Monday, May 12, 2008

Orange Mint & Honey Gift Away

"What would Nina Simone do? That’s the question 25-year-old Shay Dixon asks of her de facto spiritual adviser, the late great High Priestess of Soul, when she finds herself depressed, evicted from her apartment, and about to flunk out of grad school.

The answer - move back home to live with her recovering alcoholic mother Nona - leads Shay back to Denver where she is shocked to discover a new Nona, sober, healthy, raising a 3-year-old, and growing a lush, healing garden.

Though reconciliation seems a hard proposition for Shay, something unmistakable takes root inside her, waiting to blossom like the flowers in Nona's garden.

Soon Shay finds herself facing her first real romantic relationship and exciting possibilities. But when a crisis hits, even the wise words and soulful melodies of Nina Simone may not be enough for solace. Shay begins to realize that, like orange mint and honey, life tastes better when bitter is followed by sweet."





I've read it, my BFF Marcia read it
then bought HER OWN copy.

Tis gently used & I am giving
it away ..Just comment here
what you are reading OR what you last read
before May 15th..
& I'll post the winner May 16th

smiles & hugs..Deena


I am currently reading

The Devil in the White City
Tis the 16th..I'll be posting the winner!!!
woohoo
Deena

69 comments:

  1. Deena, I adore your blog and find such comfort and grace in it. I lost my dear friend Sandy to breast cancer in January and am still grieving over this. I had my first mammogram today (I am only 38) because my doctor felt something at my physical two weeks ago. It turned out to be only dense tissue, but I was quite unnerved by the whole thing.

    I am currently reading about six books! but one of them is Chamomile Mourning (A Tea Shop Mystery). :)

    Bless you...

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  2. Glad you are enjoying your recent reading Deena - a good book is hard to beat at any time isn't it?
    Right now I'm reading On Rue Tatin - 'Living and Cooking in a French Town' by Susan Herrmann Loomis, and 'Beneath a Marble Sky' (A Love Story about the Taj Mahal)by John Shors.
    Please enter me in the drawing - I think I'd enjoy reading this one too.
    Love & hugs, Mary.

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  3. Hi You visited my blog and I am still learning how to respond to posts so...I came here.
    I don't have a Little Pink Boutique yet but will be up before the end of May. I am getting all the ducks in a row.
    I still have writing and things to do but I am getting really close and have a goal of Mother's Day.
    My best friend is in
    New York being treated for cancer at the moment.
    My heart and prayers go out to you.
    May the quality of your journey be so great that all the cancer fades away.
    Nothing I can say seems right but just know that I am sending love to you and all you know.
    Lilli of Lilli Blues Vintage Rescues.

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  4. Hi Deena, hope you are having a good day. It's a pity that I've not been reading for a while now although I love reading. Time to bury my nose in one. Are these two books good?

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  5. Hi Deena--I'm not writing because of the give-away, but because this reminded me that I was going to email you and tell you that if you want some good, hearty laughs, you should read the book I'm just finishing . . . "The Life and Times of the Thunderbolt Kid." It's a memoir of one writer's childhood growing up in the 1950s in Des Moines, Iowa--it's a hoot. Also, if you want to read something really funny, you should try Nora Ephron's "I'm Sad About My Neck . . ." Some of her essays in that book are hilarious. I've started a new book by Alice McDermott called, "After This." Don't know yet if it's any good--I haven't read her books before. Cheers, and Happy Reading, Jann

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  6. I just finished a book Called Safely Home. It is so good and is about an American Businessman who has lost his way, with his marriage, his Faith and his happiness. Through time with his former college roommate in China he is reconciled to God and learns so much.
    Tis a good, good book. Author, Randy Alcorn.

    Hope you are feeling strong today.

    Becky K.

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  7. Hi Deena thank you for sharing your life stories with us,i too have lost a friend Lesley to breast cancer,she passed away in November, she found a lump on her honeymoon ,five years ago when she was 40,she never had the chance to have children but she was a wonderful person and would have made a great mum.
    The book for your give-away sounds like a good read, at the moment i have just started reading A quiet belief in angels by R J Ellory.
    Keep strong Deena
    Love from Debbie.

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  8. The book I am reading now is called Mr. Darcy's Diary, it is from Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice movie. It is about his point of view through the time he was torn between his sense of duty to his family name and his love for Elizabeth.

    Always Praying for You,
    Kelly

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  9. I just finished the Friday Night Knitting Club- sobbed at the end. Turns out the lady gets cancer-Is - hit too close to home for me-with several friends battling- including you Deena- probably would not have bought it if I knew that is how the plot unraveled. I prefer happy romances.

    Anyway, I am working this AM and willbe working at the house this PM. Terrible case of POISON IVY from cleaning up tree limbs at current house that ice storm brought down this winter...itchy, scratchy...yuck.

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  10. Good morning sweet Deena! The book sounds like a good one for sure. I read and also listen to audio books all the time. I read such a variety...from romance to religious to mystery. Right now I'm reading Jeffrey Deaver's book Sleeping Doll. I hope you're having a good Friday.

    Happy Mother's Day.
    Hugs!
    Kat

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  11. good morning, deena....hope you had a wonderful nights rest...and have many beautiful joys today!
    you don't need to enter me, as i am asking for your sweet book mentioned for mother's day. :) but i have enjoyed reading your ladies' book choices! i picked up a book for the beach a while back...and then discovered she had a series...nothing deep...just entertaining...so my reads have been "The shop on Blossom Street",
    "A Good Yarn" and "Susannah's Garden", all by Debbie Macomber...
    have a beautiful day, sweet friend,
    hugs and prayers,
    kimberly

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  12. I just finished reading April Gold, by Grace Livingston Hill.
    It has become a favorite for sure.
    I am loving reading the older books, there is a purity of writing that I so enjoy.
    Deby

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  13. Have read 3 books in the last 2 weeks, enjoyed 2 of them. One was Searching for Eden and the other one was The Accidental Mother, both of them were good. I think most any Mother would enjoy The Accidental Mother, cause it was funny, sad, joyous and very serious all combined. I would reccommend it to you. Eden was very good too, again a Mother's story about the child she gave up for adoption, and her search.
    I can't remember the other title but it ended so badly I wouldn't recommend it anyway. Please DO NOT add me to your gift away, cause I won't be home again until the end of September and hopefully by then several people will have enjoyed it. Take care of yourself and I hope this day will be the best one you have had since your diagnosis.
    My prayers are with you. J

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  14. Hello Deena ~ I love reading too, but am not currently reading a book. Recently, though I read "The Secret Between us" by Barbara Delinsky. It would be perfect for Mother's Day, since it is about a Mother and her family. BTW...Barbara Delinsky is a breast cancer survivor too.

    Have a simply wonderful Mother's Day!!! You're always in my prayers.

    Hugs, Karen

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  15. Hello sweet Deena...so happy to see you posting and doing well...

    I'm reading "A New Earth" by Eckhart Tolle...its life changing and has been very insightful to many things in my life....things, they are a changing and all for the good...

    hugs to you,
    Betsy

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  16. Hi, Deena!! I hope you are having a great day!! I have just finished an old one.....by Iris Johansen...Fatal Tide...scary, suspenseful, and romantic all mixed together...and am also reading another from awhile back...Love Walked In by Marisa De Los Santos, which is great!! Hugs, Trudy in Colorado

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  17. Deena~ I hope you have a wonderfully Happy Mother's Day!
    love,
    Robin

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  18. How is it that I always come away from your blog a stronger person? Of course, I know the answer to that question....You are probably one of the strongest ladies I've ever met and you make me feel like I need to be stronger, too, and...so I am !
    I want that book ....to read and simply to hold in my hand something YOU held ! Pls. add me to your sweet list...
    And, tell that H.U.N.K. that hangs around your place to give you extra hugs tonight....
    xo bj

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  19. OOPS....I forgot to mention that I am now reading "The Thornbirds" AGAIN and if you've not read it...I will send it right to you!
    Just let me know.....

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  20. Hey sweet woman! I would love to read it and if I don't win your gift away, I will get it. I just finished reading Tuscaloosa by I don't remember (library book) and am now reading my big book and the Thought for the Day book. Being someone who also practices a 12-step program, I am always drawn to others' stories. Love ya honey, Shezadoozey.

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  21. Oh, my fridge post was such a silly one...but, some days I feel silly ! I hope I have LOTS more silly days left in me, too !!

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  22. Deena,

    You always inspire me. I am so glad that you are enjoying lots of books while you are resting. I read everyday and would be lost without my books.

    I read about 2 books a month and the best I've read lately was The Widow of Larkspur Inn by Lawana Blackwell. It was a wonderful story.

    Take care and be sure to get lots of rest.

    Blessings,
    Mary

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  23. Just finished reading "Water For Elephants" which is WONDERFUL- with the best ending of any book ever!!!! Enjoy your Mother's Day- so glad you are feeling well enough to enjoy Spring and reading!

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  24. Hello, Deena,

    I hope you don't consider me too new a commenter to enter. I read "The Devil in the White City" about four years ago, for book club. Unfortunately, I was not able to attend that meeting, as my daughter became severely ill that day and I had to fly to Washington, DC to be with her. Ironically, we passed over Chicago just as the sun was setting that evening, and it truly looked like the white city.

    I finished "A Thousand Splendid Suns" on Sunday and am now reading the second book in the Stonewylde series (recommended by British friends - great!)

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  25. Hi Deena, how are you feeling today sweetie? Very well, I hope.
    I think of you & pray for you often!

    I'm just now reading Victoria's At Home With White Decorating Book.

    Please enter me in the giveaway. Sounds like a terrific book!

    Hugs,
    Stephanie
    Angelic Accents

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  26. hey girl....... Happy Mothers Day!!!!!!!! so glad that you are feeling better......... I have just finished Blue Like Jazz and it was wonderful...... I have started an on line bible study so I am not reading any other books at this time...... I have about 5 lined up ...... I have a wonderful swing under a big tree in my back yard and I hope to sit and read a lot this summer.............

    blessings girl friend......

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  27. Hi Deena.... I'm just here to wish you a blessed and happy Mother's Day....

    Hugs

    Cielo

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  28. Hey Deena, As you know, I have been reading my pharmacy technician manual, also other books, "Thank you, Brain, for All You Remember, What You Forgot Was My Fault" (great book about the brain, and how memory works), "The Sociopath Next Door" ( I read on my PDA, a surprisingly easy read). Other various and sundry self-help books, (I go through phases of reading tons of self-help books.) I haven't read a "fun" book in quite a while, and I really have been meaning to! (I passed my course work for pharmacy tech, now I just have to pass the state boards. YAY!) I really love to read, glad you had this posting! It was fun to see what others are reading, and I got some good ideas.
    Love to you!
    Maridon

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  29. Hi Deena,
    What a great idea for a giveaway. You have generated so many suggestions for reading other books from the comments left here.
    Lynne

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  30. That sounds like a wonderful book, Deena.

    Just came by on Saturday to say hello, and see how you are doing today.

    Wanted to wish you a Happy Mother's Day tomorrow :) Your children are lucky to have you, sweet Deena.

    I just finished reading 'Guilty' by Karen Robards.

    Cyber-hugs and loving *light*

    Genuinely,
    Loving Annie

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  31. Thanks for sharing your joys and your heart, dear Deena. HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY,ksarra

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  32. Happy Mothers Day!! From all of us who once had been single mothers at one time or tuther! Here we sit, lattes, special teas in hand...so long ago twas not so...ain't life just so grand?! Let the whole wide world get up and give us very strong and committed and pretty galz a very big hand!
    (Roar of applause from life's stands.) Now Jeeves, draw my bath please. XO n

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  33. I forgot to say...because I didn't read the instructions....LOL...that I am reading YOU ON A DIET...by Michael Roizen and Mehmet Oz.....fun fun!
    Hugs

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  34. Hi Deena, Don't enter me in the drawing because I have her book and loved it. So sweet of you to pass it along. I hope you're feeling a bit better after the 5th one. And I hope your Mother's Day tomorrow is lovely. Sending you a big hug.

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  35. Your page is so joyful. I love your list of joys, I hope you have a wonderful Mother's Day.

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  36. This book sounds like just what I need right now. I happen to have a coupn from Borders for 30% off on Mother's Day, so I'm on my way....

    Hugs,
    Betty

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  37. Hello Deena, I was out for a stroll and thought I would pop in to say Happy Mothers Day! Hope you feeling Wonderful! Big Pink Hugs Diana Lyn

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  38. Dear Deena, Thanks for the sweet comment on my blog about my sister. I'm sorry - I failed to mention that she DOES have a car but the nearest cancer center is 150 miles away. So they have a little bus they call "the cancer bus" which all the chemo patients can take to save their expenses - and getting too tired. Hope you're doing well today. God bless you.

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  39. Good Evening Sweet Deena!
    That book sounds wonderful, I have been reading Killer Market, by Margaret Maron. I get all my nice hardbacks at Goodwill for $1.79 each, then I can add them to my growing stash in the Man Study!

    Praying for you daily! Also Wanted you to know your box is winging it's way to you now! It should be on your doorstep on the 15th, sure hope I packed it well enough, I have never shipped one of these before! Let me know if is makes it in one piece...
    Hugs and Love, prayers going up,
    Donna Lynn

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  40. hope you had a wonderful day, deena....that you are feeling better....and many joys! i wish you a wonderful day tomorrow....full of love and joy and surrounded by those who apprciate the wonderful soul you are!
    hugs and prayers,
    kimberly

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  41. Just stopping by to Wish You a WONDERFUL HAPPY HAPPY JOY JOY MOTHER'S DAY!!!
    Hugs and Love,
    Amy (Mom to the Four Sisters)

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  42. Sweet Deena,
    I wish you a day full of joy and laughter. Happy Mothers Day! Enjoy.

    Suzy

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  43. Deena, Hey sweet lady.. hope you are having a fabulous day.
    Just wanted to say hello and wish you a very Happy Mothers day!
    We all love you sooo much.....
    Blessings! ~Mary~ :-}

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  44. Good Morning, Deena! Hope you had a wonderful Mother's Day.

    I'm reading, "The Historian" by Elizabeth Kostova.

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  45. Hi Deena,
    That book sounds so good. I'm reading A Painted House at the moment, it takes place in the south at cotton pickin' time back in the 40's and the farm family barely gets by OK but their house isn't painted... although Mama wanted it painted, Papa thinks it's a waste of good money that would be better paying field hands or buying seed...it just felt relevant with what we are doing to my old house!
    By the way, it' a Grisham novel but you wouldn't know it.

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  46. Hi Deena. I just stopped by to take a peek at your blog. Thank you for sharing your wonderful and inspiring stories with us! Always in my prayers! Hugs, Sharon

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  47. Hi, - I love your blog - have been reading it for a long time, it is great and inspiring! I am reading "Eat, Pray, Love" right now - and it is pretty good - nothing over the top, but good. And I would love to be added to your drawing!

    Hugs - Diane from Michigan

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  48. thinking of you, sweet friend, and hoping your days are better....and that you are having sunshiny days and lots of joys.....
    sleep well....
    hugs and prayers,
    kimberly

    love this song!

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  49. Good mornin to you Deena! Im currently reading Sea Glass by Anita Shreve. I love it.

    I visit your blog every day and am thinking of you often. I usually do not comment but sign your guest book instead.
    You are such a Blessing to me.
    Jackie (dove2mist)

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  50. Hi Deena~
    Hope you are enjoying a beautiful day! Happy Belated Mother's Day to you :) I just finished reading "House" by Frank Peretti & Ted Dekker. I rarely buy books because we've got such a great library system in our area ~ I always seem to have a ton of books checked out at any given time!

    I still have to schedule a mammogram but everything went well with my annual. I'm glad I finally went to the doctor ~ now I don't know why I'd been putting it off for so long!

    Blessings to you, friend :)
    ~Michelle (Treasure the Moment)

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  51. That sounds like a great book Deena. Thank you for coming by my blog today. I know it is hard for you to type, so I am very touched that you stopped to say hello. I just wanted to drop by and say hi and I hope you have a great day.

    Bless you,

    Sharon

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  52. Deena, I posted on the wrong post---it sounded like I am a virtious woman, but meant this one was like what I was going through---I have no idea what I face tomorrow but I know that God will guide me where I need to go. I hope the other women who read the comments forgive me for my error, but I do love that Proverb also---there are many that are so touching. Love and Hugs, Pat

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  53. Deanna:

    I will definitely be back for a read. You are an inspiration to all. I will add you to my prayer list and be checking in on you.....take care.

    I am currently reading some assorted verses from Khalil Gibran.

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  54. It's me again,popping in...I hope you are having a lovely Wednesday!
    hugs,
    Robin

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  55. Thinking of you on this spring day. Hoping that you are able to enjoy all the outdoors bursting with spring. Love the new song too. It's so .....melancholy.

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  56. It's been too long since I stopped by. It sounds like you're doing well and are full of life as you always are. Such a great spiirt here when I visit and I hope your Mother's Day was wonderful, Deena
    D.

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  57. Hi My Dear Deena,
    I am currently reading Joel Osteen's "Living A Better Life" Devotional. I lost my Dad last week Monday, so things have been rather emotional for me.

    I hope this email finds you in good spirits. I think and pray for you everyday and keep you close to my heart.
    Love,
    Kimmie

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  58. prayers, blessings, sunshine, roses, sweet birds and hugs...
    bj

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  59. Just came by to say hello on the afternoon of the 15th Deena, to say hello and bring you loving thoughts :)

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  60. Hi Deena,

    Sounds like a great book indeed :) I just finished "Without A Net" by Michelle Kennedy, a true story about a woman who finds herself homeless with her children and how she manages through it on her own. I just couldn't put it down! Now I am reading 3 books at once...Willow by VC Andrews, The Woods by Harlan Coben and The 7 Habits Of Highly Effective People..oh and another on HTML but that doesn't really count ;) Goodness, I hadn't realized what all I have going until I wrote it down!

    Hugs to you :)
    Dena

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  61. saying good night, dear deena....hope your day was good to you....sleep well!
    hugs and prayers,
    kimberly

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  62. Just dropping in to say hi, Deena. Hope you are having a good day.

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  63. Hi Deena,Just calling in to wish you well and hope all is going well with your treatments!
    You are constantly in my thoughts,thank you for taking the time to stop by!now that the weather is warming up my breathing is much better,thank you!Wish we were nearer so that we could offer you more support!
    I don't mind if you do not put my name in the draw, as postage is so expensive,I'm just glad I stopped by as I now have a long list of books to look for lol
    I am currently reading Josephine Cox Child of the North,she is a local writer,I have several of her books.Well Deana,I must pick Beth up from school,will get back to you soon.Take Care
    Love and Blessings from Kathyann and the girls

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  64. It sounds wonderful! I'm just finishing up Jan Karon's New Song. I love the Mitford series but I think they are best when read with time in between the current read and the next one. It's like coming home, remembering all the characters and the sweet life of a small town.

    I'd love to be entered in your giveaway. Thank you! Blessings... Polly

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  65. Good Morning Deena,
    I was wondering if your box made it to you yet? Hoping everything made it without breaking or any other damage...

    Bless you,
    Donna Lynn

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  67. Hi Deena- I just checked this book out of the library after reading your post.

    I hope you are feeling good!!!!

    Hugs,
    Betty

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  68. Sounds like a great book. :) I think you could have authored it though with your great attitude, :) Hope this day finds you pain free and happy in Our Saviors loving arms. :) Hugs Dear lady. :)

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  69. Deena.. You have not been on. Im praying everything is okay with you. I know you need to rest as much as you can. Only a few more weeks to go Deena! Yeah !! I bet everything is getting so pretty outside around you! Rest and just soak in all of God's Glory around you.. I have been reading that sunlight is GOOD for you .. Jackie

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