Ten years ago, I wrote a song that I call my “holiday greeting to the world”. I played all of the instruments and my wife and I performed it in my modest home recording studio. Then I made a video.
Since then we have seen humans plunge into more violence, more brutal inhumanity, death, destruction and suffering.
I wouldn’t change a word of what I wrote back then. In fact, its message is more vital and timely than ever. We need to embrace one another in what unifies us as a species, not destroy one another over differences which in the grander scheme of things are irrelevant, if not petty.
As we approach 2025, may I wish the best year ever for you and those you love!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGXsZ3BsWjs
1st Verse:
It’s a very special time of year / For family and friends holiday cheer / For those no longer with us / We shed a tear / A time to share / A time of feast / A time to care / And pray for peace / A time to give to those who have the least
Chorus:
Merry Christmas? / Happy Hanukkah / Peace be with us / Happy New Year
2nd Verse:
This is the time to start anew / Atheist Christian Muslim Jew / To reach within and find the love inside of you / Discard the old seek out the new / Reject the false embrace the true / To look ahead decide to bring out the best in you
Choruses:
Merry Christmas / Happy Hanukkah / Peace be with us / Happy New Year
Akemashite omedetou / Peace be with you / Happy New Year
Merry Christmas / Happy Hanukkah / Peace be with you / Happy New Year
© Copyright 2014 – Words and music by John Rachel, produced for Dancing Needles Music – ASCAP (All rights reserved.)
What Do Mermaids Eat? . . . Deehl
Deehl was very quiet. Finally she said …
“I’m kind of shy.”
Hmm. What could she be shy about? I tried to second guess her.
“You speak English perfectly!”
“I haven’t said much … but thanks. That’s very sweet.”
“Just stating fact.”
“Hmm. I don’t want to confuse you. But …”
“But what?”
“Just because you hear English doesn’t mean I’m speaking English.”
That’s all she said.
I really had to think about that. I still do, as a matter of fact.
I studied philosophy in college. What she pointed out refers to the paradox of perception. When I see the color red, is it the same color — meaning the actual color that appears in your vision — as you see?
Maybe I’m in truth writing this in Chinese. But you see it on the page and read it as English.
So … to those of you who want to know: Do they speak English?
All I can now say is: That’s a very good question!
What I do know is that mermaids are very smart. And at least the ones I met — with a few exceptions — are phenomenal cooks!
Do you want to hear more about my unique adventures? How about having your own copy of my book?
As I mentioned before, the ultimate deluxe full-color paperback is available for a limited time — sale extended until January 2nd! — for 25% off the regular price . . . order it here directly from the printer.
By the way, this stunning fantasy/travel/cookbook is also available as an ebook, in the format of your choice . . .
JUST DO IT!