Are you earning it

The Mr. and I had the honor and privilege to meet and hear a fantastic talk a few days back by Lt. Col. Allen West (Ret.). For anyone not familiar with him, he is an American political commentator, retired U.S. Army lieutenant colonel, author, and former member of the U.S. House of Representatives. It was not only informative but also highly motivating. I strongly suggest a visit to his website www.theoldschoolpatriot.comwww.theoldschoolpatriot.com. 

With the seventy-fifth anniversary of D-Day around the corner he brought up a very valid point and it got me to thinking. He asked us if we remembered the scene in the film "Saving Private Ryan"(one of the best war movies ever made)where Captain John H. Miller (Tom Hanks) tells Private James Ryan to “earn this, earn it”and then dies right there. Col. West then went onto remind us how every American that is and ever is to come owes a debt to every service member who gave their life in that war. How can that debt be paid? By earning it.

How do we earn it? Be involved in our local communities. Participate in civics and serve others. That's how. Heck, maybe even run for the President of the School Board. Why not? The world might look a whole lot different had it not been for the heroes who stopped evil dead in its tracks. We all might be living in a totally different reality. A reality where the freedoms we enjoy and often take for granted would be nothing but a dream.

Then on the drive home my mind started to wander. I realized we also earn it by living every single day, and squeezing every stinking second out of it. The good days, the bad days, the in-between days, even the days when you wish you could go back to bed and pull the covers over your head. There are countless souls who never had the chance to have those days. We owe it to them to do and be everything that they never had the chance to. It's the least we can do.

So on this seventy-fifth anniversary of D-Day honor and remember the fallen. Keep the strength and steadfastness of the Greatest Generation the world has ever known in your mind and heart. If you're lucky enough to know or meet one of those heroes please thank them. I am fortunate to meet a fair share of them from time to time when I sing at Veteran related events. It is always and honor and a pleasure to talk with them and hear their stories. I am thankful and grateful for their sacrifice today and every day. God bless America and God Bless the Allies. 

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

Let the Confetti Fall!

I couldn't be any happier if I tried. Why? Well it all started on Saturday when Punxsutawney Phil gave me a belated Christmas gift with the prediction of an early spring. This had me jumping for joy because frankly last year winter hung around way too long. The Nor'ester that brought trees down all over our yard totaling one of our cars didn't really add any love to the season for me either.

Sunday started out doing my favorite thing in the world which is to sing, at a military event The four Chaplins WWII Memorial Service. It was also a milestone wedding anniversary with the love of my life and on this same day with a hot cup of magic a la Dunkins in my hand I got to watch Tom Brady and the Patriots deliver a fantastic gift to us and Pats fans everywhere by delivering another historic Super Bowl win! There was so much talk about him being too old, and people speculating if he still had what it took, or if he should retire, and on and on. As the confetti was falling down all around and the celebration began I couldn't help but think about my song "I Don't Even Care".  

It was written about stuffing your ears full of cotton balls when the naysayers of life tell you you're too this or too that to do something. When they say that something is impossible. First off they are forgetting what the word actually says, "I'm_Possible". 

Nothing is impossible to anyone period, end of story. It's all in your mind. If you think you can, you can and that is it. Well that is unless you're ninety nine years old and your dream is to be an Olympic skier, but even then who knows really? The power the mind has on the body is incredible. There really are no words to fully express it.

Anyway there are a lot of people with Tom Brady derangement syndrome out there and I think it is beyond silly. He is an athlete who has broken all kinds of records in the sport. There were so just many beautiful things about this Super Bowl anyone should be smiling watching it all unfold. Especially the twins from my little neck of the woods. First time ever twins played together in a Super Bowl. Twins Devin and Jason McCourty were born in Nyack, NY the area where I live in the beautiful historic Hudson Valley of NY.

People should celebrate others success and be happy when someone achieves a dream or a goal because if it happened to them it can happen to you. Anything is possible if you work hard and take the necessary steps to achieve your dream and goal. I listened to a pregame interview of Brady on Saturday night, and he was saying how he makes a daily choice to do the work necessary to do his job. There was a lot more to it, but it was really poignant. Many people today want things overnight, and feel entitled to have them without doing the things required to get them. Here is a guy who has worked practically every day of his life on one thing, and he is the best at it not only because of his talent, but because of his effort. He works hard, stays out of trouble, and has a beautiful wife and family. I think it is a great example and inspiration to people everywhere.

His interview actually reminded me of a great quote from President Ronald Reagan. It was made while he was Governor of California.

"Attitude, not aptitude, controls altitude. Along with a positive attitude, we must have a positive plan." 

Very true. Even more so the more you think about it. Another thing that made the Super Bowl so special this year was the National Anthem. I mean HELLO! Gladys Knight knocked it OUT OF THE PARK! Quite possibly the BEST National Anthem ever in my opinion (and to think she didn't need to write the lyrics on her hands and she was fully clothed)wow - what a concept. I will use my inside voice to describe what I thought about the half time show because my mom taught me if you don't have anything nice to say, sometimes it is best to not say anything at all.

Onto the third and final item in the what made it a Super Trifecta weekend for this greek girl. Well, it is not really the weekend still because it happens on Tuesday. However, Tuesday is the Super Bowl parade in Boston and the grand finale that same evening... if you guessed the State of the Union you are correct!

I have my popcorn ready (organic of course) and I'm all set to watch the President address the nation. I could go on about another major case of derangement syndrome some people have but I won't. I will however say that there are far too many people who show no respect for the office. Even when there have been people in that office I did not agree with in any way, shape, matter, or form, I showed respect for the office. The level of discourse out there is frightening. Where is the common decency? People should be able to disagree and not hate each other as people. Good grief Charlie Brown.

Anyway it's a happy day for me. So go download my song, tell the naysayers where they can go, and go out and make it a happy day!

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

"But what about the Dreamers?"

Happy Monday! New day, new week, first blog of the New Year for me and I was all set to write a nice cheerful positive blog about my new song. That was until I made the mistake of calling my mom before I sat down to do it. That was mistake number one. Mistake number two, putting the news on in the background while I wrote. Mistake number three, not having my Dunkins before I did it, must get coffee. Oops, I’m doing it again…

WARNING: This blog is not politically correct, sensitive individuals who tend to melt should an opinion different than that of their own should appear (aka snowflakes), read at your own risk.

By now you have probably heard about the “Government Shutdown”, that is unless you’ve spend the last few weeks under a rock. One thing is certain, regardless what channel you’re watching I can sum it up in three words: “It’s their fault”. Apparently congress never learned the lesson as kids that whenever you point a finger at as someone else, it’s good to keep in mind there will always be three more fingers pointing back at you.

Seriously though, there are many places people can garner information from. It’s no secret that many channels that like to call themselves “News” are more opinion and less actual facts. It’s also no secret that Greek girl rolls to the right on most everything related to politics. However, this whole congressional temper tantrum being led by Chuck Schumer isn’t about left or right or any of the negative noise the talking heads in the news are spending so much time yapping their traps about. At the end of the day the only thing in my opinion that should matter boils down to one word… Military.

So here’s the thing, the only thing that should matter in this whole debacle is, when did a non US Citizen become more important than legal citizens serving in the United States Military? I can hear it now, it usually goes a little something like this: “You’re a racist, how insensitive, how could you want to send kids who have lived here their entire lives away and deport them, you heartless monster.” Well, let me tell you how. See there is a word people seem to keep forgetting in this whole debate, “illegal”.

Let me ask, what happens if you break the law in another country? That’s right you face the consequences of that action, and in many instances you go to jail. In many countries that is a very unpleasant place to be, and in fact some don’t even make it out alive. Just ask Otto Warmbier who died after being released from a North Korean prison last year.  

Why do we have laws if we are not going to enforce them? Heck why not just let all the people locked up for things like murder and drugs go free? Why are we spending millions of tax dollars a year supporting people in the prison system that are incarcerated? Why are Chuck Schumer and Nancy Pelosi not worried about those poor souls who have to spend so many days locked up in a lonely jail cell? Don’t they matter? Good gravy.

At the end of the day they are dragging something into a bill that has absolutely nothing in the world to do with spending. DACA and Dreamers are literally being put ahead of active duty Military personnel. Don’t believe me? Check Military.com for yourself and see what happens to active duty military and their families in a shutdown: https://www.military.com/daily-news/2018/01/18/how-government-shutdown-would-impact-pay-benefits.html

I’m sorry, call me crazy but I was raised (by a legal immigrant mind you) that American Citizens especially our active duty Military should be more important than someone who broke our laws to come here. Never mind the strain and financial burden the illegal immigration situation puts on the healthcare system. I know how heartless of me to think that working Americans who cannot or barely afford their Obama care premiums should come before someone who broke the law.

Gee, I wonder what would happen to Americans who illegally immigrate to another county and expect to receive free healthcare, schooling and in many cases yes even housing. I’m sure that would go over well. All sarcasm aside, I really cannot even wrap my noggin around how it is legal for Democrats to hold the entire country hostage and drag a non-financial related issue into a financial spending bill.

In reality it is like a child having a temper tantrum. “Nope, I’m not going to listen until I get my way.” Good grief Charlie Brown, but that is just not how our government is set up. Not what our founders intended, and not in any way shape or form productive for anyone, especially for the American people who are footing the bill for this entire episode.

No I’m not heartless, yes I care about people, all people, even illegal immigrants. I just do not think they should be put ahead of our Military and legal citizens who were born here. There is a way to immigrate to our country and it needs to be done legally. What in the world are we teaching these Dreamers anyway if we reward them for breaking the law. I know I can hear it now, the Joe Scarborough and Mika Brzezinski’s of the world jumping up and down “but it wasn’t even the kids, it was a parent so why punish the children?” Again I’ll tell you why, because laws were broken. Period, end of the story. Why on earth are we going to enforce “some” laws and not others?

I really hope that this whole thing comes to an end and quickly. My heart is heavy for our Service men and women who are on the front lines and have been put to the back burner. How is the wife of the veteran at home supposed to pay the mortgage? It’s totally upside down and I for one am ready for it to be put right side up again and quickly.

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

Ignorance is Bliss

This is how you do it! Kudos to Geneo Grissom for demonstrating respectful professional conduct becoming of an NFL player during the National Anthem. (unlike the lunkheads kneeling next to him)

Fall is here again; it's actually my favorite season. Fall is such a beautiful time of year, so many things to take in, the fresh air, the foliage, pumpkin coffee (well actually pumpkin everything), and football among other fun fall things.

Which brings me to a disturbing trend that seems to be taking over the NFL, kneeling during the National Anthem. (WARNING: this blog is not politically correct, snowflakes and safe space residents please be advised).

Why on earth does everything these days have to offend someone for some reason? Why are people so easily offended? When did Americans get such thin skin? I'm sorry but I just find it totally and utterly ridiculous for grown men to be acting like spoiled rotten little kindergarteners on the playground.

The Greatest Generation left their homes, families and country (well before any of them were actually even men by the way) to go fight in foreign lands to keep America and the rest of the world free. They stopped a madman from taking over the world, and saved an entire race of people. Every single day in our country for almost our entire history men and women have lined up to put others ahead of themselves, and leave everything they know so that others can be free.

I have had the honor to perform the National Anthem for many professional sports teams, and it is actually one of my favorite songs to sing. So forgive me, but I find it abhorrent that grown men who make millions of dollars playing a professional sport that they love for a living feel it is appropriate to have a temper tantrum and protest the National Anthem and Flag because they don't like the President; or feel some need to kneel for "social justice". Seriously, do we really need social justice here in America?

We have dozens of social programs including but not limited to free and supplemented education, housing, food, and medical for people in need or low income individuals and or families (including non citizens - yes it happens every day). People come from other countries to have babies on the American tab in American hospitals, then go back home to Iran (just one of many countries) and poof the baby is now a citizen. It's a simple word with big complications and consequences; entitlements they do exist and yes they are abused. Yet so many seem to be ignorant to the reality of what is actually happening, so when the social justice warriors come calling they fall in line.

America, the land of the free and the home of the brave. According to social justice warriors she has so many wrongs to apologize for, and to be embarrassed of. America, the country where people have come from nothing, from complete poverty and risen to the highest heights in their fields. There are hundreds upon hundreds of examples of sports figures, Dr's, lawyers, law enforcement professionals, and teachers, all of them dreamers. People who did not let where they came from determine where they were going, and who they would ultimately become. All of these people who did this, did it in America.

America a country that some choose to stand up and fight for, and some choose to kneel in protest. I ask what on earth are they protesting? Being born in a country that affords them the opportunity to play professional sports and earn millions of dollars a year for a living?

Yes, it would have been so much better to be born somewhere like Afghanistan, Pakistan, or Somalia. Better yet, maybe even better to be born a little girl in Somalia (where female genital mutilation with no anesthesia is a common practice by the age of five). Yes, would be so much better to be there, or anywhere other than America. Give me a break.

Ironic, I seem to recall a certain NFL player who kneeled to pray before games and he was mocked. Yet now we have NFL players who kneel to protest and they are celebrated? Houston, we have some problems.

People including NFL players are free to have an opinion, to like, dislike or even hate the President. However, I have a newsflash for the people who think it is cool to kneel in protest for the National Anthem and the Flag: the Flag and the National Anthem represent people, not a political party. The Flag and the National Anthem represent men and women who gave everything they had, some even their lives for this country.

So when players protest, they are spitting in the eye of Americans; spitting in the eye of the people who died for them to have that right. Players can have their personal opinions and they can do it on their own time. Fans do not pay hundreds of dollars to go see a game to watch players act like spoiled children. If they want to protest they can do it on their own time, and not under the guise or platform of the NFL. It is disrespectful, it is disgraceful, and it is sickening.

So I say, don't like America, hate America? Stand up, or pack your bags and don't let the door hit ya on the way out. I’m sure one of the countries I mentioned above would be glad to have you.

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

Amazing Grace

It's almost that time again... Memorial Day. You know the official start to summer. Parties, parades, BBQ's, get together's with family, friends and lets not forget the best part, the sales everywhere. 

It's possible if you're a millennial or a person who lives in a safe space you might think that is actually what the holiday is all about. However, I'm guessing if you read this blog you know better. ;o) It is unfortunate that the real meaning of the holiday is often the last thing on the minds of some people these days. Thankfully, there are people who not only remember, but who also choose to step out and give folks a big fat reminder. Enter, musician Dave Bray. 

Here's an excerpt from his bio, which is a perfect description of what he is doing to impact pop culture for the positive:

"Dave Bray is a dedicated husband, father, and musician. He grew up in the rolling hills of Pennsylvania, where he currently lives with his wife and 2 boys.      

Dave proudly served in the U.S. Navy as an 8404 FMF Corpsman for the 2nd Battalion/2nd Marines, (STA PLT), stationed out of Camp Lejeune, NC.

Dave has entertained people all over the world and has dedicated his musical career to supporting U.S. Veterans, Active Duty Military and First Responders.

Dave looks at his music as a continuation of his service. His love of God and Country are evident in his original songs and patriotic renditions."

Anyone who has been following me for any amount of time by now knows my feelings about the upside down world we're living in today. How my goal as an artist is to offer an alternative to the gobbledygook of moral rot served up by many of those in entertainment infecting the noggins of people across the globe. So it's very refreshing for me to see that there are other's who share my passion to create art about what's really important and do it in such a beautiful and powerful way.

Check out his gorgeous rendition of Amazing Grace, so incredibly inspiring. Then share it with friends, family and especially those who serve and who have served. 

I love our service men and women not only because I'm married to an air Force Veteran and my mom works as an NSO for the Purple Heart, but because it is the right thing to do. Men and women sacrifice time with family, and a good majority of their lives to keep us free. Some have made the ultimate sacrifice. We as American's not just on Memorial Day but every day should show honor, and respect to those who have paid that ultimate sacrifice. As well as simple thank you to those who serve, it is the least we can do.

Happy listening, and happy Memorial Day!

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

Can't Wait

I know where I'll be January 10th!

The Holidays have come and gone, we've had not one but two major snowstorms and we're officially into the New Year.  Something I always love doing in January is checking out the new movies coming out.  Personally I have been waiting (a little bit like a kid on Christmas morning waiting to open presents) for one film in particular.  Can you guess what it is?  Drum Roll...

Lone Survivor.  Gee bet ya didn't see that one coming.  Yes it's true Greek girl loves movies about boxing and our military.  Especially when they are based on a true story. Super especially when they star one of my favorite actors.  So of course it should come as no surprise that I have been waiting like a kid on Christmas morning for this film to open, so I can be first in line with a BYOB cup of Dunkin's hidden in my purse (hey they don't sell my favorite coffee at the movies what can I say) and a popcorn.  Popcorn and coffee?… YES that's how I roll.

The Mr. is an Air Force Veteran and my mom works for the Military Order of the Purple Heart which has partly influenced my love and appreciation for our men and women in uniform.  However anyone using their noggin should appreciate them really.  I mean since the beginning of our nation it has been our men and women in uniform who have stood up and kept us free.  They go to places and endure things that most of us would not be able to stomach for a day let a lone months if not years on end.  It is my opinion that they are not thanked often enough and above anything that they should not have to wait for anything.  Especially for medical care for ailments that were sustained while standing up and serving our nation.  The VA Hospital System is well lets just say less than efficient and thousands of our finest end up getting lost in the system, wait for months and years for appointments, and in many cases end up worse off than the original reason they sought treatment in the first place.  If any "healthcare" system needed fixing in this country it was the VA, yet they say that is what The Affordable Care Act was modeled off of… Lord help us!

OK so back to the movie…  Lone Survivor is Based on the failed June 28, 2005 mission "Operation Red Wings".  Four members of SEAL Team 10 were tasked with the mission to capture or kill notorious Taliban leader Ahmad Shahd.  It stars Mark Wahlberg and when I saw the preview a few months ago the waiting began.  Not only does it look like a great film, but I really respect the comments Mark Wahlberg made after hearing Tom Cruise's idiotic remarks about being an actor can be compared to the job of a solider.  With good reason at a press event Mark went off, as anyone with even half of a brain in their coconut knows an actor and a solider hello, no comparison.  Saying so is beyond insulting.

The other thing I like about Mark Wahlberg besides his acting is he seems to be very down to earth.  So many media figures let success go to their heads, they end up living in excess, partying, leave their spouses and children yada yada… Mark Wahlberg works very hard physically to train for various roles, stays in excellent shape and has had so much success yet seems to stay grounded as a family man, married with children and even going into business with his family in a restaurant called "Wahlburgers".  In fact he will be starring along with his mom and brothers in a new reality series on A&E about the Restaurant.  Which I most definitely will be tuning into.  

So on January 10th your happy friendly Greek Girl next door will have her butt parked in the theatre with Dunkin's and popcorn in hand watching Lone survivor.  In the meantime say "Thank You" to a Veteran today.  There are so many ways we can help people, and yes even the little things matter.

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

Fireworks Scrapped

You've got to be kidding me!

When I read this on my Yahoo homepage recently the words screaming in my coconut were "Whatchutalkingaboutwillis?!"  Seriously...  I actually almost spit my Dunkin's hot cup of happiness all over macbook when I read it.  We have resorted to canceling Fireworks on Military bases to save money, really?

OK it's no big secret that Greek Girl rolls to right side of the political isle but this should be a no brainer for anyone using their brain on either side of the isle.  HELLO our men and women in uniform are the reason we are free to think, be and speak freely.  They serve at home and abroad in countries across the globe in conditions that most of us wouldn't last five minutes in.  Yet we can't find any other place to make cuts to our budget than to cut the one thing that represents that freedom to the people who are standing up to keep us free on the day that represents Freedom?

Houston I think we have a problem.  The king on his throne in DC has no problem shutting down tours to the White House to make a political point, yet at the same time could not find anywhere to cut any money from the $100 Million trip to Africa?  It's common sense people, simple math at the most elementary form 2 + 2 = 4.  In order to cut a budget you need to make actual cuts.  Cutting from one place and then continuing to spend uncontrollably adding extravagances to other places will not change the math in the end.

So while all this finger pointing goes on the people who do the most are getting short changed and on the most important day, of all times.  Independence Day is sacred to our History as a Nation.  It's not about the sales and the barbecues, it's about Freedom, Liberty, and Independence.  An experiment called America that was once and although being stressed to her limits still is the last great beacon for Liberty and Freedom from Tyranny in the entire world.  While the media slug it out for their guy our men and women in uniform will be left standing there to an empty sky.

I find this so sad... where is the reverence, the respect, the honor for the job they do?  Sure we can get sponsors to put on a great Macy's Fireworks display and concert to be televised across the nation.  Yet where are these same sponsors to put on fireworks displays at the bases who are getting the cuts?  Just wondering...

I might not be a big music star yet, but if I were I would surely be putting on a big show for our men and women in uniform with Fireworks!  In the meantime I offer what I have.  Inspired by ignorant comments from Bill Press and Daniel Tosh saying the Anthem was "embarrassing and un-singable" among other things;  my good buddy Alfonzo Rachel (click to learn about Zo here) asked me to do a special version of our National Anthem with him.

To all of our men and women in uniform past present and future, Thank You for your service.  In my humble Greek Girl opinion you are a National Treasure!  Please know that although there may be mixed messages coming from the top, we the American People still value and appreciate your sacrifice more than words can say.
Have a safe, fun and blessed 4th of July, and please don't forget to say "Thank You" to a Service Member.

Blessings, Love & Music ~

Ava :D
www.avaaston.com

Thank You

Freedom Isn't Free. Thank You.

November 11th is special for one reason and one reason only, our Veterans.  This day is a very special day.  It is a day we take the time to reflect on and honor all the men and women who have been so brave to offer their lives a living sacrifice for all Americans and the rest of the free world.  They do it not because they are forced or obligated.  They do it for the love of country and the compelling nudge in their heart that is to serve.

Some of you know I am very much a strong supporter of our military and the Veterans.  Even though I am married to a veteran, and my mom works for the Military Order of the Purple Heart and have a father-in-law who also served, I still have a special place in my heart for each and every one of them.  There is something unique and special about each of them.  Those of us who have never served will never truly know what it is that unites them all in this amazing capacity.

What saddens me about our Veteran's is the number of obstacles they face.  This year, like many years lots of our veterans and their families will suffer in a number of ways.  There are thousands who are homeless and many more who are struggling to just get by.  This is in addition to the many who suffer wounds, some we will never see that have dramatically changed their lives.  Many others struggle without being able to get jobs or hold down jobs, while others can't find ways to cope with the transition back to being a regular citizen.

The sad truth is that they often have no place to turn and don't know what resources are available to them.  What is worse is that because there is so much beaurocracy in the VA system some vets are waiting up to 2 and 3 years before they can be granted the benefits they so humbly have earned through their sacrifice.  On top of that, they have to struggle and navigate the red-tape and frustration of the VA Hospital system.  It is one where it can take months and even several years to get things diagnosed and appointments for certain procedures.  Let alone just even to set an appointment for a routine exam... It is a muckery sandwich to say the least.

If you ask me there is no excuse.  Our Veterans are a quiet group of people who willingly put their lives on the line every single day.  They do this in order for the rest of us to live in the peace and enjoy the many freedoms we take for granted.  Because of those who died we can vote.  Because those who serve we can still speak freely.  Because lives are on the line we can sleep well at night.  Yet for no excuse I can imagine these brave souls are constantly misunderstood and mistreated.  If you ask me our Veterans should never have to wait in line and should never have to deal with bureaucratic red-tape - NEVER FOR ANY REASON.  They need to be revered and held with esteem and given any help they may need.  This year, I am encouraging each of you to do something to help a veteran.

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

Veteran's Day - 11/11/11

Remembering so many who gave so much and ask for so little.

Only one time in our history will we ever be able to have the opportunity to experience the calendar reflecting such a number as 11/11/11.  As unique as it is, there is no better holiday to fall on such a day.  We live in a world that is moving so fast it's hard to sometimes catch the "moments".  For many of you, you already know that this Greek Girl is big on family and big on giving back, but most of all I am big on honoring those who deserve it the most.

Not many people know my mom works with Vet's all the time as part of her job with the Military Order of the Purple Heart.  She has shared with me some of the most heartbreaking stories of some of the men and women she works to help (obviously she would never share names or personal details).  Men who have no hands, others who have no legs and some who are completely disfigured.  It breaks my heart how many of them go through life being forgotten and still there are others who never even came home.  So recently I joined up with Operation First Response in helping raise funds for wounded soldiers and their families through sales of my CD's.  They operate only on 10% while giving back 90% to those in need.

Click Here to Help our Wounded Hero's

That is also why I dedicated my song and the video for "I Carry You With Me" to our Veterans, as they have had to deal with grief and loss all too often.

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q8hVGs1R1Ds?rel=0&w=560&h=315]

Have you said Thank you to a Veteran lately?  Please take not just today, but every day to give back to those who have given so much.  Have a beautiful blessed Veterans Day my blog friends!

Blessings, Love & Music ~

Ava xox :D
www.avaaston.com

Click here to learn about my KickStarter.com Campaign and how you can get involved.

Call of Duty

Help me help those who have sacrificed so much.

In life we all must at some point or another decide to answer the call of duty or not.  For some that call is to be a mother or a father.  For others it's to be a teacher or a doctor. Yet there are a special few who answer the highest call of duty and that is to put their life on the line each and every day.  Some we see every day in our city streets and others live in remote places on the otherside of the world.  They wear a uniform.  They cary a gun. Most are faces we vaguely recall or have ever seen before.  They are both men and women and are young and some are older.  Many have died.  Even more have suffered the disfiguration of their body through terrible injuries forged in battle.

These men and women are the most valued men and women we have in our lives yet so often they go unrecognized.  All too often they are not paid nearly half of what they are worth.  They suffer and die for us while we live in peace and enjoy the freedoms we so value.  Because of their immeasurable sacrifices we are blessed to answer other calls, calls that many of those who serve only dream to pursue and many will never have the chance.

Each year thousands of families across this nation are torn apart and children are left without knowing their mom or dad and for some their loved ones never return home.  It's because of these amazing heros and the wonderfully huge hearts of the people who run the non-profit group, "Operation First Response" I have decided to join forces and answer a different call.  I am answering the call of giving back.

Click here to learn more about OFR

Since I could remember it has always been my passion to be a blessing to people through my music and art.  Though the call on my life is not to serve on the front lines of a battle field, it is to use my gift to enrich the lives of those who are in need.  Music is meant to make you feel something and hopefully to be inspired.  It tells a story and connects with the audience.  My desire is in doing so, through my music I can be a positive influence.

That is why I am donating 50% of all CD sales when you purchase this exclusive offer of an autographed “Two-CD Combo” including my limited edition “We The People” single and 10-Song CD “Gone” featuring the award winning song, “I Carry You With Me” that I dedicated to fallen soldiers for only $15.  Each purchase will be sent directly from me to you and will go towards helping wounded soldiers and their families through OFR.

Thank you all so much for your support and helping this organization touch the lives of countless families.  What Operation First Response is doing and how impactful they are is simply amazing.  So help me celebrate these individuals and the sacrifices they all have made by clicking here to buy your donation purchase today.

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