ICT's Epic Jouney to the Victoria Show

[icecreamtruck]

Due to medical incarceration I was unable to buy a ticket for the Victoria show. I had always vowed that there was no way I would ever miss Leonard Cohen should he perform anywhere near me.

But this time I had to miss. I resigned myself to that fact. I once waited 13 hours in front of CBC Vancouver so that I could maybe have the chance to meet the man (circa 2006) only to find out that the interview had been taken in Toronto. That was when there was no hope of him performing again.

My favourite song for a long time, especially as I progressed in my difficulties was "Go No More A-Roving." Nobody I knew except me cared for it. I have passwords (not this one!) derived from it. For some reason at 20 years old I just fell deeply in love with this song. I have my other favourites: I am partial to Joan of Arc, A Singer Must Die, Dance Me, Closing Time, The Smokey Life, Alexandra Leaving, Boogie Street. But it was to this song that I said goodbye to loved ones, and eventually to the addiction that was killing me.

Yesterday, CBC radio on Vancouver Island had a contest where they played the first part of a verse sung by Leonard and a caller had to finish it off. Imagine how I felt this morning when the result came over. Leonard Cohen sang "So we'll go no more a-roving so late into the night" and then I sang "Though the heart be still as loving and the moon be still as bright."

"That's how it's done" the announcer said.

I just sang my favourite Leonard Cohen song with Leonard Cohen on CBC radio, got accepted to the educational institute of my choice in Toronto (have got to leave in two weeks!), have 112 days clean and sober and am on my way to see Leonard Cohen in Victoria. Somebody tell me how that's done.

[swan13]

ICT - every step is measured, these are just your next steps. I will be enthralled by the show.
Liz

[mirka]

I just sang my favourite Leonard Cohen song with Leonard Cohen on CBC radio, got accepted to the educational institute of my choice in Toronto (have got to leave in two weeks!), have 112 days clean and sober and am on my way to see Leonard Cohen in Victoria. Somebody tell me how that's done.

It's simple -- it's a magic ....
Sometimes happens in real life if you follow the right path ...

[lizzytysh]

Hi IceCreamTruck ~

Wow. It's not just good to see you here, it's great to see you here sharing so deeply and reaping your instant karma rewards... the universe giving back to you, reenforcing all the positive steps you've taken in turning your life around. It's a day-to-day challenge, but you can do it. It gets easier as time passes, so long as you remain aware of the potential pitfalls. What a grand combination of great things coming your way and things you're moving forward to greet. I'm truly beside myself happy for you. It's not easy. You're doing it .

Thanks for sharing your GREAT news with us... such a wonderful song. It's not often your favourite song gives you a gift.


~ Lizzy

[imaginary friend]

IceCreamTruck,

You rock!

Congratulations on your recovery, your concert tickets and your spirit. The last one especially.

I'll be at the Victoria concert too.

Namaste.

Sheila

[Dream Warrior]

A wonderful moment of sharing with us. Thank you. I hope last night's concert was as magical for you as earlier ones have been for so many of us. Your post was inspirational. Keep the faith as we used to say way back when. (Perhaps an expression worthy of reviving).

By the way, I agree that 'We Shall Go No More A Rovin'" is a beautiful work. M. Cohen wrote it in honour of a dying friend, Irving Layton, the dynamic Canadian poet, and it stands as a touching tribute to him.

[icecreamtruck]

Thank you, all. It was an experience of grace. The way 7,000 people were absolutely silent during the recitation...It was just a great, great night. Thank you to everyone.