Cleopatra's Daughter

Thursday, January 7, 2010

Hellooww...
HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!
I'm sorry I have been MIA this holiday, I just simply refuse the holidays to end ^o^
Now I finally got the spirit to work so let's continue to this very first post of 2010!

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When I had the chance to review a book on historical fiction I jumped for joy! I love history especially when it involves royalty or some famous person. So when I knew I had the opportunity to review a book by Michelle Moran called Cleopatra's Daughter I was very excited! Little did I know that it would turn out to be a very captivating book.



I only know a little about Cleopatra and Marc Antony's love story but this book has opened my eyes and it has given me much more than a glimpse of their life and their children's life in ancient Rome and Egypt.

In Cleopatra's Daughter we learn about the history of Marc Antony and Cleopatra as told by their daughter Selene who was around ten to eleven years old at the time. Before I read this book I didn't even know that Cleopatra has three children with the two of them being twins!

The story begins with the death of Marc Antony and Cleopatra who were being conquered by their enemy, Octavian from Rome. She then took her own life and leave her three children behind. Upon their parent's death, the children were brought to Rome by Octavian and only two of the children survives the trip, the twins Alexander and Selene.

The story then tells us about the children's life in Rome, being taken care of by Octavian's sister, Octavia who was also an ex-wife of their father Marc Antony. From there, the story goes on.. but I wouldn't tell you more details on that, you're gonna have to read it yourself ^o^

Michelle Moran is so kind she even autographed my book!
I was very thrilled. She is very nice! And pretty too! :D


All I can say to you is ever since the beginning of the first pages I have a hard time of putting the book down because Michelle Moran writes a very detailed descriptions of the story's background, from the vivid decorations at the palace of Alexandria to the room-by-room details in Octavia's dwelling in Rome. It helps make the imagination on my head runs wild, it feels almost real in my head, as if I'm walking the path that Selene took herself ^o^
Michelle also tells the story with much detailed history facts that makes me really appreciate the book. The characters are great too and the story itself is very captivating!

I am now definitely a fan of Michelle Moran. I love the way she tells a story, her hard work and all those deep research she did before writing this book make this historical novel a Must-read!

I love her website too, aside from the three great books she wrote: Cleopatra's Daughter, The Heretic Queen and Nefertiti (and upcoming Madame Tussaud!), the website also offers many features which the history buffs like me would like, such as the ancient Rome map the way Selene (the character) remembers it (complete with photos taken by Michelle herself when she was there) or the many links that direct us to additional info on the character's real life. Lots to explore there, a true history lover website. I think Michelle and I could become bestfriends ^o^
Website highlight: Based on meticulous research, Cleopatra’s Daughter is a fascinating portrait of Imperial Rome and of the people and events of this glorious and tumultuous period in human history. Emerging from the shadows of history, Selene, a young woman of irresistible charm and preternatural intelligence, will capture your heart.
It will indeed!




A bit about Michelle Moran:
Michelle Moran was born in the San Fernando Valley, CA. She took an interest in writing from an early age, purchasing Writer's Market and submitting her stories and novellas to publishers from the time she was twelve.
A public high school teacher for six years, Michelle Moran is currently a full-time writer living in California with her husband. She is the author of Nefertiti, The Heretic Queen, and Cleopatra's Daughter. Her fourth novel, Madame Tussaud, will debut in March 2011.
So, What prompted you to write a novel about Cleopatra’s daughter?
I do a great deal of traveling both for research and for fun, and most of my destinations are archaeological sites. On a trip to Alexandria in Egypt, I was afforded the amazing opportunity of participating in a dive to see the submerged remains of Cleopatra’s ancient city. More than ten thousand artifacts remain completely preserved underwater and it changed the way I looked at Cleopatra. I immediately wanted to know more about her life, and it was mere coincidence that my next trip took me to Italy, where her ten year-old children were brought to live after her suicide. While in Rome, I was able to retrace her daughter's steps, and upon seeing where her daughter had lived on the Palatine, I knew I had my next novel.

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GIVEAWAY!
And lucky for you, Michelle Moran has very kindly offered a Free Hardcover copy of Cleopatra's Daughter as well as an ancient Roman coin complete with certificate of authenticity.



+




Now Please pay attention to The RULES before you enter.


RULES :
(To be eligible for this giveaway contest you MUST do the MANDATORY below. You only need 1 Mandatory entry to enter, but you could also have Additional entries to maximize your chances, please remember to leave each entry in a separate comment box or it won't be counted)


To ENTER (MANDATORY) : You must visit Cleopatra's Daughter page on Michelle Moran website, click any of the links there and tell me something you learn from the link you clicked. (1 entry)


For Additional entry :
  • Follow Tigerlily's Book with Google Friend Connect (must be a visible follower). (2 entries) - put each entry in a separate comment box
  • Subscribe to my Email subscription (find link at the lower part of the sidebar) so you won't miss out on the giveaways again! (2 entries)
  • Blog about this giveaway with a link back here, leave the URL of your post in a NEW separate comment box. (2 entries)
  • Follow me via Subscriber or Twitter (find links in sidebar) then in a NEW separate comment write your id or email. If you're already a follower then just tell me your id/email and which subscription are you using. Don't forget to write in separate comment box for each of your subscriptions. You can find all subscription links at the right side bar. (1 entry for each subscription)
  • Tweet about this giveaway and give me the link to your tweet. (1 entry)
  • Be a Follower or subscribe by email to my Fashion blog TwoThousandThings. If you're already a Follower or already subscribed by email please leave a comment telling me your id/email (must be a visible follower). (1 entry for each)
  • Enter my other giveaways in this blog ("Current Giveaways" links are on the side bar) and tell me which giveaway did you enter. (1 entry for each giveaway you entered)
  • Grab my badge and post it in your blog's side bar (find my badge at the upper side of the side bar, just copy the html provided and paste it in your blog), don't forget to give me the link. (3 entries)



NOTE : Remember to include your email in the comment box so I can reach you if you win.
Your entries will be visible after my approval so All entries that does not apply with the rules will not be counted and I will not published the entry!


This giveaway will end on Jan 20, 2010 at 24:00 pm.
Yeah baby, this giveaway is open for WORLDWIDE !
Winner will be announced here on Jan 21, 2010.


I will use random.org to pick the winning number. If the winner does not respond within 48hrs then I will have to choose another winner and will announce it again in my blog.

Good luck to everyone! ^__^





Disclaimer:
I did not receive any form of cash for this review and this is written based on my own honest opinion (other people opinions may vary). Michelle Moran gave me the book to be reviewed but it does not affect my personal review.

139 comments:

  1. beautiful explanation of the Roman house:
    http://michellemoran.com/books/cleopatra/villa.html
    I like a good Italian, I love Roman history.
    check out these giveaway, maybe I'm lucky again.

    ale84.vercelli@hotmail.it

    ReplyDelete
  2. I follow your blog through Friends connect(ale84.vercelli)

    ale84.vercelli@hotmail.it

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  3. I follow your blog through Friends connect. (ale84.vercelli)

    ale84.vercelli@hotmail.it

    #2

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  4. I subscribe to your Email subscription.

    ale84.vercelli@hotmail.it

    #1

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  5. I subscribe to your Email subscription.

    ale84.vercelli@hotmail.it

    #2

    ReplyDelete
  6. I'm a follower on twitter (dakha),
    ale84.vercelli@hotmail.it

    ReplyDelete
  7. I tweet:
    http://twitter.com/dakha/status/7479097190

    ale84.vercelli@hotmail.it

    ReplyDelete
  8. blog about this giveaway:
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    ale84.vercelli@hotmail.it

    #1

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  9. blog about this giveaway:
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    ale84.vercelli@hotmail.it

    #2

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  10. I added your button on my sidebar:
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    ale84.vercelli@hotmail.it

    #1

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  11. I added your button on my sidebar:
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    ale84.vercelli@hotmail.it

    #2

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  12. I added your button on my sidebar:
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    ale84.vercelli@hotmail.it

    #3

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  13. I'm already a follower your fashion shop.

    ale84.vercelli@hotmail.it

    ReplyDelete
  14. I really enjoyed the interactive map: http://michellemoran.com/books/cleopatra/cleo_map.htm

    ReplyDelete
  15. Tweeted: http://twitter.com/ContestAndCo/status/7487917221

    ReplyDelete
  16. Clicked on Mac Anthony's Bio, http://www.notablebiographies.com/Lo-Ma/Mark-Antony.html so I learnt that he came from a distinguished Roman family where his grandfather was a poiltician and his dad in the military.

    reviewsbyabby at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  17. Tigerlily's Book with Google Friend Connect follower #1

    reviewsbyabby at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  18. Tigerlily's Book with Google Friend Connect follower #2

    reviewsbyabby at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  19. Email subscriber #1

    reviewsbyabby at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  20. Email subscriber #2

    reviewsbyabby at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  21. Follower to TwoThousandThings #1

    reviewsbyabby at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  22. Email subscriber to TwoThousandThings #1

    reviewsbyabby at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  23. Entered the BAGNESIA giveaway

    reviewsbyabby at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  24. I learned that Cleopatra was born in 69 BC in Alexandria, Egypt.
    sandym204 @ gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  25. I follow your blog with Google friend connect.
    sandym204 @ gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  26. I follow your blog with Google friend connect. #2.
    sandym204 @ gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  27. I am an email subscriber.
    sandym204 @ gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  28. I am an email subscriber.#2
    sandym204 @ gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  29. Found out that Cleopatra was one of six siblings from her illustrious life page

    shiki6210 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  30. Email subscriber #1

    shiki6210 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  31. Email subscriber #2

    shiki6210 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  32. Tigerlily's Book with Google Friend Connect follower #1

    shiki6210 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  33. Tigerlily's Book with Google Friend Connect follower #2

    shiki6210 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  34. Follower to TwoThousandThings #1

    shiki6210 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  35. Email subscriber to TwoThousandThings #1

    shiki6210 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  36. I entered the bagnesia contest

    shiki6210 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  37. I learned that the Red Eagle is actually based on several men who led slave rebellions (unsuccessfully, I might add) against Rome. Spartacus led the most famous revolt, but there were other men too, such as Salvius, who waged war with his army of slaves in ancient Sicily.
    sharonaquilino at hotmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  38. I learned that Himation is a Greek garment which was worn over a chiton and often used as a cloak.

    annabell_lee_dk (at) yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  39. 2) I'm an e-mail subscriber.

    annabell_lee_dk (at) yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  40. 1) I blogged: http://sweepstakelover.blogcu.com/cleopatra-s-daughter/6760769

    annabell_lee_dk (at) yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  41. 2) I blogged: http://sweepstakelover.blogcu.com/cleopatra-s-daughter/6760769

    annabell_lee_dk (at) yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  42. I tweeted: http://twitter.com/sweepstakelover/status/7533802756

    annabell_lee_dk (at) yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  43. I subscribed to your fashion blog via e-mail.

    annabell_lee_dk (at) yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  44. i liked her interactive map of rome
    pksanddancer(at)yahoo(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  45. follow
    pksanddancer(at)yahoo(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  46. Tiber Island is the only island in the Tiber river. It is approximately 270 meters long and 67 meters wide.
    seknobloch(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  47. I learned that Nefertiti become Target's Book Club Pick.
    madeincanarias at yahoo dot es

    ReplyDelete
  48. #1 I follow your blog already.
    madeincanarias at yahoo dot es

    ReplyDelete
  49. #2 I follow your blog already.
    madeincanarias at yahoo dot es

    ReplyDelete
  50. I follow your other blog too.
    madeincanarias at yahoo dot es

    ReplyDelete
  51. I learned that Cleopatra was fluent in nine languages. She was a mathematician and a very good businesswoman!
    http://www.touregypt.net/cleopatr.htm

    hensnest at windstream dot net

    ReplyDelete
  52. I'm a google friend connect follower #1
    hensnest at windstream dot net

    ReplyDelete
  53. I'm a google friend connect follower #2
    hensnest at windstream dot net

    ReplyDelete
  54. following on twitter - @ahensnest

    hensnest at windstream dot net

    ReplyDelete
  55. I learned that Michelle was in Israel working as a volunteer archeologist! That's awesome.. I was also involved in those sort of volunteer programs, too. :)

    Ronit
    internationalgiveaways[at]gmail[dot]com
    http://internationalgiveaways.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  56. I follow you on google friend connect! (entry 1)

    Ronit
    internationalgiveaways[at]gmail[dot]com
    http://internationalgiveaways.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  57. I follow you on google friend connect! (entry 2)

    Ronit
    internationalgiveaways[at]gmail[dot]com
    http://internationalgiveaways.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  58. I follow you on google friend connect! (entry 2)

    Ronit
    internationalgiveaways[at]gmail[dot]com
    http://internationalgiveaways.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  59. I blogged about this giveaway! (enty 1)
    Here's the link:

    http://internationalgiveaways.blogspot.com/2010/01/book-from-tigerlilys-book.html

    Ronit
    internationalgiveaways[at]gmail[dot]com
    http://internationalgiveaways.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  60. I blogged about this giveaway! (entry 2)
    Here's the link:

    http://internationalgiveaways.blogspot.com/2010/01/book-from-tigerlilys-book.html

    Ronit
    internationalgiveaways[at]gmail[dot]com
    http://internationalgiveaways.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  61. I follow your other blog :)

    Ronit
    internationalgiveaways[at]gmail[dot]com
    http://internationalgiveaways.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  62. under ancient greek customs-gods & heroes I read that Zeus lived on cloud-topped Mount Olympus from where he watched – and often meddled in – the affairs of men below. Bearded, strong and vigorous, Zeus fathered many children, both with his wife, , and through his affairs with mortal women.

    tiramisu392 (at) yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  63. I learnt that Cleopatra had two older sisters, Cleopatra VI and Berenice IV as well as a younger sister, Arsinoe IV. There were two younger brothers as well, Ptolemy XIII and Ptolemy XIV.

    Here is the link:

    http://www.touregypt.net/cleopatr.htm

    huggie0109@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  64. Under the Daily Life in Ancient Rome section I learned that there were two sorts of marriage in Rome: in manum, when a woman wasn’t incident to pater’s authority and depends only on her husband, and sine conventione in manum – women was still subject to her father, lived with her parents and siblings, and kept the succession right.

    mattandjen[at]gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  65. great contest!

    +2 I follow your blog (rem)

    rem_pdg(at)yahoo(dot)es

    ReplyDelete
  66. +2 I subscribe to your Email subscription

    rem_pdg(at)yahoo(dot)es

    ReplyDelete
  67. +1 I follow you via Twitter (@rem_pdg)

    rem_pdg(at)yahoo(dot)es

    ReplyDelete
  68. +1 tweeted: http://twitter.com/rem_pdg/status/7676631090

    rem_pdg(at)yahoo(dot)es

    ReplyDelete
  69. The Greek way of spelling Cleopatra is with a K - Kleopatra.

    ReplyDelete
  70. blog follower of Two Thousand Things.

    ReplyDelete
  71. I learned that Cleopatra had three sisters and two brothers.

    ReplyDelete
  72. I learned that in the springtime of 51 BC, Ptolemy Auletes died and left his kingdom in his will to his eighteen year old daughter, Cleopatra, and her younger brother Ptolemy XIII who was twelve at the time. Cleopatra was born in 69 BC in Alexandria, Egypt. She had two older sisters, Cleopatra VI and Berenice IV as well as a younger sister, Arsinoe IV. There were two younger brothers as well, Ptolemy XIII and Ptolemy XIV.

    SamneneD@aol.com

    ReplyDelete
  73. i learned from her Q&A interview that it was the norm for girls as young as 12 to get married. wow!!

    saladforbreakfast AT gmail DOT com

    ReplyDelete
  74. i foolow your blog! 1

    saladforbreakfast AT gmail DOT com

    ReplyDelete
  75. i follow your blog! 2

    saladforbreakfast AT gmail DOT com

    ReplyDelete
  76. I found it interesting that Marc Antony's father died in a military expedition against pirates when Antony was young.

    marypres@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  77. Interested in writing, I discovered the words:

    Stylus: metal writing implements, used to inscribe on wax tablets.

    Tablet: wax writing pad that could be reused by warming the tablet and melting the wax.

    pumpkinlady430@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  78. I clicked on the Roman Villa link and was able to view a really great diagram of what a roman villa would have looked like...here is the link http://michellemoran.com/books/cleopatra/villa.html

    ReplyDelete
  79. I the Q&A link I learned she traveled to Alexadria, Egypt to research her book.

    eddiem11@ca.rr.com

    ReplyDelete
  80. I foloow with Google Friend Connect.

    eddiem11@ca.rr.com

    ReplyDelete
  81. email subscriber

    eddiem11@ca.rr.com

    ReplyDelete
  82. I subscribe via Google reader.

    eddiem11@ca.rr.com

    ReplyDelete
  83. I follow via Twitter.

    eddiem11@ca.rr.com

    ReplyDelete
  84. http://twitter.com/sohamolina/status/7724758389

    eddiem11@ca.rr.com

    ReplyDelete
  85. I follow TwoThousandThings blog with Google eader.

    eddiem11@ca.rr.com

    ReplyDelete
  86. I follow TwoThousandThings blog by email.

    eddiem11@ca.rr.com

    ReplyDelete
  87. I was surprised to see that Cleopatra might not have been the raving beauty she is portrayed as in the movies. But most surprising was that fact that she was Greek and not of Egyptian or Nubian heritage.

    janmoulder@gmail.com
    http://www.wyldewoodpapers.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  88. I learned that Agrippa was famous for his building projects.

    This is so neat to me because I collect ancient coins, and I just got my first Agrippa coins this week!

    ReplyDelete
  89. I learned that At the beginning of the Olympic games in 776BC, there was only one event.

    ReplyDelete
  90. I clicked on the link that lead to the huose recreation by shuan Vensih. I learned some of the name for different areas of the house. I love things like this, It gives you a better visualization of whats going on in the book and a chance to learn a little history.

    http://michellemoran.com/books/cleopatra/villa.html

    ayoung3360@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  91. I follow your blog
    #1
    ayoung3360@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  92. I follow your blog
    #2
    ayoung3360@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  93. I opened the Interactive Map of Rome and loved reading about all those bildings. I didn't know that spectators could place bets during the chariot races in Circo Massimo.

    nocciolinaitaliana(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  94. new follower!

    (1)

    nocciolinaitaliana(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  95. new follower!

    (2)

    nocciolinaitaliana(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  96. i subscribed!


    (1)

    nocciolinaitaliana(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  97. i subscribed!


    (2)

    nocciolinaitaliana(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  98. I already am a Follower of TwoThousandThings with the name 'nocciolina italiana'

    nocciolinaitaliana(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  99. i subscribed to 'twothousandthings'


    nocciolinaitaliana(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  100. The author got married in france in 2006. The ceremony was at a castle


    melissa(at)gingerhigh(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  101. I follow you via google connect

    melissa(at)gingerhigh(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  102. I follow you via google connect


    melissa(at)gingerhigh(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  103. I follow you in twitter @ginger_high


    melissa(at)gingerhigh(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  104. tweeted
    http://twitter.com/Ginger_High/statuses/7880078632

    melissa(at)gingerhigh(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  105. http://twitter.com/Ginger_High/statuses/7880078632

    tweeted

    melissa(at)gingerhigh(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  106. I learned her father died in 51 BC.

    denise_22315 at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  107. I follow you as wiscmom24 on twitter.

    denise_22315 at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  108. I subscribe via reader.

    denise_22315 at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  109. I tweeted.

    http://twitter.com/wiscmom24/status/7880481079

    denise_22315 at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  110. I entered your Mulry Jewels giveaway.

    denise_22315 at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  111. I learned that Cleopatra's name is spelled with K in this book and why.
    Awsome giveaway, I have this book on my wishlist anyway!

    spamscape [at] gmail [dot] com

    ReplyDelete
  112. I subscribed to your email /1

    spamscape [at] gmail [dot] com

    ReplyDelete
  113. I subscribed to your email /2

    spamscape [at] gmail [dot] com

    ReplyDelete
  114. I'm alredy a follower of TwoThousandThings


    spamscape [at] gmail [dot] com

    ReplyDelete
  115. I'm already a subscriber to TwoThousandThings


    spamscape [at] gmail [dot] com

    ReplyDelete
  116. I subscribed to your blog via Google Reader

    spamscape [at] gmail [dot] com

    ReplyDelete
  117. I'm a follower of this blog /1

    spamscape [at] gmail [dot] com

    ReplyDelete
  118. I'm a follower of this blog /2

    spamscape [at] gmail [dot] com

    ReplyDelete
  119. I entered your MulryJewels giveaway

    spamscape [at] gmail [dot] com

    ReplyDelete
  120. I have always been interested in Cleopatra and found the article on her quite interesting. I will be heading back to the site to gain more knowledge on this great woman and her brothers, sisters and children and the men who loved or used her.

    ReplyDelete
  121. I learned that "Asinus" means ass. LOL!!

    nancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT net

    ReplyDelete
  122. Follower

    nancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT net

    ReplyDelete
  123. Follow on Twitter

    nancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT net

    ReplyDelete
  124. email subscriber

    nancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT net

    ReplyDelete
  125. subscribe via reader

    nancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT net

    ReplyDelete
  126. 2000 Things- Follower

    nancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT net

    ReplyDelete
  127. 2000 Things- email subscriber

    nancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT net

    ReplyDelete
  128. 2000 Things- Follow on twitter

    nancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT net

    ReplyDelete
  129. 2000 Things-- subscribe via reader

    nancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT net

    ReplyDelete

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