Dear Soupers...
This is a potpourri of a blog. I haven't posted a blog in eons...for good reason. I just had to blog tonight to let you know why I've been away for almost two weeks. I've been in BRAZIL! This is how it came about. I got an email from Middle East University president, Dr Leif Hongisto. Here is an excerpt:
This is a wonderful opportunity to relate to potential new students and I'm sure they will fall in love with the thought of coming to be taught by you as they get to know a glimpse of who you are.
Well, I went; I saw; I recruited. 
I had a delightful time in Brazil, and the recruitment went well. I did enjoyed interacting with the students. They would come around me after the presentation and ask for my Facebook, Instagram, and Youtube channel info. The Academic Dean who was traveling with me said..."You're a rock star!" I was being recruited by top educators there! Needless to say, he was not amused! I loved the visit. I fell in love with the country and the people. I haven't had time for Poetry Soup. Please, forgive me for not being in touch during this time. I hope to get back into the swing of things soon! 
Tattoos? Well, here's the thing. Somewhere in this world there is a woman who has a part of my poem tattooed on her ribcage. How do I know? Periodically, I type my name into the Google search engine to see where my poetry has gone. Am I ever shocked! I have my poetry published in books...one which is a sixth edition book on information systems published by Cengage has my poem To my Guardian Poet on the dedication page. The other book is entitled, God and Tattoos, and it has the story of this woman with the tattoo, which is part of my poem, Too Much Sadness for Me. Also, one of my poems is on a gaming site called Illyarid. My poem, The Warrior Princess, is on the home page. Another poem is on a blog by Dillon Winspear. Another is on an educational site for eight graders. It's part of the multiple choice quiz on poetry. One is an a site called POETRY and another is on a SLAM poetry site on the homepage. Some people have my poems on their facebook pages, instagram, pininterest...and the list goes one. I'm SO thrilled. 
I'm providing the links of the ones I'm MOST proud of so you can read for yourself.
https://elgea.illyriad.co.uk/external/player.asp?PlayerID=192856
https://books.google.com.lb/books?id=4822DAAAQBAJ&pg=PA24&lpg=PA24&dq=eileen+manassian&source=bl&ots=vgrAartaM1&sig=rvH97WMPrPOy23BhTjJq96ZXizc&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwi0i7nckbHQAhXH1iwKHVoTDHk4ChDoAQhEMAw#v=onepage&q=eileen%20manassian&f=false
https://books.google.com.lb/books?id=4ihTCwAAQBAJ&pg=PR3&lpg=PR3&dq=eileen+manassian&source=bl&ots=_fl7KKN8uz&sig=zfICbGI_aNzQKSO5IjOmNzUu2Q0&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwi0i7nckbHQAhXH1iwKHVoTDHk4ChDoAQhHMA0#v=onepage&q=eileen%20manassian&f=false
http://www.plus11.com/blog/constraining-labels/
http://www.educationquizzes.com/us/grade-8/english-language-arts/reading-comprehension-poetry-are-these-really-poems/
http://www.aredplay.com/poetry/
I'm so happy my poetry is finding a home in people's lives!
Finally, if you get a chance, watch Hacksaw Ridge. It's the story of Desmond Doss. Why am I asking you to watch it? Desmond is from my faith group. It makes me so happy that his story is being told. What many don't know is that there is a book out on him entitled, The Unlikeliest Hero:
https://www.amazon.com/Unlikeliest-Desmond-Conscientious-Objector-Military/dp/0816320489
Well, that's all for now. I didn't blog for ages, and now I've given you all more than you bargained for. I'm at a good place in my life. I'm extremely happy. Oh YES! I've also lost 30 pounds! Those of you who watch my youtube videos, please know that's the ME before the weight loss! I'm sitting pretty. I still have more to lose. Becoming vegan and buying a treadmill have saved my life. I just had to share.
Hugs and love to all,
Eileen