Should They Stay or Should They Go

What would Churchill Do?...

Immigration... seems like you can't go a day without hearing, or seeing the word these days. People are so passionate about it on both sides of the issue that it's almost becoming one of those taboo topics, like religion or politics that it's not polite to talk about because people get so heated. Well since I'm Greek which is code for (born without a filter) you had to know I would have to put my two cents in. WARNING: (This blog is not politically correct).  

It's everywhere from your local community to the talking heads on TV and most everyone understandably feels very strongly about it. I wonder though if it's far more simpler than anyone realizes. It really boils down to the law. Either we have a country with laws or we don't. We don't get to pick and choose which laws we are going to enforce... or do we? Sadly these days it seems to be the latter.  

Sounds like a line from a Trump speech does it? Dang right it does because he is right. Gasp... is Greek Girl a racist? No! HELLO (my dad immigrated to America from Greece before I was born with just $20 in his pocket) I'm the last person anyone could call a racist. It's really just about the law. Are we going to follow our laws or not? 

Yes America is the land of opportunity, we welcome the poor the tired, and we want to do whatever we can to help the least of these. The question is what about the poor and the tired who are here who are effected by the astronomical costs of illegal immigration? Think about it, what would happen to any random American who decided to go live in another country illegally. Lets just say Saudi Arabia for example... anyone who violates their immigration law is subject to deportation, fines and possible imprisonment. I'm willing to bet an American ICE holding facility is like club med compared to a Saudi Arabian jail cell.      

Forget Saudi Arabia, pick a country. Any country... be as simple as a Google search. It's all there. Australia for example has implemented one of the harshest border policies in the world. Characterized by three core points: turning or towing back boats of asylum seekers at sea; forcing asylum seekers to live in detention centers across the Pacific in Nauru and Papua New Guinea; and guaranteeing they will never be resettled in Australia. 

Compare that to America. Can anyone imagine American authorities doing anything like that? Of course not because that would be inhumane and the media's heads would literally explode at the slightest hint of anything like that. So instead we have people from God knows where who have come here to do God knows what, who have a virtual red carpet rolled out for them. Yes there are good, decent people who come here to find a better life like my dad. Even so, if they came illegally they broke the law, and on some level the point could be made how decent is that?  

Our country is full of sanctuary cities with oodles of assistance programs (in NYS we have SSI, WIC, Welfare to name a few) where people receive free housing, medical care, and spending money and in some cases free college (no I'm am not kidding). HELLO do we not right now at this very moment have boatloads (no pun intended) of indoctrinated college kids jumping up and down marching and demonstrating at universities all over the United States demanding free college, and that all student loan debt be eliminated? It's enough to make ones head spin. Here's an example that could cause a serious case of agida: right now at this very moment, there are residents of Islamic training camps in Hancock and Deposit, NY who are receiving SSI, WIC, and or welfare. All paid for by US tax dollars. 

Yet we had to have Obamacare so legal born American citizens could be forced to buy more expensive insurance with astronomical deductibles that cover less, things they don't want or need. Meanwhile we have illegal’s receiving all kinds of things that these programs when instituted were never intended to be used for what they are being used for today. Either by people who mean well turning a blind eye or by policy loopholes and or lack of enforcement. It's a serious problem... at the same time complicated and simple enough to be a sitcom episode. 

My dad went through the legal channel to become a citizen. It was hard, and he had setbacks like when he and my mom got divorced he had to start all over again, and go to the back of the line. He didn't complain, he didn't go to a government agency and the news and carry on about how hard it was. He got up every day and did whatever he had to do to provide for his family and meet the requirements to become a citizen legally. He washed dishes; he worked construction as a bridge painter. He worked his way up to owning his own restaurant and eventually even to own his own bridge painting company.

I remember a story about a time before I was born when he was painting bridges down in the south somewhere. He had another week until he would get paid, and it was hot summertime. He was hungry and thirsty, so he took his last ten cents to get a coke from a vending machine. You know the old fashioned bottles that have now come back into style. He put the ten cents in and waited. Nothing... so he hit the machine. Still nothing, it was hot and he was dying of thirst so he hit it again. Just before he turned to give up he kicked it, then all of the sudden cokes started coming out one by one. So he grabbed one of the empty plastic bottle holders that were lying on the ground. He filled several of them, and he thinks it must have emptied the machine. The beauty of it is that he lived on those cokes until he got paid again.    

Somehow somewhere in the days from that time to now there has been a shift, a shift from victors to victims. It seems were living in a day when some want to label an entire group of people as victims rather than enforcing the law and empowering people to utilize their strengths and talents and help them help themselves. Sadly in the midst of this problem as I mentioned above we have those who wish to do us harm and they are taking advantage of the gaping holes in US immigration policy. I fear what it will take for our leaders to wake up to the reality of what is actually happening.    

What do we do? We have to do something. One thing is for certain Lady Liberty is tired and America did not become a Great Nation by being a doormat. What happened in Paris is a horrible tragedy, it is happening all over the world, and it has been going on for years. No one person has the solution, but unless we want to see it happening here in America... Maybe that wall isn't such a bad idea after all.  

Blessings, Love & Music ~

Ava xo

www.avaaston.com

Costume Party

Halloween (Howl-O-Ween for those of us who have pets) is right around the corner. I mean who can resist dressing up their furbabies in costumes anytime there is a holiday? Not this Greek Girl! Like everyone else life is busy and it can be hard to make time for just having fun. Even though I'm working on new music, making muckery and starting my own skincare line, it's important for me to spend time with my furry-babies!

Recently I indulged in the yearly fall ritual of laughing my head off as I picked out the costumes for my furkids, so I thought it would be fun to post a virtual Halloween parade. So sit back relax and get ready... Time to bring on the cute!

1. The furkids circa 2010: Left to right: Pookie dressed as an Angel, Bobo as a punk,  Punkin as a bug, Itty Bitty was supposed to be a pirate but he looked more like a little old lady (he is now at Rainbow Bridge).

The humanity...

2. Furkids 2011: Left to right: Itty Bitty (now at Rainbow Bridge) dressed as a punk rocker, Bobo top row dressed as a bumble bee, Pookie dressed as a bat, and Punkin again as a bug. (She was just too cute as it not to do it again).  

Just hurry up and take the pic so you can get these costumes off of us!

3.  Furkids 2012: A few days after Hurricane Sandy hit NY. We had no power, but in the midst of cleaning up we needed a good laugh, I mean there was so much sadness. We also had just taken in Pepe as a foster and wanted to get in into the swing of the costume routine. So... out with the phone. Top to bottom: Pepe dressed as a jailbird (fitting since we had just busted him out of doggie jail aka NYC ACC,) Punkin dressed as a skunk, Bobo dressed as a shark, Itty bitty (now at rainbow bridge) dressed as a pumpkin, and Pookie dressed as an alligator.

Um, hello mom in case you didn't realize a hurricane just happened here in NY we have no power... Why are you taking our pics in costumes?

4. Furkids 2013: Itty Bitty had just passed unexpectedly so we superimposed him into the pic. Left to right Itty Bitty, Bobo dressed as Elvis, Punkin as a Ladybug, Pepe as a dinosaur, and Pookie as a girl.

First Halloween without Itty Bitty he had just passed, so we super imposed him from last year.

5. Collage of some of my favorite costumes... Bobo as a bumble bee, Pepe as a lobster, Pepe as a jailbird, Bobo as a solider, and Punkin Pie as a witch. Which is what she says she feels like now that our latest addition Gracie has come into the house...

Collage of some of the furkids too cute!

6. Howl-O-Ween 2014: Their faces kill me in this one. First year with Gracie the King Charles we were fostering at the time and have since adopted. They are still not too keen on her, she's younger than they are. Hopefully time will change that. Left to right Gracie dressed as a devil (Punkin picked that costume for her), Pookie as a princess, Bobo as a soldier, Pepe as a dragon, and Punkin as a witch.

Bad enough we're dressed in costumes... now we have a new dog in our pack... Ov vey!

So there you have it, the Halloween parade until this year 2015 photo is taken. We will soon be dressing them up again and I personally can't wait to see my little monkeys dressed in costumes. Halloween isn't really a holiday we celebrate except for dressing the dogs, but if you ask me this is the most fun! Be safe and happy howling.

Blessings, Love & Music!

Ava xo
www.avaaston.com
www.glowosity.com

Clear Your Mind of Can’t

You can if you don't quit.

Anyone who knows me knows I'm a sucker for the underdog... what can I say, I just love a good comeback. (They also know I love coffee, dogs, sneakers, flip flops, and my favorite movie of all time is Rocky - all of them). So I'm sure it will come as no surprise that I was so excited I had to pinch myself when I learned about the new movie "Southpaw" starring Jake Gyllenhaal (not just because I'm left handed either). No worries, Greek Girl isn't going to spoil the ending. What happens in the movie is a blog for another day.

However when I saw the trailer for the film it reminded me about some things that have inspired me over the past few years. One so much so, that I was compelled to share it again. You may have seen the transformational video on social media, or on the TV Show Shark Tank... called "Arthur's Story". Arthur Boorman was a disabled veteran of the Gulf War who lived with pain for fifteen years, and was told by his doctors that he would never be able to walk on his own, ever again.

He stumbled upon an article about Diamond Dallas Page doing Yoga and decided to try it. He couldn't do typical high impact exercise, so he tried DDP YOGA, and sent an email to tell Dallas his story.

Dallas was so moved by Arthur's story, he began emailing and speaking on the phone with him throughout his journey. Dallas encouraged Arthur to keep going and to believe that anything was possible. Doctors told Arthur walking would never happen, but he was persistent. He fell many times, but kept going.

Arthur got stronger, and lost weight at an amazing rate. Because of DDP's unique workout, he gained incredible balance and flexibility, which gave him hope that maybe someday, he'd be able to walk again.

Arthur's story is proof that we shouldn't place limits on our capabilities. Often we don't even know our own potential. Niether Arthur, nor Dallas knew what he would go on to accomplish. In less than one year, Arthur completely transformed his life. If only he had known what he was capable of doing fifteen years earlier.

I'm passionate about sharing this story not only because it is incredibly motivating, but because I have also experienced the benefits of this amazing program. As a person who suffered injuries and has experienced physical setbacks, I can tell you how much DDP Yoga has helped me both physically and mentally. His positive energy, his own story of going from physically broken to back in the game and helping others to do the same are simply irresistible.

In case you don't know Diamond Dallas Page is not only a three-time professional wrestling heavyweight champion, but he is also an incredibly inspiring motivational figure and speaker. His career spanned two decades, and he entered the ring at thirty five years old. Many pro athletes are forced into retirement at that age. Years of wrestling left him with major injuries to his neck, back, shoulders and knees. Injuries that could not only end his career, but also affect his quality of life.

His answer to his injuries was DDP Yoga. A system he designed that allows you to work at your own ability, and with consistency grow stronger every day. Don't waste precious time thinking you're stuck. You can take control over your circumstances, no matter what life has thrown your way. Change might come faster than you might think, or it might take longer than you planned. All that matters is doing your best. 

I've loved physical fitness as long as I can remember. Where most women have a collection of high heels, Greek Girl has collection of "sneakers". Recently I found some Presidents Physical Fitness Awards from elementary and middle school up in my moms attic while visiting. Looking at them reminded me that we don't have to give up the things we love; no matter badly we may have been knocked down. That is, as long as we continue to get back up.

Hopefully Arthur's story can inspire you to follow your dreams, whatever they may be. For me, I just try every day to do my very best, and let God do the rest. No I may not be where I used to be, I may not be where I want to be. I know on the road to any goal all that matters is that you;

Get up, show up, do what you can... then one day you will be "doing the thing you think you can't". 

Remember... anything is possible!

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

Glowosity

Wanna get the Greek Girl Glow? Here's how, I'm spilling all of my secrets.

In the fall of 2014 I launched my own skincare line called "Get Glowing". The feedback has been fantastic so far! People getting real results, which makes me one happy girl!

One thing though that might possibly have caused wrinkles to appear on my greek mug is, some people were not clear that the line is for both Men and Women. So being the kind of girl who wants to get it "100% right"... I went back to the salt mines to come up with a name and logo that would make it clear my skincare line is unisex.

Well... it's finally here "Glowosity". The trademark is submitted, the website is up, and now the official Facebook page is open. www.facebook.com/glowosity

This is your invitation to "like" it and see what can happen when you try medical strength skincare that delivers remarkable visible results without irritation, and reveal healthy glowing skin. The very same products I use on my skin that cause random strangers in public to stop and ask about that "Glow".

Most people know me as an Independent Recording Artist and Actor. What some might not know is that I grew up the daughter of a cosmetologist, and was always around beauty products. As a teenager I learned the importance of proper skincare and it's effects on aging. The rest as they say is history.

I'm a confessed skincare junkie and have tried every product the market has to offer. From drugstore brands, to pharmaceutical products, I've broken the code and found what really works. People joke and ask how I can be "Aging in reverse". Often stopped in public by strangers, people ask about my "glowing skin", some actually whip out a pen and paper to write down what I tell them. My secret, it's just five minutes in the morning and five minutes at night combined with no nonsense high quality medical grade skincare that delivers results, not broken promises.

I'm super excited to offer people the same revolutionary skincare I have been using on my own skin most of my adult life. The majority of people don't have access to products with this level of ingredients without a prescription or a hefty price tag directly from a dermatologist. "Glowosity" will offer everyone access. No gimmicks, no gotcha's, just cutting edge skincare formulations for men and women of all skin types that deliver revolutionary results.

How can YOU Get It? Easy!  www.glowosity.com 

You get what you pay for, but that doesn't mean one must break the bank to get their hands on physician formulated skincare. I'm Greek remember? (which is code for "must buy it on sale", and sale is an old Greek word that means "you must buy it now"). So I'm all about getting a good deal and getting the best value for your money.  "Glowosity"  skincare is medical strength and it's affordable. The best part, no one is going to bother you to join something, start selling something or re-bill your credit card. You order what when you want, when you want - period. No appointment necessary, you get the products without paying a doctor visit fee and hefty markup.

Regardless of your age or gender there are five simple steps to getting and keeping healthy glowing skin. Simple steps that everyone should be doing morning and night. So I recommend everyone start with six products - five steps. We are all different and everyone's skin is not the same, so "Glowosity" is not a one size fits all "pre made kit". You choose what you want, based on your needs. The steps don't change but the specific products can. The five steps and products work synergistically together - that's what makes the change and delivers Revolutionary Results.

Some may think they can order a moisturizer, yet skip the cleanser, toner, serum and eye treatment but still expect to see earth shattering results... think again. In order for the product to get in to do it's job it has to be able to get "to" your skin. Think about it... a lot of people look older than they could or should simply because they have layer, upon layer, upon layer of dead skin sitting on their face. Trust me people, exfoliation is your friend. Finding the right products and being consistent with them is the key.

1. Cleanser
2. Toner
3. Eye Cream *(If you're a woman, eye make up remover first)
4. Serum
5. Moisturizer - One for AM and one for PM *(Why two, because they do different things.)

So that's it! Six products in five steps, the secret to getting and keeping healthy glowing skin! I'm offering a #Facebook Page LAUNCH PROMO!

25% OFF ALL ORDERS - Just enter Code:  6569AA10E9F1  at check out! NOW through July 6th!

"Glowosity" offers Cutting edge skincare formulations for Men and Women of all skin types that delivers results, not broken promises. So what are you waiting for? Try it for yourself, and learn to love your skin again. If you have any questions or need help choosing products, please feel free to message via Facebook or the website - I'm here to help!

Dictionary Definition of "Glowosity"

Have a beautiful blessed day!

Blessings ~
Ava xo
www.glowosity.com
www.avaaston.com

No Excuses

Nothing can stop you unless you let it.

When you get knocked down do you stay down, or do you get back up? Most people like to think they get back up, but the truth is sometimes we don't.

Almost everyone likes to hear about someone taking a bad situation and turning it upside down. Especially if that someone is a hero like a Veteran, media figure, or a person in the public eye. I mean was there ever a greater contestant on "Dancing With the Stars" than Noah Galloway? Sheesh, I don't even watch Reality TV, but I was glued to the tube like millions of other Americans because of his story, determination and passion to give back to people. His strength is unbelievably motivating.

The sad thing though is that some of us enjoy seeing that happen for "other people" but at times in our own lives we think it can't happen for us. That the "thing," challenge, injury, hurdle, whatever seems too big, too hard or just too insurmountable to overcome.

Recently I saw a video that was truly inspiring. Every person in the world struggles with something, no one is perfect. Every human being has an imperfect body. As great as it would be to have everything work perfectly all the time like a well-oiled machine, that's not real life, nor is that how we are designed. Whether it's a goal, a dream, a passion, a physical challenge, everyone has something they want to achieve. Life happens though, things happen, and at times we get knocked down. It can be easy to fall into the excuses game. What we want to accomplish can seem so far off, so daunting that we can find it easier to just think "well so-and-so happened and so I will never be able to reach my goal." 

This video shows that no matter what is thrown at you, there are never any acceptable excuses to not achieve anything. If something happens to you, you have two choices: stay down or get back up. Pain (whether it's emotional, mental, or physical) is temporary, but quitting lasts forever. The only thing that counts is trying to be better than yesterday. Do a little every day, and one day you'll look back and be doing something you once thought was impossible. Doing the thing you thought you couldn't.

Sometimes it may seem like things can happen "to" us. Really though we can look back and realize they actually happened "through" us. Our stories can touch the people around us in ways we may never even know or imagine. So the next time you're down, remember you never know who is watching, or who you may be inspiring. In the words of one of history's smartest men...

"You never fail until you stop trying." ~ Albert Einstein 

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

Give a Little Bit

"It's time to "Do Something".

    

My name is Ava Aston and I love animals. I know put on your surprise face, no shocking information here considering my furkids are plastered all over the internet. Most people know me as an Independent Recording Artist and yes my first love is music, my second is animals. I have five dogs (three of which are rescues) and to be honest if I were not careful I could possibly end up on an episode of hoarders. Only in my episode the animals would be living in the lap of luxury. The only hard thing they would have to endure would be which orthopedic doggie bed to sleep on, or which organic food they want for the day. Who doesn't love animals? I mean really... can we even trust people who don't?

So last spring I started a little something to help bring awareness to the epidemic of animal neglect and cruelty. To shine the spotlight on the heroes who work day in and day out in animal rescue, also as a way to help encourage people to get involved. Not everyone can rescue, adopt, or foster an animal, but everyone can give. A midweek reminder to think about those on the front lines giving second chances to animals whom without their efforts would suffer and often not make it. Donating on a regular basis even as little as $5.00 can make a huge impact. So "Waggin Tail Wednesday" was born #WagginTailWednesday or #WTW.

There are so many amazing rescue organizations utilizing Social Media, Facebook in particular to help save animals. Neglected, dumped, abused and just when I think I have seen the worst thing I can possibly imagine, another horrific case pops up.

So I post one rescue, news story or video every Wednesday. The idea is for people to visit their pages, websites, give, and share. Animals are Gods creatures, are innocent and do not deserve to be tortured. They are not cupcakes to be sold for profits, should not be bred in puppy mills, sold in stores and most certainly do not belong in ads given away for free or sold on craigslist.

Animal abuse and neglect is an epidemic in this country that many turn a blind eye to. People think they can't help, afford to help, don't have time, etc. Sharing a link of a dog up for adoption is free, pledging $1 or $5 I'm pretty sure will not cause anyone to go hungry. When large numbers of people take a minute out of their day to "Do Something" it can and has literally saved and completely changed the lives of animals who have suffered beyond your worst nightmare. All it takes is for one to care and act.

Think I'm exaggerating? Google "Puppy Doe" or read about it here Unfortunately things like this happen every day. I believe that most people are inherently good, loving and would not do such evil things, but there is also an epidemic of ignorance that at times blows my mind. Having an animal is a lifetime commitment, not a toy to give away when one grows tired of it or it gets a little "inconvenient". Having a baby or moving is not a reason to dump a pet, sorry but it's just not! Rescues and kill shelters all over the country are bursting at the seams to the point where thousands of innocent creatures are killed every day simply because there is no one to adopt them, and the shelter is out of room.

It has to stop and the only way it will ever stop is if enough people "Do Something". Puppy mills, and selling dogs in pet stores has to end!

I'm not for more laws but to stop the viscious cycle it needs to be done. A simple solution is: In order to be a "Breeder" one must be "Licensed". In order to be licensed, one must pass a test (similar to a Dr., Real Estate Agent or any other licensed professional) and pay a high yearly fee. This will keep out the "backyard or kitchen" breeders who are selling to their friends or on craigslist. In order to breed one needs to know the history, potential medical issues being passed on, do the proper testing i.e.: (OFA X-rays for hips) etc. Pet stores should not be allowed to sell dogs or cats. An alternative would be a station to see animals from local shelters or rescues. It would stop "impulse" buying and all together these types of changes could help stop the problem. However the whole cycle is a money making machine so there are people who do not want it to stop or care about the innocent animals hurt in the process. Puppy mills, dog fighting, neglect, abuse, it's all happeneing everyday right under our noses. If people would be on alert, and start to call attention to cases when they see them we can save more lives. Call lawmakers, it all starts with "doing something".

A rescue I give to on a regular basis is Animal Rescue Corps. Check out this video about what they encounter on a regular basis Watch Here.

Something that has always made me smile is the word DOG spelled backwards is GOD. Just like him all they want is our love... think about it. It's in the bible, he gave us charge over the animals to care for, and the lion will lie down with the lamb. You can tell a lot about a person by how they treat animals. So don't forget to tune in every Wednesday on Facebook, and be on alert for ways in which you can make a difference in the lives of animals. Have a beautiful day!

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

The Americans Are Coming

Time is running out...

Recently I had the opportunity to attend the premiere of Hudson Valley Honor Flight: "Generation Bridge", A Documentary by Joe Allen. Being the wife of a Veteran, and the daughter of a NSO for the Purple Heart I'm sure it comes as no surprise that I absolutely loved the film. I had an idea that I was going to like it... I just didn't know by the end of it I would be crying like a baby. 

Hudson Valley Honor Flight (HVHF) is a 501c3 nonprofit organization which “Honors American Veterans” for all their sacrifices. They transport these heroes to Washington, D.C. to visit their memorials at no cost to them. Hudson Valley Honor Flight is a local hub of the National Honor Flight Network (which consists of over 100 independent non-profit “hubs” across America). Sadly, over 550 World War II veterans die everyday, our time to express our thanks to these brave men and women is running out.

There were moments in the film that just hit me like a brick. One in particular was an interview with a student who had attended a Q&A session with the Veterans. He made the observation that the veterans gave up so much. The student couldn't imagine anyone today going three days without their smart phones... Yet the Greatest Generation went years without seeing friends, family, or anything familiar. They spent years fighting in foreign lands, with little resources and in conditions hard to comprehend. At home and abroad Americans from the Greatest Generation made do with little, mandatory rationing and most didn't complain.

Just think about that for a minute... what do you think would happen today if we were put onto mandatory rationing. Even for the sake of national security, safety or long term survival of our nation from an enemy attack. The word chaos is one of many that come to my mind... can anyone say hurricane Katrina? See many people in today's day and age are far too wrapped up in "me, myself and I" to think about giving up something for someone else, especially for a someone else you have never met before. The men and women of the Greatest Generation did, and they did it without complaining.

Most have no idea what price was paid for the lives we have. The world might look a lot different today had it not been for their courage, strength and determination. The resolve of those men and women to stand and do whatever was not only asked of them, but necessary to stop evil. Again another moment that hit me like a brick... Every one of them even seven decades later knew what they were fighting for. Though most of them don't consider themselves heroes, and are very humble about their achievements. When telling their individual stories they all knew why they did it, and what they were fighting against.

Today we are losing these national treasures at an alarming rate, while at the same time facing an enemy potentially worse than what they faced in their day. Most frightening about our situation is that no one will give it a name. No one will call it for what it is and for the sake of political correctness or not offending anyone, the United States of America won't fight. Of course there are those who will call it what it is, but they are vilified and labeled as far right loons, racist, bigoted or all kinds of other terms intended to discourage anyone from speaking out. All the while... evil is on the march again in the world, and the only ones who really know what that means, who really know what is at stake are dying.

"The American's Are Coming"... that statement meant something to the people of the world in those days. I wonder what that means to people in the world today? In the days of the Greatest Generation you had men like Winston Churchill who were not afraid to call evil for what was, and were willing to stand up to fight it. One of Churchill's most famous quotes: 

"Victory at all costs, victory in spite of all terror, victory however long and hard the road may be; for without victory, there is no survival." - Sir Winston Churchill

Jump to our day and age... a person was arrested in the UK for quoting Winston Churchill in public for "hate speech". Ironically Churchill is one of their own, and one of the heroes responsible for preventing the UK (and the rest of the world for that matter) from all speaking German today. I can't understand how political correctness has become more important then right and wrong.

So sadly when evil is on the march all over the world, and the world is on the brink of WWIII the Americans aren't coming. Never before has our nations history been more important to our survival. The time is now to honor the men and women of The Greatest Generation. To seek them out to honor and learn from them, their information and experiences are priceless.

Find them and connect them with an Honor Flight network in their area. It's my opinion that someone in the Veterans Administration should be tasked with contacting every living WWII Veteran first, then down the line to provide the Honor Flight Network contact information, and ensure every one of them are able to participate in an event. We can all be  a part of helping that happen. If you know a WWII Veteran, or veteran of any foreign war contact them and make sure they have the information. Some are living alone without family or help. Taking a little time and effort could mean a life changing event for someone who gave so much so that we may have the life we have today... time is running out.

Here is the video to my song "I Carry You With Me" written about grief and loss. The video was dedicated to our nations veterans because more than anyone they and their families face grief and loss far too often. The ones we love are never really far from us, we carry them with us until we see them again. Americans should always carry with them the men and women of The Greatest Generation.

Blessings, Love & Music ~

Ava xo

www.avaaston.com 

Irrelevant

It's never too late to do anything.

One of my very favorite quotes in the whole wide word (besides "The world runs on Dunkins") is "Never, ever give up." by one of history's greatest heroes Sir Winston Churchill. Boy could we could sure use him in the times we're living in today couldn't we? But that's a blog for another day.

What brings this quote to my mind? Recently, I read about an eighty three year old supermodel who just scored a Special Edition cover of New You Magazine. Gracing the cover of a magazine is nothing earth shattering for a supermodel to do. However because pop culture as a whole generally practices age bias on a regular basis and pushes the subliminal message that youth equals everything; to be eighty three and get the cover, that my friends in my humble Greek opinion is something to not only notice, but to stand up and cheer about. 

Age bias is a subject not many people want to talk about, but it goes on every day in all walks of life. It's prevalent in entertainment, pop culture, TV, film, music, news, and even in the job market. What it boils down to is there are people out there (the so called experts) who determine other peoples value by their age, when in fact it's irrelevant. No one can avoid growing older, we're all going to get to be a particular age at some point in our lives, yes even Justin Bieber. We have a choice, buy into the "youth is everything fairytale" or stand up for age like Carmen Dell'Orefice has done.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying there is anything wrong with taking care of your health or striving to stay young at heart, body and mind. I believe your body is a miracle and you should definitely take care of it. What I am saying is that to allow someone to tell you that you're either "too old or even too young" to do or achieve something is just ridiculous. If you're still breathing you have every opportunity to achieve your dreams and goals.

There are people who have overcome insurmountable obstacles to go onto to achieve tremendous success in their fields. People who had they listened to the nay sayers, might never have. There are plenty, but I'll just name a few.

When Susan Boyle was born she went without oxygen during the delivery. The Dr's told her parents not to expect much from her. That she was born at a disadvantage and that she would never amount to much. She spent much of her life pursuing her dream and even when people discounted her, she didn't let others determine her value. One day at the age of forty eight years old she got on a bus to audition for a singing competition in another city. She had never traveled that far alone, accidentally got on the wrong bus, and ended up taking six busses to get to the venue. She walked out onto the stage in stark contrast to most of the young hip contestants, stood firm in who she was, boldly told lead judge Simon Cowell her dream, and then showed the world her beautiful gift.

Dr. Ben Carson is another. Born and raised in Detroit, Michigan his parents divorced when he was eight. Raised in what many could call not the greatest of situations by a single mom. He went from a boy with a violent temper (in the ninth grade he nearly stabbed a friend in a fight over a radio station) to what some would call one of the world's most intelligent people. How did he do this? At some point as a youth, he made a choice to not let his circumstances determine his value and where he would end up in life. He could have listened to the experts, not enough money to go to college, too hard, too this, too that. Instead he focused on what he had on the inside, his faith, worked hard and went onto to pioneer a brain surgery procedure and to be one of the most gifted neurosurgeons in the country if not the world.

The key is to know that your value does not come from superficial things like your looks or age. It's refreshing to see things like music artist Annie Lenox still going strong. Her performance at the 2015 Grammy Awards brought down the house, and she showed beyond any shadow of a doubt that age just doesn't matter. What matters is if you are good at what you do. So whatever you're working towards, whether it's to be a mom, a teacher, a Dr., a nurse, lawyer, mechanic, rocket scientist, or even a rocker... own it. Hone your skills and be the best one you can be. Don't let anyone tell you you're "too anything".

Stand up and be you, because at the end of the day there will only ever be one you. In the words of one of my favorite acting teachers in NYC Eric Loeb: "Students want to know what casting directors want, and how to book a job. Stop acting, there is only one you. Being you is the only thing that makes you different from the fifty other people who read for the role before you walked in, so stop "acting" and just "be you."  

I would add be you wherever you are in your life right now. Then own it, like Fashion Icon Carmen Dell'Orefice does. Beauty is subjective, and real beauty comes from within.

"For as he thinks in his heart, so is he..." Proverbs 23:7 (NLV) 

I leave you with a song I wrote about this very thing called "I Don't Even Care". Written about stuffing your ears full of cotton balls when the Debbie Downers of the world try to rain on your parade.

Blessings, Love & Music ~

Ava xo

www.avaaston.com

Love Everywhere

                It's amazing what happens when you look at the world through the lens of love.

It's almost here... don't you just love how culture today seems to jump from one Holiday to the next before you even have time to enjoy the present one? I mean geesh it's not even January 1st when you're walking down the aisles at your local Target Store and Bamm there it is: the Valentine's chocolate is staring you down (not that I mind chocolate staring me down anytime of the year). Seriously though... it's just seems totally out of hand these days.

Sometimes I'd like to write a giant memo to the media, pop culture and the retail marketplace. If I could I would say: Slow down, enjoy life. Live the moment you're "in" before you worry about planning (or shall I say helping people to plan) the "perfect" next one. So about those holidays, it's almost time for the one all about love... Valentine's Day. Are you ready?

Speaking of hearts mine is very happy these days. I am blessed to have had true love in my life for a long time now, so yes Valentine's Day makes my heart happy. However, my heart is bursting right now because I recently finished recording two brand new songs. They are special because they are my very first CCM (Contemporary Christian Music) songs and I can't wait to share them. I just submitted them to the copyright office. The new songs will soon be released to iTunes. Music videos are planned for spring, exact date coming soon so... stay tuned.

Why am I so excited about these songs? Because for my entire life I have loved to sing. Ever since I was a little kid, from the time I started to talk, and as long as I can remember, I have been getting lost in music. I was like a little Tina Turner (in the movie "What's Love got To Do With It") with the hairbrush in the mirror giving concerts in my bedroom, writing songs in my journal. After years of pursuing music for my own selfish reasons I came to a point where I turned it over to God with a desire to use my voice to be a blessing. To use every ounce of the gift he put in me to further his kingdom and touch people's hearts and minds for Christ.

Let's face it we are living in a crazy upside down world and it is just getting crazier by the day. Pop culture is completely saturated with icons, idols, symbols, and messages (both blatant and subliminal) that are the polar opposite of anything Godly. These things are even hidden in figures portrayed as good, light and positive. When in reality they are nothing but puppets of a much more sinister organization, a plan all designed to deceive and dumb down from the enemy. I find it sad to see people today, even people who call themselves Christians who believe in the Bible as the word of God, yet they are blind to what is going on around them. They watch and listen, as well as allow their kids to watch and listen to things in the pop culture world that are poisoning their minds.

Enter the antidote... you and me. We all have gifts and talents put into us by our creator. Gifts and talents to be used for his purpose to share the message of the gospel and counter the negative junk that is being pushed everywhere. So I for one have decided to use everything within me. Everything that I have to be the polar opposite of what is out there. To do good, and to be a light in a dark world. To help the hurting, love the lonely, lift the fallen, heal the broken and show the face of love that Jesus came to show us all.

Love can be everywhere when we all do something. There are opportunities all around us. There are hurting people, and animals who need to be rescued. We can all be a part of sprinkling love by using the gifts and talents we have to be the hands and feet of Jesus.

Happy Valentine's!

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