Thank you. All of you. Those of you who read but don’t comment provide an audience for my work. Nearly all creative people want to share their work. You give to me an opportunity to do so and I’m grateful.
Those of you who read and often comment are a BIG part of my inspiration. You support me in so many ways and I feel a part of a loving, vibrant, talented, creative, mutually supportive community that I cherish. You have become important friends in my life and for you I’m very grateful.
Thank you also for your patience. Although I attempt to rapidly reply to your comments, add new posts, and read your posts and blogs, my response times often lag well beyond what I’d prefer. I apologize to you for that.
I also want to thank you, dear friends, for giving to me a place to be myself. Yes, I started the blog, but without you it would be no more than a private diary. Because of YOUR love, encouragement, and support I’ve been able to open up and to stretch as never before. I’ll be eternally grateful for all that you’ve given to me.
And I’m not just opening up more with you. I’m doing it more in other aspects of my life too. I’ve even decided to focus most of my songwriting going forward based on who I am at my core. For example, our last song was about a woman who is angry at being cheated on. I’m not a woman, and I haven’t been cheated on since I was dating over 35 years ago. In retrospect, it seems presumptuous and silly to try to write a song which feels authentic to the listener about that topic.
So, most of my songwriting going forward will be focused on what I know the most about, from my perspective, heart, gut, and spirit. It won’t be for everyone–no music ever is anyway. But I’m going to focus on writing stuff that I would love as a listener. I figure that with the internet, others who love the same thing will find my songs, rather than my chasing a market because some industry execs say that is what I’m supposed to do to have a shot at the brass ring. Besides I’m doing it for fun, so no matter what I do, if I keep having fun, “I’ve Already Won”. (If that phrase sounds familiar, it’s because I’ve used it with some frequency lately, and it has become kind of a life motto and mantra. So with this change in focus, I thought it was the perfect title for my newest song, “I’ve Already Won”.
My other current songwriting project is “Shadow Of Our Love”. The first draft was written months ago and doesn’t really fit so much into what I was just talking about as a change of focus, but I like and plan to finish it.
So, what is my current songwriting focus and niche? Well, some my earlier lyrics were called “Norman Rockwell-esque Americana”. Sometimes it was even said as a compliment. However the comments were intended, I took them as a major compliment because I’m a huge fan of Rockwell’s work. I’m also someone who cries at sentimental films and songs. And some songs are so beautiful that they even give the chills to me (in a good way). So what the heck, that’s who I am, and that’s what touches me, so I plan to attempt to write songs that would bring tears to my eyes, and ideally even give the chills to me.
So, the adventure continues. Thank you for coming along for the ride, and for who you are, and all you share with me!
If we’re having fun, we’ve already won.
Russ
Russ Towne's A Grateful Man 
I did not appreciate Norman Rockwell when I was younger – I now appreciate his work for all the nuances I missed when I dismissed him — you should be highly complimented to be called Rockwell-esque — I have a feeling I would love that kind of music
Thank you, LouAnn. Stick around and hopefully you’ll hear some. Eventually. Song writing can take a lot of time, but I love it, so sooner or later I hope to post some on this site.
Russ
will wait in breathless anticipation
:-D!
It is wonderful to think that you not only inspire and envelop people with your blog, but also with your music. The sphere of you impact is broad and wide.
Thank you, Mimi. I would like to leave a legacy of music and writing that touches people and outlives me.
You are an inspiration to me.
Russ
count me a winner!
Of that I had no doubt!
Russ
I think you might have a song in this idea
Possibly. (Another title idea…)
Thank you!
Russ
When something comes from the heart it connects to others in a deeper and more meaningful way. I wish you much more fun and by the way I love that line: If we’re having fun, we’ve already won.
Thank you for your insights and compliment, Diana.
Russ
You’re very welcome Russ!
Rockwell-esque is not simplistic at all. It is sentimental, nuanced, poignant – all good things for a song to be.
I think so too. Thank you for your comments and support, my friend.
Russ
I feel this one to my toes because the feelings expressed are absolutely shared. Write ’em Russ, make us cry and make us laugh at our tears. Music touches me like few other things can, and music that makes me emotional, in any way, are chart toppers in my book, any day of the week. Your heart shows on the page, I can imagine hearing it in your music. Looking forward to it tremendously.
I’m deeply touched by your comment, Rhonda. You make my spirit soar. Thank you!
Russ
You do a bit of spirit soaring work yourself Russ…you are welcome.
Dear Russ, I do believe song writing comes from a place of deep sensitivity and beauty. You have both and more. I can’t wait to listen to your song. Sharon
Thank you, Sharon. I just sent the song to you.
Russ
Russ, you are a continual inspiration to us as well! I always look forward to your positive posts and encouraging comments 🙂 So glad to hear you’re finding joy in this hobby!
Thank you, Andrea! Russ
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