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Farewell Lebanon, until we meet again.

We were remote, in the mountains, paying homage to our adored Lebanese saint, Charbel. It was a haunting place, creaking with wind and chill and a kind of desolation. I prayed for all of us.

As I left, the branches of a tree waved and beckoned me over from across the courtyard. Are you my cedar tree, I asked, the one I’ve been looking for? The cedar was not silent. She answered me by stretching her arms even wider, teaching me the lesson I want to keep learning—making beauty of the harsh wind by standing strong, and lilting, gracefully.

See you back in the kitchen this week. I send you an embrace as wide as a cedar tree to say thank you for being with me with all of your comments, messages, and good wishes on my journey to Lebanon…that has meant the world to me. There are many more pictures, and much to say, which we’ll do over time. I’m so grateful to have you to share it all with.

21 Comments

  1. Maria Bill on May 6, 2012 at 8:31 AM

    Maureen, Wishing you a safe trip back home. The photos of your trip are so beautiful. I have enjoyed Lebanon through your eyes and your writing is so hearfelt. You have a gift of expressing your thoughts that capture the reader completely. Thank you for sharing your journey.

  2. Allison Lange on May 6, 2012 at 9:11 AM

    Safe trip home to Northern Michigan!!!
    Can’t wait to see you & hear more about your trip!!!
    Wow!
    Xoxo
    🙂
    allison

  3. Jody Namey Atty on May 6, 2012 at 9:21 AM

    Maureen,
    I can’t tell you how much I’ve enjoyed your magnificent pictures. Thank you for sharing your experiences with us. It has been wonderful. Here’s hoping your trip home is safe and I’ll look forward to seeing & hearing more as time goes on.
    Jody

  4. Geri Kalush Conklin on May 6, 2012 at 9:25 AM

    Thank you for the journey, I will be looking forward for more entries down the road along with some wonderful recipes. By safe in you travels home.

  5. Marlene Hatton on May 6, 2012 at 9:34 AM

    Looks like a lovely trip with beautiful pictures and commentary in the poetic language of our ancestors. Have a safe trip home. Looking forward to more details! Marlene

  6. Meaghan B Grimes on May 6, 2012 at 11:28 AM

    Maureen…Such a lovely journey you have had… Can’t wait to hear all about it upon your safe return…

  7. Diane Nassir (My maternal grandmother was an Abowd) on May 6, 2012 at 11:38 AM

    Maureen, your words and pictures touch me to the depths of my soul. That is what art does, it makes us feel. I love all of the comments above that others have said about you– they express my feelings about you so eloquently. Angels wrap their wings around you and bring you home safely!

  8. Karine Keldany on May 6, 2012 at 11:44 AM

    Very nice post. The words and the pictures are both beautiful.

  9. virginia lasher on May 6, 2012 at 11:45 AM

    Maureen thank you for the wonderful pictures and stories. I have been checking your posts everyday. Your pictures are great. much love virginia

  10. Gregory Jarous on May 6, 2012 at 12:32 PM

    Beautiful pictures and commentary. Travel safely.

  11. Alberta on May 6, 2012 at 1:54 PM

    Safe trip home. Pics and stories have been great. Glad u could make the trip with your mom and Peggy. Back to work next week!!!!! Love you

  12. Tom on May 6, 2012 at 4:11 PM

    Thank you for sharing the mysteries explored on your vision quest, Maureen. So glad your sacred cedar found you. What a gift and a blessing.

  13. Virginia Biggar on May 6, 2012 at 4:48 PM

    Your photos have been amazing. What a beautiful place. Thank you for sharing your journey!

  14. Rose Roche on May 6, 2012 at 4:56 PM

    Maureen, everyday I looked forward to you words and pictures from Lebanon. Sharing the experience with someone I know made it thrilling. Thank-you. Greeting to you mom and have a safe trip home. Rose Roche

  15. Paula on May 6, 2012 at 6:17 PM

    You’re pure bliss.

    Paula

  16. Michael Ganz on May 6, 2012 at 9:32 PM

    Maureen,

    Well written and great photos –as usual…

    Michael

  17. Rob on May 6, 2012 at 9:38 PM

    :-). Save travels, Maureen.

  18. Patti on May 7, 2012 at 10:13 AM

    Loved loved every second of your journey! I am waiting on edge of my seat to hear more. Love to you always. PZ

  19. Jerry Wakeen on May 7, 2012 at 10:17 AM

    Returning home….too soon I am sure!
    Welcome back.
    Jerry

  20. Diane Spaniolo Gallagher on May 7, 2012 at 1:12 PM

    Maureen, thanks for sharing your gorgeous photos. What an amazing trip for all reasons.
    Diane

  21. Alice on May 7, 2012 at 7:30 PM

    Maureen–loved your trip journal and photos amazing! So glad you are home safely. Can’t wait to hear more!

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