The Long Blue Line

On Saturday May 11, 2013 Madeleine joined the Long Blue Line of W alum.

The day started with Mag Chain which has taken place in some form since 1890. During this event, the magnolia chain is carried by seniors singing the “Magnolia Chain Song” from the front of Columbus Hall to Callaway Lawn where the ceremony is held.
The procession is led by the senior class president who carries a bouquet of daisies in honor of the graduates who began the ceremony years ago. Daisies are carried because the magnolia chain was originally made of daisies and other flowers.
At the conclusion of the ceremony, the seniors form a circle around the magnolia chain, lock arms and sing the “Friendship Circle” song. After the song is completed, the seniors make a mad dash for a magnolia blossom.
Tradition holds that graduates who are able to walk away with a magnolia blossom will find good fortune and romance.
During the ceremony senior presidents of student organizations were recognized - Madeleine Gardiner: Honor Student Advisory Council and Up 'Til Dawn Co-Executive Director. Six students (including Madeleine Gardiner) were recognized as new members of the W Hall of Fame.

Then it was graduation time. Dr Borsig, president of the W, was the one to hand out diplomas. The wonderful thing is he actually knows Madeleine by name - actually he knows her full name. It's a definite advantage of attending and being very involved at a small university.

Here is Madeleine Jean Gardiner with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education Magna Cum Laude with Honors (which means she completed all requirements of the Ina E Gordy Honor's program)

Madeleine with her best friend Katherine.

Little Robin Redbreast

On April 12th, I posted that this had happened two days earlier. About 2.5 weeks ago Mrs Robin sat and sat and sat. Today I finally saw her babies - we have triplets. Still trying to get a pic of all three of them - it requires me standing on a dining room chair and taking pic through the window. Both parents have brought food for the babies.

When a Secret Kills

In the spine-tingling conclusion to her explosive Deadly Reunion series, Lynette Eason once again treats readers to a tale of secrets that need to be told and dangers that need to be faced. 

Investigative reporter Jillian Carter knows it’s time to put the past to rest. She’s tired of looking over her shoulder, letting a killer go free. She’s no longer the scared kid who changed her name and disappeared. Now, no matter what the cost, Jillian must do what she is trained to do—ferret out the truth and expose it. Senator Frank Hoffman committed murder ten years ago—and Jillian watched it happen.

Didn’t she?

Not even the enigmatic and attractive Colton Brady, her ex-boyfriend and nephew of the killer, will be able to make her leave this alone. Get ready for a ride that will make you afraid to be home alone.

My Thoughts:
When a Secret Kills is the third book in the Deadly Reunion series but I didn't feel like I was missing background information even though I'd not read the first two books in the series.  
Much like Eason's Women of Justice series, it's a fast paced crime drama that leaves the reader thinking one has figured out the crime but then there is always a new plot twist that sends one's mind in another direction. I love that Eason is able to intertwine a romance into the plot without unnecessary bedroom scenes.

Available May 2013 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group

This book was provided to me by Donna Hausler of Baker Publishing Group; I received no monetary compensation for my honest review

Come to the Table

     Come to the Table is the second book in the SouledOut Sisters series.  Kat is a new Christian seeking to live the Corporal Work of Mercy to shelter the homeless. She takes in a single mom with her young son as well as a young intern pastor. But as the relationships change so do the dynamics of living under one roof and changes must occur.
     The entire time I was reading, I felt like I had missed lots of background information. I never connected with the characters nor felt invested in their lives. I would read at times and get bored but knew I had to finish since I was going to be reviewing the book. I honestly think the problem was not having read the first book as I enjoyed other books by Neta Jackson.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <http://BookSneeze®.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

Mother's Day Magazine Subscription Giveaway

 

Magazines.com offers people a fun, easy way to discover new reads and helps them track their magazine subscriptions. 

Shop the great magazine subscription deals at Magazines.com for Mother’s Day 2013! You’ll find incredible savings on Mom’s favorite cooking, celebrity, crafting magazine subscriptions and more. Don’t forget about all the moms in your life—your aunt, sister and your grandmother! Give her a gift that keeps on giving!

My Thoughts: Stuck for an idea of what to purchase for Mother's Day? How about a magazine subscription? Magazines.com has a wide variety of magazines from Cooking with Paula Deen to Love of Quilting to Southern Living. I would suggest not getting mom a dieting magazine unless she specifically requested it. I am looking forward to trying recipes by Paul Deen - six issues is only $10.

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