A 'devastated' Leonard Cohen

Post by **jarkko** » Wed Aug 17, 2005 2:23 pm

I have informed Leonard about the recent activities here on the Forum (and about numerous private emails I'm getting, all showing sympathy and support to Leonard). He is very well aware of our support and love.

It is good that so many facts were made public in the Maclean's article. Now his fans are able to form an opinion of their own of the process. People don't have to make guesses any more on grounds of misinformation feeded by nameless, not-so-neutral parties.

I am sure that Leonard values the initiatives of his fans very much, but I believe it is too early to take any steps yet.

Jarkko

Tri-me · Post by **Tri-me** » Wed Aug 17, 2005 2:58 pm

Thanks Jarkko for your post. Woke up at 8:30 this morning and turned on the CBC, after a story (not related to him) they played Hallelugah sung by KD Lang. Good to know that he knows his fans are pulling for him. I know how hard stress is on a person's health dealing with its damage on a daily basis. Hopefully he is able to find strength through his family, friends, meditation, and dharma. There is a lot of power behind prayer, tonglen, meditation and practices like he knows it is coming his way.

Tri-me · Post by **Tri-me** » Wed Aug 17, 2005 3:21 pm

The Mantra I say after doing CFQ, taught to me by Master Yap Soon Yeon

My blood and chi are flowing smoothly and beautifully
I am filled with peace and joy
I am free of pain and illness
I am blessed with good fortune.

It is very simple, but creates and sends positive energy. When we say I it includes everyone, so when I say I, I mean you and you and you, everyone. I find it paeceful to fill my mind with this rather than worry and tension.
Bugs and fishes

Diane · Post by **Diane** » Wed Aug 17, 2005 3:22 pm

that's strange,Tri-Me: Just as I read your message, Kathryn Williams is singing Hallelujah on Jeremy Vine on Radio 2 here...!

Fljotsdale · Post by **Fljotsdale** » Wed Aug 17, 2005 4:39 pm

Thanks, Jarkko.

Please keep us posted, and let us know what we can do to help materially, as you find out yourself.

Tchocolatl · Post by **Tchocolatl** » Wed Aug 17, 2005 5:30 pm

Thanks Anne and Jarkko

Those are very nice pictures of the man. He seems thinner than during the monastery years. He is beautiful like this, but I hope it is the result of having kicked of the habit of cooking and sitting in meditation and yhsy iy id not due to too much hard work and you know what. He has such a stunning feature. Those eyes.

Fljotsdale · Post by **Fljotsdale** » Wed Aug 17, 2005 5:33 pm

He is not handsome. But he is beautiful, imo.

He obviously still likes his white rooms, doesn't he?

linda_lakeside · Post by **linda_lakeside** » Wed Aug 17, 2005 5:44 pm

There was a short segment on this topic on the (on strike) CBC about 2 minutes ago. The story pretty much summed up the general feeling here, in that no, he's not where he'd hoped to be, financially, at this stage of his life. Yet, he remains optimistic. A brief clip of Cohen speaking to (the late) Peter Gzowski with regard to his long term plan after the publication of BL.

Nothing new, but it was eerie to hear Leonard speaking of this part of his life with satisfaction. The interview clip was originally aired after The Future release, I believe. The segment closed with ... Closing Time.

Linda.

lizzytysh · Post by **lizzytysh** » Wed Aug 17, 2005 5:52 pm

He is not handsome. But he is beautiful, imo.

For me, he is both

.

Nope. I can't imagine he'll ever lose his love of white rooms

. There is a deep consistency in Leonard that makes all of this an even greater abomination.

~ Lizzy

Fljotsdale · Post by **Fljotsdale** » Wed Aug 17, 2005 6:02 pm

Yes.

Andrew (Darby) · Post by **Andrew (Darby)** » Wed Aug 17, 2005 6:21 pm

Like everyone else I am disturbed and distressed by this sad and sorry tale of misadventure (by apparent betrayal of trust)!

I don't quite know what we could do to effectively aid Leonard right now, but am pleased we all want to do something for him. I'm sure it's such an ordeal for him to have to face this - especially at his age!

However, like Elizabeth, in terms of the headline impact (and photo choice), I feel that his strength and positive resolve have been played down by what strikes me as sensationalist and self-serving media!

Anyway, I am pleased that you, Jarkko, have at least conveyed our concern and support. This is much appreciated.

Andrew (Darby)

lizzytysh · Post by **lizzytysh** » Wed Aug 17, 2005 6:51 pm

Yes, as a matter of fact, Andrew, I'm bringing the posting that you're referring to, over to here:

At least the "Hollywood Reporter" from Los Angeles pulled from the information available to create a brief article in a responsible manner.

I am disappointed in the words MacLean's chose to put on their cover. At least the article itself bears up under scrutiny

I agree on their photo choice being unnecessarily skewed to align with their word choice.

linda_lakeside · Post by **linda_lakeside** » Wed Aug 17, 2005 6:52 pm

I'm not sure if any of my compatriots have noticed, but CBC radio is playing an awful lot of Cohen songs lately (Leonard or covers). It could just be handy archive material available due to the strike, but I like to think that it's our public radio's way of getting behind Leonard - as a national radio performance, he does get paid for every play as opposed to the 'random sampling' of non-network radio.

Linda.

lizzytysh · Post by **lizzytysh** » Wed Aug 17, 2005 6:57 pm

Yes, I believe that the increase of Leonard articles and Leonard songs is a direct show of support, albeit indirectly 'stated.'

LaurieAK · Post by **LaurieAK** » Wed Aug 17, 2005 7:14 pm

Ya know, it IS a "devastating" situation. It really is futile to shoot the messenger here.
Didn't Mr. Cohen choose to take part in the creation of the piece?
Sounds like it to me. And it is getting his story out there to the public. Maybe now, those who need to come forward and 'fess up, will feel more pressure to do so. It is really a red herring to attack how the article is presented.
What has happened and what is to be done Now, is the only thing that is important.

cheers,
Laurie