Today’s post is dedicated to our friend Laura. Recently, she shared a few words with me that ‘Every Time I See Your Picture’ by Luba holds special meaning to her and it once again, reminded me that #MusicisLife. To properly explain the song’s sentimental appeal to Laura it is essential to understand that to her it is not about longing for a past relationship. There is a depth that transcends human relations and goes to a higher place. For Laura, this is a song about ‘hope’. Those of you who read this post may attach a different meaning. One thing is certain though. In life, inspiration can be derived from many sources and when we are paying attention, the connections we make can carry us to places we never imagined.
In 2008, Laura committed herself through both heart and soul to rescuing a beautiful horse named Hope. A registered thoroughbred, Hope began her life in 1991 on a farm in Oklahoma and through a chain of circumstances that may never be fully known, she ended up at an auction, at risk of being sold for slaughter. This all occurred following a period of time where, as a commodity; a racehorse past her prime, she was starved and virtually abandoned. Abused is not a strong enough word. In August of 2008, Hope found a home in British Columbia with Laura, and her husband Ian. For ten and a half years they gave Hope the happiness she longed for and the home she so richly deserved.
Heather and I spent a wonderful week with Laura and Ian almost exactly ten years ago. We had the good fortune of visiting with Hope as she frolicked in her happy pasture just a short drive from their home. One day while Ian and I enjoyed a beautiful round of golf in the Okanagan Valley, Heather and Laura went out and got a tattoo that symbolized their friendship.
Since that time Laura has added to her ‘colour’ by getting a tattoo in memory of Hope. To Laura there is infinite meaning in this four letter word.
As the years moved on Hope began to experience several health issues. In the fall of 2017, she developed a case of laminitis which is an extremely painful condition common to horses. Essentially, the pedal bone of the horse sinks, or rotates within the hoof under the weight of the horse, making each step a source of agony. Laura recognized the symptoms and aimed to treat Hope. Neither were ready to say good-bye. Through their remarkable connection they agreed that if they could enjoy one more year together, Laura would not make Hope endure another winter. Incredibly, Hope responded to the treatment and the last fourteen months of her life became a celebration of the bond between a horse and its eternally devoted owner. In November of 2018, Laura fulfilled her promise to Hope. In truth it represented a culmination of a series of promises. She never wavered in her commitment to give Hope the best life. In human years she would have been about 77. The latter half was spent in the beautiful British Columbia interior surrounded by love and an adoration that is unsurpassed.
So, when Laura hears ‘Every Time I See Your Picture’ by Luba, she thinks of Hope and on occasion she cries, but her heart smiles, because the happy memories are enough to fill a lifetime. Not only for a horse, but for a human. The bond is unbreakable, and the power of the relationship goes beyond words. It offered Laura an even greater resolve to share, and a year later she got another gorgeous horse named Lily. This was not meant to replace Hope. Not in the slightest. Lily is a ray of light that has allowed for a continuation of this spirit of giving.
Many times, I would simply be with Hope, and it was her presence, the gift of her presence, that awakened so much in me. Lily is teaching me new things and guiding me in a new direction, an extension of all Hope taught me.”
Laura
In Laura’s words, a horse has the capacity to carry one through life. Despite the many challenges and obstacles, it will make you feel weightless as it shoulders the burden. In return, all they require is to be genuinely cared for. Here is a thought-provoking post Laura once shared.
‘What happens if I lose you’ – Said the boy
‘We are forever. Even if I am not here.’ Said the horse
These two lines speak volumes. The promise always went both ways.
For Luba, ‘Every Time I See Your Picture’ marked the beginning of a three-year string of success that is almost unparalleled in Canadian music history. It was released as a single in 1983, and subsequently on the 1984 album, ‘Secrets and Sins’, in 1984. The album was produced by the prolific Canadian producer Daniel Lanois who recognized the power of the talented vocalist from Montreal. By 1987, Luba had been recognized in Canada with three straight Juno Awards for Best Female Vocalist. This is only surpassed by Anne Murray who has won nine and Celine Dion who has won six. Luba presently lives in Anguilla where she combines her passion for writing and singing with a passion for animals. She works with animal shelters in providing service dogs for people who are suffering from physical and psychological trauma. Once again, the power of the human/animal connection is prevalent.
Here are the evocative lyrics to ‘Every Time I See Your Picture’. Make of them what you will. The quality of the song resides in its delivery by Luba and the depth of meaning in the words.
In my mind
Lubomyra Kowalchyk
I’ve got it all figured out
But the head
Does not always rule the heart
And I try to place him
Out of body and soul
Just when I thought I’d made it
His images start taking their toll on me
I feel his memory haunting me
Time and again
I feel weak because
Every time I see your picture, I cry
And I try to get over you
One more time because
Every time I see your picture, I cry
Oh, I cry
There you rest inside
The walls of a flame
Hurts so bad
I can almost feel your eyes
Calling out my name and so
Out of body and soul
You’re everywhere I go
Illusion or reality, I don’t know
I feel your memory haunting me
Time and again
I feel weak because
Every time I see your picture, I cry
And I try to get over you
One more time because
Every time I see your picture, I cry
Oh, I cry”
In my search for quality cover versions of ‘Every Time I See Your Picture’ I found an incredibly inspirational version by Cape Breton based country music artist Drake Jensen. Here is an artist who has managed to channel the song’s sentiment by breaking down barriers. Drake is an openly gay musician who is determined to be a driving force in bridging the gap between the LGBTQIA community and country music. Jensen came out in 2012 and his announcement spoke to a life that was forced to endure bullying and abuse. He recalled that as a student in grade 8 he was forced to leave school because of intolerance due to the perception that he was ‘different’. Since 2012, Jensen has committed to several projects aimed to further the cause. His pursuits are admirable, and the results speak to the unification to which we should all strive. There will be more to come in Ted Tocks Covers where Drake Jensen is concerned. Until then, here is his cover of ‘Every Time I See Your Picture’. This was wholly endorsed by Luba who called Drake Jensen a “Maverick in the music industry”.
Before I move on, it should be known that one of Jensen’s inspirations is none other than Charley Pride; another man who broke down some very real barriers.
One other quality cover of ‘Every Time I See Your Picture’ was presented by Australian singer, songwriter Paulini. I was pleased to see her name come up because I featured her a while back in a Ted Tocks Covers post featuring Jeff Healey and ‘Angel Eyes’.
Have a great day and remember H.O.P.E.
Have only positive expectations.
The result of this optimism could change your life.
Ted Tocks Covers 
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