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Eileen Manassian

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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!

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Happy Birthday, Richard

Blog Posted by Eileen Manassian: 9/8/2019 2:23:00 AM

Dear Soupers,

I know I haven't been on here for FOREVER, but I thought I'd pop in today to post a happy birthday blog for Richard Lamoureux as I've done every year.

I know Richard is well liked by everyone, as he always leaves gracious and uplifting comments to all. Richard is one who will always checks on my poetry even when I'm not around, and he invites me to come back and post. I appreciate that. There are only a pecious few who do that, and I'm grateful for true friends.

Wishing you the best life has to offer, Richard. May this year be one filled with every happiness under the sun for you and your beloved family. Keep writing. PS wouldn't be the same without your presence and your presents of poetry.

Happy Birthday!

Happy Birthday To You Cupcake GIF - HappyBirthdayToYou Cupcake EnjoyYourDay GIFs

A Birthday Poem…

You check on me when you don’t see me there

My older writes get posts that show you care

The poems that you pen are rays of light

It’s clear to see why they give such delight

You share your heart, and that’s no easy feat

It takes a strength that does not know defeat

And Humor’s there, it makes its presence known

The prowess of your pen has clearly grown

A friend in need is friend indeed, that’s true

With thankful heart I say: that friend is you

I wish you all that makes your dear heart smile

For this I know, you make life more worthwhile.

Eileen Manassian Ghali

September 8, 2019

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Richard
Lamoureux

Date: 9/15/2019 5:44:00 PM

Hi Eileen, thanks for letting me know we had more visitors. Hugs Rick.

Eileen Manassian
Date: 9/15/2019 7:54:00 PM

You have a lot of friends....

Sunlite
Wanter

Date: 9/13/2019 6:36:00 PM

Add me to your Happy Birthday list. You are always so kind in your commenting! Happy, Happy, Birthday!!!!

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 9/15/2019 5:41:00 PM

Thanks so much, as are you. Blessings Richard.

Eileen Manassian
Date: 9/15/2019 4:00:00 PM

Thanks for the visit and comment, dear. I think Richard would be surprised to know people are still commenting. I haven't been on soup. I'll visit when I'm back.

Sandra
Adams

Date: 9/12/2019 10:59:00 AM

I guess I should find time to pop on the blogs more often....i missed it but Happy Belated Birthday Rick....

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 9/15/2019 5:42:00 PM

No worries Sandra, the party is still going. Hugs Rick.

Eileen Manassian
Date: 9/12/2019 1:15:00 PM

Thanks for dropping by. I haven't been on the soup for a time, but I seized the opportunity to have a birthday blog up for Richard. He's a good friend to all here. Thanks for the visit.

Alexis
Y.

Date: 9/11/2019 2:15:00 PM

WoW! Eileen, This is a great tribute and Birthday poem for Richard. He is all that you said in your poem. I agree poetry soup wouldn't be the same without him. Happy Belated birthday Richard! PS, Although I don't visit you much on your page, I do miss you. I am not as active as I once was:-) Alexis

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 9/15/2019 5:43:00 PM

Thanks Alexis, your visits are alwYs appreciated. Hugs Rick.

Eileen Manassian
Date: 9/12/2019 1:16:00 PM

You've always been generous with your praise, dear. Thank you for your kind heart. If Richard isn't back to see your post, perhaps visit his page and give your greetings. I'm not on soup yet, perhaps soon. Hugs

Line
Gauthier

Date: 9/10/2019 7:49:00 PM

Wonderful tribute, Eileen. Happy birthday, Richard!

Eileen Manassian
Date: 9/12/2019 1:17:00 PM

Thanks for the visit. It was my pleasure to get this blog up. I'm glad you passed by. Hugs

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 9/11/2019 9:27:00 AM

Thanks Line. ;0)

Eve
Roper

Date: 9/10/2019 4:05:00 PM

Happy Belated Birthday my friend hugs eve

Eileen Manassian
Date: 9/12/2019 1:18:00 PM

Hugs, Eve. Hope all is well, dear.

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 9/11/2019 9:27:00 AM

Thanks and a big hug back to you.

Becca
Teagan

Date: 9/10/2019 12:32:00 PM

Eileen, what a sweet dedication for a very kind man. He truly is a friend to all. Happy birthday, Rick!

Eileen Manassian
Date: 9/10/2019 1:41:00 PM

Thanks for the visit, Becca. You are right about that. He is a good friend to all of us. :)

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 9/10/2019 1:38:00 PM

Aww thanks Becca, hugs Rick.

Gregory Richard
Barden

Date: 9/9/2019 3:27:00 PM

Richard is a kind and thoughtful poet, and a creatively focused human being - I am blessed to know him, and wish him the Happiest of Birthdays! Blessings - lovely tribute, Eileen! :o) <3

Eileen Manassian
Date: 9/10/2019 1:44:00 PM

Thanks, Gregory. I see that Rick is back to thank everyone. I'm glad you've found a source of encouragement in him.

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 9/10/2019 1:40:00 PM

Thanks Gregory, I am honoured to be part of such a wonderful group of creative people. You are a bright light in our group.

Charmaine
Chircop

Date: 9/9/2019 3:17:00 PM

Happy Birthday to a dear friend and talented poet .Lovely poem sweet Eileen.So thoughtful of you.

Eileen Manassian
Date: 9/10/2019 2:58:00 PM

Thanks for stopping by, dear one. Sweet of you. Richard is a constant and consistent friend here on the soup. I see many share my sentiments. Hugs :)

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 9/10/2019 1:40:00 PM

Thanks Charmaine, hugs Rick.

Constance
La France

Date: 9/9/2019 2:38:00 PM

Happy B day Richard !

Eileen Manassian
Date: 9/10/2019 2:58:00 PM

Thanks for dropping by....

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 9/10/2019 1:41:00 PM

Thanks Constance. ;0)

Vijay
Pandit

Date: 9/9/2019 9:04:00 AM

Happy Birthday, Richard! You are a great friend, Eileen.

Eileen Manassian
Date: 9/10/2019 2:59:00 PM

Thanks...I like to think so. :)

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 9/10/2019 1:41:00 PM

Thanks Vijay.

Rob
Carmack

Date: 9/8/2019 9:25:00 PM

Ever since I joined this site, Richard has been one of the most consistently kind peeps in the soup. He makes this site better. Happy Birthday Richard.

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 9/10/2019 1:43:00 PM

Hi Rob, your words are much appreciated as are Eileen’s. A big hug for you both.

Eileen Manassian
Date: 9/9/2019 12:20:00 AM

Yes... he does stay out of trouble and spends his time here spreading positivity. Thanks for the visit, Rob. I'm sure the birthday boy will come round when he's got a minute. Your words will make him glad, I'm sure.

Brandy
Nicole

Date: 9/8/2019 8:44:00 PM

HaPpY BiRtHdAy RiChArD!!! Thank you for being here, for being You. It is so kind of you to place this here Eileen. Such a sweet poem. :) Brandy

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 9/10/2019 1:44:00 PM

I agree Brandy, it is very thoughtful and I also appreciate your kind words.

Eileen Manassian
Date: 9/9/2019 12:38:00 AM

The book is Systems Analysis and Design by J Duncan Glover and the poem is on the dedication page in case you ever want to look it up to give it a read. You could google it. I don't even think Richard knows about this one! He read it on the Soup, but doesn't know it's in a book :)

Eileen Manassian
Date: 9/9/2019 12:34:00 AM

How sweet of you, Brandy. Thanks ever so much. I liked your "thank you for being YOU" note to Richard. :) I'm glad you liked my tribute poem. One of my other tribute poems to him has made it's way into a textbook on the dedication page. Our poems go places...Blessings

Susan
Ashley

Date: 9/8/2019 7:23:00 PM

Happy birthday, Richard! I hope you are enjoying a great day! Thank you, Eileen, for penning a lovely b-day tribute to a wonderful friend as well an inspiring and talented poet. Warmest wishes always.. ~Susan

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 9/10/2019 1:45:00 PM

Thanks Susan. ;0)

Eileen Manassian
Date: 9/9/2019 12:40:00 AM

Thank you, Susan, for this nice post and for your blog etiquette in addressing me in your comment. Much appreciated, dear. I'm sure Richard will come around when he's had a moment to himself. These posts will all be like little presents. :) Blessings.

Richard D
Seal

Date: 9/8/2019 5:40:00 PM

Hi Rick, Happy birthday, hope you've had a great day, cheers

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 9/10/2019 1:49:00 PM

Thanks Richard. Great to see you buddy.

Eileen Manassian
Date: 9/8/2019 6:32:00 PM

The other Richard... thanks for your comment on this blog. All the best...

Wendy
Watson

Date: 9/8/2019 4:24:00 PM

Happy birthday Richard! You were one of the first to leave an encouraging comment on my initial attempts at poetry just over a year ago. I'm also glad to have become acquainted with your poetry, Eileen. I really enjoyed reading this well-written birthday tribute.

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 9/10/2019 1:48:00 PM

Thanks Wendy, I appreciate your thoughtful greeting.

Eileen Manassian
Date: 9/8/2019 5:38:00 PM

Thank you for your kind words, Wendy. Richard always encourages me, especially when I've been away for a spell. He'll visit older writers until I come back. I'm glad you also have benefitted from his kindness. I'll be by to visit your poetry when I'm back posting poems. Blessings.

Tamanna
Ferdous

Date: 9/8/2019 12:59:00 PM

I just noticed this nice wishing platform. Happy Birthday Richard! May Almighty grant you peace and happiness in life.

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 9/10/2019 1:47:00 PM

Thanks Tamanna.

Eileen Manassian
Date: 9/8/2019 5:35:00 PM

Thanks for your post on this platform. I'm sure you'll get a response from the birthday boy soon.

Andrea
Dietrich

Date: 9/8/2019 12:53:00 PM

A BIG BELATED Birthday greeting to you, Richard. Your Bday is shortly after mine. I am glad to know you are a kind Virgo!! Thanks for the blog, Eileen. Wish we saw more of you around.

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 9/10/2019 1:47:00 PM

Thanks Andrea, a belated happy birthday to you as well.

Andrea Dietrich
Date: 9/9/2019 8:02:00 AM

go see what Keith says in his movie review at these blogs. He mentions a movie I really like! I'm glad you have appreciated my FB reviews!

Eileen Manassian
Date: 9/9/2019 12:44:00 AM

I want to see some of the movies thanks to your reviews. :) ....sometimes me, myself and I does the trick! :) Hugs

Andrea Dietrich
Date: 9/9/2019 12:11:00 AM

thanks, eileen. My birthday was rather quiet this year. I got to see THREE movies last week because of it though (with my husband, another with my daughter, and one with me, myself and I!)

Eileen Manassian
Date: 9/8/2019 5:34:00 PM

Then happy belated birthday to you, dear. How did I miss that on FB? I do read your movie reviews with interest. I trust your judgement. Thanks for stopping by the blog to wish Richard happy birthday. I'm sure he will respond when he isn't busy celebrating. Blessings, dear.

Andrea Dietrich
Date: 9/8/2019 12:54:00 PM

oh wait, it IS the 8th, so I am not late for your day!!

Jan
Allison

Date: 9/8/2019 12:20:00 PM

So lovely to see you Eileen, miss seeing you on soup , to me you are the Queen of passion. A lovely birthday to Richard, he is a friend to many on soup:-) hugs Jan xx

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 9/10/2019 1:46:00 PM

Thanks Jan, hugs Rick.

Eileen Manassian
Date: 9/8/2019 12:31:00 PM

I've missed you, Jan. I've had a couple of rough months. Always fatigued. Will be back soon. Thank you for your kind words. I love that title... ad well you know. Richard is a friend to many. I'm so glad you dropped by to wish him birthday blessings. Hugs, dear one.

Richard
Lamoureux

Date: 9/8/2019 9:35:00 AM

Thanks Eileen, you made my day. A big hug! I do miss you being here and your uplifting poems and visits. For me it feels like my poem is not complete until you have commented on it.

Jan Allison
Date: 9/8/2019 12:20:00 PM

Hope you have a super day Rick:-) hugs Jan xx

Eileen Manassian
Date: 9/8/2019 11:35:00 AM

I'll be back soon, Richard. Your encouragement helps keep me grounded. Keep visiting my page. I'll be posting a collab soon. Hope your birthday is all you want it to be. Hugs and blessings.

Edward
Ibeh

Date: 9/8/2019 6:30:00 AM

Happy birthday to a jolly good fellow! Many returns of the day, Richard!:-)

Eileen Manassian
Date: 9/8/2019 11:36:00 AM

He certainly is. Thanks for adding to the birthday cheer.

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 9/8/2019 9:36:00 AM

Thanks Edward.

Tania
Kitchin

Date: 9/8/2019 5:20:00 AM

Happy Birthday to you Richard, I hope you have a great one! :)

Eileen Manassian
Date: 9/8/2019 11:36:00 AM

Thanks for your comment on this birthday blog, Tania.

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 9/8/2019 9:36:00 AM

Thanks Tania.

CayCay
Jennings

Date: 9/8/2019 3:14:00 AM

I happen to know y'all have sent many 'friendship appreciation' poems to one another because the sincerity in them stuck in my memory just not exactly where I ran across them. A beautiful poem by a beautiful woman who is a beautiful friend to the beautiful light that is Richard. "Oh, it's all so beautiful" (lyrics from some song.) Happy Birthday, Richard - grow onward, not older. Poetry hugs ... CayCay

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 9/8/2019 9:38:00 AM

Thanks and a big hug back to you Cay Cay. I have always seen you as a bright presence here at the soup so I am touched by your comment.

Eileen Manassian
Date: 9/8/2019 3:19:00 AM

What a delightful post, CayCay. Thanks ever so much. I'm sure Richard will be happy to read it. I've been away for so so long. I hope to be back soon with a collaboration piece. I'll catch up with you as soon as I can. Blessings, Dear.

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