Author of "Eat,Pray,Love" quotes Leonard Cohen on Oprah

[lizzytysh]

LOL ~ Just seeing this... rereading your words that MaryB quoted, Linda, one might have said, of the time that the newbies and the first recent Tour came, regarding your initial resentment, "Be careful what you wish for because you just might get it." No need, though, as reading your eloquent post that says, "he's yours, ours, everyone's. And what a long strange trip it's been...drink deep of the well that he's left us," you came heartily around. I loved that post... as well as that one of yours that MaryB just resurrected . And the day finally came...

Good to see you hear, Linda... and Mary ... and Arlene and Puddingdale .


~ Lizzy

[linda_lakeside]

Haha...! Hi Lizzy and all. Yeah, I have to admit that, at first, I was a bit miffed that a couple of hundred 'strangers' came to play in what I was beginning to think of as 'our' sandbox. But, it worked out for the best. It's kind of hard to keep Leonard and crew 'a secret'. More than anything, I'm glad that Leonard received all the accolades he so well deserved, and is going out, from 'public' life, with a great hurrah. I see pics of the crowds that keep turning out - and yes, I'm happy. : ) Still, it was kind of fun to have him to our 'virtual selves' for a while there.

[lizzytysh]

Dear Linda ~

Yes, our Leonard used to be our best-kept, beloved secret... or so we thought, even then . How wrong even we have blissfully proved to be... and to see Leonard's bliss in the confirmation of that is worth the trip to Anywhere, Planet Earth.

Our back-and-forth is hardly "News," so we probably ought not go on and on here, so I'll let you have the last word in our conversation here, Linda. Fortunately, we're on a relatively 'older' topic ~ though not for anyone who's not read this book... I've seen the movie and want to read the book. Unfortunately, the movie was disappointing for me in its slickness and obvious showcasing of Julia Roberts, who I love dearly, but the movie ought not have been used for that purpose. One thing I didn't notice, but someone made me aware of it, is that the movie apparently served as a showcase for product[s] promotion, as well. Now, that is sad. Meryl Streep would have made the movie a film. As it turns out, it remains a movie.

Back to our new members-and-sandbox discussion [the one we ought not keep going on about in the "News" section ], I know exactly what you mean about the sudden, seeming 'invasion.' I was most bothered by those who came for tickets and left. I loved it when new ones stayed, even if only to read, but preferably to add to the interest and beauty of 'our' Forum. Yes, it was strange to see new names, new personas, and new thoughts/ideas/contributions. Yet, it didn't take long to feel "YES!" about it . We ALL have benefited by the influx. Most especially... and most importantly... Leonard and Jarkko and the newcomers!

Remember the days when our time was so vast that we actually had time to squabble and, occasionally, even throw sand in each other's faces. Now, it seems we have so little time and the discussions are so many, we barely have time to read them all [I don't even come close], much less comment, and far less time to get personally into any negativity. I remember when your coming here became less and less and you would comment on not having time to read everything, that you just had to skip and hit and miss; and I wondered how can that be? Ha. Do I ever understand now!

My job relates directly to the unemployment situation. As I wrote to someone else yesterday, "In July, the rate of unemployment in the U.S. was 9.5%, in Florida 11.5%, and in the county where I live and work 14.1%. Two years ago, it was much lower than any of those rates. When I joined the Forum and in many years that followed, I had a huge amount of time at work where I could do my work, keep the Forum minimized on my desktop, and comment quickly on things, due to my typing speed. Now, not only can I not get the Forum on my work computer, but I don't have time anyway." Plus, my responsibilities at work have tripled, as we try to "do more with less [people] ~ fortunately, I still have my job! What concerns me most now with the Forum is anything new that relates to Leonard in real time; various events and gatherings that potentially relate to us all; and that newcomers be greeted [and if someone else does it, that works for me ]. Beyond that, I skip around as I'm able and keep going, returning later to other sections to try to keep up, which I seem unable to do.

So, for all the new blood and joy the newcomers have brought, I am grateful. New friendships continue to form, new legacies and traditions continue to be created, and we all continue to grow in Leonard's world . I dare say that conflict of any kind is gorgeously difficult to find anywhere on the Forum now. What a wonderful testament to the living legacy Leonard is leaving us and how fortunate we are to have such a fine role model in our lives.


~ Lizzy
xoxox

[linda_lakeside]

Hi Lizzy,

Yes, you're right in that we shouldn't take up the 'News' spot with a back and forth, but it is an older topic and will be taken over by more pertinent posts, from other threads. Mind you, there was a (short) time when a few lines on us playing nice in the sandbox might be considered 'news'. Thankfully, those days are done, and the forum has been turned over to others with a true appreciation of Leonard's work. Still, I agree about the hordes that came (just for tix), and left without a word - but they may be lurking still. Besides, I was always of the opinion that the relationships between members was almost as important as the forum's topics themselves. The membership is the fabric that keeps Leonard 'newsworthy' - here at least.

On Eat, Pray, Love, someone recommended it to me a short time ago but, I too, was put off by the image of Julia Roberts. The book is 'always' the best option, and I will likely pick it up, with another 'must' read "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo'. I'm sure the book offers more depth than Julia can.

When I first joined the forum I never 'dreamed' I'd actually have the opportunity to see Leonard live. And for that, this forum has truly changed my life. What a guy! And seeing Leonard with Sharon, was unreal. No matter how I once felt about TNS. So, all's well, that ends well.

Take good care and...
All Good Things

[lizzytysh]

Mind you, there was a (short) time when a few lines on us playing nice in the sandbox might be considered 'news'.

I'm TRYING not to die laughing, but 911's been called and they're enroute, just in case !

Something about "truer words... " LOLOLOL

Not that we don't/didn't have a true appreciation of Leonard's work, but Yes, it's wonderful to see so much focus on that very thing, absent all the other... stuff . We're fortunate that those who arrived and stayed have a true appreciation of Leonard's work and demonstrate it.

I loved the idea of Julia in the role... until I saw it. Then, I was simply disappointed, as the role deserved so much more than she brought to it. How they missed the given of Meryl Streep for the role is beyond me. I've heard the title regarding the Tattoo mentioned, but I can't remember exactly what. I remember it was very positive, though.

Yes! Isn't Sharon off-the-charts amazing. And their interaction is so great to witness. Amongst all the photos that Leonard's daughter, group, and crew have taken, there are some wonderful ones of them together. And ~ AH ~ that's right... you and Partisan regarding Ten New Songs. It seems he's said something since then about never having said he didn't like it, but I can't remember exactly. Odd how I kind of miss him. Met him in NYC with his lovely wife and we did just fine !

Yes, I agree on the importance of the relationships of the members here... they've just developed in a wholly different fashion now. "Variety is the spice of life," yes? Some varieties are spicier than others, I guess .

Still laughing at your great one liner ,
Lizzy
xoxox

[Whoops. Yours were supposed to be the final words here . Promise I'll do better next time. All good things.]

[Cheshire gal]

Hi Lizzytysh and other forum veterans,

I am one of the new people, only introduced to Leonard and his wonderful music when I saw Live in London on PBS. I had never heard of him before this. I became an avid fan immediately and never thought I would get chance to see him live.
Then, miracles do happen, it was announced that he would be doing a concert in Las Vegas, giving me and many other new fans chance to see him. I cannot wait.

I think I can understand how you feel about the onslaught of new fans joining the Forum, I probably would have felt the same. As it is I am just so happy to be part of it and contribute to it. I do feel that I know everyone and feel part of the L.C. family. I thank you all and especially Jarkko for this wonderful opportunity.

Marie
Cheshire gal

[MaryB]

. Yeah, I have to admit that, at first, I was a bit miffed that a couple of hundred 'strangers' came to play in what I was beginning to think of as 'our' sandbox. But, it worked out for the best. It's kind of hard to keep Leonard and crew 'a secret'. Still, it was kind of fun to have him to our 'virtual selves' for a while there.

Ah, Linda and Lizzy, we were not 'strangers', many of us were 'lurkers' and were here from the days of the inception of Jarrko's files. We were the timid ones, the ones who did not have the knowledge of LC that you original members had/have. We were afraid to intrude, to possibly make mistakes when posting. Over the years, we learned from you and still are learning. Yes, the announcement of the tour and presales was the reason most of us joined. But, hopefully, many of us long-time lurkers were sensitive to your feelings that the presales should be limited to the veteran members and therefore did not avail ourselves of that opportunity. That should rightfully have belonged only to you. The announcement of the tour brought us out into the open and maybe made you realize that there were many of us out here who shared your wonderful 'secret'.
Warmest regards,
Mary

[linda_lakeside]

Hi MaryB and Marie,

Of course, this forum belonged to no one - but it was fun. Esp. when he "WOW" came out of 'retirement' to start his first World Tour - how exciting was that???!!!

So. We're all happy! Ha! Lizzy....I DID get the last word in after all!!!

Linda.

[Mabeanie1]

At first, I was pissed at all the 'newbies' coming out of the woodwork trying to get all the best seats when he first began his touring, but hell, he's yours, ours, everyone's. And what a long strange trip it's been...drink deep of the well that he's left us.

It's a cold and wet Monday lunchtime here and I'm in the mood today to throw a bit of sand around so, just for the record:

I have been an ardent fan for over 41 years, a long time lurker at the Files and the Forum (I simpy didn't "do" internet socialising back then) and I bought all my 2008 & Beacon tickets without the benefit of any forum pre-sales. I only joined the Forum when I managed to upgrade my tickets for one of the Manchester Opera House shows and wanted to offer my original seats for sale to other fans. At which point Lizzy accused me of being a scalper - but we've made up since.

I know now it was a bad mistake remain a lurker. I have made so many friends from the "old" and the "new" Forum community and I realise that I was the only one who lost out from my holding back.

Wendy

[howthelightgetsin]

The book is really good and honest with all the bad things in life too. The film is ok for a lightweight evening viewing but is not a patch on the book, Julia was not the right person for the role IMO.

Oh and I have been a fan since I was 14(30 now) and heard Jarvis Cocker mention Leonard, I just only joined the forum in 2008

[howthelightgetsin]

Yet, it didn't take long to feel "YES!" about it . We ALL have benefited by the influx. Most especially... and most importantly... Leonard and Jarkko and the newcomers!


So, for all the new blood and joy the newcomers have brought, I am grateful. New friendships continue to form, new legacies and traditions continue to be created, and we all continue to grow in Leonard's world . I dare say that conflict of any kind is gorgeously difficult to find anywhere on the Forum now. What a wonderful testament to the living legacy Leonard is leaving us and how fortunate we are to have such a fine role model in our lives.


~ Lizzy
xoxox

What lovely words