Eileen Manassian Biography

I guess you could say I'm a citizen of the world. I've traveled....and I've lived parts of my life in Iran, Lebanon, the US, and Cyprus. I am proud of my Armenian heritage. I was born in Tehran, Iran and soon after that, my family went to the States for my dad to work on his MA degree and many years later, to work on his Ed.D. I have a lot of the Middle East and the West in me, and at times....I feel confused about my identity. I do, however, cling to my Armenian roots and am outspoken about recognition by the world of the Armenian Genocide that took place over 100 years ago.

Since my parents had no common language, the language spoken in our home was English. Yes, I am most fluent in English, and I think, dream, and converse in that language, though I do speak 5 other languages to varying degrees! :)

I am melancholy/sanguine by nature and feel everything very keenly. My highs are SUPER HIGH...and my lows...SUPER LOW! I guess you could say...I'm INTENSE. I'm passionate about poetry to the point of obsession.

The events that have colored my life are the death of my mother due to MS and the war in Lebanon. As a child, it was hard for me to come to grips with the fact that my mother was ill, and to see her go from being a vibrant, well-loved teacher to a wheelchair bound, isolated woman was a very harrowing experience. I do believe, though, that there is a resurrection day and that, by His grace, I will see my Mama fully restored...free of wheelchair, able to sing, laugh, and smile again. The war in Lebanon...bombs landing all around, nights spent in bomb shelters.. has also scarred me to some degree.

What I'm most proud of? That would be my daughter...Shereen Natalie Ghali. She is the light of my life. Her name in Farsi means SWEET! :)

Currently, I teach English at Middle East University in Beirut, Lebanon. Poetry Soup has been a haven for me....most of the time! ;) I've developed amazing friendships here that are very genuine and real. My dream is to one day have my name on a volume of poetry! One can always dream....Thank you for making the effort to get acquainted. God bless!


 

Happy Birthday, Mr Seal

Blog Posted by Eileen Manassian: 3/1/2017 1:54:00 PM

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Lamoureux Avatar
March 8, 2017 at 8:08 AM
I remember this one, he's a talented guy and This is a great dedication. We all had a lot of fun back then.
Manassian Avatar
March 9, 2017 at 9:27 PM
We did, Richard, we did. I don't know...a lot of people from way back when have gone MIA. It's sad. Hugs, dear.
Seal Avatar
March 5, 2017 at 7:23 PM
Typical, late for my own party lol, thanks guys, much appreciated. Yes, I've been somewhat neglectful, must find more time. Thank you my little Desert Orchid, very thoughtful of you. See you all soon. Take care, Richard.
Lamoureux Avatar
March 8, 2017 at 8:07 AM
Happy Birthday Richard, I too miss you. I hope life is treating you well.
Manassian Avatar
March 5, 2017 at 8:11 PM
Better late than never, Richard. I hope you had a good day celebrating....hope that you don't lose your wittiness and teasing nature as the years roll by. All the best in your new adventures.
Vinson Avatar
March 3, 2017 at 7:21 PM
Great description of storminess. Cheers, Eileen and Richard.
Manassian Avatar
March 3, 2017 at 10:17 PM
Thanks, Doug. The poem shows his great talent in writing. Check out his work. Thanks for posting. Blessings
Dietrich Avatar
March 2, 2017 at 9:08 AM
This was great of you to do for Richard, Eileen. He is a GEM. Happy happy birthday, friend Richard Seal!!!
Manassian Avatar
March 3, 2017 at 10:15 PM
He surely is. I miss him terribly. He was such a tease. Oh well....I hope he gets back to writing sometime. I miss those who aren't active. Drake....Donna...David....Caleb. Something about the good old days gets to me. Thanks for posting, Andrea. I'm sure he'll read...eventually Hugs
Chircop Avatar
March 1, 2017 at 3:56 PM
Hi dear Eileen, I do miss Richard, Hope He is reading this-Happy Birthday dear Richard, Come back soon. Lovely tribute dear sweet Eileen, and such a fantastic poem for you. Love yr avatar xx
Manassian Avatar
March 1, 2017 at 4:17 PM
Hi, sweetie. I never forget someone who was dear to me. Though he may pass by or not, I still want to wish him a happy birthday and all the best. :) How are you? My avatar...yes, well, as I'm approaching fifty...I find myself in panic mode and acting strange. Love you
Allison Avatar
March 1, 2017 at 2:13 PM
What a lovely poem for you Eileen and a lovely birthday tribute for Richard - there are many missing from soup at the moment but I guess life issues take precedent over soup. I hope Richard is back soon and will read your blog:-( hugs Jan xx
Manassian Avatar
March 1, 2017 at 4:19 PM
I keep all the poems people have written for me, Jan. A poem gift must be the most special of kinds. Just read over Richard L's poem the Queen of Passion. It warms my heart. Missing from the soup...but never from the heart. Hugs, dear one.

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