Can You Hear Me Now

What in the heck in the world is going on? Greek girl is posting another blog not even a week after the last one, when for the last several years she is lucky if she writes one a year? No, your eyes do not deceive you, yes I am here with another post.

So, what is the breaking news? Remember my last post about my song “We The People” being promoted to AC & Rock radio stations… Well, that is not the only one of my song now available on the radio, yup! My song “Can You Hear Me” is also being promoted to radio stations. It is now available on AC (Adult Contemporary), CCM (Contemporary Christian), & International Christian Radio stations, both traditional radio as well as SiriusXM, Music Choice and more. 

This is the first time my songs are being promoted to radio, and it is very exciting to put the music out in a broader form than we have ever done. Why “Can You Hear Me” to radio? Why now? Just as in choosing to promote “We The People”, it’s timing. It’s all about what is going on in our world and the days we are living in. 

There is just so much going on, it can be very overwhelming both mentally and physically. So many people are going through hard times. From wars and rumors of wars, to (natural) disasters, to politics, to technology invading daily life at a terrifying rate, to everything else that seems to all be happening all at once. The world although still filled with tremendous good is more chaotic than ever. 

Just like when I released the song, I felt that it was time. “Can You Hear Me” is a letter to God. With everything that's been happening in the past few years, have you ever wondered if anyone is listening... 

Everyone at some point in life finds themselves broken. "Can You Hear Me" is for anyone who has ever been in that place. Life can be messy, it's OK to be there... Beautifully broken, perfectly imperfect. Messes can turn into messages.

I thought it to be fitting in this time we are living when so many people feel hopeless, that it could be a little glimmer of hope to bind us together in a common thread. That we are indeed heard, that we are not ever broken beyond repair, and that we are never, ever alone. 

So thank you for taking the time to not only read this blog, but also for supporting my music, and most importantly contacting your local / SiriusXM Christian and Adult Contemporary radio stations to request the song “Can You Hear Me” by Ava Aston. Oh, and if you have not done so already, download it and share the video with friends! Thank you again! 

Blessings, Love & Music ~

Ava xo

www.avaaston.com 

Can You Hear Me

“Dear God, can you hear me? It’s just me again. I know it seems like, my prayer list never ends. I know you’re busy. You’ve got lots of things to do, but right now I really need to hear from you. 

Can you hear me, let me know. Can you hear me, won’t you tell me so…”

Have you ever been there? Been in a place where you felt like asking that question. 

After the last three years we have all lived through, I know I cannot be the only person who has ever felt this sentiment. We have seen the world change in ways that were in my humble Greek opinion, just unimaginable. I never thought I would experience so much loss in so little a period of time. 

My new song “Can You Hear Me” is a letter to God. It was not written about this tragic time in our history, or even during this time actually. As many songwriters and artists, I have a plethora of songs in my song books. I write about things I experience as they happen, or as they come to me. 

This song in particular was written during a difficult time some ten years or so ago when my Mr. & I were in two close dated car accidents, together. Yes, both times. I know, what are the odds? Besides physical injuries to all the usual suspects that happen in a car accident (back, neck, etc.) we also both sustained a brain injury. Not to be a Debbie Downer, but when someone is dealing with an “invisible” injury, it is difficult for others to understand. You “look” “normal” on the outside, so they can’t seem to understand why you make errors, or have difficulty processing things, etc. Anyhow, this song was written during that period in my life. Recovery and in the process of building back up from being broken. 

As our social society and norms began to change over the past few years I began to feel a nudge that it was indeed time to share this song with the world. We have seen a propaganda campaign the likes of which we have never seen in history. There has been bullying, medical discrimination, people losing friends and even family members over differences of opinion about medical freedom, to people losing their jobs, discrimination in schools, the work place, censorship on social media, basically every part of life has changed since before March of 2020. 

I truly believe this period will go down as a very dark time in our history. But… there has also been good to come from it. New friendships, new information, and a huge learning experience. We sure did learn a whole lot about people, didn’t we? As in everything though, in life after the dark comes the light. I want people to understand that when they are broken and are crying out to God that they are not alone. Further, that is it is OK to be broken. 

Social media is a blessing and a curse. The blessing is connecting with people far in distance, and I for example use it to promote my music. The curse is, it is in many cases, just not real. Anyone who has read my blog since the beginning knows I have written about this topic on many an occasion, but social media can be very detrimental to ones mental health. It lends itself to comparison, which we should all know by now is the joy thief.

There is no such thing as “perfect” people. No matter how “perfect” ones life may appear on social media, it is not. No one has a perfect life. This is where the beautiful part comes in… God loves to use "imperfect" and broken things. He specializes in turning messes into messages. 

So, I felt the time was right to share the song on my heart to let others out there who may be feeling broken for whatever reason, physically, emotionally, financially, whatever it is; that they are not alone. It is OK to be there - in the broken place.

A Pearl is considered to be a valuable treasure. Pearls can not be formed without an irritant getting trapped inside of an oyster. In an effort to protect itself over time, the Pearl is formed. Yes, that is my second grade non scientific explanation. You get the drift though I’m sure. The “Pearl” a beautiful treasure would not come to be without the irritant. 

God uses broken things all the time, beautifully broken, perfectly imperfect, messes into messages. 

The song comes out Friday April 7th (Good Friday). I did this because it is always darkest before the dawn. I thought it to be fitting in this time we are living when so many people feel the same, that it could be a little glimmer of hope to bind us together in a common thread. That we are indeed heard, that we are not ever broken beyond repair, and that we are never, ever alone. 

I hope you will download it and share with friends and family. The official music video, as well as a lyric video will be released the same day on my YouTube page. I am trying to make the iTunes Charts with the song. Your downloads and shares can help make it happen. Below is a one page site with most download options. When the song is live the links will appear, in the meantime it serves as a short promo for the song. 

Thank you for listening and sharing. I hope it helps to heal some hearts. 

https://avaaston.hearnow.com

For a “sneak peek” of the song click here: "Can You Hear Me" 

Blessings, Love & Music ~ 

Ava xo 

www.avaaston.com

You'll Meet Me In The Light

I really don't even know what to say. Where does one begin to capture the feelings when a beloved pet passes? It is hard enough when it is one, but in the last fifteen months in our house we have lost, not one, not two, but three of our senior dogs to Rainbow Bridge. That is a lot for a heart to handle. 

In March of 2020 Pepe; our eighteen year plus old rescue Tibetan Spaniel went to the bridge. Many who read this blog already knew that, if not (see Pepe blog here). He was rescued at the age of ten plus and lived with us for eight years. He was a special dog who had many issues, and taught us so many things. Most importantly, he taught us that love can conquer almost any amount of abuse and neglect. 

Then unexpectedly in May of this year our rescue Japanese Chin Yuki went to the bridge. We knew he had some health issues and we were treating them, however his airway disease got really bad, he also had CFH, he was struggling and went downhill very quickly. So again, we had to handle a terrible loss. In Yuki's case it was really sad for us, because he did not have a good life before he came to us. He was a little over ten when we rescued him, and we were his third family (that we know of). His last people smoked and that did not help his lung issues. He lived the good life here with us and it was like he had always been here. He fit in so well immediately, and he was such a light in our home. He always did "Chin Spins", he was so happy. I loved that little dog to the moon and back. I still remember going to get him from the Bronx. He was looking out the window, I have an image burned in my brain of him leaving that life and starting fresh in the country, in a home and a yard with grass. An end to apartment and city living, and off to a place where he could enjoy his golden years. I still remember him in the carriage at Petco getting his new name tag, and he was so happy. Which is why we named him Yuki, because it means "happiness" in Japanese. Little did we know it would only last two and a half years. Anyone who has had a Japanese Chin knows they are very special little dogs, like love with legs. I will forever miss that amazing creature.

 

That brings me to the third and probably hardest loss to date, my Punkin Pie. Unlike our other dogs, Punkin Pie was not a rescue. We got her as a puppy and she lived with us her entire life. Which makes me happy that unlike so many other dogs in the world, she lived in the same house her entire life, had the same people, and never had to endure the trauma of being rehomed or in a shelter. 

 

Happy for that yes, but sad that I will not have that little face looking at me every day. She had such a personality from day one. She was the most photogenic dog I ever knew, and it was literally like she enjoyed being dressed up in silly costumes for Halloween and Christmas and any other time we felt like as she would say "exploiting her all over the inter web".

 

In fact she had so much personality that we literally had conversations with her, and as many who read the blog or follow me on Instagram or Facebook saw that personality in her Caturday videos. It all started when she was little because she was so animated that she would sit there looking at you like she understood what you were saying, and then would respond with her stomping her little paws on the ground to get what she wanted or her vocally demanding her way (which she of course always got). 

 

Most of her videos are loaded to my Facebook page or to my Instagram. I will admit I have not been good about loading to YouTube. She has a playlist on my YouTube channel, and I am slowly uploading as I have time. There are however, many older videos of her there from when she was younger, like the "Halloween Atrocity" parts, one, two and three... where she explains the horror of having her parents dress her and her fur siblings up in costumes. 

 

Looking back now, I am so glad we did this, as it is a way to get to see her face and remember the good times we had with her. (See Punkin's YouTube playlist here). I changed the title of the playlist to "Conversations With My Furkids", as her little fur sibling Lulu is going to try to carry on her legacy and continue with the videos with the wisdom imparted to her by Punkin Pie.

 

Anyone who has cared for an ailing senior pet with multiple serious medical conditions requiring literal round the clock care can tell you that when that pet is gone, there is a terrible hole. Going from every minute of every day making sure all of their needs are met, medical, physical, etc., to them "not being there" is really quite an adjustment. I am lucky as I still have two other dogs, and four cats, so the house is not totally empty. It is not the same though, and it never will be. Time will help, I suppose.

 

One thing I do know, is that there will never be a another dog like Punkin Pie. There are so many funny stories I could tell about that little character, but that would not be a blog, it would be a book. Truth be told, she really did not mind the cats at all. Except that one time when Jaxson our first cat had been here a few months... she walked into the office and one side of her face was totally puffed up. It looked like all of the sudden her face doubled in size on one side. We rushed her to the emergency vet, and lo and behold... they found a little poke hole under her fur. She had an allergic reaction to the cat poke. So apparently there is truth to what she always said, "cats have poison fingertips".

 

When she was little, she liked to eat baby carrots. We used to give them as treats until we discovered that she like to swallow everything whole... one time she was out in the yard as a little girl and she was struggling to do her business. My husband was with her and watching her, and she was looking at him like she needed help. There she is, she's trying to do her business, and a little carrot end keeps popping out, and then going back in, then out, then in, and to hear him tell it, I die laughing. Anyway, after watching her do this for some many minutes and clearly she couldn't get it out, the next time it popped out he reached down and yanked it. She ran away from it, and then looked up at him and barked as it if it were a "thank you daddy". From that moment on, she always ran away from her poops. It was really funny. For all of those years she never forgot it.

 

Then there was the time she choked on a tiny piece of an apple, and ended up in the emergency vet for two days. So many memories, and so much of our lives spent with her. It is hard to imagine we will not have her around anymore, or singing her theme song to her all the time. Each of the furkids have their own theme song, and much to Punkin's destain, yes even the cats. 

What I do know is that she is now in Heaven with Jesus, and with all of her fur siblings who went before her. She is reunited with her original pack, Pookie, Bobo, and Itty Bitty. She is also reunited with all the foster failure dogs we took in that also went before her, that she never minded sharing her momma and daddy with; Pepe, Yuki, and Gracie. She can run and play, and breathe easy, free from the terrible awful disease of Collapsing Trachea, and Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome and all of the debilitating medical hardships that come with it. She can breathe easy and rest until that one day when we will meet her in the light. 

 

Hug your furkids and cherish them while you have them, because one day God will want them back. When it is time, remember to please "Don't Shop Adopt", there are so many animals who need a second chance. Dogs, cats, puppies, kittens, nearly every breed there is. Simply visit petfinder.com and you can find practically any one of God's little creatures your heart desires. 

 

Blessings ~

Ava xo

www.avaaston.com 

 

 

You Can Keep It

Hello, it’s been quite a long while since I have posted a blog, I know. But hey, I mean 2020 was just, well, we know… it sucked beyond words. Not to mention the last blog I posted in 2020 was about losing my beloved Pepe to rainbow bridge. But, hey it’s a new year, and no matter what is going on we have to keep on trucking right? So let’s get to it, my big fat greek opinion about what is going on in the world.   

So, how about those Grammys? I mean the costumes, the talent, the amazing singing… Hold on, cue the coming to a screeching halt music, no that description would have to be a throwback Thursday memory referring to a Grammy production from probably a few decades ago. You know back when music was about music, and concerts were not so easily confused with a rated X movie.  

Now call me crazy (and I know I have blogged about this before on many an occasion) however, what took place Sunday evening was just beyond words. Well, there is one word that comes to mind… Debauchery. Complete and utter debauchery. Gosh, from just watching a news snippet alone, it feels like I need to wash my eyeballs out with bleach. 

According to the Merriam Webster dictionary the word means:  

Definition of debauchery : 

extreme indulgence in bodily pleasures and especially sexual pleasures : behavior involving sex, drugs, alcohol, etc. that is often considered immoral. 

Did anyone at the Recording Arts and Sciences stop to think for just one minute that there just might little eyeballs watching the production? Nah, probably their virtue signaling politically correct masks have been on too tight, and the lack of oxygen has gotten to their noggins. Because, anyone with half a functioning brain cell, and even a teeny weeny shred of decency would know better than to glorify, celebrate and parade the song W.A.P (that’s Wet Ass Pussy) for those who have been living under a rock with me for the last year.  

Maybe I’m old fashioned, and maybe I embody a little bit too much June Cleaver, and possibly that might just be the reason I can’t for the life of me seem to get arrested in the music industry, (and trust me it is not for lack of talent). That is, if you call talent in music being singing, and writing songs… but apparently these days singing has nothing to do with the music industry. Instead, performing in a stripper outfit is what qualifies as talent regardless of the shape of ones body (insert eye roll please). In fact it seems the trend is the bigger the body, the scantier the outfit should be.  

It’s really sad too because ever since I was a little girl and I started to talk, I started to sing and then as I grew write songs down in my journal. I started recording them at local recording studios, singing at local talent shows, and in school and worked my way up singing everywhere and anywhere that I could. Nursing homes, weddings, funerals, sporting events, local, college and even professional sports teams, Veterans events, Police and Firemen events, political events, and yes even the NY Mets where I inadvertently threw Willie Mays out of my dressing room one time at “The Greatest Day in Mets History Day”. My little tomboy sister was horrified when she asked me “um do you know who you just threw out of here” and I replied “no and I don’t care I have to change” she said, “that was Willie Mays”, to her I replied… “who is Willie Mays”. Definitely not one of my proudest moments, but hey I was concerned about my singing, not sports figures.  

I have worked and struggled and still after all of these years have never, ever given up on the pursuit of my goals and ultimate dream, to one day receive a Grammy. Heck I even sang at the White House Lighting of the Christmas Tree celebration a long time ago.  

However, in the last decade I have noticed a very rapid decline in the moral fabric of our society, and as mediocrity has been encouraged, and celebrated more and more, the obscene has grown to not only accepted as normal, but now it is called “talent”.  I find it sickening. 

We have awards shows in prime time broadcasting full on satanic imagery, rituals, and simulated sex that could easily pass off as a pornographic movie. It’s actually pretty hypocritical because anything having to do with Christianity must be removed because that is just too offensive and we just can not force religion down people’s throats now can we? Unless it is luciferian or satanic that is. 

This is talent? I’m sorry, can anyone, anyone really explain to me what in the heck in the world at all this has to do with MUSIC? Now I know it has to do with the lyrics of the song W.A.P. but REALLY?  How on earth is that GRAMMY WORTHY?  

We just literally cancelled Mr. Potato Head, Pepe Le Pew, and Dr. Seuss because they were too “offensive”, yet somehow the song W.A.P. is not, and not only is it not offensive to Karen enforcers everywhere and these lunatics, but they go ahead and give it a GRAMMY? 

I’m sorry, if that is Grammy worthy, you can keep your Grammy, I do not want one.  

 For those who are interested, here is the link to my latest music release "Pour The Light In" which DOES NOT need an obscenity warning label.  

https://music.apple.com/us/album/pour-the-light-in/1530315543 

Blessings, Love & Music ~ 

Ava xo 

www.avaaston.com 

Total Eclipse of the Internet

I know most everyone is going ga ga over the eclipse that is set to split America for the first time in ninety-nine years. People are in a frenzy scrambling to get their hands on last minute “solar eclipse glasses” on Amazon and all kinds of online retailers. I however kind of wish it were an eclipse of the Internet that was on its way instead.

Why because in my humble big fat Greek opinion, something special has died and I just have to get it off my chest. Social media on the Internet has gone from something totally unique that connected people in way it never had before in history to one big giant commercial advertisement. Which leads me to the following thoughts. (WARNING: Greek Girl rant about to ensue)

Dear facebook,

If it’s not broke, please don’t fix it. Now I can imagine that all of the millennials over at corporate headquarters get twitchy and itchy if they don’t have something new and innovate to keep changing. However, here’s a request straight from one of your millions of users… please stop. Because, we the everyday users don’t actually don’t “like” it (no pun intended… well, maybe some).

Here’s an idea, how about we change the term “social media” to “social advertising”. Because the spark of genius that was the magic of Facebook has died. The brilliant invention that enabled a person in Timbuktu to connect to a total stranger, musician, business, blog, or what have you in East Jupeepee no longer exists.

It has been replaced by advertising. So Joe Blow in Timbuktu will no longer organically see a post from a person, musician or, business in East Jupeepee unless that person, musician, or business pays to have Joe Blow see it. This is how technology went from a stroke of brilliance to a nuisance.

Thus more and more people are disconnecting from social media altogether. Sad, but it is true. All of that just so Facebook could go public and increase profits. I suspect that in the long run Facebook will eventually go the way of Myspace. Haven’t really seen or heard of too many people itching to hop on MySpace and check out the latest meme (just sayin).

Since when did the average person have to have a rocket science degree to admin his or her own Facebook business, band or musician page? And I’m not just saying that because I have a head injury (really I do have one, but all kidding aside) I was on Facebook for like two hours the other night configuring, or shall I say, “trying” to configure the apps on my musician page.

Somehow the Instagram got disconnected and the Twitter again for about the third time in a month… I reconnect it, then it disconnects without my knowledge. Next thing you know, Facebook posts are not posting to twitter and so on.

Here’s a shocking bit of information for Facebook to consider: not everyone has a “social media manager” on staff operating their account. Now I can imagine that you all love to talk techie and swap ways to “innovate” and improve the “user experience”; however as one of the millions of users, seriously, please stop. It is beyond obnoxious every time we get the hang of something and figure out where in God’s name you all hid the button to operate a tab or function, you all flipping change it again. Honest to Pete… it’s lunacy.

It’s not “The Jetsons” and we’re not living inside a computer world (yet)… so please for the love of all that is left that is good and right in the world, STOP CHANGING THINGS!

Which brings me to my next gripe… Google. You all are just as bad. Seriously that film “The Circle” anyone seen it? Probably not because it didn’t do so well at the box office. I would bet the powers that be at Facebook and Google got together in a secret meeting and put the kabash on the advertising for that film. It is a frighteningly accurate portrayal of what I imagine the corporate world of Facebook and Google to be.

Get this one: I am “not allowed” to post the link to my own songs on “iTunes” because it “violates Google policy, and is spam”? Seriously… HELLO Google, I’m an “Independent Recording Artist” which means, no record label paying for songs to be promoted on radio, film, TV and lets not forget to be actually SEEN by my own followers on Facebook. Followers who clicked the “like” button of their own volition, meaning they wanted to actually see what I am posting. (Not only when I am paying you to show it to them) If posting my music on my own page (that people sign up to follow mind you of their own will) is “spam” then what in the heck in the world is the point of being on social media at all?

Besides the fact that Google is just as bad as Facebook when it comes to changing things. It’s like a bunch of techie minions sitting around in Silicon Valley trying to figure out the most outrageous way to keep people confused. They change things even more than Facebook, and good luck trying to figure out where and what they did with a feature when they do. Since when did a person need a college degree in Computer Programming to manage their Google and Google plus accounts? Sheesh.

Lets not even get into YouTube (the left arm of Google – and when I say left I do mean left) censoring videos for monetization that it politically disagrees with. How’s that “free speech” thing working out for you all… hmmm? Profanity is allowed to run amuck all over YouTube, and Facebook will allow a livestream of a GANG RAPE and even a MURDER. But boy oh boy… you best not post anything that conflicts with a left leaning ideology… whatchout.

What on earth? HELLO can anyone say Orwell? Holy bananas batman, it’s seriously getting beyond absurd. No wonder people are leaving social media in droves, and unplugging from technology all together. Can’t say I blame them.  

Thus my suggestion to change the name from “Social Media” to “Social Advertising”. Better yet, make that, “Social PAID Advertising”.

Stepping off my soapbox now. That’s all… carry on.  Enjoy the Solar Eclipse wherever you may be watching from (and don’t forget your glasses).

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

No Excuses

Nothing can stop you unless you let it.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Americans Are Coming

Time is running out...

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Blessings, Love & Music ~

Ava xo

www.avaaston.com 

The Halloween Hijack: Punkin's Revenge

Oh, the humanity! I can't believe the atrocity of these forever humiliations in the Aston household!

Hello to all my faithful followers out there!  This is your favorite and most talented Pekingese dog Punkin Aston.  That's right, I have done it again.  I have gone in and hijacked my mommies blog! But this time I am out for some serious Halloween Revenge! You read it right. I am out for "R-E-V-E-N-G-E" Pekignese Style.  (For those who don't know, I am part Ninja because I am a Chinese dog, so therefore I am a ninja.)

Now, to get back to the atrocity and to qoute my favorite movie (mostly because I starred in it, though my scenes ended up on the cutting room floor)  If my mommy dresses me up in another dreadful costume ever again There Will Be Blood!  So instead of me going on and on about the kind of torture that has taken the Ava Aston household by storm I will invite you to watch this 3-part series and learn just what kind of monster my mommy really is.  

HALLOWEEN ATROCITY PART: 1


HALLOWEEN ATROCITY PART: 2


HALLOWEEN ATROCITY PART: 3




Now, if you have made it through all this muckery of which me and my brothers and sister have gone through, please call and report my mommy for puppy abuse.  Thank you and have a happy Halloween!


Blessings, Love & Music ~

Ava xox :D
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

People Who Live in Glass Houses

It's OK to be Different ;D

We've all heard the saying more times probably than we care to remember.  If you stop to think about it, are most of the people who are throwing the saying around - really doing so?  Not throwing stones, that is.

I mean everyone wants or likes to "think" that they are open minded, and not really judging people.  But if you stop to really ask yourself, are you really accepting of others for who and what they are and or believe or does it only apply to people who share the same ideology, religion or political persuasion as you do?  Oh boy Mr. Bricks is probably going to choke on his MCrib sandwich today when he reads my blog because I just broke the cardinal rule of a Rock Star.  I just used the words politics and religion in the same sentence...  Yikes ~ I may just end up in Bricks Jail after this blog.

Seriously though.... with so much media inundating us from every direction, there's facebook, twitter, and about a zillion news channels to watch as well as internet websites.  I can see where it could be easy to let your mind be swayed to a "popular" opinion on anything, without even realizing it is happening to you.  Take for example any murder trial such as the Casey Anthony Trial that has received a lot of media coverage.  No one knows what happened in any situation unless you were actually there.  Unless you are serving as a judge, juror or personally involved in a situation it's silly to make assumptions about a persons innocence or guilt.  Yet I would guess it'd be a safe bet to say we have all at one time or another been guilty of it.

There are some people who are so wrapped up into politics that they actually will not watch particular TV Networks just because that network may have a different view or ideology about things.  I just can not roll that way no matter how passionate about any particular subject I may be.  Because at the end of the day, life is just way too short to be so tightly wound up that you have to boycott networks, people or shows.  It would probably get pretty boring and or lonely.

Being in entertainment I have a lot of friends and associates with totally different views and thoughts about certain things ~ and you know what, that is OK with me. Not everyone has to agree on everything, and people can still be good people and have a lot of things in common even if they disagree about the two cardinal swear words... Religion & Politics.  I'm not saying to never speak your mind or get involved in the things and or causes that matter to you as an individual.  What I am saying, is everyone has the right to think what he or she thinks at the end of the day. ;D  "C'est la vie" the French phrase, "Such is life".

Have a beautiful blessed day ~

Ava :D xox