Joy

It's finally here! In fact I'm so happy about it I've been humming a little tune all around the house for weeks now. "I've got the joy, joy, joy down in my heart..." Joy about what Greek Girl you may be wondering?

The new movie Joy starring cutie patootie Jennifer Lawrence? No, but it was a fantastic movie that I highly recommend! The characters were all very well developed, and it's a super feel good film that gets a big fat thumbs up and five stars from this film critic. 

If not that, what pray tell could be causing all that "joy" I am talking about? Why The Biggest Loser premiere of course! Why on earth am I so excited about a TV show one may wonder? Well hello... it has many of my favorite elements: sneakers (my number one favorite shoe to wear), people doing things they thought they couldn't, inspiration, drama. Sure in my opinion the show will never be the same without Jillian, but it's still incredibly inspiring, and never fails to have me in tears at some point during an episode.

I have been so inspired by some episodes in the past that I have even written lyrics to songs from watching. So for me it's a win-win. 

New year, a new chance to get up to bat and swing for one's goals and dreams in life. We all have them, many start out strong at the beginning of the year and for a multitude of reasons peter out and end up quitting. For me it is magical to watch people who have tried time after time, after time to achieve a goal who have never been able to do it, finally break through and get it done. It's just my happy place. 

Society today has so many tools to be healthy and live longer, yet it seems is getting more and more unhealthy by the second. Your body is a miracle. When you treat it right by feeding it the right things and making fitness a part of everyday (just like brushing your teeth) the results are remarkable. That's why I love the show so much, it demonstrates this principle in such a dramatic way on such a large scale, literally. 

I think everyone has the ability inside them to blast through barriers... it's just a matter of will. Not a matter of "can", but a matter of "if". Excuses can be made for everything, everyone has something. Not everyone has the "physical capability" to be an olympic athlete, this I know very well. Accidents, disabilities, many things can make a person think they "can't" be physically fit. The truth of the matter is though that there is a modification for almost everything. There is some kind of physical activity that everyone can do, and once one changes their mentality from can't to can... the entire world can change. 

So you can be your bottom dollar I'll be parked in front of the TV watching. With a hot cup of happiness a la Dunkin's in my hands (with Truvea instead of sugar of course). Will you? If not my hope is that 2016 is a year for everyone to reach beyond their limits and break though barriers to reach goals and dreams they have buried on the inside. Remember, everything is possible... you just have to believe. Happy 2016!

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

Dreams Do Come True

Not only a fan... one of my closest friends :D

Ever feel your heart smile? Well mine recently has and I couldn't help but share it with you. Like many people do, Greek Girl has a "bestie". You know someone you have known your entire life. A person that no matter what in heck in the world happens, what they do, where they go, they will always be your friend. Even if twenty years were to pass, when you get together again it is like no time has passed at all, as close as family.

Well my BFF is my friend Ricky. We grew up together, and I have known him since I was a little Greek Girl of about five years old or so. I think at one time I might even had had a crush on him, that was until I realized he didn't actually like girls. lol We've laughed, cried, fought, and done all the crazy things that kids do. I remember one time we may or may not have even set an old crumbling house down by the river on fire. Good grief that was a muckery filled day that ended up with yours truly in the hospital getting a very painful tetanus shot due to a Giamungo nail going all the way through my foot and sticking up out of the top of my sneaker. Ouch! Just thinking about that episode makes me cringe.

A lot of time has passed since those days when we were little muckery makers. We have each gone onto live our own separate lives and I might not agree with everything he does in his life, but one thing is for sure. He will always be my friend, and no matter what he does I will never abandon a friend. I'm just not wired that way.

So as you might imagine when he told me what was about to happen I felt proud. My friend has as an adult had his share of bumps in the road to get to this point. You know what they say when you're down but not out, it reminds me of my friend. No matter what has ever happened, he always gets back up. Maybe it was something in the water back there in Kirkwood where we spent a good portion of our childhood. Being that Greek Girl has that same "don't quit" gene. It's always made me smile knowing that he always, always - gets back up.

This message of "not quitting" is one I am passionate about getting out to people in whatever I do. No matter what you might go through. No matter what happens in your life, whether it is of your own making from poor choices, or something you had nothing to do with but not pleasant just the same. If you never lose your spirit, your sparkle, never lose your dream, never lose your goal, work hard, and never give up that you can and will achieve it.

That's why I am so very proud of my Super Talented lifelong childhood friend! He has dreamed about launching his own cosmetics line as long as I can remember. Well his dream is coming true; Ricky Roberts Cosmetics is in full swing!

Ricky Roberts Cosmetics!
(photo by John Martinez Photography)

I'm double proud of my friend for his dream coming true, and of my sweetheart for building the beautiful website for my friends company. The website was built by www.erimacgroup.com Some of you may know of my secret passion for skincare and cosmetics. So I'm super selective and picky about what I use and or recommend. Ricky Roberts Cosmetics line is high quality, long wearing, mineral based product formulas with treatment built in, that multitask for a fabulous finish that lasts and lasts.

Check out the website and if you're located in the Charolette NC Area stop by and see it in person at one of his Primp Salonbar locations! Have a beautiful day and remember... no matter what your dream is, if you work hard and Never Give Up - Dreams can and Do come true!

Don't forget to VISIT:
www.rickyrobertscosmetics.com

Blessings, Love & Music ~
Ava xo

Godwinks

When God winks it's like He is saying, "I have you in the palm of my hand".

When you have a dream or goal, sometimes it can seem like it's taking a long time, or like nothing is happening.  Anyone who knows anything about Greek Girl knows that I have been going after my dream and goal for a long time.  Yes, even your "Happy the Glass is Always Full Greek Girl next door" can come down with the blahs every now and again.  Happens even to the best of us.

Well this weekend I performed at an event in NJ where Governor Chris Christie was speaking.  One thing you might not know about me is that I got my start performing by doing National Anthems.  Starting with High School sports games, College and local events.  Then I got my courage up and started reaching out to Professional Sports Teams.  I got a reputation for showing up on time, singing it on key, respectful (that's without a lot of crazy ornamentation that dilutes the original melody of the song for anyone who might be wondering), and for doing it in the time they asked for, either 90 or 120 seconds.  One of the teams I developed a great relationship with was The NJ Devils Hockey Team.

Back to present day, Saturday at the event.  Someone I had not seen in over 10+ yrs. wasn't aware that I was performing.  When I started singing in his head he went "That's AVA!"  He recognized my voice.  After I was done I went back to my seat at a table in the front.  So I'm sitting there waiting for the program to begin and I see a face I recognized scooting up to our table with a Great Big smile on his mug.

He said "Do you remember me"?...  Talk about a Godwink.  One of my very favorite books is "Godwinks" by Squire Rushnell.  If you've never read it, here's my short interpretation: It illustrates through a series of unique stories from all kinds of different people in different situations and walks of life - that although at the time we might not see it, God always has us in the palm of his hands.  He is there lining up the details, arranging things, the right people, the right breaks, all of it.  He knows the end from the beginning, and when you look back on a situation it is clear that God was there all along.  Some might brush these stories off as coincidences...  but when you have an "ah ha" moment about a person or situation looking back on it, that at the time was difficult or confusing.... you have a feeling, a knowing a peace.  It was God, and all along he was there giving you little winks of encouragement, as if to say "I'm here, trust me, I have you in the palm of my hand."  If we watch for them we can spot them, it's amazing to have these moments in our lives.

After pursuing something for so long, something that I know was put in me for a reason, that seems in the natural to be taking way too long...  what happened Saturday for me was a total Godwink.  Turns out that smiling mug was the very same guy who used to book me to sing The Anthem for the NJ Devils.  To have a person from the past who has not heard me sing in over 10+ years, not have any idea Who was singing, to hear me sing and "recognize my voice" from the way way way back of the ballroom.  To be excited enough to walk all the way up to the front of the room, seek me out to tell me - for me, that was confirmation.   It was like God saying to me, "Chill out Greek Girl, I have you in the palm of my hand'.

There are times today when it can be hard sometimes "not" to be discouraged.  Things are going faster, the world is getting crazier by the day, and all too often we are bombarded with so much of the bad news that it can be hard to see the "good".  In these times, it is more important than ever that we keep on the lookout.  Remember the one who cares for us, loves us, is there with us.  Holding and guiding us, Godwinks like a little smile from heaven signaling everything will be alright.

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

Impossible

Warning: True story alert.  For people who have been reading my blog a while, you know how the Greek Girl rolls.  I call it like I see it and do not accept the "status quo".  So for people who are perfectly happy to accept things as they are, well this blog might be a little uncomfortable for you.  Anyone else grab your favorite beverage and read on.

The past week had been well... let's just say I've had better weeks.  I'm sure you can relate.    Everyone has at some point or another experienced times when the road to getting to where we want to go can be a bit difficult.  Normally when people tell me no, or that something can't be done, I just stuff my ears full of cotton balls and go "la la la la la"...  Onward and upward.

However in this instance it just irked me.  I was considering new representation for my acting (and my music or so I thought).   Well... what else is Greek Girl going to do while Mr. Bricks is off doing his "Rat Pack of Hollywood" books?  Someone has to bang down the doors to get me my record deal dangit.  So anyway I was having a phone conversation with a manager I met through a friend.  Not an A list guy, but definitely a step in the right direction.  To make a long story short, the following is how the conversation went:

Manager: "So how old are you?"

Ava: "How old do you want me to be?... (laughing) well, how old do I look - you have seen me in person up close.  Do you want my real age or my actor age?" Then I tell him my real age.

Manager: "Oh, wow I wouldn't have guessed that."

Ava: "Thank you."

Manager: "Well, I can't do anything for you with music.  You are too old, the gate keepers do not allow new artists to be your age."  "So I would rather focus on your acting, then after you get some notoriety, then maybe that can open up an opportunity." 

I'm sure you can imagine what my inside voice was saying.  Seriously... "Do Not Allow" Um when did people start "allowing" anyone to do anything anyhow?  Are we talking about pre school here where we have to ask permission?  Note to such "gatekeepers".  People who buy music (you know the ones who are not buying the crap you keep putting out artist after artist) they do not give two flying flips how old the artist is who is singing the music.  If it makes them feel something, they like it, it's that simple.

Why not look for music that makes you feel something first, then worry about how to market it.  Putting the package ahead of the talent is the downfall of the entire music industry.  Setting up this unspoken rule that no new female artists are allowed above the age of 28 is utter insanity.  I predict that if the music industry continues to churn out, use up and spit out the same thing year after year, it will not only continue to see losses, but it very well could be it's undoing.  When "executives" who do not know their ___ from their elbow, are sitting there making decisions, meanwhile grammy wining producers are selling jingles to make a living because they can not even get a meeting at a record label these days...  that is a problem.

Needless to say I did not sign with the new manager.  My point in telling you all this is so you can have an idea of what was going on inside my noggin when I saw the video I'm about to tell you about.  So the following morning I'm scrolling through my facebook newsfeed when I see a video titled "Never Ever Give Up".

By the end of the video I was in tears.  Not only because it light an even bigger fire in me to reach my own goals, but because it reminded me that nothing is impossible for anyone.  No matter what you desire (for me a record deal) but it could be a new job, a mate, fly a plane, be a ballerina, be president, run a marathon, get out of debt, be cured of cancer, whatever you can imagine... and yes even to lose over 140 lbs, if you have it deep down in your gut.  If you know like you know like you know you know, and you believe in yourself, it IS possible.

I've been at this a long time, and I am not about to let anyone tell me that it is not possible.  All of us can do whatever it is that we put our minds to.  It all comes down to your will.  How strong is it?  Do you hang in there when the going gets tough?  When everyone tells you that is can not happen, it's been too long, you do not have the right contacts, the right background, the right this, the right that, blah blah blah.... I want you to do like I do.  Stuff you ears full of cotton balls and go  "la la la la la I can't hear you".  

I wrote my newest song "I Don't Even Care" because if this exact thing.  A few lines: "Don't let them tell you what you're gonna be or gonna do - don't make a left don't make a right just look in front of you".  The message is simple: Don't let other people tell you what you can or can not do and keep your eyes focused on the goal.  Just like the man named Arthur in this video, a Military Veteran.  He tapped into his will and was able to defy the odds and do what everyone told him was impossible.  Everyone had given up on him, and he had listened to them for so long, he had even given up on himself.

But because of one man, a professional wrestler and yoga teacher named Diamond Dallas who believed in him, Arthur started to believe in himself again.  He found his will and focused on his goal until he reached it.  I wish that more people would be like that yoga teacher.  To be the one person who believes in someone even when they don't believe in themselves anymore.  Help someone to see that nothing, no matter how big is impossible.  Hope you have a beautiful day!

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

Going For The Gold

Are you going for the gold....?

After much hullabaloo it seems the official start of the Olympics is finally "almost" upon us.  No one could be more excited then the Greek Blonde girl, I mean competition runs in my blood.  I'm GREEK, Hello we invented the Olympics.

Although I never really realized it until I was an adult that probably explains my love for all things athletic, and my love for sneakers of course.  I've always been super competitive, love the thrill of sports, and have always had the eye of the tiger when it comes to pushing myself past imaginary physical limits set in my mind.  The Olympics are so exciting for me, because you can literally see the incredible things the human body can do when a person sets his or her mind and most importantly their "will" to accomplish something.

All the way back from the original Olympic games in Athens, to Jesse Owens reigning at the top in Berlin in 1936, to the unbelievable Ethiopian Marathon runner who ran barefoot in 1960 in Rome, to the USA Basketball Dream Team in Barcelona in 1992, all the way up to Michael Phelps in 2004... the Summer Olympics are sure to produce moments that will live on forever.

It leads me to wonder though.  Sure athletes spend an entire lifetime working and training in order to go for the gold.  But what are we as everyday people working and striving towards?  Are we going for the gold, or are we just skating by?  I ask this only because it seems like in our society today many people are glorifying many things that I would not consider to be gold.

We as a society glorify mediocre pop stars, actors, movies full of negative themes, sensor almost everything to make sure it does not "offend" any one race, religion, or sexual orientation.  We have taken God out of our workplace, schools, and anyplace else it might be able to "offend" anyone.  It is clear to see the disastrous results doing so has done to our character.

Exactly what are we telling future generations and the Olympians of tomorrow?  What kind of message does it send?  Hard work?... Why work when you can have everything Now?  Everyone gets a prize for "participation".  There are no "losers" in life, right? Reality shows can make you famous for literally any reason at all except for actually having any talent whatsoever, and that hard work isn't necessary.  Just have a sad backstory, and dress as sexy as humanly possible no matter how young you are, and you can have and get whatever you want.  People, I gotta tell you, there are days anymore when I seriously want to grab my fur~babies and hide under the blankets.  The world is getting crazier and crazier by the day.

Personally I feel it's time for a cultural revolution.  I long for the days when people were actually going for the gold each and every day in their lives.  When people did the right thing even when no one was looking.  When people helped and lifted each other up regardless if there were a "benefit" in doing so.

With that being said, I'd like offer a challenge to my blog reader's.  To consider the coming Olympics a chance to take a stand against mediocrity.  Be a reminder to people around you that anything worth having takes hard work, that hard work is and should be rewarded.  That not everything in life is or should be instant.  To go for the gold each and every single day in our own lives.  To be the light and the difference in someone else's life, to do the right thing, and for goodness sake... keep your dang clothes on! ;)

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