My Houzz: Neil Patrick Harris Surprises Brother With a Home Reno

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My Houzz: Neil Patrick Harris Surprises Brother With a Home Reno

Actor Neil Patrick Harris always looked up to his older brother, Brian, while growing up in New Mexico, USA. “Considering I was the annoying, performing younger brother, he was kind to me and let me follow around on all of his adventures,” says Harris. “And I really appreciated that.”

Neil – whose television roles have included Barnabus ‘Barney’ Stinson on How I Met Your Mother and the eponymous teenage doctor on Doogie Howser, M.D., and who was host of the 2015 Academy Awards – recently showed his brother his appreciation by surprising him with a major makeover of his backyard and family room in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

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Comments (112)
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Julie Noble

I just looooove NPH! This is so sweet.

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Teknik Design & Remodeling

"When I think of home, I think Solace - it means a place to escape to. A place to relish; cherish" Love this thought!

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Russell Outdoor Living + Custom Pools

It's an understatement to say that an Outdoor Living Space changes lives for the better. I get to see it firsthand and there is nothing like it!

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J J
love everything about this show
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Odom Design, LLC

I love the somewhat transparent partition between the reading "nook" and the kitchen. Great job!

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Вероника Полякова
very cool
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Demetra Heigher
Wonderful! Thanks, bro.
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comas
Wonderful transformation. Enjoy!
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anne mcmanus
Aww! I just love the love this family shares! And beautiful spaces!
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Kendrah

The dogs and those hamburgers. My favorite parts of this video.

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Dwell Style Interiors

Oh, wow! What a wonderful, sweet story about brotherly love! Great story! Beautiful transformation in these spaces!

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Fiona
Wow , what an awesome change. I love the pergola and everything actually. The fact that the planting is bee friendly is so responsible these days when we are losing bees world wide. And how cute is Brian ...
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normpo

Very nice!

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Miriam Hernandez

Fabulous transformation!

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jobisbee

I especially like the outdoor space. I love that Solange gave them a bee hive. We had one for years and we had our very own raw honey. With the bee crisis I wish more homeowners would get on the bee train.

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Debbie
What a beautiful backyard for a beautiful, loving family. I love NPH!!
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pg9753

Excellent renovation and great back yard. Great to have a good brother and family.

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angie6638

MADE MY MORNING TO SEE THIS; THANK YOU FOR THE GENEROSITY AND INSPIRATION.

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mrl76

That fireplace and dividing accent wall are inspirational.

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Diane Raimer
NPH your generosity and love is amazing!! You not only show this to family but to all those around you!! A close family friend met you while working and you were so kind and generous!! Thank you for being you!!
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cyvonne

Well done, so sweet, it brought me to tears...thank you for sharing this and inviting us in to your family and what a great space to spend with family too!

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Images Everything Photography
Neil Patrick Harris is a gem of a guy! Such a great story, so sweet of him to do this for his big brother, and what a beautiful job they did!
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Kelly Schoeff

Their dynamic is so sweet-great transformation!

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Vickie Henderson-Zegar

Neil's feelings expressed about his own home is exactly how I feel about my home. Brought a tear to my eye! What a lovely gesture from one brother to another. I'd love to reproduce that in my backyard. Great choices.

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MinAmsterdam

Beautiful show and heartwarming to see these brothers' bond and family love!

The work done is fantastic and have a few questions for the landscape designer:

- What is the pergola's shading material? And if it's natural material, would that also work in colder/rainy climates?

- Which kind of plants are good for bees? and same question, do they work in colder climates?

I live in Amsterdam (The Netherlands) and have a fantastic terrace facing South, so that means lots of sun in the summer for which we appreciate a shade. I'm thinking the look of the pergola at NPH's brother would work great, and I'd love to have planting to attract more bees, but I'm worry if those materials work with so much rain and cold, long winter we have. Thank you!

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honeybee2017

Wow! That really made me cry!! Love the brotherly love and of course, the remodel is fantastic:)))

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olgarock

Beautiful home transformation video with expert advise and execution. But most of all testimony to NPH generosity and LOVE for his Family and Brother. TY for sharing this HAPPINESS,


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Amal
تغيير جميل جدا.nice
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Nancy Bremner

I absolutely love these shows. The design and work was stunning. A very heart warming story lovely to watch - thanks so much :).

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Webado Webada

Love it!

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Linda Murtha

Love the devil on Neil's shoulder. ha ha ha So like his humor.


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srmeyer2

I always enjoy these videos, not only because of the design inspiration but also because of the positive changes it makes in peoples' lives.

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watkinde

Great show of love from one brother to another. Loved the work done on the house, it seemed to fit well with his style.


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Deborah Reed

I had tears in my eyes ..this was a wonderful thing for Neil to do and it's so important to have family support you in your changes in life!Wonderful family both the old and the new.Blessings to you all and your bees!!!

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marijoserales
beautiful!
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jasopko

Great show!!! The design was right on point.

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Sue Roholt

Fabulous job! On Brian's house and yard and for the beautiful shots of our wonderful Albuquerque❤️. Thank you so much for sharing all the great ideas and transformation.

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ellerman

Thank you for sharing such a touching story! beautiful job done by the team!

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barbmaggie

Hi MinAmstrdam, what I can guess from the clip the covering is likely to be bamboo in woven sheets. It might work in wetter climates for a while but would need to be replaced after some time. As to plants for bees, wow you have one of the best naturalistic garden designers in the world, go and check Piet Oudolf's garden planting and you will have all you want, you can go small scale with his plants, just use his philosophy. Happy planting from Down Under.

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Terri Burton

I love happy goose-bumps. And I loved this reveal!

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Rosa Lawson

Whoaaaaaaaaa!!!!!! Now thats a transformation if I ever saw one. Such a loving family too. Thanks for sharing.....

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amck123

I often wondered how the "Stars" treat their family. This was Beautiful, I enjoyed the transformation. Thank you, Neil Patrick Harris and Houzz for sharing!

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Country Lane Gazebos

It's great to see people get the backyard they've been dreaming of. Great reveal!


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Serquis + Associates Landscape Architecture

Hi MinAmsterdam!

We used a Braided Willow Fence Panel that you can find through
Houzz.

Here is a link: https://www.houzz.com/product/70079869-braided-willow-fence-panel-72wx72h-set-of-2-pieces-tropical-home-fencing-and-gates

It is a natural material and beautiful when you see it in person. We
strongly recommend them.
As with any natural material, we do expect some decay over time,
even in our region. Perhaps if you apply a water protective coating
or wax, it may extend the life of your panels. They are fairly light
weight so it would be easy to bring them down seasonally or for
maintenance.

As for plant selections for bees, it's all about varieties of
flowers and pollination!
Your best bet is to go native and create a habitat. Every region has
its own native vegetation. I'm sure there are plenty plants to
choose from in your area. I would strongly recommend looking for a
local nursery that concentrate on wildflowers in your zone and start
experimenting.
Another idea is to place pots with easy bee-friendly plants like
Lavender and move them indoors when it is too cold.

Enjoy your outdoors!

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Carmen

That is so nice that he was able to do this for his brother!

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Diana Ricart

What a wonderful family.

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Margarita Bagaeva

It is wonderful. See this. So much good and positive!

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HU-225910850
The first time I met Neil Patrick Harris was when he was thirteen years old and auditioning at the Magic Castle in Hollywood. He remains an inspiration to many. Love what was done to his brother’s house.
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South Land Remodeling Inc.

What an awesome transformation! Reminds us a lot of a few projects we've taken on! Great post.

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Stephanie Rountree

Gorgeous transformation! Well done.

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Monica Ellis
I LOVE DOUGIE!!! What a great family!
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YoYo Schubert

I love ho you did this for your brother it look amazing

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Nicki Nelson

I love this loving story of giving that Neil has done for his brother. The video was so well done! Only I have a question... Where did you put all of Brian’s stuff that use to be in the room? Where will he bench press?

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Telitha Smith
Lovely story! Beautiful
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Linda Jewell

Lots of LOVE here!

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User

I have thoroughly enjoy this amazing make over, its awesome

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Maggie Margaret
I love it!!
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Louise Kuchmak
Absolutely heart warming
To watch .....the concept of the outdoors was not over the top but homey and comfortable great job all around !
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Mimi Fuchs

I loved to see how the blue of the gorgeous chair and the spanish glass tiles match exactly the blue of Brian's car. Must be his favorite color. Beautiful, thoughtful and full of love! Good job.

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Eva Hartl

I love it , it is great idea , the best present he could do!

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Phreni B.

So, so sweet, these two brothers … !

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Mirna Hassan
Well I'm speechless !!!
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Britta Ernst

This is just amazing!!! Love it, love it, love it :)

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kareen30
I love how Neil has such a great connection to his brother. The renovation was a total reflection of that love and bond, therefore it is perfect! That space looks beautiful, but also helps to promote organic living and bees!
Well done and blessings to the Harris family!
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mmmorgan737
Amazing, the Transformation, Wow!

l would love to have a brother like Neil Patrick Harris!
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Julie S Gayle
Great ❤️ and great renovation!
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Becky Harris

I enjoyed this so much, not just for the beautiful design and the bee love but because of this beautiful, close and hilarious family. NPH's facial expressions and his brother's jokes made me laugh out loud. I also enjoyed the two designers who seemed so simpatico. Great job on telling the story, I especially appreciated the few Breaking Bad-like twangs you snuck into the music.

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Wyman Lane Interiors

Thank you for sharing a little piece of your family with everyone and letting us see the wonderful design transformation of Brian's home. I loved the outdoor redesign, the swinging chair, metal pergola, indoor fireplace, louvered wall and decor - just fantastic!!

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Maria C.

I loved the renovation of the outside!

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Leon Detemple

Julian Edelman would be the perfect person to bring on this show.
His parents did so much for him to become a professional football player.
His mom stayed at home and made sure he would never miss training while his father was his coach and helped him transition from QB to WR coming out of college and I'd say Frank Edelman did a fantastic job because Jules is now a Super Bowl MVP.

Frank didn't have a father in his life so he started working when he was 16 to provide for his family and now owns a Auto Repair Shop.

Julian always mentions how much his parents did for him growing up and giving them a renovation for their houzz would be a great way to express his gratitude.

Because his parents live in the Bay Area where he grew up and he obivously resides in Boston most of the year he doesn't get to see them that often.

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plsmales
New yard looks awesome. And I am not usually a fan of covering brick but that fireplace in the family room looks 10x better.
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Anna Child Group
This turned out amazing! I didn’t know they lived in Albuquerque! I lived there as a child as well as High Rolls. Small world! This makeover gives me some great ideas!
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Manhattan Home Design

Awesome, Neil!! These guys got Neil's brother an Eames Lounge Chair and we couldn't agree more. He'll feel cared for and he'll get to experience the nicest comfort in years. Such a nice backyard and reno!! Bravo!

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carthur28tt

Fingers crossed. I love this guy. Neal also cracked me up..."there's shade?! And a real fire pit?!" His expression was so fun.

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celiza1791
Beautiful and reasonably doable for those on a budget. I appreciate this example for my Southern Utah home.

Thank You!
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bizeebees

great transformation, great use of space, light , and relevant to the climate-incredible!

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whitec909
Love the room and the back yard! Given me some ideas! Beautiful job, Lisa and Solange! Neil, you’re an awesome brother!
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Lu P
This is so heartwarming! Ughhh my allergies started acting up again
   
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Kalabalu WordPress

This is called transformation in the quality of space.

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Андрей Лагашов

Nice!

   
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Meg Alexander

How beautiful - the family, the space, the generosity and gratitude. Loved everything about it!

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bludenz

Nice! I would like to see pics of the louvered wall.

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Destin4 Interiors LLC
I’ve grow up watching Neil Patrick Harris and to see his love and closeness to his family it’s so genuine and sweet. You did good! Truly captured your brother’s spirit. Thanks Houzz for demonstrating some of your features. More that I can implement into my design business. ❤️
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Naila Abdulrahim
awesome Neil...!
   
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Tes Magat
Love this
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brendasimm

NPH shows a picture of a willow covered pergola on his laptop. Anyone know where the frames and willow covering can be purchased?

   
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Stephanie Butterworth
What a wonderful story, what a great transformation!
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kathryn_e_cason

I always knew Count Olaf had a good heart... deep, deep down :) Such a divine gesture. Such love x

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narendra kamath
awesome
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narendra kamath
inspiring TV sir .
   
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Ghasiram Bag
home design
   
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Kristin Steele
I want to see his board and pin some of the stuff to my idea board!
   
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Frank

I wish Neil was my brother. I can use a laugh.

   
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Allison Gervis

@kristin steele - you can check out Neil's ideabaooks here: https://www.houzz.com/user/neilpatrickharris

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Anatoly Patrick Architecture
Nice work. Suits the setting and context. Timeless and thoughtful design. What a nice brother!
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pdjh
This story was so much fun to watch! The transformation of the den and backyard is phenomenal! And what a wonderful family! Thank you for sharing, Houzz! Love you, NPH!
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prime contracts

From watching American reno shows and seeing this outdoor reno, it makes me wonder why Americans don't check out the fantastic outdoor renovations that we produce in Australia, that thanks to our extremely clement weather and the huge amount of outdoor entertaining we do in our back yards, means that we produce some of the best outdoor renos in the world!!

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nikita_desai4159
amaizing transformation
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Ross Del Prado

Every episode in Houzz TV makes me emotional. Good job Ashton :)

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Ralph C Fey AIA Architects, PC

Very cool (and comprehensive) story and project!

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Robert Kutner Architect

Thank you Neal for a wonderful family celebration. You are so kind and a fantastic brother. Thanks for working with Houzz, our design home.

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Afua Bema
I love the back yard! Good bro!
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narendra kamath
actually it is just awesome
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ArDan Construction

Awesome backyard!!

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1945shadow

The transformation of the spaces based on Neal's knowledge of his brother's dreams and desires, demonstrate the beautiful love of this close family.

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loriot65432

joliiiiiiiiii !

   
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HU-768569445

very good

   
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Cristina Ramirez

❤️💯

   
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Karen

Neil Patrick Harris is such a cool guy. I wish he was my brother. Absolutely love what he did for his brother. It's beautiful, and so is his family.


   
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Livres pour tous

Super

   
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Sourav Kumar Jena

NPH is so wholesome

   
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Abdel Kader Khaldi

Soper