I have no words! Only positive emotions! So happy for you and for all of us, Richard’s well-wishers ❤️🙌🏻
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Indeed, I think it is a wonderful acknowledgment of the fundraiser and encouragement for its supporters past and present. He really is a classy guy.
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The positive vibes we need right now! 🙌🏻
Thank you again for all your hard work, Sonja! Of course everyone can donate separately but your auctions bring us together and give a warm feeling of fulfilment and gratification. ❤️
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Well said, I can only agree
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awwww.. on so many levels, including that i appeared to be the first one reading this post, like only 16 seconds away from publication 🙂 That hasn’t been the case in what feels like years.. I find it adorable how the sticky tape is stuck wonky and not professionally and the humour of including it in this box. Made me wish i won the lottery for a split second so even i could bid 🙂 But i think the enjoyment of the gesture itself cannot be surpassed by anything really 🙂
I hope i get to follow the auction, though i know it’s likely i’ll only be able to occasionally dip in.
I didn’t think i could feel such a moment of sheer childish joy ever again, nice surprise overall.
Glad Master G came back ok, though wouldn’t have surprised me if he’d wanted to stay, what a dream break!
And oooh nooo on the cherries!! What a shameee, we knos how preciousssss those are this side of the world, pity 😦 But glad rest of delivery was ok :-))
But yeah, feels nice ot know Richard is out there in the world , doing his ‘thing’ 🙂 I hope he does for many years to come so that i may somebody maybe be able to enjoy something of his live again.
Good luck in advance for a fantastic auction!
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And yes, we have reason to believe that the box was chosen, packed and secured but himself… At least I think so. It just couldn’t be a coincidence that his assistant had a Mr Porter box lying around… (I’m impressed that Richard keeps some clear sticky tape in his stash 😂) The gesture of all of it – the volunteer contribution, the box it came in, the kind words – speaks for itself. I am very grateful, and I consider it directed at all of us. It is lovely that he has sent us a sign of appreciation. – RA really is a good guy. We knew that, but he’s just proven it again.
Master G has already announced that “if it doesn’t work out here, I’ll move back” 😂. Well, you can imagine how the German mama’s heartbreak is actually alleviated by the fact that he has chosen mama’s homecountry – the “mother”land 😉
Indeed, the cherries were a tragedy. But Kate had actually included 2 such jars, so there still are cherries for me to enjoy 🤤
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Not to worry. I have more cherries in my freezer. 🍒
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Never has suspense felt so good! Marvelous news that Kate’s very precious items arrived mostly safely, although the loss of that jam is awful. I’m sure you’re right that our beautiful man used that box specifically, although he does have to get his clothes from somewhere, doesn’t he? Just a bit of luck that he had one of their boxes to hand, I guess. But why would he bring a clothing box from a NY store to England with him? Does he pack his lovely clothes so very carefully? Maybe he brought a suit coat and wanted to keep it pristine, or someone used the box to bring a present for him? Guessing about the box is almost as much fun as guessing about the item! The fact that it’s a clothing box makes me wonder if it is indeed Astrov’s socks! Boy howdy, what a hilarious treat that would be.
I’m especially glad to hear that he wrote you a nice note. You deserve so much recognition and praise, dear one, for all of your hard work, good humor and kindness. Not to mention how you rally your troops! We all 💜 you.
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The box was a laugh-out-loud moment when opening the parcel, I can tell you. A cherry on top the icing. – You know, MrPorter is the menswear arm of Net-a-porter (and thus incidentally the direct rivals of the company who is current my biggest client 😂 *tuttuttut* And I am giving them free advertising now…), so you can order from them anywhere in the world. So I am not surprised that he has a box or three from them… They sell designerwear only afaik.
The note is really lovely – he even spelled my name right, which always gets extra marks from me. It means someone has really looked.
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I completely agree about name spelling. It is always a good sign when someone takes the trouble to get it right.
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Exactly. It means they have put thought in.
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A cherry on top of this wonderful box—thank goodness not literally. 🤣🤣 #NoMoreJamPackages
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Oh goodness, no, that could’ve spoilt the box… 😱
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Very glad that didn’t happen.
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Imagine if it had been ruined!!!! It doesn’t bear thinking about.
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I think we would’ve survived the loss of the box. The contents, however… 😬
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I’m retroactively terrified.
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Oh, oh, oh! Can you tell us if the package was mailed from England or New York?! Or would that be giving away too much? I thought that he was still in England filming, but if he is back home already, that would explain why he has a box from a NY store readily available. 🤔🕵♀️
And most excellent news about the return home of young Master G! You must be so happy and relieved to have him back with you.
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More info on box for the purpose of guessing in the next post 😉. I’m sprinkling the clues very sparsely 😈
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That’s an excellent idea to be sparing with the clues! It does prolong the excitement and builds up the momentum to the auction even more. (I really must remember to buy a lottery ticket when I’m out next…)
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Hehe, I know, it feels a bit mean. Although that’s not the purpose. It’s just, as you said, building up momentum. (You can take the girl out of marketing but you can’t take the marketing out of the girl…)
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Could have been me putting the tape around the package… 😁😆😂
This is such a sweet and generous gesture – you could just join a fandom at that point. 😉 Thank you for making it possible, S.! 🙏
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Tbh, sticky tape like that is not my forte, either… And I have plenty of experience with it.
I’m superhappy to be the facilitator of this. It really is my pleasure.
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And hopefully not a guilty, but a successful one! Now it’s become a perfect joint venture and you’re the worthy facilitator: congrats!
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Definitely a proud and happy pleasure 😁.
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Good!
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Double excitement: master G home (after 11 months, you must be over the moon!) and the mystery item has arrived! How terribly exciting!
So, the package came with personal note too and in a box that (seems to) give away what the item is related to. Very, very nice and you are evil (in a good way) for intensifying the suspense… 🙂
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Hehe, Esther, a box is a box… can be used for holding many things… This one is nice and sturdy, making sure the contents are protected…
And oh yes, having son back, is so good. I think we might have him for a few weeks even, until the semester starts 🥳
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That’s so cool and I’m really happy for you 🙂
I’m so curious to find out what’s in the box even if I could never afford to buy it 😀
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Thank you – the clues will keep coming. It’ll be a big surprise for all of you, I’m sure.
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How lovely it must be for you to see Master G . And how exciting about RA’s ‘somethng! I am bursting with anticipation. It’s not Porter’s knife is it? That would make me stop at auction – for a moment.
To think, RA’s parcel was rubbing shoulders with Kate’s one.
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I love anticipation – it lasts so much longer than the actual fulfillment of wishes, so I savour every moment… Hm, weaponry… a tricky thing…
You are spot on about the two packages arriving. Kate’s was actually delivered on top of RA’s 😀
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My box was vicariously touching his. Hashtag sigh 😍
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Not many women can say that…
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Indeed, as it is quite a strange thing to say. 😂
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In lieu of me rubbing shoulders with him. 😂
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Well, you had already ticked that box ✔️ at RDC 👍🏻
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Well, since I am a rule follower (no hugs, no flower crowns), I kept that slim volume of the New Testament between us at all times, so no actual rubbing occurred. 😉
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Pingback: Stirring news (good and bad) – The Book of Esther
Huh, not only the upcoming excitement for the big birthday auction but also puzzling over the mysterious box is nearly too much for my little fangirl heart. I am looking forward to the answer with great eyes.
Mr Porter is welcome every time
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It’s all part of the fun, right? I have a feeling that he might enjoy this little game of suspense – otherwise he might have said openly online what he was going to send. So I am taking my cue from him and am keeping the mystery going for a little bit…
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This is going to be amazing ! Thank you for organizing yet again and many thanks to Mr. A. for the surprise donation.. Glad your hubby made it home safe and sound too…Take care
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Thank you Tessa – and lovely to have all this support from you all!
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I´m so happy to hear about your son being back home, you must be so happy. The package and its taping are really amusing, that could have been me 😁 and it´s so lovely to hear about that personal note, I´m really happy for you, you deserve it. Just keep teasing us about the content, it´ll be so much fun and excitement to get all the clues. I think he´s having his fun with that and quite rightly so, it´s so lovely of him to do that 💗.
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The chosen box really is the icing on the cake. It’s just a detail – but it shows that the whole contribution was done with charm and meaning. Hilarious, really. 👍🏻
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He really has a special and funny sense of humour, I like that 👍😁💕.
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Me too. It makes him relatable – and sometimes unpredictable. But that is good.
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That´s true!
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So,lovely to have all this excitement crop up in our lives. I’m enjoying everyone’s reactions as much as my own. And you must be doubly over the moon today, Guylty, with your son coming home as well. Nobody deserves it more than you. I’m so happy for you.
I wonder if Mr A has a little giggle every time he buys from that shop. They should pay him a hefty discount for using his name. 😂 Does your clients’ firm have a vaguely pyrotechnical title perhaps?
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So much fun, indeed. We are creating our own excitement, with the help of Mr A…
I was wondering the same re. Mr Porter… Does he also enjoy flying Porter Air, I wonder? 😉
Hm, not sure whether I get a possible pyrotechnics reference… I work for Farfetch.
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Aha! I guessed wrong then. There’s a similar high-end online shop to Net a Porter called … Matches. (Had to return a luxurious but wrong-sized pressie to them once, so I still get their emails)
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Ooops, I didn’t know. Must research the competition properly!!!
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This is the besssssst. Haven’t seen Strike Back in years. Now what props did Portah have…. Or maybe it’s one of those (tight, nicely tight) t-shirts?
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So many possibilities…
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Portah had some pretty serious guns – and the firearms were plenty badass as well.
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😂 Indeed!!!
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Dear Lolo – online shopping, especially if clothing and the like, has rocketed this last 18 months, especially in the UK, so not surprised he has a load of boxes available. His Portah self-reference though is excellent!🥰😎👍
From the pic I thought the tape sealing the box was ugly grey gaffer tape 😭, but clear tape is better. ☺️
I am surprised by the creases in the sticky tape! 😱 But perhaps that goes with the non-ironing of shirts territory?😬😝☺️
Am eagerly waiting for more tidbits.
And sorry I’m not posting much myself – a few more busy work days then I get to have a few rest days to work on my blog. 🥺😢
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Nothing much to add…..just *squeeeeeeee!!!!!!” What a darling man.
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He is. And “squeeee” is just about right 😄
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Lol, I like the way you slipped in “I’ve already thanked him via DM” very cool
I do hope the box was intentional because its very funny
I’m not going to speculate purely because it could be so many things! As long as its not just an autograph lol
One thing, have you decided when it will be placed in the auction? Will it be the first item, middle, last?
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Thank you for pointing that out, Rachel. I have now edited that out because I was horrified at what you were implying. That hadn’t really been my intention with it.
Why would an autograph not be a good contribution?
Re. Your question – not decided yet.
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oh, i was only kidding around!
sorry for any upset
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it’s why i said very cool
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🙂 Very cool , I agree because It’s like a conversation of 2 old acquaintances.
Who would have thought that Richard Armitage would come to this type of relationship with a fan?
For him, making contact with the fans, through your blog, is a way of reducing, if not silencing, criticism from fans who find him too distant. lending to the game “me too, I participate”. It’s very well done on his part. He does not position himself as a star adored by his admirers but as a spectator participating in parallel to his own “adoration”.
Congratulations to his communications advisor, who along with maestro raises his image with the “wellwishers”.
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Thanks for adding your perspective, Radaghast 🙂 All good. But just to say here that there is “no type of relationship” with a fan at all. I do not have a channel of communication to him as such. He is professional and keeps it all neutral, which is as it should be. No preferential treatment!
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🙂 I agree.
Yes I mean parallel relation , not direct relationship. That’s a very great “trouvaille” find, a very great way to communicate closely but not directly.
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No worries. It was kind of a redundant piece of info on my part.
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Nobody who knows you would ever misinterpret your remark about thanking him. ❤️
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Sonja, danke für Deine Arbeit an der Auktion. Kann es sein, dass die Überraschung eine Sonnenbrille von John Porter ist? Herzliche Grüße
Sonja, thank you for you work at the fun(d)raiser. Is the surprise John Porters sunglasses? Best wishes
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Hallo Graza – danke für deinen netten Kommentar! ❤️ Hehe, und ich bewahre erstmal noch Stillschweigen über den Inhalt der Schachtel…
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Du machst es richtig spannend, Sonja. Es macht echt Spaß dabei sein zu können. Schönes sonniges Wochenende
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Das freut mich, Graza! Spaß ist das oberste Gebot hier – unser Fan-Hobby soll Freude und Ablenkung bringen. Und umso besser, wenn wir das auch noch mit einer guten Tat verbinden können. Happy weekend 😄
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Tomorrow I shall sea my son and daughter again. I have only seen my daughter 1.5 days since Christmas. So I look forward to sharing the same emotions as you soon.
My niece’s wedding is finally going to take place. I hope it won’t be another future closter. Even vaccinated all 4, I am not reassured.
Amusez-vous bien!
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That’s wonderful news, Radaghast. It is so nice to have both children back, even if only for a short time, right? Hope you’ll have a lovely time together.
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Thank you!
Just all both families together in Paris, looks miraculous, nowadays.
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How will they be dressed, what hairstyle and hair color, what tan, in good health or tired? I have no idea how they will look. It’s strange. Like strangers I don’t know them anymore …
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Oh I know what you mean. The children we brought up, are now adults and do their own thing. It’s strange, but also exciting. Unfortunately the last 18 months have been really tough, with less direct contact. But I am sure you will have a wonderful time catching up with your son and daughter!
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Contemplating on the contents made me think how often clothing has been mentioned by our Guy.
The bidding war with Keith Allen over his Guy of Gisborne costume
Purchasing the Lucus North apparel because he couldn’t choose/shop for himself!
Showing off jazzy socks on a long haul flight
Unable to throw out all the socks provided by The Hobbit costume makers (thrifty)
Astrov’s socks
A fan sending him under pants that didn’t ‘ride up’ lol
Buying ugly boots for John Stranding and winning the role in Sparkhouse
There are probably more if anyone wants to join in!
Looking forward to the auction and more
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Clothing would also make sense in terms of using a shipping box in which he received clothes. You have listed a very interesting array of options!
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*g* Ich schätze, das wird das erste Mal, dass ich Blogposts bis zur Auktion wirklich gespannt verfolge.
Raten wir mal mit: Eine von Guys Jacken? Wo er die doch erst vor relativ kurzer Zeit wiedergefunden hat …
Aber DAS Guylty anzutun, das wäre schon Sadismus. 😛 😛 😛
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Das sag ich dir!!! Obwohl, ich als guy gurl hätte dann ja mehrere Wochen, die Jacke ausgiebig zu genießen… und das, ohne die Geldausgabe! Win! Aber ob er sich von so einem großen Teil trennen könnte???
Es bleibt spannend!
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