Seven Years

Seven years. Seven years. I find it so hard to comprehend how it is seven years since Leonard departed. Seven years, but feels like yesterday. The pain as raw as ever. The gratitude profoundly strong as ever. Leonard continues to influence me, every single day. I think it is probably safe to say he will be the most influential person for the rest of my time on planet Earth. However, in saying that my heart is not closed to new influences, new music, new poetry, more wisdom. I’m always opened to new creative occupations.

For now, and forever I’m eternally grateful for all the gifts we received, and continue to receive. I’m still finding lines of songs I’ve know for years will suddenly be highlighted, and bring new meaning. It is the case with the line I’ve used on this photo from Crazy To Love You. I haven’t listened to this song in a few weeks, but for some reason all day yesterday it was swirling around my brain. I was spending a day with nature, soaking up the stunning autumnal colours which in itself draws me to the line from A Thousand Kisses Deep, ” The autumn moved across your skin, got something in my eye, a light that doesn’t need to live, and doesn’t need to die”

Leonard has permeated my soul. To clarify, I don’t believe I have any greater understanding of his work than anyone else, but only that it is in my soul. This also leads me to a memory of when I first met him, and I told him his music, and poetry caressed my soul. He told me he loved that.

I’m going to spend today remembering all the good times, and listen to his songs. Maybe tonight I’ll watch Live in Dublin, or maybe I will save it for Friday, for I like to reminese on the 11th too, because that was the day we found out he had departed. For now all is left for me to say is, Leonard, thank you for the memories.

Remembering Leonard 2021

Remembering Leonard for would have been his 87th birthday, on this coming Tuesday. I do have something in mind that I want to do in tribute on Tuesday, but I’m not sure I can make it happen, because I won’t be home, so just in case I am posting this today. The original photo in this image was taken in Scotland in March 2020. I done the edit this morning. I’ll never stop Cohenising beaches. I never stop remembering.

Leonard’s Birthday

I had been wondering how I would mark Leonard’s birthday, and when I heard that The Flame was released early in some shops in Ireland my plan was made.

I had already planned on visiting the Botanic Gardens in Dublin, so first I collected the book and then I went across to the Gardens, with my treasure held closely to my heart.

While making these photos I almost felt guilty to not be keeping the booking in my hands, given how lucky I was to have it early, but since the name, The Flame, is a part of nature I knew the book fitted in these images.

While I listen to Leonard’s songs while I make this post I am reminded that my grief at his passing is as raw today as it was when I found out he was no more of this world. My heart shattered that day, and I don’t think it will ever heal. The wonderful memories I have, Leonard’s body of work, and making other memories mean life is still lived. I know know I am luckier than most where Leonard is concerned. I’ve had a lot of hardship in my life, and an Avalanche in the last couple of years. I’m forever grateful for my Leonard Memories to sustain my through The Darkness.

Now I look forward to the treasure that lies in the pages of The Flame. I am savouring it in small doses, for I want the first read to last as long as possible. I hope it isn’t the final record of Leonard’s work. What will be, will be.

Thank you Leonard. Rest easy. Love you always and forever. Thank you for the Memories. Gwen.

The Hallelujah Concerts

There is a crack in everything, Leonard once said, and the crack here is I am posting this a day early, because I won’t be home tomorrow.

It is hard to believe that my pilgrimage across the Atlantic to see Leonard in his home country was actually 5 years ago. In the past I have posted a different image in honour of his concerts in Toronto. What makes Toronto extra special is the dates. Those concerts fitting in perfectly with a line from my favourite song, Hallelujah.

The photos used here were taken during the band introductions after Anthem each night. I guess I should have used Hallelujah. This is another crack! (Note to oneself for next year, less cracks!)

Remembering The Roses

It is hard to believe it is four years today since I gave Leonard roses, and he put them on the stage for his final Kilmainham concert. It was a magical day, one forever etched in my heart, and one that will remain one of my most favourite days.
Read about this amazing day here:

https://myleonardcohenjourney.wordpress.com/2012/09/25/rose-story/

I’m blessed with having some special photographs from this day.

Waiting, thank you Ed for this photo.

Handing Leonard the roses, captured by Ed.

Handing Leonard the roses, captured by James

Overcome with emotion, and comforted by Paula. I can’t remember who took this photo.

Leonard performing with my roses behind him. Such an amazing feeling to see them on the stage. Concert photos by myself.

I love this photo, one of my favourites that I took during any of the concerts.

The definition of cool. Doesn’t Leonard look great here!

Intimacy, the kind that only Leonard could create with 10,000 people in attendance!

I was blessed to meet Leonard again in 2013, and asked him to sign this photo. He told me  he really liked it. Yes friends, I know how lucky I am. How lucky not only for those magical days, but for the memories, and ability to relive them in my mind, and for the memories to come alive with these photos.

St Cyrus Beach, Scotland: Cohenising 2016

Everybody Knows it is my mission to Cohenise every beach I go to, and this was my second time to get the chance to Cohenise St Cyrus in Scotland, on my second annual visit to my friend Mandy’s home. That friend, who is my friend thanks to our meeting in Lissadell for Leonard’s concerts there in 2010. Thanks Leonard! Photo by Mandy. Visit to St Cyrus was on July 28th.

 

“the chain’s too tight”. It is normally the preceding line of I’m Your Man that I find inspiration for, (seeing as I am moon obsessed), but seeing this piece of wood with the hanging chain made me immediately think of this line! Of course I then had to enact the line while Mandy got me the obligatory photo!

 

Hattie Webb Valentine: Video

On Thursday, June 2nd 2016, Hattie Webb performed on the YouBloom stage, and the Bloom Festival in Dublin, and we were treated to a fine array of songs from her upcoming album. It was a real treat, and was great for me to hear these songs live for the first time.

This video, of the song Valentine, captures the first live performance of the song, and has been shared on YouTube, with kind permission from Hattie. Unfortunately there is a lot of background noise, but the wide range of Hattie’s stunning vocals can be heard, and her, as always, gorgeous harp playing.

 

 

Leonard’s Blessing

Leonard’s concerts are full of special moments, but one very special one is when he bows to the audience like in this photo I took at one of his Dublin concerts in 2013. After meeting Leonard outside Kilmainham in 2012, and having had the pleasure of speaking with him, and enjoying friends meeting him for the first time, as Leonard walked away I called his name. I don’t know why, even now, but he turned back to me and all I could say was that I loved him. He thanked me, and then did this bow, and I returned the gesture. It was such a wonderful moment, one that I will treasure forever.

What is also special is his final words to us at the end of the concerts, and the line I’ve put with this photo fits, for me.

Now a special thanks must go to Dr. H. Guy, and my friend Mandy MacLeod for giving me the incentive to make this post, one I have been meaning to do for a while, but am only getting around to doing so now, after seeing a photo that Mandy took, that Dr. H. posted on his website.

When Leonard Smiles

When Leonard Smiles!

Happy Valentines Day

Happy day of celebrating Love. Forever inspired by Leonard.