Bambi’s heart is heavy as she reads about today’s high death toll and injuries in South Lebanon, including children (https://tinyurl.com/25y2wzns). Once again, civilians caught in the middle of a cruel war between Israel and the Hezbollah.
The current head of the Hezbollah, Mr. Naim Qassem, declared on March 11, 2026 the following: “We remain loyal to your command” and he meant the Iranian Khamenei Junior, namely Mr. Mojtaba Khamenei, as reported by l’Orient today (https://tinyurl.com/rderbk4y). Think about it, it is as if Bambi instead of being loyal and loving toward Canada, she is pledging allegiance to Serbia or to Greece because they are Eastern Christians or Greek Orthodox, like her. Does this make any sense?
Nevertheless, had Mr. Qassem wanted to love the Iranian regime in his heart more than his country, he is free. The problem is that he is serving the interests of a foreign country over those of his own country. For instance, he did so recently by dragging Lebanon into war with Israel. His militia keeps refusing to give up its weapons and to consistently reject the (direct) talks Lebanon-Israel (https://tinyurl.com/3mdyfe5r).
Not only the above. Yesterday evening, the same Mr. Qassem declared the following (https://tinyurl.com/3mdyfe5r): “Israel is attempting to bind Lebanon to an inquiry committee that oversees the army’s deployment, operations, and internal details. Where is the patriotism? Where is the dignity of the army that ought to be preserved?”
Of note, the question about patriotism is coming from the same man who has pledged allegiance to Iran. Do you see the contradiction, like Bambi does? And what can the official Lebanon do about it? Mr. Qassem’s militia has coordinated military actions with the Iranian “Ambassador” and yet he is publicly shaming the Lebanese state. How is this logical? And how is it fair to Lebanon?
Between the fighting foreign forces, namely the USA, Israel, and Iran (externally and internally with the Hezbollah’s attitude and actions), Lebanon remains hostage. May its latest nightmare end. Enough of violence and senseless death. May peace prevail in the Land of the Cedars and among nations. It is overdue.
Long live Acadia….a a picture found online and used earlier on this blog.
“Bonne Quinzou”; Happy National Acadian Day (https://tinyurl.com/379kpht7). ❤️. What a beautiful day, matching the Feast of the Assumption of Mary, to celebrate the moving Acadian story; from its harsh history to a dynamic presence AND continuity, from a rich heritage to a beautiful language, which is proudly (still) spoken in the Maritimes (+ beyond!), and from inspiring collective resilience to an uplifting joy of living!
It is on this special day of August 15 that Fadi, Bambi’s childhood friend, was born. Happy Birthday and lots of wishes of happiness to Fadi and his family ❤️!
Some readers of this blog, or their loved ones, are called Mary, Marie, Maria, Myriam, Maryam, Marouma, etc. Happy name day to ALL of them, especially to Mary and Marouma 🙂 ❤️❤️!
Of note, August 15 is a public holiday in many countries, including Lebanon; and in Haiti this public holiday follows another important day off (August 14). Of course, the latter is also an opportunity to respectfully pay tribute to those who lost their lives in the devastating 2010 earthquake ❤️,
If she may now, on this meaningful day, Bambi sends a friendly as well as respectful wink to heaven to (“tante”… and Dr.) Dolly. Thanks to her for having existed in Bambi’s childhood and life. What a significant presence and a source of inspiration. May her memory be eternal ❤️.
This being said, Bambi sends her loving cheers to “Abouna” [Father] Elias, his parishioners, and to Bambi’s extended family in Beirut and abroad. May the Theotokos (or Saint Mary) keep protecting everyone ❤️.
Last but not least, on this meaningful spiritual day, warm regards to a charming Lebanese village, which Bambi hadn’t visited yet, although it lives in her heart since her childhood (thanks to Sousou in heaven… and to Zeina et al.). This village has been celebrating August 15th year after year… May peace prevail in “Ain Ebel” and in the entire Lebanon ❤️!
On the 24th of August, 2026, the city of Montreal (“Ville de Montréal”) is considering voting on a motion to end economic and diplomatic ties with Israel because of its “genocide” toward Gazans or the Palestinian people (https://tinyurl.com/4vknprw9).
Located 5,600 miles (about 9,000 km) away from Gaza, Montreal has its own social, economic, and safety-related issues. For instance, despite its charm, Montreal has issues like traffic, construction and street closing, old bridges’ decay, housing concerns, homelessness, drug abuse, a gang problem, etc.
Instead of strictly focusing on all of the above and on municipal politics, the city of Montreal wants to vote on a motion to boycott Israel and Israeli companies. How is this relevant to Montrealers? AND how is this going to help the Palestinians?
For those who do not know it, Montreal has an “Office of Government and International Relations and Protocol”, which is meant to “represent, promote, and position Montréal vis-à-vis governments, organizations, and institutions in Québec, Canada, and internationally” (https://tinyurl.com/3vsjh386). Clearly, this office does not seem to be meant for political postering or virtue signalling.
Although Bambi has always been compassionate toward the Palestinian people AND Israel has sadly re-occupied her birth country (in its war against the Hezbollah), she will ask again: if this motion is passed, how is it going to help the Palestinian people concretely? And do Montreal’s local politicians, including those pushing for the anti-Israel motion, truly care about Gazans?
Who knows, perhaps some genuinely care. However, as the MP for Mount Royal, Mr. Anthony Housefather said: “it wasn’t the city’s place to weigh in on international issues” and this motion would “trigger hate and make Jews feel uncomfortable in Montreal” (https://tinyurl.com/efp58h6v).
Bambi is not Jewish, and left Montreal 22 years ago, yet she agrees with Mr. Housefather on this one. Why is the “Ville de Montréal” taking this risk?
Bambi has not watched many movies in her life thus far, especially in the most recent years (sometimes she catches up on movies on airplanes). However, a 1995 movie that moved her soul was about death penalty. You might guess that it was “Dead Man walking” in which Ms. Susan Sarandon played the role of the inspiring Sister Helen Prejean. She received a well-deserved “Academy Award for Best Actress” for her outstanding performance.
Of note, sister Helen Prejean, an American nun, has devoted her life to offering spiritual counselling to death row inmates. She has supported families of victims and offenders while advocating against the capital punishment. It is her famous 1993 book, called Dead Man Walking, that was turned into the movie mentioned above. Thank you Sister Prejean for your humanity, legacy, and worldwide inspiration (https://tinyurl.com/5e6aevtm).
Bravo to Lebanon’s own advocates who worked hard to encourage their country to officially abolish the death penalty, that is, from all its laws. Perhaps the most famous activist in the Land of Cedars is Dr. Ougarit Younan (https://tinyurl.com/2ntuyj5s) for whom (social) justice, human rights, and non-violence methods are dear to her heart since 1983 in the middle of a bloody civil war.
As reported by Reuters (https://tinyurl.com/53b5hfx2), Lebanon maintained “a de facto moratorium on executions since 2004” ( ). Today, it “replaced all existing death sentences with life imprisonment“. Today, Bambi’s birth country is in the international media again, but this time for positive, historic news. Indeed, the vote of the Lebanese Parliament is a first in the Middle East and the Lebanese Parliament should be commended for this highly significant decision!
She does not know about you, dear readers, but Bambi has always been against the application of the death penalty to anyone, including high-profile criminals or dictators, even if they kill, massacre, or harm all her loved ones at once (may God forbid). For her, it is a principle, or a value, which applies to ALL human beings; similar to no-violence (respect) toward everyone. Same for the principle of freedom of expression for all.
At the end of the day, who are we to decide of a sentence of death OR life of another human being? And what about possible legal mistakes (wrongful convictions)? Or potential abuses (to crush dissent)?
To conclude this post, bravo to Lebanon for this great day!
Bambi’s heart is heavy… Yet it is somehow comforted by the most beautiful obituary of our dear Lucy or Luciana Rosetta Dane, which elegantly celebrated her inspiring life, legacy, and happy moments with her beloved family—in words, pictures, and music along with quotes of wisdom. Thank you for sharing these moving memories with all of us (https://tinyurl.com/46nxh952).
Clearly, words are hard to find to describe Bambi’s sorrow, which is mixed with gratitude for the blessing of having called Lucy “my and our friend”.
More clearly, no word seems appropriate enough to express Bambi’s heartfelt condolences (sorry in advance for any clumsiness), along with love, to Lucy’s family, starting with Barry and extending to Marco (with Melissa), Jason, Andreea (with James); Malina Guthrie as well Iris (with John), Leo (with Lucia) and all her nieces, nephews, larger family, friends, staff, and clients in Sackville as well as in other places, within Canada and Italy, where she lived and brought happiness to.
No blog’s post can ever express how much Lucy will be missed by a LARGE number of people beyond her family, including but not limited to staff, clients, neighbours, fellow citizens, relatives, and friends. Indeed, Lucy was a monument in Sackville, New Brunswick and beyond.
Her grieving family is surely not alone… We are all tears with them.
This being said, and if she may, Bambi will now say a few words directly to Lucy although they are also meant to be shared with you, dear readers. Many of you may have visited, or perhaps heard of, the legendary Marshlands Inn in Sackville, New Brunswick, Canada. Bambi extends her condolences to each one of you.
At its end, this post shares a few pictures of Lucy (et al.) to pay tribute to her while honouring our meaningful connection. Following this, there will be music as usual.
Lucy, you were beautiful, inside and out.
You were a sunshine and the rock.
You were the consistency of love despite life adversity, past and more recent.
Along with Barry, and with the support of Jason (+ staff), you have been a key ingredient of success of your thriving Marshlands Inn over many years. Bravo to you and to Barry for your incredible talents. Bambi is honoured to have been your client while being privileged by our friendship.
In addition to your multi-talent, you had a BIG heart… and you were our heart—Bambi’s, Louis’ [or Luigi’s :)], and everyone’s heart!
You will continue to be a source of inspiration to Bambi for many reasons, including your personal resilience and humanity, along with your uplifting smile, in addition to your maternal and grandmaternal care.
Indeed, what a remarkable spouse, loving mother, and proud grandmother. Your big caring heart extended even beyond your immediate family, as described below.
In addition to his beloved wife, along with Barry, you were and efficient team business partner. Together, in complimentary roles, you have managed your uniquely charming, historic Bed & Breakfast in many inspiring ways.
The Marshlands Inn of Sackville, NB, is a jewellery of a place to stay at, build memory over a delicious meal with family and friends, celebrate beautiful traditions like Christmas or Thanksgiving, milestones like graduations, weddings, annual lab diners, and/or host community events like the “Mount A Breakfast Chat”, which was an annual Café Scientifique that Bambi had initiated and enjoyed moderating at your beautiful venue.
Over the past decades, any tourist or client who has visited the Marshlands Inn had been touched, in one way or another, by your magical hand, dear Lucy, in every decorative detail, including the following: cute dolls, teddy bears, yearly magical Christmas decoration (some of it there all year-long), beautiful seasonal flowers, and hidden tiny chocolate treats on each table. What an attention to detail in such a charming way.
Those who have been close to you, along with anyone who paid close attention, know that you were filled with a strong work ethic, love, humanity, open-mindedness, and an appreciation of life.
For Louis and Bambi, you had been a precious friend. Your HUGE loss is hard to process, but we comfort ourselves by knowing that that you will always remain alive in our hearts, memories, and conversations.
Please rest well in your undefined new location, called heaven, from which you can keep watching over and inspiring your loved ones.
All the above being said to Lucy, back to you now dear readers.
Bambi’s post cannot end without sharing a few facts involving Lucy:
First, Bambi is happy because her family in heaven (after Beirut), Montreal, and Toronto all have met Lucy. Indeed, Bambi’s parents, loved Lucy (+ Barry). They saw her during their four trips to Sackville. Her dad had recorded video images at the Marshlands Inn, celebrating their daughter’s birthday. Sadly, Bambi does not have access to this material now to extract Lucy’s pictures from it.
Second, Lucy did not miss any opportunity to ask about Bambi’s family in Lebanon (e.g., financial crash, pandemic, Beirut explosion, and wars) . She showed the same care for Bambi during her blog-related work cancellation saga and following the death of her mom, as described in the notes related to the first two pictures shared below.
Third, Lucy was present for Bambi during her personal/family moments related to her reproductive history. When she was pregnant for the third time, Lucy expressed her excitement and hope. Generously, she took Bambi to her Bed & Breakfast’s basement and said: I want to show you something a bit historic yet still functional. It was in the house when we bought it; it is yours when you will have the baby.
Lucy’s gift idea was the most beautiful baby carriage Bambi had ever seen. Deeply touched, she hugged her friend to thank her. However, life decided differently. Like her two previous pregnancies, the last one was also lost (miscarriage), which perhaps makes Lucy’s gesture even more meaningful, today more than ever. Bambi’s heart will forever remain grateful for Lucy’s thoughtfulness and generosity.
Last but not least, as shown in the first two pictures below, taken on December 10th, 2023, four months after the sudden death of Robine, Bambi’s mom, Lucy surprised Louis and Bambi with flowers and a heart-warming card.
To conclude this long post, Bambi will tell her late friend the following: Good-bye for now (“Ce n’est qu’un au revoir”!). I love you Lucy 💜. Many thanks (grazie mille!) for having existed. Above all, thank you for your beautiful soul—filled with sunshine. Fly in peace. Rest in peace… May your memory be eternal.
A picture of beautiful and caring Lucy taken by Bambi on December 10, 2023.
A picture with Lucy taken by Louis on December 10, 2023.
A picture with Lucy taken by Louis in February 2022.
A picture with Lucy taken by Bambi on February, 2022
A picture taken on December 30, 2020 by Bambi, which shows Louis’ smile upon arriving to the dinner kindly hosted by Barry, Lucy, and Jason!
A picture likely taken by Jason (it’s called selfie!) on December 30, 2020.
Thank you Lucy! A picture taken by Bambi on December 30, 2020.
A picture taken by Bambi on December 30, 2020.
A picture of the Marshlands Inn taken by Bambi on December 30, 2020.
Good-bye lovely Lucy! An undated picture taken by Bambi.
An undated picture of Lucy taken by Bambi. Thank you for the beautiful memories and may your memory be eternal Lucy.
A picture taken by Bambi in Beirut, Lebanon, a few years ago. (Hala, if you are reading now, do you recall our fun times at the ABC Mall :)?
Is there anything more beautiful than love?
If we could have asked the question raised above to Mr. Daniel Lévi, residing in heaven since August 6, 2022 (may his memory be eternal), his reply would have most likely been inspired by the lyrics of his beautiful song “L’envie d’aimer”, or “the Desire to Love”, shared below.
Amale—Bambi’s paternal aunt or “Amto”, in Lebanese-Arabic—and Tanios have loved each other for decades! They are cute together, today more than ever, and their union produced two wonderful children and two precious grand-children. All their family is filled with love.
This being said, Bambi refuses to go to sleep soon without highlighting this special day before its end in Atlantic Canada; it is already “tomorrow” in Beirut. Along with the two songs featured below, Bambi who sends her warm wishes to Amale and Tanios cannot help not to wonder the following: Did Tanios express his love to his charming wife with one of his beautiful Arabic love poems?
Regardless, “mabrouk”/congratulations to Beirut’s great lovers :)! May God keep blessing their love while protecting them.
To conclude this post, many thanks to “Amto” Amale and “Amo” Tanios for who they are: a source of endless love and of inspiration to everyone, especially to Bambi who is fond of their humanity ❤️ ❤️! Louis joins her in sending them his best wishes from across the miles.
Long live the desire to love everywhere and especially in Lebanon!
As reported by the Economist, “on Tuesday envoys from Israel and Lebanon will meet in Rome for their seventh round of talks this year. In June they agreed to a ceasefire and to a deal that commits the Lebanese army to disarm Hizbullah, an Iran-backed Shia militia. In return, Israel would withdraw from land it occupies in south Lebanon. Last month Israel and Lebanon started applying the agreement in two “pilot zones”. But it may be some time before the agreement is fully implemented. Hizbullah refuses to hand over its weapons, and the Lebanese army is reluctant to confront it” (https://tinyurl.com/5uewyzpx). If you wish to watch it, below you can find a brief Euronews YouTube documentary on the new round of US-sponsored direct talks in Rome between the two neighbouring countries.
From across the miles, very far away from both the Middle East and Italy, Bambi dares to see a light of hope for a possible, even if challenging, solution to her birth country’s heart-breaking problem: Hezbollah’s continuous defiance, rejecting disarmament despite the latest local and regional fiasco, and the Israeli re-occupation of Lebanon.
Also from far away, while reading L’Orient Le jour (https://tinyurl.com/zz3nkrap), she “hears” two Lebanese men expressing themselves: Mr. Naim Quassem, Hezbollah’s current head, and Lebanon’s Prime Minister, Mr. Nawaf Salam. The first accused the Lebanese state of “serving Israel rather than Lebanon’s sovereignty” . As for the second, he courageously replied that “Hezbollah is in no position to hand out certificates of patriotism, let alone sovereignty“. In return, he accused it of “serving Israel“.
Thus, between the weapons of the Hezbollah (or any other illegal weapons) and direct diplomatic talks with Israel, Bambi prefers to see Lebanon engaged in the latter, even if she had wished that those talks didn’t happen following a devastating war. May the Lebanese state keep directly talking with all nations like a grown up, especially neighbouring ones, even if they are sadly occupying it. May peace know how to prevail in the beautiful land of the Cedars and shine, across its borders, not only to its neighbourhood, but also to the entire world.
Thanks to Italy for hosting these talks because Bambi’s birth country deserves better than endless wars, which only serve the interests of foreign entities. The Lebanese people are suffering and the Israeli innocent citizens living on the other side of the border have also suffered. Why can’t they also live in safety?
To conclude this post, and to come back to the two statements mentioned above, Lebanon deserves sovereignty to help build safety, and hopefully prosperity, for all its citizens.
According to L’Orient Today, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun “calls on the judiciary to “prove its independence and its ability to deliver justice to the victims” (https://tinyurl.com/msxvd9cn). Will the indictment be delivered soon, ideally on or close to the sixth anniversary of the Beirut port explosion?
Even if this overdue indictment is not delayed further, will justice be served? Or will it be largely unfulfilled as it was in the case of the 2005 assassination of Former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri, along with MANY other innocent citizens? As a reminder, Lebanon paid approximately half of the costs of the UN-Special Tribunal for Lebanon (STL). The final STL indictment was rather disappointing.
Anyhow, Bambi sends her utmost respect to the people of Lebanon on the evening of the anniversary of their capital’s human-made tragedy of August 4, 2020. Love to all the families of the victims, injured people, and everyone affected by the traumatic criminal negligence.
In addition to music, this post ends with the beautiful words on X of Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, which reminded us of the inspiring solidarity and unity among the Lebanese people from all regions on August 5th, 2020, that is, the next day of the Beirut port explosion. If you wish, you may read a quick English translation by Mr. Google Translate.
“I recognize the depth of the national wound that continues to bleed, and I understand the magnitude of the pain borne by the families of the martyrs and victims. Yet, on this sixth anniversary of the August 4th explosion, I reiterate: there can be no compromise at the expense of justice—even if it is sometimes delayed. Truth alone has the power to heal this profound national wound.
Let no one doubt that there is no political cover for any official—regardless of their position—whether regarding the Beirut Port explosion or any other matter; accountability will spare no one.
Amidst the tragedy of August 4th, let us also remember August 5th—the day Beirut rose up, driven by its people and by the young men and women of Lebanon who rushed from every region to clear the rubble, support one another, and restore hope to the city. May August 4th remain a day for truth, justice, and accountability, and may August 5th be a day for Beirut, for recovery, and for solidarity and unity among the Lebanese people“.
According to the New Brunswick (NB) government website (https://tinyurl.com/2x7nsefm), “New Brunswick Day is an opportunity to celebrate the province’s history, culture and people, with activities for residents and visitors of all ages“.
Although no country or no place is perfect, Bambi considers herself blessed for living in NB (for 18 years out of 36 in Canada); perhaps the most significant reasons are the peaceful nature of her province, the kindness of its people, and the nearby Atlantic ocean.
For the readers of this blog who may not know it, 85% of NB is forest land. Additionally, and importantly, NB is Canada’s only officially bilingual province.
Long live our charming New Brusnwick ❤️! Vive notre beau Nouveau-Brunswick ❤️!
Lebanon, a picture found online and sometimes used on this blog
This brief post is a friendly wink to each soldier of the Lebanese Army. May the memory of the fallen veterans be eternal. Long live Lebanon and good luck for the future.
