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 “Thank You Darling”

13th September 2013 is forever etched in my memory as the day I last spoke with Leonard. 10 years ago today. His final words to me on wishing him the best for the remainder of the tour, and for after the tour were “thank you darling”. I find it so hard to comprehend that 10 years have passed since that day. 10 years.

There is not a single day that goes by where I don’t think about Leonard, about those few years, of The Grand Tour. They were then, and remain now, the best years of my life. All the friendships we made, all the travel, the sublime concerts, the precious times I spent speaking with him…. It was just amazing. I’ll be forever grateful. When life is hard I try and go back to that time, and draw strength from it. If I’m struggling it is Leonard’s songs that I have to listen to, that I feel like a blanket, protecting me, and giving me guidance. My friends are well used to me using Leonard’s lyrics in everyday life. I always give him the credit!

The photo of me is the last photo I have of us together, taken by my friend Mandy, on September 10th 2013. The 13 birds on the wire is from a photo I took this morning. There was actually more than 13 on the wire, so it is a crop! It felt like these little birds were obliging me on a day I needed it.

5 Year Anniversary in Memory.

On this day 5 years ago Leonard quietly departed. 5 years on my heart still aches. 5 years on, I still find nourishment in the poetry, and songs, and in the magical memories. 5 years on, in a world that’s changed, for everyone.

In memory of Leonard

Half a decade. 1826 days. That makes it look long, but in my heart, it’s like it was yesterday, but also like forever.

In 2016, or 2021, or in any year I’m on this earth,I will always treasure my memories. Like a blanket,or shelter from the storms of existence.

Because of you, the fabric of my life is enriched by having, and still having your poetry and song. Your words instilled, there to recollect, and be used for many of my life encounters, because, you’ve said what needed to be said, and by doing so I hope to enable someone to discover the answers, and no it’s not de do dum dum, but, then maybe it is.

Rest peaceful, and may your word always be my guide while I meander through ups and downs around curveballs, in joy and sorrow.

Thank you for the music,

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.

The Hallelujah Concerts.

It’s only taken me eight years to get this right. Toronto 2012 concerts were on December 4th and 5th. So I’ve always called them my Hallelujah Concerts. I’ve posted similar images before, but this is the first time I’ve managed to do so with photos taken during the actual song. Yes it’s 7 years since Leonard toured, but I can still look at a photo and know what song he was singing.

86 years today Leonard was born…

86 years ago today, the single most influential human in my life was born. His music and poetry reach deep into my soul. The friends I’ve made, the adventures. The concerts, each one sublime, each one saying more please. He gave us everything for. Having the best moments of my life when I spoke with him, and yes I was more than blessed. I’m forever grateful.
The photo on the left is the newest addition to my unified hearts collection. Thanks to a FB ad, which lead my friend Ruth on a search, and for only a few quid we got these.
On the right, a collage of one of my favourite days. I gave Leonard red roses, which he then put on the stage. Top two photos I have to thank Edward. And not only for the photos. Ed was of huge importance to Leonard, and always friendly and kind to us fans.
Bottom left I took during the concert, and bottom right was captured by James. Thank you James. I’ll always treasure this image.
Now friends today is also International Day of Peace, so be kind, and also World Gratitude Day. As always I’m grateful for friends, music, robins, and of course Leonard ❤

Remembering Leonard 2018

Tomorrow marks the 2nd anniversary of Leonard’s passing from this world. For me the pain is as raw as ever. I don’t think I’ll ever heal, but I am forever grateful for all my memories. This year we have the extra comfort in his book of poetry, song lyrics, and poetry, The Flame.

In this video I am reciting one of those poems called Doesn’t Matter. It was suggested on a Facebook Group for The Flame that we record ourselves reading from the book. This wasn’t supposed to be my actual tribute for his anniversary, but life has been hectic, and difficult recently, so I made this video today using footage of when I done a unified hearts of candles shortly after he passed away, and I added me reading the poem today.

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.

Video: Hey That’s No Way To Say Goodbye

I’ve been meaning to edit this video I took of a Unified Heart I drew on the beach at St Cyrus Aberdeenshire from May this year. I finally got round to it during a bout of insomnia last night. I’ve used an audio recording of Hey That’s No Way To Say Goodbye from the Montreaux on July 9th 1985 to accompany the sound of the ocean.

 

My new Leonard based logo can be seen in this video. I’ve decided I’m going to start reviewing the photos I took on the last couple of tours, and also last night, while unable to sleep I designed a special logo that I will use on my Leonard projects. 

Of course it hasn’t escaped me that tomorrow is Leonard’s birth date. I will be marking it tomorrow.

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!)