Well, enough about me… What did you think of my last album?

“Most conversations are simply monologues delivered in the presence of a witness.”  ~Margaret Millar

Very seldom in life do we really have conversations with people. We’re too busy getting ready to jump right in before the other person is finished completing his or her thought. This seems to be the norm. I wish it was possible to have a serious exchange like in the film My Dinner with Andre because the backstory on another human being can be so amazing IF we would just shut up and listen for a minute.

It not about a “can you top this” mentality. It’s about having a conversation. You talk, I listen, I talk, you listen. The key word is LISTEN to what the other person is saying. Are you really interested in what the other person has to say? I am…but I would like my viewpoint expressed as well. I would like to be HEARD too!

AND THEN!!!

The next hurdle. Are we both making sure that we’re being understood by one another. Is your RED the same color as my RED?
We need to define our color of RED (metaphorically speaking) so we’re on the same page.

This may take a few minutes to do if we don’t know the person. Or even longer because we’re building a vocabulary between us.

That is IF… we’re interested enough to LISTEN to the other person…

Praying in Tones

“Here’s what I want you to do: Find a quiet, secluded place so you won’t be tempted to role-play before God. Just be there as simply and honestly as you can manage. The focus will shift from you to God, and you will begin to sense his grace.” Matthew 6:6 (The Message)

I talk to God in many ways throughout my day but my favorite way is sitting in front of a piano (these days it’s a virtual piano keyboard hooked into a computer) and just start playing my prayers to my Creator.
That’s how “The Prayer Closet Series Vol 1 & Vol 2” came about. I feel His pleasure when I play. I call it “praying in tones” because He understands (much better than I ever will) the deep language of music. He created music.

This series is all improvised. That means I don’t know what will happen from one moment to the next. It’s my conversation with God. I don’t try to go back and “fix things” later, which is easy to do these days recording into a computer sequencer. It’s pretty much spontaneous and in my mind that keeps it honest for me. When a synthesizer sound appears, it’s much the same approach. I can’t tell you the name of the sound I’m using most of the time but I know it inspired me in my musical dialogue.
This time out on Volume Three and the upcoming Volume Four, the gifted sound designer Eric Persing was so very gracious to mix and master the projects. Eric and I share a special friendship that goes back almost three decades. I am blessed to call him my friend.

My desire is that this music will inspire you to want to pray and talk to your Creator.

My dear friend, this life is so short, if you don’t know God, it’s time to begin your dialogue. At least ask if God is real! But… be open for an answer.
I can assure you, having come so close to death several times in my life, it’s not over when the old body gives out. You are a spirit that lives in a body. Find your own Prayer Closet and begin the greatest adventure of your life. Getting to know your Creator.

You May Quote Me

“Years ago my mother used to say to me, she’d say, “In this world, Elwood, you must be” – she always called me Elwood – “In this world, Elwood, you must be oh so smart or oh so pleasant.” Well, for years I was smart. I recommend pleasant. You may quote me.” ~Elwood P. Dowd (Harvey)

Guess if you’ve visited my facebook page you may have noticed I love inspirational quotes. I love to pass them on.
I don’t just pick them at random. I’ll actually try to find something everyday that resonates with me and in turn I hope inspires the readers.

This love of quotes comes from my Uncle Chet who lived with my wife and I the last few years of his life. Chester was the Father I never had growing up. There was nothing conventional about him. He was a series of contradictions. But not really. He at one time belonged to the Communist party, was a devoted Christian, hung out with Aldous Huxley and never backed away from a cause he believed in.

He was a lover of books (all books). He was a walking library. Someone who could easily discuss the works of French novelist, Marcel Proust and then jump over to the essays of German philosopher, Arthur Schopenhauer effortlessly. He should have been a professor but the Great Depression didn’t allow for that.
Chet loved to make people think. Especially me, his nephew. He had me reading Aristotle at thirteen along with all the philosophers on up the ladder who had made an impact on his life.

That to say, we also both shared a love for poetry and inspirational quotes. We shared a love for loving people too. All people, all backgrounds, religions and persuasions. Not just the one’s who agreed with you but especially the ones who disagreed. Chester would often take the opposing view on a subject just to see if you really believed in what you were saying. Never in a way that caused heated arguments. He was very funny. He did it in a way that kept you questioning your stance for days after.

He wasn’t worried about winning someone over to his belief system. He lived his life in front of everyone. What you saw was what you got. He was the real deal.

Back to our love of quotes…

On facebook, the social network for now anyway, people share things like. what they had to eat, their favorite youtube, favorite music, a cause close to their hearts, politics on the right, left, and in between. It’s all good because it’s freedom of expression and Chet would fight for you’re right to say those things and I like to believe I would as well.

But again, for me, it’s about quotes. And I’ll leave you with one of my favorites which Uncle Chet turned me on to as a young man.

“I expect to pass through this world but once. Any good, therefore, that I can do or any kindness I can show to any fellow creature, let me do it now. Let me not defer or neglect it for I shall not pass this way again.” ~Etienne de Grellet du Mabillier) (1773-1855), a Quaker Missionary from France to the United States.

CENERE: My Tribute To Eleonora Duse

“So many of our dreams at first seem impossible, then they seem improbable, and then, when we summon the will, they soon become inevitable.” ~Christopher Reeve

I’ve been blessed since the first time I touched a piano at the age of three. I fell in love with music at that moment. I knew creating music was what I wanted to do the rest of my life. Our next door neighbor in North Hollywood was the then retired Professor Thomas Giles of the University of Utah. He saw the potential in me and decided take me under his wing and mentor this little kid till he passed away. I was twelve then and devastated at the news. I loved that man. He made learning music fun and I’ve tried to do the same with my students.

We lived in North Hollywood the first few years of my life because it was only a few blocks from Universal Studios. Mom was a contract player and could walk to work. That stopped when she had me. My Mother’s acting mentor, dear friend and my godmother was Eva Le Gallienne. I only saw her a few times in my life but she made a lasting impression on me.
Our last meeting was when she was appearing in the 1975 production of The Royal Family. Her last words to me were, “hey Richard, take care of your Ma!”

Ms. Le Gallienne wrote a short biography on one of her own acting influences, Eleonora Duse titled “THE MYSTIC IN THE THEATER: ELEONORA DUSE.”

In reading the book I discovered that Duse had only made one film in her illustrious theatrical career. That film was a little Italian silent movie called, “CENERE” pronounced “chen a ray.”
Oddly enough she wasn’t very happy with her performance in the film but then again she was the consummate actress with a legendary reputation as a known perfectionist.

In 1987 I was on a recording label with the dream of finding this little film and putting my own orchestral score to it. In a way it would have been a tribute to my Mother and godmother (both who had passed on by then). Needless to say it didn’t pan out but the dream stayed with me all these years.

Without any budget, I sought out a copy of the public domain film, found a ten day trial of orchestral software and began to compose a score to the film. I love this little film and hope the readers of this blog will discover it too along with the soundtrack. But most importantly I want to encourage all who read this to never ever give up on your dreams no matter what anyone says to discourage you!

To purchase a DVD copy of “Cenere:Tribute to Eleonora Duse” with the new soundtrack, click here

To watch “Cenere:Tribute to Eleonora Duse with the new soundtrack” online click here

To purchase the “Cenere soundtrack” by Richard Souther, click here

Visit Richard Souther’s Official Website, click here

Was that you God?

When we talk to God, we’re praying.  When God talks to us, we’re schizophrenic.  ~Jane Wagner, In Search for Signs of Intelligent Life in the Universe, 1985, performed by Lily Tomlin

This past Christmas season was a joyful time for me. It hasn’t always been though. It’s evolved into joy because of my wife and her family’s love toward me. Still the holiday season can get a little sad at moments since my Mom’s passing. She has been gone for some seventeen years now. I loved her greatly.

Friends who have known me for a long time will remember my larger than life mother, Katherine.

Mom was a wonderful actress who never stopped acting although her career in stage and film ended when I was born.

I was missing her a little more than usual this last Christmas.

At times I find myself still talking to her as if she’s right next to me. Even in my prayers, I sometimes ask God to let Mom know I miss her. Anyone else ever do that?

So… over the holidays there was a beautiful documentary shown about actress and Mom’s studio friend, Ingrid Bergman. I remember, through the years, the wonderful stories Mom told me about getting to work with Ms. Bergman.

As I’m watching the documentary, a clip comes on the screen from the Spencer Tracy version of “Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.” Mom was Ms. Bergman’s double in it but also had an uncredited part as a barmaid. I start thinking about Mom and feel that sense of loss come over me. At that moment, she happens to appear in frame, right behind Ms. Bergman’s shoulder. I suddenly felt very happy. It was as if Mom was saying “Hi Richard.”

This experience could have been a coincident and nothing more. But I think God loves us so much, He’ll send us little gifts to remind us that we’re not alone. ~Richard

MISSION STATEMENT

I’ve discovered via social networking services that it’s important for me to be transparent and honest. This unfortunately at times will offend, disappoint and cause some “friends” to “un-friend” me.
That’s alright…I’ve never hid the fact that I’m a Bible believer and follower of Jesus Christ.
I’m not a right-wing or left-wing Christian involved in politics. My Lord’s kingdom is not of this world.
I’m an active animal rights advocate. I don’t believe in cruelty to animals and that includes any experimentation.

I give all people the benefit of the doubt until proven otherwise. I respect their right to believe what they believe (even if I disagree with them). But if their beliefs harm another person (or creature) I’m no longer their friend.

I believe that as long as there is a breath in your body, Jesus can reach you. If you ask God (Jesus, the 2nd person of The Trinity) into your life, He will come into your being. Your life will never be the same.
But you say, “I’m an atheist, I don’t believe in a god.” That’s alright, so was my father. You’re still breathing and we can continue to dialogue… or not.

Now to my Christian friends who may not share my views. That’s alright too. We can agree to disagree or please just un-friend me.

What you need to understand is that my life is an open book. If you’re concerned that I’m drifting from “The Truth”, pray for me but don’t insult me on a social network board. What message does that send?
If I was worried about selling music to make money, I wouldn’t make myself accessible via these social networks.

I post quotes most of the time. I’m not someone “preaching to the choir.” It’s not going to be all verses from the Bible. I do research my quotations and will only post sayings that line up with my beliefs.

I’m not a perfect Christian or person in general (who is?) and I will disappoint at times. So pray for me. Don’t be quick to judge me..

Lastly…If I can bring something good into your life by being in your social network world, I’m accomplishing what I had hoped too. Let me know if you want to stay on my pages. Honestly, I’m nobody special but I have been given a small platform because of my musical history and want to use it.
Much Love and Blessings, Richard

The Summit Of Our Years Together

I honestly don’t know how people get married today. We live in a ME society and the spin is “it’s not my fault!” Look what you did to ME! I want out! You were different when we just lived together! You were nice and cared and you listened to me. We connected…
I can tell you how my wife and I lasted through the twenty-some years. Three things: God, commitment and our deep love. In that order. When God came in second or third place…life became a series of “dissociated episodes.” Marriage ain’t like all those romantic movies we grew up with. It’s a willingness to die to yourself for the other person. Sometimes on a daily basis. It isn’t about YOUR needs anymore. You are a team now. God being the focus point. All eyes and hearts on Him first. In my humble opinion, it is the only way you don’t bail out of marriage. It’s not always roses but when you find your true companion, it’s the best! There is no “perfect person.” Soul mates reads well in novels. Why should we stay with each other then? They say “the grass is always greener on the other side” and it probably is for a moment, without God at the top of the summit…

A friend and and I wrote a song about getting married many years ago and it still holds up. And we both still believe it.

Standing In The Son

Man is sometimes called to live alone,

but loneliness is hard for one to carry.

Most need someone to help them make a home,

for their hearts won’t be complete until they marry.

Yet, I’ve seen so many promises get broken,

when the dreams don’t always turn out like they’re planed.

And a love that started out to be a fortress

slowly crumbles like a castle made of sand.

So let’s build our lives upon the Rock

and the wind and rains can come.

Then our love will not be shaken

we’ll be standing in the Son

Yes, we’ll build our lives upon the Rock

and the wind and rains can come.

Then our love will not be shaken

because in His eyes we’re one.

Some women dream of havin’ one to care for,

for caring is a word they understand.

Responding to the one their love was meant for,

as both hearts are fashioned by their Master’s hand.

So they’ll walk this life together

and follow where He leads them hand in hands.

And as they reach, the summit of their years,

they’ll look back to the day it all began.

Man is sometimes called to live alone,

but loneliness is hard for one to carry.

Most need someone to help them make a home,

for their hearts won’t be complete until they marry.

So let’s build our lives upon the Rock

and the wind and rains can come.

Then our love will not be shaken

we’ll be standing in the Son

Yes, we’ll build our lives upon the Rock

and the wind and rains can come.

Then our love will not be shaken

because in His eyes, in His eyes, we’re one.

…..Standing in the Son

Words & Music by Richard Souther & Peter York

©1987 Birdwing Music. ASCAP

The Mirror

“I don’t know if I continue, even today, always liking myself. But what I learned to do many years ago was to forgive myself. It is very important for every human being to forgive herself or himself because if you live, you will make mistakes- it is inevitable. But once you do and you see the mistake, then you forgive yourself and say, ‘well, if I’d known better I’d have done better,’ that’s all. So you say to people who you think you may have injured, ‘I’m sorry,’ and then you say to yourself, ‘I’m sorry.’ If we all hold on to the mistake, we can’t see our own glory in the mirror because we have the mistake between our faces and the mirror; we can’t see what we’re capable of being. You can ask forgiveness of others, but in the end the real forgiveness is in one’s own self. I think that young men and women are so caught by the way they see themselves. Now mind you. When a larger society sees them as unattractive, as threats, as too black or too white or too poor or too fat or too thin or too sexual or too asexual, that’s rough. But you can overcome that. The real difficulty is to overcome how you think about yourself. If we don’t have that we never grow, we never learn, and sure as hell we should never teach.” ~Maya Angelou (American Poet, b.1928)

Many times I look into a mirror and say, “man I’m getting old!” And other times I look and say, “man I’m so happy to be alive!”
But most of the time I don’t really stop and (no pun intended) reflect.
I usually save that for late at night or early mornings.

Steve Jobs died yesterday. He once said something that has stuck with me. “Being the richest man in the cemetery doesn’t matter to me … Going to bed at night saying we’ve done something wonderful… that’s what matters to me.”

I honestly don’t know anything about the man personally. I can say the same about Thomas Edison. They both changed the technology of the world in which we live. From the development of a practical incandescent, electric light to the iPhone. Yes and they both gave us so much more.

My father Howard Trowbridge Souther was an inventor/designer. In his later years he was a VP for Koss Stereophones. In fact you’ll find his Koss Headphones PRO4
are in the Smithsonian Museum. He made the world a little bit better through his designs. I am not comparing him to Jobs or Edison, but I am proud of him. He was not religious. He was an agnostic. He thought I was “off my rocker” becoming a follower of Jesus Christ.

I recall a quote from my literature teacher in college. It was from French short story writer, Guy de Maupassant. I am paraphrasing but he said words to this effect, “Death is a road that no man can escape.”

We will all must “shuffle off this mortal coil.”

I want to spend eternity with Jesus. I asked Him into my heart and He came in…
I would like to turn and see your face. ~Richard

In a Split Second

“You hear it all the time, but your life can change in a split second. Those words don’t sink in until your life actually does change in a split second.” ~ Lindsey Ingram

What does a picture of a locomotive have to do with a quote by a 2004 Nebraska soccer player? ~ Lindsey Ingram

Well this time it more about the quote than about her story surrounding it.

I could also quote the late Warren Zevon an say, “These wheels keep turning but they’re running out of steam…. Maybe that’s perhaps that’s more apropo! At least the way I feel at the moment.

I had a BIG pop quiz today
For my friends from other countries who aren’t not familiar with this term “pop quiz,” it means a quiz in school given without prior warning by the teacher. An examination consisting of a few short questions… usually.
Hopefully you know the answers and pass the quiz! Or… in my case… a life situation arises and how are you going to handle and react to it?”…… GOD’s pop quiz?

Today, for me, not well.
I lost it big time and I’m ashamed of myself. But I know that I’m not alone sitting in this particular classroom. That’s why I am posting this introspective RANT.

I found myself getting angry and saying things to deliberately hurt someone I love very much. Oh sure, I could legitimately blame the pressures of life that I’ve been under lately. I could say I haven’t been getting enough rest and I’m dog tired all the time. Could say, “I’ve had no time to think or really pray.”

But I won’t.
There is no excuse in this life for saying mean, cruel things, losing your cool, and devastating an other human being.

NO EXCUSE!

WHY DID THIS HAPPEN?

I don’t spend enough time with GOD. (sorry my atheist and agnostic friends. This blog ain’t about you)

Yep, it’s that simple.. I MUST find more time, somehow someway and I WILL.

It’s not my nature to be mean. I don’t like mean people and all of a sudden
I became one!

LORD HAVE MERCY ON ME! Luke 18:9-14

Forgiveness

“To be a Christian means to forgive the inexcusable because God has forgiven the inexcusable in you.” ~ C.S. Lewis

A few weeks ago I felt compelled to write two people and ask their forgiveness for anything I had done to offend or hurt them. I don’t hate anyone but like so many, I’ve been hurt by people in my life. The majority of the time I don’t believe it was intentional on their part. It still hurt and my association when I thought about them was negative.

Out of the two people I wrote, I didn’t think I would get a response from either of them. I did get a response from one and it was gracious and kind. The other person may never respond. I’ve extended the olive branch a few times over the years but it never came back.

I did my part.

Doctor King said,“Forgiveness is not an occasional act, it is a constant attitude.”

You only hurt yourself by holding on to bitterness, resentfulness, unforgiveness towards another person. No matter how they treated you, be the person that says “forgive me for whatever I did to hurt you” whether or not it was you or them that experienced the mistreatment.

It’s the only way that I’ve found in life to truly be free of the negative associations one can collect on the road of this LIFE we all travel. It does not matter if they can’t forgive you. You want them to naturally, but that part is up to them.

The important thing is you are no longer carrying that baggage around (it’s not necessarily overnight that you’ll feel the release but it will come).

In a perfect world it would be great to experience an embrace from that offended person and hear the words, “I forgive you, forgive me” but you may also hear, “I cannot ever forgive what you did to me.”

My Savior say:
This, then, is how you should pray: Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins. ~Matthew 6:9-15

Unforgiveness is like cancer. It will slowly destroy your life, spiritually, emotionally, mentally and physically.

Again, don’t think you’re getting off easy by saying to yourself, “I forgive them”… and let that be the end of it. Go to them or call or write to them. Do whatever it takes on your part. For YOUR sake. Your life will be better because of it. I promise! ~Richard 70X7