Month: April 2023

About three months ago, Bambi honoured her aunt Renée on her blog, as shown further below. Today, it is hard to believe that she left our world. Indeed, Bambi is speechless, even if this is life and death is part of it. Of course, we are all heading to that same place, at one point or another (this may be actually the only equity possible on earth).

Thank you for all what you have been to all of us, tante Renée. The most wonderful aunt we can have… and what an inspiring woman. A silent force. A big yet down-to-earth heart.

Bambi sends her love to your daughters, Loulwa and Joumana, who honoured you until your last breath. She extends her condolences to all your family members, in Lebanon and abroad, older and younger. She sends her own mom a BIG hug ? (“bon courage, maman”). Same for her dad and all the friends who are mourning you.

God knows how much your niece had wished she could be with all the family right now. Unfortunately, too many miles stand in the way in addition to life responsibilities. However, what matters the most is the distance between our hearts, not geography.

Tante Renée, Bambi is happy because you and her spouse met and even shared memories during your visit to Montreal. She thanks you for the wonderful memories in Lebanon and Cyprus. She will always remember your legendary calm, especially when Bambi used to share horrific stories during civil war. How many times did she tease you by imitating the contrast between your calm and the craziness outside :). You have helped us all remain grounded and calmer, regardless of our temperaments or fears. Indeed, from you, Bambi learned that we can be highly upset by injustice in a quiet and dignified way.

May your memory be eternal, SWEETEST Renée ? (or “Rénno” as your loved ones call you). Please send Bambi’s warm regards to your dearest spouse when you will be reunited with him in heaven (hello, “Amo” [Uncle] Nkoula habibi ?). Same with your siblings, parents, and dear late ones. Rest in peace now and may you keep watching over your loved ones… in a more silent way.

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“Tante” Renée: Happy birthday, get well soon, and thanks for inspiring Bambi with your wisdom regarding goodness!

In the beautiful Arabic language, Kalb means heart. So, Kalby is my heart. Watch out, it must be pronounced as a strong K; if not, it would mean “my dog”. There is nothing more lovely than one’s dog, of course However, if you call someone a dog in Arabic, it would be a huge insult. Bambi does not recommend it :).

Of note, the lyrics of this love song are in standard Arabic. They are written by Ms. Ghida el Yaman. The music is composed by Mr. Malek el Yaman. The singer is the most talented Mr. Mike Massy. The pianist, responsible for the orchestration, is Mr. Lucas Sakr. This performance is by the Bucharest Studio Orchestra with Mr. Alexandru Moraru as its Conductor. Bravo to everyone and thank you for this beautiful artistic moment.

If you are interested, you may read the lyrics of this Kalby song in either Arabic or English. The translation was found on YouTube; so no, this time Bambi did not bother her friend, Mr. Google Translate. He deserves a break from her :).

Bless this organ located in the middle of our chests, called heart or Kalb, especially when it is filled with love ❤️!

قلبي يشدو عذب الألحان”

طَلِقٌ، لا تُخْرِسُهُ الأحزان

يُضنيه ليلٌ لا صبح له

لا قمرٌ فيه ولا خلّان

قلبي يشدو عذب الألحان

قلبي يشدو رغم الأحزان

يا شوقاً يسكن في روحي

يَسبيها يُفنيها كَمَا البركان

من أجلك صادقتُ جروحي

و لأجلك نادمْتُ الحرمان

يا ليت العمر يجمعنا

يُنسينا البُعْدَ والهجران

لا دمعُ العينِ نحايله

لا لوم، لا ذنبٌ بل غفران

قلبي يشدو عذب الألحان

طَلِقٌ، لا تُخْرِسُهُ الأحزان

يُضنيه ليلٌ لا صبح له

لا قمرٌ فيه ولا خلّان

قلبي يشدو عذب الألحان

“. قلبي يشدو رغم الأحزان

“My heart sings a sweet melody

Free, unhindered by sorrows

Worn down by an endless night,

With no dawn in sight,

No moonlight..no companions

My heart sings a sweet melody

My heart sings despite its sorrows

Oh, passion dwelling in my soul

Invading it, destroying it

Like a volcano

For you, I befriended my wounds

And for you, I made peace with my misfortunes

Oh, if time would only bring us together

So we could forget our estrangement, our plight

No more tears that we try to hold back

No blame, no guilt, only forgiveness”.

Bambi adores Mr. Gad el Maleh’s sense of humour (https://bit.ly/3GUaxbt). She has three older posts about him, all shown further below. Well, if she may, she will wish him a Happy Birthday now. May he be healthy and happy, along with his loved ones. May he keep entertaining us while making us smile and laugh in both French and English!

Of note, today happens to also be “Humorous Day“. What is the latter? It is a 24-hour time in the year, which is dedicated to gaining perspective from humour in whatever situation we may be facing, no matter how tough. It means trying to look at the bright side of life, even when the latter seems too dark or too unfair. It also seems to mean the following: Finding humour, remembering to smile to life and to others (without forgetting the person we daily see in our mirror), and to at times laughing, instead of crying, to life’s misery (https://bit.ly/41jJuyp).

This being said, Bambi wishes Mr. Gad El Maleh the same joy he spoils his audience with. She also wishes you all a day of (genuine) smiles, fun, and funny moments; all this despite any challenge or deception. May you re-connect with or discover your courage, if your day is difficult. May you give and receive love.

To conclude, humour and music will have the final word: first, Mr. Gad El Maleh’s “Flowers- Women and Flowers” (subtitled in English) as well as “The Cousin” (French) :). Second, the late and great Mr. Jean Lapointe’s “Rire aux larmes” [Laugh to tears]. A quick English translation of this French song’s lyrics follow; thanks to dear Mr. Google Translate.

“It’s easy in full happiness to laugh to tears

laugh to tears, laugh to tears

It is possible in the midst of misfortune to laugh to tears

Being happy is curious, it puts water in your eyes

Happiness makes children and lovers laugh to tears

But the great sadness that we can no longer bear

It doesn’t make you cry anymore, no, it does

laugh to tears, laugh to tears

It happens in full happiness from laughter to tears

laugh to tears, laugh to tears

It happens in the midst of misfortune to laugh to tears

Just tell us when our joys seek to tumble

It’s funny to death someone who falls on the nose

And since anyway we really can’t change anything

Rather than crying it’s better to

laugh to tears, laugh to tears

It’s easy in full happiness to laugh to tears

laugh to tears, laugh to tears

It is possible in the midst of misfortune to laugh to tears

laugh to tears, laugh to tears

It’s easy in full happiness to laugh to tears

laugh to tears, laugh to tears

It is possible in the midst of misfortune to laugh to tears“.

—

Mr. Gad El Maleh’s change of faith: A personalized, spiritual “lived experience” of the heart

Do you know Mr. Gad el Maleh? He is too funny in both French & English!

Some dates are unforgettable, June 17, is one of them!

Two songs for your today, Robert. Of course, the first melody is Happy Birthday… in French on top of that! Your second song is one that you know well (which has impressed Bambi) and can even sing, at least in cars on the Trans-Canada highway between Sackville and Moncton, in New Brunswick :)!

Happy Birthday from Bambi, her spouse, and from the familia in Canada and abroad too ?!

Sometimes we go to sleep with a melody on our mind.

We may wake up with that same melody.

Well, this is the song that was on Bambi’s mind since yesterday.

This song even came out of her mouth several times. Luckily she was by herself most of that time. It is safer for everyone’s ears :).

Anyhow, she hopes you will enjoy Ms. Talia Lahoud’s unique version of Fairuz’ Ya Ana Ya Ana song, which is the symphony # 40 of Mozart!

Bambi would like to start by thanking her dear friend Spencer for sharing an amusing video entitled “How Lebanese people calculate time” by the talented Mr. Mark Hachem (Montreal, Québec) ❤️!

In addition, she is grateful for Spencer for adding: “I have always found you punctual. I guess you adjusted to Canadian time” :). Bambi will add “Yes maybe… perhaps minus Air Canada time“. OK, of course, she is not talking about storms, post-storm, and pandemic times. They are a headache to everyone. Her joke is more general.

Seriously now, Spencer is right. When Bambi started to travel to Lebanon in her early twenties, relatives, friends, or neighbours almost all used to tease her when she would knock on their door by saying: “Ahla bi el Canadieh!” [Welcome to the Canadian!]; Indeed, she was always on time even when still jet lagged. Here at home, she is even almost always ahead of time to the point o having to wait in cars before a visit; it would be impolite to arrive a few minutes early :).

Anyhow, the topic of time was also the focus of an earlier post entitled “To what extent do you value time, yours and others‘?”, shared further below.

To end the current post on a musical note, here is a passionate performance of “Avec le temps…” [With time…”] by an incredibly talented 28-year-old man, Mr. Robin, during the French blind auditions of “The Voice“. Isn’t he heart-warming?

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To what extent do you value time, yours and others’?

“El Massih Kam” [Christ is Risen], mom and dad (et al.) :)! Yes, it is Easter weekend (again) at your end: may it bring JOY to you hearts and a MUCH needed resurrection to your Lebanon. For fun, Bambi would like to offer you three songs today by the talented and uplifting Ms. Talia Lahoud.

The first melody is a Fairouz song called “Emy namet wa bakir” [My mom went to bed early], sub-titled in English. It makes Bambi think of you each time she hears its start: it is about a daughter who escaped from her room window to attend a party. Although slightly different, Bambi knows a better love story involving two young ones and a vespa 🙂 ❤️.

OK, guess what it your second song now? It is a Shorts video of La Vie en Rose in Arabic, French, and English. Again, this song is making Bambi think of you. Please tell her if this place in which Ms. Lahoud is singing is in Beirut, precisely near that beautiful church (or cathedral?) where you got married?!

Last but not least, your third song is definitely taped from one of those beautiful stairs in Beirut, not too far from where you live and across from the port of the city. It is a love song, which Bambi adores. She introduced it on this blog in the past, “Khidni Maak” [Take me with you], as shown further below.

Almost every time Bambi saw or took the stairs mentioned above, in the past 33 years while visiting Lebanon, she recalled her childhood/youth memories with friends or alone; often in joy, but once in a fearful moment under a sudden heavy shelling. She often also thought of you two, wondering if you had also played on those same stairs. Her last visit there was in July 2022 with her sisters and a cousin. It was sad to witness the after-effects or hear horrible stories of the 2020 Beirut port explosion.

To end this post on a joyful note, long live your long love story and the seeds and roots of hope [“rajaa” in Arabic or “espérance” in French] in your hearts, dear mom and dad ❤️ ❤️ . Happy Easter again!

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Mr. Marwan Khoury singing “Khidni Maak” [Take me with you] of Ms. Salwa El Katrib

With a melting heart, and even if she already celebrated Easter with the majority last week, Bambi thanks her friend Greta for sharing a spiritual moment at a church in Montreal (Québec), which she used to visit on such an evening during 15 years (before moving to Toronto, Ontario). For her, it is moving to hear the beautiful Greek Orthodox, sad yet hopeful, melody of her childhood in Beirut. In the video shared below, she was also happy to see the priest who happens to be a family friend (hello “Abouna” or “Père” Michel :)).

In addition to Greta mentioned above, Bambi would like to also thank Rita for sharing a similar beautiful moment from a church in Washington, USA. Same for Zeina from Beirut, Lebanon. How sweet of you all to think of your friend and cousin in Sackville, New Brunswick. You know how much she loves the Byzantine chants and, like you all, her heart cannot be indifferent to the beautiful story of Jesus, whether we call him an ordinary man, a good guy or… the Messiah.

May this season be a blessed one to all ❤️.

To begin with, this blog has recently honoured Ms. Céline Dion tiwce, as shared further shown. The current post will begin by sharing Dion’s new Love Again song available on YouTube and via in all the Canadian and international media.

Indeed, according to the CBC, “the title track from an upcoming film where she plays a supporting role. The gentle ballad is one of five new Dion songs that appear on the film’s soundtrack, which arrives on May 12” (https://bit.ly/3MHkhJx). Furthermore, “Love Again tells the story of a woman who finds solace from the sudden death of her fiancé by texting his old cellphone number, only to find a new connection with a different man who had the number reassigned to him” (https://bit.ly/3MHkhJx).

What a lovely coincidence for Bambi as this morning she had the chance to briefly discuss the exact theme of this song with a dear friend. The capacity to love, after a loss by death or by a tough breakup is thankfully always possible, contrary to what we may think when our hearts are shattered into a thousand pieces. Indeed, with time, increased healing, peace of mind, and of course readiness, our grieving hearts can be unlocked for love, and even for happiness, again… and yet again.

Whether you are a fan of Ms. Céline Dion’ music or not, whether you will like her new song or not, Bambi will join her voice to yours in shouting: BRAVO for your artistic come back, Céline! With this song, you also likely give hope to people living with your rare health condition.

Now, to conclude this musical post, Bambi will share a performance by a 13-year-old Swedish-Lebanese singer who happens to be a BIG fan of our Céline, according to L’Orient Le Jour (https://bit.ly/3MHS3hX). Indeed, what a wonderful interpretation of “The Power of Love“, which was originally sang by Ms. Jennifer Rush then by made even more famous with Ms. Céline Dion. This performance took place on the “Talang Sverige” [Sweden Got Talent] show on January 19, 2023. Bambi just discovered this great Youtube video tonight while preparing this post. Of note, Ms. Jennifer Aoun made it all the way to the finals of this famous TV show (https://bit.ly/43Az4fs). BRAVO! If Bambi is not mistaken, the winner, who is a magician, is Mr. Pontus Lindman (https://bit.ly/43v6ZGd). Cool!

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Ms. Céline Dion: Happy Birthday!

Bambi sends her positive vibes to Ms. Céline Dion!

April 13 is a day of mixed feelings, both sad and happy. Indeed, it is the 48th anniversary of the Lebanese civil war, which lasted from 1975 to 1990. Yet, this day is a beautiful day on which Rita, one of Bambi’s precious childhood friends, was born in Beirut.

While remembering war, Bambi will now devote this strictly musical post to Rita. Of note, one of this blog’s recent posts was also devoted to the same friend, as shown further below.

Today, as a birthday tribute to Rita, Bambi will offer her a few songs. She hopes that some English, French, and Spanish melodies will make her smile while others will make her pause to honour her birth country in both Arabic (with Mr. Marcel Khalifé) and French (with Mr. Mario Pelchat). Sadly, Lebanon remains an unfinished dream country, which is currently bankrupt. Last but not least, Bambi found a YouTube surprise-melody of a mysterious guy who keeps calling Rita’s name : ) as well as a kids’ song , which honours friends.

To conclude, Happy Birthday to dearest “Ratrout” [Little Rita, in Lebanese-Arabic] ❤️! This old friendship has enriched Bambi’s life while growing up in Beirut. It is now connecting her with Rita across the borders of their respective host and beautiful countries, Canada and the United States of America.

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Cherry blossom season through the eyes of Rita!