Good Riddance

Let the countdown begin!

Well I was just about to write this weeks blog about the things I most would like to see happen in 2014. Then I happened to be watching the news and heard that Saturday was the seventh annual "Good Riddance Day" in NYC.  Yeah you read it right, I was thinking the same thing, it is not a joke. For real, people actually gathered in NYC's Times Square to say goodbye to bad memories from 2013.  They even dumped actual memories into a giant shredder to destroy them once and for all.  

I gotta say, I wish I knew where this shredder were all these years and that this "day" actually existed cuz this Greek Girl has a few memories of her own she wishes she could put in the hopper and say "Sayonara" too.  Yeah, believe it or not, even I have things I wish I could erase from my brain.  So, in honor of this day I decided to make a hybrid blog.  Instead of just listing the Top-10 things I wish I could erase from my memories from 2013 I will be including a replacement option for 2014 to go along with those unwanted memories.

10. Boston Marathon Bombing.
2014 Replacement: How about - no bombing, anywhere.

9. Twerking, Wrecking Ball and well pretty much anything Miley Cyrus.
2014 Replacement: Congressional ban on Twerking and Miley Cyrus joins Bieber in retirement, wouldn't complain if Lady Gaga joined them as well.

8. GLAAD's crying foul over the Duck Dynasty "Tolerance" issue.
2014 Replacement: GLAAD is disbanded and embraces the fact that there are more Christians than they think, and the Word of God is more powerful than anything they can cry about.

7. Kim Kardashian and her selfies.  Do we really want to see her butt again in 2014?
2014 Replacement: People stop taking "Duck Lip" selfies, they are stupid.  No more selfies in the mirror where you can see the camera you are holding up.  No more celebrity nudie selfies - period.

6. Wolf of Wall Street.  My eyeballs are still burning and it's been almost a week since I saw that debacle of a half-rated porno.
2014 Replacement: How about a little Saving Mr. Banks and Mary Poppins for good measure to cleanse my noggin.  Or better yet, how about bringing back the NC-17 rating since Hollywood is a bit too obsessed with graphic nudity these days. (We actually don't "need" to see everything to get the point) Just sayin'.  

5. The time I took a bite out of that Twinkie and allowed myself to be caught on camera while doing so.  No I didn't have three of them either as my husband would like the rest of the world to think.
2014 Replacement: Low-fat Oreos.  Hey, if I am gonna splurge on sweets it should be good.  That Twinkie tasted like cardboard.  

4. Beyonce's Superbowl Halftime Show.  My eyeballs are still burning from that too.
2014 Replacement: Definitely not Bieber, Miley or Gaga.  I would rather have Barney or Mickey Mouse do it.  No matter what for the love of God, please let it be a real band or somebody who can actually sing. On key preferably, and who doesn't need the words to the Anthem written on their hand.  

3. The Obama Inauguration.  I am still in denial that he actually won... again.  Ask me, it was rigged.
2014 Replacement:  We dig up Reagan. In my world we would have Rush Limbaugh as President and Mark Levin as the VP.  Don't like it?  Too bad, it's my Top-10 list so GLAAD can kiss it.  

2. The millionth season of American Idol. Seriously... how many more sad sappy stories do we need from mediocre singers? Do we really need another "Idols Tour? Good gravy.
2014 Replacement: How about record labels actually doing their job and finding actual talent. There's plenty of it out there, just not all of it has orange hair, crack addicted parents, or missing a limb.   

1. The disastrous Obamacare implementation and rollout.
2014 Replacement: Obama Impeachment. Need I say more?

So there you have it.  As we move into the new year of 2014, I pray and hope for good things to come.  

Blessings, Love & Music ~
Ava xo
www.avaaston.com

The Hypocrisy of Tolerance

Speak now or forever hold your peace...

(WARNING: This blog is not Politically correct - anyone caught reading, sharing, tweeting or posting to facebook might be thrown into a PC Police Jail cell)

There's been barely a place one could go to without seeing a blog, article, news clip or blurb somewhere about the Duck Dynasty fiasco in the last week.  If you're sitting there thinking "What is Duck Dynasty, and what fiasco are you talking about?" Then I'm guessing you've been living under a rock for the last week, so let me fill you in.

For anyone who is a regular reader of my blog you know a few core things about me if you know anything.  Number one, I am a Christian, therefore I believe that the bible is the living word of God and I believe what it says to be true.  You also know that I have for a long time felt that pop culture is totally out of control and we are living in a world where things are essentially upside down.

What do I mean?… well lets see why do we see trash everywhere, on TV, on the radio, in magazines… When and why did it became cool to sing in underpants for guys or girls? Why are there so few people in the Mainstream Pop Culture who actually have decent morals and values? Actor goes to rehab, great lets give them another movie or TV role. Singer beats his girfriend - awesome lets give him another Grammy. Better yet lets buy more of his girlfriend whose also a singers records after she goes back to him… Someone Please Stop the Insanity.

These days you can masturbate on TV, and you're celebrated for expressing yourself. Answer a question honestly about your Christian Faith and... you're fired, got it.

Yet the people who are promoting all of this negative "entertainment" (which is essentially minutia if you ask me) these people are the ones pushing the victim mentality. If you disagree with someone about politics you must be a racist, if you do not believe in gay marriage then you must be a caveman and a "homophobe". No I'm not a homophobe, I just do not think it makes any sense whatsoever for gay people to want to take a "biblical" term and slap it onto what they choose to do with their sex lives. The bible (which I and millions if not billions of other Christians believe to be the living word of God) clearly states that Marriage is between One Man and One Woman, period. 

Now do I think that gay people should be bullied, discriminated against, shunned, or treated any differently than straight people? NO! I just do not believe it should be called "marriage".  Do I think their should be some sort of legal status for them to have rights to protect the ones they love, yes. It is not for me to judge them, I do my best to love all people and show the same love that Jesus showed me by dying on the cross for my sins. I don't believe fire and brimstone gets to peoples hearts, the best way to break through to people is with love.  So although I do not believe in "gay marriage" I do think they should have a legal option say "civil union", but this does not mean I condone someone being gay. We're all Gods kids and I do my best to live an example of how Jesus wants us to live according to the instructions he gave us in the bible. Hopefully my life and actions can help to change some hearts along the way.

However "Tolerance" is a two way street. Often times these same people who are gay make being "gay" their entire being. They immediately go into victim mode, where anything and everything anyone says or thinks or believes must be a personal affront of their "sexual orientation", which it is not. It's perfectly OK for these same people to give their opinions about all sorts of things including what us "Wacko Christians" believe - yet when someone is asked their opinion about a topic and they tell the truth vs. giving a PC answer all hell breaks loose. Sad days we are living in people. 

So let me get this straight... we have to be "tolerant" of everything except Christians because that is offensive. Got it. See…. Upside Down World!

What bothers me the most about the Duck Dynasty situation is the fact that Phil did not go off on a rant. He was asked a question about his beliefs and he answered honestly. Most people don't tell the truth these days, they say what they think other people want to hear.

I am willing to bet that if Phil were Muslim and he stated beliefs that most Americans find deplorable like jihad, child marriage, etc. that no one would be firing him because God Forbid we offend anyone… (except Christians) that is. Which BTW if he were Muslim he would not just be saying he believed being gay is a sin, he would be saying he believes gay people should be killed (in a barbaric manner btw). So isn't it ironic that most gay people are so supportive of Islam, think Muslims are so peaceful and that Christians are the hateful ones, makes zero sense whatsoever.

The fact is Christians in this country are just about the Only group who are "Not tolerated", yet we are expected to "Tolerate" everyone and everything including participate in things forced on us by the Government (which it has no right to do according to the Constitution) but who really cares about that document anymore anyway, right? After-all Barack Obama says it's not a "fair" document anyhow.

If you expect people to "Tolerate" you whether you're gay, straight, green, blue, purple, democrat, republican, or whatever - you have to be willing to also "Tolerate" people who do not share your particular beliefs. That is what "Tolerance" is. Which btw is what this country was founded on, Individual Freedom.

Someone ought to give the memo to A&E it's probably not the brightest move to start messing with the most successful show on your network in the history of ever… just sayin. Not to mention the fact that an employer is not supposed to discriminate against age, race, religion or sexual orientation, yet A&E just put someone on "Hiatus" because they did not like his beliefs. Hello can anyone say "hypocrisy" ?

So this should be a lesson to all Christians out there. If you want to see a change and see a difference in what is going on in our society then we need to collectively stand on our faith and principals, stop turning the other cheek and instead flip the tables on the money changers like Jesus did.  (Matthew 21:12) 

Which in essance what the cast of "Duck Dynasty" just did.  The folks at A&E who sought to poke fun at a bunch of backward hillbillie closed minded Christians soon found out that America was not laughing "at them" like they had hoped, we were laughing "with them" because we are fed up with the trash entertainment we have been having shoved down our throats for so many years.  

Should it be surprising to anyone that America embraced a show that promoted God, family, and that dirty little four letter word "work"? The bible clearly says in 2 Chronicles 7:14 "That if my people who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways then I will hear from heaven and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land."  

My point is for too long Christians have engaged in and supported entertainment that goes against our values. As well as supported organizations and companies that promote an agenda that is contridicatory to our beliefs. By supporting Duck Dynasty to the point of the show becoming a runaway success, and subsequently now standing with Phil, it might just be the spark to help turn the tide.

Blessings, Love & Music ~
Ava xox
www.avaaston.com 

Tis The Season

It's that time of year to make some Joyful Noise!

It should come as no surprise at all that around this time of year Greek Girl has reprogrammed her iPod to stay on Christmas Songs.  Yup, I'm a Christmas song junkie, some I can never hear enough no matter what time of year it is.  Hey they make me smile what can I say?

There is one song though that makes me nuts and if I never hear it again in my life it would not be soon enough. What is it?… "Feliz Navidad", it might have something to do with the fact that I've probably heard it a billion times in my life. Whatever it is, it's definitely not in my iPod that's for sure and I change the channel when it comes on the radio.

With that being said, here is a list of my Favorite Christmas Tunes: (in no particular order just as they randomly appear in my noggin)

Do They Know it's Christmas - Band Aid
Where Are You Christmas - Faith Hill
All I Want for Christmas – Mariah Carey
Do you Hear What I Hear – Whitney Houston
River – Robert Downey Jr.
Chestnuts Roastin – Nat King Cole
O Holy Night – Linda Eder
O Holy night – Josh Grobin
Gabriel’s Message – Sting
Don’t Save it All for Christmas Day – Celine Dion
Ave Maria – Celine Dion
Christmas Baby Please Come Home – U2
Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas – The Pretenders
Christmastime – Smashing Pumpkins
It Must Have Been Good Ol Santa Claus – Harry Connick, Jr.
Breath of Heaven – Amy Grant
Panis Angelicus – Charlotte Church
If I Can Dream – Della Resse
Walking In The Air – Kenny Loggins
Miss You Most At Christmas Time – Mariah Carey
Face of Love – Jewel
Auld Lang Syne – Ann Wilson
I’ve Got My Love to Keep Me Warm – Billie Holiday
Sleigh Ride – Ella Fitzgerald
I’ll Be Home for Christmas – Bing Crosby
Button Up Your Overcoat – Dick Haymes
O Little Town of Bethlehem – Nat King Cole
The Man With the Bag – Vonda Shepard
Silent Night - Stevie Knicks
Merry Christmas Darling - Karen Carpenter
Miniature Overture & March of the Toys, Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Suite – The Glenn Miller OrchestraCannon in D
"The Hallelujah Chorus" from Handel's Messiah
*Anything 1940’s, jazz, or classic standard.

*Also, anything Christmas or otherwise that Robert Downey Jr., Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey, Nat King Cole or Linda Eder sing make me smile.

So there you go, how Greek Girl rolls at Christmas! Hope you have a blessed week!

Blessings, Love & Music ~
Ava :D
www.avaaston.com

The Final Countdown

Last Day to PLEDGE to "Operation Mustard Seed"!

The Deadline on “Operation Mustard Seed” is FAST approaching. 

If you're a regular reader of my blog you almost definitely know all about Operation Mustard Seed.  However for anyone new to the Greek Girl blog, let me bring you up to speed.  People have been asking for more music, so after a life-changing event, much prayer and reflection I've decided to turn my dream over to God Focusing on making my 1st Faith-Based Contemporary Christian Music Album!  

So my husband Keith (my hero who makes my website, music videos, and pretty much everything you see of Greek Girl besides the music) and I put together a crowd funding campaign on fundanything.com to raise the funds to do the recording through selling Advanced Copies of the New Album & other creative rewards in return for people pledging. I would be honored to have your involvement & support on this journey!

There are many Pledge Options, and all pledges over $5 come with cool REWARDS including Music, Art & More! I believe with all of my heart that my Music & Message have made a Positive Impact.

So, if you're like me and think the world could use a little less #twerking, Auto-Tune & Shock & Awe in Music and more "Music" in the Music Industry that Means Something…. I'm asking YOU to join in helping to make this NEW Album. 

Time is Running Out! ENDS This FRIDAY DEC. 13th!

Please watch the video, I would be honored to have your support and appreciate your time, resources, and sharing the link with friends, family & social media!  Have a Great Day!

PLEDGE Here:

https://fundanything.com/en/campaigns/operation-mustard-seed?col=-29526

Blessings ~
Ava :D
www.avaaston.com

Who What Where When Why

Pledge & Get Rewards for helping me make my
Very 1st "Faith-Based CD"!

What in the Heck in the World is "Operation Mustard Seed" and why on earth has Greek Girl's weekly blog been hijacked for the past several weeks talking about it?

It's simple. Operation Mustard Seed is my campaign on a New Crowd funding website called fundanything.com - to fund my very 1st Faith-Based CCM (Contemporary Christian Music) Album.

Why crowd funding you might be wondering…? Well that's simple. Greek Girl does not have a record label or minions (yet). So in order to produce, manufacture and distribute music I rely on the people who love my music to in essence be the record label.

It's YOUR chance to be a part of my Very 1st Faith Based CCM Music Album. Pledging will help me to utilize my gifts and talents to make a Positive Impact. Music to encourage and lift people up… Music that Means Something.

This Can Only Happen With YOUR Support! 

I believe the best way to share the New Music is to give the people who love my music & message the chance to invest.  You have the opportunity to be a part of my journey, as I hope my music will be a part of yours.

I am truly honored to have your support. Please considering pledging to the campaign, All pledges over $5 come with Music Rewards! Each and Every Pledge helps get these new songs recorded!  So check out the "5W's of Operation Mustard Seed" video for more info.

It's the Holiday Season… why not #FeedTheSeed ... #OperationMustardSeed that is.

Thanks so much for your support! Have a beautiful day!

Blessings, Love & Music ~
Ava :D xo
www.avaaston.com

How To

Here's my personal homemade "How To - Video Guide" on Operation Mustard Seed.

So with Thanksgiving upon us I wanted to say Thank You to all those who have pledged to my campaign so far, more than  45 people! It always makes my heart smile when I receive an email from someone I least expected to pledge with an encouraging word or note.  This is a huge blessing that I am very Thankful for!

In addition to the kind emails, I have also received a lot of questions about #OperationMustardSeed ~ Now if your inside voice is saying "What are you talking about Greek Girl, what is this "Operation Mustard Seed" ?  If this is what your inside voice is saying, then you probably need to go back to step one and visit this link: 

https://fundanything.com/en/campaigns/operation-mustard-seed?col=-29526

Since the Campaign launched on November 11th - I have had questions about how to pledge, so since all of you who read this blog should know by now I'm a "Talker" not a "Typer" check out the "HOW TO" FundAnything #Video on #youtube ! 

If you Like my Music & Message and want to be a part of adding a little Salt & Light to the world via Music...  

Then Please #Watch #Learn, #Pledge & #Share !

Thank You, have a beautiful day and a very happy Thanksgiving! 

Blessings, Love & Music ~

Ava xo
www.avaaston.com

Fund Anything Week One Wrap-Up

A little measure of faith is all it takes to make big things happen.

I Wanted to take minute to say THANK YOU to everyone who has pledged & emailed with encouragement for #OperationMustardSeed the campaign here on #FundAnything for my 1st Faith-Based Album!

Sometimes in life when we step out to do something Big that we feel God is calling us to do it's scary.  This is where I am.  All my life I've been pursuing #music for my reasons… The World is darker than ever, more people need to hear the positive message of #Faith, #Hope & #Love that is Only found in Gods word. When I felt I was being called to step out to CCM (Contemporary Christian Music) vs. just making the Pop/Rock/Country blend I have been doing all my life, I was thinking "God are you sure you want me to do that?… I don't have a record label, a manager, a this, a that, …) on top of just spending the last 2 yrs recovering from not one but 2 car accidents.  Then he showed me that all it takes is the Faith of a Mustard seed.  To stop focusing on what I don't have, focus on what I do have, the talent, the songs and the heart to make an impact, to just step out and let him do the rest.

So… I'm stepping out & asking people to join me.  I believe the best way to share this New Music is to give the people who love my music the chance to Invest. You have the opportunity to be a part of this journey, as I hope this new music will be a part of yours.

I am truly honored to have your support.

Please try to #SHARE Daily!  We've crossed the $1,000 mark… Only 26 Days to GO! (Funding ends Dec. 11th).  Posting at least once a day on social media like twitter, Facebook, etc. really helps!  It is going to take a lot of people to reach the goal - Thank you so very much not only for your support but also for your time!

Please #SHARE :

https://fundanything.com/en/campaigns/operation-mustard-seed

Blessings, Love & Music ~
Ava xo
www.avaaston.com

Operation Mustard Seed

Operation Mustard Seed on FundAnything.com for Ava's New Christian Album.

Most readers of this blog know all about Greek Girl.  However for those who may be visiting my blog for the first time, Hi!  I'm Ava Aston.  Today we are launching "Operation Mustard Seed", a campaign to fund my very 1st Christian Music Album. The campaign is chock full of creative rewards & benefits for your involvement! We thought it would be fitting to launch on Veterans Day being that my husband is a Veteran, my mom works for the Purple Heart helping Veterans, and my passion for our supporting our Military. Hopefully I'll be able to fulfill one of my dreams and do a USO Tour one day!

So for anyone new to my music, I’m an Independent Recording Artist, and I live just outside of New York City.  For my entire life I have been working on building a music career. When things finally started to move, my husband and I were both rear-ended in a car accident and my career came to a screeching halt, “literally.” We both suffered several injuries including both of us having a Traumatic Brain Injury.

For the last two years we’ve spent countless hours in recovery as I watched what was moving in my career slowly dwindle and drift away.  I found myself very upset not knowing why or how God could let something like this happen.

Through much prayer and reflection I came to understand that the bad thing that God allowed was in fact for my good.  What I realized was that I was on the potter’s wheel.  For my entire life I had been trying to do things “my way”.  I wanted a music career for my reasons & for my purpose and finally just as it seemed like it was moving, God stopped me.

He showed me during this time that the voice He gave me was for Him and His purpose, that He wanted me to use it for his glory, not mine.  Now trust me, if any of you know me you would know this was not exactly the easiest thing for me to swallow, as this Greek Girl likes doing things my way and patience is not one of my redeeming qualities.

This experience though has been a turning point in my life.  I realized God has spent this time breaking me down and building me back up. But this time, it was going to be done “His way”.  So I’m setting out on a whole new journey, taking music in a new direction by making my very first Christian Music album.

I have songs ready to record that are all rooted in the message faith, hope, not giving up and they embrace and promote the American Values I am so passionate about.

So as my own act of faith I am stepping out.  I am asking you to join me on this journey. Because just like me, God wants to do a work in each one of us.  Music is a very powerful tool, it can speak where words can’t. That is why I have come to making this campaign because I cannot make this happen on my own.

This campaign is my act of faith in Him that through people like you who share my values, who are saddened by what they see throughout pop culture with the decline in the moral fabric of our society… that I will be able to raise the financial support necessary to make my first Faith-based album. It’s part of a multi-phased plan. Step one is to produce the album, so I am asking for your prayerful consideration in helping it come to fruition.

There are a number of rewards to show my appreciation for getting involved.  My hope is that you would take the time to consider helping me do what I believe God has called me to do with the gifts and talents he gave me; to spread the positive message of faith, hope, and love.  To make music to encourage and lift people up in a world that is far too often busy tearing them down.

I am asking you to join me.  There are rewards for all levels, even as low as $5 - no level is to small and will help get the music & message out to the masses.  Please share the campaign with your friends, family, on social media, and email.  Most of all I am asking for your prayers as I set out on this journey.  I hope to have you join me.

We're using the funding site www.fundanything.com which is the brainchild of Donald Trump.  Today at 5:20pm EST my campaign will be live!  To go direct to my campaign please visit www.avaaston.com/operationmustardseed.html - please note this link will not be live until after 5:20pm EST 11/11/13 - This is a 30 day campaign, so please pledge then #share - Time is of the Essence!  Thank you so much for your time!  I would be honored to have you join me on this journey!

Blessings, Love & Music ~
Ava :D xo
www.avaaston.com

Landslide

Don't complain unless you are in the game.
Vote Nov. 5, 2013.

So I am doing my thing and minding my own business.  Okay who am I kidding?  I was searching the internet looking for some new deals on Kohls.com and printing coupons for my favorite things like Dunkin Donuts and Zone Bars.  That was when I came across this story about this upcoming election and how in one state in particular they are calling for a Landslide.

Now as you know being Greek, and since us Greeks created politics I just had to check out what in the heck in the world were they talking about?  See I was confused because like everyone else I have been mostly hearing about Obamacare and all the lying and misleading that went along with that bill of goods.  So I read on.

Low and behold I found myself actually enjoying the fact that there is a very strong possibility that Chris Christy is going to win the New Jersey Gubernatorial election.  Now I know there are a lot of "Christy-Haters" out there, and he's not this Greek Girls favorite, there a lot of things about him I don't agree with. However, it is far better than the alternative.  This got me to thinking "This could be a good thing."  Well of course anytime I see someone who is on the conservative side of things winning it is a good thing.  But this is different because I was reading it in a mainstream media news article on Yahoo.  What's more is that the article went on to discuss how there are a number of very decisive elections being held all around the country.

This is the part that got me.  The article talked about how few people actually pay attention to the local elections and only vote in the Presidential election.  The point was and is that if we as a people, you know, "WE THE PEOPLE" (ah-hem selfish plug for my song) would actually unplug from Kardashian's and the renaming debacle of the Washington Redskin's and actually pay attention to the things that really matter, I wonder where our country would be.

What am I talking about?  Well people listen up.  If you are like me and you are sick and tired of all the nonsense going on around us such as Obamacare and all the mess that is going on in Washington DC, we need to do something.  "What's that Greek Girl?  I need to do something?"  Yes, it's called get your butt up off your sofa this Tuesday, take a 1/2 hour shorter lunch break, go in to the office a little earlier or come home just a little later and get over to your local voting booth.

It is time we stand up, time we speak out, time WE THE PEOPLE take our country back and stop allowing the bureaucrats and political elite decide what is right and wrong for us and our families.  For crying out loud even God Himself said, "If my people who are called by my name and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from Heaven, and I will forgive their sin and heal their land." - Isaiah 43:7.

So this Tuesday, if you haven't already cast your ballot through early voting or absentee ballot please get out and exercise your right and take part in helping restore our amazing and God-given country.

Blessings, Love & Music~
Ava xo
www.avaaston.com

Hate To Say it but I Told You So

So I was scrolling on yahoo the other day when low and behold an article came up and I almost spit my hot cup of happiness a la Dunkins all over my macbook.  The title "6 Reasons Actresses Over 40 are Hotter Than Ever in Hollywood"  I was thinking "WOW finally someone in the entertainment industry is using their coconut"!  

I have always said that age is just simply irrelevant to talent.  If someone is 16 it does not make them more talented than someone who is 50.  In fact one could argue that if anything the 50 year old is more talented than the 16 year old because they have had that many more years to work on their craft.

As a female pursuing a career in entertainment for what seems like forever, I have had my fair share of run ins with people who are obsessed with numbers.  Which is simply ignorant.  All that matters is if you are legal to do the job you might be applying for and if you have the talent and or qualification for that position.  Not just in entertainment, but in all aspects of our every day life I see people who are discriminated against simply because of the day they were born.  There are people in their 60's who have given up looking for a job simply because they get so discouraged after being passed over for younger candidates for so long.

People are all different.  We all have been born with our own unique talents and abilities and not one of us on this planet is the same.  Personally I think that is something to be celebrated.  Aging is inevitable, everyone is going to get to be 40, 50, or even a-gasp 65 one day.... even my little buddy Rebecca Black and yes even Justin Beiber.  Everyone ages differently especially based on lifestyle.  I'm Greek so I'm not worried, I've got the olive oil in my genes to keep me well preserved. ;o)

The question should be, does this person have the qualifications for the position they are going for?  Whether it is in entertainment or for a regular job.  If it is entertainment the question should be can this person sing, act or whatever it happens to be for, and are they marketable, do they look the part?  For a regular job same thing, does this person have the skills and knowledge to perform this job, period?  No one can control what opportunities they have had or not had in their life.  Just because someone has not yet had a legitimate proper "opportunity" does not mean they are not talented.  It just means it is not their time yet.

I say kudos to the actresses featured in this article and also to the millions of other people in the world out there who at some point in their life have had to battle age bias. This article is vindication that my theory is correct, "Age is irrelevant to talent" . 

Blessings, Love & Music ~
Ava :D
www.avaaston.com

Red Sox Nation

Woo-Hoo! The Red Sox are the best team in baseball and are going to prove it one more time by winning the World Series!

How do I spell amazing??  "R-E-D S-O-X" of course.  If you don't know what I'm talking about then you have got to be literaly living under a rock.  So, since I am sure you DO know what I am talking about, I won't bore you with the details other than the Red Sox not only have the best record in all of Major League Baseball, but have gone ahead and moved just one step closer to sealing the deal by winning the ALCS.  For those who don't know what that is, you should just stop reading this blog right now! ;o)

What I think is so amazing about this years World Series besides the fact that my favorite baseball team is going to be playing (and winning it of course) but that it's almost like a nice thumb in the eye to those who set out to attack our very way of life.  It's not even been one year since The Boston Marathon was attacked and the entire world was glued to the TV as we watched the Boston bomber being hunted down in one of America's oldest and most beloved cities.  The Red Sox showed just what kind of Stand Up organization they are the very next game by doing a beautiful and moving tribute.  How amazing it was that they used America's Favorite Pastime, "BASEBALL" as a way to honor those whose lives that were lost in that tragic event, and chose to give back to the city loved by so many.  To continue that amazing heritage through hosting the World Series in one of the greatest ballparks in the world, Fenway is just going to be one more awesome thing to behold.  Oh man what I would give to be singing The National Anthem this year... (paging Mr. Bricks - eh hem can you hear me Mr. Bricks) 

All I have to say is, bring it on, bring it on!!!

Now, in case you were wondering what I am going to be doing this week, you can go ahead and check that worry at the door because I will be parking my little Greek Butt on the couch with my sweetheart, our 4 doggies and some Dunkin's to watch as The Boston Red Sox bring the Red Sox Nation to life as they romp over the St. Louis Cardinals.  So you can be sure I will be looking forward to David Ortiz, the Big Papi along with the exciting bats of Napoli and Pedroia and of course I will be hoping for more from Victoriano.  As those who were watching Saturday night know it was him that hit the Grand Slam homer to send the Sox to big show.  And who could forget about the amazing bullpen with the MVP Koji Uehara who is just insane on the mound?

So in case you want to do your homework and get your Honorary Red Sox Nation membership card go on over to www.RedSox.com and don't forget to wear your beards and wear them proud!

Oh and before I forget, here is the schedule, which is the "Do not call or email Ava time":

Red Sox schedule of wooping the St. Louis Cards.

Blessings, Love & BASEBALL (and of course music),
Ava xo
www.avaaston.com

Update

Want to catch up? ;o)

It’s been a while since I did an update I apologize for that.  Sometimes you just need to marinate for a little bit, and being an artist that goes double.  I posted a brief update and thank you in the Ava Army regarding the Veewall contest results.  Remember “The Ava Army” is the facebook group I started to keep everyone updated daily during the contest.  What?!... You’re not in “The Ava Army” no worries   ( join here - https://www.facebook.com/groups/TheAvaArmy/ ) However I wanted to take the opportunity now that some time has passed to get perspective and to let everyone who was so supportive for the long contest or even those new to my music know what has been developing.

First I want to thank everyone again who was with me during that long process.  Many of you took time out every day to vote for me the entire contest and I am grateful for all of your support!  It took a lot out of me.  I don’t normally tell everyone but I wanted to share with you why.  Two years ago my husband Keith and I were rear ended in a bad car accident.  An SUV hit us going approximately 60mph while we were stopped at a stoplight totaling my VW Jetta.  Besides multiple herniated disks and other physical issues we both suffered a Traumatic Brain Injury.  Everything was further worsened by being rear ended a second time while stopped at a stop light (yes I said it your eyes are not playing tricks on you) less than six months later.

Needless to say the car accidents brought everything that was moving forward in my independent music career to a screeching halt.  With my TBI my vision was affected.  Where my eyes do not work together to focus like they should so being on the computer for extended periods of time is well lets just say is not what the Dr. ordered. ;o)

The Veewall contest being a daily voting contest involved endless hours on the computer to inform, request and remind people to vote daily for over three months.  As you can imagine by the end of the contest, coupled with all the cheating by other contestants and the contest’s refusal to adhere to it’s own posted rules… well needless to say Greek Girl needed a big fat break.  Not complaining by any means, I chose to go for it and try for the$100k, it was a gamble I knew it going in.  Hey you win some and you lose some.  When God closes a door, he usually opens a window.  In this case he not only opened a window but he turned Greek Girl around and pointed me in the right direction.  Which is what I want to share with you guys!

Most of you know about my weekly acapella video requests.  During the contest I got very sick (which is odd because I never get sick).  I was so sick in fact I lost my voice and could not even speak for almost three long weeks. In my entire life I have never lost my voice, ever (funny I know hard to imagine miss “I talk too much” not able to talk).  I was honestly afraid I wasn’t ever going to talk again let alone sing.  I would open my mouth and nothing would come out.  It was very frightening and I was sick for almost eight weeks total.

When I did get my voice back the 1^st song requested was “Stronger” by Mandisa. (click here to see it - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7qH8YyJRBZs ) Being sick for so long, I had not yet sung it all the way through before I did the video.  Not my normal procedure, but I was so anxious from not being able to sing I wanted to just do it.  Normally I do two or three takes and choose the best one. I’m really picky about pitch so I do a few to pick the best take that has most correct pitch throughout.  After the 1^st take I asked Keith “Was it OK?” he replied with his eyes welled up with tears “It was good and bad, I’ll tell you later, do it again.”  So I did it again, same thing, and onto a third time.  Finally after three takes he said "OK, got it".

So we went upstairs and he said “So, do you want to know why it was good and bad?”  Then he proceeded to tell me that in the beginning of the Veewall contest God told him that I was not going to win, but not to tell me.  Because I was putting all my faith and trust into “man”, not God.  That I had become so frustrated with my career stalling from the car accidents and subsequent ongoing medical treatment, therapy, etc., that I had become obsessed with winning the contest. My voice is my gifting from God, it’s his.  He took it away from me to show me that it is his voice and he can take it away at any time. That he wants me to use it for his purposes, not mine.

Kind of funny that the 1^st song to be requested after being sick was a CCM song. So when I sang that song Keith welled up with tears because he felt God telling him what he told me.  He went onto say “The good news is that is the best I’ve ever heard you sing, the bad news is you’re not supposed to sing anything but CCM”.  What is even funnier is most of the time when I do the acapellas Keith likes take two or three.  Again because I’m really picky about pitch and most times the second or third take is the most accurate throughout.  In this case he chose the 1^st take, and he said when I sang it that first time it was like a release happened.

So I have honestly taken these last months to just be still and let God direct my path.  Most of you reading this have already read my story ( if not click here to read  https://www.facebook.com/notes/ava-aston/this-is-my-story/10151397092436357 ) Music has always been a huge part of my life and I know that God put it in me for a reason.  The what, why, when, where or how, that is not clear yet. What I do know is I love to sing more than anything else and it is something that I do naturally better than I do anything.  Recently I read a note about finding God’s Call on your life.  It said that God’s Calling on your life is combing what you are naturally good at combined with what your heart aches for, in essence what breaks your heart.

Well in my case that is singing, and hurting hearts.  All my life my heart has broken for those in need.  Whether it’s animals, people, any part of Gods creation that is hurting.  The details that I do not know yet.  What I have decided is I am going to follow the leading and pursue CCM Music.  Although I do think putting Music into categories or boxes is limiting.  I think if the industry as a whole didn’t limit it so much it would sell more.  People don’t want to be labeled, people can like all kinds of music regardless of what “Genre Style” their demographics might point to them supposedly liking.

I’ve been being quiet, and writing.  Where it stands now is that I have two to three songs that I will be recording hopefully before Christmas.  Then a new album in the New Year.

With the continued shenanigans going on in the government there has been a lot of interest in my song “We The People” ( watch here - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jut7s68pnpg ) We did the original video over four years ago (before it was cool to be conservative) and with limited resources. With renewed enthusiasm for the song building, we decided to do a New Video.  So Keith and I along with a new creative partner, an up and coming cinematographer will be doing a Brand New Video for the song if all goes according to plan to be released before Christmas as well.

In order to facilitate recording new music we decided to do an exclusive combo offer on all my previous music.  So until ALL my CD’s are gone, “The Ava Army Exclusive” combo deal will be available.  Get it ALL:  my 10 song CD titled“Gone”, limited edition CD single “We The People” and a digital download of my latest project titled “I Don’t Even Care” plus an 8x10 autographed photo, with shipping included All for Only $9.99. By buying one you will be a part of making more music as well as getting my music and message out to the masses.

To get the “AVA ARMY EXCLUSIVE” Combo Deal:

http://www.avaaston.com/avaarmyexclusive.html

We’re also working on obtaining backers and sponsors and a tour to benefit a Veteran non-profit I’m involved with is in the works as well.  It is centered around Faith, American Values and Family Friendly.  Keith had been planning it before the accidents, but we are now moving forward towards it.  We have made some changes to my website, please visit www.avaaston.com to check it out.  There is a new "investors/sponsors" button, so if you know of any companies or organizations that fall in line with my values please feel free to send them there.  As well as a donate button where individuals can get involved with any amount to be a part of bringing my music and message out to the masses.

So that my friends is what’s cooking.  The world is getting crazier by the day, we need a lot more light and a lot less of the darkness that has taken over most of the entertainment world.  So I am doing my best with what I have and the gifts I was given to be a part of making a change for the better.  I’m asking you to join me, by buying some music and helping to make it happen!

Thank you so much for your support.

Blessings, Love & Music.

www.avaaston.com

Hijacked

Punkin Aston here to ask you to help me

This is "Punkin" and I am about to flip my little lid.

If you don't know what I am talking about then it's time you were brought up to speed.  Here is what happened last year:

See what I mean?  Every single stinkin' year my mommy, Miss Ava-Aston, the so-called-self-proclaimed-doggie whisperer thinks it's a good idea to dress me up in a torture device.

What am I talking about?  It's simple really.  She thinks it's a good idea, no she thinks its a fabulous idea to ruin my dignity and embarrass me and all my doggie-siblings by putting us in ridiculous Halloween Costumes.  The worst part is, this year she is taking it one step further.

Now hear me out, I am all for a bit of fun now and again but this is just beyond torture.  Instead of just dressing us up one time for our routine march of shame, she decided to "try out" the costumes on us first.  What I don't understand is why she always thinks of me as a bug.  I am always getting dressed up to look like a stinkin' bug.  I am not a Bug or a Pug, I'm a Pekingese Dang'it!

Still not sure what I am talking about...?  Well here is the evidence:

Caught RED-HANDED buying the torture devices

See what I mean? She dressed me up to make fun of me.

For the love of God someone please make her stop!

So as you can see, it's time something is done to help me from this kind of ongoing and inhumane torture.  If you have it in your heart you will help me stop my mommy from always doing these terrible acts on us doggies.  Thank goodness my little brother "Itty Bitty" is in Heaven now at the Rainbow Bridge... at least he doesn't have to be humiliated anymore in the torture devices.  However the rest of us remaining four Aston doggies  (me), Punkin, Pookie, Bobo & Pepe we need our mommy to be stopped!

Thank you,
Punkin Aston