Appalachian Storyteller Richard Rouse Pens Book of Short Stories 'The Welcome Home Door'

By Chuck Whiting

          MCAU Editor          

             INDEPENDENCE, Va. (June 2019) –A book of original short stories by Appalachian storyteller Richard Rouse is receiving praise from leading authors, poets and everyday folks for its down-to-earth snapshots and slices of real life.

             "The Welcome Home Door and Other Stories" features nine lighthearted and humorous tales and one poem from a seasoned traveler, carpenter and beekeeper who has made his home on a mountainside in Independence, Virginia. For Rouse, who is now 89 years old, it was the right time to create a collection of original short stories for his wife, older brother and three sons. But the 10-year-long project has grown into something much more, generating thousands of book and e-book sales from readers around the world.

            The paperback, which retails for $9.95, is available through Rouse House Media at www.RouseHouseMedia.com. Readers can download an e-book version for $2.99 through Amazon, Book Baby, Good Reads, and other digital booksellers.

            Rouse's 132-page book opens with the inspiring short story, "The Welcome Home Door." In this easy-to-read tale, an old, hand-made door plays a touching role in a family's life.

            "It's maybe the best story I have ever written," said Rouse, who credits friend and songwriting legend Rodney Crowell for the idea. "Actually it was inspired by a song Rodney wrote called 'That Ole Door.' As I read this story, I see it moving people."

            Another favorite is "The Indian and the Prof," a 25-page novelette about a teacher (hunter's brother) who reluctantly accepts a beautiful gift after being shot while delivering Christmas gifts to students in a snowstorm.

            "I went fairly deep into the sub-consciousness of the main character, allowing him the privilege to become whatever he needed to be," Rouse added.

            What would "The Welcome Home Door and Other Stories" be without a few yarns involving pigs? The oinky, pink mammals provide hilarious moments in his tales "An Unlikely Flying Companion," "Lightning Strikes a Pig," and "Dewey's Pig Goes North."

Storyteller Richard Rouse (Photo by Joyce Rouse)

            "When I write these stories, I have fun -- like being a pig's totem or a pig's whisper," Rouse laughed.

            Although his stories are mostly make-believe, Rouse said the project would not have been possible without the encouragement of family members and friends, as well as a local group of peers known as Ridgeline Writers.

            "Welcome Home Door" is dedicated to his 92-year-old brother, Dr. John Rouse, who has given up writing after penning books and short stories of his own.

            "I hope my little book will encourage him to write again," the author said.

            Rouse's son, Steve, wrote an inspiring foreword for the book, recalling how the father and son, only 20 years apart, would one day "be two old men sitting on a porch together grumbling about the world situation."

            "When he sent it to me, I didn't change one word, and I cried," continued Rouse, who also appreciates his wife, Joyce, and two other sons for encouraging him to write.

            The cover of the book features a "Welcome Home" door carving given to Rouse on his 85th birthday by friend and artist Scott Rickets.

            "The Welcome Home Door" book of short stores has received rave reviews from noted authors, journalists, musicians and poets.

            "Richard Rouse's stories sparkle with thoughtful descriptions and homespun charm," writes New York Times bestselling author Kabir Sehgal. "His writing is clear and lucid, and you will be immensely entertained as each story unfolds with drama and intrigue. A great read!"

            Author Daniel Mallock lauds Rouse as "a master of people and place," encouraging readers to "savor these stories as you would superior wine -- rare, complex yet uncomplicated, a real joy."

            According to poet Karen Johnson, "His stories are told with wry wit and good humor while exposing an unabashed reverence for life."

            Born in Syracuse, Rouse spent his formative years playing with his siblings in the cabbage barns and truck farm fields of peas and potatoes near Preble, New York. He was an industrious high school student, building a boat, sculpting with iron and wood, and flying planes at the local airport -- even constructing an astronomy observatory at his home. He followed his father into the field of industrial construction and structural steel fabrication, eventually leading the company to record achievements. After adventures exploring the West, rockhounding, living on the sea, and New Orleans, he dreamed of settling in a location where he could renew his childhood interests in honeybees, natural food systems, and self-sufficiency. He chose Independence, Virginia, in the Southern Appalachian Mountains.

            "I love to write," Rouse concluded. "While writing, I am very emotional. I will chuckle or outright laugh. I might sob a little, or tear up, and even get angry a bit."

            Rouse will read stories from his book at Oracle Books in Wytheville, Virginia (June 14) and Grayson LandCare in Independence, Virginia (Nov. 11), with public and private readings pending in Tennessee, North Carolina, and Virginia.

            For more information about "The Welcome Home Door" or booking Richard Rouse for an upcoming event, visit www.earthmama.org/welcome-home-door.

Earth Mama to Join Other Artists for 'Grayson County Day at Heartwood'

     INDEPENDENCE, Va. (November 2012) – Environmental songstress Earth Mama (a.k.a. Joyce Rouse) of Independence, Va., will celebrate the release of her latest CD, "Blessings of the Universe", with live performances, CD signings, and music composing demonstrations from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on Nov. 16 (Friday) at the Heartwood Artisan Center, 1 Heartwood Circle in Abingdon, Va.  

     Earth Mama will participate in the center's daylong "Grayson County Day at Heartwood" with solo performances at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.  The arts and culture event also will feature artwork displays by Grayson County artists such as painters Kathye Mendes and Todd Price, woodworker Terry Clark, heritage broom maker John Alexander, and pottery artists David and Sherry Hoffman.  

      Rouse also will join fellow artists at 4 p.m. for a collaborative arts finale performance. Admission is free. Proceeds from the sale of CDs, handcrafted quilts, and other donated items will benefit Grayson Backpack Ministry, a community outreach providing nutritious meals and snacks to children. 

     Rouse describes her new project as "inspirational songs for the foreground and background of your days". The vocal and piano-centered CD takes listeners on a soulful and lyrical journey of gratitude, reassurance, hope and wonder with heartfelt praises of God and all God's creation. 

     A number of songs on "Blessings of the Universe" were commissioned to mark milestones for various faith-based organizations.  Others were written as musical blessings or prayers for a well-drilling project in Africa, women's events, and a solar energy conference.  Several musical short stories reflect on the "kin-dom" journeys of great religious figures, including Mary Magdalene and Saint Francis of Assisi.  

     The album was recorded in Nashville, with Rouse serving as lead vocalist, songwriter and producer. Some of the selections feature stirring accompaniments by pianist/vocalist Catherine Styron, guitarist Pat McGrath, and percussionist Paul Scholten.  Earth Mama plays grand piano on "Follow the Sun".

     "The Sisters of St. Francis, the Sisters of Earth, and other organizations inspired me with their depth of love and concern for people and places on the margins -- women who walk miles each day to carry their family's water, those with serious mental and physical health issues, and ecological unraveling," said Rouse, who wrote most of the songs at her home in the Appalachians.  "These songs express in some way my gratitude for this journey. When I sang them at events, they caught on in a kind of folk song way and were then carried gently out into the world.  The whole project felt like the unfolding of the Universe".

     Earth Mama has been delighting audiences of all ages with toe-tapping music and green-living tips for more than 10 years, “helping heal the planet one song at a time.” 

     For more information about "Grayson County Day at Heartwood" or the artist's "Blessings of the Universe" CD, call (276) 773-8529, send an e-mail message to Joyce@EarthMama.org, or visit http://www.EarthMama.org.

Earth Mama to Perform at Historic 1908 Courthouse in Independence

     INDEPENDENCE, Va. (November 2012) – Environmental songstress Earth Mama (a.k.a. Joyce Rouse) of Independence, Va., will celebrate the release of her latest CD, "Blessings of the Universe", with live performances and CD signings from 4-6 p.m. on Nov. 17 (Saturday) at the Historic 1908 Courthouse, 107 E. Main St. in Independence, Va.  

     Earth Mama will participate in the venue's "Share Our blessings", an event benefiting the Grayson Backpack Ministry.  The arts and culture event also will feature a children's art show, "Blessing of the Backpacks" presentation, bake sale, and raffle for three handcrafted quilts. Admission is free. Proceeds from the sale of CDs, quilts, baked goods, and other donated products will help Grayson Backpack Ministry provide nutritious meals and snacks to children. 

     Rouse describes her new project as "inspirational songs for the foreground and background of your days". The vocal and piano-centered CD takes listeners on a soulful and lyrical journey of gratitude, reassurance, hope and wonder with heartfelt praises of God and all God's creation. 

     A number of songs on "Blessings of the Universe" were commissioned to mark milestones for various faith-based organizations.  Others were written as musical blessings or prayers for a well-drilling project in Africa, women's events, and a solar energy conference.  Several musical short stories reflect on the "kin-dom" journeys of great religious figures, including Mary Magdalene and Saint Francis of Assisi.  

     The album was recorded in Nashville, with Rouse serving as lead vocalist, songwriter and producer. Some of the selections feature stirring accompaniments by pianist/vocalist Catherine Styron, guitarist Pat McGrath, and percussionist Paul Scholten.  Earth Mama plays grand piano on "Follow the Sun". 

     "The Sisters of St. Francis, the Sisters of Earth, and other organizations inspired me with their depth of love and concern for people and places on the margins -- women who walk miles each day to carry their family's water, those with serious mental and physical health issues, and ecological unraveling," said Rouse, who wrote most of the songs at her home in the Appalachians.  "These songs express in some way my gratitude for this journey. When I sang them at events, they caught on in a kind of folk song way and were then carried gently out into the world.  The whole project felt like the unfolding of the Universe".

     Earth Mama has been delighting audiences of all ages with toe-tapping music and green-living tips for more than 10 years, “helping heal the planet one song at a time.” 

     Individuals may purchase raffle tickets for $5 each or five for $20 at participating retailers, including Guynn's Furniture, Square One Framing, Walter's Drugstore, and The Treasury. 

     For more information about "Share Our Blessings", call (276) 579-2254 or (276) 773-8529.  For informationa about Earth Mama's "Blessings of the Universe" CD, call (276) 773-8529, send an e-mail message to Joyce@EarthMama.org, or visit http://www.EarthMama.org.