I began this blog as KD Rouse Songwriter and lately all I can talk about is KD Rouse: Painter.
In the books I've read about success, it seems to take a single minded focus on one thing---one!
But songs are stories are paintings are songs.
I can't choose the face I present to the world.
Each medium is too precious to me!
So I have grown as a multi-faceted artist, lumbering like a giant amoeba, trying to bring all of us along. Songwriter, writer, painter....its all the same but different.
Despite publicly cursing my gifts, and having to learn when to cry for help, I see that I am actually living the life that I dared to dream over 20 years ago when my choir director, Isabelle, (Audrie's mother!) took me to Hardees and gave me an assignment.
I was to write a description of my life in 5 and 10 years, how I wished it would be, daring to dream. When I returned with my "homework" she didn't even read it. She said, "Oh, no, that's for you," with a laugh.
I had a future of my children laughing, unafraid in a home without violence. I saw myself, devoted to my children, as well as to a life in pursuit of truth and beauty, to music, art, and writing.
What turned out to be a letter to myself, opened my eyes.
So many things in a journey add up to where you find yourself.
My assignment from Isabelle, to write a 5 year/10year visionary plan, could seem like a mere detail when all is said and done, but it was a life changing milestone for me.
She was also responsible for my first singing of solos in public places, and finishing up my college degree at UNC-G, which both did great things for my morale. Scholarships, grants and loans made not only education possible, but helped with the transition from full time stay at home mother to head of household/student/waitress. I lost track of Isabelle. I blame it on the letter that started my new life!
I'd probably be too cowardly to do it all again, knowing what I know about what it took to be sitting here, but I'm glad it's happened this way this once.
My life is a fairy tale, and it's going to keep getting better.
