Today in Zghorta ...

Simply amazing

I'm so lucky to be able to meet so many wonderful people

A family of seven children, here are a few

Suzanne Doueihey and I with the hmarr!

Barbara at Tawleh with Souna Tikidjian Helwe w Morra

Barbara "l'humeur du chef" helwe w morra

I met Jad El Hajj at Tawleh when he worked as a manager there. He helped me to organize a party for my friends that was long overdue. You see I never found a place that I could identify myself to, thus never had a party outside my home in a public place. When Tawleh opened, I called my husband the same day and told him, "I found the place!". Since then, Jad has moved on to fulfill his long life dream of opening his own restaurant. The concept of the restaurant is special as he "the chef" cooks given his mood, changing the menu every day. All the best to you Jad!

ACDI/VOCA Launches First-Ever Lebanese Cheese Festival

I attended this cheese festival a while back, actually as I was watching the video I saw myself walking around for a split second. This event took place in 2007, how time flies. I am starting my new research presently dealing with this exact topic. Usually when you write a book, you spend months trying to find the right cover. So let me tell you ladies and gents, I found it! Does that mean that this book will be easier on me? I hope so, but I really hope that the journey takes me to the root of my secret dream - that of discovering the riches of being a shepherdess. Sound crazy, it's not - just picture it, being in nature seeing your "babies" feed on nature's offerings, milking the herd to make delicious dairy products. A cycle is born instantly, as nature intended... I can't wait to live through this experience - one step at a time.

Always the Sun

Not food related, soul related - a philosophy, sung by someone else that I can relate to. Why? I don't know. We have a "hamseen" today in Lebanon, so this just might be appropriate and related to this hot vague (in my mind)... Enjoy!

Your darkness grows
In fields of loneliness
Every breath
As cold as ice
Where lies are true painted black
Searching for some light to lead you back

Always the sun
After all
Always the sun
Like a wailing wall
Give me hope
Show some meaning

Always the sun
To strike a chord
Always the sun
To turn the world
Always

Your darkness grows
In fields of loneliness
Every breath
As cold as ice
Where lies are true painted black
Searching for some light to lead you back

Always the sun
After all
Always the sun
Like a wailing wall
Give me hope
Show some meaning

Always the sun
To strike a chord
Always the sun
To turn the world
Always

Orange Blossom Jam in Zakroun

I had such a great time with Joseph and his family! They are one of a kind and I wish them all the happiness. I was very touched by their generosity. The story of Joseph and his jam is included in the Mouneh book.

Striking a pose with Joseph

The beauty of Zakroun untouched by men

Joseph absolutely hates TV interviews

The hospitality of the Menhen family

Meeting my friend, the goat

Notice the beehive next to Dory's head

 Look closely at the beehive

Onion Bed

Sitting on a bed of onions - on the way to Zahleh