Facedown vs Planking

Me planking (or so I thought) as a joke to Mr. Bricks ;D

So what is up with the "Planking" rage all of the sudden? What I can not seem to wrap my noggin around is why on earth people are all of the sudden so excited to lay down - on things?  I was working out one afternoon and I get a text from Mr. Bricks....   "Ava, have you heard about planking?"  I'm thinking... hmmm planking, what the heck is he talking about now...   Mr. Bricks have you been drinking?  I text him back "I'm working out, I'll be done in another hour or so, ttyl" He proceeds to continue to text me like something ~ really important is going on...

So I decided the following weekend to take a photo as a joke of me "Planking" (or so I thought I was planking) in front of my dream car the Bubble Bee Camaro.  So come to find out, I was actually not planking at all, I was "Facedown".  How did I learn this you may be asking yourself?  Well wouldn't you know it, old man Bricks has found the clarification to inform me that I was not planking and I was in fact facedown.  He even sent me the link to the video to prove it....

http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/us/2011/06/15/dnt.facedown.craze.king?eref=igoogledmn_mpvideo

So here I am about a month or so later sitting here asking myself, why on earth does my manager Mr. Bricks know so much about "planking" & "facedown", yet I still do not have a record deal? So now I know what he spends his time doing, that is besides eating McRib sandwiches all dang day long...  He spends his time reading up on things like planking when he is supposed to be getting me a record deal (just sayin). I think I am going to tell Mr. Bricks that I think planking is really cool and that I would love to get a picture of him planking in between my two tour buses when they are parked side by side loading up for my US Tour.  Yeah, that's a good idea. ;D

All joking aside here because we all know I'm all about laughing and having a fun time, but really I do not condone ~ anything ~ that can possibly cause harm to yourself or others.  Life is precious, I do not feel it wise to risk life and limb just to get a "funny" or outrageous photo.  I heard on the news a few weeks ago that someone was even killed falling off of a balcony trying to get a photo of themselves "planking".  So of course have fun, take risks, live your life to the fullest - but do not do anything just for the "shock" value of it.  In this humble Greek Girl's opinion, it is simply not worth it.  (in full disclosure, my "planking/facedown" photo was taken in a parking lot away from any space any car could drive on) :D Be smart blog friends!

Have a beautiful blessed day!

Ava :D xox

Whistle While You Work

My producer Damien & I in the studio, he sure is one funny guy...

Do you have one of the jobs where you sit a cubicle all day and listen to the person next to you whistle all day? That would make my coconut explode. Then there are those Cubicle A-Type  Personality Dwellers (CADS) that you can hear their every perfect phone conversation  with every girl with a heart beat who this CAD has buffaloed into thinking she was special.  Makes you want to sprint into his cubicle when he takes one of his frequent breaks to visit the bathroom so he can check himself out in the mirror and hit redial on his phone and tell the unsuspecting lady just what a jerk this guy is.

I am lucky, the only cubicle at my job is the recording booth....  The only thing I have to listen to is the sound of my own melodies & my producer Damien saying "That's Hot". Which is actually quite funny, because he is a big guy with a wicked sense of humor which makes for lots of goofing around at times.  But hey, like they say "if you can't laugh... you might as well be 6 ft under".  I know I don't want to be there anytime soon, so I plan to keep on laughing.  So I hope you enjoy the little clip of Damien & I doing just that, goofing around while working on a new song.  Looking to have this song finished mid July and God willing a whole new project done by my B~day in September.

Have a beautiful blessed day my blog buddies!

Ava xox

Cap'n Crunch Walks the Plank

A breakfast with this is not Greek Girl approved

Have you ever noticed how guys can not just eat one bowl of breakfast cereal? Well, I am going to appoint myself as the Czar of  Breakfast Stuff (BS) and let you know that you should not be listening to those BS commercials.  Otherwise you will have to Leggo the Greek Girl's Eggo, just sayin'.

I know I know I am always harping about "you are what you eat", but really I can not say it enough. It's OK to have a bit of "bad foods" once in a while but really.... Capt'n Crunch for breakfast? Not so much, it is more like a dessert... and like a handful, not a bowl.  Sorry to burst anyone's sugar coated cereal bubble.

You only have one body and it really is a miracle.  What you put into it is really important, that's why for breakfast I'm all about egg whites.  Almost every day I have egg whites and a Thomas Light whole grain English Muffin with smart balance & peanut butter on it (peanut butter is a super food btw).  If I don't have egg whites, I usually have a 0% Fage Greek Yogurt (we talked about this in a blog last week).  Of course I wash it down with a coffee....  BTW are you following my coffee every day on twitter? hmmmmwww.twitter.com/avaaston  @avaaston ;D

I get that kids & even grown ups too like cartoons and all, but I have spent time in the cereal isle, and honestly it is really hard to find even one cereal that is balanced and "good" for you.  It's either too high in sugar, or not enough fiber & protein.... Also the serving size is generally 1/3 of a cup.  We all know that most people do not measure out their cereal before they eat it. So most people are actually eating like 3-4 servings of cereal... this makes for a lot of muckery.  Mood swings, and irritability from not having a balanced breakfast.

So take it from this Rock Chick ~ cereal.... not such a great choice for breakfast.  For me it's all bout being healthy, feeling good and being in shape for performances for my music & acting.  No matter what you do in life, it's important to be the best you can be, and eating a sugary cereal for breakfast is not for champions.  ;D just sayin.  If you absolutely have to have a cereal, best to read the label and make sure it has whole grains & a proper balance of protein, fiber, low sugar, and make sure to measure it.  I use lactose free skim milk, however there are lots of healthy choices for your cereal: almond milk, soy milk, rice milk, whatever floats your cereal boat.  A better choice for a breakfast cereal is steel cut oatmeal, Yummo!

After a Greek Girl approved breakfast you should be all ready to put on your sneakers for a kick butt workout! Go out & have a super spectacular day!

Love & Blessings ~

Ava :D xox

Bright Star

Ben Whishaw and Abbie Cornish star as John Keats and Fanny Whishaw in Jane Campions s "Bright Star." (Image courtesy Apparition)

According to the FreeDictionary.Org., which is where I started today's blog because I'm Greek and too cheap to go to ExpensiveDictionary.Org. to look up the various meanings to the words bright and star.

I did this because, well I'm bored and I'm on a road trip to Florida. I'm traveling with my aunt and her cat and she's making me all itchy.  The cat, not my aunt is making me itchy. I'm allergic to cats. And my manager Mr. Bricks texted me that he got an email from some hot shot TV executive in Hollywood who said that he thought I was a "bright star."  My blonde must be showing, because I really have no idea if that was good or bad.

So as we drove down the East Coast in bumper-to-bumper traffic I was googling the words bright and star to see if it was compliment or an insult. It sounds very positive, but then again so does the term, short bus - and I know better on that one. I give as much of my spare time to any and all people who have ever been teased about riding to school on a short bus. In support of my special friends, I recently told Mr. Bricks that my next tour bus is going to be a short bus.

So here is what discovery my iPhone google search yielded:

Bright

ADJECTIVE (10)

1. emitting or reflecting light readily or in large amounts;
- Example: "the sun was bright and hot"
- Example: "a bright sunlit room"

2. having striking color;
- Example: "bright dress"
- Example: "brilliant tapestries"
- Example: "a bird with vivid plumage"
[syn: bright, brilliant, vivid]

3. characterized by quickness and ease in learning;
- Example: "some children are brighter in one subject than another"
- Example: "smart children talk earlier than the average"
[syn: bright, smart]

4. having lots of light either natural or artificial;
- Example: "the room was bright and airy"
- Example: "a stage bright with spotlights"

5. made smooth and bright by or as if by rubbing; reflecting a sheen or glow;
- Example: "bright silver candlesticks"
- Example: "a burnished brass knocker"
- Example: "she brushed her hair until it fell in lustrous auburn waves"
- Example: "rows of shining glasses"
- Example: "shiny black patents"
[syn: bright, burnished, lustrous, shining, shiny]

6. splendid;
- Example: "the bright stars of stage and screen"
- Example: "a bright moment in history"
- Example: "the bright pageantry of court"

7. not made dim or less bright;
- Example: "undimmed headlights"
- Example: "surprisingly the curtain started to rise while the houselights were still undimmed"
[syn: undimmed, bright]

8. clear and sharp and ringing;
- Example: "the bright sound of the trumpet section"
- Example: "the brilliant sound of the trumpets"
[syn: bright, brilliant]

9. characterized by happiness or gladness;
- Example: "bright faces"
- Example: "all the world seems bright and gay"

10. full or promise;
- Example: "had a bright future in publishing"
- Example: "the scandal threatened an abrupt end to a promising political career"
- Example: "a hopeful new singer on Broadway"
[syn: bright, hopeful, promising]

STAR

1.

a. A self-luminous celestial body consisting of a mass of gas held together by its own gravity in which the energy generated by nuclear reactions in the interior is balanced by the outflow of energy to the surface, and the inward-directed gravitational forces are balanced by the outward-directed gas and radiation pressures.

b. Any of the celestial bodies visible at night from Earth as relatively stationary, usually twinkling points of light.

c. Something regarded as resembling such a celestial body.

2. A graphic design having five or more radiating points, often used as a symbol of rank or merit.

3.

a. An artistic performer or athlete whose leading role or superior performance is acknowledged.

b. One who is highly celebrated in a field or profession.

4.

a. An asterisk (*).

b. The star key on a telephone: For customer service, press star.

5. A white spot on the forehead of a horse.

6. A planet or constellation of the zodiac believed in astrology to influence personal destiny.

7. stars The future; destiny. Often used with the.

adj.

1. Outstanding or famous, especially in performing something: a star researcher; a star figure skater.

2. Of or relating to a star or stars.

So over all I think it was a compliment, unless of course you used and the #8 definition of Bright and combined it with the #5 definition of Star, then I would be A Bright white spot in the shape of a trumpet on the forehead of a horse. Then that would not be a compliment.

or  #9 definition of Bright combined with #1a definition of Star - I would have a nice bright face, but be full of gas. Then I would be Mr. Bricks.

Blessings,

Ava

xox

A Beacon of Light

I have often thought about lighthouses, not as often as I think about sneakers, but from time to time the concept of the light house is rolling around my Greek noggin.

It is that little beacon of bright light that keeps disaster from happening to ships and crews out in turbulent waters. In your life have you ever felt like you were in turbulent waters and thought to yourself how nice it would be to have seen a beacon of light from a light house to keep you safe and on track? I know I have. Well, hello, I am in the fickle entertainment business. I once read a quote, "This isn’t exactly a stable business. It’s like trying to stand up in a canoe with your pants down."– Cliff Robertson. Oh that Cliff, he was such a nut.

I imagine that is how Ted Williams must feel. I am not talking baseball Ted Williams, I am talking the Ted Williams who was homeless and who has captured the world's attention this past week with his incredible voice and even more incredible feel good story of triumph over adversity. I'm a sucker for a comeback story. That's why I like Rocky, remember?

For those who believe in God, or a higher power of their choice we do have that beacon. But for those people who have fallen onto hard times and away from their faith, or never had it to begin with, without that they are still seeking something to help them navigate the rough waters of their life. Most times they just keep crashing. Ted was just such a man.

Ted is an ex-radio announcer who had fallen on very hard times.  As he would panhandle for spare change from drivers he would use his amazing voice as a way of repaying the generosity of strangers. Williams said he was fired from a job and then had his fair share of struggles, with "alcohol and drugs and a few other things." He says he's two years clean now.

"I have a God given gift of voice. I'm an ex-radio announcer who has fallen on hard times. Please! Any help will be gratefully appreciated. Thank you and God bless. Happy holidays," read Williams' roadside sign for help. That was then, this is now.

Like Williams, the radio industry has fallen on hard times in the past decade, but given the viral power of his video, (13 million views before YouTube took it down for copyright infringement)  Williams was quickly approached with all sorts of offers.

The Cleveland Cavaliers offered Williams a full-time job and a house. The Cavaliers will reportedly have to compete against MTV, the NFL and likely countless more suitors who have lined up for Williams' services.

I was certainly brought to tears when I first watched the viral video.  And once again I was brought to tears as I watched an interview with him getting choked up when he was discussing how an invitation to do a bunch of TV shows in New York has opened the door for him to visit his 92-year-old mother in Brooklyn for the first time in 10 years. "One of my biggest prayers that I sent out was that she would live long enough to see me rebound," Williams said. "There's so many words. I've already been compared to Susan Boyle... I'm just so happy."

Truly there was a beacon of light out there for Ted Williams. It is just such a wonderful story. I hope he goes on to make a bajillion dollars, and someday I would love to hear his golden voice say, "and up next I have the newest hit single from that Greek blonde Girl and Grammy Award winning Platinum recording artist Ava Aston."

Blessings,

Ava

xox

To Dream The Possible Dream

Have you ever had to step out of the comfort zone of your simple life and had to do different things for a while? I have. I decided a long time ago that it's how you handle learning new things that will ultimately determine if you are successful in life or not.

I look at so many teen celebrities like Lindsay Lohan, Miley Cyrus, Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie my heart truly goes out to them. They have no grasp of reality. One of the very first American reality TV series was a Simple Life starring Paris Hilton and Nicole Ritchie. The premise was to take two socialites and put them in situations that were foreign to them and let the cameras roll as they tried to learn new things that were outside of their comfort zone.

With so many people losing their jobs it appears that there will be a whole lot of people learning new things they never thought they would need to know. Sadly, some older people who have seen vast retirement funds and fortunes wiped out in a single bad stock market day or by a crooked investment scam have also started to learn things they never thought the would need to know.

Most reality shows are based on the premise of exploiting people outside of their comfort zone and then showing how they react. When I get a chance to watch TV on Sunday nights, one reality series I really like to watch is Undercover Boss on CBS. It is fun to watch the CEO's try to learn new things about their very own company. yah, I sometimes think the show is as real as Pro Wrestling is real (wink, wink) but it still is a touching show watching others outside of their area of expertise struggle to learn new things.

I often wonder if I was ever on one of those reality series how would I stand up to the pressure?  Although that hasn't happened, I can say that it's always been amazing to me that when I have ventured out and done something I am not completely comfortable with I actually did better than I thought I would do.

Yes, the Greek girl surprises herself sometimes. It must be the competitive nature in me that rises to the top of my noggin and allows me to be on my "A" game. Lord knows in this business sometimes I may not want to do a certain task, make a phone call or go to a certain place -- but when I do, I always try to do my best. It's just what my parents always taught me to do.

I am in awe of those people who embrace trying new things and actually get a rush from it. My brain was wired differently, or maybe I just have a loose wire somewhere - not sure which is the truth, loose wire or wired differently. But for my entire life I have concentrated on one thing. I have pursued one thing. I dream about one thing. My happiest times are spent doing one thing.  And that one thing is my music career.

It's no surprise that American Idol (or as I call it, American Eye Dull) is considering adding a new element to the show. The final 12 contestants will all live together in a house, like Big Brother  -- once again exploiting the vulnerability of people in uncomfortable situations.

A career in the arts for anyone is usually a passion, something they must do and not just not a job you can go out and learn. The old joke that the one line of dialogue that every actor knows is,  "Do you want fries with that?" goes to show you how many actors, singers, dancers, etc must do many things they don't want to do just to continue to pursue their dream. I say to them, never give up!!

I just wished that every actor and every singer who has a pay-the-bills job like serving the McRib to my manager at the local McDonald's or driving a cab in Manhattan, that they realize this pay-the-bills job is also an opportunity to build their character and become a better person by embracing the uncomfortable present situation they find themselves in. I know first hand how it would be much easier to rebel and walk away from it. I know because I have been in that situation before. Whenever I completed one of those pay-the-bills job I always felt a little prouder about myself for completing it.

Although I am far from the ultimate success I want to have as a recording artist, as the modest success has started coming my way I honestly can say that I am thankful for the many times I have been humbled. It has indeed made me a much better singer, actress and all around better person in the long run.  And although maybe I did not know it at the time, perhaps I made a difference in someone else's life and I had no idea I was doing it. That is really the definition of  living the dream to me.

Blessings,

Ava

xox

Photo Courtesy of Michael Yarish, FOX TV

Here Women Talk

There is something powerful when a bunch of women get together and talk. I am not talking about like the women from "Sex and The City", who when they got together, it was more like boasting and gossiping about their sexual escapades, rather than a bunch of women talking with each other about life in general. I actually would find it rather embarrssing talking about my sex life with my girlfriends. I guess you can tell I am not a Kardashian! So maybe you don't want to keep up with me! I feel somethings should not be open for discussion.

Women can learn a lot when they band together and learn from each other's experiences. That is the whole concept behind, HereWomenTalk (HWT) a fairly new social network for Women. According to the HWT Founder Kay Van Hoesen, it's always been her girlfriends who have kept her grounded. She has said, they are her family and her support. Knowing the importance of girlfriends, Kay created the HereWomenTalk social network as a way to connect, support and inspire each other. I am glad she did!!

HereWomenTalk.com

I actually knew nothing about this social networking site until they approached my manager Mr. Bricks to have one of my songs be the theme song for a new radio talk show they were launching. After checking out the site and finding more about the radio show, it was something that I really, really wanted to do. The more I ventured into it, the more excited I became.

I have met some really neat ladies on the site, including the founder Kay Van Hoesen. Which is pretty cool to think that the person who created it is actually accessible. It's not like Mark Zuckerberg is ever going to accept my friend request on Facebook! But Kay accepted my friend request on HWT and we have been able to share a few spirited posts back and forth. What a neat lady she is. And Kay is a dog lover, so I know she is a class act - Anyone who likes dogs is OK in my book - just sayin.'

The song the site is using is "Gone" from my "Gone" cd, you can listen to the song here. The radio show is called "Time's Up!' and is hosted by Susan Murphy-Milano.

The Time's Up! radio talk show airs Wednesdays at 4pm ET on Here Women Talk broadcast by the Zeus Radio Network or you can play archived podcasts at anytime at the HWT website.

Susan Murphy-Milano is often praised as one of the most dynamic and engaging speakers of our day in the domestic violence prevention field. Her books and strategies are taught world-wide and used by law enforcement, domestic abuse advocates, social workers, attorneys, health care workers, human resource departments and domestic violence agencies.  The comprehensive strategies and escape plans utilized by Susan have been successful and tested by time for over 20 years.

Susan uses humor, passion, and all her years of experience to motivate her radio audience to become more effective first responders, advocates and professionals in their work to stop family violence.

I feel honored that my song "Gone" is being used to help women all over the world find the strength to leave domestic violent situations and move into a safer and more stable environment. As a recording artist, that makes me very proud.

Although primarily designed as a network for women, HWT also welcomes men! Check out HereWomenTalk and listen to Susan Murphy-Milano's show Time's Up! on Wednesdays at 4pm ET  on The Zeus Radio Network.

Have a great day!!!

Blessings,

Ava

xox

You can order your own copy of "Gone" here. It makes a great Christmas present!

Show Me The Money

Ok everyone, it seems my manager Mr. Bricks has finally flipped his lid.

For those who follow my daily blog know I love joking about my manager because my so-called life  is nothing but muckery and kind of boring. Soooo,  I goof on my manager, Mr. Bricks from time to time...ok, alright I goof on him everyday. Today he sent me the following text:

I Read your blog this morning. Should I add comedienne to your resume?

I think he was mad because I made a joke yesterday about his age. I can't help it if he is older than dirt! And any cracks I make about his expanding waist line is because I don't want him going out like "Mama" Cass Elliot by choking on a ham sandwich. He really needs to adapt to a healthier life style or I will get "The Biggest Loser's" Jilliann Michaels to throw him into lockdown until he changes his eating habits.

I am surprised at how many questions I get about Mr. Bricks from people reading my blog.  I was recently creeped out by some lady who asked if he was single. Apparently she wanted to go out with him. Yep, that made me vomit a little in my mouth just thinking of it. Look, I don't want to think of Mr. Bricks like that (you know, going on a date and junk like that) because well, he just seems like a guy who is best left in the salt mines managing my career.

Others have asked me, "So what EXACTLY does Mr. Bricks do for you? Does he walk your dogs and pick up your dry cleaning?" -- That's a great idea, I will have him get right on that! No, he is not a personal assistant. And I'm no diva, so I can walk my own dogs and pick up my own dry cleaning, thank you very much.

So what exactly does he do? Well that I can talk about!  Like most people who have chosen a career in entertainment, I quickly learned  I need the help of other people.  I am still the big Greek boss, but I  can not do everything by myself.  So, its not because I want to seem important, (because I know in God's eyes I am not more important than anyone else)  but I do have others to help me with my career, because I need the help.

I have talent agents that help me get commercials, TV shows and movie roles.  Each agent has several hundred clients. So with a personal manager like Mr. Bricks, he helps me oversee what the various agents are submitting me for by making suggestions and helping to set up meetings. He helps keeps me fresh in the mind of the agents because they are so busy and have so many clients.

I also have booking agents for singing at corporate gigs, fairs, rallies, concerts, etc. Again a booking agent has hundreds of clients and Mr. Bricks works in tandem with them to make sure I am a priority to them.

One thing Mr. Bricks is also helping me get is a record deal. That's the golden ring I am reaching for! Until then, you can see me selling my cd's out of the trunk of my car on the off ramps of the Palisades  Parkway. I'm kidding of course...but a record deal is a pivotal part of my career plan. Singing is my passion and it is hard as an independant recording artist without a label deal.

Mr. Bricks is planing things five plus years into the future for me. He  has the business mentality that many of us performers do not have. So as much as I joke about him -- it is very nice to finally have someone helping me with my career.

Some people are put off when they inquire about booking me and I tell them they need to speak to my manager. But the reality is, Mr. Bricks keeps my calendar and knows my availability much more than I do.  It is much easier to have all bookings and offers from all of the different agents go through one centralized office. And since I am not at home that often, it only makes sense that I enlisted the service of a manager to help me.

"Does Mr. Brick really only eat Big Macs and McRibs?"Sadly this is kinda true.  He says it is his jet set lifestyle, and that he doesn't have time to sit down and eat a healthy meal. So when you read my blog and I am bagging on him for eating unhealthy it's because I care about the little fat man, and I want him to get healthy! Hey Mr. Bricks, I have a busy life style and you don't see me wolfing down Micky D's (Carmel sundaes excluded - and only in moderation)  just sayin'

I guess for the best illustration of what Mr. Bricks does for me is to watch Tom Cruise in Jerry Maquire.

Although Jerry Maguire was a sports manager Mr. Bricks is a talent manager. What Jerry Maguire did for his clients is what Mr. Bricks does for me (with out dropping the F-Bomb every other word)  In the movie, Jerry Maguire started off as a typical agent. Most agents at the top of their game are willing to do or say about anything they can to get the biggest possible contracts for their clients, plus a nice commission for themself. But not Mr. Bricks.

He is more like the hard working true-to-himself at all costs type of manager Jerry McGuire became later in the movie.  I do not think I would want a cut throat agent as a part of my team.  That is what I really like about Mr. Bricks. He is agressive, yet firm, polite and fair. He doesn't get frazzled when I scream to him,"Show me the money Mr. Bricks!"

So I may act like I think he is a total over weight, buffoon with one wandering eye. But in my honest opinion he is a true genius with a very kind soul, with a wandering eye.

And that is why he had me at "hello!"

Blessings,

Ava

xox

visist my website: www.avaaston.com