by Common Ground staff

Thank you for this soul revealing column. I feel the same way about John Lennon, his genius, and his position as a major role model in my life. I miss him deeply whenever he comes fully into my consciousness. A sense of mourning that has never abated.
His journey has been my journey and his death by fame has made me take a very hard look at what is important in my life. His last few years with Sean and Yoko have been touchstones for my own personal development.
To close the movie The Killing Fields, with Imagine, was a stroke of genius that benediction washed away all of the horror by setting us back onto the path of personal and spiritual evolution we are all living. You are an important writer in my life. If you are the same person who does the cartoons you are even more of a delight in my life.
We are star people. Shine on!
Ray Bannatyne,
Vancouver

I recently picked up the latest Common Ground as I do every month. What compelled me more than the arrival of CG was your beautiful cover of one of my most favourite people in the world, John Lennon.
I was eight years old when he died and 15 when I became a huge fan. Your article moved me to tears, as does his music.
[Geoff Olson’s] article was written with the same depth of passion and knowledge as John had for peace, love and music. I hope that Common Ground will continue to explore the music community for the support against war and the vigilance of keeping the peace so we can all “come together.”
Warmest of regards and thank you,
Tracey MacLean,
account manager,
99.3 FM, The Fox

Thanks for sharing some Lennon insight, glad to have found it so close to December 8. By the way, Ringo was born three months before John. Thanks again, for the quotes at the end especially.
Crystal Cromwell,
Brantford, Ontario

I’m writing just to say what a lovely piece on Lennon. One of my favourite quotes from Lennon is, “No one I think, is in my tree. I mean it must be high or low” from Strawberry Fields. He was someone special. Just a minor note: Ringo was the eldest; still is.
Thanks for the article.
Jennifer Campbell,
Austin, Texas

Hi, just wanted to say I read your piece on John Lennon and loved it. Very well written. Makes me really miss him…again. If anyone deserves a berth on that peace train to heaven, John does.
“Love is a flower, you gotta let it, you gotta let it grow.”
Kurt Buehler,
Vancouver

Thank you for such a beautiful cover and words for December. I marvel at the soul reflected back from the picture of the man of the garden; dear Johnny as Elton sang.
Kind wishes and care,
Tony Jordan,
Vancouver, BC

Just a short note of thanks for the inspiring interview in Common Ground’s December issue. I’m looking forward to the follow-up of this in the next edition.
Your comments regarding Milton Erickson were especially uplifting and they make so much sense.
Much, much thanks.
Regards,
Michael Furey,
Toronto, Ontario

Editor’s note: Part 2 of the Marilyn Atkinson interview is in this edition, starting on Page 6.