Thank You Al Gore

Thank's Al. You're the best, no matter what people say.

So it's official (well sorta) that Al Gore the great and mighty inventor of the Internet has done it again.  What am I talking about? Well, in case you haven't been to the Northeast anytime recently it seems that, well based off the climate at least, that Al Gore has cured and fixed the Global Warming issue.  The problem is he did it just a little too much. Instead of balancing things out it seems he went slightly overboard.  Now instead of having a balance with all four seasons here in the Northeast we kind of have been having it all mucked up.  Goes in line with not having a balanced budget, so as a Democrat I guess in a way he's par for the course and since that's all Obama does is play golf it works for him.

Well since a little past this time last year we had the start to probably one of the most cold and miserable winters I can remember.  It went on and on and on so long I can't say I even remember having an actual spring. Then when it came to summer it was like we packed an entire summer's worth of heat into the month of July.  Then we skipped right into what is now and has been turning into an early and very wet autumn.  

Now, anyone who knows this Greek Girl knows I love Autumn more than any other season, but really?  With as many rainy days we had this summer and now this? Hey Al Gore, can you chill out or rather warm up on this whole global warming thing?  It's like you turned the thermostat to cold and broke the dang thing off.  For crying out loud, the only time I got to put my bathing suit on this year was for an audition.  Now that is bordering on sacrilegious considering I never put my toes in any hot sand once this year let alone go swimming!!!!  What's even more is I can count the number of iced Dunkin donut coffee's I have had on one hand.  Which as you know is just bizarre in itself since last year I had like 20 of them every week!

So for this weeks blog I want to focus on my favorite things about the fall since it's coming so early and well at this pace if I don't act now before long I will be buried up to my eyeballs in snow drifts.  God knows, if there is one thing this Greek Girl hates more than the current occupant of the White House is too much white stuff on the ground.  No matter how pretty it is, it is dang cold and me and cold just don't mix, no matter how much olive oil I get in my veins!

1. Pumpkins.  Not only did I name one of my dog's Punkin' but one of my favorite things in the whole world is punkin flavored anything: coffee, donuts, pie, cookies and punkin rolls!!  

2. Foliage.  If you have never been to the Northeast you have got to come in Autumn.  The magic of watching the trees turn color is one of the most amazing things that you never get sick of even after living here all your life.

3.  Hoodies (aka zip up sweatshirts).  Yes I do wear them almost every day of the year, but I do it all the more in the fall.  They are so much fun, cute and they keep me warm.  Besides I have like 2000 of them, I have to do something with them right?

4. Back to school.  You are too old for school and have no kids Greek Girl?  I know, but that means all the rug-rats that run rampant around town are back in school and I don't have to be bothered by them :) j/k I loooooove kids...  But no really, it just means Kohl's is running serious sales and clearance sales like mad.  So bring on the clearance rack please!!!

5. Running.  Not only is it the best feeling in the world when you go for a long run but when you have the crisp autumn air and the foliage to go with it, never mind doing it at magic hour in the fall, is just an amazing thing for me.  Besides, it is just one more reason I can wear my sneakers more.

So there you have it.  My favorite things about this time of year, that is unless Al Gore gets the bright idea and reverse things again and muck's things up more.  You know, if you ask me, maybe since he is so full of hot air trying to explain how he invented the internet that maybe that is what started the whole global warming thing anyway.  Oh well, one will never know.  Enjoy your punkin pie and have a blessed and safe Autumn.

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

I Declare

How strong is your will?...

The first time I saw this photo, it was for an advertisement for a new series coming out from Joel Osteen titled "I Declare".  Greek Girl happens to like Joel, so for all the people out there with "Joel Osteen Derangement Syndrome" please save your emails.  Joel Osteen Derangement Syndrome is similar to "Bush Derangement syndrome", but not to be confused with each other. ;D

I believe that we all have gifting's, different purposes and assignments from God.  Not everyone's purpose is the same.  Some people prefer fire and brimstone all the time, they can be judgmental and say silly things like Joel is "Christianity Light".  I think there are so many different pastors all with unique talents and abilities in them given to them by God to do "different" things.  Joel is reaching millions of people for Christ on a daily basis.  In my book, this is a good thing.

Now back to the story... When I saw this photo it hit me like a ton of bricks.  No, not my former manager Mr. Bricks (he is busy writing his "Rat Pack of Hollywood" Children's Book series).  I'm actually going to be playing the voice of one of the Rat Character's when it's made into an animated series BTW.  For me this photo illustrates a simple choice each and every one of us faces at some point in our lives.

Everyone has a dream.  For some people it's to be a teacher, for some a stay at home mom, for others it's an Engineer, a painter, a ballerina, a politician, comedian, astronaut...  For some it is simply to retire early, for me it has been music...  For over twenty years, music.  Whatever anyone's dream, all of us face challenges on the road to achieving that dream.  We all face that pivotal moment, when we are hanging there about to reach the top of the fence and climb over.  We are hanging on with every fiber of our being, we are weak and weary from the climb, we are not sure if we have the strength to make that one last burst to get over the wall.  So what do we do?

What do you do?  What do I do?...  Personally I dig in.  I put my faith and hope in Jesus, the one who gave everything because of his love for me.  Then I tap into my iron Greek Will and push with everything I have.  This photo brings to mind a scripture that is one of my favorites actually.  "I can do All things though Christ who gives me the strength." Philippians 4:13 (NLV)

You see, in life we are faced with obstacles on a daily basis.  We can see them as opportunities and choose dig in with everything we have to take them head on, or we can see them as roadblocks stopping us dead in our tracks.  It's my faith that helps me to overcome every obstacle I face.  No matter what I choose, it's the choice and the action that follows that will define me and the outcome.  You see your tongue is like a rudder on a ship.  The things you say determine the direction of your life.  So I chose to declare God's word and promises over my life.

One of my favorite forms of working out is running.  Nothing quite compares to a nice long date with my sneakers, my iPod and the road.  Not to mention the endorphin high and the feeling of pushing past what you thought you couldn't do.  Well, for me anyways.  The other day on my run, this song came on my iPod and it really made me think about this photo.  I wanted to share it with you.  No matter where you are, no matter what you are facing...  The maker of heaven and earth loves you, knows your feelings and is holding you in the palm of his hands.  Decide that you can do whatever is in front of you today, no matter how impossible or hard it may seem because he is always there giving you the strength.

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

Running The NYC Marathon

Run the race set before you!

As I write this we are coming up on just under 8 hours from the start of probably one of the worlds most famous marathons ever to be run; The NYC Marathon.  This year like some of those in the past it's being called the ING NYC Marathon.  Regardless of what sponsor is hosting the event it's still amazing.  I can't quite imagine any one marathon being any more of a diverse event that brings runners of all kinds together in a tradition of sheer will and determination.

As most of you know, I love to run.  Running to me is heaven, aside from singing and being on stage.  Running is something that is like a drug to me.  I get a rush of endorphins that race through my veins as I rush past the each of my own landmarks and guideposts along the way.  Here in my own neck of the woods I have a certain path I like to take.
I Googled it and made sure it was an exact 5 miles from start to finish.  No, it's not 26.2 miles long like the marathon, it's not like the Greek Girl has enough time in my day to run that far.  Although at some point in my life, I do want to run a marathon for charity.

Now, all this talk about running has gotten my noggin thinking.  Though some of you may or may not agree with me on politics or religion or even have a sense of faith, but there is one thing in the Bible I believe holds true to all of us.  One of my favorite passages goes like this, "Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us" Hebrews 12:1.

So what is my point?  Well, like the NYC Marathon some people run to say they ran it, others win for charity and yet still others run it in hopes of actually winning it.  In the end there is only one real winner.  So why do so many thousands of people line up knowing they most likely may not complete it and especially not win the race?  Because, it's just like life. In life we are all here for our very own reason.  It's reason is as unique as our DNA and we may never know what our greatest purpose or cause may have been until we leave this Earth.

So why do we do it?  We do it because we have to.  We have a driving force within us that says we "must" complete this.  We "must" attempt to be great at this thing that we pursue.  We "must" run this race of our life as best we can.  The sad thing, is that so often many of us give up way before we are even half-way to the finish line.  Like the NYC Marathon many people in life set out to achieve great things and to aspire to a goal. They make New Years Resolutions and promises only to be broken.

That is why, today I am setting out on a new race.  It's the same race I have been running my entire life.  It's the same race, I'm just running it on a different track. For the past few months I have been digging down deep inside to find what really drives me with my music and what my source of hope and inspiration is.  In that, I have truly found that my race in this life is not as a sprint like some others may experience.  My race is taking a little longer than I may have imagined, it's more like a steady marathon.  Many of you already know that my goal is to be a blessing to many people and to do this through my music. It's my dream, my passion, and my purpose to use my God-given gift to be a positive influence and role model to people of all ages though my music, healthy lifestyle and positive attitude. I desire to use whatever monetary gain I can achieve through my music to give back to those less fortunate and in need.  People whom life seems to have looked past, to lift them up and make them feel special, cared for and loved.  This is what is truly in my heart.

As of November 6, 2011 (today) I will begin a 60-day journey of faith and trust as I begin a new leg of my race.  I have started a campaign on KickStarter.com.  The goal of the campaign is to raise the necessary funds to produce and promote my next album by offering exclusive rewards and prizes to people for pledging.  Honestly - if the campaign is successful, it will allow me to record my "truest" album to date.  This will be the one project that will be done without cutting corners, or limitations.  I've been writing, writing, writing, and have teamed up with a very talented producer.  This record will surmise everything I have gone through and come to thus far in my life in the pursuit of my goal.  It will be made without trying to "label" it or make it be something the "powers that be" - ie; the music industry gate keepers think it should be. It will just be me, singing my songs the way I have ever since I was five years old singing with the hairbrush in the mirror.  Honest and true to my own unique musical recipe.  It is with great passion that I'm taking this leap of faith.

The whole purpose of the campaign is to engage my fans and invite them to be a part of this very special upcoming record.  Without the aid of a record label or a fiancial backer, I have been pursuing a career as a recording artist all on my own on a shoestring budget and the tireless efforts of a special few.  Now, I am asking all of my friends and fans to join me in my race.  I want to finish strong and the only way I can is to run it with you by my side.  So, I'm asking you all to take a moment to learn about & share my campaign by going to http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/avaaston/ava-aston-new-album.  Join me in my race and help me make it to the finish line.  It is not how fast you finish the race, what really matters is that you make it to the finish line.

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

Take a minute and learn how you can get involved in my upcoming project through Kickstarter.com

Fireworks

Amazing :D

NOTE: IN THE SPIRIT OF THE 4TH OF JULY HOLIDAY AND TO KEEP MY NOGGIN SAFE AND SANE, I WILL NOT BE POSTING A NEW BLOG UNTIL TUESDAY JULY 6TH! 


So.... What are you going to do for 4th of July?  That seems to be the big question on everyone's mind the last week or so.  No need to ask what old man Brick's will be doing, I'm sure he will do like he always does, wear his circa 1986 white jeans and make a trip to Mc Donald's.  But wait a minute, he does that every day, so what makes that special for the 4th of July?... hmmmm

What is the Greek Blonde Girl gonna do for the 4th of July?  I have a nice muckery free weekend planned.  I am going to do what any red blooded american girl would do ~ and go shopping of course!  The 4th of July is a great time to putz around my favorite outlet mall and find treasures.  I also like to hit a good TJ Max (since I am a Maxinista afterall), Marshall's, and more than likely will make a trip to Kohls.

Unless I am out of town doing a show or an acting job, when I am at home in the Hudson Valley (just outside NYC)  I pretty much have a few things I regularly do when the 4th of July rolls around.  Since it is America's birthday the only proper thing to do is have a slice of Apple pie, don't mind if I do. ;D One of the weekend days I like to spend doing yard work.  Yes I have to do my own yard work, and yes I know if Mr. Bricks would hurry up and get me a record deal I would have someone to do the yard work for me. Until then, it's greek gardening 101 at the Aston House.  Since I'm severley allergic to poison ivy/oak/sumack that grows amuck in my yard, I always have to be uber careful to wear gloves, and try my darndest not to touch anything the gloves touched (always easier said than done).  Even though I rarely make it through a summer without an episode of it, I just can not resist the urge to get out and make the flower beds looks pretty.

After yard work is done, I usually find time to get in a good run, a few hours laying in the sun, and having a cookout with family & friends.  The following day I like to spend shopping. Who doesn't love a good sale & hitting Woodbury Commons just makes me giddy.  There are tons of of my favorite stores there: Coach, Nike, Michael Kors, Burberry, Kenneth Cole, and it's outside so it is a great way to spend the day.  Walking, shopping, enjoying the fresh air, and they have an ice cream & hot dog stand.... hello!!! Yes we all know I'm a health nut and normally eat super healthy, but hey it's 4th of July, I work out like a maniac and a kiddie size ice cream and one hot dog with mustard & sauerkraut never killed anyone.  Everything in moderation, right. Well, that is everything except shopping.  Kidding. ;D

Depending on when I get shopped out, hitting a good movie always makes me smile.  I'm really looking forward to seeing The New Transformers movie, Dark of the Moon !! Everyone knows how much I love the Bumble Bee Camaro... and the characters Bumble Bee & Optimus Prime are two of my favorites!!! Can't wait to see what happens in this installment!

Last but not least.... No matter where I happen to be on the 4th of July, I HAVE to see fireworks.  It's not negotiable... it's just not.  4th of July = fireworks, it is that simple! I love America & there is nothing more American than seeing a gorgeous display of fireworks on the 4th of July... and there is no place I love watching it more than the annual Macy's 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular!  I like to find a remote secluded spot to watch on my car from the Jersey side of the Hudson. Who wants to be stuck in traffic after they're done right?....  I can't think of a better way to round out the holiday weekend than to lay on top of my car enjoying the view and reflecting on all the fun of the weekend.

So what's on your agenda?  Whatever it is, I hope you have a safe, fun & wonderful Holiday!

Love & Music ~
Ava :D xox

If You Can't Stand the Heat Get Out of the Kitchen...

To write or not to write.... that is the question.

(Image still from "I Adore You" music video, click to watch)

Today I started to write a new song.  But then I realized with all of the muckery that has been surrounding my noggin lately, I had no business trying to write a new song today. That is unless it was going to be a theme song for a new "the Munsters". (here's a little trivia from Mr. Bricks...  The Munster's address was 1313 Mockingbird Lane.  Seriously ~ why does he know about this kind of useless stuff, but doesn't know how to get me a record deal yet).

When I was a little Greek girl, my yaya would be slaving away in the kitchen making a batch of baklava & my aunt Kellopie would come into the kitchen and start wanting to talk about some "really important" family drama.  My yaya would say to her "Kellieopie, I'm busy working here ~ if you can't stand the heat get out of the kitchen".

That's how I felt today... it was almost like my paper was staring back at me saying "Ava, what are you doing, you can't stand the heat today - so get out of the songwriting kitchen".  So I put down my pen & notebook and put on my sneakers.  The best way for me to get rid of the "blahh's" is to workout.

As a songwriter you always want to write the best song you possibly can, but there are certain days where sometimes you just have no business doing so because your heart is just not in it. Your noggin needs to be able to say to you "Step away from the paper". Songwriting really has to come from the heart, and everyone has days where their heart is just not into it. Unfortunately if you listen to the radio at certain times, you might just realize that not everyone got that memo. ;D just sayin.

The great news is if you don't feel like writing a song today, you could always lace up your sneakers and go for a nice long run instead.  The even better news is that there is always tomorrow, tomorrow, tomorrow.... The Sun will come out tomorrow.... Hey I think I might just feel a song coming on here.  

Hope you have a beautiful "blah~less" day!

Blessings ~

Ava :D xox

The Devil Wears Prada, The Greek Girl Wears Sneakers

Prada's Spring and Summer Collection

I think I want to marry the weatherman. I am back in New York and as we approach a holiday weekend it appears that the weather will be just perfect for some alone time with my sneakers.

Now that's what I am talking about. Not too hot, not too cold, just perfect for some beautiful running throughout America's greatest city and to check out some of the newest fashions!

If I want to head to Prada's flagship store I need to point my sneakers to 575 Broadway  (at Prince) in SoHo.  I won't be able to miss it because not every retail store has a Rem Koolhaas' designed 23,000 square foot $40 million dollar building! Nice.

When I am done in SoHo I can take a quick jog up near Central Park to 841 Madison Avenue and check out that Prada store. Yah, that's what I think I will do even if I have to cheat a little and hail a cab.

But all running and no shopping is not fun, so I will make sure to stop when I am in Midtown Manhattan and check out the Prada stores located at 45 East 57th Street, 724 5th Ave and the one located at 611 5th Avenue. I hear they have some really nice boots...Not that I wanna make my sneakers jealous, but  a Greek Girl needs her boots too - just sayin'

That's what my weekend is shaping up to be like. We all will be celebrating differently. Many of you will have cook outs and barbecues, and while I am out running and shopping Mr. Bricks will no doubt be eating McRibs, ordering Dominos Pizza and cheering on his favorite driver Danica Patrick while watching the Indy 500 and then watching NASCAR's Coca-Cola 600.  So how will you be spending your upcoming Memorial Day Weekend? No matter what you do, I hope you enjoy it!

Blessings,

Ava

xox