Under the Rainbow by Earth Mama

She began performing under the name of Earth Mama, and even trademarked the name as a performing artist.

Of course, she pens songs with varying themes, but they almost always have a central message that all things are connected, that if we find that still small voice of God inside our actions will be tipped towards justice, love, reconciliation and right action.

"I'm just an instrument through which the music plays," she says.

With over 80 recordings bearing her writer credits, she's has had songs recorded by Maureen McGovern, Marie Osmond, Jennifer McCarter and the McCarter Sisters, Wild Rose, Jana Stanfield, Lindy Gravelle and others.

Her songs have been featured in movies and on syndicated environmental and activist radio programs around the world, and used extensively in educational venues and by international environmental and peace organizations such as the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, UNESCO, and International Earth Charter. Her commercial jingles and theme songs have been featured in a National Park celebration, historic preservation projects and family festivals.

Rouse was also lead, heart first, to a pursue Masters degree in Earth Literacy from Indiana's St. Mary of the Woods College. She received her graduate degree in 2002.

"It was not so much a decision, as my soul telling me that this gift of music - and the years I had spent honing the crafts of songwriting and wordsmithing - were intended to be used for something bigger than 'OOO, I need you baby' or 'You broke my heart' songs," Rouse says.

"I've been an advocate for many progressive environmental stands and issues since my youth," she continues. " I was spending a great deal of time on eco-activism and on music, but never realized that combining them might be possible. Prayer, meditation and long, honest conversations with myself led me down this path."

In 1995, Rouse's song "Standing On The Shoulders" was chosen to be the theme song for the celebration of the 75th Anniversary of Women's Suffrage in Washington, D.C. She receives many requests from organizations that want to use the song to honor their local leaders, graduates and retirees.

"We've gotten so many requests to use " Standing On The Shoulders" for events that we've made sheet music available in two different arrangements," Rouse said." This is a fulfillment of a dream. My songs are being used to move and inspire people to greater heights of service, and lead more people to care for our earth."

Woven in and out of Rouse's performances, speeches and public appearances is the slogan " Helping Heal The Planet One Song At A Time."

She is often asked if she really believes songs can heal the planet.

"My belief is that God can heal anything," Rouse insists. " We live in a world very much in need of healing - people, families, habitats, faith communities, eco-systems, nations, the ozone layer... the list goes on.

"Over the years, people have been moved to greater faith by music. People have used music to march into battle, to strive for equality, to be paid fair wages for their work all kinds of music from classical to folk. I believe that songs can be powerful tools to nurture and encourage both action and a depth of understanding about important ideas. Every great social movement has marched to the strains of its own music."

New concepts and ideas are learned more easily through music, Rouse reasons.

"Our generation suffers from information overload. Because our brains are so full of technical knowledge and trivia, we have lost a great deal of practical Earth-basic knowledge, or Earth Literacy. Songs are melodies with a message attached - and they have a way of getting inside of you and sticking. Only by relearning and respecting the critical basics of living in harmony with nature can we hope to continue the human race and live sustainably on the planet."

2005 promises to a lively year for Rouse, perhaps her busiest ever. She'll be in Europe giving concerts on behalf of Earth Charter education and releasing her seventh CD.

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