To recognize YOU for your Aoede and share all the cool stuff you are saying about Aoede!

“Bought your new album , it’s sensational, Awesome , Addictive , have it in my car stereo, it will be there for some while yet . A TOP CLASS ALBUM.” Lyndon Rivers: May 11

“Regarding your “Fairy Tale Love” video: The thing that really got to me was your annunciation, your expressions, and your movements that matched the song perfectly, like a Broadway musical. Most music videos have vocalists who walk around and sing but they don’t act – they are just singing. I don’t think I have ever seen anyone else do what you did with this song, and it was such a refreshing change!” Randy Stahla: May 17

“Aoede, unusual and bright. Have a great year!” Honey It’s The Jetsons: May 2

“❤❤ CAN’T STOP THE MUSIC ❤❤ wonderful my friend HAVE A BLESSED DAY” Anita Lynn: May 16

“Wonderful, I can see Why You Won….Excellent Voice…LOVE Your Music..>>” Ron Sillito: May 14

Great review of Skeletons of the Muse!  Click to read!

“Supported by a wonderfully appropriate video, ‘Fairy Tale Love’ is a wonderful celebration of childhood innocence; both the song and video incorporate fairy tale imagery to great effect, “what if the prince never kissed Beauty’s lips, she might still be sleeping alone.”

Great write up on Aoede on The BizzNizz! Click to read the full review of New and Fresh: Aoede!

To recognize YOU for your Aoede and share all the cool stuff you are saying about Aoede!

“I’m dancing at my desk to your beautifully quirky voice. Xoxoxo…just LOVE this new cd darlin!” Alex Cartwright: Apr 30

“Amazing hooks, catchy tunes and cool unique voice with personality to match. You are my fave RN find ever! Wishing you continued success!” Stormy Strong: Apr 29

“I love the new music, Lisa!! Got my cd today! You are awesome, my great friend! Aoede Rules!” Tommy Ada: April 21

“Hi, taking in ‘Bittersweet’! Cheers” Mark Halliwell: May 6

“Back for another listen today…keep them coming. Aoede, great tunes here!” 7Jose21: May 5

Who Has Time to Be Sick?

“There is one consolation in being sick; and that is the possibility that you may recover to a better state than you were ever in before.” Henry David Thoreau

Last week, I completed and released a new video, Fairy Tale Love. I had three phone/skype interviews surrounding the release of the new album. I dealt with icky website problems. I made a new splash page for the website. This week, I packed up and mailed 50 CDs and rewards packages for my Kickstarter Angels as I refer to them. (Dave, my other angel, graciously went to the post office and filled out all that paperwork to mail each one-especially overseas customs forms!) I released a new album on Tuesday. I updated my website to reflect all the changes. I started planning for an event to release the album. I just finished and sent out my monthly museletter. Next week, I will be going to LA for an awards show as Aoede was nominated in 3 Folk categories… Who has time to be sick?This is what is running through my head as I fight and prolong my daily nap, wanting instead to focus on what brings me joy, choosing to put all the energy I have into my music and staying connected. It takes a toll. I know some days, especially when I am up late nights-sometimes due to Prednisone, sometimes due to very late/early evening naps-I should do less, rest more; that it will all be there when I wake… or the next day. I’m sure some of you can relate. This quote about the work you do while you procrastinate resonates with me and my path. My path is a labor of love-and I suppose I am instead procrastinating naps, feeling crappy and all that accompanies DM… not bad things to procrastinate!

I am feeling positive and encouraged at least. I have been receiving so much positive feedback on the video and the album so far that it makes me truly believe I am on the right path. I have heard from some of you that my story inspires you and your children, gives them hope for their future. Here’s a perfect example:

“Take care and thanks again for giving us some more hope that Eldon will also be able to accomplish amazing things in his life.  We look forward to seeing all the great things you will continue to do!  There are a lot of moms in the support group commending you on your amazing accomplishments and you have given a lot of moms a lot more optimism for their babies’ futures  xoxo”

I am beyond humbled to give moms and others optimism, and just pleased that I can be a muse to those going through this; that I can support, inspire, offer hope, and connect with you.

“There are no limitations to what you can do…  except the limitations of your own mind!”

My most pressing question or issue right now is how much is too much? I remember walking this road before, when I thought I was managing the DM best I could in June 2010, or perhaps then I just didn’t know that my body was even capable of rebelling to the point of quitting. It used to be that I could just say, “O.k., I overdid it this weekend. I need to take it easy and rest a lot this coming week.” I’m at a place now where I am just not sure what my body will do if I continue to push it. How many days can I put off taking that nap? How far can I walk outside without feeling pain later in my hips or legs? For how many hours can I be “in the world” without being exhausted? As I noted before, in February, I started a new treatment, Rituxan, and just this week started reducing Prednisone, but oh so slowly: 1 mg a month. This will take many months as the rheumatologist wants to be conservative. So while I want to keep doing the things I love, I need to recognize that there are limitations (are they in my mind and my body?). The difference is now I’m not living in fear of them anymore. I choose to spend my energy now and don’t constantly ask myself, will this bring on a flare? There’s a fine line, and I hope I don’t cross it… again…

So far my body answers these questions for me. It is pretty simple. Extreme fatigue or depletion hits and then that’s it. I realize I’ve done too much and then need that extra rest. Sometimes too late. Would I change anything I’ve done? I don’t think so. I’d rather spend the energy I have and know that this is not just my joy but also my healing path. A friend suggested one idea for me to consider: taking one day off a week. A day that is just for reading  or playing or watching movies or spending with a friend. Novel idea. I think I will start with a few hours and eventually work up to one full day!

Aoede had the privilege and fortune to be interviewed by JaimebMusings of Culture Shock April 13th! Check out the video below where Aoede talks about her new album, the meaning behind her name and much more (like her most memorable stage experience)! Enjoy 10 random album facts while you watch…

Check out Culture Shock!

Click picture  for Interview with Aoede discussing Skeletons of the Muse and what it’s like to be a DIY underground artist… April 11, 2012

To recognize YOU for your Aoede and share all the cool stuff you are saying about Aoede!

“I am so glad i fanned you Aoede, LOVE your new song ,CAN’T STOP THE MUSIC.” Lyndon Rivers: Apr 18

“Wow…”Can’t stop the music”….really great tune!…Blessings…T.F.” Tribal Frequencies: Apr 18

“Some of this music almost made me cry, I loved it that much! Oh wow! I mean that, wow! You fall into a very special class of amazing artists. Kate Bush, Ani Difranco, Feist, Tori Amos. WOW!!!” Blizzard: April 12

“Love Proof..such a lovely song” Vincent Pablo: Apr 11

“I sure can see why you received the honors you have. I Lost, You Win, is one of my favorite songs. Hmm, I guess it is hard to say favorite because I have always loved music, but gosh I love that song.” Lou Couch: Apr 12

To recognize YOU for your Aoede and share all the cool stuff you are saying about Aoede!

“Hi.Great sound. I love Fairy Tale Love. Great vocal. Wonderful lyric. Lovely arrangement.” Mark Parker: Apr 6

“Sweet voice sweet music great work !!!!!!!! best wishes from austria !!” Auditact: Apr 6

“ Oh my, such spender, warmth and genuine feelings.” Mike Huntingford: March 31

“I’ve been in the music business for over 20 years and at this point it’s easy for me to identify a true talent when I see or hear that artist. Just paying respect where respect is due. If you’re touring make sure to make a tour-stop in Las Vegas. I’m absolutely certain your performance would go over well in my city. Warmest regards. — Jay .” Harmon Sound: Mar 30

“Very clean, melodic music with great vocals & dynamics. great to discover you.” Zed Mizar: Apr 1

To recognize YOU for your Aoede and share all the cool stuff you are saying about Aoede!

“Great music! Beautiful voice, interesting lyrics… i have enjoyed every song I have listened to! Thanks for sharing! ” Todd Tucker: Mar 25

“If You Already Knew is adorable!” Allen James Teague: Mar 18

“ Woohoo… i rockin to your songs .. really nice stuff … Kikuta super happy tobe your friend … ” I wish you and your band continued success as God continues to rain down on you” Aji Kikuta: March 12

“You and your ukele of love are emissaries from Venus.” Greg Leatherman: Mar 13

“You have such a BEAUTIFUL sound!!!” Savannah Bleu: Mar 16