Best Dressed

Who can resist a furkid dressed in a costume? I can't. Which is why every year one of my favorite fall traditions is picking out cute costumes for my furbabies and taking loads of pics!

My almost twelve-year-old Pekingese Punkin Pie says they are not costumes, rather "torture devices",and that dressing them all up in these costumes is animal cruelty. Then I tell her she has no idea what animal cruelty is. Further, that if she wants to see what actual animal cruelty is to go on Facebook for about five seconds and she will see it with her own eyeballs on the pages of one of the countless rescue groups that work so hard to pick up the pieces for so many innocent creatures. Which is why I always give to as many as I can because without the rescues these animals would never get the second chance they so desperately need and deserve. Of course I talk to my dog... doesn't everyone? 

Anyhow back to a happy topic, pets in costumes. Now I would love to dress my two spoiled black cats up in costumes, but like Punkin says "they don't need a Halloween Costume because they come with a built-in one, they are black cats." Besides putting a costume on Jaxson and Bella would probably go about the same way putting their leash and harness on when they have to travel or go to the vet, which isn't a very pleasant experience.

So it's up to the dogs to fill the cute bucket year after year. So without further ado... I present the 2018 Aston Dogs Howl-O-Ween Costume Parade.

I give you Pepe. My little rescue monkey who is a sixteen plus year old Tibetan Spaniel new hope only euthanasia list survivor from the NYC ACC. He had a lot of issues when he first came to us, but after six years he is a very happy old man enjoying the life he should have had for his entire life.


Next is Punkin Pie. A beautiful Pekingese girl who is going to be twelve in November. We have had her almost her entire life and she is spoiled as it gets and we love her to pieces!




Next is little Lulukins. She is a Shitzu who is also a rescue from the NYC ACC the same shelter that Pepe came from. The vet says she is somewhere under five, we are not exactly sure. She was very young when we rescued her three years ago. Lulu is the without a doubt the happiest little dog I have ever met in my life, she literally bounces when she walks.



 









 And all together.... for the group humiliation shot (as Punkin would say) I present to you below... the Aston Furkids Halloween 2018 photo!

Shortly after we already assembled the group for the humiliation, we rescued a Japanese Chin who we have named Yuki. Since he is still settling in and learning what life is like around our house, new smells, new things, new people, new stuff... we did not want to stress him out by dressing him up in a torture device too ;o) So his humiliation pic will have to wait until next year when he can join the bunch for the Halloween Costume Parade. So for now, this normal un costume pic will have to do. I give you the newest member to the Aston pack... Yuki.

Happy Howl-O-Ween!

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

Oh Say Can you See

Lady Liberty and all her glory... simply stunning!

Hard to believe it is almost the forth of July. I for one am very happy that summer is finally in full swing and the warm weather is here to stay. Well, at least for a few more months for those of us in the northeast that is.

After such a long and ridiculous winter I am very much looking forward to taking the holiday time to soak up the heat and breathe in the summer air. I will also be performing The National Anthem at a Baseball game, which is really wonderful. I mean what could be more fun than a baseball game and with my being a singer, the opportunity to perform the National Anthem on the day our country won her Independence? Can anyone say happy Greek girl?

The fourth of July is about a new beginning for our nation. Seeing advertisements everywhere for Fourth of July festivities has got me to thinking about new beginnings. I have the beginning of a new habit that I wanted to share… I am taking off my Fitbit for good, there I said it.

No more... not for me.

Why would you do such a silly thing you may be wondering. Well it’s just personally I think we as a society have become way too obsessed with technology. Now don’t get me wrong, I enjoy the benefits of technology and of course it has its place. I just feel it has become far too front and center in our daily lives. Our phones are practically glued to us, and lets not even get into how over reaching Amazon’s “Alexa”and Google’s “Echo” creepy little units are because that would be a whole blog for another day. At first I thought the fitbit was great, and yes I’ll admit it was pretty neat to see how long I slept, and how many times I got up at night, and just how many steps I got in on a particular day.

  

Where it started to lose it’s luster for me was when I started to catch myself being disappointed if I didn’t get as many steps in throughout the week as I did the week before, and so on. I’d find myself looking at it so often then it hit me; this is getting to be on the silly side. I remember not too long ago putting on an old fashioned watch, take a swatch for instance, and going out for a run. The only reason I had it on was to keep track of “how long” I was running for. I was free to enjoy the fresh air, take in the beautiful images of nature and just enjoy the run and endorphin high. As opposed to exercising to see how many steps or calories I could burn each time.

A few of my favorites...

Never mind the fact that I had an entire watch box full of watches that I loved that hadn’t seen the light of day in over a year.  I really love watches too… they are one of my things, like sneakers and flip-flops. For some girls it’s high heels, but for me, it’s watches, sneakers and flip-flops. So the fact that I was wearing the same watch every single day, a little piece of technology that was literally attached to me at all times got me to thinking it was a bit obsessive.

So I decided to kick my Fitbit to the curb. Yes you heard right, this girl is going old school when it comes to watches. My very favorite watches are Android, which have since changed their name to Aragon, check them out at www.aragonwatch.com. Absolutely gorgeous watches, mostly automatic at surprisingly affordable prices too. Each watch is literally a work of art, and all designed by their creator and founder Wing Liang. The Mr. and I met him years back at a fashion trade show and we have been in love with his creations ever since.

So this year when I sing “Oh say can you see” I’ll be sporting a plain old watch on my wrist, and the only time I’ll be looking at it is to check the time. Hope you enjoy the holiday!

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

Rising Star on ABC

Want to see little ol' me on this new show? ;o)

Would you like to see me on a "New Music Talent" Show by ABC called Rising Star ?

If you're sitting there thinking "What in the heck in the World are you talking about Greek Girl - did you fall down and hit you noggin?!" I know most of you know how I feel about TV Talents shows... but hey a little National Exposure can go a long, long way for an Independent Recording Artist like myself. I had actually planned to attend the open call in NYC this past week. However, due to the relapse in my back injury from the car accidents I was unable to attend as I could not even stand that day. In fact I spent most of that day at the Chiropractor & getting an MRI, I know sounds like oodles of fun.

Thank goodness I'm on the mend again, and decided to do a video submission instead. So with that said I need to ask a favor, hey you never know. If people nominate me it could help. I value your support and trust you would write a good recommendation about Greek Girl! If you'd like to help, here's what to do:

Visit This Link to Nominate Me: (follow the prompts)
www.iamarisingstar.com

(My Social Media Links to make it easy)
www.avaaston.com
www.facebook.com/officialavaastonmusicpage
www.twitter.com/avaaston
www.youtube.com/avaaston
www.pinterest.com/avaaston
www.instagram.com/avaaston
www.reverbnation.com/avaaston

When it gets to the Video Submission. Below is my "official online video audition". You may use it if you like or any of the other videos on my youtube channel.

Here's the link to my "Acapella Channel" on my YouTube page. There are over 60+ songs, so you can choose whatever you like best.

"Ava Aston Acapella Channel Youtube":
www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLD36065AB49A17789

HURRY though the LAST DAY to nominate me is This Wednesday April 30th Midnight Pacific Time! Just follow the prompts and tell them why you think I'd be great for the show. I appreciate your time and support very much! Thank you so much guys, your time is very much appreciated! Have a great week!

Blessings, Love & 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

VeeWall

Yep - the Greek Girl is trying to win $100k to help boost her independent music career.

What In The Heck In The World am I up to now?...  Well I'll tell you what I'm up to.  It's like this.  Greek Girl loves to sing and write songs.  Ever since I was a little kid I have been singing in the mirror with my hair brush like Tina turner in the movie "What's Love Got To Do With It".  I've been writing down songs in journals, and singing anywhere and everywhere I can.

There were even times when (if you believe it that I sang so much it would actually annoy people) :D Yes there were those times in high school where a friends parents would pick us up from sports practice, squished four girls in a backseat and I'm there with my track gear on my lap singing at the top of my lungs to whatever song was on the radio at the time.  My friends dad would be like "Hey Ava... who sings this song?" I'd say whoever it was and then he would  answer while holding back a giggle "Then Let Them...".  

They all liked my singing and they all supported me through every talent show, contest, National Anthem, and through the years my friends have never given up belief that I will  achieve my goals.  Now for whatever reason, it has not happened yet.  Will it happen?  Yes.  It just hasn't been my time yet.

In todays fast paced world where literally anyone can make a record if they have the dough and anyone can put up a video on youtube and overnight have a record deal, or show up on on reality TV with a sad story... we know what goes on.   Unfortunately Greek Girl does not have a money tree in the back yard to make new records, promote and tour as often as I would like to.  So I do as much as I can as often as I can.  However... You can help change that.

I just heard about a new contest called Veewall.  As described on their website: "VeeWall Vocals is a free online vocal performance contest where the public decides who the winner is. There are no judges so all you have to do is record your best original performance and get as many votes as you can. The entrant who gets the most votes will be awarded $100,000. No gimmicks and no promotions. The money is all yours."

So I figured Hey Why Not?  Why not rally up all my friends, family and fans on social media and try to get the $100k?  Normally I don't enter these kind of contests, but you know $100k is a lot of money.  It could literally change my career.  It would allow me to record a record without having to skimp on production or promotion.  It would allow me to make new videos and to hire a publicist.  Most importantly it would give me the chance to really get my music and message out to the world.

So would you please join me?  It is simple and Free.

You can vote Once a day every day from 1/14 - 4/29.  The artist with the most votes wins $100k.  A basic performance version (as per contest rules) of my original song "I Carry you With Me" is up now.

Click Here to Register & Vote: http://www.veewall.com/vocals/video/avaaston

Your Daily Vote would mean the ability to get my music & positive message out to the world!  Sharing via email, facebook, twitter, etc. is greatly appreciated!  Thank you so much for your support and for your time.  I know everyone is very busy and your help means the world to me.

Blessings ~
Ava :D xox
www.avaaston.com

Little Miracles

It's the LIttle things...

Kids say the darndest things, and they also say some very profound things. For those of you out there scratching your head (no the Greek girl does not, I repeat does Not have any kiddies, well except for my fur-babies). I am however fortunate enough to have some insanely adorable and very smart nieces & nephews.

Yesterday I had the pleasure of spending a few hours with my sister from Kansas & her family. Their three kids are really some of the most cute, smart, and honestly sweet kids I have ever met. I know kids are a result of the parenting, but I am always so blown away by how smart and sensitive these kids are whenever I am lucky enough to spend time with them since they live in the middle of the country. (note to tour manager - schedule more stops in KS please...) ;D Back to my point, well since I don't have kids, it always makes me laugh when I am around any the things that they say.

So yesterday being the super fun auntie that I am, I suggested we all go for ice cream, because we all know that ice cream = F~U~N! We all had just got our choices in our hot little hands about to indulge when my niece "Eva the Diva" (who is looks very much like a mini me btw, as her mom my sister and I look very similar as well) So Eva blurts out,"Ice Cream is a Miracle." Needless to say we all got quite a laugh from it. Here are just some of the few nuggets I have heard from the kiddies:

"So what happens if you put your foot in the toilet when you flush it?"

Walking into an air conditioned house from outside "Oh my Gosh this is Great"

Referring to new sparkle shoes "Like my new shoes?... They make dreams come true"

"Look mom I did my own make-up"

Laying out his new shirt for school "Well... now all the girls will be attracted to me"

Funny at the time, but when little Diva made her statement about Ice Cream being a miracle... it made me stop and think about what we all as individuals consider a miracle. As the saying goes "One mans trash is another mans treasure". What one person sees as a miracle, may be viewed as a mess to another person. For me, my little miracles are quite simple really. Being able to spend time with friends and family that I cherish, my health, savoring the amazing beauty in nature on a long run, pushing past limits, loving my doggies, and of course making my favorite souls expression - music. There is nothing I enjoy on this earth more than being able to create a great song that people can connect with and where I can express what I'm feeling. Of course performing that song or any song that really makes my heart happy is a Miracle to me.

So my thought for the day... whatever your little miracles may be, from Ice Cream to creating Art - embrace them, experience them, but whatever you do don't forget them. Because they are what make you, you.

Blessings, Love & Music ~
Ava :D xox

www.avaaston.com

Rock Walls

My Rock Wall as it was Being Built

So I know I said I was going to spend a lot of my weekend going to the movies, watching fireworks and yes shopping.  Yes I did all that, but what I didn't expect was to build a rock wall.  As cliche as it may sound being a rockstar for me to be building a "rock wall".  No I am in no way changing my career plans, as the old saying goes don't quit your day-job.  Well as for me and building rock walls, I'm no pro.  Now singing, that's a whole other thing so Mr. Bricks, you can cool your jets cuz this Greek Rock-Diva is not going anywhere, except for the Grammy's when you get me my record deal, just sayin'.

So back to the rock wall, yes I somehow got sidetracked and decided to go all out and work on sprucing up the yard a bit.  No I don't have a money tree in my backyard (yet anyways), though I did look for it this weekend because if I did, I wouldn't have been hoisting boulders up over my shoulder that were bigger than my head and carrying them clear cross ROCKLAND COUNTY, and yes that is the county I live in. Instead I would have been paying someone to move them.  Of all the places to decide to live I chose Rockland county.  Now being a rising rockstar I guess it suits me just fine but as for the landscaping thing, not such a great idea.  See, they named this county "Rockland" because everywhere you go there are rocks in the land.  Get it?  Okay, I will leave the jokes up to Mr. Bricks. Anyway, because there are so many stinking rocks all over the yard it only made sense to gather them all up and create a wall along the driveway.

Now as crazy as it must seem to picture this little Greek Blonde girl with an iPhone and an Iced-Cup-O-Happiness wearing crocks and hoisting up boulders, I was doing it.  I had one of my favorite songs "Eye of the Tiger" playing in my iPod as I thought of Rocky Balboa training to fight the Russian in Rocky, my favorite movie and all I could think about was getting those 50 pound rocks to the end of my driveway - and I did it.  In style of course.  That is, I mean my shorts did match my T-Shirt and my Crocks were the fashionable choice for trecking through the muck (of course I would never wear one of my beloved pairs of sneakers) and oh did I mention "POISON IVY"? Yep, I braved it.  I set out to build a rockwall and sure enough I did and I did it while getting my yearly dose of poison ivy/oak or sumac muck that's grows out of control in my yard.  I even sprayed gallons of chemicals to kill it, to no avail.  Great, now I can be itchy while I go in the recording studio tomorrow. Fantastic.

Okay, I know you are wondering, what does all this have to do with anything?  Great question.  Well when I was trying not to crush my little Greek body (which is like a marble statue of course from all the working out I do) with these massive rocks I was thinking of some of my greatest rocks: Rocky, the Rock, Rock Music and of course Rockstars.  It made me think of all the tough challenges are a part of the road for anyone like me who wants to chase a dream.

See most of the time we are told to tear down the walls in our lives.  But sometimes we need also to build walls.  Walls that are fortified and strong with rocks.  Rocks that would crush you.  Rocks that you put there and place in the perfect spot.  Those walls we build in our lives sometimes are walls of sacrifice, struggle and triumph. Building this wall helped remind me of those important challenges I am faced with every single day.  It reminds me of how not to give up.  My rock wall is not done and just as my dreams have not been finished yet, I will continue building this wall and the rock wall of my life.  At the end I can sit back and admire my rock wall and realize what an accomplishment it has been.  That and of course it reminded me of how hard it is sometimes to keep going till you get to the end of the driveway with a 50 pound boulder over your shoulder - you know where your neighbor won't drive over your mailbox because you built a rockwall to protect it.  Oh that was the other reason for the rock wall.  But seriously though.  Life can be hard and following your dreams is even harder.  All of us from Rocky to the Greek Rock Chick have our own rockwalls we need to build.  So get your Crocks on and pick up your rocks and start building.

Love and blessings,
Ava xo

Why It Is Important to Always Have Internet Access

Florida's Friendliest Non-Internet Hometown...

Well.... this is an obvious for so many reasons. No matter how much we may say we want to or would like to be able to unplug, lets face it, you really can not even really enjoy free time without having internet access. For me anyway, it is just that simple. We have become so connected to our technology.  That is unless you are Mr. Bricks and still using the AOL dial up internet from the free CD they sent in the mail, just sayin.

For the rest of us however, not so much. It's a quaint little almost romantic thought to think things like:  hmmm I would love to spend the weekend reading a good book (I mean for crying out loud even books are electronic now), doing yard work (not so much for me on that one since I have to steer clear of the poison ivy/oak/sumack growing amuck in my yard - or go outside in a biohazard suit), not look at the multimedia cell phone, stay off of twitter, etc....  That is until you actually try it.  

Check movie times.... Nope
Create playlist for road trip... Nope
Update facebook status... Nope
Read your favorite blog by Ava Aston... Nope
Get directions to the beach... Nope
Find out how to soothe a sunburn... Nope
Find a good restaurant... Nope
Find out what happened on your favorite reality show that you missed... Nope
Write a letter, oops I mean who does that anyway I mean send an email... Nope
Find out the weather of where you're going before you go... Nope
Mobile banking... Nope
Get info about what the current Kohl's promotion is... Nope
Share vacation photos with friends/family instantly... Nope
Take a pic of your dinner, so you can email it to Mr. Bricks and gross him out because it is so healthy... Nope  

I mean think about it... just four short years ago being able to suf the web "on the go" meant using a blackberry which was not very fast with inet lets face it, or carrying your laptop with wifi around in your car and seeing how close you could get to a building to be able to log into an unsecured signal.... Me do that? I would never....But to make sure I was still winning my latest Ebay auction treasure, you bet I did.  

So even if you decide you want to give it up for a little bit, it really is not that realistic.  I mean unless you're retired and living in a retirement community like "The Villages" in sunny south Florida.  Why on earth would you need internet access living there where the number one used mobile device is a golf cart?  I mean this place even has their own Ruby Tuesday Restaurant, grocery store, entertainment, golf course, post office, church, movie theatre, heck they even have a college for lifetime learning.... So I guess in this case, if you are retired and living some place like The Villages, you may not "need" internet.  For the rest of us living in the 21st century it's just become a necessary part of life.   

 Have a blessed day & surf's up (internet surfing that is) ;D
Ava  xox

   

Why Do People Name Their Cars...

Lightning McQueen, Just love him!

So it is probably no surprise that I love the movie Cars, (especially knowing my love for animation & cartoons) and I'm super excited to see Cars 2 when it opens June 24th!  I remember when my niece & nephew were so into it when it came out I was thinking gee what is all the hoopla about? Then one day I sat down to watch it while I was getting my car detailed at one of the in & out joints in northern New Jersey and I was immediately taken.  Before I knew it almost the whole movie went by & my car had been sitting outside done for almost an hour....   It's amazing how two little things animation and a cup of coffee can amuse me.  ;D I think "Lightening Mc Queen" is a very cool name and I love his character, so adorable!

I guess you could say I have had a few cars in my day.  Truthfully I think there is a part of me that was a motor head in another life because, I love cars.  I really do, (not quite as much as I love my sneakers), but I have a definite love for them.  When I see a car that I like, my heart skips a beat.  So sometimes I have to wonder in my Greek coconut, was I a greaser in a former life?...  Cauz there is just something magical about a quality built piece of machinery whether it be a classic car or a new car, it is just plain hypnotic to me.

So I recently bought a second car since both my sweetie & I can't be in the same place at the same time ~ all the time...  As usual I had to pick out a name for the car, and it got me to thinking.  Why do we name our cars (well those of us that do anyway, why do we do it)?  Meet Johnny Jetta.

Meet my new ride Johnny Jetta

Here are the names of a few of the cars I have had in my day.  Of course my dream car is the Bumble Bee Camaro from the Transformers movie...  Maybe if Mr. Bricks would get off his duff and quit eating McRrib sandwiches all dang day long & finally get me a record deal - I would be able to go get my dream car Bumble Bee...

This is my dream car!

Til then a Greek Girl can dream, and drive a few of the cars below:

Saab~a~rina - Saab 9-5 Arc. Very nice car, with a lot of bells and whistles ~ but she was aging and she liked to make frequent trips to the nearest Saab dealer and have me deposit $100.  So they could hook her up to a computer and turn off the light that was on and proceed to tell me "oh nothing is wrong we turned off the light".  Usually this would be followed by another trip to another Saab dealer or mechanic to find out miss Saabarina needed hundreds if not thousands of dollars of TLC.  So she was retired...

Saab~a~Rina R.I.P.

A few more of my previous car friends:  There was "Prissy Passat" ~ a VW Passat, Jimmy Jaguar ~ my dad had a classic Jaguar, well one more year and it would have been a classic, that is until I wrecked it at the beginning of my senior year of high school.  ;( Thankfully I was not hurt too bad, and one of the reasons I tend to drive like a granny even to this day.

Well friends I hope you all have cute names for your cars & that you drive safe!  Have a beautiful day!

Blessings ~
Ava :D

Dude Looks Like A Lady

So Steven Tyler is one of the new judges for American Idol.  I like him and his band Aerosmith, but that still isn't enough to get me to watch the show. Sorry Mr. Head of Programming at Fox.

It might surprise you that The Greek Blonde girl is not a fan of American Idol. Yah, who knew? Just because I am a singer and recording artist doesn't mean I must like a show about singers that creates manufactured careers. In my Greek noggin, the only real American Idol has been Kelly Clarkson...oh, wait I also think Daughtry is a really talented singer as well as Kelly.

The problem I have with the show American Idol is that it gives false hopes to so many people. This is a hard business. But now thanks to that reality series so many people think that if they get on TV it will make them a great singer. What it actually does, is it reinforces that lose screw in their coconut that makes them think they are a good singer.  Hold the phone William Hung can you hear me now? We all really know that just because you are on TV doesn't mean you are a good singer, or that you can even sing for that matter. We had that nonsense and muckery with Larry Platt and his song, Pant's On The Ground to prove that.

I have great respect for myself as a singer and for all of those who have also trained to perfect their craft like I have. However, I don't have a great deal of respect for marginal Karaoke singers who have a really great back story and get lots of exposure on National TV.

Now before you go off asking me if this Greek Girl wants a little whine with her cheese, let me say, this is not about sour grapes. I am happy when anyone has something wonderful happen to them. And clearly anyone who is on American Idol is in for an incredible ride with some really great opportunities in store for them. But just because they were on American Idol doesn't mean they are  a fantastic singer.

Note: Please scroll up and re-read paragraph 3 - just sayin'

Blessings,

Ava

xox