Casey Shannon Studio Sumi-e Art

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Ranked #731 in Arts , #14,882 overall

Elegant Brush Paintings

"Your Treasure House is in yourself, it contains all you need" - Hui Hai 8th Century - my main goal and purpose for designing this lens, is to share with you contemporary Sumi-e art and my story, share Sumi-e techniques and resources, and hopefully offer up some 'food for thought' and inspiration. I am a contemporary Sumi-e painter reaching beyond the limits of traditional ink painting. Painting is one of my passions. Please read my Bio and learn more about me and my life path as an artist and as a woman. Enjoy and Thank you!

To view my original paintings, my stroke recovery art, and discover other delightful gems, please visit Casey Shannon Studio. Visit my Blog

Copyright © 2009 - 2012
Casey Shannon Studio Art. All rights reserved.


Buy my Fine Art Prints at The Untapped Source

 

Japanese Ink Painting 

The Art of Sumi-e

My thoughts and personal approach to ink painting called Sumi-e:

I am a contemporary sumi-e painter reaching beyond the limits of traditional ink painting. My paintings one would not generally call traditional sumi-e. However, I adhere to the traditional sumi-e principles and philosophies, as well as, the traditional preparation before beginning a sumi-e painting.

Sumi-e expresses the character and soul of the artist. It is a meditative process and spiritually personal. Understanding this concept has been at the center of my art. I have been a student of Western painting and of ink painting. Ink painting called Sumi-e has captivated my spirit and soul. I am continually trying to increase my understanding of the secret of beauty and grace and elegance. The example of an ink painting that I have created and included above is called Branch of Persimmon. Expressed in words by my Haiku:
" juicy ripe, branch of persimmon, gently live."
- Casey

As an artist, for me, ink painting is a meditation and a creative process. I concentrate on trying to capture spirit as the ink is transferred to the paper with the stroke of the brush. The brush is pushed across the surface of the paper quickly. If your intention is correct, the object in the picture seems to 'breathe and take on life'. This unseen yet felt breath begins to fill the page with spirit just as it does in all of nature which surrounds us. The special power of the painted form shines and immerges through the ink and the white page. The white space surrounding the painted form becomes as important as the object itself. The ink painting represents soul, spirit, elegance, and beauty all at the same time and in concert. As I mentioned in my artist bio, meditating combined with the creative process literally saved my life. To learn more about recovery art, please visit caseyshannon.com

The Sumi-e art form is steeped in Zen Buddhism. In Sumi-e or ink painting, you have to 'become one' with the object in the painting. When you understand and/or experience how the simple and bold lines of the brush strokes and various shades of the ink are transformed to create a powerful spirit and energy, then you will have a sense of what these philosophies and paintings are all about.

Brush painting or ink painting called Sumi-e in Japan is done quickly without over thinking your subject matter. Once the brush is laid to the white paper and you have a mark, that's it. There is no erasing, doing over, or changing. The painting 'just exists'. This is why one who creates Sumi-e paints from a quiet centered place and has the intention of capturing the object's spirit and essence with just a few simple and graceful brush strokes.Sumi-e exemplifies the concept of 'Less is More.'

'Kokoro tadashikereba sunawachi fude tadashi'.
If your mind is correct, the brush will be correct.

Casey Shannon Studio Sumi-e 

Rain Bamboo

Copyright © 2009 - 2012
Casey Shannon Studio Art.
All rights reserved.

Rain Bamboo
Image 9 x 12

" A lightening flash--
the sound of water drops
falling through bamboo."
- Buson

From the Artist:
Bamboo signifies Strength and the Ability to Bend.

These brush paintings are created with traditional Sumi-e Ink and Japanese Watercolor and painted on Italia Acquerello..

Time Electric 

Copyright © 2009 - 2012
Casey Shannon Studio Art.
All rights reserved.

Time Electric
Image 6 x 6

"Look, O look, there go Fireflies", I would like to say-- But I am alone.
-Taigi

Orchid Tea 

Copyright © 2009 - 2012
Casey Shannon Studio Art.
All rights reserved.

Orchid Tea
Image 6 x 6

"Like Art, Tea has its periods and it's schools".
-Okakura Kakuzo

Red Moon Over Bamboo 

Copyright © 2009 - 2012
Casey Shannon Studio Art.
All rights reserved.

Red Moon over Bamboo
Image 6 x 6

"This bright harvest moon
keeps me walking all night long
around the little pond."
- Basho

Be Here Now 

Copyright © 2009 - 2012
Casey Shannon Studio Art.
All rights reserved.

Be Here Now
Image 8 x 8

" Now is a gift, that's why they call it the present"
- Japanese Proverb

Tree Blowing Petals 

Copyright © 2009 - 2012
Casey Shannon Studio Art.
All rights reserved.

Tree blowing Petals
Image 4.5 x 9

"O leaves, ask the breeze
Which of you will scatter first
From the verdant trees."
- Natsume Soseki

Yellow Blossoms 

Copyright © 2009 - 2012
Casey Shannon Studio Art.
All rights reserved.

Yellow Blossoms
Image 6 x 6

"In the trembling grey of a spring dawn, when the birds were whispering in mysterious cadence among the trees, have you not felt that they were talking to their mates about flowers?"
- Okakura Kakuzo

Flowering Alone 

Copyright © 2009 - 2012
Casey Shannon Studio Art.
All rights reserved.

Flowering Alone
Image 8 x 8

"Just by being,
I'm here--
In snow-fall."
- Kobayashi Issa

Golden Rods Dancing 

Copyright © 2009 - 2012
Casey Shannon Studio Art.
All rights reserved.

Golden Rods Dancing
Image 6 x 6

" As autumn water rushes through open earth,
so happiness flows through open lives"
- Toda

Bell Light 

Copyright © 2009 - 2012
Casey Shannon Studio Art.
All rights reserved.

Bell Light
Image 6 x 6

" O Great Buddha,
your lap must be filling with
these flowers of snow"
- Kikaku

Leaves Black 

Copyright © 2009 - 2012
Casey Shannon Studio Art.
All rights reserved.

Leaves Black
Image 6 x 6

"Fallen leaves--
Raking,
Yet not raking."
- Taigi

Moment 

Copyright © 2009 - 2012
Casey Shannon Studio Art.
All rights reserved.

Moment
Image 7 x 9

"A Moment is to a day,
what a day is to a Lifetime'.
- Japanese Proverb

Spirit Standing 

Copyright © 2009 - 2012
Casey Shannon Studio Art.
All rights reserved.

Spirit Standing
Image 6 x 6

"To learn how to die
watch cherry blossoms, observe
chrysanthemums"
- Anonymous

This original painting is currently on exibition at:
Napa Valley Art Museum
55 Presidents Circle
Yountville, CA.
Dates: November 2009 - January 2010

Moon Forest 

Copyright © 2009 - 2012
Casey Shannon Studio Art.
All rights reserved.

Moon Forest
Image 8 x 8

"Such a moon--
even the thief
pauses to sing."
- Buson

To purchase or view original art from Casey Shannon please visit caseyshannon.com

Visit my Blog at: Casey Shannon Studio Art Blog

Art for Cancer Group 

The Art for Cancer Group. We are a group of global artists who have united to help in the fight against cancer. We donate a portion of our art sales to various cancer charities. We are artists united in the cause to stamp out cancer! Our artwork is available as Fine Art Reproductions in the form of prints, canvas prints, framed prints and greeting cards at Art for Cancer Group at ImageKind.

Midnight Playing Gold 

Art for Cancer

Copyright © 2009 - 2012
Casey Shannon Studio Art.
All rights reserved.

This unique Sumi-e is called Midnight Playing Gold and created by accomplished Carmel artist Casey Shannon. This image is available as a Fine Art Reproduction at ImageKind. 50% of the proceeds from the sale of this work go to Cancer Research.



This is an ART for cancer image

Click Here to go to ImageKind

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Art for Cancer Video 

The Mini

Global artists have come together to donate the proceeds of their work to help fight Cancer! This is a video of some of the artist's artwork that are members of the group - 'Art for Cancer'.

Did you see 'Midnight Playing Gold by Casey Shannon?
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Snowy Mountain Retreat 

Art for Cancer

This dramatic sumi-e is called Snowy Mountain Retreat by accomplished Carmel artist Casey Shannon. 50% of the proceeds from the sale of this work will be donated to Cancer research. To purchase this work go to Sumi Gallery at ImageKind.



This is an ART for cancer image

Ivy Rust 

Art for Cancer

This delicate Sumi-e is called Ivy Rust by artist Casey Shannon. 100% of the proceeds from the sale of this artwork will be donated to breast cancer research. To purchase this piece go to Sumi Gallery at Imagekind.



This is an ART for cancer image

Movement 

Art for Cancer

This playful abstract Sumi-e is called Movement by accomplished Carmel artist Casey Shannon. 100% of the proceeds from the sale of this art will be donated to breast cancer research. You can purchase this piece at SumiSpirit Gallery at ImageKind.



This is an ART for cancer image

Tulips Three 

Art for Cancer

This floral beauty is called Tulips Three by accomplished Carmel artist Casey Shannon. 100% of the proceeds from the sale of this work will be donated to breast cancer research. You can purchase this piece by going to Sumi Gallery at ImageKind.



This is an ART for cancer image

Breast Cancer Awareness Video 

Art for Cancer Group

October is 'Breast Cancer Awareness' month. The Art for Cancer group has just launched their new video for breast cancer research. Each artwork you see here maintains a pink theme and 100% of the proceeds from the sale of the art is donated by the artist to breast cancer research and charities. Enjoy!
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Enso One - Winner! 

Winner of the Parents Day competition on ImageKind!

The enso is an expression of the mind of the artist who brushes it. As a symbol, the circle expresses the totality of our being. The circle points to the most vital aspect of our essence -- it's ultimate wholeness. The enso symbolizes enlightenment, power, and the universe itself. It is a direct expression of thusness or this-moment-as-it-is. Enso is considered to be one of the most profound subjects in zenga (Zen inspired painting).

Inside this image of Enso One, is painted a mother bird watching over her nest of babies and eggs. And, protecting it as a pleased and proud parent. As does the Enso, 'parents symbolize 'enlightenment and a circle of protection'.

This award winning image may be purchased at Casey Shannon Studio Sumi Gallery at ImageKind.

Casey Shannon Studio Greeting Cards 

Copyright © 2009 - 2012 Casey Shannon Studio Art. All rights reserved.

Beautiful Sumi-e Ink Paintings printed on high quality paper.
You can purchase just one card or several cards presented in a gift box.
More images available in my Zazzle Gallery.
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Casey Shannon Sumi-e Art Prints 

Copyright © 2009 - 2012 Casey Shannon Studio Art. All rights reserved.

Wonderful Framed!

Beautiful Ink Painting called Sumi-e by accomplished Carmel Artist Casey Shannon printed on high quality matte UV paper. Prints may be custom framed by you with no mat or a mat of your choice right on the site before purchase. Over 60 images available in my Zazzle Gallery. Enjoy!
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What is Sumi-e Brush Painting? 

Japanese Brush Painting

Ink and wash painting is an East Asian type of brush painting also known as wash painting or by its Japanese name sumi-e (??). Ink and wash painting is also known by its Chinese name shui-mo hua (???, Japanese , Korean sumukhwa, Vietnamese tranh thu? m?c'). Only black ink — the same as used in East Asian calligraphy — is used, in various concentrations.

In Western art works on paper in similar techniques are generally classified with drawings.

Sumi-e Art Video 

Orchids Dancing

Beautiful Demonstration!

Orchid dancing for Sumi-e Line Study

Cymbidium is the basic item that sumi-e painter must learn at the first time. There are many kinds of orchid. In sumi-e, this kind of orchid is painted lots. You have to get technique how to draw a beatuiful line in orchid practice.

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Learn the Art of Sumi-e 

Learning Sumi-e is fun. Howerver, it takes dedication and practice. It is not always possible to find a qualified Sumi-e instructor where you live. Therefore, I offer to you these books and DVD that are very helpful. You can always check the community college or the Asian Cultural Center in your area, if you have one, for Sumi-e teachers.

T. Mikami's Sumi Painting: Study of Japanese Brush Painting

Not to be missed!

Amazon Price: (as of 12/18/2009) Buy Now
Used Price: $4.88

The Simple Art of Sumi-E: Mastering Japanese Ink Painting

Amazon Price: (as of 12/18/2009) Buy Now
Used Price: $4.95

Japanese Ink Painting: Lessons in Suiboku Technique

This was my first Sumi-e book.

Amazon Price: $12.71 (as of 12/18/2009) Buy Now
Used Price: $7.70

An Introduction to Chinese Brush Painting

This is an instructional DVD.

Amazon Price: $17.99 (as of 12/18/2009) Buy Now
Used Price: $11.55

The Ch'i of the Brush: Capturing the Spirit of Nature With Chinese Brush Painting Techniques

Wonderful philosophy to adopt.

Amazon Price: (as of 12/18/2009) Buy Now
Used Price: $9.00

Sumi Kits 

Getting started in Sumi-e

Thinking about giving ink painting a try and experience for yourself the pleasures and delights of this peaceful art form? If you are, then these kits could help you get started in painting Sumi-e. Have fun and enjoy your experience. I guarantee it is worth the time and effort.

Chinese Brush Painting: A Complete Painting Kit for Beginners

Amazon Price: (as of 12/18/2009) Buy Now

Chinese Calligraphy Starter Set with free Paper (SH-11 XL)

Amazon Price: $23.95 (as of 12/18/2009) Buy Now

Sumi Japanese Calligraphy Art Brush Set #SWS181

Amazon Price: $39.95 (as of 12/18/2009) Buy Now

Music for Meditation Ink Painting 

Most often silence is best. However, if you like painting to soft meditative and peaceful music in the background, then these CD's are for you!

el-Hadra (the Mystik Dance)

Amazon Price: $14.99 (as of 12/18/2009) Buy Now

Shamanic Dream, Vol. 2

Amazon Price: $13.99 (as of 12/18/2009) Buy Now

Tantra

Amazon Price: $17.98 (as of 12/18/2009) Buy Now

Healing

Amazon Price: $13.99 (as of 12/18/2009) Buy Now

Lotus Land

Amazon Price: $17.98 (as of 12/18/2009) Buy Now

Casey Shannon Sumi-e Art Studio Gifts 

Copyright © 2009 - 2012 Casey Shannon Studio Art. All rights reserved.

Elegant Gift Items

Orchid Yellow Greeting Cards (Pk of 10)

Greeting cards are for more than holidays; they are a great way to express yourself and to keep in touch with friends and family.

Elegant Brush Painting. Image reproduced from original painting created in Sumi Ink and Japanese watercolor.

Price: 19.99Buy Now

Spring Framed Tile

Elegant Brush Painting. Image reproduced from original painting created in Sumi Ink and Japanese watercolor.

Price: 13.99Buy Now

Bell Blue Light Keepsake Box

Elegant Brush Painting. Image reproduced from original painting created in Sumi Ink and Japanese watercolor.

Price: 28.99Buy Now

Rain Bamboo Mini Poster Print

11 x 17 Glossy Poster suitable for framing!

Image reproduced from original painting created in Sumi Ink and Japanese watercolor.

Price: 14.99Buy Now

Gold of Color Ceramic Travel Mug

Travel with your hot drink in style!

Unique watercolor. Image reproduced from original painting created in Japanese inks and watercolors.

Price: 23.99Buy Now

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More Beautiful Gifts 

Midnight Playing Gold Tile Coaster

Elegant Original Brush Painting. Image reproduced from painting of Sumi Ink and Japanese watercolor.

Price: 8.99Buy Now

Little Bit Yellow Journal

Scribble important stuff - lyrics, recipes, addresses, and more.

Elegant Brush Painting. Image reproduced from original painting created in Sumi Ink and Japanese watercolor.

Price: 15.99Buy Now

Happy Little Swallow Small Framed Print

Prints are perfect for the home or office. All prints are custom manufactured using archival inks and acid-free paper. Framed prints are matted and framed in a stylish black frame with plexiglass cover. Frames include complete backing. Frame size: 19" x 11"

Elegant Brush Painting. Image reproduced from original painting of Sumi Ink and Japanese watercolor.

Price: 39.99Buy Now

Leaves of Life Framed Panel Print

Prints are perfect for the home or office. All prints are custom manufactured using archival inks and acid-free paper. Framed prints are matted and framed in a stylish black frame with plexiglass cover. Frames include complete backing. Frame size: 13" x 16"

Elegant Brush Painting. Image reproduced from original painting of Sumi Ink and Japanese watercolor. This image was inspired by the beauty and joy of life and how life enfolds us all in her experience

Price: 64.99Buy Now

Rain Bamboo Tote Bag

Elegant Brush Painting. Image reproduced from original painting created in Sumi Ink and Japanese watercolor.

Price: 17.99Buy Now

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Casey Shannon Studio Sumi-e Calendars 

Calendar anyone?

Elegant Asian 12 Month Image Flip Wall Calendar

Each month displays a different image!
Click calendar to revel beautiful Sumi-e art pages.

Price: 24.99 Buy Now

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Casey Shannon Studio Gifts 

Treasure House Wall Clock with Hui Hai Poem

From the Designer:
Casey Shannon Studio Logo clock available from CafePress only!

Price: 20.99 Buy Now

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Casey Shannon Studio Logo Shirts 

Copyright © 2009 - 2012 Casey Shannon Studio Art. All rights reserved.

Treasure House Designs!

Need a little inspiration?
Maybe you should wear a Casey Shannon Logo shirt, which displays the inspirational motto:
"Your Treasure House is in yourself, it contains all you need". Hui Hai 8th Century

From the Designer:

Casey Shannon Studio Logo Shirts! Available from CafePress only! Elegant Brush Painting. Image reproduced from original painting of Sumi Ink and Japanese watercolor. Some shirts display inspirational Hui Hai poem. More designs available! Visit CafePress to view more.
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Penny for Your Thoughts: GuestBook 

Guest Book

Comments, Suggestions, Praise?

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Fabulous Books from Amazon! 

These are not to be missed.....some of my favorites.

77 Dances: Japanese Calligraphy by Poets, Monks, and Scholars 1568-1868

Amazon Price: $43.87 (as of 12/18/2009) Buy Now

The Book of Tea

Amazon Price: $10.99 (as of 12/18/2009) Buy Now

The Narrow Road to Oku (Illustrated Japanese Classics)

Amazon Price: $19.50 (as of 12/18/2009) Buy Now

Brush Meditation: A Japanese Way to Mind & Body Harmony

Amazon Price: (as of 12/18/2009) Buy Now

Other Gems! 

IDEALS OF THE EAST: The Spirit of Japanese Art

Amazon Price: $9.95 (as of 12/18/2009) Buy Now

Wabi-Sabi: for Artists, Designers, Poets & Philosophers

Amazon Price: $12.48 (as of 12/18/2009) Buy Now

Art & Fear: Observations On the Perils (and Rewards) of Artmaking

Amazon Price: $9.20 (as of 12/18/2009) Buy Now

Open Your Mind, Open Your Life: A Book of Eastern Wisdom (Large Second Volume)

Amazon Price: $9.95 (as of 12/18/2009) Buy Now

The Mustard Seed Garden Manual of Painting

Amazon Price: $29.70 (as of 12/18/2009) Buy Now

More Little Gems..... 

Zen Words for the Heart: Hakuin's Commentary on the Heart Sutra

Amazon Price: $12.71 (as of 12/18/2009) Buy Now
Used Price: $5.24

Hakuin on Kensho: The Four Ways of Knowing

Amazon Price: $13.45 (as of 12/18/2009) Buy Now
Used Price: $2.96

Enso: Zen Circles of Enlightenment

Amazon Price: $14.78 (as of 12/18/2009) Buy Now
Used Price: $8.99

Zen Art for Meditation

Amazon Price: $9.95 (as of 12/18/2009) Buy Now
Used Price: $0.67

The Book of Tea Classic Edition

I have this edition. Wonderful. A classic and beautifully presented in a slipcover! One of my all time favorite books. Favorite chapter is chapter five-flowers.

Amazon Price: $14.21 (as of 12/18/2009) Buy Now
Used Price: $0.14

Wonderful Reference Book! 

After Stroke: Enhancing Quality of Life

As you read in my bio, I experienced a massive stroke and art helped save my life! This is a great reference. It is a book for stroke survivors, their friends and family, their caregivers, and health care professionals. This book has many contributors. I wrote a chapter in this book called, 'Aha, There is a Reason'. My chapter starts on page 161.

Go here to read an excerpt of my contribution:

After Stroke: Enhancing Quality of Life

Amazon Price: $100.00 (as of 12/18/2009) Buy Now
Used Price: $44.95

Stroke Resource Books 

Need some assistance?

As I mentioned in my biography, I recovered from a very devastating brain-stem stroke. One of the things I learned from that experience was that you can't do it alone and you need help. Therefore, I'd like to share some books that may benefit you or someone you know that may be dealing with 'stroke'. For more information on stroke recovery art visit my website at: caseyshannon.com

A Stroke of Genius: Messages of Hope and Healing From a Thriving Stroke Survivor

Amazon Price: $24.95 (as of 12/18/2009) Buy Now

Living With Stroke: A Guide for Families

Amazon Price: $17.05 (as of 12/18/2009) Buy Now

My Year Off: Recovering Life After a Stroke

Amazon Price: $16.24 (as of 12/18/2009) Buy Now

Conquering Stroke: How I Fought My Way Back and How You Can Too

Amazon Price: (as of 12/18/2009) Buy Now

Donate to the Stroke Network 

Stroke Network

Here is an organization that is very close to my heart. This group helped me enormously during my recovery with support and resources. This is a very worthy cause that helps a lot of folks! Please consider donating. Thank you!

The Stroke Network, Inc. is a registered 501(c)3 non-profit organization. They are an on-line stroke support network of stroke information. Message board and chat on-line for stroke survivor and stroke caregiver support, available to everybody, worldwide.

We at Squidoo passionately believe in creating new ways to support good causes online. By making a donation to Stroke Network from this page, you are sending money directly to that organization, in whatever amount you want. We don't touch it. We don't even see it. The author of this page doesn't either. And if you made it this far, thanks for caring.

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Donate to Rising Star Outreach 

Rising Star's mission is to help Leprosy colonies become thriving, self-sufficient communities. They are accomplishing this through three major initiatives: to educate the colony children in a safe and healthy environment, to provide leprosy patients with their own small businesses using micro-finance, and to address the unique health challenges of the colonies with mobile medical units

Leprosy is curable. Rising Star Outreach seeks to defeat it. Even so, people who have contracted leprosy must often spend their lives completely isolated from society, although they may have been cured. They, and members of their families, sometimes find it impossible to marry, receive education or find work. An estimated 100 million people worldwide are victims of this discrimination. In India there are over 700 "leprosy colonies" where the stigma of leprosy is inevitably perpetuated. If caught early enough, Leprosy can be stopped before it ravages a body and ruins a life.

Please consider supporting this incredible organization.
Go to their site and learn more: Rising Star Outreach

Be part of the change!

Donate and save a Cheetah 

Help Save the Cheetah!

This is one of my favorite organizations. I have adopted two cheetahs. Solo, an adult cheetah and a very fast runner. And, Quazr, a cheetah cub that has a 'tail disability'. Go to their site and read about my cheetah adoptions. They have fascinating stories. Please help save this magnificent animal!

The Cheetah Conservation Fund works to ensure the long-term survival of the cheetah and its ecosystem through a multi-disciplined and integrated conservation program of research and education.

We at Squidoo passionately believe in creating new ways to support good causes online. By making a donation to Cheetah Conservation Fund from this page, you are sending money directly to that organization, in whatever amount you want. We don't touch it. We don't even see it. The author of this page doesn't either. And if you made it this far, thanks for caring.

Cancel

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