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Happy New Year, and something extra special

There are years that ask questions, and years that answer. ~Zora Neale Hurston

(First: thank you all so very much for the many gifts you shared here in 2013. Your presence and comments are a treasure! Also: here in front of the Christmas tree on Main Street last night, the extraordinary man of my heart proposed. And I said, without a doubt!, yes.)

80 Comments

  1. Janet Kalush Moore on January 1, 2014 at 8:04 AM

    OMG!!!!!!!!! Sooooo a Happy New Year it is!!!!!!!!!! I am so very happy for you. And my dear cousin….he is getting an EXTRAORDINARY girl.
    Congrats…I will be staying tuned for Chapter 2..when and where!

    • Maureen Abood on January 2, 2014 at 2:20 PM

      Thank you so much Janet!

  2. Anne Cashill on January 1, 2014 at 8:07 AM

    Congratulations Maureen! We are so excited about your news. A wonderful way to start the new year!

  3. Terri Brantley on January 1, 2014 at 8:16 AM

    The best of everything to you and Dan.

    • Maureen Abood on January 2, 2014 at 2:20 PM

      Thank you Terri!

  4. sameen on January 1, 2014 at 8:16 AM

    That’s great news
    Congratulations to both of you

    • Maureen Abood on January 2, 2014 at 2:20 PM

      Many thanks!

  5. Marci Duryea on January 1, 2014 at 8:21 AM

    Oh Maureen! A million blessings on you both, and may this new year bring you nothing but good things!

  6. SuzyM on January 1, 2014 at 8:32 AM

    Congratulations on your engagement and to many Happy Healthy New Years to come! It’s nice read such great news on the first day of a new year. Let’s all spread more JOY and HAPPINESS like this in 2014!

    • Maureen Abood on January 2, 2014 at 2:18 PM

      Here here Suzy! Thank you!

  7. Ellen McCabe on January 1, 2014 at 8:39 AM

    Congratulations to both of you. That’s lovely news to ring in the new year with! Much love and happiness to you both.

    • Maureen Abood on January 2, 2014 at 2:19 PM

      Thank you Ellie!

  8. Michael Ganz on January 1, 2014 at 8:58 AM

    Congratulations Maureen! All the Best to both of you!

    • Maureen Abood on January 2, 2014 at 2:19 PM

      Thank you Michael!

  9. Diane Nassir (my maternal grandmother was an Abood (Jamileh) from Ammun Leb. on January 1, 2014 at 9:16 AM

    Oh Dear Maureen, Many many years of blessings, health, and happiness to you and your Beloved!!!! Wishing you abundant joy and love–the same you radiate to us thru your sheer love of life and express so beautifully from your heart with your words and sentiments and pictures. A Happy Happy 2014 and God Bless You! xoxoxox

    • Maureen Abood on January 2, 2014 at 2:19 PM

      How beautiful! Thank you Diane!

  10. Sarah Nama Koenig on January 1, 2014 at 9:16 AM

    Extra special indeed! Congratulations Cousin! Best wishes!

    • Maureen Abood on January 2, 2014 at 2:18 PM

      Thanks so much!

  11. Tootsie on January 1, 2014 at 9:18 AM

    I told you this would be your year!!!! I feel like I gained a daughter in law…..I could not be more thrilled. Love you Both Happy Happy New Year to you and your family Pls Big Hug to Dan!

    • Maureen Abood on January 2, 2014 at 2:17 PM

      Thank you Tootsie!

  12. Gregory Jarous on January 1, 2014 at 9:20 AM

    Well cousin not only a Blessed New Year to you, but also congratulations to you both.

    • Maureen Abood on January 2, 2014 at 2:17 PM

      Thanks so much cousin!

  13. Pat on January 1, 2014 at 9:51 AM

    I know you only through your blog, but, couldn’t be happier for you! How about sharing a picture of the happy couple?

    • Maureen Abood on January 2, 2014 at 2:16 PM

      Thank you Pat! Perhaps a photo sometime, yes!

  14. Jody Namey Atty on January 1, 2014 at 10:01 AM

    Sooo very happy for you, Maureen!!!! Wishing you a lifetime of blessings…much love, “cousin” Jody

  15. Selene Schulz on January 1, 2014 at 10:11 AM

    Congratulations and best wishes! December 31st, 2013 was a huge night for a lot of families (and I do feel we are family on here). First, your engagement. Then, my cousin, Jane Sinsel got married. Last and certainly not least, our granddaughter and her husband gave birth to a daughter, Ava Nicole. We are feeling blessed. What a way to end 2013. Blessing to all in 2014!

    • Maureen Abood on January 2, 2014 at 2:15 PM

      Congratulations to you and yours Selene, and many thanks!

  16. Michelle Deiter on January 1, 2014 at 10:13 AM

    Congratulations Maureen !!

    • Maureen Abood on January 2, 2014 at 2:15 PM

      Thank you Michelle!

  17. Laura Pryor on January 1, 2014 at 10:49 AM

    Congratulations! What an incredible New Years Eve!

    • Maureen Abood on January 2, 2014 at 2:14 PM

      Thank you Laura!

  18. Wendy on January 1, 2014 at 11:18 AM

    from Captain Corelli’s Mandolin by Louis de Bernières:

    Love is a temporary madness, it erupts like volcanoes and then subsides … Love itself is what is left over when being “in love” has burned away, and this is both an art and a fortunate accident.

    May God Almighty bless and keep your union in His great love and grace, Maureen. You are such a special person – “the extraordinary man of your heart” is wise indeed to realize that!

    • Maureen Abood on January 2, 2014 at 2:09 PM

      Beautiful! Thank you!

  19. Pat Abood on January 1, 2014 at 11:35 AM

    Your happy news has added a very special touch to our New Year’s blessings, Maureen!
    All my love and very best wishes for your happiness always, to both you and Dan.
    Aunt Pat

    • Maureen Abood on January 2, 2014 at 2:10 PM

      Thank you Aunt Pat!

  20. Jim Albert on January 1, 2014 at 11:38 AM

    What special news!! ‘Two wonderful people! Congrats to both of you.

    • Maureen Abood on January 2, 2014 at 2:10 PM

      Thank you Jim!

  21. Anne Saker on January 1, 2014 at 11:52 AM

    Hooray and best wishes to you, darling cousin.

    • Maureen Abood on January 2, 2014 at 2:10 PM

      Many thanks cousin!

  22. Janel @ Creating Tasty Stories on January 1, 2014 at 1:46 PM

    Congratulations! What a spectacular way to ring in the new year.

    • Maureen Abood on January 2, 2014 at 2:10 PM

      Thank you Janel!

  23. TasteofBeirut on January 1, 2014 at 3:24 PM

    Congrats and my best wishes for 2014 and your upcoming life as a couple!

    • Maureen Abood on January 2, 2014 at 2:11 PM

      Thank you Joumana!

  24. Tom Wright on January 1, 2014 at 3:28 PM

    Congrats Maureen, Dan is a very lucky man.

    • Maureen Abood on January 2, 2014 at 2:11 PM

      Thomas, many thanks and much love!

  25. virginia biggar on January 1, 2014 at 5:13 PM

    Congratulations from the Menzis!!

    • Maureen Abood on January 2, 2014 at 2:11 PM

      Thank you from snowy Harbor Springs!

  26. Marlene Abood Hatton on January 1, 2014 at 6:02 PM

    Congratulations and best wishes!!

    • Maureen Abood on January 2, 2014 at 2:11 PM

      Thank you Marlene!

  27. Jeanne on January 1, 2014 at 6:37 PM

    Best Wishes Maureen. I am so happy for you!

    • Maureen Abood on January 2, 2014 at 2:12 PM

      Jeanne, thank you!

  28. Barbara Davidge on January 1, 2014 at 7:14 PM

    Congratulations!

    • Maureen Abood on January 2, 2014 at 2:12 PM

      Thank you Barbara!

  29. Roger Toomey on January 1, 2014 at 7:43 PM

    I guess he takes the old saying seriously, “Kissin’ may not last, but cookin’ do.” Seriously, all the best to you.

    • Maureen Abood on January 2, 2014 at 2:12 PM

      You know it Roger!

  30. Aunt Peggy on January 1, 2014 at 7:58 PM

    Maureen darling, what lovely news!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Hugs and kisses to you and Dan. Hope to see you both in Naples.

    • Maureen Abood on January 2, 2014 at 2:12 PM

      Thank you Aunt Peg!

  31. Richard Abood on January 1, 2014 at 8:58 PM

    Well Sweetheart, I’m not surprised but am very pleased and happy for you and Dan. You are two very fine people who make a very beautiful couple. May God bless you both and provide your marriage with many years of good health and happiness. All my love, Uncle Dick

    • Maureen Abood on January 2, 2014 at 2:13 PM

      Thank you so much, Uncle Dick!

  32. Jenny Brower on January 2, 2014 at 10:05 AM

    Congratulations Maureen!!!

    • Maureen Abood on January 2, 2014 at 2:13 PM

      Thank you Jenny!

  33. Jerry Wakeen on January 2, 2014 at 10:39 AM

    Wonderful list of well wishers above, sorry I am late.
    Have followed your blogs for a while now, this is great news!
    I wish you both every happiness.

    • Maureen Abood on January 2, 2014 at 2:13 PM

      Jerry, thank you!

  34. Bill B. on January 2, 2014 at 2:05 PM

    A very good year, indeed!!! Congratulations.

  35. Cheryl on January 2, 2014 at 7:17 PM

    Oh, sweet, Maureen. My heart is full. Wishing you much joy together and a beautiful new year. Congratulations, friend! He’s got himself a CATCH! xo

  36. Curtiss Norman on January 2, 2014 at 10:16 PM

    Congratulations, Maureen! I wish we could have shared some Arak after your news! Happy New Year 🙂

    • Maureen Abood on January 3, 2014 at 4:07 PM

      Curtiss, you are so dear–thank you so very much! We loved our Arak visit with you and we’ll do it again soon. Cheers, over ice!

  37. Denise Khoury Zeidan on January 3, 2014 at 5:49 AM

    Maureen, what exciting news. Congratulations all the way from Sydney, Australia, and may the new year be full of much happiness and joy for you.
    I love your blog, and many thanks for sharing.

    • Maureen Abood on January 3, 2014 at 4:07 PM

      Thank you for your special words from Sydney, Denise! Many blessings to you and yours in 2014!

  38. paul zeidan on January 3, 2014 at 5:58 AM

    As the lebanese say “alf mabrook” (1000 best wishes). wonderful way to celebrate christmas and usher in a new year. may 2014 bring many blessings

    • Maureen Abood on January 3, 2014 at 4:08 PM

      Shukrun Paul, 1000 times!

  39. jamila on January 4, 2014 at 4:28 PM

    Mabrouk Maureen and Dan! 2014 starts well with this proposal.

    • Maureen Abood on January 4, 2014 at 6:43 PM

      Thank you Jamila!

  40. Anne Marie Lasher on January 5, 2014 at 2:34 PM

    Congratulations Maureen – very happy for the two of you!

  41. Linda Ireland on January 9, 2014 at 1:36 PM

    Maureen – best wishes for a long and happy life together.
    I’m so happy you found an extraordinary man to share your life with!

  42. Nicole Mahshie on January 10, 2014 at 9:26 AM

    I’m so glad to have found your blog! My husband’s heritage is Lebanese/Palestinian and I feel so fortunate to have married into his family and culture. I have loved learning Arabic and eating all the wonderful food his family makes. Now I want to start making it myself for my husband and our children. Keep the good posts coming!

    • Maureen Abood on January 13, 2014 at 5:48 AM

      Thank you Nicole! How great that you are making these dishes and enjoying your special Lebanese family!

  43. paula on January 14, 2014 at 6:21 PM

    Such a beautiful quote!
    I’m so happy for you Maureen, believe me.
    He’s a lucky man.
    Some months ago, I made a comment about your new and beautiful profile photo.Maybe you don’t remember, but if you check it I referred how beautiful you looked and I said that must be love.Believe me I felt that…

    From a distant place a close and warm hug to you wishing you both all the best (is yet to come)

    Paula

    • Maureen Abood on January 15, 2014 at 7:37 AM

      Paula, I do remember your words…thank you so very much for those and for these!

  44. Mary M-S on February 4, 2014 at 9:40 AM

    Late to the party, but Congratulations Maureen and Dan! What an exquisite way to start the new year. Wishing you both a lifetime of happiness together!!

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