So many people in the world seem to be angry about something. I decided to take my Friday Song and sing about the importance of gentle thinking and speaking. I grew up in an environment where harsh words were considered normal. It took decades of living to realise that's no way to live. I talked about that in Holding Onto Grudges. This is Song 8, I now have 44 songs to go this year as I celebrate the 10th anniversary of the year I wrote a song every day. For me, a song a week is no big deal, but I get to draw on years of songs and song ideas that I always meant to get back to. In 2011, I taught myself to play guitar and piano fluidly and I started learning a bit of music production. This year, I'm producing my own songs and I'm learning to draw and animate my drawings. I'll share what I learn as I go along and hope you enjoy the journey as much as I am.
My hope is this body of work, this 52 songs will reveal a truth that life itself taught me the hard way and hopefully at least one person someone in the world will absorb these truths without the suffering that I've seen and known. Simple kindness is free, so give it freely and with an open and willing heart.
I changed my mind about using the same artwork every week. I'm enjoying using things I made from skills I learned this year. I'm happy with the way her eyes came out in this cartoon drawing. There's a wry sense of humour and kindness and I like her for that. Someday, I'll illustrate all my songs in comic books or animated films. This is the year I decided to learn to draw.
I wrote A Gentle Answer over 20 years ago for a Ladies Retreat Weekend at a church I attended in California. I never sang it again until now. It's odd how the lyrics and melody have stayed true in my mind. Sharing some of the songs I'm uploading this year is more like introducing you to dear and old friends.
You're never too old to learn new things and that includes the habit of being kind, having that first thought to cross your mind as a gentle thought rather than a harsh one. Being slow to judge and condemn people and instead strive to understand a different point of view.
As always, I wish you love and happiness.
Rhonda Merrick