October 28, 2011
For Immediate Release:
Songs For Charlie Music proudly announces the sixth album release from Grammy nominated singer-songwriter Celeste Friedman. In celebration of her brthday today, October 28th, the CD is now available on CDBaby, iTunes and various digital music outlets.
Read more . . .
The Road to Santiago de Compostela
Countless individuals have made the pilgrimage route to the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela. A five-hundred mile trek across Spain over the Pyrenees Mountains and rugged terrain. The trail is fickle, from smooth sand or grass to rocks and ridges. Many believe it to be a spiritual transformation and powerful challenge of faith.
Having not yet taken the journey myself, I close my eyes and imagine. I can feel the angels all around me. The meseta beckons, as the mountains slowly rise behind. The endless vineyards along the way are an elixir for the soul. As I near my celestial destination, I descend through a forest in the snow. Peering through a veil of sweet persuasion, the moon lights my way, the way of Saint James.
Espiritu Santo mi guia . . . Celeste
Grammy nominated singer-songwriter and composer Celeste Friedman delivers an eclectic journey of originals in tribute to the countless pilgrims who have crossed the five-hundred mile trek to the Cathedral de Compostela. For over one thousand years, it has been believed to be the final resting place of the apostle Saint James.
Friedman closes her eyes and imagines, sensing the angels everywhere. The Holy Spirit is her guide along the winding, rocky path, where she reveals in the title track that she carries all of her dreams and sins, a heavy load.
Haunting, mesmerizing and hypnotic best describes Friedman's compositions, lifting a veil on struggles with faith. In search of strength and guidance, Friedman features singles such as, "Searching"; "Forgiveness"; "White Butterfly" and "The Meaning of Life". Challenged by a crippling disease since her mid-thirties, Celeste tells the story of tolerance of pain and tests of patience and acceptance in "Running with Scissors". Reflecting on the snowy descent in the mountains, she includes her ballad, "The Trees are Bare" and a traditional Irish piece, "The Snows They Melt the Soonest". In "Oranges", she unravels the desire for happiness and simplicity, while still passionately feeding the fire in her soul.
Instrumental compositions include works which have been featured in television and film, such as "Secret Land"; "The Alchemist"; "La Rose Rouge" and "O Dominus". The entire collection is a tapestry weaving jazz, Latin, Celtic, contemporary pop and orchestral styles.
"The Road to Santiago" title track refers to the scallop shell in the lyrics. Metaphorically, the shell, often found on the shores of Galicia, has long been a symbol of the pilgrimage routes, where the grooves in the shell come together at one single point.
The journey to Santiago de Compostela was one of the most important Christian pilgrimages in medieval times. Today, common starting points are Paris, France or the town of Le Puy. Some claim to experience a holy transformation of the soul and believe to discover a new understanding of life, death and one's relationship with God.
Friday, October 28, 2011
Saturday, October 22, 2011
If You're Afraid to Go It Alone, Don't Read This!
If you don't need the bed all to yourself, don't read this! If you love sharing the milk jug in the refrigerator with someone who sneaks a slurp or two, don't read this! If you don't mind living with a slob, don't read this! If you're fed up with her having male friends in addition to her female friends, don't read this!
If you are ready to take the plunge and fly solo, check out my book, "Single 101: 101 Reasons to Celebrate Being Single". There are those who believe that if you are not in a relationship and prefer living alone, you just exit and don't really live. It may be true that there are some who are really living life and those who are just existing, but the latter is not true for the majority of singletons.
Single people who have chosen to remain single are also enjoying life, especially in the way they choose to live. Single men and women have been labeled many negatives, but until you embrace the possibilities, you'll never know. You may want to try living single for a period of time before you enter another relationship and you're bound to discover who you truly are.
It's shameful that our society allows their ignorance to dictate their beliefs. This is not 1811 or 1911, but 2011 and still, people will knock you down for managing your life on your own without a spouse or partner. Those who make a conscious, wise decision to fly solo have their reasons and shouldn't be criticized for their status. "Single 101" supports single men and women, their lifestyle choices and approach to life. Pick up a copy on Amazon or download it into your Kindle. It's a great stocking stuffer for the holidays too.
Always remember Reason #24- you never have to be afraid to go it alone.
If you are ready to take the plunge and fly solo, check out my book, "Single 101: 101 Reasons to Celebrate Being Single". There are those who believe that if you are not in a relationship and prefer living alone, you just exit and don't really live. It may be true that there are some who are really living life and those who are just existing, but the latter is not true for the majority of singletons.
Single people who have chosen to remain single are also enjoying life, especially in the way they choose to live. Single men and women have been labeled many negatives, but until you embrace the possibilities, you'll never know. You may want to try living single for a period of time before you enter another relationship and you're bound to discover who you truly are.
It's shameful that our society allows their ignorance to dictate their beliefs. This is not 1811 or 1911, but 2011 and still, people will knock you down for managing your life on your own without a spouse or partner. Those who make a conscious, wise decision to fly solo have their reasons and shouldn't be criticized for their status. "Single 101" supports single men and women, their lifestyle choices and approach to life. Pick up a copy on Amazon or download it into your Kindle. It's a great stocking stuffer for the holidays too.
Always remember Reason #24- you never have to be afraid to go it alone.
Monday, October 10, 2011
Sir Paul and His New Bride
When I was eleven years old, I was convinced that I would one day marry Paul McCartney of The Beatles. I had read the fan magazine stories about his love affair with Jane Asher, but didn't care, because I was certain that I was the one and he was my prince charming.
I was a typical American girl who hung posters of the fab-four on the back of my bedroom door and gazed at Paul every day. My star-struck attraction never led me to make any plans of how I would actually meet Paul or if I would ever travel to London for a chance meeting. I just simply loved him, his innocent eyes and his songwriting.
The day that my future husband moved into my house, hauling in all of his "man-stuff" was a huge life-changing experience for me. I discovered that his framed life-size poster of the cover of the "Introducing the Beatles" album was not as significant to me as in the past. Hanging the poster on my living room wall was against my decorating tastes, but I compromised and agreed it would hang in the downstairs rec room. I no longer felt a flickering flame when I looked at Paul, who had now invaded my country-french interior decorating styles with the look of college dorm.
The day eventually arrived when Paul married Linda Eastman and I knew my chances were nill, reflecting on my childhood with a smile. Heather Mills came along in recent years and now his new bride, much younger than Sir Paul, exited the town hall yesterday in London after sealing their vows.
So, that is that. Will she still need him and feed him when he is seventy-four or ninety-four? Best wishes and good luck to my dear James Paul.
I was a typical American girl who hung posters of the fab-four on the back of my bedroom door and gazed at Paul every day. My star-struck attraction never led me to make any plans of how I would actually meet Paul or if I would ever travel to London for a chance meeting. I just simply loved him, his innocent eyes and his songwriting.
The day that my future husband moved into my house, hauling in all of his "man-stuff" was a huge life-changing experience for me. I discovered that his framed life-size poster of the cover of the "Introducing the Beatles" album was not as significant to me as in the past. Hanging the poster on my living room wall was against my decorating tastes, but I compromised and agreed it would hang in the downstairs rec room. I no longer felt a flickering flame when I looked at Paul, who had now invaded my country-french interior decorating styles with the look of college dorm.
The day eventually arrived when Paul married Linda Eastman and I knew my chances were nill, reflecting on my childhood with a smile. Heather Mills came along in recent years and now his new bride, much younger than Sir Paul, exited the town hall yesterday in London after sealing their vows.
So, that is that. Will she still need him and feed him when he is seventy-four or ninety-four? Best wishes and good luck to my dear James Paul.
Saturday, September 10, 2011
In Loving Memory
On December 6, 2011, I traveled to lower Manhattan. My mission was to share gifts, books and music with the students of area elementary schools directly impacted by the World Trade Center tragedy.
I invited my dear friend and singer-songwriter Eric Gnezda to join me and with his late cousin Tony and my pal Hugh, our two vehicles headed for New York like two sleighs in the blinding snowfall. We were carrying gifts made by local schools here, books to donate for school libraries and special greetings created by Stevenson Elementary of Heath and artwork, along with a flag of peace designed by Trevitt Elementary of Columbus, Ohio.
We arrived in 12 hours, met by the principal of Mary Help of Christians School to load in the night before our concert. Every step, ledge and table were still lightly covered with dust that hadn't ceased to sift down from the air since 9/11.
The next morning, we presented two concerts for the students, sharing songs about heroes and singing Christmas carols together. As we all stood holding hands in a giant circle at the end of the last show, we sang "Silent Night". It was very difficult to say good-bye. Packing up our gear and loading out to our vans, a truck had just arrived filled with Christmas trees that the school was selling to raise money. The powerful scent of the pines overwhelmed the dank, sooty air like a blessed veil.
Our next stop was Ladder 13, dropping off breads and fruit baskets for the firefighters. They asked us to sign their guest book and I will never forget the look in their eyes. It was December and people were still coming to bring gifts and offer assistance.
Now, ten years later, I wonder where those students and firefighters are and how they're doing. We will never forget them and hope they are all well.
Our prayers are also with the families of those lost in Pennsylvania and Washington, D.C.
One more year has passed, 2,606 bells will ring at Ground Zero tomorrow, September 11, 2011.
I invited my dear friend and singer-songwriter Eric Gnezda to join me and with his late cousin Tony and my pal Hugh, our two vehicles headed for New York like two sleighs in the blinding snowfall. We were carrying gifts made by local schools here, books to donate for school libraries and special greetings created by Stevenson Elementary of Heath and artwork, along with a flag of peace designed by Trevitt Elementary of Columbus, Ohio.
We arrived in 12 hours, met by the principal of Mary Help of Christians School to load in the night before our concert. Every step, ledge and table were still lightly covered with dust that hadn't ceased to sift down from the air since 9/11.
The next morning, we presented two concerts for the students, sharing songs about heroes and singing Christmas carols together. As we all stood holding hands in a giant circle at the end of the last show, we sang "Silent Night". It was very difficult to say good-bye. Packing up our gear and loading out to our vans, a truck had just arrived filled with Christmas trees that the school was selling to raise money. The powerful scent of the pines overwhelmed the dank, sooty air like a blessed veil.
Our next stop was Ladder 13, dropping off breads and fruit baskets for the firefighters. They asked us to sign their guest book and I will never forget the look in their eyes. It was December and people were still coming to bring gifts and offer assistance.
Now, ten years later, I wonder where those students and firefighters are and how they're doing. We will never forget them and hope they are all well.
Our prayers are also with the families of those lost in Pennsylvania and Washington, D.C.
One more year has passed, 2,606 bells will ring at Ground Zero tomorrow, September 11, 2011.
Friday, August 19, 2011
The Home of the Brave
Our troops are returning home to stand in line with other American civilians looking for a job and soon, the number will increase when more come home from Afghanistan. So many of these troops who have laid their lives on the line are returning home to find only work at minimum wage.
Sadly, many have held positions in the military that cannot be found at home. One example is a combat medic with years of experience, who is not qualified in some states to simply drive an ambulance or EMT truck, which is simply shameful. According to some older veterans, today's military should be required to take advantage of the new GI bill, in order to convert their military training and experience to civilian life back home.
Every Thursday, the jobless estimates are released. Although our government releases those figures to the media with hope that there is a light at the end of the tunnel, thousands more of the unemployed will be added to the growing list when our troops come home.
The benefits of being single at this time weigh in significantly. Compared to men and women who are married with children, the new single veterans have more freedom and less responsibility, allowing them to take advantage of more opportunities in the work force. For the financially fortunate, they can attend or return to college, earn their degree and plan their future strategically.
If more business owners could open their doors to hire even one of our vets coming home, maybe it would be a start in the healing process. America has lost jobs and trillions of dollars because of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Now those who went there to support and defend the cause will be discharged, jobless and some will be homeless. Unfortunately, our U.S. Congress will look the other way and be only concerned with their own welfare and political agenda. Whenever the country needs them most, they go on vacation.
Who has the answers, who has the courage in the home of the brave to make a difference?
Sadly, many have held positions in the military that cannot be found at home. One example is a combat medic with years of experience, who is not qualified in some states to simply drive an ambulance or EMT truck, which is simply shameful. According to some older veterans, today's military should be required to take advantage of the new GI bill, in order to convert their military training and experience to civilian life back home.
Every Thursday, the jobless estimates are released. Although our government releases those figures to the media with hope that there is a light at the end of the tunnel, thousands more of the unemployed will be added to the growing list when our troops come home.
The benefits of being single at this time weigh in significantly. Compared to men and women who are married with children, the new single veterans have more freedom and less responsibility, allowing them to take advantage of more opportunities in the work force. For the financially fortunate, they can attend or return to college, earn their degree and plan their future strategically.
If more business owners could open their doors to hire even one of our vets coming home, maybe it would be a start in the healing process. America has lost jobs and trillions of dollars because of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Now those who went there to support and defend the cause will be discharged, jobless and some will be homeless. Unfortunately, our U.S. Congress will look the other way and be only concerned with their own welfare and political agenda. Whenever the country needs them most, they go on vacation.
Who has the answers, who has the courage in the home of the brave to make a difference?
Saturday, July 30, 2011
The Drive to Survive
"Don't let life run away from you", said my friend John Holt today on his radio program, "Networking Singles" on Business Radio 550, WBZS. John's message this morning was inspiring. He was referring to opening yourself up to new opportunities in the dating world, but this made me pause and think of it in a broader sense.
In this time of gloom and doom, we cannot allow our lives to disappear. We're so focused on potential demise, quick to tear our lives apart, throw in the towel or destroy our life's work. Our life's work that has taken a lifetime to build. Will we allow politicians to govern our lives? Where do we draw the line?
We American citizens are bracing ourselves in our own unique ways to survive a financial catastrophe in our country. The middle class does not exist anymore here. You have the rich and the poor; the red states and the blue states; the democrats and republicans. The word, "compromise" will be come extinct in the American vocabulary if we allow it. Are you sick of the rhetoric, brainwashing and scare tactics? Don't you just want to smack the talking heads on TV if they say that word, "posturing" one more time?
Over the past two weeks, I have been trying to dig down deep to the find that place inside of me that is resourceful, creative and strong. You have it too, right there at the core of your being. It's an inner wisdom that will guide us and keep the fire in your belly burning.
Do you have the drive to survive?
In this time of gloom and doom, we cannot allow our lives to disappear. We're so focused on potential demise, quick to tear our lives apart, throw in the towel or destroy our life's work. Our life's work that has taken a lifetime to build. Will we allow politicians to govern our lives? Where do we draw the line?
We American citizens are bracing ourselves in our own unique ways to survive a financial catastrophe in our country. The middle class does not exist anymore here. You have the rich and the poor; the red states and the blue states; the democrats and republicans. The word, "compromise" will be come extinct in the American vocabulary if we allow it. Are you sick of the rhetoric, brainwashing and scare tactics? Don't you just want to smack the talking heads on TV if they say that word, "posturing" one more time?
Over the past two weeks, I have been trying to dig down deep to the find that place inside of me that is resourceful, creative and strong. You have it too, right there at the core of your being. It's an inner wisdom that will guide us and keep the fire in your belly burning.
Do you have the drive to survive?
Sunday, July 24, 2011
Single 101 Nation's Number One Summer Destination
Match.com just released their top 10 picks of the best cities in the U.S. for summer getaways if you're single. Come on, it's always the same places, NYC, Vegas, Chicago, Boston, Denver, San Francisco. I'll agree with their pick of Seattle, but Washington, D.C.? Who wants to breathe the same hot air with Congress?
The Single 101 Nation's Number One pick for 2011 is a true getaway. It could be a place where you find a special someone when you least expect or a tranquil escape for healing and self-discovery.
Some boast that it's the new Mecca, attracting the Sedona, AZ and Marin County crowds. However, aside for the metaphysical and new conscienceness chatter, Asheville, North Carolina is surrounded by nature, elevations into the clouds and fresh air. Serenity awaits you in every direction. You can escape the sizzle of the summer of 2011 in the Blue Ridge Mountains and drink from a pure mountain spring. Who wouldn't love cooling off with a soft rain in a lush green setting? In this part of the country, you're only minutes away from 11 major waterfalls in western North Carolina.
What some describe as heaven on earth, Asheville is the birthplace of novelist Thomas Wolfe. In his most famous novel, "Look Homeward Angel", he uses Asheville as the location for his book. If you can't afford a trip to London and touring the bridal couture of the Duchess of Cambridge to help fund the renovations in Buckingham Palace, the next best thing in Asheville is the Biltmore Estate. The 250-room mansion could be considered a modest castle, designed after a 16th century chateaux.
From shopping and art galleries to pubs, fine dining and sports activities, you won't be disappointed. With just under 70,000 residents, Outside Magazine claims that Asheville is where you don't have to give up the good life to live a good life. Your summer getaway just may be an opportunity to experience the perfect place for your next move or retirement. Plus, it won't be your last visit. Peak season for the most vibrant colors of the autumn is just around the corner.
The Single 101 Nation's Number One pick for 2011 is a true getaway. It could be a place where you find a special someone when you least expect or a tranquil escape for healing and self-discovery.
Some boast that it's the new Mecca, attracting the Sedona, AZ and Marin County crowds. However, aside for the metaphysical and new conscienceness chatter, Asheville, North Carolina is surrounded by nature, elevations into the clouds and fresh air. Serenity awaits you in every direction. You can escape the sizzle of the summer of 2011 in the Blue Ridge Mountains and drink from a pure mountain spring. Who wouldn't love cooling off with a soft rain in a lush green setting? In this part of the country, you're only minutes away from 11 major waterfalls in western North Carolina.
What some describe as heaven on earth, Asheville is the birthplace of novelist Thomas Wolfe. In his most famous novel, "Look Homeward Angel", he uses Asheville as the location for his book. If you can't afford a trip to London and touring the bridal couture of the Duchess of Cambridge to help fund the renovations in Buckingham Palace, the next best thing in Asheville is the Biltmore Estate. The 250-room mansion could be considered a modest castle, designed after a 16th century chateaux.
From shopping and art galleries to pubs, fine dining and sports activities, you won't be disappointed. With just under 70,000 residents, Outside Magazine claims that Asheville is where you don't have to give up the good life to live a good life. Your summer getaway just may be an opportunity to experience the perfect place for your next move or retirement. Plus, it won't be your last visit. Peak season for the most vibrant colors of the autumn is just around the corner.
Friday, July 15, 2011
Carmageddon? Really?
Best wishes to those who try to journey the 405 this weekend in sunny California. Check out the beginning of my book, "Single 101: 101 Reasons to Celebrate Being Single" and Reason # 101, Spontaneity.
Several years ago, when I thought I might as well take a nap, stuck in traffic on the Ventura Highway, I thought it would be interesting to get out of my car and visit other drivers sharing the jam. You never know who you might meet. Aspiring actors may stumble over a casting director or movie producer. Maybe the 405 is a great place to find work. Could it actually help economic woes in the city of angels?
There are alternate routes set up, but the popular recommendations are to avoid the area and just stay home. However, the San Jose Mercury News reports that "Carmageddon" may be blown way out of proportion. http://www.mercurynews.com/california/ci_18474513
As the article states on MercuryNews.com, it could be just another Y2K attempt by alarmists who enjoy spreading stress. That's what L.A. needs- more stress!
So, if you must travel and the 405 is still the shortest distance from point A to B, read my book and check out the first story. If you're held up for a while, download it into your Kindle, right there on the 405. Here's the link: http://www.amazon.com/Single-101-Reasons-Celebrate-ebook/dp/B003S3S06M
Happy Trails!
Several years ago, when I thought I might as well take a nap, stuck in traffic on the Ventura Highway, I thought it would be interesting to get out of my car and visit other drivers sharing the jam. You never know who you might meet. Aspiring actors may stumble over a casting director or movie producer. Maybe the 405 is a great place to find work. Could it actually help economic woes in the city of angels?
There are alternate routes set up, but the popular recommendations are to avoid the area and just stay home. However, the San Jose Mercury News reports that "Carmageddon" may be blown way out of proportion. http://www.mercurynews.com/california/ci_18474513
As the article states on MercuryNews.com, it could be just another Y2K attempt by alarmists who enjoy spreading stress. That's what L.A. needs- more stress!
So, if you must travel and the 405 is still the shortest distance from point A to B, read my book and check out the first story. If you're held up for a while, download it into your Kindle, right there on the 405. Here's the link: http://www.amazon.com/Single-101-Reasons-Celebrate-ebook/dp/B003S3S06M
Happy Trails!
Sunday, July 3, 2011
What Does Freedom Mean to You?
Several weeks ago, I asked our Single 101 Nation followers to share their answers to this question, "What does freedom mean to you?" and promised to post them on this weekend's blog. This morning, on July 3rd, I am still waiting for comments. It's okay if you choose not to share. That's what freedom is all about. Below, I have listed comments that I have found around the world over the past two years, published in newspapers or online forums. These are my picks for this Fourth of July of 2011:
*When I left Ireland to go to North America, I was finally free.
*To be yourself.
*I can speak about anything I wish to speak about and have no fear of retribution with anything but words.
*I could have been an entirely different person were it not for coming to the United States. Often I ponder what my life would have been like without the freedoms that I have now. My family and I emigrated from Chile with small means and one simple goal, opportunity.
*Becoming a U.S. citizen was the best decision of my life. Freedom, to me, is the right to have the opportunities to progress and do it without being oppressed.
*To me, freedom means that you can live your own life. You make your own decisions and choices and no one can control your life for you. No one makes your decisions for you. But it also means that you have to live with the consequences of the choices that you make, whether they be good or bad.
*I served my country during the Vietnam War in the U.S. Navy. I think freedom means being honest. If we do that, we can be free.
*To me, freedom creates a future for me and my family to believe what we want to believe, to seek after the things we desire, to work hard for our own success, and to learn and grow without limitations.
*Freedom is not free. You are either paying for freedom with support, sacrifice and service or you are free because someone else has paid the price for you.
*Freedom is the opportunity to own your own destiny.
*Freedom is a place in your heart.
*When I left Ireland to go to North America, I was finally free.
*To be yourself.
*I can speak about anything I wish to speak about and have no fear of retribution with anything but words.
*I could have been an entirely different person were it not for coming to the United States. Often I ponder what my life would have been like without the freedoms that I have now. My family and I emigrated from Chile with small means and one simple goal, opportunity.
*Becoming a U.S. citizen was the best decision of my life. Freedom, to me, is the right to have the opportunities to progress and do it without being oppressed.
*To me, freedom means that you can live your own life. You make your own decisions and choices and no one can control your life for you. No one makes your decisions for you. But it also means that you have to live with the consequences of the choices that you make, whether they be good or bad.
*I served my country during the Vietnam War in the U.S. Navy. I think freedom means being honest. If we do that, we can be free.
*To me, freedom creates a future for me and my family to believe what we want to believe, to seek after the things we desire, to work hard for our own success, and to learn and grow without limitations.
*Freedom is not free. You are either paying for freedom with support, sacrifice and service or you are free because someone else has paid the price for you.
*Freedom is the opportunity to own your own destiny.
*Freedom is a place in your heart.
Saturday, June 25, 2011
What Does Freedom Mean to You?
With the forthcoming Fourth of July holiday, I also celebrate my independence being single.
What does freedom mean to you? I'd like to share your comments in my next Single 101 blog for the first week of July. http://Single-101.blogspot.com
What does freedom mean to you? I'd like to share your comments in my next Single 101 blog for the first week of July. http://Single-101.blogspot.com
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